Potash is the term generally given to potassium chloride, but it is also loosely applied to the various potassium compounds used in agriculture: po tassium sulfate, potassium nitrate or double salts of potassium and magne sium sulfate (generally langbeinite, K S0 * 2MgS0 ). Sometimes the var 2 4 4 ious compounds are differentiated by the terms muriate of potash, sulfate of potash, etc. When referring to ores, or in geology, all of the naturally found potassium salts are called "potash ores". However, originally potash referred only to crude potassium carbonate, since its sole source was the leaching of wood ashes in large pots. This "pot ash" product was generally recovered from near-seacoast plants, such as the saltwort bush, whose ashes were richer in potassium than sodium carbonate. Inland plant's ashes were generally higher in sodium carbonate, giving rise to the word alkali from the Arabic word for soda ash, al kali. The term was then carried over after potassium was discovered to form the latin word for it, kalium. The recovery of potash from ashes became a thriving small cottage industry throughout the world's coastal areas, and developing economies, such as the early set tlers in the United States were able to generate some much-needed income from its recovery and sale. This industry rapidly phased out with the advent of the LeBanc process for producing soda ash in 1792, and the discovery about the same time of the massive sodium-potassium nitrate deposits in the Atacama Desert of Chile.

Known as one of the world's major industrial chemicals natural soda ash plays a critical role in glass and ceramics industries, production of chemicals, cleansing and bleaching, and metallurgy. Natural soda ash is also preferable to synthetic types because its production is purer and requires less energy with virtually no harmful environmental effects. Essential data on the properties, sources, processing requirements, and applications of natural soda ash fill this guide, making it valuable to both manufacturers and users. The formation, occurrence and history of natural soda ash deposits are covered along with specific chemical, physical and mineralogical characteristics. Explanations of processing techniques demonstrate how to convert soda ash into commercial products. Included are new methods and technologies for large-scale soda ash production, safe handling procedures and marketing strategies.

least, the author wishes to thank his constantly helpful wife Maggie and his secretary Pat Weimer; the former for her patience, encouragement, and for acting as a sounding-board, and the latter who toiled endlessly, cheerfully, and most competently on the book's preparation. CONTENTS Preface / iii 1. INTRODUCTION / 1 Frequently Used Economic Studies / 2 Basic Economic Subjects / 3 Priorities / 3 Problems / 6 Appendixes / 6 References / 6 2. EQUIPMENT COST ESTIMATING / 8 Manufacturers' Quotations / 8 Estimating Charts / 10 Size Factoring Exponents / 11 Inflation Cost Indexes / 13 Installation Factor / 16 Module Factor / 18 Estimating Accuracy / 19 Estimating Example / 19 References / 21 3. PLANT COST ESTIMATES / 22 Accuracy and Costs of Estimates / 22 Cost Overruns / 25 Plant Cost Estimating Factors / 26 Equipment Installation / 28 Instrumentation / 30 v vi CONTENTS Piping / 30 Insulation / 30 Electrical / 30 Buildings / 32 Environmental Control / 32 Painting, Fire Protection, Safety Miscellaneous / 32 Yard Improvements / 32 Utilities / 32 Land / 33 Construction and Engineering Expense, Contractor's Fee, Contingency / 33 Total Multiplier / 34 Complete Plant Estimating Charts / 34 Cost per Ton of Product / 35 Capital Ratio (Turnover Ratio) / 35 Factoring Exponents / 37 Plant Modifications / 38 Other Components of Total Capital Investment / 38 Off-Site Facilities / 38 Distribution Facilities / 39 Research and Development, Engineering, Licensing / 40 Working Capital / 40

Potash is the term generally given to potassium chloride, but it is also loosely applied to the various potassium compounds used in agriculture: po tassium sulfate, potassium nitrate or double salts of potassium and magne sium sulfate (generally langbeinite, K S0 * 2MgS0 ). Sometimes the var 2 4 4 ious compounds are differentiated by the terms muriate of potash, sulfate of potash, etc. When referring to ores, or in geology, all of the naturally found potassium salts are called "potash ores". However, originally potash referred only to crude potassium carbonate, since its sole source was the leaching of wood ashes in large pots. This "pot ash" product was generally recovered from near-seacoast plants, such as the saltwort bush, whose ashes were richer in potassium than sodium carbonate. Inland plant's ashes were generally higher in sodium carbonate, giving rise to the word alkali from the Arabic word for soda ash, al kali. The term was then carried over after potassium was discovered to form the latin word for it, kalium. The recovery of potash from ashes became a thriving small cottage industry throughout the world's coastal areas, and developing economies, such as the early set tlers in the United States were able to generate some much-needed income from its recovery and sale. This industry rapidly phased out with the advent of the LeBanc process for producing soda ash in 1792, and the discovery about the same time of the massive sodium-potassium nitrate deposits in the Atacama Desert of Chile.