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Challenge
Client initially engaged Koch Modular to collaborate with the client and Virginia Tech University to pilot test and optimize their process to improve separation and recovery of coal and minerals from waste coal fines.
SOLUTION
This was achieved by using agitation to release the water from the coal particles into a non-miscible organic solvent and then separating the water from the coal/solvent slurry.
Pilot testing was performed at Virginia Tech utilizing a 3” diameter pilot KARR Column provided by Koch Modular. The KARR Column was selected due to the fact that this column can supply the required agitation to release the water and also it has been demonstrated to handle large quantities of suspended solids which pass easily through the holes in the reciprocating plates without any build-up.
Several months of successful testing provided sufficient data to allow Koch Modular to design a commercial scale KARR Column that would effectively handle the slurry and provide the performance requirement for the project.
Ultimately, Koch Modular designed and delivered its largest diameter (7’) Karr © Column ever built.
RESULTS
Koch Modular was able to optimize the design via pilot testing and then fabricate and deliver a large diameter KARR® Column which provided sufficient agitation to release water from the coal particles and provide the required coal specifications.