Potassium Deposits Research Articles

Quantitative records of paleotemperature in Qarhan Salt Lake, Qaidam Basin and its relationship with potassium deposits

Qarhan Salt Lake, located in the Qaidam Basin on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in northwestern China, is the largest potash production base in China. The main potash deposit in Qarhan Salt Lake is a comprehensive deposit in which the liquid potassium resources dominated by potassium-rich and lithium-rich brine coexist with the low-grade solid potassium salt deposit composed of solid potash minerals (polyhalite, carnallite, sylvite). Polyhalite is one of the representative potassium minerals, widely distributed in the Bieletan area of Qarhan Salt Lake, coexisting with halite, and its deposition indicates that the paleo-temperature of brine in this area once fluctuated obviously. Twenty core samples from two boreholes in the Bieletan area of the Qarhan Salt Lake were subjected to fluid inclusions thermometry, and homogenization temperatures reflecting the brine temperatures during the precipitation of evaporite minerals in the Salt Lake were obtained, ranging from 12.4 to 28.9 °C and 9.2 to 19.8 °C, respectively. By scanning electron microscopy, acicular polyhalite and pompom-like aggregate of polyhalite have been identified in the sampling layer, indicating that evaporite deposition have reached the stage of potassium salt deposition. The temperature fluctuations of the fluid inclusions and the elemental chemical data are compared vertically, and the sections with significant temperature fluctuations are close to the layers where polyhalite were deposited. It shows that the paleo-temperature fluctuation impact the sedimentary environment of brine, and then affected the polyhalite deposition of Qarhan Salt Lake.

The Interaction Principle in the Assessment of Pillars’ Secondary Stress-Deformation State

Abstract In the field of mining, one of the exploitation methods that is still the most used in rock salt, potassium, and magnesium salt deposits is the method with the room and abandoned pillar. The salt mining method with rooms and pillars represents a unique spatial system for which the establishment of an optimal correlation between the parameters of the room, pillar, and rock massif is required in any given situation. Thus, the dimensioning of the most requested element in the system is followed, and depending on its parameters, the other parameters of the system are established. Considering the exploitation method with rooms and pillars, the pillars are certainly the elements that are subjected to the greatest loads. In the situation where the deep exploitation of salt is done with square pillars, the evaluation of the optimal parameters of the elements of the exploitation system requires: establishing the loads that appear in the surrounding salt massif (the natural stress state); the qualitative-quantitative determination of the way of distribution of the secondary stress state in the pillars; evaluating the bearing capacity of the pillars; and establishing their geometric elements. Solving this problem can be achieved by different methods: based on the theory of limit equilibrium, taking into account the effective stress in the pillars; methods of the mechanics of the continuous system based on the analytical models for evaluating the secondary stress and deformation state of pillars and floors; and numerical methods combined with the results and measurements from the laboratory and in situ tests. A methodology based on the pillar–room–salt massif interaction principle was proposed for the analytically achievable stability exploitation system of rock salt by the dry method as the depth increased. Applying this method, the secondary stress-deformation state in the pillar can be established by taking into account the rheological behaviour of the salt, changing the pillar shape, and the extraction technology. The presented algorithm can be extended in the field of exploitation, where the room and pillar exploitation methods are used.

In situ regeneration of commercial NH3-SCR catalysts with high-temperature water vapor

The performance of a commercial NH3-SCR catalyst used for 20,000 h in a 660 MW coal fired power plant was evaluated after treated in situ with water vapor at 300–350 °C for 336 h. The conversion of NOx reached 91.4% after this water treatment. The recovery of catalytic activity is mainly due to the removal of potassium, arsenic and sulfate-containing deposits from the catalyst surface, as well as the increase of surface active oxygen species and specific surface area. These results indicate that commercial NH3-SCR catalysts are deactivated by the deposition of water-soluble substances and which can be in situ regenerated cost-effectively with high-temperature water vapor treatment.

Simultaneous Stabilization of Potassium Metal and Superoxide in K-O2 Batteries on the Basis of Electrolyte Reactivity.

