Potash Fertilizer Production Research Articles

Basic magnesium sulfate@TiO2 composite for efficient adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of 4-dodecylmorpholine in brine

More than 70% of the potash fertilizer globally is produced by the froth flotation process, in which 4-dodecylmorpholine (DMP) serves as a reverse flotation agent. As the potash fertilizer production rapidly rises, the increased DMP levels in discharged brine pose a threat to the production of high-value chemicals. In this paper, composite particles of basic magnesium sulfate@TiO2 (BMS@TiO2) were prepared using a simple and mild loading method. These particles were utilized for the adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of DMP in brine. Compared with normal powdered materials, the granular BMS@TiO2 in this study can be easily separated from liquid, and the degradation intermediates will not enter the brine without causing secondary pollution. BMS@TiO2 consists of 5·1·7 phase (5Mg(OH)2·MgSO4·7H2O) whisker clusters embedding 2.3% TiO2. The adsorption equilibrium of DMP on BMS@TiO2 particles was achieved through hydrogen bonding and pore interception with the adsorption capacity of approximately 5 mg g−1 after 6 h. The photodegradation efficiency of DMP adsorbed on BMS@TiO2 reached about 92% within 16 h, which is compared with that of pure TiO2 nanoparticles. Additionally, excellent stability and recyclability of BMS@TiO2 were also observed in five cycle tests of adsorption and photocatalytic degradation of DMP, and the possible photocatalytic degradation pathways and mechanism of DMP are proposed following molecular electrostatic potential analysis. This work provides a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach for eliminating organic micropollutants from water environments.

Assessing the energy load and environmental footprint of potash fertilizer production in Iran.

The goal of this research was to analyze the energy and environmental impact of KCL and K2SO4 production and provide recommendations for enhancing energy efficiency and environmental practices. Data was collected through face-to-face interviews at two potash plants and the CML methodology was employed to assess impact categories. Inventory data for production inputs were sourced from the Ecoinvent, BUWAL 250, and LCA Food DK databases within the Simapro 8.03.14 software. The results showed that the production of one ton of K2O as KCL and K2SO4, required 7080.82 and 15691.5 MJ, respectively. Electricity accounted for 52.96% of energy input in KCL production, whereas fuel oil constituted 38.39% in K2SO4 production. Energy ratios, energy productivity and specific energy for K2SO4 was 0.40, 0.06 kgMJ-1, and 15.6 MJkg-1, while corresponding indices for KCL were 0.90, 0.14 kgMJ-1 and 7.08 MJkg-1, respectively. In KCL production, electricity had eight impact categories, while the use of KCL as a raw material in K2SO4 production had significant effects on seven impact categories. Considering the vast and unoccupied space available in Iran's great desert, where the KCL plant is situated, the installation of a photovoltaic power station near the plant could greatly enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions.

Integrated production of potash fertilizer and formed coke via carbonated consolidation technique

Transforming potassium feldspar (PF) into water-soluble potassium fertilizer traditionally requires high-temperature conditions, a significant challenge in sustainable agriculture. Addressing this, our study innovatively employed the carbonated consolidation process using low-rank semi-coke (SC). By introducing PF and alkaline earth metal salts, we produced high-strength formed coke (FC). Crucially, the combustion heat from FC facilitated the desired transformation in the coke ash. Our findings highlight that FC with PF addition yields a calorific value of 20.8 MJ/Kg, aligning with industrial standards, and significantly curtails emissions of sulfur, nitrogen compounds, and dust, emphasizing its eco-friendly nature. Remarkably, a 96.5% potassium leaching rate was achieved within 4 h at 25 °C. Further analyses showcased the FC's carbonate content's role in drastically reducing the transformation temperature of potassium in PF to a mere 570 °C. This research not only offers a cleaner approach to SC utilization but also paves the way for cost-effective and eco-friendly PF transformations, bearing significant implications for future sustainable agricultural practices.

