Production of Merchantable Coal from Low Rank Lignite Coal by Using FGX and Subsequent IR Drying

Beneficiation of low rank lignite coals by wet cleaning methods is difficult and low efficiency. Low rank coals are broken into smaller particles in water and create too much slurry. Too much slurry is a problem and requires the construction of a large sludge pond. Clay minerals and other components in the texture of low rank coal also adsorb water. This creates various problems both during washing and in subsequent processes of washing. Especially dewatering and drying are an important cost element in coal preparation. Therefore, it is more rational to upgrade low rank coal with dry beneficiation techniques. Lignite coal which is net calorific value less than 2500 kcal/kg in Turkish coal market can not be sold. In this study, low rank coal with a lower calorific value 1650 kcal/kg was first treated with FGX dry separator and then dried with IR radiation to increase the net calorific value above 2500 kcal/kg.