Selection of the flotation unit as part of the technology to implement integrated wastewater treatment at coal mining operations
L.A. Ivanova1, E.S. Mikhaylova1, I.V. Timoshchuk1, A.K. Gorelkina1, V.P. Ivanova2
1 Kemerovo State University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation
2 Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russian Federation
Russian Mining Industry №4 / 2025 p. 151-156
Abstract: Treatment of open-pit water from coal strip mines, which are characterized by large volumes of runoff water, low temperature and presence of hard-to-remove substances, i.e. sulphates, chlorides, nitrates and ammonium ions, which makes the choice of optimal water treatment technology much more difficult, is a complex engineering task. The stage of reagent treatment of the original runoff water is designed for thorough removal of the suspended and colloidal substances, petroleum products, phosphates and heavy metal compounds, in particular iron. Flotation is used for wastewater treatment in many industries to remove insoluble dispersed impurities, which are poorly settling on their own. The purpose of the study was to identify the optimal configuration and the operating mode of the flotation equipment to achieve the maximum efficiency of runoff water treatment at coal-mining operations. The article provides a detailed description of the operating principles of the flotation plants of different types for wastewater treatment at coal operations, as well as information on the results of the commercial tests in real operating conditions. A hybrid-type electro-flotation unit is recommended for wastewater treatment with the throughput capacity of up to 100 m3/h (the optimal plant should contain from 1 to 4 electroflotation units with the throughput capacity of 25 m3/h each). Pressure-type flotation units with the capacity of 50-100 m3/h are more appropriate for wastewater treatment with the discharge capacity exceeding 100 m3/h. Execution of tests helps to make reasonable technical and managerial decisions aimed at improving the quality of wastewater treatment and reducing the costs of the operation.
Keywords: coal mining operation, wastewater treatment, reagent treatment, flotation plants, hybrid flotation unit
Acknowledgments: The research is conducted as part of the comprehensive scientific and technical program of a complete innovative cycle "Development and implementation of a complex of technologies in the fields of exploration and extraction of minerals, ensuring of industrial safety, bioremediation, creation of new products of deep processing of coal raw materials with consecutive amelioration of ecological impact on the environment and risks to human life", approved by the Decree of the Government of the Russian Federation from 11.05.2022 №1144-r, agreement No. 075-15-2022- 1201 dated 30.09.2022
For citation: Ivanova L.A., Mikhaylova E.S., Timoshchuk I.V., Gorelkina A.K., Ivanova V.P. Selection of the flotation unit as part of the technology to implement integrated wastewater treatment at coal mining operations. Russian Mining Industry. 2025;(4):151– 156. (In Russ.) https://doi.org/10.30686/1609-9192-2025-4-151-156
Article info
Received: 04.05.2025
Revised: 24.06.2025
Accepted: 25.06.2025
Information about the authors
Ludmila A. Ivanova – Cand. Sci. (Eng.), Associate Professor, Department of Technosphere Safety, Kemerovo State University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4103-8780; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Ekaterina S. Mikhaylova – Cand. Sci. (Chem.), Director, Institute of Nano-, Bio-, Information, Cognitive and Socio-Humanitarian Technologies, Associate Professor, Department of Technosphere Safety, Kemerovo State University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0673-0747; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Irina V. Timoshchuk – Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, Department of Technosphere Safety, Kemerovo State University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1349-2812; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Alena K. Gorelkina – Dr. Sci. (Eng.), Professor, Department of Technosphere Safety, Kemerovo State University, Kemerovo, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3782-2521; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Vera P. Ivanova – Student, Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russian Federation; https://orcid.org/0009-0008-0046-5701; e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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