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Abstract

A low-cost, fluidized-bed drying process for the production of solidified alkaline earth salts is provided which is especially useful for the production of MgCl.sub.2.6H.sub.2 O from a starting brine nominally containing MgCl.sub.2.12H.sub.2 O. The process includes the steps of passing the starting brine into a drying chamber (12) and fluidizing the brine by contact with hot air for a period of from about 1-15 minutes while heating the brine to a maximum temperature of from about 200.degree.-275.degree. F. This creates a molten salt product, which can then be cooled using ambient air to yield the desired final product. Preferably, the brine is heated to a temperature of from about 230.degree.-250.degree. F., and is subjected to fluidizing contact with hot air for about 5-8 minutes. Ambient air cooling is accomplished by contacting the intermediate melt with ambient air for a period of from about 10 seconds to 3 minutes.

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First Claim