Optimization of Some Parameters in a Modified Water-Only Cyclone for Metallurgical Coal Production from High-Ash Fine Coking Coals

Abstract

Coking coal with generally 11% or lower ash content is termed as metallurgical coal and is used in the steel industry after the coking process. In Turkey, generally spirals and flotation machines are used for the production of metallurgical coal from high-ash fine coals. According to plant data, these devices are capable of producing clean coal with an ash content of 7%–15% from raw coal with 40%–60% ash content. This study aimed to produce metallurgical coal from high-ash coal using a modified water-only cyclone as this method is simple and easy to control. Firstly, the conventional water-only cyclone was modified, then some important operating parameters such as cyclone inclination, inlet pressure, and solids concentration were optimized. Following the optimization procedure, it was found that clean coal of metallurgical quality with 11% or lower ash content can be produced using a modified water-only cyclone.