Abstract: This invention relates to a process of reclaiming cement kiln dust and recovering the alkali content thereof which comprises leaching the cement kiln dust at elevated temperatures with an aqueous solution of potassium chloride, treating the leached slurry of cement kiln dust with a relatively small amount of oil and a fatty acid to flocculate, and preferably pelletize, the solids, in the aqueous phase, extracting the flocculated or pelletized dust from the aqueous phase, desirably lightly washing or rinsing the flocculated or pelletized material to still further reduce the alkali content, cooling the leaching solution to throw down or precipitate potassium chloride crystals by crystallization, and removing the crystallized material therefrom. The residual leaching solution, after removal of substantial amounts of potassium chloride crystals, is still saturated with potassium chloride in solution, and after reheating is available for recycling with additional cement kiln dust.

Abstract: The potential K.sub.2 O content of cement clinker due to the presence of potassium compounds in the raw feed mix is substantially eliminated by introducing an active agent into the kiln along with or in conjunction with the fuel used to fire the kiln. The active agent is effective to convert K.sub.2 O to KCl and preferably is a chlorinated organic waste product burned along with the fuel.