Removal of hematite from Bitlis–Hürmüz kyanite for producing concentrates suitable for the refractory industry

Abstract

The aim of this study is the removal of hematite from Bitlis-Hürmüz kyanite to produce kyanite concentrates of suitable specification for use in the refractory industry. For this purpose, two groups of flotation experiments were carried out. In the first group of experiments, flotation of hematite was performed at pH values between 2 and 9. The effect of the type and the amount of the collector was investigated during the flotation of hematite at pH values of 4 and 7. In the second group of experiments, kyanite flotation was performed in the presence of petroleum sulphonate + alkyl succinamate and oleic acid at a pH of 4. This resulted in a concentrate containing > 55% Al 2 O 3 with a recovery of > 65%. The Fe 2 O 3 content of the kyanite sample was reduced from an initial value of 2•3% to a final value of 0•9%.