Estimation and Control of Sulphur, Inorganic and Organic Carbon Impurity Levels in Jamaican Bauxite Processing

Max A Wellington

doi:10.56201/ijccp.vol.12.no3.2026.pg1.8

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Estimation and Control of Sulphur, Inorganic and Organic Carbon Impurity Levels in Jamaican Bauxite Processing

Max A Wellington

Abstract

Analysis of the monthly composites of plant bauxites from a high temperature Jamaican alumina refinery using the Leco SC144DR Analyser for sulphur, inorganic and organic carbon content revealed an annual average S (as SO3), Organic Carbon, OC (as %C) and Inorganic Carbon, IC (as % CO2) as 0.120 ± 0.013%, 0.28 ± 0.03% and 1.00 ± 0.32% respectively. Analysis of Washer Underflow mud for organics revealed an average of 0.06 ± 0.01%. which indicates an organic uptake in excess of 80% to the process from bauxite. The instrument was calibrated using an ASTM approved standard and the accuracy of the results were further verified via analysis of selected NIST Reference standards as well as inter-Bayer process laboratory analytical comparison of selected bauxite samples. Quarterly analysis of spent Bayer process liquor from over the period of the study revealed a steady state with respect to the mass balance of IC, OC and S entering and leaving the process so there was no progressive build up in spite of the bauxite obtrusion.

Keywords

SulphurOrganic CarbonBauxiteAlumina

References

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Estimation and Control of Sulphur, Inorganic and Organic Carbon Impurity Levels in Jamaican Bauxite Processing

Abstract

Keywords

References

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