Abstract: The present invention relates to the recovery of rare earths, scandium, niobium, tantalum, zirconium, hafnium, titanium, and the like from ores or concentrates containing fluorine. More specifically, the ores or concentrates are pretreated by carbochlorination to convert the rare earths and other metals into their chlorides and then subjected to dilute hydrochloric acid leaching to recover the valuable rare earths and other metals from the leachate. Niobium, tantalum, zirconium, hafnium, and titanium can be recovered as their chlorides or oxychlorides from the gaseous products of carbochlorination, or converted into their oxides while simultaneously regenerating chlorine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for extracting metals and salts from titanium-bearing minerals such as perovskite. More particularly, although not exclusively, the invention relates to extracting titanium dioxide and optionally other compounds from melter slag derived from an iron-making process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for extracting metals and salts from titanium-bearing minerals such as perovskite. More particularly, although not exclusively, the invention relates to extracting titanium dioxide and optionally other compounds from melter slag derived from an iron-making process.

Abstract: Methods and systems for recovering or extracting rare earth elements under mild conditions include subjecting a material including rare earth element to a rare earth element crystallization medium under solvothermal conditions sufficient to form rare earth element crystals capable of gravity separation and purification.

Abstract: A process for leaching a value metal from a titaniferous ore material comprising the step of leaching the ore material at atmospheric pressure with a lixiviant comprising magnesium chloride and hydrochloric acid is disclosed. Iron and titanium are leached into solution. Iron in the ferric state may be separated from titanium in solution using extraction with alkyl ketone. More effective separation of titanium with lower contamination with iron is obtained.

Abstract: There are provided processes for treating red mud. For example, the processes can comprise leaching red mud with HCl so as to obtain a leachate comprising ions of a first metal (for example aluminum) and a solid, and separating said solid from said leachate. Several other metals can be extracted from the leachate (Fe, Ni, Co, Mg, rare earth elements, rare metals, etc.). Various other components can be extracted from solid such as TiO2, SiO2 etc.

Abstract: There are provided processes for treating red mud. For example, the processes can comprise leaching red mud with HCl so as to obtain a leachate comprising ions of a first metal (for example aluminum) and a solid, and separating said solid from said leachate. Several other metals can be extracted from the leachate (Fe, Ni, Co, Mg, rare earth elements, rare metals, etc.). Various other components can be extracted from solid such as TiO2, SiO2 etc.

Abstract: A zircon body for use in glass manufacturing is provided containing zircon grains and an intergranular phase present between the zircon grains The intergranular phase may contain silicon oxide. The body may be exposed to a halide to at least partially remove at least a majority of the silicon oxide contained in the intergranular phase from the outer portion or to at least partially remove the intergranular phase along an outer portion of the component.

Abstract: A sulfate process for producing titania from a titaniferous material (as herein defined) including a step of leaching said titaniferous material with a leachant to form a process solution that includes an acidic solution of titanyl sulfate and iron sulfate, wherein said sulfate process further includes a filtration step comprising filtering said leachant to at least substantially remove titanyl sulfate particles from said leachant prior to supplying said leachant to said leach step.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the Industrial production of a titanium salt TP, said method comprising the steps of: i. Precipitation of titanic acid from a solution comprising titanium salt TP1; ii. Production of a titanium containing product TP2 from a medium comprising of said titanic acid and an acid; and iii. Thermal conversion of titanium containing product TP3 to a titanium salt TP at temperature higher than 170° C.

Abstract: A process and system for recovering titanium dioxide and other value metals from a titanium bearing solid is disclosed. The process includes leaching the solid in hydrochloric acid to produce a leachate comprising undissolved solids and a leach solution comprising the titanium dioxide and the value metals, wherein the hydrochloric acid concentration is maintained above a value required to maintain the titanium dioxide and the value metals dissolved in the leach solution at atmospheric pressure. The leachate is separated into the leach solution and the undissolved solids. The concentration of hydrochloric acid concentration in the leach solution is reduced to recover titanium dioxide by hydrolysis and precipitation to produce a titanium dioxide rich slurry. In a preferred embodiment, HCl is recovered with a matrix solution.

