The Dense medium shallow groove separator is one of the main equipment used in coal separating. In order to comprehensively grasp the application and research progress of heavy-medium shallow tank sorter, we integrated the application of dense medium shallow groove separator in coal plants, summarized the research progress of the theory of dense medium shallow groove separator, detailed the research progress of reducing the lower limit of the particle size of heavy-medium shallow tank sorter, and summarized the common problems of dense medium shallow groove separator and the effectiveness of the transformation. Results indicate that: The primary applications of dense medium shallow groove separator are as pre-gangue discharge equipment for lump coal (300–50 mm) in coking coal preparation plants, and as separation equipment for lump coal (200–13 mm) in power coal preparation plants; Particle motion behavior and the flow field distribution are the two focus of shallow separation theory. However, corresponding experimental research and kinetic analysis are relatively lacking, which indicates the necessity to expand and deepen theoretical research. Reducing the limited size of particle of shallow groove separation has significant benefits for the economy and society. However, the current efforts are primarily focused on improving the updraft system and operating parameters, the suitability of the relationship between structural parameters and limited particle size has not yet been investigated. Clogging of the upflow system and malfunctioning of the discharge system are the most important problems in the actual operation of the dense medium shallow groove separator. Numerous coal preparation plants have carried out many useful explorations in practice, which can provide reference for other enterprises when carrying out technological transformation.