Solid/solid separation by selective agglomeration with agglomerant recovery by thermal desorption

In this study, selective agglomeration is used as a simple physical techniq ue to reduce the ash content of coal tailings, in order to reduce environme ntal pollution and to increase the value of these materials for combustion and energy recovery. A pilot plant based upon this separation method was co nstructed, permitting the de-ashing of the tailings to a high level and the recycling of the agglomerant used for these operations by thermal desorpti on from the agglomerates. The effects of many operating variables have been examined for two different railings and the efficiency of the process for cleaning tailings and agglomerant recovery has been demonstrated. Moreover, a tailings de-ashing efficiency of 90% was achieved fur this process, and a recovery and re-cycling efficiency for the agglomerant of 82% was also re alised. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.