Process for the enhanced separation of impurities from coal and coal products produced therefrom

摘要

An improved process for the beneficiation of coal and the separation of impurities therefrom comprising subjecting coal to surface treatment by contact with an aqueous medium comprising polymerizable monomer, polymerization catalyst and liquid organic carrier, thereby rendering said coal hydrophobic and oleophilic, the improvement comprising the high shear intermixing of the surface treated coal with at least one water wash medium thereby providing for the removal of further hydrophilic impurities, such as mineral ash from the coal. Apparatus for carrying out the process and the products prepared therefrom are also provided.