FGX Air-Vibrating Separators for Cleaning Steam Coal – Functional and Economical Parameters

Abstract

FGX – Dry Separators are a construction developed at the turn of the 20th century. It was created in China as a combination of a vertical jet air classifier and a vibration screen with a tapered channel. This structure has been modified (Figure 1). These separators proved to be very effective in deshaling of excavated coal. They are designed to remove as many grains of stone as possible. For this reason, separation is carried out in the thickness range above 2.0 g/cm 3 . The article describes the structure of dry separator as well as the principle of its operation. The factors influencing the enrichment efficiency and the separation accuracy of feed parameters have also been listed here. Moreover, the technical parameters of the separator which are subject to regulation and influence the course of the separation process have been discussed. Synthetic information on economic efficiency has been provided. The possibilities of appli - cation of FGX separators in the systems of existing enrichment plants or as independent processing plants have been presented. There are currently three FGX separators working in Poland. In the Institute of Mechanised Construction and Rock Mining in the Katowice Branch, the bituminous coal of some mines is tested on an installation with a capacity of up to 10 Mg/h. The results of the research confirm the possibility of implementing FGX separators in the bituminous coal mining in Poland. Two separators, with a capacity of about 30 Mg/h, improve the parameters of imported coal intended for individual customers; they are owned by private companies. More than 2000 FGX separators in more than a dozen countries are in operation in the world. They are effective and are referred to as '21st century technology'.