Abstract: A process for recovering titanium as synthetic rutile from a titaniferous ore, for example a secondary ilmenite, includes the steps of treating the ore in a reducing atmosphere at elevated temperature above 1075° C. in the presence of a carbonaceous reductant whereby to convert the ilmenite to reduced ilmenite in which iron oxides in the ilmenite have been reduced to metallic iron, and separating out the metallic iron so as to obtain a synthetic rutile product. The carbonaceous reductant comprises a coal selected for a moisture content below 40%, a volatiles content greater than 30%, ash content below 10%, and a gasification reactivity that results in an increased rate of reduction of iron oxides and titanium species effective to achieve a TiO2 content of 90% or greater in the synthetic rutile product.

Abstract: The invention provides flaky titanic acid having polymerizable functional groups, a suspension of the same, titanic acid coating films excellent in tight adhesion, and resin bases with titanic acid coating films, namely, flaky titanic acid obtained by treating a layered titanate with an acid and then making an organic basic compound act on the obtained product to conduct interlaminar swelling or delamination, characterized in that at least part of the organic basic compound is one having a polymerizable functional group such as acryl or methacryl and, preferably, in that the layered titanate is one represented by the general formula: AxMy?zTi2-(y+z)O4 [wherein A and M are different from each other and are each a mono- to tri-valent metal; ? represents a Ti-defective site; x is a positive real number satisfying the relationship: 0<x<1; and y and z are 0 or positive real numbers satisfying the relationship: 0<y+z<1].

Abstract: Monomelic materials are described, comprising inorganic nanoparticles having covalently bonded to their surface at least one polymerizable organic moiety, preferably an ethylenically unsaturated organic moiety. These monomeric materials combine desirable properties of the inorganic particulate material and of the organic monomer, in addition to having the unique properties of nano-sized particles.

Abstract: A sulfate process for producing titania from a titaniferous material (such as an iron-containing titaniferous material; such as ilmenite) is disclosed. The process includes precipitating titanyl sulfate from a process solution produced in the process. The titanyl sulfate precipitation step includes subjecting the precipitated titanyl sulfate to a shearing action during the course of precipitating titanyl sulfate from the process solution or after precipitation has been completed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a porous titanium oxide having improved ultraviolet protection ability, usability, and transparency in the visible region and a process for producing thereof. The porous titanium oxide powder according to the present invention can be obtained by adding an alkali to a titanium salt solution containing a polyalcohol and then thermally hydrolyzing the solution. In addition, it is possible that after the addition of the alkali, an acid is further added to the solution and then the thermal hydrolysis is conducted, or that after thermal hydrolysis, further heat treatment with an acid is conducted. A porous titanium oxide has a mean particle size of 0.01 to 1.0 ?m and a specific surface area of 50 m2/g or more.

Abstract: A sulfate process for producing titania from a titaniferous material (as herein defined) including a step of leaching said titaniferous material with a leachant to form a process solution that includes an acidic solution of titanyl sulfate and iron sulfate, wherein said sulfate process further includes a filtration step comprising filtering said leachant to at least substantially remove titanyl sulfate particles from said leachant prior to supplying said leachant to said leach step.

Abstract: A sulfate process for producing titania from a titaniferous material (such as an iron-containing titaniferous material such as ilmenite) is disclosed. The process includes digestion and/or leach steps that form a process solution that includes an acidic solution of titanyl sulfate (TiOSO4) and iron sulfate (FeSO4) from the solid titaniferous material. The process also includes hydrolysis and other steps that form titania from the titanyl sulfate in the process solution. The process is characterised by a ferric ion treatment step of treating the process solution and lowering the concentration of ferric ions from the process solution.

Abstract: A mineral processing facility is provided that includes a cogen plant to provide electrical energy and waste heat to the facility and an electrochemical acid generation plant to generate, from a salt, a mineral acid for use in recovering valuable metals.

Abstract: An improved process for recovering a titanium dioxide product from a titanium oxide-containing roasted mass of the type derived from roasting an ilmenite, anatase or perovskite ore by exploiting an organic acid, such as mixture of oxalic acid and ascorbic acid.

Abstract: A process is provided for handling waste solids produced from the chlorination of titanium-bearing ores in the presence of coke as a reducing agent. The process includes the steps of combining waste metal chloride solids and unreacted ore and coke solids with a liquid whereby waste metal chloride solids are dissolved in the liquid and unreacted ore and coke solids are slurried in the liquid, and separating out the unreacted ore and coke solids from the liquid. The liquid including the dissolved waste metal chlorides is then divided into a recycle substream and a bleed substream. The recycle substream is recycled such that it comprises at least a part of the liquid which is combined with the waste metal chloride solids and unreacted ore and coke solids in the product stream. The bleed substream is neutralized to produce a filterable or directly landfillable mass of waste metal hydroxide solids.

