Preconcentration of ultrafine ilmenite ore using a superconducting magnetic separator

The ilmenite lain in ultrafine ilmenite ore cannot be treated easily. In this study, a superconducting magnetic separator (SMS) was proposed to preconcentrate the ultrafine ilmenite. During this process, the essential condition for capturing the ilmenite from the ultrafine ore, key technology for obtaining an efficient preconcentration, and analysis of the ilmenite concentrates were investigated with theoretical descriptions, statistically designed experiments, and scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) detection, respectively. The descriptions and experiments indicated that the grade and recovery of ilmenite concentrate can be increased by the high-velocity slurry and high-intensity magnetic field, respectively; the synergy of the slurry velocity and magnetic intensity was demonstrated to be the key technology to improve the preconcentration efficiency. The SEM analysis demonstrated that the minimal agglomeration between ultrafine minerals in SMS further benefited the efficient preconcentration. Hence, the SMS provides an efficient way to preconcentrate ultrafine ilmenite ore. [Display omitted] •Superconducting magnetic separator preconcentrates ultrafine ilmenite ore.•Theoretical description analysed the requirement for separating ultrafine minerals.•The synergy of slurry velocity and magnetic intensity enhanced separation efficiency.•Response surface methodology adequately analysed and illustrated the synergy.•With the synergy, the agglomeration of minerals was avoided.