Spiral separation: The state-of-the-art in coal slimes preparation

This paper presents theoretical features of spiral separation, experimental and commercial approvement of spiral separators for coal slimes preparation. It was founded that spiral separation efficiently operates under size of coal slime particle between 0.1...1.5 mm and requires preliminary desliming with a help of low-diameter hydrocyclones or high-frequency screens. Spiral concentrators separate materials not only by specific gravity differences but also by size particles contrast under turbulent rotational flow of coal pulp on the surface of separator. Spiral separation may turn back the wheels of technological history of coal slimes preparation from floatation to gravity under condition of principled changing of such concentrator construction.