Potassium Sulphate

Brief overview

Potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄) (in British English potassium sulphate, also called sulphate of potash, arcanite, or archaically known as potash of sulfur) is a non-flammable white crystalline salt which is soluble in water. The chemical is commonly used in fertilizers, providing both potassium and sulfur.

Manufacturing Process

The process for manufacturing potassium sulfate is similar to that used for the manufacture of sodium sulfate. Potassium sulfate can be synthesised by reaction of potassium chloride with sulfuric acid according to the Leblanc process. Potassium sulfate is produced according to the following reaction:

2 KCl + H2SO4 → 2 HCl + K2SO4

The Hargreaves process uses sulfur dioxide, oxygen and water and potassium chloride as the starting materials to produce potassium sulfate. Hydrochloric acid evaporates off. SO2 is produced through the burning of sulfur.

Agriculture Industry

The principal use of potassium sulfate is as a fertilizer. K₂SO4 does not contain chloride, which can be harmful to some crops. Potassium sulfate is preferred for these crops, which include tobacco and some fruits and vegetables. Crops that are less sensitive may still require potassium sulfate for optimal growth if the soil accumulates chloride from irrigation water. The crude salt is also used occasionally in the manufacture of glass.

Other Applications

Potassium sulfate is also used as a flash reducer in artillery propellant charges. It reduces muzzle flash, flareback and blast overpressure.