Taguchi Approach and ANOVA in Optimization of the Dissolution of Colemanite in CO2 and SO2- Water Systems

Abstract

Background:Turkey is approximately 72% of the world’s boron sources. Colemanite, tincal, ulexite and pandermite are among the most significant in Turkey. Boron compounds and minerals are widely used in many industrial fields.Objective:The main purpose of this study was to investigate the control of impurities in the boric acid production process using colemanite by carrying out the reaction with a mixture of CO2 and SO2 - water, and determining the appropriate process conditions to develop a new process as an alternative to the use of sulfuric acid. Due to worrying environmental problems, intensive studies are being carried out globally to reduce the amount of CO2 and SO2 gases released to the atmosphere.Methods:The Taguchi method is an experimental design method that minimizes the product and process variability by selecting the most appropriate combination of the levels of controllable factors compared to uncontrollable factors.Results:It was evaluated the effects of parameters such as reaction temperature, solid-to liquid ratio, SO2/CO2 gas flow rate, particle size, stirring speed and reaction time. The optimum conditions determined to be reaction temperature of 45°C; a solid–liquid ratio of 0.083 g.mL−1; an SO2/CO2 ratio of 2/2 mL.s−1; a particle size of -0.354+0 .210 mm; a mixing speed of 750 rpm and a reaction time of 20 min.Conclusion:Under optimum operating conditions, 96.8% of colemanite was dissolved. It is thought that the industrial application of this study will have positive effects on the greenhouse effect by contributing to the reduction of CO2 and SO2 emissions that cause global warming.