Electrocatalytic degradation of octadecylamine and 4-dodecylmorpholine by the Ti/SnO2-Sb/β-PbO2 anode at high salinity conditions: Activity and mechanism insights

Increased levels of octadecylamine (ODA) and 4-dodecylmorpholine (DMP) in the aqueous, primarily utilized as flotation agents in the worldwide production of potash fertilizer, imperil the stability of ecosystems and the downstream production of high-end chemicals. Nevertheless, there is a dearth of exhaustive studies pertaining to the elimination of ODA and DMP. Herein, the Ti/SnO2-Sb/β-PbO2 anode was fabricated by a thermal decomposition-electrodeposition technique for the electrocatalytic degradation of ODA and DMP. The degradation efficiency of ODA and DMP can achieve complete degradation, reaching 100%, after treatment periods of 10 min and 120 min, respectively. Meanwhile, the TOC removal efficiency of ODA and DMP is up to 85% and 61% at 30 min and 120 min, respectively. In particular, sulphate exhibits inhibitory degradation activity of ODA and DMP in comparison to chloride salt. The recycling and accelerated lifetime tests indicate excellent stability and recyclability of the Ti/SnO2-Sb/β-PbO2 electrode. The mechanism of electrocatalytic degradation involves indirect electrochemical oxidation mediated by free radicals. The primary reactive species responsible for the degradation of DMP and ODA, as determined through scavenger quenching experiments and ESR, are ·OH and Cl·. The degradation of the ODA and DMP commences with the elimination of N element, leading to the formation of the NO3-. The carbon chain subsequently undergoes the breakdown. The degradation pathways of ODA and DMP were also proposed based on the GC–MS and H-NMR analyses, respectively. Moreover, the Ti/SnO2-Sb/β-PbO2 anode performed excellently in the removal of ODA and DMP in real samples, TOC removal from ODA and DMP in natural samples was 56% and 52%, respectively, within 180 min. This study provides the first exploration of electrocatalytic degradation mechanisms and pathways of ODA and DMP based on the Ti/SnO2-Sb/β-PbO2 anode.

Photocatalytic degradation of octadecylamine and 4-dodecylmorpholine over titanium based photocatalyst: Activity and mechanism insights

More than 70% of the potash fertilizer globally is produced by the froth flotation process, in which octadecylamine (ODA) and 4-dodecylmorpholine (DMP) are predominantly used as flotation agents. As the potash fertilizer production rapidly rises, the increased ODA and DMP levels found in aquatic environments jeopardize the stability of ecosystems and the production of high-value chemicals. Herein, photocatalytic ODA and DMP degradation in aqueous medium over titanium based photocatalyst was carried out. The degradation rates of ODA and DMP all reached up to 100% at 6 h and 3 h, respectively, over the anatase TiO2 (TiO2-A), much higher than those of 40% and 25% over the rutile TiO2 (TiO2-R). TOC removal rates of ODA and DMP over the TiO2-A can reach up to 100% within 45 h and 25 h, respectively. Excellent stability and recyclability of TiO2-A were also observed in five test cycles of complete ODA and DMP degradation. Photoelectrochemical characterizations reveal more efficient carrier transfer and hole-electron pair separation in TiO2-A. Total organic carbon (TOC) and total nitrogen (TN) results indicate that the photocatalytic degradation initiates with the deterioration of the N element in DMP and ODA molecules, followed by the C elements. In particular, the involved N species are finally transformed into NO3-. Furthermore, hydroxyl radical is the dominant reactive species responsible for ODA and DMP degradation, as demonstrated by scavenger quenching tests and electron spin resonance. The possible degradation pathways and mechanisms of DMP and ODA are proposed following TOC, TN, FTIR, and GC–MS analyses. This work sheds light on the rational design and fabrication of highly efficient photocatalysts for the degradation of flotation agents in potash fertilizer production.

Environmental Aspects of Potash Mining: A Case Study of the Verkhnekamskoe Potash Deposit

Potash fertilizer production is one of the most important economic activities. Historically, potash mining has had a significant impact on the environment, often with catastrophic consequences. The purpose of this paper is to summarize the results of studies on the environmental impact of potash mining using the example of the Verkhnekamskoe potash deposit. The deposit is located in the central part of the Solikamsk depression in the Pre-Ural foredeep (Perm Krai, Russia). All the main features and problems of underground mining of water-soluble ores and potassium fertilizer production are considered using the example of one of the world’s largest potash deposits. This paper looks into the specifics of the material composition of waste, its disposal, underground mining issues associated with the solubility of salts, and the risks of groundwater inflow into the mine workings, which causes flooding of mines. The results of all surveys show that potash mining affects the atmosphere, surface water, groundwater, soil, and vegetation. The most effective measure to reduce the adverse environmental impact of potash mining at the Verkhnekamskoe Deposit is hydraulic backfilling of mine chambers, which protects the underground mines from flooding, minimizes ground subsidence, and reduces the area of potash waste.

