Photo: Phys.org

A research project at the University of Saskatchewan, if successful, could lead to less waste in the potash and fertilizer industry.

USask professor Lifeng Zhang says when potash comes into contact with moisture, it forms into large clumps. These clumps can no longer be used in the industry, and many of them end up getting wasted.

“So, as they form the clumps, they basically cannot be used directly, so either they need to be recycled or be wasted. That is what the current challenge is for using potash fertilizer.”

Zhang is using the Canadian Light Source to get a close-up look at how the bridge between potash particles is formed. This process will help them create a new substance that prevents the caking process from happening, as the agents currently used aren’t always affective.

“They work to some extent, but you still cannot avoid the complete caking or conglomeration and clumping phenomenon.”

He says although the study involves looking at very small particles, he believes the results will have a large impact on the fertilizer industry.

“We are very excited to be able to see this solid bridge (forming in the caking process) that cannot be seen by other tools. Really exciting.”

He is excited to partner with industry partners and potash producers, as this study is the first of its kind, and no one has ever studied the clumping process from such a close angle before.