Novel microorganism for selective separation of coal from ash and pyrite. Sixth quarterly technical progress report, January 1, 1995--March 31, 1995

The objective of this research project is to study the effectiveness of a novel hydrophobic microorganism, Mycobacterium phlei (M. phlei), for the selective flocculation of coal from pyrite and ash forming minerals. During the reporting period, the flocculation efficiencies of Illinois No. 6 and KY No. 9 coal in the presence of whole and ruptured cells of M. phlei were studied. The effect of synthetic flocculants were also studied for comparison at selected pH values. Results showed that the whole cells of M. phlei can flocculate coal very effectively and rapidly for both the coal samples. However, with ruptured cells of M. phlei the flocculation efficiency is significantly less which can be attributed to the loss of extracellular surfactants during rupturing. Separation of flocs using column flotation was studied for both the coal samples in the acidic pH range. Results indicated that excellent rejection of pyritic sulfur and ash could be obtained with a high combustible recovery. DLVO calculations were performed for all the minerals used in this study to calculate the interaction energies in the presence of whole cells and ruptured cells of M. phlei. A minimum in interaction energy is observed between coal and whole cells of M. phlei at pH 4 which is probably responsible for the higher adhesion and flocculation efficiencies at the pH. However, with ruptured cells the interaction energy increases thus decreasing the amount of M. phlei cells adhering to the surface