Abstract: In the production of a solid-free solution of titanyl sulfate by digesting ilmenite or titanium slag with sulfuric acid, and filtering the resulting solid-containing solution of titanyl sulfate to separate the solids, the improvement which comprises filtering the solution under a pressure of about 1 to 16 bars to form a filter cake of a thickness of about 10 to 35 mm. The filter cake is washed with about 0.1 to 0.5 m.sup.3 of water per m.sup.3 of filtrate, the wash water is passed through the filter cake at a flow rate of about 0.1 to 1.2 m/h under a pressure of about 1 to 16 bars, and the filter cake is then squeezed to a solid content of about 50 to 70% by weight.

Abstract: In the recovery of titanium dioxide by subjecting an aqueous titanium dioxide hydrate suspension to at least one stage of filtering and washing to form a washed filter cake, adjusting the composition and calcining the adjusted and washed filter cake, the improvement which comprises filtering the aqueous titanium dioxide hydrate suspension under a pressure of about 1 bar to 16 bars to form a homogeneous substantially crack-free filter cake of a thickness of about 10 to 25 mm. Advantageously a membrane filter is employed, and washing is effected under a pressure of 1 to 16 bars and a liquid flow rate of 0.1 to 1 m/h to produce a filter cake having a solids content of at least 45 % by weight.