Conditioned tribo-electric charging of potash particles

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This research project is part of a larger research program to understand and improve the industrial application of tribo-electrostatic separation to potash processing in North America. Tribo-electric charging refers to the development of electric charge on particles due to frictional contact between the particles. Once the particles are charged, then they can be separated by dropping them between two oppositely charged plates, which is referred to as electrostatic separation. One important aspect of tribo-electrostatic separation concerns the mechanism behind conditioned tribo-electric charging of potash. In this case, conditioning agents are applied to the potash mixture prior to tribo-electric charging. An improved understanding of the mechanism of tribo-electric charging is required to enable tribo-electric separation to be applied in Saskatchewan potash mines. The primary objective of this project is to verify the hypothesis that the process of ionic transfer governs the conditioned tribo-electric charging of potash. Experimental tests will be conducted to show whether conditioning agents are selectively sorbed and dissociated before charging, and if ions are transferred during charging. By investigating the composition of the surface layer on potash particles for each step in the conditioned tribo-electric charging process, the underlying mechanism will be confirmed. Verifying the mechanism behind tribo-electric charging is a foundational step for the implementation of electrostatic separation of potash in North America. An improved process involving tribo-electric charging and electrostatic separation will have significant benefits that could include: reduced water consumption, decreased reagent consumption and decreased energy consumption. It will also explain why clays interfere with electrostatic separation and how their adverse effects can be mitigated.