Recovery of Silica from Sidoarjo Mud by Alkali Fusion

Abstract

Sidoarjo mud contains potentially valuable minerals, the largest content of which is silica. Silica decomposition from Sidoarjo mud can be done by using alkaline fusion method. The purpose of this study is the recovery of silica from the Sidoarjo mud against variations in Na2CO3 alkaline fusion time. Stages Sidoarjo mud mass ratio Na2CO3 1:3 is inserted into the furnace at a temperature of 700°C with a long alkaline fusion time of 1:1.5;2;2.5; and 3 hours. Based on the calculation results, the best % recovery occurred for 3 hours, which was 48.3%. It can be concluded that the alkaline fusion time can affect the silica decomposition of the Sidoarjo mud