Optimal ceramic filtration operating conditions for an iron-ore concentrate

Ceramic filtration is used for the final dewatering stage of the concentrate product at a Brazilian iron ore operation. This research was aimed at improving the understanding of the suitability of ceramic filtration technology for full-scale operation, to identify factors that positively and negatively impact filter efficiency, and to evaluate mitigating measures that may be considered to optimise productivity of the ceramic filtration units. Flocculant addition at a slurry pH of 7.0 produced best dry solids capacity with a product moisture content of between 8% and 9%. The use of nitric and hydrochloric acids for plate regeneration improved plate permeability, whilst the use of carbon dioxide and oxalic acid reduced permeability. Results demonstrated that the required filtration capacities of 2240 kg/m h and cake moisture content of 8% could be achieved for the final concentrate product, provided that slurry and operational conditions were optimised and adequate maintenance regimes maintained. Based on this research, ceramic filtration is considered to be a suitable method for the metallurgical process of dewatering of iron-ore concentrate