Distribution Of Ash Research Articles

Effect of Fly Ash with Different Particle Size Distributions on the Properties and Microstructure of Concrete

Fly ash has become an important component of concrete as a supplementary cementitious material. Fly ash, as an admixture in concrete, has a great impact on the improvement of concrete properties and utilization of resources. In this work, fly ashes with different particle size distributions (S. Tsivilis, Andersen, normal and F distributions) were selected to prepare concrete. The relationships among the particle size distribution of the fly ash, compressive strength, hydration, pore structure and microstructure of the concrete were studied. The results showed that the compressive strength of the concrete increased at 28 d with fly ashes with the S. Tsivilis and F distributions. Moreover, the porosity of the concrete at 28 d was reduced, and the pore structure of the concrete was improved. The early compressive strength of the concrete increased with the fly ash with a normal distribution. The second hydration heat release rate of the concrete with fly ashes with a normal distribution and an F distribution was obviously faster. In addition to the Andersen distribution, other distributions of fly ash had obvious improvement effects on the pore structure of the concretes. High-performance concrete can be made from fly ash with different particle sizes, which avoids the need for ultrafine grinding with a high energy consumption and high-cost chemical excitation processes.

Volcanic Ash Resuspension in Patagonia: Numerical Simulations and Observations

Resuspension of pyroclastic deposits occurs under specific atmospheric and environmental conditions and typically prolongs and exacerbates the impact associated with the primary emplacement of tephra fallout and pyroclastic density current deposits. An accurate forecasting of the phenomenon, to support Volcanic Ash Advisory Centers (VAACs) and civil aviation management, depends on adapting volcanic ash transport and dispersion models to include specific ash emission schemes. Few studies have attempted to model the mechanisms of emission and transport of windblown volcanic ash, and a systematic study of observed cases has not been carried out yet. This manuscript combines numerical simulations along with a variety of observational data to examine the general features of ash resuspension events in northern Patagonia following the 2011 Cordón Caulle eruption (Chile). The associated outcomes provide new insights into the spatial distribution of sources, frequency of events, transport patterns, seasonal and diurnal variability, and spatio-temporal distribution of airborne ash. A novel modelling approach based on the coupling between Advanced Research core of the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF-ARW) and FALL3D models is presented, with various model improvements that allow overcoming some limitations in previous ash resuspension studies. Outcomes show the importance of integrating source information based on field measurements (e.g., deposit grain size distribution and particle density). We provide evidence of a strong diurnal and seasonal variability associated with the ash resuspension activity in Patagonia. According to the modelled emission fluxes, ash resuspension activity was found to be significantly more intense during daytime hours. Satellite observations and numerical simulations strongly suggest that major emission sources of resuspended ash were distributed across distal areas (>100 km from the vent) of the Patagonian steppe, covered by a thin layer of fine ash. The importance of realistic soil moisture data to properly model the spatial distribution of emission sources is also highlighted.

Characterization and utilization of coal fly ash: a review

Fly ash is a by-product, obtained mainly from thermal power plants, composed of silicon dioxide (SiO2) and aluminum oxide (Al2O3). Other oxides present in fly ash include iron (III) oxide (Fe2O3), calcium oxide (CaO), magnesium oxide (MgO) and so on. It may also contain some trace elements such as arsenic (As), zinc (Zn), lead (Pb), selenium (Se), gallium (Ga) and germanium (Ge) and some lesser amount of rare-earth elements. The particle size of fly ash normally ranges from 0.01 to 200 μm. Such variability in the particle size distribution of fly ash could influence the modification of fly ash into many useful products such as zeolites, geopolymers and other composite materials. The physical, chemical and mineralogical characteristics of fly ash combined with its easy availability make this an attractive raw material for various applications. In order to explore the potential use of fly ash, it is essential to look deeply into its characteristic properties. This review meticulously studies the characterization of fly ash by different modern techniques, including X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, thermogravimetric test, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, secondary ion mass spectroscopy and Raman spectroscopy and attempts to correlate the same with its potential applications.

