DETERMINATION OF THE OPTIMUM PROCESS PARAMETERS USING TAGUCHI'S APPROACH TO EXTRACT THE BORON FROM COLEMANITE ORE IN POTASSIUM BISULFATE SOLUTIONS

The aim of the study was to determine the optimum levels of the parameters for the dissolution of colemanite ore in potassium hydrogen sulfate (KHSO4) solutions in a mechanical agitation system by using Taguchi approach and to declare an alternative reactant to produce boric acid. The investigated parameters and their optimum levels for the dissolution process were determined as: solid-to-liquid ratio: 1/10 g/mL, reaction temperature: 50 degrees C, particle size: -80 mesh, reaction time: 15 minutes, and stirring speed: 600 rpm. While the solid-to-liquid ratio and particle size had the greatest effect, reaction temperature and stirring speed had virtually less effect on the dissolution process. Under the determined conditions, extraction efficiency of the boron from colemanite ore was 100 %. Because potassium hydrogen sulfate has a less acidic character than sulfuric acid, some useful ways to use it as dissolving agent are as follows: 1) It helps the selective dissolution of boron from colemanite ore 2) It requires cheaper process equipment and 3) Potassium sulfate formed as a by-product in this process can be reacted with the stoichiometric quantities of sulfuric acid to form potassium hydrogen sulfate. This solution can be recycled to dissolution vessel.