Electrokinetic densification of coal fines in waste ponds

The objective of this research is to apply electrokinetics to remove colloidal coal and mineral particles from coal washing ponds without the addition of chemical additives. Colloidal particles do not settle gravitationally, but because their surfaces are charged one can produce settling by applying an external electric field. Of specific interest is a lake near Centralia, Washington used to wash coal prior to combustion in an electrical power generation facility. Laboratory experiments have demonstrated that electrokinetic treatment is feasible, so this project is examining how to scale up laboratory results to an industrial level. Electrode configurations, power requirements, and system properties are being studied