Abstract: The invention covers a fine-particle, brilliant and strongly hiding rutile-based pigment that is devoid of any metal or reactive metal compounds relevant to mill abrasion detectable by application technology but whose particle-size in terms of particle diameters ranges from 50 to 1000 nm, for mono-, bi-, tri- or oligo-modal size distribution and a primary maximum ranges from 230 to 400 nm, wherein optionally for a bi- or poly-modal frequency distribution, a secondary maximum is less than 25% of the primary maximum between 400 and 1000 nm. The process for producing said pigment comprises treating an inorganic mixed-phase rutile structured oxide pigment by high-speed grinding in suspension in a ball grinding mill provided with a mechanically and chemically resistant coating until said particle-size and a substantially isometric rounded particle shape are attained. The invention optionally provides for viscosity adjustment and surface conditioning of the pigment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the Industrial production of a titanium salt TP, said method comprising the steps of: i. Precipitation of titanic acid from a solution comprising titanium salt TP1; ii. Production of a titanium containing product TP2 from a medium comprising of said titanic acid and an acid; and iii. Thermal conversion of titanium containing product TP3 to a titanium salt TP at temperature higher than 17O° C.

Abstract: A process for leaching a value metal from a titanium-bearing ore material comprising the step of leaching the ore material at atmospheric pressure with a lixiviant comprising a chloride and hydrochloric acid is disclosed. The leaching conditions are such that titanium is leached and remains in solution. The temperature is maintained at less that 85° C., and the concentration of hydrochloric acid is preferably less than 20% (mass ratio). The preferred chloride is magnesium chloride. The lixiviant may contain oxidant e.g. sodium chlorate or chlorine.

Abstract: The present invention seeks to improve beneficiation of a titanium oxide-containing composition (such as a low-grade or highly radioactive TiO2 ore) by combining a roasting and selective leaching steps.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to a method for removing colloidal titanium dioxide and titanium oxychloride from by-product hydrochloric acid. The method includes adding phosphate ion source and quaternary amine to the by-product acid to cause the titanium dioxide and the titanium oxychloride to form a precipitate. The precipitate can then be separated from the acid, thus producing a decontaminated hydrochloric acid product with reduced levels of titanium.

Abstract: An improved process for recovering a titanium dioxide product from a titanium oxide-containing roasted mass of the type derived from roasting an ilmenite, anatase or perovskite ore by exploiting an organic acid, such as mixture of oxalic acid and ascorbic acid.

Abstract: A method of producing titanium metal from a titanium-containing material includes the steps of producing a solution of M?TiF6 from the titanium-containing material, selectively precipitating M?2TiF6 from the solution by the addition of (M?)aXb and using the selectively precipitated M?2TiF6 to produce titanium. M? is a cation of the type which forms a hexafluorotitanate, M? is selected from ammonium and the alkali metal cations, X is an anion selected from halide, sulphate, nitrite, acetate and nitrate and a and b are 1 or 2.

Abstract: A zirconia porous body with excellent stability of heat resistance is manufactured. This relates to a zirconia porous body having peaks at pore diameters of 8 to 20 nm and 30 to 100 nm in a pore distribution based on the BJH method, with a total pore volume of 0.4 cc/g or more, and to a zirconia porous body having a peak at a pore diameters of 20 to 110 nm in a pore distribution based on the BJH method, with a total pore volume of 0.4 cc/g or more.

Abstract: A zirconia porous body with excellent stability of heat resistance is manufactured. This relates to a zirconia porous body having peaks at pore diameters of 8 to 20 nm and 30 to 100 nm in a pore distribution based on the BJH method, with a total pore volume of 0.4 cc/g or more, and to a zirconia porous body having a peak at a pore diameters of 20 to 110 nm in a pore distribution based on the BJH method, with a total pore volume of 0.4 cc/g or more.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for beneficiating a titaniferous ore. The process comprises leaching the titaniferous ore with sulfuric acid to form a leached ore, calcining the leached ore in the presence of oxygen to form a calcined ore, and leaching the calcined ore with sulfuric acid, hydrochloric acid, and/or nitric acid to form a beneficiated ore. The leached ore is not reduced prior to or following calcination.

