Experimental and Theoretical Basis of an Energy-Efficient Process of Extraction of a Valuable Component from Natural Matrix Ores

The material composition of concretion-type phosphorites is represented by alpha-quartz ore rock with a porous structure, a phosphate substance that has virtually no pores, and an admixture of layered aluminosilicates. As a result of the sedimentary genesis of phosphorite ores and the matrix structure of alpha-quartz, its porous space is filled with the above-mentioned components, and their close mutual intergrowth occurs. The efficiency of known methods of phosphate ore enrichment increases with the degree of their grinding and is accompanied not only by an increase in energy costs, but also by the loss of finely dispersed fractions. The results of a comprehensive analysis of a sample of Bryansk phosphorite and alpha-quartz isolated after acid extraction indicate the feasibility of rational grinding of raw materials taking into account the technical characteristics of quartz sands used in the glass industry, which will ensure energy-efficient processing. The revealed patterns of acid extraction of concretion-type phosphorite and mathematical processing of kinetic experiment data indicate the possibility of using standard equipment of industrial schemes, with the production of the main product, i.e., acid extract, and a by-product, i.e., alpha-quartz.