OPTIMIZING UPGRADING OF ABU-TARTUR PHOSPHATE ORE USING ATTRITION SCRUBBING AND MAGNETIC SEPARATION TECHNIQUES | ||
| Journal of Al-Azhar University Engineering Sector | ||
| Articles in Press, Corrected Proof, Available Online from 22 October 2025 PDF (721.83 K) | ||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||
| DOI: 10.21608/auej.2025.365566.1794 | ||
| Authors | ||
| M. M. Ahmed* 1; Mohamed M. A. Hassan2; A. M. Saleh3; El-Sayed R. E. Hassan4 | ||
| 1Faculty of Engineering, Mining & Petroleum Engineering Department, Al-Azhar University, Qena, Egypt | ||
| 2Faculty of Engineering, Mining & Petroleum Engineering Department, Al-Azhar University, Qena, Egypt | ||
| 3Faculty of Engineering, Mining & Petroleum Engineering Department, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt | ||
| 4Central Metallurgical Research & Development Institute (CMRDI), Helwan,Cairo, Egypt | ||
| Abstract | ||
| Phosphate rock is one of key commodities from mining operations. The prcessing techniques for phosphate ores primarily depend on the type of associated gangue minerals in the mined rock. The treatment of phosphate ore aims to increase the P2O5 percentage, adding economic value and contributing to the development of the national income. This study aimed at upgrading Abu Tartur phosphate ore and enriching the content of rare earth elements using attrition scrubbing and magnetic separation techniques. The attrition scrubbing was conducted to remove the clays. The impact of various parameters on attrition scrubbing, such as solid-liquid ratio, agitation speed, temperature, and time, was examined. The optimal variables for attrition scrubbing are a solid-liquid ratio of 40%, an agitation speed of 1200 rpm, a duration of 20 minutes, and a temperature of 40ºC. The results yielded phosphate rich fraction of 22.96 % P2O5, with a recovery of 80.25%, and total rare earth oxides (REOs) of 991.93 ppm. The dry high intensity magnetic separation was conducted using RER roll separator to remove iron oxides. The optimal obtained variables were an inclination angle of 86.75 degrees, a belt speed of 70.10 rpm, and a feed rate of 73.65 kg/hr. Under these conditions, the results showed a P2O5 concentration of 25.55% with recovery of 95.88%, Fe2O3 removal at 90.09% and total rare earth oxides (REOs) of 1141.40 ppm. A combination between attrition scrubbing and magnetic separation yielded a phosphate concentrate of 27.85% P2O5 and total rare earth oxides (REOs) of 1358.32 ppm. | ||
| Keywords | ||
| Abu Tartur phosphate ore; Attrition scrubbing; Magnetic separation; and Total Rare Earth Elements | ||
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