Abstract
The flocculation of coal is typically accomplished by the addition of commercially available polymeric flocculants. Recently it was shown that biopolymers derived from microorganisms can also be used. The biopolymers flocculate coal efficiently and make the coal more hydrophobic. This increase in hydrophobicity can be utilized to separate coal flocs and can be used for reducing the moisture content of the flocculated coal. In this regard, flocculation and settling tests using biopolymers and synthetic flocculants were performed on fine coal. The experimental results are discussed and a transport model is presented for the time-dependent settling of fine coal.
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SME preprint 96–170, SME Annual Meeting, March 11–14, 1996, Phoenix, AZ. Discussion of this peer-reviewed and approved paper is invited and must be submitted, in duplicate, prior to May 31, 1997.
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Raichur, A.M., Misra, M., Davis, S.A. et al. Flocculation of fine coal using synthetic and biologically derived flocculants. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration 14, 22–26 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03402747
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03402747