Cleaning of Spanish high-rank coals by agglomeration with vegetable oils

The aim of this work was to study the feasibility of using vegetable oils for coal agglomeration. Three Spanish anthracites were agglomerated with refined sunflower and soybean oils. The response of coals to agglomeration with these oils was evaluated by measuring the percentages of organic matter recovery and ash and pyritic sulfur rejections. The influence of oil type and concentration on agglomeration results was investigated. In addition, results were compared with those previously obtained in the agglomeration of these coals with n-heptane. It can be concluded that refined sunflower and soybean oils are suitable for use as agglomerants for these high-rank coals, especially to clean those coals with a high content of mineral matter. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.