Selective pellet recycling

Abstract

A method for forming an evaporite mineral product, the method comprising: crushing an evaporite mineral supply to form an evaporite mineral feed; separating the evaporite mineral feed into at least one of a first oversize fraction and a first undersize fraction and a first on-size fraction; crushing the at least one of the first oversize fraction and the first undersize fraction to form a further evaporite mineral feed; separating the further evaporite mineral feed into at least one of a second oversize fraction and a second undersize fraction and a second on-size fraction; and forming the evaporite mineral product from the first on-size fraction and the second on-size fraction; wherein the evaporite mineral feed is formed by a first crushing device and the further evaporite mineral feed is formed by a second crushing device, the first crushing device being different to the second crushing device, the evaporite mineral product being an evaporite mineral powder.

Description

[0001] This invention relates to the formation of powdered evaporite minerals, for example, as pellets used in fertilizers.

[0002] Polyhalite is an evaporite mineral. It is a complex hydrated sulfate of potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Polyhalite deposits are found in countries including Austria, China, Germany, India, Iran, Turkey, Ukraine, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

[0003] Polyhalite has value as a source of agricultural fertilizer. In some existing technological processes, the decomposition of natural polyhalite has been proposed to extract specific nutrients. See, for example, WO 2013 / 074328, US 1,946,068, and US 4,246,019. However, intact polyhalite can also be used as fertilizer, providing sulfur, potassium, calcium, and magnesium to the soil.

[0004] Polyhalite minerals can be applied in ore, crushed, or powder form. This involves lower material processing costs but has some agronomic disadvantages. Alternatively, polyhalite can be mixed with a binder and processed to form pellets. Pellets can have improved properties than polyhalite alone. Other evaporite minerals can also be applied in ore, crushed, or powder form, or mixed with a binder to form pellets.

[0005] GB 2 533 490 and GB 2 530 757 disclose the formation of powdered polyhalite into pellets, wherein the powder is bound by starch.

[0006] Figure 1 An exemplary evaporite mineral powder pulverization process 100 is illustrated. An evaporite mineral supply 111 can be fed into a first pulverizing device 101. The first pulverizing device 101 can produce an evaporite mineral feed 112 by coarsely pulverizing the evaporite mineral supply 111. The evaporite mineral feed 112 can be fed into a second pulverizing device 102. The second pulverizing device 102 can produce evaporite mineral powder 113 by further pulverizing the evaporite mineral feed 112. The evaporite mineral powder 113 can be fed into a screening machine 103. The screening machine 103 can separate the evaporite mineral powder 113 into in-size fractions 114a, oversized fractions 114b, 114c, and undersized fractions. The oversized fractions 114b, 114c, and undersized fractions can be returned for further pulverization by the second pulverizing device 102. Initial crushing by the first crushing device 101 may be necessary to sufficiently reduce particle size before further crushing by the second crushing device 102, which has maximum limitations on particle size. However, requiring two crushing devices 101 and 102 to crush the entire evaporite mineral supply 111 may be energy inefficient.

[0007] An improved process is needed for pulverizing evaporite minerals.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a method for forming an evaporite mineral product is provided, the method comprising: crushing an evaporite mineral feed using a first crushing device to form an evaporite mineral feedstock; separating the evaporite mineral feedstock into at least one of a first oversized fraction and a first undersized fraction and a first qualified fraction; crushing at least one of the first oversized fraction and the first undersized fraction using a second crushing device, the second crushing device being different from the first crushing device; separating the further evaporite mineral feedstock into at least one of a second oversized fraction and a second undersized fraction and a second qualified fraction; and forming an evaporite mineral product from the first qualified fraction and the second qualified fraction.

[0009] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a method for forming an evaporite mineral product is provided, the method comprising: crushing an evaporite mineral feed using a first crushing device to form an evaporite mineral feedstock; separating the evaporite mineral feedstock into at least one of a first oversized fraction and a first undersized fraction and a first qualified fraction; crushing at least one of the first oversized fraction and the first undersized fraction using a second crushing device, the second crushing device being different from the first crushing device; separating the further evaporite mineral feedstock into at least one of a second oversized fraction and a second undersized fraction and a second qualified fraction; and forming an evaporite mineral product, wherein the evaporite mineral product is an evaporite mineral powder, from the first qualified fraction and the second qualified fraction.

[0010] According to a third aspect of the present invention, a method for forming an evaporite mineral product is provided, the method comprising: crushing an evaporite mineral feed using a first crushing device to form an evaporite mineral feedstock; crushing the evaporite mineral feedstock using a second crushing device, the second crushing device being different from the first crushing device; separating the further evaporite mineral feedstock into at least one of a first oversized fraction and a first undersized fraction and a first qualified fraction; and forming an evaporite mineral product from the first qualified fraction; wherein at least a portion of the first oversized fraction is output as debris.

[0011] The first crushing device can be configured to crush larger particles than the second crushing device. The first crushing device can be a mineral sizer device. The second crushing device can be a high-pressure grinding roller (HPGR) device.

[0012] Separating the evaporite mineral feed can be done by the first screening device. Further separation of the evaporite mineral feed can also be done by the first screening device. Both the evaporite mineral feed and the further evaporite mineral feed can be separated by the first screening device.

[0013] The method may further include separating the first qualified size fraction into in-form fractions and out-form fractions. The form may include at least one of size and density. The method may also include forming evaporite mineral products from the in-form fractions. Particles in the in-form fractions may include at least one of size and density falling within a predetermined in-form range. The predetermined in-form range may include an upper limit of 1 mm to 2 mm and a lower limit of 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm. Separating the first qualified size fraction into in-form and out-form fractions may be performed using an air classifier.

[0014] The method may further include separating the non-conforming morphology gradation into at least one of a further oversized gradation and a further undersized gradation, as well as a further conforming morphology gradation.

[0015] The method may further include crushing at least one of further ultra-large size fractions and further ultra-small size fractions to form a further evaporite mineral feed.

[0016] The method may further include separating the evaporite mineral feed into at least one of a third ultra-large size fraction and a third ultra-small size fraction, as well as a third qualified size fraction.

[0017] The method may further include forming evaporite mineral products from a first qualified size fraction, a second qualified size fraction, and a third qualified size fraction.

