Structural properties of residual carbon in coal gasification fine slag and their influence on flotation separation and resource utilization:A review

Coal gasification fine slag(FS)is a typical solid waste generated in coal gasification.Its current disposal methods of stockpil-ing and landfilling have caused serious soil and ecological hazards.Separation recovery and the high-value utilization of residual carbon(RC)in FS are the keys to realizing the win-win situation of the coal chemical industry in terms of economic and environmental benefits.The structural properties,such as pore,surface functional group,and microcrystalline structures,of RC in FS(FS-RC)not only affect the flotation recovery efficiency of FS-RC but also form the basis for the high-value utilization of FS-RC.In this paper,the characteristics of FS-RC in terms of pore structure,surface functional groups,and microcrystalline structure are sorted out in accordance with gasification type and FS particle size.The reasons for the formation of the special structural properties of FS-RC are analyzed,and their influence on the flotation separation and high-value utilization of FS-RC is summarized.Separation methods based on the pore structural characterist-ics of FS-RC,such as ultrasonic pretreatment-pore-blocking flotation and pore breaking-flocculation flotation,are proposed to be the key development technologies for improving FS-RC recovery in the future.The design of low-cost,low-dose collectors containing polar bonds based on the surface and microcrystalline structures of FS-RC is proposed to be an important breakthrough point for strengthening the flotation efficiency of FS-RC in the future.The high-value utilization of FS should be based on the physicochemical structural proper-ties of FS-RC and should focus on the environmental impact of hazardous elements and the recyclability of chemical waste liquid to es-tablish an environmentally friendly utilization method.This review is of great theoretical importance for the comprehensive understand-ing of the unique structural properties of FS-RC,the breakthrough of the technological bottleneck in the efficient flotation separation of FS,and the expansion of the field of the high value-added utilization of FS-RC.

Synergistic effects of dodecane-castor oil acid mixture on the flotation responses of low-rank coal:A combined simulation and experimental study

The utilization of an appropriate collector or surfactant is crucial for the beneficiation of low-rank coal.However,in previous studies,the selection of surfactants was primarily based on flotation procedures,which hinders the understanding of the interaction mechanism between surfactant groups and oxygen-containing functional groups at the surface of low-rank coal.In this study,we investigate the flotation of low-rank coal in the presence of a composite collector by using a combined theoretical and experimental approach.The maximum flotation mass recovery achieved was 82.89%using a 3:1 mixture of dodecane and castor oil acid.Fourier-transform infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic analyses showed that castor oil acid was effectively adsorbed onto the surface of low-rank coal,enhancing the hydrophobicity of the coal.In addition,the diffusion coefficient of water molecules in the water-composite collector-coal system was greater than that in the dodecane system.Moreover,due to the presence of castor oil acid in the flotation process,the adsorption distance of dodecane and low-rank coal became shorter.Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the diffusion and interaction of surfactant molecules at the interface of low-rank coal particles and water was enhanced because the adsorption of the dodecane-castor oil acid mixture is primarily controlled by hydrogen bonds and electrostatic attraction.Based on these results,a better surfactant for flotation of low-rank coal is also proposed.

The dynamic change of pore structure for low-rank coal under refined upgrading pretreatment temperatures

Pore structure characteristics are significant factor in the evaluation of the physical characteristics of low-rank coal.In this study,three low-rank coal samples were collected from the Xishanyao Formation,Santanghu Basin,and low-temperature liquid-nitrogen adsorption(LP-N2A)measurements were taken under various pretreatment temperatures.Owing to the continuous loss of water and volatile matter in low-rank coal,the total pore volume assumes a three-step profile with knee temperatures of 150°C and 240°C.However,the ash in the coal can protect the coal skeleton.Pore collapse mainly occurs for mesopores with aperture smaller than 20 nm.Mesopores with apertures smaller than 5 nm exhibit a continuous decrease in pore volume,whereas the pore volume of mesopores with apertures ranging from 5 to 10 nm increases at lower pretreatment temperatures(<150°C)followed by a faint decrease.As for mesopores with apertures larger than 10 nm,the pore volume increases significantly when the pretreatment temperature reaches 300°C.The pore structure of low-rank coal features a significant heating effect,the pretreatment temperature should not exceed 150°C when the LP-N2A is used to evaluate the pore structure of low-rank coal to effectively evaluate the reservoir characteristics of low-rank coal.

