preliminary study on upgrading silica sand from the elwadi elgedid, western desert, egypt for compatibility with various industrial applications

The silica sand from the vast elwadi elgedid desert is an important potential resource.however, before it can be used industrially, its quality needs to be improved by reducingthe ratios of iron and titanium oxides. the current study investigated several differentmethods of this silica’s beneficiation process with regard to the cost of beginning apossible metal-silicon industry. foremost, looked at autogenesis disintegration, dryscreening, and dry-high intensity magnetic separation using eriez rare earth rollsbelt speed 114 rpm, splitting angle 95o. then moved on to acid leaching via oxalicand sulfuric acids. the analysis of silica sand concentrate reveals 98.80% sio2 with0.40% al2o3, 0.06% fe2o3, 0.03% tio2, and 0.38 loi. this processed silicon sand iscurrently unsuitable for the metallurgical silicon, solar silicon, and even semi-conductorindustries. however, it is suitable for grade f uses, including colored glass containersaccording to british standards (b.s.) and sheet and plate glass according to the americanceramic society and national bureau of standard. it is considered medium-gradeaccording to indian standards specifications (i.s.), making it suitable for pale-colouredglass wares. moreover, it is suitable for foundry paints, plastics, polymer compounds,rubber, sealants, resins, adhesives, and ceramics industries.