Viable engineering options to enhance the NaCl quality from the Dead Sea in Jordan

Abstract: The Dilemma of the Dead Sea is briefly addressed. The Dead Sea is a major source for the production of food grade Sodium Chloride (NaCl) through the use of traditional salt grinding, multiple washing stages and then evaporation. But there have been problems in producing industrial grade NaCl due to the high percentage of Ca+2 and Mg+2 ion concentrations. Pilot plant experiments were conducted to simulate a sodium chloride recovery from the Dead Sea brines. Viable engineering options were examined and tested. These options are classified either by adding certain chemicals such as the use of Sodium Stearate and Sodium Carbonate or implementing and modifying process conditions. The changes in operating conditions involve; reducing the particle size and changing both water type and contact time in the washing stages, adding a low 45rpm agitator and finally investigating the appropriate water type scheme to be used in a double washing system. These changes have significant impact in enhancing NaCl recovery especially when brackish water is used. Also brine/brackish scheme is the best choice to be used in a double washing operation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]