Simplified Flow Diagram of Fine Coal Dense Medium Plant

Sub-seams within the No 2 Seam were characterised at a single test site using lithology, seam thickness, proximate analysis, petrography and geophysical logs, and a paleoenvironmental model was built from them. Wireline logs separated coal from interburden but could not resolve the individual zones, because the physical differences are too subtle. Better sedimentological models gave better reserve and resource estimates.

No single method gives a continuous, real time report on how a coal preparation plant is performing. Mass meters converted to yield values, on-line ash and moisture monitors, load cell chutes and automatic medium density control together supply most of what is needed. Measuring discard and slimes tonnages, particularly slimes disposal, remains the weakest point in plant accounting.