Evaluation of hydrocyclonage variables aiming at the optimization of the processing of kaolin of the primary type

Abstract

Kaolin is a white rock, formed basically by the clay mineral kaolinite, for presenting favorable technological characteristics has a wide industrial application. Kaolin deposits are classified geologically into two types according to their origin: primary and secondary. Kaolin from the Seridó region of Paraíba and Rio Grande do Norte is of the primary type and its processing is carried out wet, generating two types of tailings. It is considered a difficulty in the current processing of this kaolin the method of mineral classification that is carried out by vibratory sieves. The main objective of this work was to evaluate the variables that influence the hydroclinage process for the classification of kaolin of the primary type. The trials were performed on a bench scale, using the Plackett-Burman factorial design. The best results were found in the T4 and T6 tests, which presented lower values of D50 and the results of XRF indicated that the aluminum oxide contents are higher in the overflow and the silica contents higher in the underflow. The trials indicated promising results for the classification of this type of kaolin, but a good adjustment of the operational variables is needed.