Abstract: A potash-extraction system and method for extracting potash from a brine containing potash without the use of water-consuming evaporation ponds or additional chemicals is disclosed. The potash processing system uses a mechanical-vapor recompression (“MVR”) cycle to separate salt and then potash from a sylvinite brine containing salt and potash. In embodiments, the latent heat recovered from condensing vapor may be used to boil the brine to precipitate some salt and remove some water (in the form of water vapor) from the brine. The remaining potash-concentrated brine may then be cooled to precipitate potash from the solution. The precipitated potash may then be further processed for final use.

Abstract: A potash-extraction system and method for extracting potash from a brine containing potash without the use of water-consuming evaporation ponds or additional chemicals is disclosed. The potash processing system uses a vapor-compression cycle (e.g., heat pump or refrigeration system) to separate potash from brine containing potash and NaCl. In embodiments, heat emitted by components of the vapor-compression cycle (e.g., condenser heat exchanger, evaporator heat exchanger) may heat the brine to precipitate some NaCl from the brine. The remaining potash-concentrated brine may then be cooled to precipitate potash from the solution. The precipitated potash may then be further processed for final use.