THE EFFECT OF ATTRITION IN THE QUARTZ SAND BENEFICIATION

The quality of quartz sand can be improved by reducing the oxide coatings on the quartz grains. In this direction, a study has been made to consider the possibility of coatings removal from quartz sand by attrition cleaning. Tests were conducted in a laboratory attrition cell at different values of operating parameters: suspension density, attrition time and stirrer speed. Indicators of attritioning efficiency were the content of the particles - 0, 063 mm produced by abrasion of grain surfaces and content of main impurities (Al_2O_3, Fe_2O_3) removed through attrition process.