Differences between the composition of surface and inner layers of fly ash particles

Abstract

By studying samples from Czech power plants burning brown coal using X-ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS) have demonstrated differences in the composition of the ashes in their surface and subsurface layers. The main components of the samples were compounds of aluminum, silicon and oxygen - aluminosilicates. Other elements included sulphur, fluorine and in some cases demonstrably calcium, sodium, magnesium, fluorine and iron. The largest part of the carbon compounds present is the so-called "adventitious carbon", contaminating carbon, i.e. hydrocarbons adsorbed on the surface from the atmosphere. Others come from technology including a small amount of carbides. Distribution of sulphur and iron compounds detected using a short time ion etching is in most cases following: sulphur compounds are concentrated on the surface of ash particles while iron compounds are typically concentrated inside. Differences in composition of surface layers were found to be significant as in the surface composition as in theirs depth profiles. Gas evolution was detected in an ash-water reaction test in which the analysis of the gas has shown that it is mainly about hydrogen and carbon dioxide. Another test with water showed the formation of an incrustation and documented the evolution of gases by the formation of bubbles. The released gases can form explosive mixtures with air, which must be taken into account when removing deposits with a water jet.