Potassium carbonate

Particle size distribution (Granulometry)

Link to relevant study record(s)

Reference

Reference 1

Endpoint:

particle size distribution (granulometry)

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

guideline study

Qualifier:

according to guideline

Guideline:

other: ISO 13321 and USP <429>

Principles of method if other than guideline:

Laser diffraction method. The OECD Guideline 110 can only be applied to water-insoluble substances. Since the test item is soluble in water the laser diffraction method with dispersion of the dry powder in an air stream was chosen as an alternative. Although the particle size distribution is measured in an air stream, the measured particle sizes do not represent „aerodynamic“ diameters, but rather „geometric“ diameters.

GLP compliance:

yes (incl. QA statement)

Type of distribution:

volumetric distribution

Percentile:

D10

Mean:

3.5 µm

Remarks on result:

other: standard deviation: 3.316 - 3.606 µm

Percentile:

D50

Mean:

16.6 µm

Remarks on result:

other: standard deviation: 55.47 - 60.52 µm

Percentile:

D90

Mean:

58.6 µm

Remarks on result:

other: standard deviation: 16.37 - 16.93 µm

No.:

#1

Size:

> 200 µm

Distribution:

0 %

Remarks on result:

other: < 2 µm: 11.8%

No.:

#2

Size:

> 200 µm

Distribution:

0 %

Remarks on result:

other: < 2 µm: 11.5 %

No.:

#3

Size:

> 200 µm

Distribution:

0 %

Remarks on result:

other: < 2 µm: 11.0 %

Conclusions:

The particle size distribution of potassium carbonate powder was determined by the laser diffraction method with dry dispersion according to ISO 13321. Mean particle sizes were D10: 3.5 μm, D50: 16.6 μm, and D9058.6 μm. Particles with a diameter r < 2 μm were 11.4 %, with a diameter > 200 μm were 0%.

Executive summary:

The particle size distribution of potassium carbonate powder was determined by the laser diffraction method with dry dispersion according to ISO 13321. Mean particle sizes were D10: 3.5μm, D50: 16.6μm, and D90: 58.6μm. Particles with a diameter r < 2μm were 11.4 %, with a diameter > 200μm were 0%.

Reference 2

Endpoint:

particle size distribution (granulometry)

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

supporting study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Only short abstact available

Principles of method if other than guideline:

Compilation of the granulometry of potassium carbonate specifications

Remarks on result:

other: see Any other information on results

Table 1: Potassium carbonate POWDER PRODUCT

 

 

Particle size distribution[mm]	Particle size distribution[mesh]	Fraction Weight %
<0.25	< 60	97%

 

 

Table 2: Potassium carbonate GRANULAR PRODUCT

 

Particle size distribution[mm]	Particle size distribution[mesh]	Fraction Weight %
< 0.25	<60	4
0.25 – 0.4	35-60	4
0.4 – 2	9 - 35	88
2 - 4	5 - 9	4
>4	>5	0

 

 

Reference 3

Endpoint:

particle size distribution (granulometry)

Type of information:

experimental study

Adequacy of study:

key study

Reliability:

2 (reliable with restrictions)

Rationale for reliability incl. deficiencies:

other: Only short abstract available

Principles of method if other than guideline:

Compilation of the granulometry of potassium carbonate specifications

GLP compliance:

no

Type of method:

sieving

Type of distribution:

other: sieve analysis

Remarks on result:

other: see Any other information on results

Table 1: Particle Size Distribution of Potash Calc. gran. (potassium carbonate)

 

Particle size distribution[mm]	Fraction Weight %
>2.000	max 5
>1.000	min 4 - 41
>0.850	7 - 53
>0.500	30 - 78
>0.250	60 - 92
>0.100	min 71

 

Table 2: Particle Size Distribution of Potash powder (potassium carbonate)

 

Particle size distribution[mm]	Fraction Weight %
>0.500	max 10
>0.100	max 20
>0.053	min 55

 

Table 3 Particle size distribution Potash hydrate (potassium carbonate hydrate*)

 

Particle size distribution[mm]	Fraction Weight %
> 2.00	max 3 - 5
> 1.4	max 10 - 15
> 1.0	max 35 - 40
> 0.25	min 80 - 85
> 0.125	min 90 - 95

 

 * not further specified

Table 4: Sieve analyses U.S. market (Potassium Carbonate, Calc. Gran.)

 

 

Sieve		mass fraction (%) range
mesh	mm	min	max
20.00	0.840	15.0	30.0
40.00	0.420	30.0	40.0
80.00	0.180	25.0	35.0
100.0	0.149	1.0	3.0
200.0	0.074	2.0	4.0
<200	<0.074	5.0	10.0

 

 

Conclusions:

the analysis where done by standard sieve analysis in the lab on three typical qualities of potassium carbonates. The type "Potash calc. gran." is the most produced type following by potas powder and potash hydrate.

Description of key information

For Potassium carbonate quality "potash calc. gran." the mean particle size where determined at approx. 750 µm with 60% w/w passes through; where 95% passes through at >2000 µm; and approx. 30% passes through at > 100 µm.
For potassium typ "potash carbonate powder" (only on one sample) the mean particle sizes were determined to be D10: 3.5μm   D50: 16.6μm   D90: 58.6μm particles with diameter r < 2μm = 11.4 %; r > 200μm 0%  (laser diffraction method with dry dispersion (ISO 13321)).

Additional information

Potash calc. gran.:

For Potassium carbonate quality "potash calc. gran." the mean particle size where determined at approx. 750 µm with 60% w/w passes through; where 95% passes through at >2000 µm; and approx. 30% passes through at > 100 µm.

Other Potassium carbonate qualities (calcinated, hydrate) may show much lower fractions of small particles.