The mechanism and products for co-thermal extraction of biomass and low-rank coal with NMP

The high-value utilization of low-rank coal would allow for expanding energy sources,improving energy efficiencies,and alleviating environmental issues.In order to use low-rank coal effectively,the hypercoals(HPCs)were co-extracted from two types of low-rank coal and biomass via N-methyl-2-purrolidinone(NMP)under mild conditions.The structures of the HPCs and residues were characterized by proximate and ultimate analysis,Raman spectra,and Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR)spectra.The carbon structure changes within the raw coals and HPCs were discussed.The individual thermal dissolution of Xibu(XB)coal,Guandi(GD)coal,and the biomass demonstrated that the biomass provided the lowest thermal dissolution yield Y1 and the highest thermal soluble yield Y2 at 280℃,and the ash content of three HPCs decreased as the extraction temperature rose.Co-thermal extractions in NMP at various coal/biomass mass ratios were performed,demonstrating a positive synergic effect for Y2 in the whole coal/biomass mass ratios.The maximum value of Y2 was 52.25wt% for XB coal obtained with a XB coal/biomass of 50wt% biomass.The maximum value of Y2 was 50.77wt% for GD coal obtained with a GD coal/biomass of 1:4.The difference for the optimal coal/biomass mass ratios between XB and GD coals could be attributed to the different co-extraction mechanisms for this two type coals.

Co-pyrolysis characteristics and interaction route between low-rank coals and Shenhua coal direct liquefaction residue

To reasonably utilize the coal direct liquefaction residue(DLR), contrasting research on the co-pyrolysis between different low-rank coals and DLR was investigated using a TGA coupled with an FT-IR spectrophotometer and a fixed-bed reactor. GC–MS, FTIR, and XRD were used to explore the reaction mechanisms of the various co-pyrolysis processes. Based on the TGA results, it was confirmed that the tetrahydrofuran insoluble fraction of DLR helped to catalyze the conversion reaction of lignite. Also, the addition of DLR improved the yield of tar in the fixed-bed, with altering the composition of the tar. Moreover, a kinetic analysis during the co-pyrolysis was conducted using a distributed activation energy model. The co-pyrolysis reactions showed an approximate double-Gaussian distribution.

New Progress on the Coal Fines Affecting the Development of Coalbed Methane

Objective The production of coal fines is very common in the development of coalbed methane（CBM）in the eastern margin of the Ordos Basin,China.A large amount of produced coal fines seriously affect the productivity of CBM wells（Wei Yingchun et al.,2013）.Therefore,the production problems of CBM wells caused by coal fines have attracted extensive attention.

Study of sodium lignosulfonate prepare low-rank coal-water slurry:Experiments and simulations

The effect of sodium lignosulfonate(SL)as additive on the preparation of low-rank coal-water slurry(LCWS)was studied by experiments and molecular dynamics(MD)simulation s.The experimental results show that the appropriate amount of additives is beneficial to reduce the viscosity of LCWS and increase the slurry concentration.Adsorption isotherm studies showed that SL conforms to single-layer adsorption on the coal surface,andΔG_(ads)^(0) was negative,proving that the reaction was spontaneous.Zeta potential measurements showed that SL increased the negative charge on coal.FTIR scanning and XPS wide-range scanning were performed on the coal before and after adsorption,and it was found that the content of oxygen functional groups on coal increased after adsorption.Simulation results show that when a large number of SL molecules exist in the solution,some SL molecules will bind to hydrophobic hydrocarbon groups on coal.The rest of the SL molecule s,their hydrophobic alkyl tails,come into contact with each other and aggregate in solution.The agglomeration of SL molecules and the surface of coal with static electricity will also produce electrostatic interaction,which is conducive to the even dispersion of coal particles.The results of mean square displacement(MSD)and self-diffusion coefficient(D)show that the addition of SL reduces the diffusion rate of water molecules.Simulation results correspond to experimental results,indicating that MD simulation is accurate and feasible.

Physical properties and filter cake structure of fine clean coal from flotation

In order to improve the dewatering rate and the effect of fine clean coal(FCC), the advanced method offine coal( 0.5 mm) dewatering and the correlated basic theory were investigated in this study. It was found that the dewatering by sleeve type press filter was an efficient way of FCC dewatering. On the other hand, the results also proved that particle size distribution, volatile matter, ash content, pore size distribution and specific surface area of coal particles of FCC samples, as well as viscosity and density of FCC slurry, were important parameters in determining the process of efficient dewatering. Especially, wet mass to dry mass, specific resistance of average mass, compressibility factor and microstructure of filter cake explained the reasons and mechanisms of fine clean coal efficient dewatering.