[0018] At least a portion of the first, second, and / or third super-large size levels may be output as debris. At least a portion of further super-large size levels may be output as further debris.

[0019] The separation of the non-conforming morphology fraction into at least one of a further oversized fraction and a further undersized fraction, as well as a further conforming fraction, can be performed by a second screening device.

[0020] Further separation of evaporite minerals can be achieved by the first screening device.

[0021] The further crushing of at least one of the ultra-large size fractions and the further ultra-small size fractions to form a further evaporite mineral feed can be carried out by a high-pressure crushing roller device (HPGR).

[0022] Particles in the first, second, and / or third qualified size grades may include diameters falling within a predetermined qualified size range. Particles in further qualified size grades may include diameters falling within a predetermined further qualified size range. The predetermined qualified size range may be lower than the predetermined further qualified size range. The predetermined qualified size range may include an upper limit of 1 mm to 2 mm. The predetermined further qualified size range may include an upper limit of 5 mm to 8 mm.

[0023] Evaporite mineral supply may include polyhalite.

[0024] The method may also include processing evaporite mineral products to form pelletized evaporite material products.

[0025] The processing may include mixing a first qualified size fraction and / or a qualified morphology fraction with a binder and a liquid to form a mixture, and optionally wherein the binder includes starch and / or the liquid includes water. The processing may include pelletizing the mixture to form pellets. The processing may include drying the pellets to form dried pellets. The processing may include separating the dried pellets into at least one of an oversized pellet fraction and an undersized pellet fraction, as well as a qualified size pellet fraction. The processing may include cooling the qualified size pellet fraction to form cooled pellets. The processing may include coating the cooled pellets to form coated pellets. The processing may include outputting the coated pellets to form a pelletized evaporite mineral product.

[0026] According to a fourth aspect of the invention, a production facility for forming evaporite mineral products is provided, the production facility comprising: a first pulverizing device configured to pulverize an evaporite mineral feed to form an evaporite mineral feedstock; a separator configured to separate the evaporite mineral into at least one of a first oversized fraction and a first undersized fraction, and a first acceptable fraction; and a second pulverizing device configured to pulverize at least one of the first oversized fraction and the first undersized fraction to form a further evaporite mineral feedstock, the second pulverizing device being different from the first pulverizing device; wherein the separator is further configured to separate the further evaporite mineral feedstock into at least one of a second oversized fraction and a second undersized fraction, and a second acceptable fraction; and the evaporite mineral powder is formed from the first acceptable fraction and the second acceptable fraction.

[0027] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a production facility for forming evaporite mineral products is provided, the production facility comprising: a first pulverizing device configured to pulverize an evaporite mineral feed to form an evaporite mineral feedstock; a separator configured to separate the evaporite mineral into at least one of a first oversized fraction and a first undersized fraction, and a first acceptable fraction; and a second pulverizing device configured to pulverize at least one of the first oversized fraction and the first undersized fraction to form a further evaporite mineral feedstock, the second pulverizing device being different from the first pulverizing device; wherein the separator is further configured to separate the further evaporite mineral feedstock into at least one of a second oversized fraction and a second undersized fraction, and a second acceptable fraction; and the evaporite mineral powder is formed from the first acceptable fraction and the second acceptable fraction, the evaporite mineral product being evaporite mineral powder.

[0028] According to a sixth aspect of the invention, a production facility for forming evaporite mineral products is provided, the production facility comprising: a first pulverizing device configured to pulverize an evaporite mineral feed to form an evaporite mineral feedstock; a second pulverizing device configured to pulverize a further evaporite mineral feedstock, the second pulverizing device being different from the first pulverizing device; and a separator configured to separate the further evaporite mineral feedstock into at least one of a first oversized fraction and a first undersized fraction, and a first acceptable fraction; wherein the evaporite mineral product is formed from the first acceptable fraction, and at least a portion of the first oversized fraction is output as debris.

[0029] The invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings:

[0030] Figure 1 An exemplary evaporite mineral powder pulverization process is shown.

[0031] Figure 2 The first evaporite mineral powder pulverization process of the present invention is shown.

[0032] Figure 3 The second evaporite mineral powder pulverization process of the present invention is shown.

[0033] Figure 4 The third evaporite mineral powder pulverization process of the present invention is shown.

[0034] Figure 5 The fourth evaporite mineral powder pulverization process of the present invention is shown.

[0035] Figure 6 The process for forming evaporite mineral pellets according to the present invention is shown.

[0036] Figures 2 to 5 Four processes 200, 300, 400, and 500 are shown for crushing evaporite mineral supply 211 to output evaporite mineral powder 221. Figure 3 The process 300 can also output debris 301. Figure 4 Process 400 can also output further fragments 401. Processes 300 and 400 can be combined to simultaneously output fragments 301 and further fragments 401. The remaining aspects of processes 200, 300, and 400 can be the same. Process 500 can output fragments 301 and / or further fragments 401. Evaporite mineral powder 221, fragments 301, and / or further fragments 401 can provide evaporite mineral products.

[0037] The evaporite mineral supply 211 can be prepared such that there are essentially no lumps larger than a predetermined size. This predetermined size can be, for example, 150 mm or about (i.e., a size less than 150 mm).

[0038] Evaporite mineral supply 211 may include polyhalite. Evaporite mineral powder 221 may be polyhalite powder.

[0039] Evaporite mineral supply 211 can be pulverized. Evaporite mineral supply 211 can be fed into a first pulverizing device 201. Evaporite mineral supply 211 can be manually or via a feeding device into the first pulverizing device 201. The first pulverizing device 201 can pulverize evaporite mineral supply 211 to form evaporite mineral feed 212. Therefore, evaporite mineral feed 212 may include particles smaller than evaporite mineral supply 211. The first pulverizing device 201 may be a mineral classifier. The first pulverizing device 201 can initially pulverize evaporite mineral supply 211 into evaporite mineral feed 212. Evaporite mineral feed 212 can be pulverized to a gravel size: for example, to less than 20 mm or about. Gravel-like polyhalite may substantially lack lumps larger than, for example, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, or 30 mm. The gravelly polyhalite, comprising 70%, 80%, or 90% by weight, can be larger than 200 micrometers in size. Typically, crushing can produce a range of sizes, so feed 212 can contain a range of sizes from powder up to, for example, 10 mm, 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, or 30 mm. In other words, the first crushing device 201 can “crush” large particles into smaller ones.

