Richard W Read

US Patent:

50229834, Jun 11, 1991

Filed:

Aug 17, 1989

Appl. No.:

7/395014

Inventors:

Cal Y. Myers - Carbondale IL
Richard B. Read - Champaign IL

Assignee:

Southern Illinois University Foundation - Carbondale IL

International Classification:

B03D 102

US Classification:

209167

Abstract:

A flotation process is disclosed for cleaning of particulate coal and separation therefrom of pyrite and ash. A flotation pulp is prepared comprising a particulate coal feed material and an anionic surfactant selected from among alkanesulfonic acids, alkenesulfonic acids, alkynesulfonic acids, arenesulfonic acids, alkyl sulfuric acids, alkenyl sulfuric acids, alkynyl sulfuric acids, aryl sulfuric acids and salts of these acids. Among the particularly preferred surfactants are substituted ethenesulfonic acids and salts thereof. Other preferred embodiments include the use of at least about 0. 3 pound surfactant per ton of particulate feed material; implementation of the process via aggregate flotation, in which at least about 50% by weight of the particulate coal feed material is smaller than about 400 mesh; and use of combinations of anionic surfactants and nonionic frothing agents. A novel composition of matter comprising the anionic surfactants adn a nonionic compound is also disclosed.