Investigation of solubility parameters prior to processing of Kestelek colemanite

Abstract

The solubility of colemanite has been studied by few researchers in terms of chemistry basics and kinetics, as these data are cited in the literature as one gram per liter in water at room temperature. Determination of the solubility value is very crucial for the industry as wet processes are usually used for beneficiation of berates. In this study, the solubility of pure colemanite crystals specially hand-picked from Kestelek deposit of Turkiye was investigated in terms of some physical parameters such as particle size, solid-liquid ratio, residence time, pH value and electrical conductivity. The aim was to confirm the literature value for solubility of colemanite in water at room temperature and to find out which physical parameters are effective in the determination of dissolution.