The Coalfields of the Karst-Erosional Downcuttings of the Volga–Ural Oil and Gas Basin as a Factor of Geofluidodynamic Heterogeneity

This work considers the Early Carboniferous coal-bearing deposits of the karst-erosional paleo-downcuttings of the Volga–Ural oil and gas basin. The depth of their occurrence is 900–1400 m or more. The role of organic matter in coal as a fluid-generating component in the transformations of the geological environment is highlighted. It was noted that specific reservoirs (methane–coal and pyrometamorphic) may be formed in coal-bearing rocks. This work covers the concept of catagenetic fracturing, which is also caused by fluid-generated losses of organic matter and an unequal decrease in the thickness of coal-bearing layers. Attention is also drawn to the other factors of changes in the filtration properties and fracture fluid conductivity (aggressiveness of some products of organic matter transformation, deposition of epigenetic minerals, and variability of the ash distribution). It is concluded that the discrete occurrence of paleo-downcuttings affects circulation of stratal waters in the Visean deposits of the basin; the geochemical and geomechanical features of bulks of coal increase the geofluidodynamic heterogeneity of these deposits.

An advanced analytical assessment of rare earth element concentration, distribution, speciation, crystallography and solid-state chemistry in fly ash

Fly ash represents a promising alternative source of rare earth elements (REE). However, information on REE containing mineral phases and their association with other fly ash components, vital for REE recovery from fly ash, is currently lacking. Herein, the mass fraction, distribution, crystallography and solid-state chemistry of REE, U and Th in Nigerian simulated fly ash samples were characterised using a range of laboratory and synchrotron x-ray based analytical techniques to underpin future extraction methodologies. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry following full-acid digest of forty-five samples revealed recoverable average total REE content which ranged between 442 mgkg−1and 625 mgkg−1, comprising over 30 wt% of the critical REE Nd, Eu, Tb, Dy, Y and Er. These REE within the fly ash samples were found to be most frequently associated with discrete monazite, xenotime and Y-bearing zircon mineral particles, with the former the most detected, which could be beneficiated through gravity separation. Analysis of monazite particles isolated from the composite samples through a complimentary suite of analytical synchrotron radiation techniques revealed a core-shell pattern, with the shell rich in colocalised Ce, Nd and La, and the core enrich in both U and Th. Ce in monazite was found to exist in a mixed trivalent and tetravalent oxidation state, with the monazite structure amorphized due to the high temperature combustion process. Such results demonstrate the strong co-association and physical distribution of REE, U and Th within monazite in fly ash; knowledge of which can subsequently be used to optimise or develop a more selective, cost-effective and environmentally friendly solvent extraction methodology, by targeting the strongly colocalised and surface bound REE in fly ash monazite particles.

Characteristics of fly ash from waste-to-energy plants adopting grate-type or circulating fluidized bed incinerators: a comparative study

ABSTRACT Although the pressure of waste siege was reduced by the development of waste-to-energy (WTE) plants, every year million tons of toxic municipal solid waste incineration (MSWI) fly ash is produced which is regarded as a hazardous waste. In this paper, ten MSWI fly ash samples were collected to analyze the composition, physical properties, leachability of heavy metals, and toxicity of dioxins to obtain a comprehensive evaluation, which has not been discussed in the previous studies. The analysis and comparison of fly ash is based on the main type of incinerators applied nowadays. Due to differences in the incinerator types, there were significant differences observed in the size distribution, microstructure, element content, and crystalline structure of fly ash, which are related to the heavy metal leachability and dioxin toxicity. The heavy metal leaching toxicity of nine fly ash samples failed to meet the requirements of the landfill regulations. The main heavy metals above an unacceptable level are Pb (4.271 mg/L) in the grate-type fly ash and Cd (1.035 mg/L) in the circulating fluidized bed (CFB) fly ash. Furthermore, the I-TEQ concentrations of dioxins of two CFB fly ash (3.207 and 3.212 ng I-TEQ/g) exceeded the limit value. The main contribution to the dioxin concentrations of the fly ash is from OCDD (18.7–64.3%), and the main contributor to the I-TEQ (international toxicity equivalent quantity) value is 23478-PeCDF (range 33.0 to 43.2%). In addition, correlation between compositional analysis and toxicity indexes was discussed carefully. The findings in this work can provide directions for the disposal and utilization of the fly ash from different incinerators, which can be beneficial for MSWI fly ash management.

