High temperature thermochemical treatment of ilmenite FeTiO 3 in solar chemical reactors

• Published in: Solar & wind technology Vol. 2; no. 1; pp. 15 - 24
• Main Authors: Ouaida, M.B., Badie, J.M., Flamant, G.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 1985
• ISSN: 0741-983X
• DOI: 10.1016/0741-983X(85)90023-2

The feasibility of the processing of ilmenite (FeTiO 3) by selective reduction of iron oxides in solar reactors is demonstrated. The Australian ilmenite sand is treated in the solid state (900–1000°C) using a fluidized bed reactor. A reaction rate of 0·70 is reached with CH 4 at 900°C. Microscopic examination of the reduced particles indicate a segregation of metallic iron and titanium oxide. In the liquid state ( T > 1400°C) the kinetics of synthetic ilmenite reduction by hydrogen are studied in an aerodynamic levitation device connected with a solar furnace. The experimental graphs of reduction rate X( t) indicate two reduction steps: a rapid conversion during the first minute followed by a slower conversion rate. In addition, after a complete reduction we can notice the formation of iron nodule and TiO 2, rich phase (more than 80% TiO 2). This segregation makes the separation of the products very easy to perform.