Process development for sulphate of potassium (SOP) recovery from schoenite mineral and flue gases

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Potassium sulphate (K2SO4), a.k.a. sulphate of potash (SOP), is an important potassium compound withapplication as fertilizer. The world SOP market is about 4,000,000 tons per annum, Canada being the largestproducing country, and is the second largest tonnage potassium compound produced. SOP is preferred overpotash (KCl, a.k.a. MOP) as fertilizer for some species that cannot tolerate chloride (Cl) of potash, e.g. mostfruits and vegetables. SOP is also preferred over potash for being a sulphur rich fertilizer.This project focuses on the studying of the feasibility of the SOP production from 2 different sources:1- from schoenite, K2Mg(SO4)2.6H2O mineral, a potassium and magnesium double sulphate salt which iscommonly produced in solar pond operations.2- From industrial SO2 flue gases, which would will provide an important environmental benefit. SO2 gasrelease results in acidic rain (a significant environmental issue), so if the proposed research is successful,industry could use the new process to convert a problematic pollutant into a useful fertilizer.