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U.S. Department of Energy
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Selective separation of coal feedstocks for conversion by magnetic separation techniques

Conference ·
OSTI ID:6433950
The Open-Gradient Magnetic Separation (OGMS) technique can separate particles on the basis of small differences in magnetic susceptibility. The highly reactive coal macerals are diamagnetic while the minerals and less reactive macerals range from slightly diamagnetic to paramagnetic with the pyritic minerals exhibiting the greatest positive magnetic susceptibility. OGMS can spread a falling stream of fine coal into a spectrum permitting the physical separation of these several maceral and mineral groups. Several eastern bituminous coals have been selectively separated into five to ten fractions. Petrographic examination of these separated fractions shows a concentration of the maceral and mineral groups in the appropriate fractions. It is proposed that the selective separation of the most reactive macerals, as well as of those minerals that exhibit a catalytic effect, can enhance the efficiency of coal conversion.
Research Organization:
Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
DOE Contract Number:
W-7405-ENG-26
OSTI ID:
6433950
Report Number(s):
CONF-810814-6; ON: DE81028060
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English