Development and application of technologically upgraded coal cleaning processes at Handan Coal Washery

Over the past 60 years since its commissioning in December 1959, Handan Coal Washer has undergone 3 times of major renovation of its coal cleaning processes. Initially, the washery used Jigging process for primary washing and rewashing operations and fine coal thickening flotation process. In 1998 it switched to the use of jig for primary washing and heavy medium cyclone for rewashing with the flotation system remaining unchanged. In 2004, the thickening flotation system changed to thickening and classifying flotation process, and the < 0.125 mm fine coal was treated with flotation column. In 2011, the further upgraded processes as follows were applied: use of gravity- fed 3-product H.M. cyclone to treat deslimed coal. Separation of coarse slime with CSS and classifying flotation of fine coal. The renovation work was made each time in line with the then background of the times, market situation and technical condition based on result of analysis of necessity. Upon successfully completion of the renovation work each time, comparative analysis of key parameters were made. The technical upgrading work successively made well demonstrate the unswerving effort of the washery to seek new technologies and new processes, and can also serve as a epitome of the course of incessant development of China′s coal preparation technologies.