TiO2 based scrubbing granules, and methods of making and using such TiO2 based scrubbing granules

TiO2 based scrubbing granules, and methods of making and using such TiO2 based scrubbing granules are described. TiO2-based scrubbing granules include granulated TiO2 and about 0.5% to about 20% dry weight inorganic salt binder. Other TiO2 based scrubbing granules include unsintered granulated TiO2 and about 0.5% to about 20% dry weight inorganic salt binder. Inorganic salt binder include sodium aluminate. Methods of making TiO2 based scrubbing granules include i) combining TiO2 particles with inorganic salt binder to form TiO2-binder mixture comprising from about 0.5% to about 20% dry weight binder; ii) granulating the TiO2-binder mixture; and drying the granulated TiO2-binder mixture to form TiO2-based scrubbing granules. Methods of using such TiO2-based scrubbing granules include introducing TiO2-based scrubbing granules to remove adherent deposits on an inner surface of a reactor or heat exchanger during processes of forming TiO2 particles and finishing the formed TiO2 particles into finished pigment products.