Tribo-electrostatic Separation of Potash

Over two years a post-doctoral fellow will investigate the electrostatic separation of potash. This will be accomplished experimentally by triboelectrically charging different materials, with and without conditioning agents, and then testing different separation techniques. Separation techniques will include electrostatic separation and a fines removal process. Electrostatic separation implementation in Saskatchewan may have multiple advantages, when compared with conventional techniques, including: increased capacity, reduced maintenance, reduced or eliminated environmental impact of tailings, reduced or eliminated water consumption, reduced energy consumption, reduced or eliminated environmental impact of brine, improved extraction ratio of the ore, reduced or eliminated corrosion costs, and reduced cost of production. A fines removal process may assist with the implementation of electrostatic separation and/or froth flotation techniques.

Faculty Supervisor:

Donald Bergstrom

Student:

Jinli Yang

Partner:

Nutrien

Discipline:

Engineering - mechanical

Sector:

Mining and quarrying

University:

Program: