Coal Sample Preparation Strategy using the TENCAN GQM series Ball Milling device.  

Abstract

The application of Semi Autogenous Grinding strategy in mineral beneficiation engineering is well defined and established unit design method that is qualified for liberation of valuable of quality products from numerous rock ores of metals, coal seam, kimberlite ores etc. The TENCAN GQM series Ball Mill equipment was deployed throughout our investigation to investigate on optimum setting factors that are crucial and influential in achieving effective product quality outcome during coal beneficiation by milling operation. Therefore, a Semi-autogenous milling strategy was taken advantage of for the grinding activity that involved five (5) different coal samples and the optimum product stream in the particle size range between [−600μm, +38μm] was researched by an optimized procedure that syndicate three(3) control parameters being the {A − powder filling (fc), B − ball loading (JB) and C − residence time or grinding duration (t)}. Moreover, to understand the grinding kinetics and particle dynamics during interaction that yield a coal mass stream at desirable particle size relevant for target manufacturing companies is of profound interest in our study. Therefore, initially the acquired sample material was gently prepared using splitter equipment, sieve plates and the coal composition was analysed via Thermogravimetric machine and the Proximate results were acquired. To establish contrast amongst the samples, in compositional and coal formational morphology, hardness, and the relative abundance of occurring species were deployed as key factors that influenced the comminution patterns obtained from the trials. Samples that were initially collected assorted in particle sizes classification in a fully heterogenous format grouped as run-of-mine coals (−200mm), Cobbles (−75mm, +40mm), Nuts (−40mm, +25mm), Peas (−32mm, +14mm) and fines (−14mm), scaling via the laboratory sieve standard specifications. However, the acquired coal species were initially subjugated to a hardness testing using the Hardgrove grindability Index device that reported a variable coal grindability index value with material hardness increased from Nuts (60.37), Cobbles (64.58), ROM (66.84), Fines (66.99) to Peas (67.37) which are soft compared to other coal samples. Process engineers, researchers and students in different organizations studying metallurgy and coal beneficiation etc., must be informed about factors affecting coal material preparation innovations and the health-safety risk encounter by the mineral engineer personal during handling and processing. Moreover, production efficacy is significantly improved through adopting optimized model functions that accurately increase the product recovery at lower power rating for the cumulative production path hence relevantly reducing the cost(s) exacerbated by tedious and unnecessary design approaches.