Effect of Oleic Acid on Froth Properties and Reverse Flotation Performance of Thermal Coal

Reverse flotation was proposed as a potential method for the upgradation of low rank thermal coal. Higher combustible matter recovery in the float could be obtained using reverse flotation method compared to conventional flotation method. In order to reduce the entrainment of fine particles, oleic acid (OA) was used as froth regulator in coal reverse flotation process. Experimental data showed that the total volume of froth product in the absence of OA was almost 3 times more than that in the presence of 0.45 kg/Mg OA dosage. Reverse flotation results showed that the ash content of froth product increased with the increase of OA dosage which indicated that the entrained coal particles could be decreased by the addition of froth regulator OA.