Landform affects the distribution of mineral nutrients in the tropical peats: a case study in a peatland of Siak, Indonesia

ABSTRACT Most peatlands in Indonesia border mineral upland, yet research reporting the effects of the presence of mineral upland on the distribution of mineral nutrients are limited. We collected multiple samples in surface layers from a peatland located between the Siak River and a mineral upland in Riau Province, Indonesia and measured electrical conductivity, pH, and exchangeable Ca2+, Mg2+, K+, and Na+. Transects were investigated for ash content and chemical composition of its profiles. Although electrical conductivity (183 ± 79 μS cm–1) and pH values (3.7 ± 0.3) were similar at surface layers, exchangeable Ca2+ (especially near the mineral upland) and Mg2+ were high at 0–15 cm deep (8.3 ± 5.1 cmolc kg–1 and 2.7 ± 1.1 cmolc kg–1, respectively) and tended to decline in the lower layers. Exchangeable K+ and Na+ did not show a clear trend, probably because of weaker bonding with peat material. High ash content (>10%) was found more frequently alongside the mineral upland than by the riverbank. In the profiles near the mineral upland, total Ca, Mg, Al, and Fe levels in the surface layer were higher (4.5 ± 0.3 g kg–1, 0.9 ± 0.0 g kg–1, 3.0 ± 0.5 g kg–1, and 1.6 ± 0.5 g kg–1, respectively), than those near the riverbank, which were 1.7 ± 0.7 g kg–1, 0.5 ± 0.2 g kg–1, 1.4 ± 0.3 g kg–1, and 0.6 ± 0.3 g kg–1, respectively. Based on the distribution of ash, exchangeable Ca2+ and Mg2+, and total Ca, Mg, Al, and Fe content, the present study suggests that the presence of the mineral upland nutritionally enriches the peat with Ca, Mg, and Fe. The influence of landform should be considered for a comprehensive understanding of nutrients sources in peatlands.

Mechanical properties distribution of lime-fly ash solidified oil contaminated soil in a coastal environment

Maintaining the strength stabilisation is a precondition for reusing oil contaminated soil (OCS) in engineering projects. This study investigated the effects of coastal environment, such as temperature, humidity and water, on the strength and deformation of lime-fly ash solidified OCS. Results indicated that (i) The unconfined compressive strength (UCS), shear strength and deformation of OCS improve obvious after treatment, and as solidified for 28 days, the UCS, cohesion and internal friction angle is 1396 kPa, 400 kPa and 37o, respectively. (ii) Water, humidity and temperature can cause some fluctuations on the strength of solidified OCS, but the strength can stabilise at 776, 1230 and 623 kPa, respectively, which can meet the requirements of the Chinese code. Repellency of oil can relieve the affection of water and humidity, and strength tends to increase in the initial cycle. However, as to higher oil contamination, the temperature could change the viscosity of oil. (iii) The excessive increase in solidified materials is not benefit for the soil stability. Therefore, it suggests that the amount of solidified materials should be optimised according to the actual OCS.

Study on particle size distribution of aggregate from coal ash for heat-resistant concrete

In Vietnam, the current amount of thermal ash (fly ash and bottom) remains nearly 100 million tons, causing great environmental and social impacts. The recycling and reuse of this source of waste is an effective solution towards sustainable development. The paper introduces the results of study on some properties and particle size distribution of aggregate from thermal ash, Duyen Hai factory for refractory concrete. Particle composition is calculated and selected according to the density of particle size arrangement with the maximum number of points of contact. The continuous particle size distributions of thermal ash is calculated by Andersen’s formula with Dmax = 5 mm. The bulk density and porosity of the particle mixture corresponding to the vibrating modes is determined. By the experimental planning method (Design of experiments - DoE), the optimal aggregate particle composition was determined with the calculated value of n = 0.387 and the vibration time of 90 s gives the maximum bulk density of 1313.17 kg/m3 and the smallest actual porosity is 34.69%.

Flyash and carbon fibers reinforced aluminum-based matrix composite for structural applications

Aluminum alloy and its composite showed excellent physical and mechanical properties. But still, there is a scope in improving the mechanical properties of the composite for the structural, automobile, and aerospace industry. The composites have been prepared to reach the needs of the industry. In this present work, micro-fillers such as fly ash, and carbon fiber reinforcements were added to the base AA7076 matrix and fabricated the composite using a motorized stir casting technique. AA7076/fly ash and AA7076/carbon fiber composites were prepared by varying wt.% percent of fly ash and carbon fiber reinforcements (0.5, 0.75, 1, and 1.25 wt.%) and results were compared. The SEM micrographs revealed the homogeneous distribution of fly ash and carbon fiber reinforcements along the grain boundaries of the AA7076 matrix material. The composites with 1 wt.% of micro-fillers showed superior hardness and tensile strength as compared to other reinforcement composite and base matrix. The experimental test results revealed that the addition of fly ash and carbon fiber reinforcements improved the mechanical properties of the AA7076/fly ash and AA7076/carbon fiber composites as compared to the AA7076 matrix material. Among them, the comparative study revealed that the AA7076/carbon fiber composite has showed homogeneous distribution of reinforcements and improved mechanical properties.

