Assessment of mechanical strength of briquettes based on fine coal fractions obtained from the coal enrichment process

This paper presents the results of compressive strength tests of briquettes made from coal sludge and flotation concentrate with the addition of 3% w/w mineral binder. The tests were carried out in the Compaction Laboratory located at the Institute of Chemical Processing of Coal. Raw materials for the tests were fine-grained coal fractions derived from coal enrichment process. The feedstocks were obtained from two different coal mines. The assessment was made on the basis of the analysis pertaining to the changes in the compressive strength of the briquettes. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of composition of briquetting mixture on compressive strength of obtained briquette made for energy purposes. As a result of study, it was found that the increase in the content of coal flotation concentrate in briquetting mixture has a positive effect on compressive strength of the obtained briquettes.