Research status and development trends of automation and intelligence in coal preparation processes

As one of the main energy sources in China, coal is in urgent need of industrial transformation driven by the "dual-carbon" strategy. As a key link in coal processing, the automation and intelligence transformation of coal preparation plants holds significant strategic importance for enhancing energy utilization efficiency, propelling corporate upgrading, and achieving sustainable development in the industry. In response to the development needs of the coal preparation industry under this context, this study elaborates in detail on the definitions and distinctions between automation and intelligence. It systematically reviews the current application status of automation technology in heavy medium coal preparation processes, dewatering processes, flotation processes, and supervision and management process, alongside the implementation of intelligent technologies in heavy medium coal preparation, flotation, coal slurry water treatment, and information systems. Concurrently, it analyzes the application status of key equipment such as ash content monitors, density monitors, and various sensors. The article argues that the application of automation technology in coal preparation not only significantly enhances production efficiency and reduces manual involvement, but also improves product quality while strengthening the stability and safety of the entire production process. Intelligent technologies are also being progressively implemented across key stages of the coal preparation process, representing a necessary step to respond to evolving market demands and address resource management challenges. They not only significantly elevate the intelligence and informatization levels of production processes but also drive the transformation of whole industry to a more efficient and green direction; Detection instruments and equipment in coal preparation have progressively undergone transformation toward automation, intelligence, systematization, and comprehensiveness, enhancing production stability and safety while boosting separation efficiency and precision. In the future, the automation and intelligent transformation of coal preparation process needs to establish a unified intelligent platform, promote the application of machine learning and cloud services, improve the standardization of intelligent coal preparation and talent training system, so as to help the coal preparation industry to achieve efficient, green and sustainable development, and promote the upgrading and reform of the whole coal industry.