Comminution Theory of Superfine Pulverized Coal Based on Fractal Analysis of Aggregate Structures

Abstract

The coal fragmentation and resulting particle size distribution (PSD) have significant influences on the physical and chemical properties, which play a crucial role in coal conversion and utilization processes. In this paper, a comprehensive comminution theory of superfine pulverized coal was proposed, in combination of particle fracture mechanisms, fractal dimension analysis and energy laws of comminution. The subtle crystalline changes of aggregate structures due to the coal comminution were validated through the synchrotron-based high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD), and the distribution patterns of submicron aggregate clusters were identified according to the fractal fragmentation theory. Finally, a novel energy dissipation assumption is proposed based on the molecular sliding mechanism, which is suitable for the evaluation of energy consumption of the comminution induced submicron particles. The results here can improve the interpretation and modeling of coal macromolecular networks, and offer a...