Advanced Flotation Washability (AFW) analysis procedure utilizing a novel batch-operated flotation column, has been developed to obtain the ultimate flotation coal cleaning performance. The separation performance obtained from the AFW procedure was superior to those obtained from release and tree analyses, as well as, those obtained from multiple stages of flotation cleaning. Based on this ultimate separation performance, a new characteristic Flotation Index was derived, which provides a quantitative measure of the ash and sulfur cleaning potential of a coal. Utilizing the flotation index...