The casual matrix-based method for the identification of key processes of coal preparation plant——study and application

With an aim to determining the key process involved in the dense- media coal separation plant,the causal matrix- based identification method is proposed in line with the unique features of the coal preparation industry as well as the plant’s specific conditions. After the critical targeted quality points are set based on the technical and economical indicators,use is made of the proposed method to define the correlation of such points with the corresponding coal treating processes. Following the determination of the relations,the technical personnel can make,on a scientific basis,qualitative scoring and quantitative calculation of the degree of effect on the critical targeted quality points produced by each coal treating process. Then,the various processes are arranged in due order according to total scores. Taking the 80 /20 principle as a guide,the top 20 percent of the graded processes are listed as the key processes of which intensified monitoring and control need to be exercised,so as to allow the coal washing processes to be made with high quality and efficiency,and low energy consumption. An introduction is made in the paper to the concrete procedures of the use of the method with part of the processes of the raw coal preparation workshop of Xuchang Coal Washery under Zibo Mining Group as an example. The application of the causal matrix method provides for the plant a theoretical basis based on which the identification and hence intensified management of the key processes can be made.