Improving Coal Flotation by Introducing a Modifier

Abstract

The development of coal flotation using a modifier is considered. The modifier considered is a petrochemical product: sodium μ-iso-nonylphenoxyethylene carbonate (Sinterol). Its molecules contain an anionic–cationic structure with the general formula: H₁₉C₉–C₆H₄–O(C₂H₄O)_nCOONa. In studying the influence of the modifier consumption on the effectiveness and selectivity of coal flotation, the collector employed is an oil-refining byproduct: Motoalkilat (MTA). The frothing agent is KOBS, which is the still residue from the production of butyl alcohol. The acetylene reagent DK-80 is also employed as a collector. By using DK-80 reagent and the modifier Sinterol in the flotation of coal with different mineral content, the physicochemical properties of the coal surface may be altered and the flotation process may be improved. This combination reduces the consumption of the main reagents and tends to increase the extraction of combustible mass in the concentrate and to reduce the losses of organic mass with the flotation wastes. In addition, the use of Sinterol diminishes the environmental impact of flotation.