Factorial experimental design intended for the optimization of the alumina purification conditions

• Published in: Journal of molecular structure Vol. 1157; pp. 567 - 578
• Main Authors: Brahmi, Mounaouer, Ba, Mohamedou, Hidri, Yassine, Hassen, Abdennaceur
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier B.V 05-04-2018
• Subjects: Alumina; Chemical analyzes; Experimental design; Optimization; Chemical analyzes; Experimental design; Alumina; Optimization
• ISSN: 0022-2860; 1872-8014
• DOI: 10.1016/j.molstruc.2017.12.071

The objective of this study was to determine the optimal conditions by using the experimental design methodology for the removal of some impurities associated with the alumina. So, three alumina qualities of different origins were investigated under the same conditions. The application of full-factorial designs on the samples of different qualities of alumina has followed the removal rates of the sodium oxide. However, a factorial experimental design was developed to describe the elimination of sodium oxide associated with the alumina. The experimental results showed that chemical analyze followed by XRF prior treatment of the samples, provided a primary idea concerning these prevailing impurities. Therefore, it appeared that the sodium oxide constituted the largest amount among all impurities. After the application of experimental design, analysis of the effectors different factors and their interactions showed that to have a better result, we should reduce the alumina quantity investigated and by against increase the stirring time for the first two samples, whereas, it was necessary to increase the alumina quantity in the case of the third sample. To expand and improve this research, we should take into account all existing impurities, since we found during this investigation that the levels of partial impurities increased after the treatment.
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•Remove impurities aggregated to the alumina, using a factorial design method.•Analytical results of samples gave us an idea about the existing impurities.•After treatment, reducing quantity of alumina for S1 and S2 and increasing for S3.