Integrated Processes for Fine Coal Treatment

The construction and operation of an 80m3/hr flotation demonstration plant is described. The hypothesis that coal particles as coarse as 2mm can be effectively treated by froth flotation has been demonstrated on a plant scale. Excellent yields and combustible recoveries were achieved by placing the coarse coal particles directly into the froth layer.

A consequence of these high yields is that concentrate ash is higher than if the coarse coal was treated in the conventional way. An investigation into the most efficient way to distribute coarse coal into the froth layer has resulted in the development of new wash water distributors.