Studies on the Role of Organic/Inorganic Polyacrylamides in Fine Coal Flotation
Abstract
In the present study, the effect of organic/inorganic (hybrid) Polyacrylamide polymer on fine coal flotation was investigated. Raw coal samples contain about 37% of ash-forming mineral at a feed size of -75 + 38 um were subjected to flotation tests in the presence of in-house synthesized hybrid AI(OH)3-PAM at different polymer dosages and pH values. Results show a significant improvement in both combustible recovery and ash rejection at 1 ppm polymer dosage. Further improvement of combustible recovery was obtained when flotation was performed at pH 5. Interfacial properties of coal particles before and after flotation were examined through electrokinetic (zeta potential) measurements of coal/water slurries. Zeta potential vs. pH curve were established and compared. In the case of raw coal/water slurry, zeta potential-pH curve resembles the ash-forming minerals (silica and clays) more than coal. After AI(OH)3-PAM-assisted flotation, the zeta potential of froth/water slurry shifted to more positive values point which strongly indicates significant removal of ash-forming minerals from coal by AI(OH)3-PAM.
Recommended Citation
O. Molatlhegi et al., "Studies on the Role of Organic/Inorganic Polyacrylamides in Fine Coal Flotation," Proceedings of the 2015 SME Annual Conference and Expo and CMA 117th National Western Mining Conference (2015, Denver, CO), pp. 565 - 567, Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, Feb 2015.
Meeting Name
2015 SME Annual Conference and Expo and CMA 117th National Western Mining Conference (2015: Feb. 15-18, Denver, CO)
Department(s)
Mining Engineering
Keywords and Phrases
Coal; Flotation; Froth flotation; Minerals; Polyacrylates; Polymers; Slurries; Zeta potential; Combustible recovery; Electro-kinetic; Flotation tests; Interfacial property; Measurements of; Organic/inorganic; Polyacrylamide polymers; Polyacrylamides; Coal slurries
International Standard Book Number (ISBN)
978-1-5108-0124-0
Document Type
Article - Conference proceedings
Document Version
Citation
File Type
text
Language(s)
English
Rights
© 2015 Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration, All rights reserved.
Publication Date
01 Feb 2015