SYNTHESIS OF REAGENTS FOR THE EXTRACTION OF POTASSIUM CHLORIDE FROM KHOJAIKON SYLVINITE VIA FLOTATION

ISSN: 2582-4686 SJIF 2021-3.261,SJIF 20222.889, 2024-6.875 ResearchBib IF: 9.948 / 2024 VOLUME-5, ISSUE-12 1167 SYNTHESIS OF REAGENTS FOR THE EXTRACTION OF POTASSIUM CHLORIDE FROM KHOJAIKON SYLVINITE VIA FLOTATION Tursunov S.A. PhD Student, Department of Chemical Engineering, Termez State University of Engineering and Agrotechnology Khodjamkulov S.Z. Associate Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Termez State University of Engineering and Agrotechnology [email protected] Keywords: Khojaikon, sylvinite, flotation, reagent, synthesis, Shimadzu universal testing machine, IR spectroscopy, DTG-60. Abstract This study highlights the synthesis of new organic-based flotation reagents for the extraction of potassium chloride (KCl) from raw sylvinite samples obtained from the Khojaikon deposit. Amide compounds synthesized from stearic acid demonstrated high selectivity and efficiency in the flotation process. Laboratory experiments showed that at a reagent concentration of 0.5% and a pH of 6.5, KCl with a purity of 89–92% was successfully extracted. IR spectroscopy and thermal analysis confirmed the structure and stability of the synthesized reagents. The newly synthesized reagents stand out for their environmental safety and cost-effectiveness. The results of this research offer promising directions for future industrial applications. 1. Introduction Potassium chloride (KCl) is a strategically important product for the global fertilizer and chemical industries, serving as a primary source of potassium in agricultural applications and as a key raw material in various chemical processes. The continuously increasing demand for mineral fertilizers, driven by population growth and the intensification of agricultural production, has led to a growing interest in the efficient exploitation of potassium-bearing mineral resources. Sylvinite ores remain the principal natural source of potassium chloride, and their beneficiation plays a crucial role in ensuring a stable supply of high-quality potassium products. Uzbekistan possesses substantial reserves of sylvinite, particularly in the Khojaikon deposit, which represents a promising domestic resource for potassium chloride production. Despite this potential, the industrial processing of sylvinite ores in the region is constrained by technological limitations, most notably the heavy reliance on imported flotation reagents. The use of foreign reagents not only increases production costs but also creates economic and technological dependence, limiting the development of a sustainable and independent national potash industry. In addition, many conventional flotation reagents exhibit low selectivity, high toxicity, and poor environmental compatibility, which further complicates their large-scale application. Flotation is widely recognized as one of the most effective and selective methods for the separation of potassium chloride from sodium chloride in sylvinite ores. However, the efficiency of this process strongly depends on the chemical nature and performance of the flotation reagents employed. Consequently, the development of new flotation reagents that are both cost-effective and ISSN: 2582-4686 SJIF 2021-3.261,SJIF 20222.889, 2024-6.875 ResearchBib IF: 9.948 / 2024 VOLUME-5, ISSUE-12 1168 environmentally benign, while maintaining high selectivity toward KCl, is of critical importance. Reagents synthesized from locally available raw materials and tailored to the mineralogical characteristics of Khojaikon sylvinite can significantly improve process efficiency and reduce operational expenses. In this context, the present study focuses on the synthesis of novel organic flotation reagents and the evaluation of their applicability for potassium chloride extraction from Khojaikon sylvinite ore. The research aims to investigate the physicochemical properties, flotation performance, and selectivity of the synthesized reagents, as well as to assess their potential advantages over conventional industrial reagents. The results of this study are expected to contribute to the development of an economically viable and technologically independent approach to potassium chloride production in Uzbekistan. 2. Methodology 2.1. Raw Materials: Sylvinite samples were collected from the Khojaikon deposit. 2.2. Reagent Synthesis: Amide compounds were synthesized based on stearic acid. 2.3. Flotation Experiments: Conducted using laboratory flotation equipment. 2.4. Analytical Methods: DTG-60, IR spectroscopy, and a Shimadzu universal testing machine were employed. 3. Results The synthesized amide reagents showed high selectivity in separating potassium chloride particles during flotation. The obtained flotation product contained 89–92% pure potassium chloride. The highest efficiency was observed at a 0.5% reagent concentration and pH = 6.5. IR spectroscopy confirmed the presence of amide groups in the reagents. Thermal stability was observed within the range of 210–230 °C. 4. Discussion Compared to conventional industrial flotation reagents, the newly synthesized organic reagents demonstrate significantly enhanced environmental compatibility and economic efficiency. Unlike many commercially available reagents that are characterized by high toxicity, poor biodegradability, and elevated operational costs, the developed organic compounds are derived from readily available raw materials and exhibit low ecological impact. Their chemical structure ensures selective 500750100012501500175020002500300035004000 cm-1 0 20 40 60 80 100 %T 3461.22 3337.70 3227.12 3018.87 2819.24 1769.38 1755.02 1713.37 1621.46 1575.50 1411.77 1316.99 1153.26 1085.76 1074.27 1041.24 936.40 887.56 824.37 794.21 758.31 715.22 692.24 682.19 598.89 525.65 420.80 kaliy sterat QATR ISSN: 2582-4686 SJIF 2021-3.261,SJIF 20222.889, 2024-6.875 ResearchBib IF: 9.948 / 2024 VOLUME-5, ISSUE-12 1169 adsorption on potassium chloride surfaces while minimizing interaction with sodium chloride and insoluble gangue minerals, which results in improved separation efficiency. The application of these reagents in laboratory-scale flotation experiments enabled the production of potassium chloride concentrate with a purity exceeding 89–92%, meeting the quality requirements for agricultural and industrial applications. Furthermore, the high selectivity of the synthesized reagents contributed to reduced reagent consumption and shorter flotation times, thereby lowering overall process costs and energy demand. Future research will focus on scaling up the developed flotation system through pilot-scale trials under industrial operating conditions. These studies will aim to evaluate reagent performance stability, recycling potential, and long-term environmental effects, as well as to optimize technological parameters for continuous operation. Successful implementation of the proposed reagents in industrial production could significantly enhance the economic viability and technological independence of potassium chloride production from local sylvinite resources. 5. Conclusion As a result of the study, new flotation reagents were synthesized and successfully tested for the extraction of potassium chloride from Khojaikon sylvinite. These reagents enabled the production of high-purity KCl. 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