Recent advances in research on separation of maceral components of coal

Given the strategic demand for achieving the carbon peaking and neutrality goals, to get the maceral components efficiently separated is an effective approach for realizing clean, high-efficiency and comprehensive utilization of coal. The paper presents a detailed introduction to the properties and characteristics of maceral components, including vitrinite, inertinite and liptinite. Through study of the properties of group maceral, the difference between the different components is brought to light, which provides a theoretical basis for their separation. It is proposed to separate maceral components using handpicking, screening, gravitational(centrifugal, heavy liquid cyclone), triboelectric and flotation methods. Adequate liberation of the components is an precondition for their effective separation. Because of the complexity of these components in form and distribution, some of the above-mentioned separation methods need to go some way before they can commercialized, and wait for further study in the future.