2 replies to this topic

[EunchongLee]

Hi everyone,

I’m operating a chemical plant and we recently started producing about 3 tons per batch of potassium silicate solution. (90% KOH + H2O +  precipitated silica99% )

After production, we immediately rinse the tank thoroughly with water (right after discharge, before any visible drying). When the tank surface is still wet, it looks completely clean.

However, once the tank dries, we consistently find a significant amount of white powder residue on the inner walls. This residue is quite difficult to remove and requires additional cleaning effort.

We are planning to use this tank interchangeably for both potassium silicate production and cleaning agent manufacturing, so this issue is becoming a serious operational concern.

My questions:

1. Is this a common issue in potassium silicate production?
2. Is this likely due to silicate film formation or silica precipitation during drying?
3. Do most plants use acid rinse or other methods to prevent this?
4. Is it realistic to use the same tank for silicate and detergent production?

Any advice or shared experience would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!

[Pilesar]

Does the same thing happen in lab scale equipment? If so, it would seem a good candidate for experimentation.

[breizh]

Hi,

I second Pilesar on his proposal.

Now if you intend to develop an industrial manufacturing process, let you consider having a dedicated equipment for your detergent production. Perform a cycle time analysis and you should get a payback for a second tank, even a secondhand equipment.

Breizh