Morphofunctional vascular changes in employees of a potash fertilizer plant

The relevance of the work is due to the high risk of the development of production-related pathology in employees of the enterprise for the production of potash fertilizers. The study aims to assess the morphofunctional state of the arteries as an early marker of production-related pathology in employees of a potash fertilizer plant. The authors examined 160 workers engaged in the production of potash fertilizers and engaged in work with harmful working conditions (observation group). The comparison group included 82 people who were not exposed to harmful production factors in the course of their work. We conducted an analysis of working conditions, an assessment of the air quality in the work area for the content of hexane, heptane and formaldehyde. To determine the studied chemical compounds in biological media (blood, urine), the researchers used chemical-analytical methods. The scientists used ultrasound diagnostics to assess endothelium-dependent vasodilation of the brachial artery, and also used sphygmomanometry to study the stiffness of the arterial wall. There is a presence of hexane, heptane and formaldehyde in the air of the working area of the observation group. In those working in harmful working conditions, the content of formaldehyde in the blood, heptane and hexane in the urine exceeded the indicators of the comparison group by 1.2-1.5 times. 65.3% of the employees of the observation group showed a decrease in the extensibility of the vascular wall, while the risk of developing these changes in them is 1.5 times higher than the comparison group. In 29.8% of cases in the observation group, we diagnosed signs of endothelial dysfunction, mainly of moderate severity, due to increased levels of formaldehyde in the blood and heptane in the urine. The risk of developing endothelial dysfunction in workers in harmful working conditions was 2.3 times higher. The revealed violations in workers engaged in the production of potash fertilizers in the form of a decrease in the extensibility of the vascular wall and signs of endothelial dysfunction indicate the presence of additional risk factors for cardiovascular diseases.

Optimization of excess brines disposal methods at potash mining and processing plants

The paper analyzes the positive and negative aspects of various technological solutions for the liquid brines used during the development of polymineral potash ore deposits and considers the problem of determining the choice of the optimal approach by considering geological, technical, environmental, and financial factors. The study of the issues of utilization and reduction of the liquid brines components of discharges in the production of potash fertilizers, the simultaneous reduction of valuable components loss with liquid discharges, and, due to this, increasing the production of potash fertilizers, and the usage in the technology of mine brines, are an urgent and important scientific and engineering challenge of the potash industry. Technologically, several alternative solutions can reduce the number of liquid by-products placed in sludge storage. The work used analytical methods, including statistical data processing, modeling, pre-design studies of technological solutions, and assessment of economic costs. Excess brines of potash mining and processing plants are liquid waste obtained during the production of potash fertilizers ? MOP ? SOP. The accumulation of excess brines in sludge storage facilities is estimated at millions of cubic meters per year. However, the expansion of the sludge storage facilities area and the construction of dams are only temporary solutions. They are associated with risks in the design, construction, and operation of hydraulic structures, increasing the risks of brine leakage into open and underground water basins. Therefore, it makes it necessary to use other methods of brine disposal. Depending on the nature of the processed polymineral potash ores, several methods can be combined to dispose of excess brines at once: backfilling, osmosis, injection into deep horizons, and multistage evaporation. The most optimal combination of brine reduction technologies for potassium-magnesium processing plant's raw materials is the following: 60% is disposed of by usage of vacuum evaporation units, 20 % by injecting excessive brines into deep absorbing horizons, and 10%?20% should be used for backfilling or additional products production.

Obtaining modified sorbents based on natural raw materials of Kazakhstan and research of their properties

With the huge explored reserves of potash salts in Kazakhstan, there is still no production of potash fertilizers, the demand for which is constantly growing. In this regard, research of processing of the largest Chelkar deposit ore into potash fertilizers and salts is an urgent problem. The article presents the research results of washed potash ore decomposition with nitric acid and nitric acid suspension filtration. The filtering properties and granulometric composition of the insoluble residue were studied, on what basis the decomposition mode with precipitate double washing was determined. To ensure good suspension filterability, washed, uncalcined ore should be used. Tests of a by-product, gypsum, as a gypsum binder were carried out, which confirmed its compliance with the normally hardening gypsum binder of the G-2 B grade. Advantage of the obtained gypsum is its environmental friendliness. Salts, which are chlorine-free water-soluble potassium-magnesium fertilizers have been obtained by crystallization from nitric acid solution. On the basis of results of experimental-and-laboratory tests, a basic flow scheme has been developed for obtaining potash and complex potassium-nitrogen-magnesium fertilizers from the Chelkar deposit ore.

