Improved Fine Coal Dewatering by Ultrasonic Pretreatment and Dewatering Aids

Abstract

The effects of ultrasonic pretreatment and surface active reagents to improve the efficiency of fine coal dewatering in high frequency vibrating screen have been carried out. The results showed that hydrophobic surface active reagents increased the contact angle and decreased surface tension of the solution reducing the moisture content of fine coal particles. Polyethylene glycol 400 monooleate (PEG-400) was found to be the most effective reagent. Furthermore, when ultrasonic pretreatment was introduced to the fine coal slurry, the residual total moisture content of the fine coal was further decreased.