Optimization of Alkaline Decomposition of Kahnooj Ilmenite Concentrate for Titanium Dioxide Production

In this study، the efficiency of alkali method for the enrichment of ilmenite concentrate of Kahnooj titanium complex was examined to produce titanium dioxide pigment. For this purpose، the effect of operating time، alkali to ilmenite mass ratio and stirring speed on titanium extraction rate was investigated and analyzed on the basis of a full factorial design and ANOVA test. Results showed that temperature has the most significant effect on the extraction rate. Under optimal conditions، i. e. temperature of 220 oC، ilmenite to alkali mass ratio of 9 and agitation speed of 800 rpm، the extraction rate of 97% for titanium was achieved. The obtained potassium titanate was then leached with hydrochloric acid and the solution was hydrolyzed to produce titanium dioxide with a purity of 95%. The successful results of this study، proved the potential of alkaline decomposition process for the production of titanium dioxide from ilmenite concentrate of Kahnooj complex.