A study of multistage/multifunction column for fine particle separation

The overall objective of the research program is to explore the potential application of a new invention involving a multistage column equipped with vortex-inducing loop-flow contactors (hereafter referred to as the multistage column) for fine coal cleaning process. The research work will identify the design parameters and their effects on the performance of the separation process. The results of this study will provide an engineering basis for further development of this technology in coal cleaning and in the general areas of fluid/particle separation. In the last quarter, we investigated the fine coal beneficiation behaviors in the multistage column and the conventional column. In this quarter, we have initiated the wastewater treatment tests program to verify the multifunction features of the multistage column. We also performed data analysis of the bubble sizes using a model based on the unified proportionality equation. 7 refs., 10 figs., 7 tabs