TY - JOUR
TI - A study on the grindability of Serbian coals
AU - Radić Dejan B
AU - Obradović Marko O
AU - Stanojević Miroslav M
AU - Jovović Aleksandar M
AU - Stojiljković Dragoslava D
JN - Thermal Science
PY - 2011
VL - 15
IS - 1
SP - 267
EP - 274
PT - Article
AB - Thermal power plants in the Republic of Serbia are making considerable  efforts and even more considerable investments, not only to maintain  electricity production at maximum design levels, but even to additionally  increase the power output of existing generating units. Capacities of mills  used in pulverized coal preparation are identified as one of the main  constraints to achieving maximum mill plant capacity, while coal grindability  is seen as one of the factors that directly affect capacities of the coal  mills utilized in thermal power plants. The paper presents results of  experimental investigation conducted for the purpose of determining Hardgrove  grindability index of coal. The investigation was conducted in accordance  with ISO 5074 and included analysis of approximately 70 coal samples taken  from the open pit mine of Kolubara coal basin. Research results obtained  indicate that coal rich in mineral matter and thus, of lower heating value is  characterized by higher grindability index. Therefore, analyses presented in  the paper suggest that characteristics of solid fuels analyzed in the  research investigation conducted are such that the use coals less rich in  mineral matter i. e. coals characterized by lower grindability index will  cause coal mills to operate at reduced capacity. This fact should be taken  into account when considering a potential for electricity production  increase.