Download Report IHS CEH Report : Potassium Chemicals, Inorganic (Chemical Economics Handbook 2019)
PDF by S&P Global Commodity Insights; IHS Markit
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Format: PDF Language: English Pages: 222 Publisher: S&P Global Commodity Insights; IHS Markit Publitshion date: 2019 ISBN: 146728
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Description
This report covers supply and demand for a number of industrially important potassium chemicals: potassium metal and potassium hydroxide, sulfate, nitrate, carbonate, and bicarbonate. Industrial consumption of potassium chloride is also included; producers and fertilizer markets for this chemical are covered in greater detail in the CEH Potash report.
Caustic potash, or potassium hydroxide, which is derived from potassium chloride, is the potassium chemical of greatest industrial importance. It is used in a wide variety of industrial applications, including the production of potassium carbonate and other potassium chemicals, soaps and detergents, and fertilizers.
A variety of chemicals are produced from potassium chloride, or potash. While potash is mostly used in fertilizer applications, it is also used for industrial or nonagricultural purposes. This report focuses on the nonfertilizer uses of various derivatives of potash and also metallic potassium.
Caustic potash, or potassium hydroxide, which is derived from potassium chloride, is a major player in industrial markets. It is used in a wide variety of industrial applications, including the production of potassium carbonate and other potassium chemicals, soaps and detergents, and fertilizers.
In recent years, a new mineral called polyhalite, which is a hydrated potassium, calcium, and magnesium sulfate, has been gaining attention due to its relatively lower potassium content and solubility characteristics.
Use of potassium chemicals in fracking operations is an important trend seen in recent years. Fracking techniques have been used since the 1940s, but have gained importance after the advent of utilizing shale-based resources for natural gas production. Fracking mixtures are blended with potassium-based chemical additives that condition the water, help in preventing corrosion, or control pH levels.
Elemental potassium and most potassium chemicals are not the subject of environmental concern. However, potassium hydroxide is produced by the electrolysis of potassium chloride, until recently exclusively in mercury electrolytic cells. Use of these cells is under scrutiny because of mercury contamination of water supplies, and they are being replaced by membrane cells. The membrane process is preferred not only because of lower capital investment and operating costs, but also because it presents virtually no ecological considerations.
Industrial consumption of potash is directly related to a country’s economic progress. If overall growth is strong, it proportionately reflects in potash consumption.
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