[0040] Evaporite feed 212 can be separated. Evaporite feed 212 can be fed into a first separator 203. The first separator 203 can be a first screening device 203. Evaporite feed 212 can be manually or via a feeding device into the first separator 203. Alternatively, evaporite feed 212 can fall from a first crushing device 201 into the first screening device 203. The first screening device 203 can separate evaporite feed 212. Evaporite feed 212 can be separated into a first acceptable size fraction 213a. Evaporite feed 212 can be separated into at least one of a first oversized fraction 213b, 213c, and a first undersized fraction.

[0041] The particles in the first acceptable size fraction 213a may include diameters falling within a predetermined acceptable size range. If the only first unacceptable size fraction is the first oversized size fractions 213b and 213c, then the predetermined acceptable size range of the first acceptable size fraction 213a may only include the upper limit. In other words, any particles in the evaporite mineral feed 212 with a diameter below the upper limit can pass through the screen of the first screening device 203 to form the first acceptable size fraction 213a. This example is in... Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, the first qualified size fraction 213a falls to the bottom of the first screening device 203.

[0042] Alternatively, if the only first non-compliant size category is the first ultra-small size category, then the predetermined compliant size range of the first compliant size category 213a may only include the lower limit range. In other words, any particles in the evaporite mineral feed 212 with a diameter greater than the lower limit may remain on the screen of the first screening device 203 to form the first compliant size category 213a.

[0043] Alternatively, if a first oversized size fraction 213b, 213c and a first undersized size fraction exist, the predetermined qualified size range of the first qualified size fraction 213a may include an upper limit range and a lower limit range. In this case, the first screening device 203 may include two screens with successively decreasing apertures. Any particles in the evaporite mineral feed 212 with a diameter lower than the upper limit and higher than the lower limit may pass through the first screen of the first screening device 203 and remain on the second screen to form the first qualified size fraction 213a.

[0044] The first non-conforming size fraction can be returned for further pulverization. The first oversized size fractions 213b and 213c can also be returned for further pulverization. This is in Figure 2 As shown in the diagram, the first ultra-small size fraction can be returned for further pulverization. All of the first ultra-large size fractions 213b, 213c and / or the ultra-small size fractions can be returned for further pulverization.

[0045] Alternatively, the first oversized fractions 213b and 213c can be output as debris. Alternatively, the first oversized fractions 213b and 213c can be separated such that at least a portion of the first oversized fractions 213b and 213c is output as debris. A first screening device 203 can separate the first oversized fractions 213b and 213c. The first oversized fractions 213b and 213c can be separated into a primary first oversized fraction 213b and a secondary first oversized fraction 213c. The primary first oversized fraction 213b can be output as debris 301. In this case, the first screening device 203 may include two screens with successively decreasing apertures. Any particles in the evaporite mineral feed 212 with a diameter below the upper limit and above the lower limit of the debris can pass through the first screen of the first screening device 203 and remain on the second screen to form debris 301. This is in Figure 3 As shown in the diagram. Debris 301 can be used as fertilizer in its raw ore form. Debris 301 can provide evaporite mineral products.

[0046] The predetermined acceptable size range may include an upper limit of 5 mm to 8 mm. Preferably, the predetermined acceptable size range may include an upper limit of 5 mm. The lower limit of the debris may be the same as the upper limit of the predetermined acceptable size range. The upper limit of the debris may be 20 mm to 25 mm. Preferably, the upper limit of the debris may be 20 mm.

[0047] The first non-compliant size fraction can be crushed. The first oversized size fractions 213b, 213c and / or the first undersized size fraction can be crushed. The first oversized size fractions 213b, 213c and / or the first undersized size fraction can be fed into the second crushing device 202. The first oversized size fractions 213b, 213c and / or the first undersized size fraction can be fed into the second crushing device 202 manually or via a feeding device. Alternatively, the first oversized size fractions 213b, 213c and / or the first undersized size fraction can fall from the first screening device 203 into the second crushing device 202. The second crushing device 202 can crush the first oversized size fractions 213b, 213c and / or the first undersized size fraction. The second crushing device 202 can crush the first oversized size fractions 213b, 213c and / or the first undersized size fraction to form further evaporite mineral feed 214. Therefore, the further evaporite mineral feed 214 may include particles smaller than the first oversized fractions 213b, 213c and / or the first undersized fraction. The second pulverizing device 202 may be a high-pressure grinding roller (HGPR) device. The second pulverizing device 202 may provide secondary pulverization for the substandard fractions 213b, 213c. The second pulverizing device 202 may not significantly reduce the particle size of the first undersized fraction. However, pulverizing the first oversized fractions 213b, 213c together with the first undersized fraction can improve the efficiency of the HGPR. This may be because smaller particles help fill the gaps around larger particles in the HGPR, which can increase the pressure and pulverizing force on the larger particles. In other words, the second pulverizing device 202 can "crush" the small particles into powder.

[0048] The first crushing device 201 and the second crushing device 202 can be different devices. For example Figures 2 to 4 As shown, the first crushing device 201 and the second crushing device 202 may not be arranged sequentially in the manufacturing equipment pipeline. An intermediate device may be positioned between the first crushing device 201 and the second crushing device 202 in the manufacturing equipment pipeline. The output from the first crushing device 201 may not be directly fed into the second crushing device 202. The output from the first crushing device 201 may pass through the intermediate device before being fed into the second crushing device 202. The first crushing device 201 and the second crushing device 202 may be provided by different types of machines. The first crushing device 201 may be configured to crush larger particles than the second crushing device 202. The first crushing device 201 may be able to receive larger particles than the second crushing device 202. The average particle size output by the first crushing device 201 may be larger than that of the second crushing device 202.

[0049] Alternatively, such as Figure 5As shown, the first crushing device 201 and the second crushing device 202 can be arranged sequentially in the manufacturing equipment pipeline. An intermediate device may not be located between the first crushing device 201 and the second crushing device 202 in the manufacturing equipment pipeline. The output from the first crushing device 201 can be directly input into the second crushing device 202. The output from the first crushing device 201 may not pass through an intermediate device before being input into the second crushing device 202.

