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Abstract

A novel process for the recovery of alumina and potassium sulfate from alunite is provided comprising leaching the alunite with potassium hydroxide to which no sodium materials have been added, said leach solution being saturated with potassium sulfate. Aluminum values are solubilized into the leachate, and potassium and sulfur values are rendered soluble, but remain in the residue. The leachate is desilicated if necessary, preferably with lime, and aluminum trihydroxide is precipitated therefrom, followed by calcining to alumina product. The residue is leached to solubilize potassium sulfate in a secondary leach and the potassium sulfate product crystallized therefrom. Potassium hydroxide is regenerated from a portion of the potassium sulfate secondary leachate by several methods. Novel procedures for regenerating alkali metal hydroxides from the corresponding sulfates are also provided including routes involving formates and carbonates as intermediates and pyrohydrolysis.

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First Claim