ILMENITE SMELTING: THE BASICS

This paper briefly reviews the principles of the ilmenite smelting process, which is crucial for upgrading ilmenite into a viable feedstock for the production of TiO2 pigment. The objective is to outline the methods and reactions involved in the smelting process, particularly focusing on its application in South Africa. The methodology includes a detailed examination of the chemical transformations that occur during ilmenite smelting, where the reduction of iron oxide from the slag and partial reduction of titanium dioxide are highlighted as fundamental reactions. Results indicate that the ilmenite smelting process yields two primary products: a titania-rich slag and molten iron, contrasting with the Becher process which removes iron as waste. The paper asserts the significance of maintaining the stoichiometry of the molten slag and discusses the thermodynamic conditions required for successful smelting at temperatures around 1650°C. The findings contribute to the understanding of the smelting process's efficiency and its role in the sustainable production of titanium pigment.