Experimental study of oil shale separation using binary medium by pulsed fluidized bed

Abstract

ABSTRACT A large amount of the<6 mm fine particle oil shale created during mining and processing is frequently discarded, creating waste and an environmental hazard. A suitable fluidized dry separation technology would allow that fine particle to be de-ashed and improve the oil shale quality for effective utilization. This paper studies pulsed fluidized beds to determine the effectiveness of pulsation frequency, fines content and operating gas velocity on fluidization and separation of the fine oil shale. It was found that the introduction of fine particles could significantly improve the fluidization quality. When the content of fine particles is 5%, the average density of the bed is~2.3 g/cm3. The effective separation of the 6–3 mm oil shale was achieved using a mixed medium, with optimal separation conditions of 5% fine particle content, 4 Hz pulsation frequency, and 1.5U mf gas velocity. Finally, high efficiency dry beneficiation of 6-3 mm oil shale in pulsed fluidized bed was achieved, which is of great significance for future industrial applications.