Kerr-mcgee Chemical, LLC

David W Neuendorf

Edgel P Stambaugh

An improved process for beneficiating titaniferous material whereby formation of fines during leaching of the titaniferous material is minimized. The titaniferous material and mineral acid reactants each are heated to an elevated temperature prior to admixing in the leaching operation. The heated reactants then are admixed in a leaching zone and further heated to a leaching temperature of from about 110.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C. The preheating causes at least a portion of the acid-soluble titanium values in the titaniferous material to be hydrolyzed upon dissolution and to form an acid-insoluble precipitate. At least a portion of the precipitate is caused to deposit upon the titaniferous material such that fines or slime formation in the leach liquor is minimized. The leaching is continued for a sufficient time to dissolve most of the acid-soluble impurities contained in the titaniferous material. The solid residue remaining in the leaching zone is recovered as the beneficiated product.

Growing community of inventors

Lancaster, OH, United States of America

David W Neuendorf