Evaluation of the flotation of a refuse tailing fine coal slurry using release analysis

Performance of flotation when processing a refuse tailing fine coal slurry from a Colombian coal cleaning plant was studied using release analysis to evaluate the potential cleaning in terms of both, low ash and high recovery. Results from release analysis showed, that this was a good estimate for obtaining ideal flotation data, as well as exploring the feasibility of cleaning this material. The results showed that the best combination of collector-frother was diesel oil-MIBC, producing recoveries on the order of 65%, with cumulative ash value less than 10%. It was also tend that the type of frother significantly affected the behavior of a refuse tailing fine coal slurry in a mechanical flotation cell.