Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Wet High Intensity Magnetic Separation (WHIMS) of Algerian Kaolin: a Potential Application

Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration volume 39, pages 1693–1703 (2022)Cite this article

Abstract

The aim of this research is the study of the WHIMS parameters on the improving process of a local (DD: Djebel Debbagh, East of Algeria) kaolin. The obtained results of performed XRF, SEM, and XRD characterization showed that this local material is an alumino-silicate containing kaolinite and halloysite with MnO and Fe2O3 impurities (respectively 39.30% and 34.67% alumina and 38.18% and 39.70% silica in both samples (DD2 and DD3). After homogenization, crushing, and milling, a multiparameters factorial experimentation (grain sizes, intensity, and dimension of matrix balls) showed that WHIMS is an effective process to improve the quality of this kaolin, mainly: removing their impurities. Dimensions of matrix balls (Db) = 2 cm, intensity of the applied magnetic field (I) = 1.5 T, and grain sizes (Dp) =  > 100 < 250 µm) are the optimal values to reach 91.06% for manganese and 93.45% for iron as removing yield. The statistical analysis of these results sorted the investigation parameters and showed that Db has the highest and most significant influence on the recovery of iron and manganese particles. The magnetic field intensity (I) has a less important influence while the grain size has an average influence (positive on the iron recovery but a negative one on the recovery of manganese).

This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution.

Access options

Buy single article

Instant access to the full article PDF.

USD 39.95

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Fig. 1
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
Fig. 7
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10
Fig. 11
Fig. 12
Fig. 13

References

  1. Asmatulu R (2002) Removal of the discoloring contaminants of east Georgia kaolin clay and its dewatering. Turkish J Eng Environ Sci 26(5):447–453

    Google Scholar 

  2. Kuşcu M, Yıldız A (2016) The mineralogy, geochemistry and suitability for ceramic applications of Akharım (Afyonkarahisar, W. Turkey) kaolinitic clay. Arab J Geosci 9(7):510

    Article  Google Scholar 

  3. Nouri T, Masoumi R (2020) Geochemical and industrial properties of the Kejal kaolin deposit, N.W. Iran. Turkish J Earth Sci 29:325–346

    Article  Google Scholar 

  4. Wang YQ, Nie X, Chang QB, Liang HY, Zhang XZ, Zhou J-E (2016) Characterization and iron removal treatment of ion-adsorption rare earth tailings in southern China. J Min Mater Char Eng 4:127–134

    Google Scholar 

  5. Gougazeh M (2013) Geopolymers from Jordanian metakaolin: influence of chemical and mineralogical compositions on the development of mechanical properties. Jordan J Civil Eng 7(2):236–257

    Google Scholar 

  6. Gougazeh M (2018) Removal of iron and titanium contaminants from Jordanian kaolins by using chemical leaching. J Taibah Univ Sci 12(3):247–254

    Article  Google Scholar 

  7. Gougazeh M, Kooli F, Buhl J-C (2019) Removal efficiency of basic blue 41 by three zeolites prepared from natural Jordanian kaolin. Clays Clay Miner 67(2):143–153

    Article  Google Scholar 

  8. Melhem M, Hammoud I (2017) A study to improve clay soil by using calcite additive in ceramic tile manufactory. Jordan J Civil Eng 11(3):346–362

    Google Scholar 

  9. Vivek S, Dhinakaran G (2017) Fresh and mechanical properties of metakaolin-based high- strength SCC. Jordan J Civ Eng 11(2):325–333

    Google Scholar 

  10. Murray, H.H., Bundy, W.M., Harvey, C.C., (1993) Kaolin Genesis and Utilization (a Collection of Papers Presented at the Keller ‘90 kaolin symposium). The Clay Minerals Society, Boulder, Colorado (341 pp.).

  11. Olupot PW, Jonsson S, Byaruhanga JK (2010) Development and characterisation of triaxial electrical porcelains from Ugandan ceramic minerals. Ceram Int 36:1455–1461

    Article  Google Scholar 

  12. Stathis G, Ekonomakou A, Stournaras CJ, Ftikos C (2004) Effect of firing conditions, filler grain size and quartz content on bending strength and physical properties of sanitaryware porcelain. J Eur Ceram Soc 24:2357–2366

    Article  Google Scholar 

  13. Brindley GW, Nakahira M (1959) The kaolinite-mullite reaction series II: metakalin. J Am Ceram Soc 42(7):314–318

  14. Chakraborty, A.K. 2014, Phase transformation of kaolinite clay; Springer: NewDelhi, India; ISBN 9788132211549

  15. Tunega D, Zaoui A (2014) Mechanical and bonding behaviors behind the bending mechanism of kaolinite clay layers. J Phys Chem 124:7432–7440

