THE ELECTROKINETIC BEHAVIOR OF ANTHRACITE COALS AND LITHOTYPES

Special Research Report SR-44 Decreasing anthracite markets over the last de~ade have made it necessary to produce a better anthracite product. This can be accomplished, at least in part by the separation of the constituents of anthracite. The constituents having different chemical and physical properties can be sold separately or blended, increasing anthracite markets. This research, the first step in a program to estaplish the mechanism of coal flotation, was undertaken to determine the flotation differences of anthracite constituents and thus detern1ine the feasibility of making a constituent separation. The flotation properties were determined by electrical methods. In addition, chemical and physical analysis of the constituents were made to establish some parameters fo:r their differentiation. A constituent classification system is presented. Electrical determinations made on four anthracites and twelve constituents were obtained. These results indicate a difference in adsorption characteristics of the anthracite constituents, indicating the feasibility of making a constituent separation by froth flotation. It was suggested that the relative flotation rates of the anthracite constituents were pH dependent, and that the maximum flotation rate of anthracite occurs in an acidic circuit. ii The analyses of the anthracite constituents by chemical and physical methods indicated a general correlation with bituminous coal :results •