Reduction of titania and ilmenite by methane containing gas

Reduction of titania and ilmenite ores by CH4-H-2-Ar gas mixture was investigated in a laboratory fixed bed reactor. Titania was reduced to titanium oxycarbide in the temperature range of 1200-1500 degreesC. At 1400-1500 degreesC, the extent of reduction of titania to titanium oxycarbide achieved more than 85% in 90 min. Optimum conditions for titanium oxycarbide synthesis by reduction of titania include temperature in the range of 1300-1450 degreesC, methane content 8 vol% and hydrogen content above 35 vol%. Ilmenite ore was reduced by CH4-H-2-Ar gas mixture to metallic iron and titanium oxycarbide. Metallic iron catalyzed methane cracking and solid carbon deposition. Titanium oxycarbide formed at temperatures as low as 950 degreesC. The optimum temperature for reduction of ilmenite is 1200 degreesC and the optimum methane content is 8 vol%. Increase in hydrogen content increased both rate and extent of reduction. With 5 vol% CH4-75 vol% H-2-20 vol% Ar gas mixture, the reduction of ilmenite completed in 60 min. Reduction of titanium oxides to oxycarbide with following chlorination may be an efficient alternative technology for processing of titanium minerals.