Sub-Product

Potassium chloride (KCl) has a high solubility in water, making it suitable for brine solutions.

KCl brine is a mixture of water and potassium chloride (KCl) salt, with densities ranging from 8.33 to more than 19 lb/gal (1 to more than 2.28 g/cm³).

Thermal Expansion: The density of KCl brine decreases as temperature increases, with a coefficient of thermal expansion (β) that affects its behavior.

Applications of KCl brine in various industries include:

• Fertilizer production: As a key component in the production of potassium-based fertilizers.
• Drilling fluids: As a component in drilling fluids, particularly in oil and gas exploration, to achieve specific densities and properties.
• Food processing: As a food additive (E number E508) and in food processing, where it helps to preserve food and enhance flavor.
• Optical crystals: KCl crystals are used in optical applications, although they are hygroscopic and require protection from air^[1].

In the context of the chlor-alkali process, a saturated or nearly saturated brine solution is employed as a raw material fed to the electrolysis cell, which is about 24 weight-% concentrated in KCl^[2].

The following table provides densities and other characteristic values of KCl brine vs. KCl concentration^[3]:

References

1.  Brave Search Summarizer, 30^th Jul 2024, KCl Brine.
2. T. Brinkmann et al. Best Available Techniques (BAT) Reference Document for the Production of Chlor-alkali. Industrial Emissions Directive 2010/75/EU. EUR 26844. Luxembourg: Publications Office of the European Union; 2014. JRC91156.
3.  AMC MUD, AMC Salt Tables.