Thermal Plasma Process for TiO2

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Technology Description

This technology improves upon existing production techniques of TiO2 by reducing the amount of electricity required for operating a plasma arc, finding optimal operating specifications such as conveyor belt speed and using various chemicals that are less expensive and harmful to the environment.

  • Thermal plasma process for production of TiO2 rich slag
  • The technology improves upon an existing process within the production method for TiO2.
  • The main innovation uses Argon gas as a means to reduce energy input within the plasma arc furnace/processor. Other advancements for reducing energy usage include best practices for conveyor belt speeds carrying the ore into the plasma arc furnace, determining which leaching agents of the ilmenite sands produce the lowest energy consumption within the process, and using ethylene gas as an additive to the TiO2 rich ore which further reduces energy consumption
  • The technology also introduces the use of different chemicals to produce the final product which would replace the use of other more harmful chemicals at the end of the production process - namely using hydrochloric acid instead of chlorine gas or sulfuric acid
  • By using the improved thermal plasma process, manufacturers can process the TiO2 concentration of base material ilmenite sand with less energy input, raising the concentration rates of 45-50% after initial separation techniques, to around 75% to 85% concentration.
  • The technology was developed to help India's TiO2 producers lower their production costs and to help the overall environment by introducing more green techniques which includes less and safer chemicals

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