摘要 |
The invention relates to a method for separating sulphate from an aqueous electrolyte in an alkali metal chlorate process, thereby reducing the operating cost and increasing the possibility of further closing the electrolytical production of alkali metal chlorate. Calcium ions are added to a portion of the electrolyte, for precipitating calcium sulphate. By adjusting the pH within the range of from 4.6 up to about 7, and combining the temperature, content of ions and the molar ratio between sulphate and calcium ions added in a suitable manner, the calcium sulphate will precipitate predominantly as gypsum and essentially without inclusions and/or co-precipitation of chromium-containing compounds or chlorate. The precipitate is subsequently removed from the portion of electrolyte, whereafter the thus purified portion of electrolyte is recycled to the chlorate process. Any fluoride ions in the electrolyte can also be removed by the addition of calcium ions and a subsequent co-separation of the calcium fluoride precipitated with the calcium sulphate.
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