TECHNOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF TALC ORE FROM CAÇAPAVA DO SUL, RS-BRAZIL FOR DEVELOPMENT OF A PROCESS ROUTE

Resumo

This paper provides technological characterization and preliminary studies for the concentration of talc ore from the municipality of Caçapava do Sul, RS - Brazil, for the purpose of defining its process route. The characterization was made by in bench channel sampling, preparation of the material by comminution, followed by homogenization, fractionation, and analyses of particle size, mineralogy, chemical composition, brightness, density and humidity of the sampled material. Afterwards, magnetic separation studies were carried out using Davis tube and leaching, in order to reduce the impurities, which consisted mainly of iron oxide contamination. After preparation of the sample, it was possible to obtain a fine material of approximately 65 % passing 37 ?m, with similar brightness values between all samples despite a variable distribution of Fe, Ca, Mg and Al contents. The best results of the study occurred for the sample with a granulometric cut of 100# subjected to a magnetic separation of 4050 G and later leaching at 80 °C for a time of 60 min. A maximum brightness of 72.3 % was achieved, with an increase in brightness of 10.3 % in relation to the initial brightness. This product could be applied to the paint, insecticide, textile and paper industries, requiring complementary characterization to fit further specifications.