Improving the quality of potash fertilizers

Abstract

Both domestic and international markets demand potash fertilizers with potassium chloride content not less than 95%, as well as with definite physical and mechanical properties. The flotation and halurgic methods of potassium chloride production ensure the required content of potassium chloride in the finished product. Thus far, the spotlight is on the wanted physical and mechanical properties of potash fertilizers, especially the export products under the conditions of high competition on the international market. The article presents the results of monitoring the physical and mechanical properties of fine-grained and granular potassium chloride exported by Uralkali. The factors that have the greatest impact on the commercial attractiveness of fertilizers to meet the international market demand are highlighted. The article studies the influence of various modifiers aimed to improve the physical and mechanical properties of potassium chloride and the agrochemical technology of fertilizer application. The quality of the final product should be closely related with the production technology of potassium chloride, its modification using different reagents, as well as with the conditions of haulage and warehousing of the finished product. The authors sincerely appreciate participation of Deputy Chief Technical Officer, Candidate of Engineering Sciences S. N. Aliferova and Head of Technical Control Department Yu. I. Moskvicheva, Uralkali, in the studies.