Artificial saline water was prepared and used in this study following the study by Ofori et al. [32] who conducted a survey of
Australian coal preparation plants regarding the quality of process
and make-up water. They summarised the data by giving the minimum, medium and maximum values of the concentration of major
ions to give an indication of variation in composition of process
water. In this study saline water with the medium value of the concentration of major ions was made and its compositions are shown
in Table 2. The major ions are Na+, Mg2+, Ca+, K+, SO42+, Cl and HCO3.
They were dissolved in de-ionised water. For a comparison,
de-ionised water was examined as well throughout the study.
MIBC (Methyl Isobutyl Carbinol) and Diesel, industrial grade,
were used as frother and collector, respectively, in coal flotation.
They are normally used in coal preparation plants in Australia.