Recovery of fine coals from coal preparation tailings and recycle of proces
sing water are of both economic and environmental incentives, not only pres
erving natural resources but also reducing environmental consequences of di
scharging large volume of tailings. A novel single stage process capable of
recovering fine coals in liquid fuels and clarifying water for recycle is
described. This process integrates three distinct mechanisms: hydrophobic e
xtraction, electrolytic coagulation, and macromolecular flocculation. Using
this process, a combustible recovery greater than 88% at an ash content le
ss than 11% was obtained while producing a clean water containing less than
20 ppm suspended solids from a tailings stream. The final product of coal-
in-oil mixture can be a potential fuel suitable for coal-firing boilers and
power generators. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd All rights re
served.