Page 25 - tech fest 2025 ב״ש חוברת תקצירים

Book of Abstracts | 2025 Optimization of Carnallite Dissolution Rate in a Potash Production Facility
ChE-E-06
Niv Azulay; nivazulay99@gmail.com
Advisors: Dr. Inna Levitsky1, Mr. Nave Toledano2 1SCE - Shamoon College of Engineering, Be’er-Sheva 2Dead Sea Works, ICL Group, Israel
Carnallite (KMgCl3· 6H2O) is a vital raw material in potash production, essential for fertilizer manufacturing. This project examines the effects of proximity of solution to saturation, solvent-to- solute ratio, impeller geometry and rotational speed on carnallite dissolution kinetics under controlled laboratory conditions. A uniform feed was used across all batch dissolution trials. Samples were collected at fixed time intervals for ion chromatography, along with density and temperature measurements. The results show that the impeller type had a limited effect on the dissolution rate, while rotational speed significantly influenced it. The distance of the solution from saturation has an exponential influence on the dissolution rate. These findings offer potential, viable improvements for industrial carnallite dissolution processes.
Keywords: agitator, carnallite, decomposition, impeller, potash
Antifungal Nail Lacquer for the Treatment and Prevention of Nail Fungus
ChE-E-07
Sapir Amar; sapiramar79@gmail.com
Advisors: Dr. Oshra Ilan Saphier1, Dr. Magal Saphier2 1SCE - Shamoon College of Engineering, Be’er-Sheva 2Coppter Ltd.
Tinea, caused by dermatophytes like Trichophyton rubrum, affects skin, hair and nails. A study at SCE revealed that monovalent copper ions have antibacterial and antifungal properties (leading to a patent). The goal of this project was to embed these ions in lacquer (an organic solvent-based liquid). Previous studies have shown that the presence of monovalent copper ions kills E. Coli bacteria and fungi. The inability to achieve reproducible results prevented further testing of the formulation parameters. Concurrently, a semi-aqueous-based formulation was developed, successfully achieving an effective concentration of monovalent copper ions that were tested on E. Coli bacteria and baking yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). This alternative formulation shows potential as a non-lacquer-based treatment for tinea.
Keywords: E. coli, formulation, fungi, monovalent copper ions, tinea
25