Clean and Effective Vanadium Enrichment from Slag of Vanadium–Titanium Ores: A Chemical Phase Analysis of Vanadium and Its Reverse Flotation Extraction
摘要
Calcification roasting–acid leaching slag from vanadium–titanium ores (VTS) contains approximately 1 wt.% vanadium (V). This byproduct poses environmental risks due to its residual toxicity and limited use potential. Efficient separation and enrichment of V from VTS is pivotal to mitigate ecological impacts and enhance vanadium resource utilization efficiency. Chemical phase analysis showed that vanadium predominantly resides in spinel-structured phases (e.g., FeV2O4), with minor fractions existing as ionic species or gypsum-associated forms. To address this, a reverse flotation strategy was systematically optimized using response surface methodology with a central composite design. Key operational parameters—pH, tannin dosage (hematite depressant), and sodium dodecylbenzene sulfonate (SDBS) concentration (gypsum collector)—were evaluated for their synergistic effects on vanadium enrichment. The derived optimal conditions (pH 6.5, SDBS 1853 g/t, tannin 2400 g/t) yielded a V2O5 concentrate grade of 1.20 wt.% with 87.01% recovery in validation experiments, closely aligning with model predictions (1.18 wt.% grade, 89.12% recovery; < 10% relative error). A one-roughing–one-sweeping flotation circuit further produced vanadium-rich tailings at a V2O5 grade of 2.30 wt.% and 42.53% recovery, demonstrating selective separation of vanadium-bearing phases from gangue minerals. This process effectively reduces the entrainment of gypsum and hematite, aligning with sustainable metallurgical practices that aim to minimize waste toxicity.