Separation Analysis of New Magnetic Separator for Pre-Concentration of Ilmenite Particles

To achieve the utilization of fine ilmenite (especially −0.075 mm) produced in the titanium-magnetite processing plant in Panzhihua, a radial turbulent outer-cylinder magnetic separator (RTOCMS), was developed in this study. After optimizing the conditions of rotation speed and water flow, an RTOCMS concentrate with TiO2 grade of 22.84% and TiO2 recovery of 66.93% was obtained through one-stage roughing pre-concentration flowsheet. Magnetic force and competing forces were calculated and analyzed to illustrate the pre-concentration mechanism, and the results revealed that the combination of high water flow and high rotation speed resulted in the most effective for pre-concentration of the fine ilmenite in the RTOCMS process. In addition, particle size analysis of the concentrate product indicated that the RTOCMS was effective for the recovery of medium particle sizes (−0.075 + 0.038 mm), with a continued enhancement for the recovery of fine-grained products (−0.038 mm). Hence, the RTOCMS provides an effective way to pre-concentrate fine ilmenite ore.