Wolframite separation processes

The electrostatic separation method is the exclusive choice in some specific situations, for example in the cases of rutile and ilmenite deposits. These deposits generally contain minerals of similar specific gravities and similar surface properties so that processes such as flotation are unsuitable for concentration. The major application of electrostatic separation is in the processing of beach sands and alluvial deposits containing titanium minerals. Almost all the beach sand plants in the world use electrostatic separation to separate rutile and ilmenite from zircon and monazite. In this context the flowsheet given later (see Figure 2.35 A) may be referred to. Electrostatic separation is also used with regard to a number of other minerals. Some reported commercial separations include those of cassiterite from scheelite, wolframite from quartz, cassiterite from columbite, feldspar from quartz and mica, and diamond from heavy associated minerals. Electrostatic separation is also used in industrial waste recovery. 

The manufacturing process begins with the composition of a specific Cemented carbide powder mixture - tailored for the applicatiOTi. Scheelite or wolframite are the tungsten-cfuitaining minerals. Ammonium-Para Tungstate (APT) is the starting raw material of the production. The first step is a wet process involving a sequence of stepwise dissolutions, precipitations, and separations (Fig. 9). 

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