Tests of Sinterol Reagent in Flotation at OOO MMK-Ugol

Abstract

The flotation conditions for coal with different mineral content of the organic component are studied in the laboratory. The reagent protocol developed, which includes Sinterol modifier, is industrially tested. The results indicate that, if Sinterol is added at a rate of (1.0–3.0) ×10–3 kg/t of coal fines, the extraction of the coal’s combustible mass in the concentrate is increased; the process is more selective; and the loss of combustible mass with the flotation waste is decreased. The greater effectiveness of flotation when using Sinterol may be explained in that the modifier is adsorbed on the active sections of the coal surface, on account of hydrogen bonds with polar groups in the Sinterol, so that its hydrocarbon groups face the aqueous phase. As a result, the coal surface becomes more hydrophobic and flotation is improved. The increased selectivity in flotation is associated with effective flocculation of the clay particles in the presence of Sinterol, especially for coal with high content of clay minerals. Industrial tests confirm that Sinterol permits more effective and selective coal flotation.