Stabilization of Fine-Coal-Refuse Slurry Through Use of Cement -Type Additives

It is estimated that approximately 3% of the raw coal processed today in coal preparation plants throughout the nation will ultimately report to slurry-tailing disposal (Anderson, 1975). The usual disposal method is to pump refuse slurry containing - 48 mesh (300 pm) refuse into dams or impoundments constructed of coarse refuse. The failure of an impoundment at Buffalo Creek, Saunders, WV (Anon., 1972) resulted in an evaluation of refuse disposal methods by various regulatory agencies as well as coal producers. The result of this evaluation was the promulgation of federal regulations dealing with the construction, operation, and final abandonment of coal refuse disposal area. As a consequence of these regulations, the use of the landfill/impoundment method of disposal became in some cases economically unfeasible or technically impossible. US Steel has studied a number of alternative methods of refuse disposal. During an investigation of mechanical dewatering with a pressure filter, portland cement was added to the slurry to solidify the filter cake. Because of the success of the cement addition, it was decided to study the stabilization of fine coal refuse slurry through use of cement-type additives. The goal of the investigation is to develop a process that will use cement-type additives to solidify the refuse slurry into a form that can be handled and stacked with the coarse refuse, thus eliminating the need for slurry impoundments.