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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Novel microorganism for selective separation of coal from ash and pyrite. Fourth quarterly technical progress report, July 1, 1994--September 30, 1994

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:10105993

This report summarizes the progress made during the fourth quarter of the research 9 project entitled {open_quotes}A Novel Microorganism for Selective Separation of Coal from Ash and Pyrite{close_quotes}. The objective of this project is to study the effectiveness of a novel hydrophobic microorganism, Mycobacterium phlei (M. phlei), for the selective flocculation of coal from pyrite and ash forming minerals. During the reporting period, the adhesion of M phlei on the surface of quartz was investigated as a function of pH and conditioning time. Results showed that the little adhesion of M phlei onto quartz occurred. The amount of M phlei adsorbed onto the surface of quartz was less compared to coal. These results suggest that it would be possible to flocculate coal selectively from ash forming minerals. Flocculation tests conducted with Illinois No. 6 coal showed that rapid flocculation takes place in the pH range of 3-4. Flocculation efficiency is highly dependent upon the M. phlei concentration.

Research Organization:
Nevada Univ., Reno, NV (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
DOE Contract Number:
FG22-93PC93215
OSTI ID:
10105993
Report Number(s):
DOE/PC/93215--T4; ON: DE95004309
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English