[0050] Further evaporite feed 214 can be separated. Further evaporite feed 214 can be fed into a first screening device 203. Further evaporite feed 214 can be fed into the first screening device 203 manually or via a feeding device. Alternatively, further evaporite feed 214 can fall from a second crushing device 202 into the first screening device 203. The first screening device 203 can separate the further evaporite feed 214. Alternatively, further evaporite feed 214 can be separated by a screening device different from the first screening device 203. Further evaporite feed 214 can be separated into a second acceptable size fraction 213a. Further evaporite feed 214 can be separated into at least one of a second oversized fraction 213b, 213c and a second undersized fraction. Further evaporite feed 214 can be incorporated into the stream of evaporite feed 212. Therefore, at least one of the second oversized size categories 213b and 213c and the second undersized size category, as well as the second qualified size category 213a, can be incorporated into the logistics of the first oversized size categories 213b and 213c and the first undersized size category, as well as the first qualified size category 213a.

[0051] In other words, any out-of-size particles from the first screening device 203 can be recycled via the second crushing device 202 and then reintroduced into the evaporite feed 212. This way, out-of-size particles are not wasted and can be crushed again until they reach the acceptable size. This reduces material waste.

[0052] In addition, such as Figures 2 to 4 As shown, by first feeding the evaporite feed 212 into the first screening device 203 instead of first passing it through the second crushing device 202, any particles of the acceptable size from the first crushing device 201 can pass directly through. Thus, a smaller amount of the evaporite feed 212 flows through the second crushing device 202. This reduces energy consumption.

[0053] Alternatively, such as Figure 5 As shown, the evaporite mineral feed 212 can be directly fed from the first crushing device 201 into the second crushing device 202 as needed.

[0054] The first qualified size fraction 213a can be separated. The first qualified size fraction 213a can be fed into the air separator 204. The first qualified size fraction 213a can be fed into the air separator 204 manually or by a feeding device. Alternatively, the first qualified size fraction 213a can fall from the first screening device 203 into the air separator 204. The air separator 204 can separate the first qualified size fraction 213a. The first qualified size fraction 213a can be separated into qualified shape fraction 215a. The first qualified size fraction 213a can be separated into unqualified shape fraction 215b.

[0055] Morphology may include at least one of size and density. Particles in a qualified morphology grade 215a may include at least one of size and density falling within a predetermined qualified morphology range. Qualified morphology grade 215a may include all sizes and densities falling within the predetermined qualified morphology range. In other words, the size and density of the particles each meet the criteria of the predetermined qualified morphology range. Size requirements may be based on diameter.

[0056] Acceptable morphology segment 215a can rise to the top of the air separator 204. Unacceptable morphology segment 215b can fall to the bottom of the air separator 204. For example... Figures 2 to 5 As shown, the predetermined acceptable morphology range may include only the upper limit, thus larger particles may form an unacceptable morphology category 215b. Alternatively, the predetermined acceptable morphology range may include only the lower limit, thus smaller particles may form an unacceptable morphology category.

[0057] The upper limit can be a diameter of 1 mm to 2 mm. Preferably, the upper limit can be a diameter of 1 mm. The lower limit can be a diameter of 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm. Preferably, the lower limit can be a diameter of 0.6 mm. More preferably, the predetermined acceptable shape range can be a diameter in the range of 0.6 mm to 1 mm.

[0058] The non-conforming morphology grade 215b can be separated. The non-conforming morphology grade 215b can be fed into a second separator 205. The second separator 205 can be a second screening device 205. The non-conforming morphology grade 215b can be fed into the second screening device 205 manually or via a feeding device. Alternatively, the non-conforming morphology grade 215b can fall from the air separator 204 into the second screening device 205. The second screening device 205 can separate the non-conforming morphology grade 215b. The non-conforming morphology grade 215b can be separated into further conforming size grades 216a. The non-conforming morphology grade 215b can be separated into at least one of further oversized grades 216b, 216c and further undersized grades.

[0059] The particles in the further acceptable size fraction 216a may include diameters falling within a predetermined further acceptable size range. If the only further unacceptable size fraction is the further oversized size fractions 216b, 216c, then the predetermined further acceptable size range of the further acceptable size fraction 216a may only include the upper limit. In other words, any particles in the unacceptable size fraction 215b with a diameter below the upper limit may pass through the screen of the second screening device 205 to form the further acceptable size fraction 216a. This example is in Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown, further qualified size fractions 216a fall to the bottom of the second screening device 205.

[0060] Alternatively, if the only further non-conforming size category is a further ultra-small size category, then the predetermined further conforming size range of the further conforming size category 216a may only include the lower limit range. In other words, any particles in the non-conforming size category 215b with a diameter greater than the lower limit may remain on the screen of the second screening device 205 to form the further conforming size category 216a.

[0061] Alternatively, if further oversized fractions 216b, 216c and further undersized fractions exist, the predetermined further qualified size range of the further qualified size fraction 216a may include an upper limit range and a lower limit range. In this case, the second screening device 205 may include two screens with successively decreasing apertures. Any particles in the non-qualified morphology fraction 215b with a diameter below the upper limit and above the lower limit may pass through the first screen of the second screening device 205 and remain on the second screen to form the further qualified size fraction 216a.

[0062] Further non-conforming size fractions 216b and 216c can be returned for further pulverization. Further oversized size fractions 216b and 216c can also be returned for further pulverization. This is in Figure 2 As shown in the diagram. The first ultra-small size fraction can be returned for further pulverization. All further ultra-large size fractions 213b, 213c and / or ultra-small size fractions can be returned for further pulverization. Figure 2 In the case shown, the further qualified size fraction 216a is also returned for further pulverization.

[0063] Alternatively, the further oversized fractions 216b and 216c can be output as debris. Alternatively, the further oversized fractions 216b and 216c can be separated such that at least a portion of the further oversized fractions 216b and 216c can be output as debris. A second screening device 205 can separate the further oversized fractions 216b and 216c. The further oversized fractions 216b and 216c can be separated into a primary further oversized fraction 216b and a secondary further oversized fraction 216c. The primary further oversized fraction 216b can be output as further debris 401. In this case, the second screening device 205 may include two screens with successively decreasing apertures. Any particles in the non-conforming fraction 215b with a diameter below the upper limit and above the lower limit of the debris can pass through the first screen of the second screening device 205 and remain on the second screen to form further debris 401. This is in Figure 4 As shown in the diagram. Further fragments 401 can be used as fertilizer in their original ore form. Further fragments 401 can provide evaporite mineral products.

