Coal breakage characterisation – Part 1: Breakage testing with the JKFBC

Abstract

An improved method for coal breakage characterisation has been developed at the Julius Kruttschnitt Mineral Research Centre (JKMRC). Part 1 of this paper presents the breakage testing method and results, Part 2 gives a breakage model that determines the energy-size reduction relationship for multi-components of particle size and coal density, and Part 3 demonstrates the applications of the model for HGI predictions and coal breakage simulations.The new method incorporates hardware for a fine particle breakage characterisation test, the JKFBC (JK Fine-particle Breakage Characteriser), a device modified from the standard HGI mill, which has a precision torquemeter installed to record energy utilisation during the experiments. Distinguished from the traditional HGI test, which is based on a single particle size with a single energy, the new characterisation test offers the flexibility to grind coal particles at various sizes, or various densities, or indeed (various components) with a range of energy levels. Energy consumption during the grinding was recorded. Using an Australian and a Chinese coal sample collected from power stations, this paper demonstrates the effects of particle size and density on coal breakage, and elucidates the deficiencies associated with the traditional HGI test.