Potassium sulfate is considered a mineral compound and is a combination of an acidic salt and a basic salt. Potassium sulfate is usually used as a chemical fertilizer to provide the potassium and sulfur needed by the soil and is known under the trade name Solopotass.
Of course, it should be noted that the difference between potassium sulfate and Solopotass is their solubility.
In Iran, there are many foreign and domestic companies supplying potassium sulfate.
Therefore, when purchasing potassium sulfate, the necessary items to select the most appropriate supplier and manufacturer should be considered, including the quality of potassium sulfate, the price of the material, product packaging, and timely delivery.
In addition to introducing the best suppliers of potassium sulfate, complete specifications for buyers of this material are provided below, and the necessary items are explained in more detail.
Top 10 Suppliers of Potassium Sulfate in Iran
Potassium sulfate is one of the most widely used minerals that can be obtained from reputable suppliers. Some of the top suppliers of this product can be seen in the table below.
1 | Yaros potassium sulfate |
2 | Kimia Pars shayankar |
3 | Shimico |
4 | Shimi Store |
5 | Jonoobgan Potassium Sulfate |
6 | Petro Kimia |
7 | Aral Shimi |
8 | Arasbaran Potassium Sulfate |
9 | Urmia Petrochemical Potassium Sulfate |
10 |
Mobtekran Shimi |
Guide to Buying the Right Potassium Sulfate
Product Quality
In the potassium sulfate buying guide, one of the key factors to consider is product quality.
The high quality of potassium sulfate has a direct impact on the results of its use in agriculture and other applications. This quality depends on several main factors, which are explained below:
1. High Purity:
One of the signs of good quality potassium sulfate is its high purity percentage. Products with a purity of 95% or higher usually perform better because impurities in potassium sulfate can hurt plants.
High purity is especially important for farmers who are looking to increase the quality of their products.
2. Free from heavy metals:
Heavy metals such as lead, cadmium, and arsenic may be pre240sent in some impure potassium sulfate samples. These metals can harm soil and plants and even pose a risk to humans and livestock if they accumulate in plants.
Therefore, products that meet the required standards for the absence of heavy metals are a better option.
3. Particle size:
The particle size of potassium sulfate also affects its quality. Finer particles usually spread better and more evenly in the soil and are more easily accessible to plant roots.
On the other hand, products with very fine particles may have problems in high humidity conditions. Therefore, choosing the particle size appropriate to the type of application is important.
4. Water solubility:
A quality potassium sulfate fertilizer should dissolve easily in water. This property helps plants access the potassium they need more quickly. Also, high solubility prevents problems such as sedimentation and clogging of irrigation equipment.
5. Product color and odor:
High-quality potassium sulfate is usually odorless and light in color. An unpleasant odor or cloudy color can indicate the presence of impurities that may negatively affect the performance of the fertilizer.
6. Supplier Reputation and Product Standards:
The quality of potassium sulfate also depends on the reputation of the manufacturer or supplier and compliance with national and international standards.
Purchasing from reputable companies that have quality certificates and offer products with reputable standards helps ensure quality.
Overall, paying attention to the quality of the product when purchasing potassium sulfate increases productivity reduces potential risks, and ensures optimal use of this fertilizer.
However, it should be noted that to determine when to use potassium sulfate fertilizer, especially when to use granular potassium sulfate fertilizer, it is best to consult an expert in this field.
In general, it can be said that the raw materials used in the production of potassium sulfate have a significant impact on the quality and purity of the final potassium sulfate product.
The physical and chemical properties of potassium sulfate can be seen in the table below.
Physical and chemical properties
K2SO4 |
Chemical formula |
(g.mol-1) 174.259 |
Molar mass |
White powder or granules |
Appearance |
Colorless |
Color |
(℃at 20) 111 g.liter-1 |
Solubility in water |
℃ 1069 |
Melting point |
℃ 1689 |
Boiling point |
(g.cm-3) 2.66 |
Density |
Methods of producing potassium sulfate
Potassium sulfate (K₂SO₄) is produced in several ways, each of which varies depending on the needs of the industry, the availability of raw materials, and the cost of production. The main methods of producing potassium sulfate are given below.
