Application of dry magnetic separation in beneficiation processes for ilmenite-titanomagnetite ores

In global practice, integrated beneficiation processes incorporating various separation methods are commonly employed to obtain ilmenite concentrates from ilmenite-titanomagnetite ores. This study explores the effectiveness of integrating dry magnetic separation with electrical separation to enhance the enrichment of ilmenitetitanomagnetite ores, focusing on the optimal magnetic separator types for this purpose. The research investigates the potential of dry magnetic separation in improving the quality of ilmenite concentrates produced by electrical separation. It also examines the use of dry magnetic separation to extract ilmenite from the tailings of electrical separation. Both experimental and theoretical studies were conducted on the products from the electrical separation of ilmenitetitanomagnetite ore with a particle size of P95 = 0.2 mm. Theoretical calculations indicate that the most efficient separation of ilmenite from weakly magnetic rock minerals is achieved with a drum separator using a top feed and a magnetic field induction of 0.45 T. For a roller separator with a bottom feed, the optimal magnetic field induction is 0.8 T. Dry magnetic separation proves effective in improving the quality of ilmenite concentrates, particularly those with a titanium dioxide mass fraction below 48 %. Further enrichment of higher-quality concentrates using this method is not practical. Additionally, enriching the tailings from electrical separation with dry magnetic separation yields a product with a titanium dioxide mass fraction similar to that of the original ore. From a technical, technological, and economic standpoint, dry magnetic enrichment of electrical separation products is most efficient when performed in separators with a top feed.