Release Analysis Response to Sized Feeds and Reagent Types

Release analysis is considered as flotation washability that predicts the limit of separation at
any ash level. Three sized feeds, -0.5 mm, -0.25 mm and -0.1 mm of same coal were subjected to release
analysis to characterize the flotation response using different reagent combinations. Response of coal
reflected by release curves toward reagents was found to be different for all the three feeds. No single
combination of collector and frother could deliver the maximum separation at entire ash range for all
the three feeds. Significant yields could be obtained at 13-17% ash level. Release curve was found to
be sensitive to feed size and reagent types indicating that clean coal ash requirement would dictate the
application of reagents.