Effects of particle filling and gradation on the properties of coal-water slurries blended with semicoke

Coal-semicoke-water slurry (CSWS) was prepared by blending semicoke with coal-water slury (CWS). The effects of semicoke blending ratio and particle size distribution on the properties of CSWS, such as solid concentration, apparent viscosity, static stability and rheological behavior, were investigated. Also, the particle morphology was observed. The results showed that fine coal particles could fill into the partly destroyed semicoke pores, releasing the bound water and turning it into the free water. The CSWS with high concentration and good stability could be obtained by the combined effects of particle filling and gradation. Additional, CSWS exhibited pseudoplastic behavior, that is, the apparent viscosity decreased with the increase of shear rate. Based on the research results, a reasonable method for preparing CSWS and a new way for utilization of semicoke were proposed.