Short answer
Natural sodium sulfate can come from hydrated mirabilite, anhydrous thenardite and brine resources. Water of crystallization and temperature response affect mechanical and thermal preparation.
- Minerals
- Mirabilite and thenardite
- Critical distinction
- Hydrated and anhydrous phase
- Process focus
- Water of crystallization, drying and product size
Why do mirabilite and thenardite behave differently?
Mirabilite is hydrated sodium sulfate, while thenardite is the anhydrous phase. Temperature and humidity can affect phase balance and storage behaviour.
Why is drying more than a free-moisture calculation?
In hydrated minerals, water of crystallization behaves differently from free surface moisture. Mineral phase and product specification must be considered when defining drying or thermal conversion.
How are sizing and crystalline product related?
Crushing and screening can size natural crystals or solid product streams. Unnecessary fines may increase caking and dust-control problems.
Required inputs
- Mirabilite/thenardite phase proportion
- Free moisture and water of crystallization
- Feed particle size
- Temperature and storage conditions
- Target product chemistry and size
