On Improving the Separation Efficiency of a Wet High Gradient Magnetic Separator for the Removal of Pyrite from Egyptian Coal

ABSTRACT

Wet high gradient magnetic separation (WHGMS) of an Egyptian coal sample was carried out to minimize its pyritic-sulfur content reaching 1.60% (2.9% total sulfur). Optimization of the process using the Boxmag Rapid separator included feeding rate, pulp density, applied magnetic field, and the canister loading %. This was conducted through the CCRD and RSM, using Design Expert 6.0 software. Results showed that, at the optimum separation conditions, i.e., 10 l/h feeding rate, 5% pulp density, 2200 Gauss, and 0.6% canister loading, a coal concentrate assaying 0.57% pyritic sulfur was obtained with a recovery 58% and separation efficiency 79.34%.

KEYWORDS:

• WHGMS
• el-Maghara coal
• pyrite removal
• canister loading %