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Effect of feed particle size and reagents on coal-mineral matter selectivity during the flotation of bituminous coals

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Abstract

Three run-of-mine bituminous coals, ranging in rank from low volatile to high volatile A, were floated at nominal −28 mesh (590 µm),-100 mesh (150 µm), and −400 mesh (37 µm) feed particle sizes with selected pyrite depressants and a dispersant. For the three coals tested, pyrite and ash-forming minerals were usually rejected best at −100 mesh feed particle size. Depressant additions tended to improve flotation selectivity between pyrite and coal. When joint dispersant-depressant systems were used at −100 mesh (150 µm) feed particle sizes, the total sulfur content of the clean coal decreased further. For a comparable coal yield, less fuel oil collector was required for the flotation of −100 mesh coal than was required for the flotation of either −28 or −400 mesh feed.

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SME preprint 90-118, SME Annual Meeting, Feb. 26–March 1, 1990, Salt Lake City, UT. M&MP paper 90-632.

Discussion of this paper must be submitted, in duplicate, prior to Aug. 1, 1991.

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Raleigh, C.E., Aplan, F.F. Effect of feed particle size and reagents on coal-mineral matter selectivity during the flotation of bituminous coals. Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration 8, 82–90 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03402937

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03402937

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