Analysis of Packed Column Jig for Fine Coal Separation

Abstract

The multicell packed column jig is a newly developed gravity separator, which uses pulsating upward flow to develop circular movement of particles in each virtual cell surrounded by corrugated plates. This makes for repeated separation in a large number of jigging cells, leading to highly efficient separation with a large throughput capacity. A clean coal of 5-6% ash at 75-90% combustible material recovery can be achieved from a feed of 35-50% ash. These results correspond to 90-98% ash rejection. A low specific gravity of separation, SG50, of 1.45 and a probable error value, Ep, of 0.06 in the particle size range of −1 mm+150 μm are indicative of the high process efficiency achievable by the packed column jig. An integrated fine coal cleaning circuit consisting of a multicell packed column jig and a packed flotation column can be used as an alternative fine coal cleaning circuit to treat −2 mm size fraction. A clean coal product of 6% ash from a feed of 46% ash was obtained, with 87% combustible material recovery.