Desulphurisation of fine coal waste tailings using algal lipids

摘要

Flotation desulphurisation experiments were performed using algal lipids (raw algal lipids (RALs) and their derivatives, fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs)) as biocollectors for recovering saleable clean coal from waste. Ihe results from batch flotation experiments on a coal sample from a site in the Waterberg region in South Africa were evaluated in terms of overall yield, recoveries (combustibles, ash and sulphur) and product quality (ash and sulphur content). The product yield using the lipids was between 34 and 35%, with a combustible matter recovery between 40 and 50%. The lipids reduced the ash content of the discards from 49% to less than 27%, and the sulphur content from 5.7% to less than 2.8%. These results were comparable to those obtained using oleic acid under similar conditions.