PRODUCTION OF BISCHOFITE FROM DOLOMITE

Abstract

This study investigates the production of magnesium chloride (bischofite) from locally available dolomite by decomposition with a mixture of sulfuric and hydrochloric acids. Dolomite from the Dehkanabad and Navbahor deposits was examined using standard chemical analysis methods. The composition of the resulting solutions and magnesium chloride recovery were evaluated under different liquid-to-solid ratios. The obtained solutions contained 15.9–16.7 g/dm³ of magnesium ions and 45.0–48.8 g/dm³ of chloride ions, with magnesium chloride yields ranging from 69.0% to 77.1% of the stoichiometric value. The developed process was implemented at the Electrochemical Plant joint-stock enterprise, where 42 tonnes of product were manufactured. The approach provides a technological basis for producing magnesium chloride from domestic mineral resources.