Process for producing a coal-water mixture

摘要

A process for producing a coal-water mixture includes forming dilatant coal particles in an aqueous coal feedstock mixture by treatment with ozone and classifying the coal feedstock mixture by treatment with ozone and classifying the coal feedstock to form first and second coal feed streams each comprised of differently-classified coal particles. Separate surge vessels receive the coal particles in a liquid medium forming each coal feed stream is determined and an electrical signal is delivered to a microprocessor for controlling the portions of each stream which are mixed together in the presence of a dispersing agent to form a coal-water mixture. The coal-water mixture is comprised of at least 65% by weight coal particles, preferably 70%. The coal content may be increased and flow properties of the coal-water mixture improved by removing a minus 2-micron particle fraction which is predominantly clay from the feedstock and mixing a minus 2-micron fraction of coal particles with quantities of the first and second feed streams.