Development of the technology of integrated processing the Chelkar deposit potash ore

With the huge explored reserves of potash salts in Kazakhstan, there is still no production of potash fertilizers, the demand for which is constantly growing. In this regard, research of processing of the largest Chelkar deposit ore into potash fertilizers and salts is an urgent problem. The article presents the research results of washed potash ore decomposition with nitric acid and nitric acid suspension filtration. The filtering properties and granulometric composition of the insoluble residue were studied, on what basis the decomposition mode with precipitate double washing was determined. To ensure good suspension filterability, washed, uncalcined ore should be used. Tests of a by-product, gypsum, as a gypsum binder were carried out, which confirmed its compliance with the normally hardening gypsum binder of the G-2 B grade. Advantage of the obtained gypsum is its environmental friendliness. Salts, which are chlorine-free water-soluble potassium-magnesium fertilizers have been obtained by crystallization from nitric acid solution. On the basis of results of experimental-and-laboratory tests, a basic flow scheme has been developed for obtaining potash and complex potassium-nitrogen-magnesium fertilizers from the Chelkar deposit ore.

Improving the adaptive filtration of the foam surface glare trend

One of the important processes in the production of potash fertilizers is the froth flotation process. The quality of the final product depends significantly on the quality of the flotation. Technical vision is successfully used to control the flotation process. However, the existing methods of processing the video stream are inapplicable for controlling the process of flotation of potash ore due to the large scatter of statistical characteristics from one processed frame to another. This article discusses the use of nonblind filters to process streaming data. It is concluded that their application causes problems in identifying the moment of the beginning of the deviation. Based on this, the aim of the work is to reduce the noise level without affecting the identification of the transient, in other words, to improve the identification of the beginning of the transient by means of tunable blind filtering. It is proposed to recognize sets of N consecutive frames instead of single ones. For this, for each N frame, the number of bubbles, the average and median distances between them, and the average values of illumination and color components were calculated. From these calculations, it was concluded that the use of the arithmetic mean number of flares from N frames did not lead to an effective, significant reduction in the noise level. Therefore, it was proposed to use a different vector norm. As a result, an effective method for adaptive filtering of the trend of the number of highlights has been developed. On the materials of real video filming, a study was made of the change in noise from the number of frames. The results obtained show that the proposed method can reduce the standard deviation by 10-25% for different surveys. This proves the possibility of using the developed method for processing video streams both in laboratory and in industrial conditions.

Agroecological efficiency of the use of secondary resources of potash fertilizer production in agriculture

Agroecological efficiency of the use of secondary resources of potash fertilizer production in agriculture

Artificial biocrust establishment on materials of potash tailings piles along a salinity gradient

Biocrust communities provide a pallet of ecosystem services, such as soil stabilization, altering of hydrological cycles and primary production, and often are the first colonizers of unvegetated surfaces during succession. Therefore, artificially establishing biocrusts can improve soil properties, for example, by stabilizing bare soil surfaces against erosion or by accumulating nutrients. In this study, the establishment of artificial biocrusts was tested for the restoration of potash tailings piles that result from potash fertilizer production and mostly consist of NaCl. A biocrust cover as primary vegetation could decrease the saline seepage waters by trapping rainwaters, thereby reducing the environmental pollution. In a laboratory experiment, we created a salt gradient by mixing the tailings materials with non-saline dune sand. Surface material of the abandoned potash tailings pile Neuhof-Ellers (NE) and material of the Infiltration Hampering Stratum (IHS) were tested, along with a treatment with bone charplus (BCplus) and sodium alginate. A mixture of 50% (w/w) IHS and dune sand was most successful for the establishment of green biocrust microalgae, based on increased biomass and photosynthetic performance. The chlorophyll a content was negatively correlated with the electrical conductivity (EC), and was significantly increased in the BCplus and sodium alginate treatment, while biocrusts failed to establish on pure tailings piles substrates. The limit of the substrates EC for biocrust establishment was 35 mS cm−1. This limit provides a baseline for future studies that should use BCplus and sodium alginate to increase the success of biocrust establishment on potash tailings piles.

