Improving the dewetability characteristics of hydrophobic fine particles by air bubble entrapments

The present study deals with the role of surface hydrophobicity and air bubble entrapment on filtration / dewatering of fine coal particles (− 0.5 mm). The experimental results showed that hydrophobizing reagents increased the contact angle (or hydrophobicity) and decreased the filtrate surface tension, cake formation time and moisture content of the fine particles. In addition to these, when the air bubbles were introduced to the hydrophobic fine coal particles in water, the cake formation time and moisture content of the filter cake were further reduced, which may be attributed to the fact that micro/nano size air bubbles were entrapped on the surface of the fine particles in a slurry and increased the dewetting characteristics of the fine particles. As a result, this process may lower the amount of moisture trapped during the dewatering fine particles and increase the efficiency of the filters.