Abstract: A process for the enrichment of anatase mechanical concentrates, in order to obtain synthetic rutile with low contents of rare earth and radioactive elements, comprising the steps of: calcination of the anatase concentrate; reduction of the calcined product; dry or wet low-intensity magnetic separation of the reduced product; dry, high-intensity, high-gradient magnetic separation of the non-magnetic fraction from the low-intensity separation; leaching of the high-intensity magnetic fraction; oxidation of the dried product; leaching of the quenched product; filtering of the product from the second leaching; drying of the filtered product; and dry, high-intensity, high-gradient magnetic separation of the product of the second leaching.

Abstract: A process of producing 99% plus titanium dioxide product by using conventional and microwave heating and leaching of the titanium compound feedstock using acid and oxidants. The solid residue from the leaching is used to produce the high quality titanium oxide by froth flotation. Hydrochloric acid can be recovered by multi-stage evaporation. The process can be modified to produce nano-size titanium dioxide product.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for purifying inorganic materials by treating the materials with a solution of hydrogen fluoride in aqueous hydrofluorosilicic acid. The process involves treating an inorganic material containing at least two species, to at least partially separate a first species contained in the material from a second species contained in the material, and comprises treating the material with a fluorine acid solution comprising aqueous hydrofluorosilicic acid and hydrofluoric acid (HF), such that the first species is converted to a product selected from the group consisting of a fluoride, a fluorosilicate and mixtures thereof, and such that the second species is at least partly unreacted, and separating the second species from the product.

Abstract: A process for production of titanium concentrate with low contents of radionuclide elements from anatase mechanical concentrates. The process involves calcination in air and reduction with hydrogen or any other reducing gas, both in fluidized bed reactor or rotary kiln, low-intensity magnetic separation of the reduced product, high-intensity magnetic separation of the non-magnetic fraction resulting from the low-intensity magnetic separation, hydrochloric acid leaching of the product of high-intensity magnetic separation, filtering and dewatering of the leached product, high temperature oxidation of the dewatered material, cooling of the oxidized ore, hydrochloric acid leaching of the oxidation product in the presence of sodium fluoride, filtration and drying of the product of the second leaching and high intensity magnetic separation, the non-magnetic fraction of this final magnetic separation becoming the end product.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for beneficiating a titaniferous ore. The process comprises calcining the titaniferous ore, at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal salt, and at least one alumina-containing material in the presence of oxygen to form a calcined ore mixture, then leaching the calcined ore mixture with a solution comprising ammonium, sodium or magnesium chloride in the presence of oxygen to form a leached ore mixture, and contacting the leached ore with an acid to form a beneficiated ore.

Abstract: A sulfate process for producing titania from a titaniferous material is disclosed. The process includes leaching the titaniferous material and producing a leach liquor, separating titanyl sulfate from leach liquor, hydrolysis of the extracted titanyl sulfate, and thereafter calcining the solid phase produced in the hydrolysis step. The process is characterised by controlling the hydrolysis step and forming a selected particle size distribution of hydrated titanium oxides from titanyl sulfate.

Abstract: A sulfate process for producing titania from a titaniferous material is disclosed. The process includes leaching the titaniferous material and producing a leach liquor, separating titanyl sulfate from leach liquor, hydrolysis of the extracted titanyl sulfate, and thereafter calcining the solid phase produced in the hydrolysis step. The process is characterized by multiple stage leaching of the titaniferous material.

Abstract: A method of recovering titanium dioxide from a titanium oxide bearing raw material, such as e.g. steel slags rich in TiO2 includes the steps of grinding the titanium dioxide raw material, reacting the particulate raw feed material with sulphuric acid under specified conditions, digesting and filtering the resultant cake material containing titanyl sulphate, hydrolysing the titanyl sulphate and, after washing the hydrolysate, calcining the hydrolysate to produce titanium dioxide.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process for beneficiating a titaniferous ore. The process comprises calcining the titaniferous ore, at least one alkali or alkaline earth metal salt, and at least one alumina-containing material in the presence of oxygen to form a calcined ore mixture, then leaching the calcined ore mixture with a solution comprising ammonium, sodium or magnesium chloride in the presence of oxygen to form a leached ore mixture, and contacting the leached ore with an acid to form a beneficiated ore.

