Applications of the CrossFlow teeter-bed separator in the U.S. coal industry

Hindered-bed separators are recognized as low-cost, high-capacity devices for both classification and density separation; however, since their inception there have been few significant advances in the fundamental technology. Recently, Eriez has shown through modeling and pilot-scale testing that the innovative approach to feed presentation offered in the CrossFlow teeter-bed separator provides improved metallurgy when compared to traditional hindered-bed classifiers or single-stage coal spirals. This design feature prevents excess water from entering the separation chamber and disrupting the overall fluidization flow rate within the teeter zone. Most recently, a side-by-side industrial-scale evaluation verified that this technology improves overall efficiency and simultaneously reduces the separation cut point. With regards to coal processing, data from full-scale units indicate that the CrossFlow offers good separation efficiency, high unit capacity and metallurgical results consistent with laboratory- and pilot-scale separators.