Effect of a starch-based filter aid on the dewatering of fine clean coal

The dewatering of fine, flotation cleaned coals from Huaibei and Xuzhou (bituminous) and Yongcheng (anthracite) were studied. The supernatant and filter cake were examined to determine the rate and extent of flocculation and dewatering. A starch-based filter aid was used to increase flocculation and dewatering rates. The filtration constant, K, and compression index, s, of the Yongcheng slurry were measured under various conditions. A designed experiment was performed to determine optimum conditions for dewatering. The results showed that the filter aid enhanced flocculation and coagulation of the fine cleaned coal slurry, enhanced the structure of the filter cake and promoted dewatering of the cake. Moisture content in the cake was reduced to 17% after vacuum filtration.

Experimental Research on Desulfurization of Fine Coal Using an Enhanced Centrifugal Gravity Separator

A desulphurization experimental study under the effects of compounding physical force fields has been de- scribed for < 0.5 mm fine particles of high sulfur coal. A statistical test using the Box-Behnken Design of experiments was conducted to evaluate the effects of individual operating variables and their interactions on desulfurization of fine coal using an enhanced centrifugal gravity separator. A model describing the relation between desulphurization effi- ciency of pyrite sulfur and different operating variables has been designed. The interactions between different factors on the pyrite sulfur desulphurization efficiency have been analysed. The optimal test conditions for desulfarization are ex- tracted from the Design-Expert 6.0 software. Finally, the advantage of centrifugal gravity separation for fine coal is pointed out.

An Entrapment Model of Water Flow on Fine Coal Flotation

Effect of entrapment of water flow on fine coal flotation was studied. The relation between constant of water flotation rate and flotation time was investigated and the water recycling model determined. The entrapment model of water flow about the relation between the recovery of fine particle and that of water in concentration was established. Finally, the equation about ash in fine clean coal at any time was derived by introducing a de-ashing coefficient.

Carburization of ferrochromium metals in chromium ore fines containing coal during voluminal reduction by microwave heating

Chromium ore fines containing coal (COFCC) can be rapidly heated by microwave to conduct the voluminal reduction, which lays a foundation of getting sponge ferrochromium powders with a lower content of C. Under the conditions of COFCC with n(O)-n(C) (molar ratio) as 1.00-0.84 and n(SiO2)-n(CaO) as 1.00-0.39, the samples were heated by 10 kW microwave power to reach the given temperatures and held for different times respectively. The results show that the low-C-Cr ferrochromium metal phase in the reduced materials forms before the high-C-Cr ferrochromium metal phase does. With increasing temperature the C content of ferrochromium metals is in a positive correlation with the content of Cr. The C content of ferrochromium metal in reduced materials is 0-10.07% with an average value of 4.68%. With the increase of holding time the Cr content in ferrochromium metals is in a negative correlation with the content of C, while the content of Fe changes in the contrary way. In the microwave field the kinetic conditions of carburization are closely related with the temperature of microwave heating, holding time and carbon fitting ratio.

Application of Water-Soluble Polymer in Dewatering of Fine Coal

The addition of water-soluble polymer to a fine coal slurry to enhance dewatering process is considered to be one of the most effective ways of solving the problems of dewatering of fine coal. A series of tests are conducted with a vacuum dewatering apparatus to study the effects of various factors such as the species of polymer, polymer dosage and its ways of addition, and the pH of fine coal slurry on filtrating and dewatering of fine coal.

Study of Cyclonic Microbubble FlotationColumn and Its Application to Fine Coal Processing

This paper deals with the operation principle of the cyclonic microbubble flotation column and its structure characterisics. The pilot test results and the commercial applied results of cyclonic microbubble flotation column for fine coal processing are also introduced. The test results proved that the cyclonic microbubble flotation column has many advantages suck as high selectivity, high efficiency in ash rejection from fine coals, low comsumption of energy, easy operation and maintenance, etc. It is a kind of equipment widely applied to fine coal processing.

