Which Ilmenite Collectors Boost TiO₂ Recovery by 15% in Saline Water?

Richard

Senior Mining Market Strategist

+8613918045927

2026-02-14

To boost TiO₂ recovery by 15% in saline water during the flotation of ilmenite, various advanced collectors have been researched and developed in recent years. While specific performance depends on the mineralogical composition of the ore and water chemistry, collectors such as fatty acids and their derivatives (e.g., oleic acid and modified fatty acids), amine-based collectors, and sulfonate or sulfate-based collectors have shown promise in saline water applications.

Examples of Collectors for Ilmenite in Saline Water:

1. Modified Fatty Acids and Vegetable Oil-Derived Collectors: These are commonly used for ilmenite due to their strong affinity for titanium minerals. Modifications aim to enhance selectivity and flotation performance in high-salinity environments.

2. Hydroxamic Acids: These are highly effective collectors for ilmenite, especially in challenging conditions such as saline water. Their performance can result in significant improvements in TiO₂ recovery and grade.

3. Cationic Collectors (Amines): Certain cationic collectors can function effectively in saline water due to their reduced sensitivity to the presence of electrolytes.

4. Sulfonated Collectors: Some sulfonate/sulfate-based surfactants have demonstrated promising TiO₂ recovery rates in saline water conditions, thanks to their ability to adsorb selectively on the mineral surface.

5. Composite or Synergistic Collectors: The combination of hydroxamic acids with fatty acids or other reagents has been found to synergistically enhance TiO₂ recovery by improving selectivity and flotation performance, particularly under saline conditions.

Why Saline Water Affects Recovery:

The presence of salts in saline water can alter the surface chemistry of minerals and reaction mechanisms of collectors, making conventional reagents less effective. Advanced collectors tailored to saline environments are designed to maintain superior adsorption and stability under high ionic strength conditions.

To validate the effectiveness of specific collectors that claim to achieve a 15% boost in TiO₂ recovery, detailed lab-scale and pilot-scale testing are necessary, preferably in conditions mimicking the specific ore and water composition of your operation.

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