Multipeaking
gradation technology is an essential method for improving
the slurry ability of coal particles. In this study, the coarse (150–300
μm), fine (54–74 μm), and micro (1–10 μm)
coal particles with different ratios were applied to prepare coal
water slurry (CWS). The ratio of coarse, fine, and micro particles
in bimodal CWS, interval bimodal CWS, and triple-peak CWS was 60:40:0,
60:0:40, and 60:24:16, respectively. The effects of multipeaking technology
on stability, flowability, and rheological behaviors of CWS were investigated
systematically. The results indicated that the interval bimodal CWS
had the best stability and flowability followed by the triple-peak
CWS, and the bimodal CWS was the worst. It was demonstrated that the
stability and flowability of CWS were enhanced with the increment
of microparticles in slurry. Nevertheless, each slurry’s maximum
solid content was 68% for bimodal CWS, 65% for interval bimodal CWS,
and 70% for triple-peak CWS. It could be attributed to two effects
of microparticles on the apparent viscosity of CWS, i.e., filling
particle clearance and binding water. If the effect of filling particle
clearance was dominant, then apparent viscosity was decreased, and
it was beneficial to prepare CWS with high solid content like triple-peak
CWS. However, when the effect of binding water was dominant, apparent
viscosity was increased, and it was unfavorable for CWS preparation
corresponding to interval bimodal CWS. It was worth noting that microparticles
play a double side role in preparing highly concentrated CWS.