Optimization of Sidoarjo Mud Akaline Fusion Process Using Taguchi Method

Sidoarjo mud contains 48.3% silica which is considered as the biggest impurity when compared to the content of rare earth metals which are 0.3% Eu and 0.02% Yb. The hydrothermal process is used to bind silica as a form of silica extraction activity in the Sidoarjo mud so that the Rare Earth Elements are purified further because their uses are urgently needed. This process compares the alkalis in the form of Na 2 CO 3 and K 2 CO 3 which are basic salts which will then be compared to the most optimum conditions of the two alkalis. Each alkali will be processed under operating conditions following the Taguchi method which aims to minimize research and optimize research results. Based on the research results, it was found that K 2 CO 3 provided better silica recovery than Na 2 CO 3 under operating conditions with a K 2 CO 3 concentration of 2 M, 1 hour soaking time, 700°C melting temperature and 3 hours melting time, giving 95.24% silica recovery. In addition, by using the Taguchi method it can be analyzed that the main factors affecting the melting of the alkali are the melting time, the concentration of the alkali, the temperature of the melting, and the immersion time.