Abstract: A sulfate process for producing titania from a titaniferous material is disclosed. The process includes leaching the titaniferous material and producing a leach liquor, precipitating iron sulfate from the leach liquor, solvent extraction of titanyl sulfate from leach liquor, hydrolysis of the extracted titanyl sulfate, and thereafter calcining the solid phase produced in the hydrolysis step. The process is characterised by using at least part of the raffinate from the solvent extraction step as at least part of the leach solution in the initial leach step.

Abstract: A sulfate process for producing titania from a titaniferous material as disclosed. The process is characterized by a particular leach step for leaching titaniferous material.

Abstract: A sulfate process for producing titania from titaniferous material is disclosed. The process includes precipitating titanyl sulfate from leach liquors containing acidic solutions of titanyl sulfate. The process is characterised by: (a) multiple stage leaching to produce leach liquors containing acidic solutions of titanyl sulfate; (b) using depleted leach liquor from a titanyl sulfate precipitation reactor in the leach steps; and (c) controlling acid concentration in the leach steps to avoid premature hydrolysis and premature precipitation.

Abstract: A method of recovering titanium dioxide from a raw material additionally containing aluminium includes the steps of grinding the titanium dioxide raw material, reacting the particulate raw feed material with sulphuric acid under specified conditions, digesting and filtering the resultant cake material containing titanyl sulphate, if present, treating the solution to remove calcium and/or iron, precipitating out the aluminium as aluminium ammonium sulphate, hydrolysing the remaining titanyl sulphate solution and, after washing the hydrolysate, calcining the hydrolysate to produce titanium dioxide.

Abstract: Provided is a process for isolating zirconium peroxosulfate and its use, either as is or to prepare high purity zirconium compounds including powders of zirconium dioxide and stabilized zirconia. The process is based on precipitating a peroxide compound from an acidic peroxide solution of zirconium and provides a simple, economical method for producing the zirconium peroxosulfate powder and its derivatives with degree of zirconium recovery more than 99%. This process further provides an effective method for the separation and purification of zirconium from a variety of elements and/or naturally occurring ores.

Abstract: The invention relates to a photocatalyst containing titanium dioxide, to a method for using it and to its application. A sulphurous titanium dioxide hydrate precipitate is precipitated from an acid titanium oxysulphate solution at a temperature below the boiling point of the solution, e.g. in the range from 70 to 100° C., using crystal nuclei and without addition of base. The precipitate is separated, washed and calcinated. The photocatalytic titanium dioxide thus obtained has a specific area in the range from 100 to 250 m2/g and a 0.3 to 5% sulphur concentration. Catalytic activity has been confirmed in asetal dehyde decomposition and in anionic (SNC?)2 radical formation.

Abstract: This invention relates to a process of treating a zirconium containing product such as zircon. The process comprises providing an alkali fusion decomposed zircon product (AFDZ) formed from reading zircon with a source of alkali metal at elevated temperatures, and treating the AFDZ to form a solid containing hydrated zirconium oxide and/or hydrated zirconium basic carbonate (hereinafter referred to as the hydrated zirconium product). The process further comprises treating the solid hydrated zirconium product to obtain in situ formation of basic zirconium sulphate as a solid thereon. The invention also relates to such a process for producing zircon derived material suitable for pigments and to such a process to produce opacifier material. The invention also relates to products of such processes.

Abstract: Processes for the efficient and economical beneficiation of titaniferous ore are provided. A unique process for beneficiating ore comprising pretreatment of the ore by oxidation and reduction, followed by acid leaching with sulfuric acid has been developed. The acid used in this process may be recycled, which will thereby increase the efficiency of the process. Preferably the ore treated according to the present invention is ilmenite ore.

Abstract: A ball valve for use in the pressure acid leaching of nickel ores is disclosed. The valve has a valve body and a ball centrally positioned in the valve body, which has a central passage rotatable in the valve body between open and closed positions. At least one seat is disposed between the ball and the valve body. The ball and seat each comprise a titanium substrate and an ultrafine or nanostructured titania coating. The titania can include from 5 to 45 volume percent of a second phase material that is immiscible with the titania and exhibits corrosion resistance.

Abstract: Nickel and lead ions are eliminated from an acidic concentrated iron(II) salt solution by adding an alkali sulfide and precipitating nickel and lead sulphides.