In superoxide batteries based on O2 /O2- redox chemistry, identifying an electrolyte to stabilize both the alkali metal and its superoxide remains challenging owing to their reactivity towards the electrolyte components. Bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (FSI- ) has been recognized as a "magic anion" for passivating alkali metals. The KFSI-dimethoxyethane electrolyte passivates the potassium metal anode by cleavage of S-F bonds and the formation of a KF-rich solid-electrolyte interphase (SEI). However, the KFSI salt is chemically unstable owing to nucleophilic attack by superoxide and/or hydroxide species. On the other hand, potassium bis(trifluorosulfonyl)imide (KTFSI) is stable to KO2 , but results in mossy potassium deposits and irreversible plating and stripping. To circumvent this dilemma, we developed an artificial SEI for the metal anode and thus long-cycle-life K-O2 batteries. This study will guide the development of stable electrolytes and artificial SEIs for metal-O2 batteries.

Simultaneous Stabilization of Potassium Metal and Superoxide in K–O2 Batteries on the Basis of Electrolyte Reactivity

AbstractIn superoxide batteries based on O2/O2− redox chemistry, identifying an electrolyte to stabilize both the alkali metal and its superoxide remains challenging owing to their reactivity towards the electrolyte components. Bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide (FSI−) has been recognized as a “magic anion” for passivating alkali metals. The KFSI–dimethoxyethane electrolyte passivates the potassium metal anode by cleavage of S−F bonds and the formation of a KF‐rich solid–electrolyte interphase (SEI). However, the KFSI salt is chemically unstable owing to nucleophilic attack by superoxide and/or hydroxide species. On the other hand, potassium bis(trifluorosulfonyl)imide (KTFSI) is stable to KO2, but results in mossy potassium deposits and irreversible plating and stripping. To circumvent this dilemma, we developed an artificial SEI for the metal anode and thus long‐cycle‐life K–O2 batteries. This study will guide the development of stable electrolytes and artificial SEIs for metal–O2 batteries.

Salt Crystallization Sequences of Nonmarine Brine and Their Application for the Formation of Potassium Deposits

The salt assemblages precipitated during evaporation of concentrated brine collected from Gasikule Salt Lake (GSL) were studied to better understand the formation of potassium deposits in the Qaidam Basin. The study included isothermal evaporation at 25 °C in the laboratory and solar evaporation in the ponds at GSL field. Brines increased in density and became moderately acidic (pH ≈ 5.30) while major ion geochemistry and precipitate mineralogy all showed broad agreement between both systems. Four salt assemblages were identified in the isothermal evaporation experiment: halite → halite + hexahydrite → halite + bischofite + carnallite → bischofite. Alternately, three salt assemblages were recognized in the solar evaporation: halite → halite + epsomite + carnallite → halite + carnallite + bischofite. The key difference in salt assemblages between the two systems is attributed to differences in relative humidity and temperature conditions. Although the GSL has deep spring inflow recharge, the high abundance of MgSO4 salts demonstrates that the salt assemblages are similar to normal seawater evaporation. Thus, different proportions of deep spring inflow and river water could form both MgSO4-deficient potassium evaporite and normal seawater potassium evaporites. Therefore, nonmarine water may form diverse potassium evaporite deposits in continental basins when the geological structure as well as hydrogeological and climatic conditions is appropriate.

Hydrometallurgical processing of lithium, potassium, and boron for the comprehensive utilization of Da Qaidam lake brine via natural evaporation and freezing

A strategy for the hydrometallurgical processing of potassium, boron, and lithium for the comprehensive utilization of Da Qaidam lake brine based on freezing and natural evaporation was developed. This process involves five major crystallization steps: remove sulfate by crystallizing mirabilite at low temperature, deposit carnallite through natural evaporation, enrich boron and lithium by eliminating magnesium through the addition of mirabilite and further evaporation, crystallize borate by brine dilution, and crystallize lithium sulfate monohydrate through further evaporation. In this study, potassium, boron, and lithium salt deposits with relatively high grades and yields were obtained through the controlled crystallization processes. This process provides a feasible and environmentally-friendly alternative for the comprehensive utilization of the Da Qaidam lake brine.

