The Amenability of Kansas Clays to Alumina Extraction by Hydrochloric Acid Treatment

Abstract

Six kaolinitic clays from the Dakota Formation in north-central Kansas were leached with hydrochloric acid to remove alumina. The alumina was extracted from the leach solution, purified, and recovered as Al₂O₃. The extraction and recovery processes used gave yields ranging from 147 to 290 lbs/ton of alumina from clays calcined to 650°C. Residues from the leaching process were tested for possible ceramic utilization.