When talking about coal, the first thing we think of may be its combustion capacity and market value. However, during the coal preparation process, the secrets hidden in ROM coal (Run-of-Mine Coal) are often unknown. ROM coal is raw material mined from mines, including coal, rocks, debris, minerals and pollutants. These components have a direct impact on the quality, transportation cost and market value of coal.
ROM coal has various compositions and its quality varies greatly. This coal contains contaminants such as machine parts, used consumables, and other ore residues. The presence of these pollutants not only increases the ash content in the coal, but also must be dealt with during the subsequent coal preparation process.
The cleaning and classification process of ROM coal is critical to reducing ash content. This will directly affect the market value of coal and transportation costs.
Storage and handling are critical aspects of coal preparation. Coal processing involves multiple stages of storage and transportation, often within the coal processing plant. The storage yard provides megawatt capacity to ensure stable operation of cleaning equipment. These storage piles usually consist of mechanical equipment that stacks the coal into shape.
The increase in the height and width of coal piles not only improves storage efficiency, but also increases the risk of spontaneous combustion, which is a challenge for coal storage.
Sampling coal is an important part of ensuring production and market efficiency. Through regular sampling, the quality and moisture content of coal can be effectively tracked to ensure compliance with market standards. Sampling equipment, such as 'cross-cut samplers', are widely used to monitor the quality of coal, and test results from independent laboratories form the basis of trading.
The process of washing coal involves different physical separation techniques. The washing characteristics of coal influence subsequent processing and market acceptance. Liberation data obtained from "sink and float analysis" can help determine how to effectively separate coal from impurities.
The efficiency of coal washing depends on the utilization of various methods, such as heavy media separation and flotation technology, each of which has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Crushing is the process of reducing the overall top size of ROM coal, making it easier to handle in coal preparation plants. Screening is the process of grouping coal according to particle size, a process that produces coal lumps of different qualities.
Dense media separation technology relies on different densities to separate high-quality coal and waste materials. In future trends, the recovery and processing of fine coal will also have an impact on the environment, which is another aspect of resource recovery.
Removing moisture from coal products to reduce their weight is an integral part of the transportation and storage process. The use of equipment during the dehydration process, such as cylindrical separators and filter belts, can effectively manage water resources and reduce environmental damage.
In today's coal preparation plants, the use of automated control systems and instruments is crucial. By measuring flow, ash, moisture, etc., this information can effectively assist operations and improve production efficiency.
In summary, although the processing process of ROM coal seems not to be easily noticed in trade, its diverse components and complex processes profoundly affect the market value and transportation cost of coal. As environmental awareness increases, should we rethink the use of coal and its overall impact?