Abstract
–In this paper, the interactive effect of three different frother types, particles size distribution and pH on the flotation performance of fine bituminous coal was investigated. A series of flotation tests were conducted with the objective to determine the frother that will influence the quality of the floated coal in terms of ash content and combustible recovery. The three frothers investigated were Methyl Isobutyl Carbinol and 4-Methilo-2-Pentanol which falls under aliphatic alcohols frother group and Dowfroth 200 which is in the polygycols frother group. The laboratory results showed that the maximum combustible recovery of 81.22% and low ash content of 21,2% was obtained using the following flotation conditions: Particle size distribution of 80% passing 75µm, Methyl Isobutyl Carbinol dosage of 40g/t and pH equal to 6. Sodium isobutyl xanthate and Diesel oil which were used as co-collectors were kept at a dosage 50g/t. Of the three collectors investigated, the order of better performance was Methyl isobutyl Carbinol > Dowfroth200 > 4-Methilo-2-Pentanol.