Potassium analyzer for the potash industry

BERTHOLD Technologies: Potassium content measurement for the potash industry is one of the most difficult and challenging measurements in the mining industry. It is however essential in the potash production process. Potassium contains the radioactive isotope K-40. This isotope is only found in extremely small quantities in the ore itself.

Customer Benefit

• Outstanding sensitivity
• Proven industrial measurement technology
• Real-time measurement during running operation
• High measurement stability through patented gain control
• No wear as measurement is contactless
• Easy installation on existing vessels

Technical features

• Online display in %KCl or %K2O
• Enhanced diagnostics
• Event log, change and data log
• Various menu languages
• Installation in wall housing or 19“ frame
• Detectors available in stainless steel
• Optionally with HART connection
• NRTL approval

Measuring potassium content for the potash industry

The detection of the K-40 requires an extremely sensitive and superior stable measurement system, which must be capable of suppressing the inherent background radiation in order to obtain an optimal signal-to-noise ratio. Through the detection of K-40, the concentration of K2O or KCl can be measured. Berthold has the perfect solution for the challenging task providing accurate potassium measurements with the potassium analyser LB 474. The system is non-contacting, which virtually eliminates maintenance and costly downtime. Applying highly sensitive, stable and rugged detectors is fundamental in achieving a precise and accurate measurement.

Different detector types

The LB 474 potassium analyser uses three different types of detectors depending on the process conditions and the mechanical arrangement.
When maximum sensitivity is required, Berthold’s SuperSENS detector is used. Due to its compact design this is the ideal solution for maximum sensitivity.
For surface mounted applications on vessels or belts typically maximum sensitivity combined with high stability is required. Here Berthold’s dedicated potassium detector with its large 125/50 CrystalSENS is the preferred solution.

For tanks with suspension, the better solution is an immersion tube installed in the  center of the tank. In the immersion tube you can either install the immersion type of the SuperSENS or, if immersion tubes with smaller diameters are required, Berthold‘s 50/50 CrystalSENS is the right choice. The signal-to-noise ratio of this arrangement is unrivalled and therefore offers unmatched accuracy and measurement stability.