ACARP ACARP ACARP ACARP
Coal Preparation

Extending The Size Range Of The Reflux Classifier

Coal Preparation » Fine Coal

Published: May 09Project Number: C16040

Get ReportAuthor: Kevin Galvin, A.M. Callen, S. Spear | University of Newcastle

A comprehensive study examining the potential of the Reflux Classifier to be applied to the beneficiation of coarser coal up to 8 mm in size was undertaken. It was established in this study that the Reflux Classifier can be operated successfully using a feed with an upper size of 4 mm and also an upper size of 8 mm, offering high combustible recovery and control of the separation density to target low ash products. The solids throughput was examined at rates of up to 36 t/m2.h, with the throughput limited by the mechanics of the feed systems. It was necessary to also limit the solids rate to this level to ensure the trial work did not impact negatively on the plant.  Thus the work was conducted below the throughput limit of the device. A major finding from the study was the critical importance of providing sufficient fluidization water, though beyond the critical level the process was largely insensitive to the fluidization rate. It was concluded the required velocity is nominally 10 m/h per mm of top-size, hence for a genuine nominal 4 mm top size the required fluidization velocity is 40 m/h, regardless of the solids throughput.

 

The study demonstrated that the Reflux Classifier is a valid competitor to dense medium cyclones for a feed up to 4 mm in size, but not competitive above 4 mm. In general, the separation density was found to approach a constant value as the particle size increased, but the drift was still higher than for dense medium cyclones. In using a Reflux Classifier to process a feed up to 4 mm in size there would be little negative impact on the overall plant performance.

 

In general, the operation of the pilot scale Reflux Classifier, the RC600, using the coarser feed, with particles up to 8 mm in size, was straightforward. Reject from the RC600 was observed within a couple of minutes of supplying feed to the unit, and steady operation was apparent within about 15 minutes. Consistent performance was observed at all times throughout the campaign, when sufficient fluidization rates were used, with rapid response to changes in set point evident. Product quality appeared to be very high despite the very low grade of the feed. And changes in product ash were secured through changes in the set point. Lower fluidization rates would be possible by reducing the cross-sectional area of the lower zone, with a transition section between the two parts of the Reflux Classifier.

Underground

Health and safety, productivity and environment initiatives.

Recently Completed Projects

C34019Longwall Bretby Cable Handling Monitoring With Fibre Optics

This project examined the potential of using fibre optic sensing tec...

C27049Mine Machine Radar Sensor Integration

The aim of this project was to develop an integrated radar sensor an...

C29007Innovative Coal Burst System To Investigate The Influence Of Confinement Loss And Pre-Conditioning On Coal Burst Mechanism

The challenges associated with designing and operating a safe and pr...

Underground

Open Cut

Safety, productivity and the right to operate are priorities for open cut mine research.

Recently Completed Projects

C33035High Water Recovery, Low Cost Desalination Using PV-Powered Membrane Capacitive Deionisation (Mcdi)

Capacitive deionization is a robust, energy efficient and cost effec...

C28035Topsoil Deficits In Site Rehabilitation Accelerated Transformation Of Spoils To Functional Soils

The incorporation of commercial biological amendments (compost, worm...

C34036Tyre Handler Testing Rig Stage 2: Lifting Trials

Tyre handling is a major source of risk in surface mining operations...

Open Cut

Coal Preparation

Maximising throughput and yield while minimising costs and emissions.

Coal Preparation

Technical Market Support

Market acceptance and emphasising the advantages of Australian coals.

Recently Completed Projects

C34060In-Situ Investigation Of Coke Structure Formation Under Stamp Charged Coking Conditions

Stamp charged cokemaking has emerged as an effective technique to im...

C34062Improving The Classification Of Microstructure Distribution In Coke CT Images Using Deep Learning And Lineal Path Calculations

This project builds on a number of earlier projects that have helped...

C29071Source Of Variability Of Reactivity Of Coke In The CSR Test

The Coke Strength after Reaction (CSR) test is used worldwide to det...

Technical Market Support

Mine Site Greenhouse Gas Mitigation

Mitigating greenhouse gas emissions from the production of coal.

Recently Completed Projects

C28076Selective Absorption Of Methane By Ionic Liquids (SAMIL)

This third and final stage of this project was the culmination of a ...

C29069Low-Cost Catalyst Materials For Effective VAM Catalytic Oxidation

Application of ventilation air methane (VAM) thermal oxidiser requir...

C23052Novel Stone Dust Looping Process For Ventilation Air Methane Abatement

This multi‐phase project is concerned with the mitigation of m...

Mine Site Greenhouse Gas Mitigation

Low Emission Coal Use

Step-change technologies aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Recently Completed Projects

C17060BGasification Of Australian Coals

Four Australian coals were trialled in the Siemens 5 MWth pilot scale ga...

C17060AOxyfuel Technology For Carbon Capture And Storage Critical Clean Coal Technology - Interim Support

The status of oxy-fuel technology for first-generation plant is indicate...

C18007Review Of Underground Coal Gasification

This report consists of a broad review of underground coal gasification,...

Low Emission Coal Use

Mining And The Community

The relationship between mines and the local community.

Recently Completed Projects

C16027Assessing Housing And Labour Market Impacts Of Mining Developments In Bowen Basin Communities

The focus of this ACARP-funded project has been to identify a number...

C22029Understanding And Managing Cumulative Impacts Of Coal Mining And Other Land Uses In Regions With Diversified Economies

The coal industry operates in the context of competing land-uses that sh...

C23016Approval And Planning Assessment Of Black Coal Mines In NSW And Qld: A Review Of Economic Assessment Techniques

This reports on issues surrounding economic assessment and analysis ...

Mining And The Community

NERDDC

National Energy Research,Development & Demonstration Council (NERDDC) reports - pre 1992.

Recently Completed Projects

1609-C1609Self Heating of Spoil Piles from Open Cut Coal Mines

Self Heating of Spoil Piles from Open Cut Coal Mines

1301-C1301Stress Control Methods for Optimised Development...

Stress Control Methods for Optimised Development and Extraction Operations

0033-C1356Commissioned Report: Australian Thermal Coals...

Commissioned Report: Australian Thermal Coals - An Industry Handbook

NERDDC