Sensitivity of Volcanic Ash Dispersion Modelling to Input Grain Size Distribution Based on Hydromagmatic and Magmatic Deposits

The size distribution of volcanic ash is rarely measured in real time and Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres (VAACs) often rely on a default particle size distribution (PSD) to initialise their dispersion models when forecasting the movement of ash clouds. We conducted a sensitivity study to investigate the impact of PSD on model output and consider how best to apply default PSDs in operational dispersion modelling. Compiled grain size data confirm that, when considering particles likely to be in the distal ash cloud (< 125 µm diameter), magma composition and eruption size are the dominant controls on grain size distribution. Constraining the PSD is challenging but we find that the grain size of deposits from large hydromagmatic eruptions remains relatively constant with distance, suggesting that total (whole-deposit) grain size distributions (TGSDs) for these eruptions could be estimated from a few samples. We investigated the sensitivity of modelled ash mass loadings (in the air and on the ground) to input PSDs based on coarse to fine TGSDs from our dataset. We found clear differences between modelled mass loadings and the extent of the plume. Comparing TGSDs based on ground-only and ground-plus-satellite data for the Eyjafjallajökull 2010 eruption, we found that basing input PSDs on TGSDs from deposits alone (likely missing the finest particles) led to lower modelled peak ash concentrations and a smaller plume.

Enhancement on mechanical and durability performances of binary cementitious systems by optimizing particle size distribution of fly ash

Fly ash is a well-known supplementary cementitious material that is the by-product of coal-fired thermal power plants. The contribution of fly ash to the enhancement of the mechanical and durability properties of cementitious materials has been documented in concrete technology for many years. In this study, to allow superior mechanical and durability properties, fly ash-based mixtures have been produced after optimization of particle size distribution (PSD) of Class F and Class C fly ash according to the formula of Fuller–Thompson. Different distribution modulus values ranging from 0.3 to 0.6 were used to achieve ideal PSD in accordance with the Fuller–Thompson equation. 30% of F- and C-class fly ash by weight of cement were used to replace with cement in cementitious composites by optimizing PSD with help of air jet sieve. The recommended optimization technique improved the 7-, 28- and 90-day compressive and flexural strength results of mortars. Compressive and flexural strength tests and rapid chloride permeability test of cement-based systems incorporating fly ash up to 15% replacement ratio with optimized PSD at 90-days exhibited better results than those of plain samples owing to the filler effect.

The Effect of Seawater on The Strength, Microstructure and Elemental Distribution of Fly Ash/ Kaolin Based Underwater Geopolymer

Concrete in seawater is subjected to various aggressive constituents in seawater commonly sulphate, chloride and carbonate. This paper investigates the potential effects towards mechanical and physical properties of geopolymer when used as underwater concreting material. Besides identifying the microstructure using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), the sample is also characterized using Synchrotron based micro X-Ray Fluorescence (µ-XRF) to identify the elemental distribution that had occurred in the underwater geopolymer. Other essential properties for concrete such as compressive strength, water absorption and density were also determined. The compressive strength result indicates a slightly lower strength for underwater geopolymer (31.40 MPa) compared to normal geopolymer (35.91 MPa). Relevant to the strength, the water absorption and density also shows a slight difference between the geopolymer samples. The µ-XRF analysis shows the presence of chlorine (Cl) element only for underwater geopolymer which indicates that the are chloride penetration for underwater geopolymer. Additionally, other element distribution such as Silica (Si), Aluminum (Al) and Calcium (Ca) shows a different value when comparing normal geopolymer and underwater geopolymer. Despite the difference in elemental distribution between sample, geopolymer is proven to have the potential to be used as underwater material since it is able to retain at least 70% strength of the control sample.

