Reverse Flotation in Mu-Elmakaya Lignite Beneficiation

The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility of cleaning Mu-Elmakaya lignite by the reverse flotation method. Experimental studies were conducted on Mu-Elmakaya lignite samples containing high ash and sulfur content. Preliminary flotation studies showed that gangue minerals were floated instead of the lignite sample in the flotation medium. For this purpose, the effects of some parameters that markedly influence the effectiveness of reverse flotation, such as grinding time, solid concentration, pH, collector type and amount, depressant amount, and frother amount on the reverse flotation, were investigated. Flotation results showed that while a clean coal assaying 29.04% ash with combustible yield of 78.14% could be obtained in the usage of Aero 3477 as the ionic collector, a clean coal assaying 27.40% ash with a higher combustible yield of 81.19% could be obtained in the usage of kerosene as the conventional collector.