The efficient flotation separation of fine coal slime is of great significance for improving coal utilization, reducing environmentalpollution, and achieving resource conservation. However, fine coal slime is small in mass and lack of sufficient kinetic energy to overcomethe energy barrier attached to bubbles, resulting in low mineralization efficiency of particles and bubbles, which is a bottleneck that restricts the efficient flotation recovery of fine coal slime. In addition, the factors such as clay mineral entrainment pollution, foam propertiesand collector performance are also important in influencing the flotation selectivity of fine coal slime. To understand the latest research progress on methods and technologies for enhancing flotation separation of fine coal slime,seven aspects including increasing apparent particlesize, reducing bubble size, strengthening flow field regulation, optimizing collector performance, improving flotation equipment,innovating flotation processes, and pretreating slurry were reviewed comprehensively. The advantages and disadvantages of different enhancing methods and technologies of flotation separation were also deeply explored. Among them, flocculation flotation, ultrasonic standing-wave agglomeration, nanobubble flotation, turbulence intensity regulation, and collector molecular design optimization are all in the laboratory research stage. A large amount of basic theoretical research and semi-industrial research are needed to develop towards industrialapplication. At present, it is more appropriate and feasible for coal preparation plants to enhance the flotation separation performance offine coal slime by seeking new cost-effective reagents, upgrading flotation equipment, innovating flotation process, and finely strengthening flotation slurry pretreatment.

王学霞(1988—),女,山西怀仁市人,讲师,博士.E-mail:wxuexia1989@163.com

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WANG Xuexia,YU Mei,WANG Yemin,et al.Research progress on methods and technologies for enhancing flotation separation of fine coal slime[J].Clean Coal Technology,2024,30(8):185-201.