Ash Presence and Abundance Derived from Composite Landsat and Sentinel-2 Time Series and Lidar Surface Models in Minnesota, USA

Ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) are a prominent species in Minnesota forests, with an estimated 1.1 billion trees in the state, totaling approximately 8% of all trees. Ash trees are threatened by the invasive emerald ash borer (Agrilus planipennis Fairmaire), which typically results in close to 100% tree mortality within one to five years of infestation. A detailed, wall-to-wall map of ash presence is highly desirable for forest management and monitoring applications. We used Google Earth Engine to compile Landsat time series analysis, which provided unique information on phenologic patterns across the landscape to identify ash species. Topographic position information derived from lidar was added to improve spatial maps of ash abundance. These input data were combined to produce a classification map and identify the abundance of ash forests that exist in the state of Minnesota. Overall, 12,524 km2 of forestland was predicted to have greater than 10% probability of ash species present. The overall accuracy of the composite ash presence/absence map was 64% for all ash species and 72% for black ash, and classification accuracy increased with the length of the time series. Average height derived from lidar was the best model predictor for ash basal area (R2 = 0.40), which, on average, was estimated as 16.1 m2 ha−1. Information produced from this map will be useful for natural resource managers and planners in developing forest management strategies which account for the spatial distribution of ash on the landscape. The approach used in this analysis is easily transferable and broadly scalable to other regions threatened with forest health problems such as invasive insects.

Determination of the distribution of different filling materials in SBR matrix compounds by image processing

In this study, the distribution of walnut shell ash and cone ash, which were used in different proportions as the filling materials of SBR rubber compounds, in the matrix were investigated by the developed image processing program. Styrene-Butadiene Rubber (SBR 1502) was employed as the main matrix material. Adhering to the same compound in the experiments, in addition to the carbon black in the compound, 5 different and 10% by mass of Walnut Shell Ash (WSA) was added to the dough, and the Cone Ash (CA) by 5% and 10% by mass, creating a total of 5 different compounds. SEM images of the rupture surfaces were taken and transferred to the developed image processing program, in which the areas covered by walnut shell ash and cone ash in the images were determined. The number of designated surface areas and the area it covers on the image were removed.

Investigation on the ash deposition of a radiant syngas cooler using critical velocity model

Coal gasification technology is a very important industrial technology, in which the Radiant Syngas Cooler (RSC) plays a pivotal role in the heat storage and heat recovering process. Ash deposit in RSC is a critical factor which may seriously affect the performance of RSC or even result in a shutdown. Therefore, conducting research on the deposit process of RSC is extremely worthwhile. In this study, we create an RSC model with the application of an optimized Critical Velocity Model (CVM) and perform simulations using the CFD method. With the simulating method, we conduct a series of analysis to obtain a more detailed description of the ash distribution and heat transfer in the RSC. Research shows that the CVM proposed in this paper can be precisely applied to the heat transfer process in a RSC, and not only can this method obtain the distribution of ash deposit similar to other methods but also determine the conversion of the ash deposit thickness to heat resistance, which makes the forecast of the overall heat exchange more accurate. According to the study, the ash thickness changes with the vertical height of RSC. For the division wall and panels, the ash thickness increased from the bottom, and then reached a maximum value at about 2/3 of total height. Under the influence of ash deposition, the total heat transfer rate of RSC decreased by 10.4%, and the outlet temperature of syngas increased by 5.7%. This result can provide a reference for the predictive analysis of RSC.

Desulfurization using limestone during sludge incineration in a fluidized bed furnace: Increased risk of particulate matter and heavy metal emissions

Incineration of sludge can be an effective method to minimise waste whilst producing useful heat. However, incineration can cause secondary pollution issues due to the emission of SO2, therefore a set of experiments of sludge incineration in a bubble bed furnace were conducted with limestone addition to study desulfurization of sludge incineration flue gas. As expected, over 93% emission of SO2 was reduced with limestone addition, and that of CO and NOx were increased and decreased respectively when the fuel feeding rate raised. The distribution of fly ash was also increased by raising the fuel feeding rate due to increasing fragmentation of the ash. However, distributions of PM2.5 and heavy metals in submicron particles have dramatically increased with limestone desulfurization. The mechanism was revealed by SEM and EDS statistical analysis, indicating that the reaction between aluminosilicate and calcium made particles agglomerate and eutectic mixtures form, these larger ash particles were found to divide between collection as cyclone ash and fragmentation into finer particles that bypassed the cyclone. Those fine particles provided more surface area for heavy metal condensation. Furthermore, it was found that the reaction mechanism for semi-volatile metals involved them being released from the sludge and forming PM1 particles due to the vaporization-condensation mechanism, leading to higher emission of PM1 and distribution of heavy metals in PM1. Thus, it should be considered that there may actually be higher emission risks of PM and heavy metal emissions when aiming to desulfurize a flue gas using Ca-based minerals in certain circumstances.

