Effect of Monovalent Sodium and Potasium Ions on the Settlement of Fine Coal Processing Plant Tailings

Abstract

Solid-liquid separation has an important role in coal processing in terms of environmental, economical and technical concepts. In this study, the settlement possibilities of the fine coal tailings of Manisa Soma Imbat A.S. Coal Processing Plant in Turkey were investigated using an anionic flocculant (SPP-600) and monovalent ions (Na+ and K+). As a result, it was found that the coal tailings were not settled without the chemicals, 1x10(-3), and 1x10(-2) M NaCl and KCl solutions. The settling rate increased to 1.4 and 1.2 cm/min at 1 M NaCl and KCl solutions, respectively in 10 min. The use of 150 g/t SPP-600 increased the settling rate over 2 cm/min in 10 min. The turbidity tests showed that Na+ and K+ could not decrease the turbidity of the suspensions alone. However, the minimum turbidity values were obtained when 150 g/t SPP-600 used with 1 M NaCl. Moreover, this study also indicated that the particle size of the flocs increased to 138, 181 and 478 mu m, respectively with the use of 1 M KCl+150 g/t SPP-600, 1 M NaCl+150 g/t SPP-600, and 150 g/t SPP-600.