Flotation feldspar concentrate-new raw material for producing components from electrical engineering porcelain

The ratio of potassium and sodium oxides and the constancy of their content in raw materials are important for producing high-voltage insulators with stable properties. Use of milled raw materials simplifies matters and, in view of this, flotation feldspar concentrate is convenient. This concentrate was evaluated in industrial porcelain bodies from which standard specimens and pin-type ShF20-V high-voltage insulators were produced. The waste products used contained approximately 67.3% SiO2, 18.6% Al2O3, 8.0% free quartz, 7.9% K2O, 4.6% Na2O and small amounts of Fe2O3 and MgO. The stability of the oxide content, the mineralogical composition, the degree of dispersion, the body properties, and production requirements were analysed. The porcelain obtained met GOST requirements. Use of flotation feldspar concentrate will ensure continuous production of high-voltage insulators. The high degree of dispersion of the concentrate avoids the need for grinding and the problems which that creates. 2 refs.