Application of DLVO Theory on the Interaction Forces for Rheology of Coal-Water Slurries

Characterization of inter-particle forces between fine particles is very important on their processing behavior either via flotation, coagulation or dewatering separation. Besides particle size and solid wt. %, these interactions are mainly influenced by surface chemistry which in turn dependent on pH, electrolyte concentration and reagent concentration. In this study, the particle interactions were modelled with classical DLVO theory and correlated with rheological properties of different coal samples (Soma, Agacli, Siberia) which were reported in previous studies [1].The results indicated that in contrary to particle-bubble interaction during flotation, the higher the energy barrier height between particles will increase the viscosity and quality of coal-water slurries. Therefore, these findings highlighted the importance of modelling the particle-particle interactions and their relationship with rheological indices prior to experiments.

Keywords: DLVO; Coal; Rheology