The effect of activating treatment on demineralization of a lignite sample by reverse flotation method

In this study, the influence of activating treatment on the demineralization of a lignite sample utilizing the reverse flotation was studied. A lignite sample containing 42.09% ash, 0.86% sulfur, 38.46% volatile matter and 19.45% fixed carbon was used in experiments. Quartz, clay mineral, feldspar (plagioclase) mineral and mica mineral were determined as dominant minerals. The activation of gangue minerals (particularly quartz) using lead, tin, iron, and aluminum salts were performed. The influences of different parameters were investigated. Reverse flotation results demonstrated that a clean coal having 35.81% ash and 61.81% combustible yield could be gained in the usage of tin salt.