Selective oil agglomeration in Sirnak asphaltite beneficiation

In this study, the possibility of cleaning Sirnak asphaltite by the agglomeration method was investigated. Experimental studies were conducted on the asphaltite sample with ash, sulphur, volatile matter and fixed carbon contents of 44.8, 6.0, 38.0, and 17.2 wt%, respectively. For this purpose, laboratory tests were carried out to investigate the effects of grinding time, bridging liquid type, bridging liquid concentration, pulp density and agitator speed on the overall performance of the agglomeration process. Furthermore, the effects of sea water and lake water on the combustible recovery and ash contents of the agglomerated products were investigated. The optimum conditions determined were: grinding time: 50 min, bridging liquid type: 50% kerosene + 50% fuel oil, bridging liquid concentration: 30%, pulp density: 12.5%, stirring speed: 1800 rpm. It was found that the effects of sea water and lake water on the removal of ash were negative. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.