Performance characteristics of coal-washing equipment: the dynawhirlpool separator

The performance characteristics of four Dynawhirlpool cyclonic separators, cleaning intermediate-size coal, have been evaluated. Three of these units were operating in commercial coal-preparation facilities, while the fourth was located in a test circuit adjunct to an operating plant. Samples of the feed, clean coal, and refuse streams for each unit were taken and analyzed to determine complete performance characteristics. Analysis of distribution curve data for composite plus 28-mesh feeds shows that the Dynawhirlpool vessel produced separations with probable error values ranging from 0.050 to 0.066 and error area values ranging from 43 to 54. The specific gravities of separation for these tests ranged from 1.375 to 1.641 and, for a majority of the tests in this study, the Dynawhirlpool produced a specific gravity of separation that was below the density of the circulating medium. 8 figures, 13 tables.