Abstract

Fourier transform near-infrared spectroscopy is presented as a novel method for monitoring anti-caking reagent preparation and loading ratio on granular potash samples during loadout. Using commercial anti-caking agents and granular samples obtained from an operational loadout facility, amine weight percent in the anti-caking solution was determined between 0 and 7 wt% to an accuracy of ± 0.1 wt%, while the loading ratio was determined between 0 and 4.3 lb/ton to within an accuracy of 0.1 to 0.3 lb/ton, depending on the sample heterogeneity. These errors are comparable to current analysis techniques, with minimal sample preparation and an analysis time of seconds. FT-NIR is thus presented as a novel monitoring method for these applications within the potash processing industry

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