Publication: Processing of silica rock in Kemaman, Terengganu
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Date
2025-08-08
Authors
Nurul Idzatul Raudhah binti Mohamad Rosli
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Abstract
The study involved the processing of silica rock from the Kemaman deposit in Terengganu to create high-purity silica sand for glass manufacturing. Generally, all grades of silica sands are comparable in their chemical composition except for iron oxide (Fe2O3) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3) content, which is slightly rigid and its concentration varies for different applications. The objective of this work was to increase silicon dioxide (SiO2) content to at least 99.5% and to reduce iron oxide and aluminium oxide content using attrition scrubbing, gravity separation and magnetic separator technique for the purification process. Chemical analysis was carried out on the original sample to determine SiO2 content, and minor elements of Fe2O3 and Al2O3 quantification using WD-XRF (Wavelength Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence) machine. A complete chemical and phase analysis were carried out on the raw sample and post-treatment samples. Scanning Electron Microscope/ Energy Dispersive X-Ray (SEM & EDX) was also employed for morphological and mineral phase identification. In this analysis, 70% of solid percent in pulp was used. The optimization of the scrubbing process was performed by studying the effect of using ceramic mill. The scrubbed silica rocks were then dried before being subjected to gravity separation process by using Mozley Laboratory Table. Next, been carried out by using a dry high-intensity magnetic separation (DHIMS) with a magnetic field intensity of 7A. According to this research work, equipment materials contributed to contamination by releasing Fe₂O₃ from the ring mill and Al₂O₃ from the ceramic mill into the samples, affecting the final SiO₂ grades.