Application of physical separation methods for the upgrading of titanium dioxide contained in a fine waste

Physical separation methods were applied for upgrading the TiO2 contained in a fine waste generated by the sulfuric acid process of a titanium pigment plant. The main components of this waste are TiO2 42.0%-30% sulfuric-acid soluble TiO2 s. and 12% insoluble TiO2 i.-SiO2 25%, and Al2O3 6%. Ninety percent of the material is finer than 45 mm. Gravity and magnetic separation tests were carried out on the mud with the aim of recycling a TiO2 s enriched fraction. Flotation tests were also carried out on the mud to obtain a TiO2-enriched fraction to consider as feed to a chlorination plant for the production of TiCl4.