[0064] The predetermined further acceptable size range may include an upper limit of 1 mm to 2 mm. Preferably, the predetermined further acceptable size range may include an upper limit of 1 mm. The lower limit of the debris may be the same as the upper limit of the predetermined acceptable size range. The upper limit of the debris may be 5 mm to 8 mm. Preferably, the upper limit of the debris may be 5 mm.

[0065] The predetermined further acceptable size range can be lower than the predetermined acceptable size range. Therefore, the acceptable size particles from the second screening device 205 can be smaller than the acceptable size particles from the first screening device 203. The first screening device 203 can form a coarse filter, and the second screening device 205 can form a fine filter. Thus, the debris 301 from the first screening device 203 can be larger than the further debris 401 from the second screening device 205. This can be useful because debris of different sizes can be output, which may have different properties and / or uses.

[0066] like Figure 5 As shown, both debris 301 and further debris 401 can be output. Debris 301 and / or further debris 401 can be output as needed. Figure 5 It is also shown that the evaporite feed 212 is fed directly from the first crushing unit 201 into the second crushing unit 202. In this embodiment, the direct feeding of the evaporite feed 212 can be combined with the production of shavings and / or further shavings 401.

[0067] Further non-compliant size fractions 216b and 216c can be pulverized. Further oversized size fractions 216b and 216c and / or further undersized size fractions can be pulverized. Further oversized size fractions 216b and 216c and / or further undersized size fractions can be fed into the second pulverizing unit 202. Further oversized size fractions 216b and 216c and / or further undersized size fractions can be fed into the second pulverizing unit 202 manually or via a feeding device. Alternatively, further oversized size fractions 216b and 216c and / or further undersized size fractions can fall from the second screening device 205 into the second pulverizing unit 202. As explained herein, further compliant size fraction 216a can also be fed into the second pulverizing unit 202 for pulverization. The second pulverizing unit 202 can pulverize further oversized size fractions 216b and 216c and / or further undersized size fractions. The second pulverizing device 202 can pulverize further oversized fractions 216b, 216c and / or further undersized fractions to form a further evaporite mineral feed 214. Therefore, the further evaporite mineral feed 214 may include particles smaller than the further oversized fractions 216b, 216c and / or the further undersized fractions. The second pulverizing device 202 can provide secondary pulverization of the further undersized fractions 216b, 216c. The second pulverizing device 202 may not significantly reduce the particle size of the further undersized fractions. However, pulverizing the further oversized fractions 216b, 216c together with the further undersized fractions can improve the efficiency of the HPGR. This may be because smaller particles help fill the gaps around larger particles in the HPGR, which can increase the pressure and pulverizing force on the larger particles.

[0068] Four processes 200, 300, 400, and 500 used for pulverizing evaporite minerals (supply 211) can output evaporite mineral powder (221). Evaporite mineral powder (221) can provide evaporite mineral products. Qualified morphology fraction (215a) can provide evaporite mineral powder (221). Qualified morphology fraction (215a) can provide all evaporite mineral powder (221). This is in... Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown in the figure. Furthermore, a further qualified size fraction 216a can provide evaporite mineral powder 221. In other words, the combination of qualified morphology fraction 215a and further qualified size fraction 216a can be output as evaporite mineral powder 221 (not shown in the figure).

[0069] Alternatively, the first qualified size fraction 213a can provide evaporite mineral powder 221. In other words, the evaporite mineral powder 221 can be formed by the first crushing device 201 and the first screening device 203 (and optionally the second crushing device 202), without the need for the air separator 204 and the second screening device 205. The first qualified size fraction 213a output from the first screening device 203 can provide evaporite mineral powder 221.

[0070] Alternatively, a combination of the above options may be used. Evaporite mineral powder 221 may be provided by one or more of a first qualified size fraction 213a, a qualified morphology fraction 215a, and a further qualified size fraction 216a. Which options are used may depend on the selected screen size and air separator settings, as well as the size requirements of the evaporite mineral powder 221.

[0071] Figure 6 A process 600 for forming evaporite mineral particles is shown. Evaporite mineral powder 221 can be processed to form granulated evaporite material product 616. Although Figure 6 Some of the processing steps are shown in the diagram, but it should be understood that some steps may be removed or added depending on the requirements of pelletized evaporite material product 616.

[0072] Evaporite mineral powder 221 may be fed into mixer 601. Mixer 601 may be a belt mixer. Mixer 601 may mix evaporite mineral powder 221 with other components used to form pellets. Evaporite mineral powder 221 may be mixed with a binder. Evaporite mineral powder 221 may be mixed with a liquid. Evaporite mineral powder 221 may be mixed with binder and liquid to form mixture 611. Evaporite mineral powder 221 may be mixed with binder first, followed by the addition of water. Alternatively, binder and water may be premixed before the addition of evaporite mineral powder 221. Binder may include starch. Liquid may include water. Evaporite mineral powder 221, binder, and liquid may be mixed until mixture 611 is homogeneous.

[0073] In the following description, the amounts of water and binder added are specified as a percentage by mass relative to the mass of the powder added. The amount of water added may depend on the inherent water content of the evaporite mineral powder 221 (e.g., polyhalite) and the nature of subsequent processing steps. However, it has been found that when the binder is a starch-based binder (e.g., starch itself or flour), acceptable results can be obtained by adding water in the range of 5% to 10%, more preferably 7% to 8%. In a later stage of the process, excess water is removed from the formed pellets by drying. This can be energy-intensive, so it is preferable to minimize the amount of water added while ensuring the production of acceptable bonded pellet products. The preferred amount of water added can be readily determined by testing. The amount of binder added will depend on the nature of the binder. For typical binders, such as starch or flour, the amount added may be in the range of 0.5% to 4%, preferably 0.5% to 3%, more preferably 0.5% to 1.5%. The binder may be a starch-based binder, such as purified starch or flour, or a binder such as PVA.