Magnetostratigraphy and 230Th dating of a drill core from the southeastern Qaidam Basin: Salt lake evolution and tectonic implications

The Qarhan Salt Lake area is the Quaternary depocenter of the Qaidam Basin, and carries thick lacustrine sediments, as well as rich potassium and magnesium salt deposits. The abundant resources and thick sediments in this lake provide an ideal place for the study of biogas formation and preservation, salt lake evolution, and the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau. In this study, we attempt to construct a paleomagnetic and 230Th age model and to obtain information on tectonic activity and salt lake evolution through detailed studies on a 1300-m-long drill core (15DZK01) from the northwestern margin of the Qarhan Salt Lake area (Dongling Lake). Based on gypsum 230Th dating, the age of the uppermost clastic deposit was calculated to be around 0.052 Ma. The polarity sequence consist of 13 pairs of normal and reversed zones, which can be correlated with subchrons C2r.1r-C1n of the geomagnetic polarity timescale (GPTS 2012) (from ∼2.070 Ma to ∼0.052 Ma). Sedimentary characteristics indicate that Dongling Lake witnessed freshwater environment between ∼2.070 Ma and 1.546 Ma. During this period, the sedimentary record reflects primarily lakeshore, shallow-water and swamp environments, representing favourable conditions for the formation of hydrocarbon source rocks. Between 1.546 Ma and ∼0.052 Ma, the Dongling Lake was in sulphate deposition stage, which contrasts with the central Qarhan Salt Lake area, where this stage did not occur in the meantime. During this stage, Dongling Lake was in a shallow saltwater lake environment, but several periods of reduced salinity occurred during this stage. During the late Pleistocene at ∼0.052 Ma, the Dongling Lake experienced uplift due to tectonic activity, and saltwater migrated through the Sanhu Fault to the central Qarhan Salt Lake area, resulting in the absence of halite deposition stage. The residual saline water was concentrated into magnesium-rich brine due to the lack of freshwater, and few potassium salt deposits occur in the Dongling Lake area.

Study of Calculation of Reserves and Scale for Low-grade Solid Potassium Deposits of Chaerhan Salt Lake

Analyzes on solid potassium mineral reserves calculation methods and existing problems of chaerhan salt lake,t with many parameters comparison solid potassium mineral reserves calculation results are reliable,the

Газоносность соляных пород калийных месторождений Жилянское и Сатимола (Казахстан)

Газоносность соляных пород калийных месторождений Жилянское и Сатимола (Казахстан)

Effects of chemical and organic fertilizers on the growth, flower quality and nutrient uptake of Anthurium andreanum, cultivated for cut flower production

Sustainable agriculture has become a concern, due to the pressures of the “energy crisis” and issues of “environmental protection”. The use of organic fertilizer made from agricultural waste regenerates natural resources and reduces the consumption of fossil energy as well as phosphorus (P) and potassium (K) deposits. There is scant information available concerning the use of organic fertilizer as the sole source of nutrients in flower production, especially in the cultivation of flowers in a soilless condition. The objective of this study was to develop an organic fertilization management system to replace the chemical fertilization management of the cut flower production of Anthurium andreanum Lind. cultivated under soilless conditions. Four fertilization treatments were carried out consisting of two chemical fertilizers [controlled release fertilizer (CRF) and a chemical nutrient solution (CNS)], and two organic fertilizers [pea and rice hull compost (PRHC) and cattle dung with tea leaf residue compost (CDTC)]. The effects of the various fertilizations on A. andreanum were evaluated based on plant growth, nutrient uptake, and cut flower quality during the 1-year experimental period. The results show that the growth, yield, and cut flower quality of plants receiving PRHC were the same as those receiving CNS and CRF, indicating that PRHC can substitute for CRF and CNS as a nutrient source for cut flower production of A. andreanum cultivated in soilless condition. The plants that received the CNS and PRHC treatments had a significantly increased leaf number and new leaf growth area than those that received the CRF and CDTC treatments. The plants receiving the CDTC showed the lowest increase in leaf area and number of flowers. The retardant growth of plants treated with CDTC has been explained as being due to less carbon (C) being assimilated, most likely as the result of an insufficient supply of nitrogen (N) and manganese (Mn) toxicity. The petiole and peduncle length of the plants receiving the CRF were the shortest, which might be due to the low level of potassium (K) accompanying the magnesium (Mg) deficiency. Even though there were significant differences in the N and K concentrations of the plants among the different treatments, no significant differences were observed in the cut flower quality. In short, the organic fertilizer PRHC can meet the nutrient requirements of A. andreanum cultivation for the cut flower production under soilless conditions.

