Multi criteria genetic algorithm for optimal blending of coal

The present paper deals with the optimal planning for blending of coal of different grades for beneficiation of coal with a view to satisfy the requirements of the end users with desired specifications. The input specifications are known whereas aspiration levels of the characteristics washed coal have been specified. Beneficiation of coal refers to the production of wash coal from raw coal with the help of some suitable beneficiation/coal washing technologies. The processed coal is used by the different steel plants to serve their purpose during the manufacturing process of steel. The aim is to fix the level of the raw coal samples from different coal seams to be used/fed for the beneficiation to meet the desired target of the coal blending indicators, yield to maximum extent and to restrict the input cost of raw coal to be fed for beneficiation. The problem is considered as multi criteria decision making problem and solved using multi objective genetic algorithm. A case study from a regional coal company situated at Jharia coalfield, India has been made and solved using the proposed model.