Beneficiation and upgrading of Jordanian oil shale

Evaluation possibility of a low-quality Jordanian oil shale from Sultani, central Jordan as an alternative clean fuel by flotation technique was investigated. Oil shale sample was characterized with mineralogical and chemical analysis. X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, X-ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that calcite is the dominant mineral followed by quartz mineral. Other minerals such as apatite and gypsum were detected. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that mass loss is due to organic matter decomposition at 280–600°C and carbonate decomposition at 650–850°C Fourier transform infrared analysis showed the main organic groups. The effects of collector and frother doses, pulp concentration and pulp pH on the flotation performance were investigated. The kerosene and MIBC were used as collecting and frothing agents, respectively. The optimal flotation performance occurred for a collector dosage of 1000g/t, a frother dosage of 600g/t, a pulp concentration of 20g/L, a pulp pH of 4.