The low rank coal has the poor flotability because of its high inherent moisture content and presence of oxygenic organic functional groups. Canadian BD lignite was hydrothermally treated at 180-300 oC. The micro-flotation tests using a Hallimond tube were performed to study the hydrothermal effect on the flotability of lignite. These results showed that the treated coals have the better flotability with the higher flotation rate and larger ash content difference between the concentrate and the tailing with the raising hydrothermally treated temperature. FTIR spectra and elemental analysis indicated that the treated coals have the lower oxygen contenting functional groups, including carboxyl and hydroxyl groups, especially when the hydrothermal temperature was higher than 220 oC. Hydrothermally treated coal at higher temperature has the larger water contact angle, which suggested that hydrothermal action can significantly improve the hydrophobicity of the treated coals.Key wards  : Low rank coal, Hydrothermal treatment, flotation, upgrading

Effect of hydrothermal treatment on the low rank coal flotation

243rd National Meeting (2012)

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