{'fraction_non_alphanumeric': 0.016546762589928057, 'fraction_numerical': 0.0, 'mean_word_length': 5.561320754716981, 'pattern_counts': {'":': 0, '<': 0, '<?xml version=': 0, '>': 0, 'https://': 0, 'lorem ipsum': 0, 'www.': 0, 'xml': 0}, 'pii_count': 0, 'substrings_counts': 0, 'word_list_counts': {'cursed_substrings.json': 0, 'profanity_word_list.json': 0, 'sexual_word_list.json': 0, 'zh_pornsignals.json': 0}}
The Use of Tri-Block Copolymer Surfactants as Promoters to Improve Flotation Recovery of Poorly Floating Coal Components

The use of tri-block copolymer surfactants as flotation promoters to enhance the recovery of poorly floating components of coal is examined. Previous study of the flotation response of different coal components using the coal grain analysis tool showed that coarse particles of inertinite, inertinite-rich, and vitrinite-rich composites were poorly recovered compared with liberated vitrinite. Improved recovery of these poorly floating components by using targeted reagents could boost the saleable product coal and, hence, economic outcomes. This approach requires only minor modifications to existing fines circuits. The reagents used were surfactants from the group of tri-block copolymers of polyethylene oxide/polypropylene oxide. The tests were complemented by the coal grain analysis tool that allowed the impact of the reagents on the recovery of the problem components to be properly assessed. Laboratory and full-scale flotation experiments were conducted by adding small amounts of the promoters before adding conventional collector (diesel). Flotation recovery was significantly increased with only a small product ash penalty in each case. Coal grain analysis showed that recovery was improved for most components, especially the coarse composite grains.