Separation of ilmenite and hematite from low tenor bauxite ore of Yalvac region by flotation and magnetic techniques

When the effect of reactants on the flotation of ilmenite (a titanium ore) is investigated, it was determined that, the effect of pre-flotation processes, collector types and pH is an important parameter. Also the succinamate was defined as the most important effective parameter on flotation process. Surface features of hematite, magnetite and also titanium containing ores as, rutile and ilmenite are similar. Flotation of iron ores can be conducted by either direct flotation or indirect flotation where silica containing gangue minerals are floated. Hematite and magnetite are the most commonly used minerals. Froth flotation of iron ores are developed day by day. Flotation parameters are determined by the hydophilic or hydrophobic surface features. It would be industrially beneficial to separate iron and titanium elements from bauxite ore by economical processes like flotation. Additionally if this process can be successfully applied, the wastes, that pollutes the environment, would be lowered. In this thesis, bauxite ores obtained from Yalvaç, Isparta were investigated. As a result of initial chemical analyses, the ore contains 6.68% SiO2, 43.6% Al2O3, 31.53% Fe2O3, 5.56% TiO2 and other constituents. The aim of this study was to separate iron and titanium minerals by flotation after reduction of the ore at 400-600-800oC and followed by magnetic separation. After obtaining the results of the experimental procedure, the effects of flotation and magnetic roasting were investigated. Especially an important parameter in flotation, grain size, and its effect on efficiency were investigated. ● For FexOy ratio, at 800oC reduction temperature and 20000 gauss accumulation intensity, best separation index values were obtained. ● Also for TiO2 ratio, at 800oC reduction temperature and 20000 gauss accumulation intensity were determined as the best values. ● Only for 5000 gauss accumulation intensity, for FexOy ratio 800oC reduction temperature and with undersize of 200 Meshes were more efficient than 100 Meshes. ● Only for 5000 gauss accumulation intensity, for TiO2 ratio 800oC reduction temperature and with undersize of 200 Meshes were more efficient than 100 Meshes. ● Most efficient test was conducted for FexOy ratio was determined for the parameters; Aero 6493 reactant, 100 mesh undersize grain size, 800oC reduction temperature and pH value, 10. ● Most efficient test was conducted for TiO2 ratio was determined for the parameters; Aero 6493 reactant, 100 mesh undersize grain size, 800oC reduction temperature and pH value, 10. Keywords: Flotation, Magnetic separation, Reduction, Ilmenite, Hematite, Magnetite