Investigation into physical and chemical, antibacterial and antifungal properties of the air environment formed under the influence of natural potassium salts

Russia has a huge potential for growing agricultural products. In this regard, the issue of preserving the grown crop and minimizing storage losses, which can reach 30-50%, is very relevant. Currently, there are known methods for storing agricultural crops in storage facilities with active and natural ventilation in piles, bins, containers equipped with an airing system, systems for maintaining and controlling temperature and humidity. However, these methods do not provide high safety of product laid for long-term storage. A promising direction for solving these problems is the use of the bactericidal properties of the air in contact with natural potassium salts. The Verkhnekamskoye Potassium Salt Deposit, one of the largest potash salt deposits located in Russia, contains a third of the world's reserves, which are mainly used for the production of potash fertilizers. However, the unique physical and chemical properties of natural potassium, sodium, and magnesium salts, as well as their mechanical and filtration characteristics, make it possible to significantly expand the scope of their use. In this regard, the paper describes the results of studies into the properties of the atmosphere in contact with natural potassium-magnesium salts and its effect on phytopathogens. The study of the effect of a saline-saturated atmosphere on Phytophthora infestans showed a greater dependence on the humidity of the environment and a greater degree of growth suppression in the atmosphere saturated with salt aeroions. The growth of this phytopathogen was suppressed by 39,5 % at 16% humidity, by 48,3% at 50% humidity, and by 63.1% at 85% humidity. In addition, experiments on storing potatoes in an atmosphere in contact with natural potash salts showed minimal damage to tubers by phytopathogens when using the bulk surface of potassium salt.

Regional analysis of evapotranspiration changes in an arid river basin using satellite observations

This study employed the Surface Energy Balance System (SEBS) algorithm to determine the actual evapotranspiration (ET) trends of the piedmont plain region of the Golmud River Basin between 2001 and 2016 and the effects of climate change and human activities on ET. The results indicate that the regional ET increased in the study area from 2001 to 2016. However, ET trends exhibited no change in most parts (68.58%) of the study area over the 16 years, but increased significantly in saline ponds and areas with vegetation cover, whereas no significant trends were observed in saline marshes or the piedmont Gobi gravel plain. The ET trend was closely related to the land-cover changes caused by human activities in the Golmud River Basin. During the study period, saline pond areas expanded from 50.57 to 257.85 km2 due to potash fertilizer production, and the area of farmland increased from 28.71 to 62.91 km2 and these changes contributed greatly to ET changes. Also, groundwater exploitation for potash fertilizer production and irrigation were correlated with ET.

CHARACTERISTICS OF FLOCCULES OF CLAY-SALT SLUDGE FORMED BY POLYACRYLAMIDE AND ITS COPOLYMERS

The main characteristics of aggregates formed during the flocculation of clay-salt slurry using polyacrylamide-based polymers with various types of charge and molecular weights were studied using a laser analyzer of particle size Lasentec D600L of the FBRM system. The effect of the polymer type on the size of the floccules formed and their density was shown. It has been established that when using non-ionic polyacrylamide and its anionic copolymers floccules with a size of 500-600 mm are formed, and when flocculated with a cationic reagent, the floccules do not exceed 300 mm It was shown that an increase in the molecular weight of the cationic polymer does not contribute to an increase in the size of the aggregates of the clay slurry particles. It has been proven that with the use of non-ionic polyacrylamide and its anionic copolymers, the density of floccules significantly decreases with increasing their size, which is an important property of fractal aggregates. If the charge density of anionic polymers increases, the aggregates density decreases, due to electrostatic repulsion between the negatively charged polymer and the negatively charged surface of the sludge. Analysis of the kinetics of the clay sludge flocculation process showed that when using non-ionic and anionic polymers, fast flocculation occurs, and the number of primary particles in the aggregate does not exceed several units. When using a cationic polymer, the filling of the intraflouclear volume with primary particles occurs due to the displacement of the liquid phase, which contributes to the formation of dense and compact floccules. The results obtained can be used for the selection of flocculant in order to improve the process of thickening clay-salt sludge in the production of potash fertilizers.

