Research on the regulatory mechanism of pore structure in soil matrix prepared by fluidized bed calcination of coal gangue

Abstract

As a bulk industrial solid waste, coal gangue has caused serious pollution to the environment, and its application in the field of soil amendments has been widely studied, but the mechanism of pore structure regulation of coal gangue as soil substrate has not been reported in the literature. In this paper, the physical and chemical properties of coal gangue are analyzed, and its particle size, element content, and occurrence state are defined. The regulation mechanism of pores and pores in preparing matrix soil with coal gangue is revealed, and an efficient and energy-saving fluidizing activation technology is proposed to prepare active matrix soil. The results show that matrix soil with optimal pore structure can be obtained by fluidized bed calcination at 700 °C for 15 min, with a porosity of 55.0 %, volumetric water content of 28.7 %, and gas phase rate of 24.8 %. The technology also removes carbon, which is prone to natural fires, and fixes sulfur, which is good for plant growth. The formation and regulation mechanism of pores structure of soil matrix prepared by fluidized calcination of coal gangue is as follows: The oxidation reaction of carbon and the decomposition of minerals in coal gangue will form pore structures. Adjusting the reaction temperature and time, controlling the rate of carbon oxidation reaction, and the rate of mineral decomposition can achieve the goal of regulating the pore structure. Large pores with a pore size greater than 0.03 mm are formed by the oxidation of carbon and the decomposition of kaolinite. The pores with a diameter of 0.0001–0.03 mm are formed by the overflow of carbon dioxide gas, which is generated by the oxidation reaction of carbon embedded in coal gangue particles and the decomposition of calcium carbonate. The results of this study will provide technical and theoretical support for promoting the comprehensive utilization of coal gangue and improving environmental protection.