Roasting, reduction and leaching of an Indian ilmenite ore for producing synthetic rutile

Abstract

In conversion of ilmenite to synthetic rutile roasting, reduction and leaching steps play an important role in removing of iron economically and efficiently. In the present investigation the ilmenite ore was first subjected to oxidation roasting at the temperatures ranging between 850 - 950 degrees C to convert ferrous oxide in the ilmenite to ferric state. The calcine was then reduced with hydrogen in the temperature range 850 - 950 degrees C to produce metallic iron and TiO2. This reduced ilmenite ore was subsequently leached with hydrochloric acid to remove iron. Based on the roasting, reduction and subsequent leaching steps the optimum roasting and reduction temperatures for better removal of iron from ilmenite ore are 950 degrees C and 900 degrees C respectively.