Abstract
This article presents results of an investigation of vitrified (melted) fly ash samples from lignite (brown coal) in a plasmatron plasma reactor, to determine its mechanical and chemical properties. The XRF elemental analysis results of sample tests, from before the vitrification process and after the vitrification process are shown. The experiments were carried out in a plasma plasmatron reactor with a total power of 65 kW, enabling testing on a quarter technical scale. During the tests, samples of fly ash of about 4 kg mass were processed under selected process conditions. Produced samples of vitrified materials were analyzed in accordance to the requirements for building/construction materials. Results from this investigation confirm its quality to be used as concrete and cement filler, as an addition, and as synthetic aggregate, safe for the environment and neutral for cements. Also the most important leaching of heavy metals to water was analyzed which confirmed meeting of all of requirements necessary to use this material in building materials.
Highlights
Fly ash, and especially lignite/brown coal fly ash, as it is called in Poland—is becoming the main waste from thermal power plants, as in Europe where hard coal use is being reduced and lignite-fired power plants still operate
Carried out research confirms that plasma vitrification of lignite fly ash is possible in a plasmatron plasma reactor and the results are similar with investigated different samples
Detailed elemental analysis reveals that no significant change of the fly ash occurs and produced vitrified fly ash elemental composition is similar to the raw material before the process
Summary
Especially lignite/brown coal fly ash, as it is called in Poland—is becoming the main waste from thermal power plants, as in Europe where hard coal use is being reduced and lignite-fired power plants still operate. Many authors have investigated various options of recycling and potential applications of this waste, including as a component in cement, mortar, concrete, bricks, and tile forming [2]. It could be used as a resource, for the recovery of valuable elements i.e., rare earth elements [3], and even as a fertilizer addition to improve soil quality and productivity [4]. Other applications of brown coal fly ash as sorbents for the removal of synthetic dyes from waters are present in the literature [5]. All of the above applications are potential threats to the environment and human health, as fly ash may release toxic substances and heavy metals when in contact with water
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