Utilization of ash agglomerates from a coal gasification process

Abstract

Ash agglomerates are a granular byproduct of the Westinghouse Coal Gasification Process. Utilization of these agglomerates would enhance the economics of the process and eliminate a residue disposal problem. Initial tests showed the agglomerates could be bonded with Portland cement despite an apparent carbon content of about 12 wt%. Compressive strengths of 5-cm cubes after 14 days of moist curing were about 5 MPa (720 psi) for 20–40 wt% ash agglomerates in a standard sand/cement mix. Higher strengths are expected on the basis of previous work.