[0074] One option as a binder is purified starch. Its addition can range from 0.5% to 1.0%. Another option as a binder is flour. Flour can be formed by grinding a starchy plant substrate (such as one or more types of plant roots or seeds). Flour can be formed, for example, from the seeds of cereals (such as wheat, corn, or rye) or legumes (such as peas). Flour can be raw flour: that is, flour formed by grinding the underlying biological material and not substantially bleached or refined. Flour can be whole wheat flour. Flour can be formed from material for which the germ and / or bran have not been separated. Flour may include starch and fats (such as oils) or proteins, or both. Germ is an important source of fat. Flour may contain more than 1.0% or more than 2.0% germ by weight. Flour may contain more than 0.05% or more than 0.1% or more than 0.2% fat, or more than 0.4% fat by weight. Bran is an important source of protein. Flour may contain more than 8% or more than 12% bran by weight. Flour may contain more than 0.5%, 1.0%, 4.0%, 8.0%, or 10% protein by weight. Flour may contain more than 50%, 55%, or 60% starch by weight. Flour may contain less than 90%, 80%, or 70% starch by weight. Flour may contain more than 1% or 2% lipids by weight. Flour may contain more than 0.2% or 0.4% fatty acids by weight. A suitable example composition of flour is as follows: 3% lipids, 7.5% protein, 13.5% moisture, 3.6% fiber, 0.5% fatty acids, 2.5% ash, and 69.4% starch. Flour may contain gluten. Flour may contain more than 5.0%, 8.0%, or 10% gluten by weight.

[0075] Flour has been found to have advantages as a binder in this process for the following reasons:

[0076] 1. When granulated fertilizers bound with flour are introduced into a growing medium (e.g., soil) and decompose, proteins and oils from the flour are released into the growing medium. The proteins, and possibly the oils, attract and support the growth of mycorrhizal organisms. These organisms promote the growth of the target plant and supplement the nutrient supply effect of the fertilizer composition itself.

[0077] 2. Flour is generally less flammable than refined starch, which can even be explosive. This improves safety and makes flour less expensive to handle.

[0078] 3. Flour is much cheaper than some alternative binders, such as refined starch.

[0079] 4. The type of flour used can depend on the availability of suitable starchy crops that are readily available near the pelleting plant, and can vary with the seasons without significantly affecting pellet yield.

[0080] When the binder is starch or flour, a convenient practice is to mix it with water and then add the binder-water mixture to the polyhalite powder. This improves the mixing of the binder and the mineral powder. The starch contained in the binder can be gelatinized before being mixed with the mineral powder. This can be achieved, for example, by atmospheric pressure cooking or jet cooking. For this purpose, the binder can be added to water at a temperature above 55 degrees Celsius, more preferably above 80 degrees Celsius; or the binder can be added to water and the binder / water mixture heated to that temperature range. The binder can be added to the water in the same proportion as intended to be added to the powder, or alternatively, additional water can be added after the water / binder mixture has been added to the mineral powder. As part of the starch cooking process, water can be added to the binder in liquid or steam form. The starch cooking process can be carried out at atmospheric pressure and / or above atmospheric pressure. The cooking process can be completed before the binder mixture is added to the polyhalite powder.

[0081] The mixture 611 can be fed into a pelletizer 602. The pelletizer 602 can be a disc pelletizer. The pelletizer 602 can form the mixture 611 into pellets 612. The pelletizer 602 can be configured to output pellets 612 during its operation, thereby allowing continuous operation. Alternatively, the pelletizer 602 can operate in batches, with materials processed according to a defined procedure and then discharged as a whole.

[0082] Alternatively, a single unit can provide both mixing and pelletizing functions simultaneously. An example of such equipment is a high-intensity mixer / granulator, such as those available from Maschinenfabrik Gustav Eirich GmbH & Co KG.

[0083] Before or after discharge from pelletizer 602, the formed pellets 612 may be coated with dry powder before subsequent sieving. This helps prevent them from sticking together or breaking during subsequent sieving or related processing. Further polyhalite powder may be added to pelletizer 602 near the end of the pelletizing process. The polyhalite powder can be used to coat the pellets 612 with a dry coating, which facilitates subsequent processing. The amount of polyhalite powder added at this stage may be between 5% and 15% by mass of the contents of pelletizer 602, more preferably between 8% and 12% by mass. The additional polyhalite may be added 10 to 15 seconds before the pelletizing process is completed. The pelletizing process may be completed when the pellets are discharged from pelletizer 602. Alternatively, dry powder may not be added.

[0084] Pellet 612 can be fed into a drying apparatus 603. The drying apparatus 603 may include a heater. Pellet 612 can be dried to form dried pellets 613. Pellet 612 can be dried by heating with the heater. It has been found that holding the pellets 612 in a dryer at a temperature of approximately 130 degrees Celsius for about 10 to 20 minutes is sufficient to fully dry the pellets 612. This allows the pellets 612 to harden. Pellet made using polyhalite powder and flour as a binder can have a crush strength exceeding 4.0 kgf and / or exceeding 5.0 kgf. This is advantageous compared to the generally accepted lower limit of 2.5 kgf for agricultural pellets of 2.36 mm to 2.8 mm. Moisture can be extracted from the dryer using a reverse-jet air filter. The operating temperature and residence time in the dryer can be selected to provide dried pellets 613 with the desired strength for subsequent processing.

[0085] The dried pellets 613 can be fed into a third screening device 604. The dried pellets 613 can be separated into at least one of an oversized pellet fraction 614c and an undersized pellet fraction 614a, and a qualified pellet fraction 614b. The qualified pellet fraction 614b can fall within a predetermined qualified pellet size range. The predetermined qualified pellet size range can have an upper limit of 4 mm and a lower limit of 2 mm. Alternatively, other sizes can be selected depending on the required application. Unqualified pellets, i.e., the oversized pellet fraction 614c and the undersized pellet fraction 614a, can be recycled. The oversized pellet fraction 614c can be pulverized and then returned to the mixer 601. The oversized pellet fraction 614c can be pulverized in an auxiliary pulverizer (not shown). The undersized pellet fraction 614a can be directly returned to the pelletizer 602.

[0086] Alternatively, the pellets 612 may be sieved by a third screening device 604 before drying in the drying apparatus 603. In this case, the predetermined acceptable size range of the pellets can be larger to account for shrinkage during the drying process. Alternatively, the pellets 612 may be sieved both before and after drying.

