September 12, 2024 – Kuncai Technology’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Zhengtai New Materials, recently held a grand ceremony to celebrate the successful commissioning of its annual 200,000-ton production line for titanium dioxide and iron oxide prepared via an innovative extraction method. This milestone event not only highlights the innovative strength of China’s manufacturing industry on a global scale but also signifies a game-changing advancement in titanium dioxide production technology.
In the current titanium dioxide industrial production landscape, the sulfuric acid process and the chlorination process are the two prevailing methods. However, Zhengtai New Materials’ proprietary hydrochloric acid extraction method brings a new breakthrough to titanium dioxide production due to its unique advantages. Compared to the traditional sulfuric acid method, the extraction method excels in product quality, environmental protection, and energy consumption. The use of extraction for purification ensures superior product purity, while the process reduces temperatures during calcination, thereby decreasing energy use and emissions. Notably, the hydrochloric acid used in the process can be recycled, eliminating the issue of waste acid neutralization associated with the sulfuric acid method and the subsequent pollution caused by large amounts of titanium gypsum. Additionally, the by-product, ferrous chloride, can be utilized for the production of iron-based pigments, achieving efficient resource utilization.
According to the Color Masterbatch Industry Network, chlorination technology has long been monopolized by foreign countries, resulting in high import costs, relatively short equipment lifespan, and difficulty in achieving international advanced product quality standards. Simultaneously, the stringent raw material requirements of the chlorination process have led to a significant reliance on imports. Zhengtai New Materials has successfully disrupted this situation through its proprietary extraction method for the production of titanium dioxide and iron oxide. This technology has received global certification, and the products not only meet the demands of high-end applications but also provide crucial raw materials such as titanium tetrachloride and ferric chloride for pearlescent materials. The successful implementation of the hydrochloric acid extraction method further maximizes the utilization of local mineral resources, laying a solid foundation for the company’s long-term development.
The project has formulated a long-term plan, with an expected annual processing capacity of 60 million tons of raw ore, potentially yielding 5 million tons of titanium concentrate. This ambitious plan is expected to inject strong momentum into the company’s sustained growth.