Synthesis of an emerging morpholine-typed Gemini surfactant and its application in reverse flotation carnallite ore for production of potash fertilizer at low temperature

Carnallite is a kind of high-quality source of raw material for the production of potash fertilizer (KCl) in industry. However, how to produce potash fertilizer sustainably at low temperature has always been a problem. In this work, we synthesized an emerging morpholine-typed Gemini surfactant, butanediyl-α, ω-bis (morpholino dodeculammonium bromide) (BM), which can be used to collect NaCl in reverse flotation carnallite ores in a low-temperature environment. We compared its ability to collect NaCl and carnallite with the monomeric surfactant 4-laurylmorpholine (LM) at low temperatures. The flotation test results indicated that BM has a stronger collecting ability for NaCl than that of conventional LM collector. At room temperature (25 °C), BM exhibits a forceful collecting function to NaCl and preeminent selectivity for carnallite. The recovery of NaCl ran up to 98.0% when the concentration of BM was 1 × 10−5 mol/L. Under the same condition, the flotation recovery using LM was only 39.0%. The recoveries of carnallite of the two were not more than 3.5%. When the environment temperature descended, the effect of BM for NaCl exhibited a stronger stable trend. The recovery with BM as a collector raised notably from 68.0% to 96.5% with temperature ranging from 0 °C to 15 °C. However, in the same scope of dosage and temperature, the recovery with LM collector only raised from 3.5% to 31.5%. At 0 °C, LM lost the vast majority of its collector performance, while BM still showed high performance.

Production of bioflocculant using feather waste as nitrogen source and its use in recycling of straw ash-washing wastewater with low-density and high pH property

Straw ash-washing wastewater is generated in the process of straw combustion power generation and potash fertilizer production. The suspended solid particles in straw ash-washing wastewater are hard to be settled down due to its low-density and high pH properties which inhibit the application of traditional chemical flocculants. Bioflocculant has good advantages in flocculating activity, biodegradability and adaptability of wastewater pH fluctuation. However, high production cost limited the large-scale applications of bioflocculant in wastewater treatment. In this study, the feasibility of using feather waste as cheap alternative nitrogen source of alkaliphilic Bacillus agaradhaerens C9 to produce bioflocculant was investigated. The results showed that strain C9 could simultaneously produce keratinase and bioflocculant, and thereby producing bioflocculant (named as BFF) using feather waste as cheap nitrogen source. The optimal fermentation conditions for enzymatic hydrolysis of feather waste and BFF production was 40 g/L feather wastes, 16 g/L glucose, 37 °C and pH 9.5, and the highest yield of 2.5 g/L was obtained. Moreover, BFF was used to flocculate straw ash-washing wastewater which exhibits low-density and high pH properties, and the highest flocculating rate of 93.1% was achieved when 6.0 mg/L BFF was added. This study reported for the first time that feather waste was used as inexpensive alternative nitrogen source for producing bioflocculant which could treat straw ash-washing wastewater, thereby promoting the resourceful utilization of feather waste and the reuse of straw ash-washing wastewater.

The present situation, existing problems, and countermeasures for exploitation and utilization of low-grade potash minerals in Qarhan Salt Lake, Qinghai Province, China

China is one country in the world with the largest potash fertilizer-demand. Potash has been listed as one of the seven strategic resources in China for a long time. Qarhan Salt Lake is the earliest discovered large-scale potash deposit in China. It is a comprehensive deposit dominated by liquid potash resource with the coexistence of solid potash minerals (polyhalite, carnallite, sylvite) and other beneficial elements. It is the largest potash fertilizer production base in China. However, with the increase in production year by year, its potash reserves which reach industrial grade are decreasing continuously, and the sustainable production of potash fertilizer faces a severe reserve shortage. So it is particularly noteworthy to us that there are still 296 million tonnes of low-grade solid potash minerals in Qarhan Salt Lake, which have potential utilization value. These low-grade solid potash minerals are equivalent to a superlarge potash deposit. In this paper, we review the efforts to increase potash supply, to upgrade the industrial structures and to promote the healthy and sustainable development of the potash fertilizer industry in Qarhan Salt Lake, then discuss the process of exploitation and utilization of low-grade solid potash minerals, and the problems encountered, finally proposed the corresponding countermeasures suggestions.

Intelligent predicting of salt pond’s ion concentration based on support vector regression and neural network

The constant dynamic changes in salt pond make it difficult to achieve accurate prediction of ion concentration. It is of great significance to get the accurate prediction of potassium ion concentration in salt pools for the actual production of potash fertilizer. In this paper, some machine learning methods, such as support vector regression (SVR), AdaBoost regressor, K neighbor regressor, gradient boosting regressor, extra trees regressor and neural network regressor, have been used to build the prediction models. In the experiment, the MSE and R2 of the K+ concentration by using SVR in test data set reach 0.26385 and 0.9414, which are better than other models. Therefore, the SVR model has high research value in the field of salt pool ion concentration prediction.