[0087] The dried pellet size fraction 614b can be fed into a cooling device 605. The cooling device 605 may include a refrigeration unit. The pellet size fraction 614b can be cooled to form cooled pellets 615. The pellets 615 can be cooled by cooling them with a refrigeration unit. The cooling device 605 is optional. The pellet size fraction 614b can be cooled in air. This may be more energy-efficient, but less time-efficient. The pellet size fraction 614b may not be cooled at all.

[0088] Cooled pellets 615 may be fed into a coating apparatus 606. The coating apparatus 606 may coat the cooled pellets 615 with a coating. The coating apparatus 606 may include a rotating drum. The coating may be added to the drum along with the cooled pellets 615. Rotation of the drum allows the cooled pellets to be coated with the coating. The coating apparatus 606 may include a sprayer. The coating may be sprayed onto the cooled pellets 615. The coating may be, for example, a wax or waxy coating. The coating may serve as a moisture barrier and / or an anti-caking agent and / or a dust suppressant. The coating may include a further fertilizer composition. More than one coating may be applied. A first coating may be applied by either a rotating drum or a sprayer. A second coating may be applied by either a rotating drum or a sprayer. The coating apparatus 606 is optional. The cooled pellets 615 may be left uncoated.

[0089] Alternatively, the qualified particle size fraction 614b can be coated by the coating device 606 before cooling the qualified particle size fraction 614b in the cooling device 605. In this case, the coating can be applied at a higher temperature.

[0090] The processed pellets can be output as pelletized evaporite mineral product 616. As explained herein, one or more processing steps may be optional. Therefore, pelletized evaporite mineral product 616 can be the output of any of the devices 601, 602, 603, 604, 605, 606. Pelleted evaporite mineral product 616 can provide evaporite mineral products.

[0091] Pelleted evaporite mineral product 616 may contain other additives. Such additives may be one or more of the following, in any combination:

[0092] - Components with chemical and / or mechanical stabilizing and / or pellet-preserving effects: for example, extending their shelf life, reducing their sensitivity to environmental pollutants, or reducing their likelihood of breakage during application;

[0093] - Components that enhance the effectiveness of polyhalite fertilization: for example, accelerating or delaying the decomposition of polyhalite in the field;

[0094] - Components that protect or promote crop growth through means other than fertilization: such as herbicides, fungicides, insecticides, rodenticides, hormones, plant stimulants, or mycorrhizal fungi or spores;

[0095] - Seeds: These may be the seeds of angiosperms and / or the seeds of crop species (e.g., cereals such as wheat, corn, rice, millet, barley, oats, or rye).

[0096] - Further fertilizer compositions in addition to polyhalite: for example, nitrogen and / or phosphorus sources;

[0097] - Pigments;

[0098] - Components that can alter soil pH: such as lime, sulfur, or sulfates.

[0099] This component can be added at various stages of the process, for example, it can be mixed with polyhalite powder before or during the first mixing stage as described above, or mixed with binder before the first mixing stage as described above, or mixed with polyhalite / binder mixture between the first and second mixing steps as described above, or mixed during the second mixing step as described above, or it can be added to disc pelletizer 602, or it can be sprayed or otherwise coated onto pellets before or after drying.

[0100] The polyhalite content in the obtained pellets is preferably greater than 75% by weight, more preferably greater than 80%, and most preferably greater than 90%. For pellets containing seeds, this ratio can be optionally changed so that the polyhalite content in the pellets, excluding the weight of the seeds, is greater than 75% by weight, more preferably 80%, and most preferably greater than 90%.

[0101] The pellets are preferably substantially spherical and have substantially uniform volume and mass. The average Wadler sphericity of the pellets may be greater than 0.85, 0.90, or 0.95. The pellets are preferably substantially free of voids, for example, having no more than 1%, 2%, or 5% air by volume.

[0102] The above process can be used for pelleting minerals other than polyhalite, particularly for pelleting feeds mainly composed of one or more evaporite minerals, especially other chloride minerals. These may include any one or more of anhydrous gypsum, carnallite, gypsum, rock salt, potassium magnesium alum, hydrous magnesium alum, heterohalite, and / or potassium salts. This process is particularly suitable for pelleting feeds mainly composed of minerals that are substantially hygroscopic when freshly powdered and / or have a Mohs hardness in the range of 2 to 4. The resulting pellets can be used for purposes other than fertilization.

[0103] Pelleted evaporite mineral product 616 can be packaged, for example, in 600 kg bags or 25 kg bags, or transported in bulk for use elsewhere or further processing.

[0104] Pelleted evaporite mineral product 616 can then be transported for use as fertilizer. This product can be used as fertilizer by spreading the pellets on the surface of a growing medium (such as soil) or by mixing the pellets into the growing medium.

[0105] Processes 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 can be performed by manufacturing equipment. Manufacturing equipment may include a manufacturing plant. Steps in processes 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 may be performed at different locations. For example, pulverizing processes 200, 300, 400, and 500 may be performed at a first location, and pelletizing process 600 may be performed at a second location. Units 201 to 205 and 601 to 606 may be located at the same or different locations. Conveyors, screw conveyors, or other handling equipment may be used to move the components between units 201 to 205 and 601 to 606. Processes 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 can be automated, eliminating the need for human interaction. Processes 200, 300, 400, 500, and 600 may be monitored by monitoring equipment (e.g., cameras and sensors) to maintain quality. For example, the output can be inspected after each of devices 201 to 205 and 601 to 606. Quality inspection can be manual, automatic, or a combination of both. Devices 201 to 205 and 601 to 606, described herein as optional, can be added to or removed from the manufacturing equipment as needed. Devices 201 to 205 and 601 to 606 can be reconfigured within the manufacturing equipment.

