In the region of the Rio Claro (SP) is located the Santa Gertrude's Ceramic Pole, responsible for around 50% of the national ceramic tile manufactured. During the clay's ore treatment and powder preparation, 2 to 3 percent of the fine clay is lost in the air, in suspension. Almost all the material is restrained in bag filters. Currently, because of blending problems, this fine material represents a loss of material, which could become a potential agent for air and water contamination, and this material needs to be stored. This research examined the possible use for the filter-bag dust while in process, through granulation of the material by aspersion of the barbotine prepared with a powder. We investigated the ideal composition of the suspension and the influence of this method in the end product, comparing the granulated mass by aspersion with the standard mass.
Ceramic tiles; dry milling; fine particles; raw material; improvement
