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The APIC jig works for coal
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A CADD rendering of a typical BATEMAN APIC jig, showing the compressed air
reservoirs at the top left supplying underbed pulses which stratify the
material passing through the jig into layers of different density. The discharge
gates (shown in green) are located at the end of the bed. |
Test work on South African coals, initiated by Bateman Titaco and
its scientific partners, supports the view that jigs are a most effective
and efficient means of destoning coals. Significantly, underbed pulsated
jigs, which combine large capacities and advanced controls, were particularly
effective when processing minus 150 mm coal.
Destoning is an important step in coal beneficiation. Removing the high-density
material adds value to steam coal by providing a lower ash feed and
greatly reducing the abrasiveness index of the combustible feed to boilers.
There is also less bulk to handle after washing, so that plant capacities
can increase.
Destoning is also a cost-effective way to prepare coal in advance of
a second beneficiation step, such as dense- medium washing, in the production
of low-ash coal for metallurgical or chemical purposes or for export.
BATEMAN’s APIC jig with the JigScan control technology has been
adapted progressively to more difficult separation applications, including
coal. JigScan is a product of JKMRC in Queensland, Australia, where
further development of simulation models is ongoing. JigScan is supplied
exclusively with new APIC jigs but may be retrofitted to any existing
pneumatic jigs.
Proven advantages of these jigs are their large capacities and capability
to handle fines and a wide range of sizes. In contrast to dense-medium
plants, there is no costly consumption of any medium and the system
is able to cope well with variations in the process parameters. Recent
improvements in the jigs include a rapid response to variations in the
feed, the stabilisation of the stratification process and the development
of new discharge gates. Sensor-based and alarm-generating control software
now make jigging a much smarter operation with a higher availability
and reduced startup and maintenance times.
Industrial-scale testing of APIC jigs is conducted by MINTEK in Randburg,
RSA or can even be conducted on site. The BATEMAN, MINTEK and JKMRC
partnership cooperates closely in the development of jigging technology
aimed at fully meeting client requirements.
More information may be obtained from Vincent Dieudonné, General
Manager, Jigging, on +27-11-899-2343 or
email jigging@batemanengineering.com.
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