New type of potassium deposit: Modal analysis and preparation of potassium carbonate

A kind of dolomitic mudstone newly found in North China has high amounts of K2O up to 10wB% in average, and potassium reserve is at superior scale. Mineral assemblage of the potassium ore indicates a specific and complicated geological environment under which the potassium deposit formed. Modal analysis of the potassium host rock shows that the principal minerals in the ore include microcline, dolomite, and clay minerals such as illite, illite/smectite mixed layer, and kaolinite, attributable to a new type of insoluble potassium deposits in ore genesis. The experiments in this research demonstrated that with sodium carbonate as flux agent, the potassium ore could be decomposed with a proportion as high as 99.4% by calcinations at moderate temperature for no more than 1.5 –2.0 h; more than 70% of K2O in the calcined materials were leached into the liquor, and by acidification reaction of the filter liquor, a large amount of impuri-ties such as Fe3+, Ti4+, Mn2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ were removed with precipitation of alumino-silicious colloid residue, which makes it possible to prepare potassium carbonate of electronic grade from the filter liquor, whereas the alumino-silicious residue could be utilized to make mineral polymer, a new type of inorganic construction structural materials. The current research shows that in-dustrial exploitation and comprehensive utilization of this new type of insoluble potassium re-source are feasible both in economic benefits and environmental kindness with the fairly clean production process as sketched in this paper.

Direct Application of Phosphate Rocks and Glauconite as Alternative Sources of Fertilizer in Argentina

Argentina, a large country with an important agriculture industry, needs an ever-increasing amount of phosphorus and potassium, as essential elements for plant growth. Current requirements are met from imports, but potential resources exist in Argentina. For example, several phosphatic occurrences are known in paleo-marine basins, the most significant of which are in Tertiary units in Patagonia. In addition, two types of potassium deposits are also known in Argentina: evaporite deposits in the Neuquen Basin at depths of 750 m to 1500 m contain 22 to 25 wt% K2O equivalent; and glauconitic sandstone containing about 6 wt% K2O has been identified in Patagonia. Several experiments were undertaken to test unprocessed phosphate rocks as slow-release, direct-application fertilizers, with good results. In addition, it is proposed that direct application of glauconitic sands would provide an efficient and economic alternative source of potassium. Tests with glauconite samples are still in progress. The existence of both phosphate and glauconitic rocks in Patagonia suggests that development of an extractive industry for these materials would not only help Argentina approach self-sufficiency in fertilizer usage, but also assist in the socio-economic development of this region.

Ａｌ‐Ｌｉ系合金の電解製造法の研究

Lithium chloride was electrolyzed at 700°C with a cathode of molten aluminum or molten Al-Cu-Mg-Zr alloy in a ceramic fiber contained permeated with molten lithium chloride-potassium chloride electrolyte. Electrodeposited lithium alloyed directly with the molten aluminum or molten Al-Cu-Mg-Zr alloy. Current efficiency of alloyed lithium is over ninety per cent in wide range of current density. Over current density limit, potassium deposits at the cathode, and doesn't alloy over 10ppm with aluminum. Sodium containing in electrolyte as much as 1500-2000ppm doesn't alloy over 10ppm. The mechanical properties of Al-Li-Cu-Mg-Zr alloy produced by this process were also studied.

Compiled Rough Sketch of Geology and Mineral Resources of Thailand (Siam), Part I

Summarized introduction of stratigraphy/historical geology of Thailand edited with the material available for the editor upto October 1978 is given.The Precambrian unit radiodated is unknown yet. From Cambrian to Permian, many units were confirmed by paleontological data to which many Japanese geologists have contributed. Non-marine sediments of late Triassic-Cretaceous (even Tertiary ?) time are widely distributed in the north-eastern part of the country where enormous amount of rock salt with some potassium deposits is known to exist. The Tertiary formation is known in small basins on land and in many north-southerly elongated grabenlike basins in the Gulf of Siam where the natural gas of commercial value has been found. The Quaternary sediments are known along the rivers and sea coasts, the largest distribution being along the lower part of the river Mae Nam Cham Chao Phraya.Generally speaking the basic and systematic honest study of stratigraphy is still much needed to be done which may need honest and hard-working geologists who should love geology and be decided to contribute to the real happiness of the people of their own country and of the world to live in harmony with the nature.

Geological structure and genetic properties of potassium deposits of Vorotyshchensk series, Predkarpat'ye

The cyclic structure of the Vorotyshchensk suite — the principal potash-bearing formation of Predkarpat'ye — is considered in this article. The formation of the different elements of the saliferous series and characteristics of their spatial distribution and genesis are described. Factors governing the accumulation of potassium salts in areally restricted salt basins and narrow troughs are made clear. --Auth.

Russia finds potassium deposits in Urals

Russia finds potassium deposits in Urals