IRON PIGMENTS

THE PRINCIPLES OF IRON PIGMENT MANUFACTURE

Iron pigment production technology is based upon the thermal decomposition of copperas, a by-product from titanium dioxide manufacture. Firstly, in a dehydration kiln, part of the crystalline water is liberated from the copperas then later it is fired in a calciner resulting in the formation of ferric oxide pigment particles. Sulphur oxides gases from calcination are processed into 78% sulphuric acid by the so called “K-System.” The calcinate is washed in several stages and material with non-pigment properties is separated. The pigment is then extracted by filters, dried, milled and homogenised prior to packing. A minority of manufactured iron pigments require surface treatment in order to improve their application properties.

Currently at the research and development stage is the production of an indirectly calcined iron red. The aim is to increase both production capacity and copperas processing, and to initiate the manufacture of higher quality pigments.
Manufactured iron red pigments are partly used in the formulation of a standardised pigment range consisting of various shades.

Iron pigment production began at PRECHEZA in 1968. Between 1988-1989, a reconstruction and intensification of the basic processing area was commisioned which subsequently increased the production capacity of thermic iron red pigments  up to 11,000 tonnes per year. 9,057 tonnes were produced throughout 2009.

Manufactured iron red pigments are partly used in the formulation of a standardised pigment range consisting of various shades.
The product portfolio also contains blends of brown and black pigments.