Studies on the Effect of Variation of Temperature on the Flocculation of Some Indian Bituminous Coals

Animaesh Kumar Mishra and D.P. Pandey*

Department of Chemistry, Satish Chandra College, Ballia - 277 001 (India)

Experimental results of the study on the effect of variation of temperature by the Polymeric flocculants (HPAM, and Truefloc) on the flocculation of East Busseriya, Sudamdih and Ramgarh coals of Jharia coalfields are reported. These results suggest that temperature greatly affects the flocculation behaviour of coalfields as evidence by lower settling rates at higher temperature. Variation in temperature alters the intrinsic viscosity of the polymer, due to which settling rate also changes. The intrinsic viscosity of the polymer is a function of pH. Consequent to the change in viscosity due to change in pH. The setting rate is affected considerably. The optimum pH of the flocculant for maximum settling due to highest intrinsic viscosity is in neutral medium at pH 7.0. The results of flocculation of coal particles have been explained on the basis of the bridging mechanism.

Temperature; flocculation; Indian Bituminous coals