Dehydration of bischofite using silica gel as a hygroscopic material

A method for producing magnesium metal is the use of bischofite (hydrous magnesium chloride). The main sources of bischofite are seawater, brines and salt lakes. Molten salt electrolysis of anhydrous magnesium chloride is usually used for the production of magnesium metal. Dehydration of hydrous magnesium chloride is carried out in presence of silica gel at moderate temperatures. Effects of the ratio of silica gel to bischofite, temperature, and reaction time were studied. Analysis of dehydrated magnesium chloride was performed by FTIR. Results show that use of silica gel improves the drying process and allows the drying to take place at lower temperatures.

Keywords:

Magnesium chloride , Bischofit , dehydration