Segregation patterns and characteristics differences of superfine pulverized coal ground by three pulverizing systems

Abstract Comminution methods and segregation of coal powder are key factors affecting the characteristics of superfine pulverized coal. However, there are few articles available in this issue. In this paper, three representative pulverizing systems with diverse grinding patterns and gathering methods are selected to prepare superfine powder using the same raw coal. Afterwards, element analysis, approximate analysis, maceral determinations, surface area measurement and XPS tests are performed successively. The segregation tendencies and its influences on the coal powder are compared and discussed among three groups. Data of similar sizes in three groups receive special attentions. Based on the experiments, it is found that at the same conditions, vitrinite is easier to gain thorough crushing compared with inertinite. Due to the smaller sizes, vitrinite and ashes are prone to escape from the cyclone separator. Due to the high density, inertinite and ashes are apt to accumulate in the lower part of the coal pile. The maceral segregation imposes greater influences on the C-containing functional groups on the surfaces than the mechanochemical effects. The significances of this paper lie in figuring out the influences of grinding methods on properties and segregation patterns of superfine pulverized coal, which provide valuable references for industrial applications of this technology.