[0106] The applicant hereby separately discloses each individual feature described herein, as well as any combination of two or more such features, provided that such features or combinations can be implemented in accordance with the entire specification and based on the common knowledge of those skilled in the art, regardless of whether such features or combinations of features solve any problem disclosed herein, and without limiting the scope of the claims. The applicant notes that aspects of the invention may consist of any such individual features or combinations of features. In view of the foregoing description, those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications can be made within the scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A method for forming evaporite mineral products, the method comprising: The first crushing device is used to crush the evaporite mineral supply to form an evaporite mineral feed; The evaporite mineral feed is separated into at least one of a first ultra-large size fraction and a first ultra-small size fraction, as well as a first qualified size fraction; At least one of the first ultra-large size fraction and the first ultra-small size fraction is crushed using a second crushing device to form further evaporite mineral feed, the second crushing device being different from the first crushing device; The further evaporite mineral feed is separated into at least one of a second ultra-large size fraction and a second ultra-small size fraction, as well as a second qualified size fraction; and The evaporite mineral product is formed from the first qualified size fraction and the second qualified size fraction, and the evaporite mineral product is evaporite mineral powder.

2. A method for forming evaporite mineral products, the method comprising: The first crushing device is used to crush the evaporite mineral supply to form an evaporite mineral feed; The evaporite feed is pulverized using a second pulverizing device to form a further evaporite feed, the second pulverizing device being different from the first pulverizing device; The further evaporite mineral feed is separated into at least one of a first ultra-large size fraction and a first ultra-small size fraction, as well as a first qualified size fraction; as well as The evaporite mineral product is formed from the first qualified size fraction; At least a portion of the first ultra-large size fraction is output as debris.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first pulverizing device is configured to pulverize larger particles than the second pulverizing device.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The first crushing device is a mineral classifier.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The second crushing device is a high-pressure crushing roller (HPGR) device.

6. The method according to any of the preceding claims when dependent on claim 1, wherein, The separation of the evaporite mineral feed and the further separation of the evaporite mineral feed are both carried out by the first screening device.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: The first qualified size grade is separated into qualified shape grade and unqualified shape grade, wherein the shape includes at least one of size and density; as well as The evaporite mineral product is formed from the qualified morphological fractions.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein, The qualified morphology fraction includes at least one of the size and density that fall within the predetermined qualified morphology range.

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein, The predetermined acceptable shape range includes an upper limit of 1 mm to 2 mm and a lower limit of 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm.

10. The method according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein, The first qualified size category is separated into the qualified shape category and the unqualified shape category by an air sorter.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising separating the non-conforming morphology fraction into at least one of a further oversized fraction and a further undersized fraction, as well as a further conforming fraction.

12. The method according to claim 11, further comprising: Crush at least one of the further ultra-large size fractions and the further ultra-small size fractions to form a further evaporite mineral feed; as well as The further evaporite mineral feed is separated into at least one of a third ultra-large size fraction and a third ultra-small size fraction, as well as a third qualified size fraction; as well as The evaporite mineral product is formed from the first qualified size fraction, the second qualified size fraction, and the third qualified size fraction.

13. The method according to claim 10, wherein, At least a portion of the first super-large size fraction, the second super-large size fraction, and / or the third super-large size fraction is output as debris; and / or wherein at least a portion of the further super-large size fraction is output as further debris.

14. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein, The separation of the non-conforming morphology into at least one of the further oversized morphology and the further undersized morphology, as well as the further conforming morphology, is performed by a second screening device.

15. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 14 when dependent on claim 6, wherein, The further separation of the evaporite minerals is carried out by the first screening device.

16. The method according to any one of claims 12 to 15 when dependent on claim 5, wherein, The crushing of at least one of the further ultra-large size fractions and the further ultra-small size fractions to form a further evaporite mineral feed is performed by the high-pressure crushing roller (HPGR) device.

17. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The particles in the first qualified size fraction, the second qualified size fraction, and / or the third qualified size fraction include diameters falling within a predetermined qualified size range.

18. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 17, wherein, The further qualified size fraction includes particles with diameters falling within a predetermined further qualified size range.

19. The method according to claim 18 when dependent on claim 17, wherein, The predetermined acceptable size range is lower than the predetermined further acceptable size range.

20. The method according to any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein, The predetermined acceptable size range includes an upper limit of 1 mm to 2 mm.

21. The method according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein, The predetermined further qualified size range includes an upper limit of 5 mm to 8 mm.

22. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The evaporite mineral supply includes polyhalite.

23. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The method also includes processing the evaporite mineral product to form granulated evaporite material products.

24. The method according to claim 23, wherein, The processing includes mixing the first qualified size fraction and / or the qualified morphology fraction with an adhesive and a liquid to form a mixture, and optionally wherein the adhesive comprises starch and / or the liquid comprises water.

25. The method according to claim 23 or 24, wherein, The processing includes pelletizing the mixture to form pellets.

26. The method according to claim 25, wherein, The processing includes drying the pellets to form dried pellets.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein, The processing includes separating the dried pellets into at least one of an oversized pellet fraction and an undersized pellet fraction, as well as a qualified pellet fraction.

28. The method according to claim 27, wherein, The processing includes cooling the qualified size fractions of the pellets to form cooled pellets.

29. The method according to claim 28, wherein, The process includes coating the cooled pellets to form coated pellets.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein, The processing includes outputting the coated pellets to form pelletized evaporite mineral products.

31. A production facility for forming evaporite mineral products, the production facility comprising: A first crushing device is configured to crush evaporite mineral feed to form evaporite mineral feedstock. A separator configured to separate the evaporite minerals into at least one of a first ultra-large size fraction and a first ultra-small size fraction, as well as a first qualified size fraction; as well as A second pulverizing device, configured to pulverize at least one of the first large-size fraction and the first small-size fraction to form further evaporite mineral feed, is different from the first pulverizing device. The separator is further configured to separate the further evaporite mineral feed into at least one of a second ultra-large size fraction and a second ultra-small size fraction, as well as a second qualified size fraction; and the evaporite mineral powder is formed from the first qualified size fraction and the second qualified size fraction, and the evaporite mineral product is evaporite mineral powder.

32. A production facility for forming evaporite mineral products, the production facility comprising: A first crushing device is configured to crush evaporite mineral feed to form evaporite mineral feedstock. A second crushing device, configured to crush the further evaporite mineral feed, is different from the first crushing device; and A separator configured to separate the further evaporite mineral feed into at least one of a first ultra-large size fraction and a first ultra-small size fraction, and a first qualified size fraction; and The evaporite mineral product is formed from the first qualified size fraction, and at least a portion of the first oversized size fraction is output as debris.

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