ANALYSIS OF NIOBIUM, TANTALUM AND TITANIUM EXTRACTED FROM TANTALITE AND COLUMBITE CHLORINATION

Several analytical methodologies have been developed for determining n iobium, tantalum and titanium concentrations in the products of columb ite-tantalite chlorination from the San Luis Province (Argentina). The ore mixed with carbon was attacked with gaseous chlorine in different working conditions. Volatile products were dissolved in concentrated hydrochloric acid after being condensed when coming out of the reactor . The results obtained from molecular absorptiometry in the UV-visible region of the spectrum, combined with previous separation of the elem ents studied, were satisfactory. X-ray fluorescence, carried out on so lutions from the dissolution of previously separated oxides gave resul ts in agreement with those obtained by absorptiometry, the former meth odology being more versatile than the latter. In all cases analytical results were compared with standards and the errors produced are repor ted.