Coal-water suspension of optimised particle size distribution

摘要

Prodn. is claimed of a coal/water mixt. contg. at least 50 wt.% (pref. at least 65 wt.%) coal from an aq. coal mud with a concn. of granular coal more than 50 wt.% of that of the water. The method comprises producing from the mud first and second streams of material differing in particle size distribution, and mixing them in selected proportions in presence of a dispersant. Also claimed is a method of dewatering a mud contg. a granular dilatant material (e.g. coal) by feeding it to a vibrating, gently inclined plate provided with a series of steps up which the solid particles climb, while the net movement of water is downwards.