Conventional beneficiation and biopurification technology of rutile

Rutile is a naturally occurring oxide mineral known for its high refractive index and high hardness. Rutile crystals are usually needle-shaped or plate-shaped. 

The chemical stability and optical properties of rutile make it widely used in many fields, including coatings, papermaking, plastics and cosmetics industries. Due to its high refractive index and good hiding power, rutile is the main raw material for the production of titanium dioxide (a white pigment)

1.Conventional beneficiation methods

The conventional beneficiation methods of rutile mainly include gravity separation, magnetic separation, electrostatic separation, flotation and acid washing. These methods have their own advantages and are suitable for different types of rutile ores.

Gravity separation: The density difference between rutile and gangue is used to separate them through equipment such as shaking tables and spiral chutes. Gravity separation is suitable for pre-enrichment of coarse-grained rutile ores.

Magnetic separation: Rutile ores may contain magnetic minerals, and magnetic separation can effectively remove these impurities and improve the purity of rutile.

Electrostatic separation: Based on the difference in the charged properties of mineral particles in the electric field, electrostatic separation can further separate rutile from non-magnetic impurities.

Flotation: By adjusting the pH value of the slurry and adding flotation agents, the rutile particles are attached to the bubbles and float to the surface to achieve enrichment.

Acid washing: Use dilute sulfuric acid or dilute hydrochloric acid to clean the surface of rutile, remove impurities such as iron oxide, and improve the whiteness and purity of rutile.

2 .New technologies for biological purification of rutile

In recent years, biological purification technology has shown great potential in the beneficiation of rutile. This technology uses the biochemical action of microorganisms to achieve efficient purification of rutile.

Ore properties: Biopurification technology first requires a detailed analysis of the properties of the ore, including particle size, mineral composition and impurity content.

Gravity-magnetic combined beneficiation enrichment process: Through the combined action of gravity separation and magnetic separation, rutile rough concentrate is produced, laying the foundation for subsequent biological purification.

Electrostatic purification: The rough concentrate is electrostatically separated to further remove magnetic impurities and improve the purity of rutile.

Reverse flotation purification: Reverse flotation technology is used to separate rutile from non-magnetic impurities by adjusting reagents and process parameters.

Biological purification process: Under suitable conditions, specific microorganisms are used to bio-leach impurities such as iron oxide on the surface of rutile to achieve the purpose of purification. Biological purification technology has the advantages of environmental protection, high efficiency and low cost, and is the development direction of rutile beneficiation technology in the future.

The application of biological purification technology can not only improve the purity and whiteness of rutile, but also reduce environmental pollution during the beneficiation process, which meets the requirements of sustainable development. With the continuous advancement of biotechnology, it is expected that biological purification technology will be more widely used in the field of rutile beneficiation.