Ash Depression in Fine Coal Flotation Using a Novel Polymer Aid

The current study investigated the effects of novel hybrid polyacrylamide polymers as ash (slime) depressants in fine coal flotation to enhance combustible recovery and ash rejection. Coal samples at P80 of approximately 45 um with ~25% ash content were floated in the presence of in-house synthesized hybrid aluminum hydroxide polyacrylamide polymers (Al(OH)3-PAM, or Al-PAM). All flotation experiments were carried out in a 5-L Denver flotation cell. Various influencing factors were examined to optimize the flotation process in the presence of the Al-PAM polymers, including the Al-PAM dosage, Al-PAM conditioning time, impeller rotation speed and pulp pH. Comparative and synergistic studies were also performed using organic polyacrylamide polymers (PAMs), commercial dispersants and Al-PAM/dispersant system. Results showed a significant improvement in both combustible recovery and ash rejection at an Al-PAM dosage of 0.25 mg/L. The maximum combustible recovery obtained, at natural pH, with Al-PAM and Al-PAM/dispersant system was determined to be 70% and 66% at ash content of 7.74% and 7.4%, respectively. Zeta potential values of both the raw coal and concentrate products showed a large shift toward more positive values (from ˉ50 mV to ˉ13 mV), indicating a significant decrease in ash-forming minerals (slimes) when Al-PAM polymers were applied.

Coal combustion restrained by ultra-fine water mist in confined space

In order to apply ultra-fine water mist technology on spontaneous coal combustion in the goaf of a coal mine, we built a small scale compartment with ultra-fine water mist for restraining coal combustion in a confined space and then investigated the restraining efficiency and related factors. The study obtained the following results: a descending rate of heat release, an increase in O2, the production of CO2 decreased gradually, while the production of CO increased dramatically and quickly and then decreased; ultimately it tended to become stable after the discharge of an ultra-fine water mist. The technology showed that the ultra-fine water mist can effectively reduce the heat release rate of coal and the rate to generate components. We found that the restraining effect relied on the mist flux, the discharge time and other factors. A sufficient amount of mist has a better effect compared to an insufficient amount of mist. To combat coal combustion, the greater the discharge time, the better coal flames are extinguished.

THE STUDY OF THE BASIC THEORY AND THE APPLICATION OF REMOVAL PYRITE AND ASH FROM FINE COAL WITH ELECTROSTATIC SEPARATOR

The effect of removing pyrite and ash ffom fine coal with electrostatic separator is determined by the electric property of coal, the distribution of corona ion and etectrostatic field, and the disperse and even feed. The dielectric constant of coal and mineral matter is studied in this paper and the amendment has been made to survey theory. The oscillogram is adopted to study the distribution of corona ion and electrostatic field.The paper details the study of remoing pyrite and ash from fine coal, and the test results demonstrate the high efficiency of removing pyrite and ash with electrostatic separator.

Surface Modification Mechanism of Fine Coal by Electrochemical Methods

In order to reveal the surface modification mechanism of fine coal by electrochemical methods, the structural changes of the coal surface before and after electrochemical modification were investigated by Fourier Transform In- frared Spectra (FTIR) and Raman Spectra. The results show that under certain electrochemical conditions, the oxy- gen-containing functional group in the coal structure and the oxygen content of absorption could be reduced and the floatability of coal improved. At the same time, the sulfur in the coal was reduced to the hydrophilic S2– which could be separated easily from coal. Thus electrochemical modification methods could be used to change the structure and func- tional group on the coal surface and to enhance the floatability of coal.

Comparative Characteristics of Hydrated Lime with Fine Sewage Sludge Ash (FSSA) and Coal Fly Ash (CFA)

The disposal of waste has become an environmental issue due to the limited available landfilling space. This paper aims to compare the characteristics of hydrated lime with fine sewage sludge ash (FSSA) and coal fly ash (CFA). Multiple techniques, X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), compressive strengths, thermophysical properties, and setting time were used to assess the physicochemical characteristics of the lime-based materials. X-ray fluorescence and X-ray diffraction were used to determine the chemical composition and phases of ashes, lime and binders. The results showed that the chemical composition of ashes is similar to that of cement. Besides glass, the main minerals identified in CFA and FSSA are quartz (SiO2) and anhydrite (CaSO4). Moreover, calcium aluminium oxide (Ca3Al2O6) was detected for CFA and phosphorus calcium silicate (Ca2SiO4-Ca3(PO4)2) for FSSA and minor phases were detected for both. FTIR measurements were carried out to characterize the inorganics components of different samples. Compressive strengths of mortars with different formulations have shown that both have a long-term positive effect which might be related to a pozzolanic activity. For the CFA the L3 binder consisting of 60% of coal fly ash and 40% lime has a higher compressive strength than the others while for the FSSA the L4 binder consisting of 80% fine ash and 20% lime has a higher compressive strength than the others. Both binders setting start times are greater than that of cement but shorter than that of lime. The study of the thermophysical properties of binders shows that they have a higher thermal resistance than cement mortar. Moreover, binders heat up less quickly because of their low effusivity compared to cement. Lime-based materials system could be a promising option to both relieve the waste disposal pressure and provide a potential sustainable construction material.