Utilization of recycled hazardous waste bagasse as reinforcement to develop green composite material

PurposeIn the current scenario, air pollution and soil pollution from the industries wastes are one of the major problems all over the world. Further, disposal of these wastes from industries are very costly. However, several attempts were carried out by various researchers in the past to use these wastes. One of the most common waste products is bagasse from sugar industries. These hazardous bagasse wastes lead to air and soil pollution. This study aims to recycle bagasse waste in the development of aluminium base composite as partial replacement of ceramic particles.Design/methodology/approachIn the present investigation, recycled bagasse waste was used in the development of aluminium base composite as partial replacement of ceramic particles such as SiC, Al2O3 and B4C. Production industries of these ceramic particles (SiC, B4C and Al2O3) emit huge amount of greenhouse gases such as N2O3, CH4, CO2 and H2O. These green house gases produce lots of environment problem. Furthermore, production of these ceramic particles is also costly. AA6061 aluminium alloy was taken as matrix material. Composite material was developed using the stir casting technique.FindingsMicrostructure results showed proper distribution of bagasse ash and MgO powder in the aluminium base metal matrix composite. It was notified from analysis that minimum corrosion loss and minimum porosity were found for Al/2.5% bagasse ash/12.5% MgO powder composite. For the same composition, hardness and thermal expansion were also observed better as compared to other selected compositions. However, density and cost of composites continuously decrease by increasing percentage of bagasse ash in development of composite.Originality/valueResults showed about 11.30% improvement in tensile strength, 11.64% improvement in specific strength and 40% improvement in hardness by using bagasse ash as reinforcement with MgO powder in development of aluminium base composite.

Distribution of Some Ecotoxic Elements in Fuel and Solid Combustion Residues in Poland

The purpose of this paper is to assess the content and distribution of some elements in coal from two bituminous coal basins and in fly ash and slag derived from combustion of the coals in six power plants in Poland. The petrographic composition and distribution of elements were characterized in the tested samples, using reflected light microscope, X-ray powder diffractometer, inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive X-ray. The highest content of elements in coal occurs in siderite. In Al-Si particles, as well as in magnetite with skeletal and dendritic structure crystallized on the surface of Al-Si microspheres or cenospheres included in fly ash size < 0.05 mm and in the magnetic fraction of slag, the highest content of elements was noted. Due to the content of elements, fly ash and slag were considered to be neutral for the soil environment. Correlations, which have not been described before, have been observed between the likely mode of binding of some elements in coal and their distribution in fly ash and slag. These correlations could be of particular value when predicting the content and distribution of elements in combustion residues and in the assessment of their environmental toxicity.

Automated detection and measurement of volcanic cloud growth: towards a robust estimate of mass flux, mass loading and eruption duration

Identifying the spatial extent of volcanic ash clouds in the atmosphere and forecasting their direction and speed of movement has important implications for the safety of the aviation industry, community preparedness and disaster response at ground level. Nine regional Volcanic Ash Advisory Centres were established worldwide to detect, track and forecast the movement of volcanic ash clouds and provide advice to en route aircraft and other aviation assets potentially exposed to the hazards of volcanic ash. In the absence of timely ground observations, an ability to promptly detect the presence and distribution of volcanic ash generated by an eruption and predict the spatial and temporal dispersion of the resulting volcanic cloud is critical. This process relies greatly on the heavily manual task of monitoring remotely sensed satellite imagery and estimating the eruption source parameters (e.g. mass loading and plume height) needed to run dispersion models. An approach for automating the quick and efficient processing of next generation satellite imagery (big data) as it is generated, for the presence of volcanic clouds, without any constraint on the meteorological conditions, (i.e. obscuration by meteorological cloud) would be an asset to efforts in this space. An automated statistics and physics-based algorithm, the Automated Probabilistic Eruption Surveillance algorithm is presented here for auto-detecting volcanic clouds in satellite imagery and distinguishing them from meteorological cloud in near real time. Coupled with a gravity current model of early cloud growth, which uses the area of the volcanic cloud as the basis for mass measurements, the mass flux of particles into the volcanic cloud is estimated as a function of time, thus quantitatively characterising the evolution of the eruption, and allowing for rapid estimation of source parameters used in volcanic ash transport and dispersion models.