Influence of solution concentration and temperature on the dissolution process and the internal structure of glauberite

Although transport in porous media under the influence of chemistry and temperature is a common phenomenon, the dissolution and internal structure evolution of glauberite during in-situ mining have been unique and challenging. This uniqueness indicates the complexity of mineral dissolutions, whereas the challenge represents the characterization of pore development and evolution during the dissolution processes. To investigate the microstructure development of glauberite under the influence of chemistry and temperature, experimental studies were performed with fine cuboid specimens of 4 mm × 4 mm × 9 mm soaked in solutions of different concentrations(fresh water, half-saturated, and saturated brine). The evolutions of internal structures were monitored through a micro computed tomography system. The statistical analysis indicated that the concentration and temperature of solutions significantly influenced the evolutions of pore size, porosity, and specific surface area of glauberite. The results showed that the increase in the rates of pore size, porosity, and specific surface area declined with time when glauberite was saturated in fresh water. The main reason for pore parameter variation is the differential concentration of solution. However, in the half-saturated and saturated solutions, the increase in rate increased with time. These observations suggest that the chloride ions contained in the saline solution could facilitate the dissolution of glauberite, whereas the existence of salt effect could contribute to the dissolution of calcium sulfate. Compared with the results at 20?C and 65?C, the studied parameters of glauberite have dramatically decreased when the mineral was soaked in the solutions at high temperature(95?C). This function was most striking in fresh water. The dissolution of glauberite soaked in fresh water or half-saturated brine solution was conditioned by the temperature and solution concentration. However, the dissolution of glauberite was less influenced by temperature at high concentrations. These findings may feature significant implication for the effective recovery of mineral resources by in-situ solution mining method.

Minerogenic Theory of the Superlarge Lop Nur Potash Deposit, Xinjiang, China

Located in the eastern part of the Tarim basin, Xinjiang, the Lop Nur was an ultimate water catchment area of the Tarim basin during the Quaternary. Through nearly ten years of investigation and research, the authors have found a superlarge brine potash deposit in the Luobei subbasin—a secondary basin of the Lop Nur depression. The deposit has been mined now. On that basis, the authors propose new theories on the genesis of the potash rock deposit. In the tectonic and geomorphologic contexts, the Tarim basin lies in a 'high mountain-deep basin' environment. At the beginning of the Quaternary, influenced by the neotectonic movement, the Lop Nur evolved into a 'deep basin' in the Tarim basin. At the end of the middle Pleistocene, neotectonic migration began to take place in the interior of the Lop Nur and a new secondary deep basin—the Luobei subbasin—formed gradually. Despite its small area, it is actually the deepest subbasin in the Lop Nur depression, where brines of the Lop Nur Salt Lake gather and evaporate, thus providing materials for the formation of a superlarge brine potash rock deposit. With respect to the phenomenon of brine concentration and change with deepening of the lake, the authors propose a model of 'high mountain-deep basin' tectonic migration for potash concentration. In the sedimentological context, the honeycomb-shaped voids developed in glauberite rock in the subbasin are good space for potash-rich brine accumulation. Study indicates that the deposition of glauberite requires recharge of calcium-rich water. In the Tarim area the calcium-rich water might come from deep formation water or oilfield water, and the river water recharging the Lop Nur Salt Lake was rich in sulfate radicals and other components; in addition, the climate in the area was very dry and the brine evaporated steadily, thus resulting in deposition of substantial amount of glauberite, potash accumulation in intercrystal brine and final formation of the potash deposit. Generally, potash formation in a salt lake undergoes a three-stage process of 'carbonates—?sulfates (gypsum and glauberite)—^chlorides (halite etc.)', but in the study area there only occurred a two-stage process of 'carbonates—>sulfates (gypsum and glauberite)'. The authors call this new geological phenomenon the 'two-stage potash formation' model. In conclusion, the superlarge Lop Nur potash deposit is the result of combined 'high mountain-deep basin' tectonism and 'two-stage potash formation'.

Sedimentary Characteristics of Kalistrontite and Its Significance for Potash Formation in the Lop Nur Playa, Xinjiang

The Lop Nur playa is located in the eastern part of the Tarim Basin, Xinjiang. From the late Middle Pleistocene to the Late Pleistocene, the Lop Nur gradually evolved into a salt lake. Huge amounts of glauberite minerals were deposited, accompanied by large-scale potash-bearing brines gathered. The unique sedimentary characteristics of the lake have not yet been identified.