Process for upgrading ores containing baddeleyite
US4067953A · kind A · utility
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 4, 1975 |
| Grant date | Jan 10, 1978 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 4, 1995 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC22B1/00
- WIPO fieldMaterials, metallurgy
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Minerals, for example, zirconium minerals, are subjected to a chemical process of comminution, in particular with the aid of strong acids. These acids dissolve the carbonatic and silicious cements which hold together the crystalline forms of different mineral species from one another, e.g., magnetic and non-magnetic species to render them amenable to further separation in a subsequent ore dressing stage, e.g., by high intensity magnetic separation. This process is operative as these cements dissolve in acid more readily than most of the other compounds of the ores. This separation was found to take place more effectively than by the usual methods of mechanical grinding and without the disadvantage of an unfavorable particle size distribution which results from grinding. It was found that the same process conditions also resulted in a particularly favorable removal of naturally occurring radioactive contaminants from the minerals, in particuar thorium and uranium. The process is particularly suitable for purifying the zirconium mineral baddeleyite, which is useful for ceramic and chemical industries.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.