1- Potassium chloride and sulfuric acid reaction method
This method is one of the most common and economical methods for producing potassium sulfate in the industry. In this process, potassium chloride (KCl) reacts with sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) to produce potassium sulfate and hydrochloric acid. The reaction is as follows:
2KCl + H2SO4 → 2HCl + K2SO4
In this method, sulfuric acid and potassium chloride are first introduced into a special reactor.
Here, the reaction is carried out at high temperatures (about 600 degrees Celsius) and potassium sulfate and hydrochloric acid are produced.
This method allows for greater profitability and utilization of the by-product due to the production of hydrochloric acid as a by-product.
It should be noted, however, that this process requires corrosion-resistant equipment and the production of hydrochloric acid gas requires proper management to prevent environmental pollution.
2- Mannheim Process
The Mannheim process is another method of producing potassium sulfate and is very similar to the sulfuric acid method. In this method, potassium chloride and sulfuric acid also react; but with more precise control of the temperature and reaction conditions.
In this process, potassium chloride is first placed in a furnace with sulfuric acid and the heating process is carried out to a high temperature. In this process, potassium sulfate is produced in solid form.
Due to the precise control of the process, the quality of potassium sulfate produced in this method is higher than other methods. The disadvantages of this method include the long production time and the need for more complex equipment.
3- Potash and gypsum reaction method
In this method, the reaction of potash (potassium carbonate or potassium carbonate) with gypsum (calcium sulfate) is used.
This method is more economical because it uses cheaper and more available minerals and is of interest to local industries.
In this method, potassium carbonate and gypsum are first dissolved in water and then the solutions are combined. Potassium sulfate is precipitated as a solid and calcium carbonate is produced as a by-product.
This method is economically viable because it uses cheap and abundant raw materials.
4- Extraction from natural sources (minerals)
In some countries, potassium sulfate is found naturally in mineral resources and mineral deposits. These minerals include minerals such as Langbeinite and Globerite.
By extracting and processing these minerals, potassium sulfate can be obtained directly. This method involves mining, crushing, washing, and purifying to produce potassium sulfate in a powdery, usable form.
5- Potassium Chloride and Magnesium Sulfate Reaction Method
This method is another common method for producing potassium sulfate. In this process, potassium chloride reacts with magnesium sulfate to produce potassium sulfate and magnesium chloride.
In this method, with proper temperature control and standard reactions, potassium sulfate with high purity can be produced. However, this process may require appropriate equipment to separate the final product.
Potassium sulfate applications
Potassium sulfate has many uses in various industries. The following are some of the uses that are briefly listed in the table below:
Application |
Related industry |
For glass production |
Glass industry |
For providing fertilizers containing sulfur and potassium |
Agricultural industry |
For reducing light and flash in military fuels |
Military industry |
Treatment of persistent fevers |
Medicine and pharmaceutical industry |
As an additive |
Food industry |
Catalyst |
Laboratory |
One of the most important uses of potassium sulfate is as a fertilizer for plants. Among the benefits of potassium sulfate for plants, the following can be mentioned:
- Increase in product quality
- Plant resistance to stress
- Improve plant growth
- Increase in harvest rate
Packaging and Storage of Potassium Sulfate
Basic Packaging
Liquid potassium sulfate, granular potassium sulfate, and powdered potassium sulfate are types of potassium sulfate available on the market. Typically, solid potassium sulfate should be packaged in special, moisture-proof bags.
These bags are usually made of polyethylene with a durable inner coating and prevent air and moisture from penetrating the product. 50 kg potassium sulfate fertilizer is one of the most common packaging for this product.
Storage, Loading and Delivery
It is recommended to store potassium sulfate in a cool, dry environment. Loading should be done in a way that does not damage the packaging.
Using pallets and placing bags in a regular manner is an effective method of loading. Fast and timely delivery of the product to customers is of great importance, especially for farmers who need fertilizers and nutrients during certain seasons, and therefore, the delivery process can be very important.
Competitive Price
The price of potassium sulfate depends on various factors. Choosing a supplier with a competitive price and suitable services for transportation and delivery will reduce final costs and prevent possible damage.
To simplify the comparison of potassium sulfate prices, Shimeco has provided buyers with a list of the top suppliers of this product so that they can purchase the best and most affordable potassium sulfate.
You can contact Shimeco experts to get the best price for potassium sulfate.