Designing and operating fine coal processing circuits to meet market specifications

Fine coal cleaning circuits in operating preparation plants worldwide vary significantly in the technologies used for upgrading and dewatering coal as well as the overall circuit layout. The differences are often due to the cleanability characteristics of the coal and the varying market specifications. This article presents the use of plant optimization methodology based on the constant incremental quality concept toward selection of the fine coal cleaning and dewatering technologies required for maximizing plant yield. The applications of the technologies in various circuit layouts are presented with respect to targeted markets and discussed using case studies.