    Google Scholar 

  16. Cases JM, Cunin P, Grillet Y, Poinsignon C, Yvon J (1986) Methods of analyzing morphology of kaolinites: relations between crystallographic and morphological properties. Clay Miner 21:55–68

    Article  Google Scholar 

  17. Cravero F, Gonzalez I, Galan E, Dominguez E (1997) Geology, mineralogy, origin and possible applications of some Argentinian kaolins in the Neuquen basin. Appl Clay Sci 12:27–42

    Article  Google Scholar 

  18. Ekosse G (2000) The Makoro kaolin deposit, southeastern Botswana: its genesis and possible industrial applications. Appl Clay Sci 16:301–320

    Article  Google Scholar 

  19. López-Galindo A, Viseras C, Cerezo P (2007) Compositional, technical and safety specifications of clays to be used as pharmaceutical and cosmetic products. Appl Clay Sci 36:51–63

    Article  Google Scholar 

  20. Nkoumbou C, Njoya A, Njoya D, Grosbois C, Njopwouo D, Yvon J, Martin F (2009) Kaolin from Mayouom (Western Cameroon): industrial suitability evaluation. Appl Clay Sci 43:118–124

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Pinheiro PG, Fabris JD, Mussel WN, Murad E, Scorzelli RB, Garg VK (2005) Beneficiation of a commercial kaolin from Mar de Espanha, Minas Gerais, Brazil: chemistry and mineralogy. J S Am Earth Sci 20:267–271

    Article  Google Scholar 

  22. Siddiqui MA, Ahmed Z, Saleemi AA (2005) Evaluation of Swat kaolin deposits of Pakistan for industrial uses. Appl Clay Sci 29:55–72

    Article  Google Scholar 

  23. Basilio, C.I. (1997) \Recent advances in the processing of kaolin", Thiele Kaolin Company, special presentation at Virginia Tech

  24. A J Bloodworth, D E Highley and C J Mitchell (1993) Industrial Minerals Laboratory Manual KAOLIN TECHNICAL REPORT WG/93/1, Mineralogy and Petrology Series, British Geological Survey 8

  25. Barry A. Wills, Tim Napier-Munn (2006) Mineral processing technology, an introduction to the practical aspects of ore treatment and mineral, ISBN: 0750644508, Elsevier Science & Technology Books 351.

  26. Svoboda J., (1987) Magnetic methods for the treatment of minerals, Developments in Mineral Processing, 8, D.W. Fuerstenau (series Ed.), Elsevier, Amsterdam.

  27. Jan Drzymala (2007) Mineral Processing , Foundations of theory and practice of minerallurgy 1st edition, Wroclaw University of Technology, 245.

Download references

Acknowledgements

Authors would like to express their truthful thanks to Dr. Francisco Javier Iglesias Rodríguez and Prof. Jesus Garcia-Iglesias, from the School of Mining, Energy and Materials Engineering at University of Oviedo for access to laboratory and their helps in all characterization works. We also thank Jennire Vanessa Nava Rosario and Dorliana Lopez Ortiz for their assistance in mechanical ore preparation.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Mining & Geothechnolgy Dept, Mining Processing Lab, Univ. of Tebessa, Tébessa, Algeria

    Mohammed Laraba

  2. Process Eng. Dept, LIME Lab, Univ. of MS. Benyahia, 18000, Jijel, Algeria

    Mohammed Laraba & Roula Abdelmalek

  3. Mining Exploitation & Prospecting Dept, Mineral Raw Processing Material RG Laboratory, Polytechnic School of Mieres, Univ.of Oviedo, Asturias, Spain

    Juan Maria Menendez-Aguado

  4. Mining Exploitation & Prospecting Dept., Metallogeny & Deposits Research Laboratory, School of Mining, Energy & Materials Engineering, Univ. of Oviedo, Asturias, Spain

    Rodrigo Alvarez Garcia

Authors
  1. Mohammed Laraba
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Roula Abdelmalek
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Juan Maria Menendez-Aguado
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Rodrigo Alvarez Garcia
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Mohammed Laraba.

Ethics declarations

Conflict of Interest

The authors declare no competing interests.

Additional information

Publisher's Note

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and Permissions

About this article

Check for updates. Verify currency and authenticity via CrossMark

Cite this article

Laraba, M., Abdelmalek, R., Menendez-Aguado, J.M. et al. Wet High Intensity Magnetic Separation (WHIMS) of Algerian Kaolin: a Potential Application. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration 39, 1693–1703 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-022-00617-w

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s42461-022-00617-w

Keywords

search

Navigation