Strontium Carbonate Production: Methods, Equipment & Applications
Strontium carbonate (SrCO₃) production from celestite (SrSO₄) — direct conversion and black ash routes. Iran holds world's 3rd largest celestite reserves. Process flow, equipment list (crushers, mills, reactors, filters, spray dryer), raw materials, and applications in ferrite magnets, CRT glass, pyrotechnics, ceramics, and strontium salts.
Iran possesses world’s 3rd largest celestite (SrSO₄) reserves (~2M tons confirmed, 75–95% purity). Global reserves ~7M tons. Strontium carbonate (SrCO₃) is the key value-added product — used in ferrite magnets, CRT glass, pyrotechnics, ceramics, and strontium salts.
Two Main Production Routes
Route A: Direct Conversion
- Celestite → HCl leaching → remove CaCO₃/gypsum
- Pure SrSO₄ + soda ash (Na₂CO₃) → SrCO₃ precipitate
- Filtration, washing, acid re-dissolution (HCl), re-precipitation with soda ash
- Purity: ~95% SrCO₃ max without extensive re-crystallization
Route B: Black Ash (Carbothermic Reduction) — Preferred for High Purity
- Reduction: Celestite + coke at 1000–1200°C → SrS (strontium sulfide)
- Leaching: SrS dissolves in hot water; impurities (Ba, Ca, SiO₂) remain insoluble
- Multi-stage extraction → Pure SrS solution → Na₂S byproduct
- Carbonation: CO₂ bubbling through SrS solution → SrCO₃ precipitate
- Key thermodynamic driver: CO (from coke) enables reduction; coke acts as catalyst
Equipment List
| # | Equipment |
|---|---|
| 1 | Jaw crusher / primary crusher |
| 2 | Ball mill / grinding mill |
| 3 | Screening & classification |
| 4 | Acid wash & leaching tanks |
| 5 | Mixer / kneader |
| 6 | Reduction kiln (controlled O₂, reducing atmosphere) |
| 7 | Bag filter / dust collector |
| 8 | Leaching & wash vessels |
| 9 | Filter press |
| 10 | Spray dryer |
| 11 | Packing unit |
Raw Materials
- Celestite ore (SrSO₄, 75–95% purity)
- Coke (carbonaceous reductant)
- Hydrochloric acid
- Sodium carbonate (soda ash)
Key Applications
| Application | Description |
|---|---|
| Ferrite magnets (SrFe₁₂O₁₉) | Primary use — permanent magnets for motors, speakers, separators |
| CRT glass | X-ray absorption in color TV tubes |
| Pyrotechnics | Red colorant in flares, fireworks |
| Ceramics | Glazes, electrical ceramics |
| Strontium salts | Nitrate (pyrotechnics), chloride (desensitizing toothpaste), bromide (sedatives), perchlorate (rocket fuel), fluoride (superconductors), phosphate (fluorescent lamps), titanate/stanate/zirconate (dielectric capacitors) |
Domestic Production in Iran
Recent policy shift toward value-added processing has spurred domestic SrCO₃ projects:
- ABASSCO — Two lines in Semnan & Sarakhs
- China JV — Line in Kohgiluyeh & Boyer-Ahmad
- Ravizi Advanced Industries & Qom S&T Park — Recent investments
Government now requires processing plants for celestite exploitation licenses.
Khat Group Capabilities
Khat Group provides complete SrCO₃ project services:
- Feasibility & process design
- Equipment supply & commissioning
- Technology transfer & training
- 1-year technical support & quality guarantee
- Optional buy-back agreement
Contact Khat Group for feasibility studies, equipment supply, or turnkey SrCO₃ plant projects.
Khat Group — Your partner for strontium value-chain development.
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