Screening performance of coal of different size fractions with variation in design and operational flexibilities of the new screening machine

Abstract

ABSTRACT Coal separation was usually carried out using the wet coal beneficiation technique. The waste generated by this technique pollutes the environment. So, in this work, a new mechanism of screening machine for dry coal beneficiation was developed. Dry coal screening removes ash impurities from the coal and improves its energy productivity. Hence, a new screening machine was developed with flexibility in changing the screen mesh, screen angle, and frequency of vibration. In this work, coal feed of less than 6 mm were divided into three groups of −6 + 4 mm, −4 + 2 mm, and −2 + 0.5 mm size fractions. Each size fraction was screened individually in the new screening machine by changing the screen mesh to the required perforation. The screening efficiency was determined for each size fraction by varying operational variables such as screen angle and frequency of vibration. This new screening machine provides maximum screening efficiency of 87.36%, 80.52%, and 66.42% for screening coal feed of 6 + 4 mm, −4 + 2 mm, and −2 + 0.5 mm size fractions, respectively. Highly efficient screening and higher removal of ash from coal were obtained due to the design and operational flexibilities of the screening machine.