Research Article
Effect of Particle Size and Splitter Opening on Ilmenite Separation Using an Induced Roll Magnetic Separator
Taufik Arief
,
Dela Citra*
Issue:
Volume 11, Issue 4, December 2026
Pages:
75-84
Received:
3 September 2026
Accepted:
17 September 2026
Published:
14 October 2026
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijmpem.20261104.11
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Views:
Abstract: Ilmenite (FeTiO₃) is an economically valuable associated mineral in tin deposits and an important source of titanium. Its recovery from tin-processing tailings can increase the utilization value of mineral resources. This study evaluated the effects of particle size and splitter opening on ilmenite grade and recovery using an Induced Roll Magnetic Separator (IRMS). The experiment used air-table tailings from PT Timah Tbk. The feed was classified into three particle-size fractions, namely −50# +80# (177–300 µm), −80# +100# (149–177 µm), and −100# (<149 µm), and processed at splitter openings of 100%, 60%, and 20%. Feed characterization was performed using X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) and Grain Counting Analysis (GCA). Each treatment combination was tested twice. The experimental results showed that ilmenite grade increased after magnetic separation for all particle-size fractions. The highest grade of 85.92% was obtained from the −80# +100# fraction at a 20% splitter opening, whereas the highest recovery of 59.19% was obtained from the −50# +80# fraction at a 100% splitter opening. Two-Way ANOVA showed that particle size, splitter opening, and their interaction significantly affected both grade and recovery (p < 0.05). Particle size was the dominant factor for grade, while splitter opening had the greater effect on recovery. Quadratic regression of particle size against ilmenite grade produced R2 = 0.953 and an optimum coded particle size of 1.687, corresponding more closely to the −80# +100# fraction. The results demonstrate that particle size and splitter opening should be considered simultaneously in optimizing ilmenite separation using IRMS.
Abstract: Ilmenite (FeTiO₃) is an economically valuable associated mineral in tin deposits and an important source of titanium. Its recovery from tin-processing tailings can increase the utilization value of mineral resources. This study evaluated the effects of particle size and splitter opening on ilmenite grade and recovery using an Induced Roll Magnetic ...
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