Investigation of potassium-magnesium salts and lithium production possibilities from Acıgöl

Acıgöl Lake which has economical importance in Turkey, contains Na+, K+ Ca+2, Mg+2 cations and SO4 -2 , Clanions. Sodium Sulphate and Sodium Chloride are produced in ponds which are created unnaturally side of the lake by companies that uses lake brine by using natural and technological methods. Besides high amount of sodium sulphate and sodium chloride salts, it is proven by analysises that Acıgol contains magnesium and potassium salts and trace amount of lithium. In this study, after obtaining sodium sulphate and sodium chloride from lake brine, it is investigated that balanced solution which is sent back to the lake was examined that whether it is possible to produce potassium, magnesium and lithium salts or not from balanced solution. At the end of the study it has been seen that potassium which precipitated as kainite double salt is exist 20-25 kg as KCl in 1 m3 30-31 Bé solution. Magnesium started to precipitate % 5 at 33 Bé and precipitation ratio of magnesium reached 44% when the solution boume degree became 37 Bé. When solution boume degree was reached 38.7 Bé, 40-41% MgCl2 solution was obtained. In the light of these studies, it can be said that it is possible to produce these salts which mentioned, however because of that lithium ratio in 38.7 Bé solution was 0.588 ppm it is not feasible economically to produce in current conditions.