The use of short chain volatile fatty acids in fine coal preparation

Froth flotation and selective agglomeration are two techniques, which can be employed for the recovery of fine coals. Short chain volatile fatty acids (VFAs) contained in landfill-derived liquids are similar in structure to many of the organic chemicals employed in both processes. The results from laboratory investigations, based on flotation and selective agglomeration techniques, have demonstrated that VFAs can substitute for some, or all, of the commercial reagents currently used. The results of these investigations, using VFAs and landfill gas condensates, are presented, along with discussion of their potential application to fine coal recovery.