An investigation into the froth flotation of four South African coals

Bibliography: pages 130-136.Froth flotation is used extensively throughout the world to beneficiate fine (-0,5 mm) coal. However when the same technology is applied to the majority of South African coals it has proved relatively unsuccessful. As the beginning of an ongoing research program, this thesis examines the effects of basic flotation parameters on the beneficiation by flotation, of four South African coals, to identify research areas where a more in-depth investigation is needed. An important conclusion is that South African coals are floatable, and flotation selectivity can be obtained, provided process parameters are controlled within a narrow range. A more in-depth study of the liberation characteristics of the coal and gangue and of the individual macerals is needed because only this will limit the final result. Finally, more research is needed to identify chemicals which exhibit a high degree of specific adsorption on the individual coal components, so that ultimately maceral selectivity can be achieved