Ashes Series Research Articles

Durability of fly ash/GGBFS based geopolymers exposed to carboncapture solvents

This paper examines a series of fly ash and ground granulated blast furnaceslag binders formulated to examine the effects of composition and mix designon performance and durability when exposed to aggressive environments foundin carbon capture facilities (monoethanolamine or concentrated potassiumcarbonate, as well as distilled water). Ordinary Portland cement andordinary Portland cement fly ash blends were examined for comparison. Thesamples are exposed to solvents by immersion under static conditions. Leachingand mechanical strength tests show a wide range of geopolymer performance,depending on the initial mix design and the nature of the aggressive agent.Alkali carbonate solutions are found to be the most aggressive agent amongthose tested in terms of geopolymer mass and strength loss; nonetheless, theresistance to structural degradation upon carbonation of the geopolymer binderstructure is mitigated to a significant extent by the low calcium contentof the geopolymer binder. Less porous materials, or materials with smallerand more tortuous pores, show in many cases a markedly higher durability;porosity is shown to hold the key to durability. In traditional cement basedbinders, strength is lost through chemical attack upon exposure to solvents.

Non-traditional (“geopolymer”) cements and concretes for construction of large CCS equipment

Abstract Geopolymer concrete is being proposed as a potential construction material in carbon capture and storage facilities, in particular the harsh chemical environments found in post-combustion capture solvent columns. Geopolymer concrete is synthesised by reacting industrial wastes (coal fly ash and/or metallurgical slags), with an alkali source to form the binder, blended with aggregates (sand and rocks). In addition to environmental benefits, and utilisation of currently-landfilled fly ashes (landfilled at the rate of several million tonnes p.a. in Australia alone, and hundreds of millions of tonnes p.a. worldwide), geopolymer concrete can provide some significant performance advantages over existing technologies. In particular, the chemical resistance of the geopolymer binder has been highlighted in laboratory testing over a number of years . This paper examines a series of metakaolin, fly ash and ground granulated blast furnace slag binders. Durability studies, which include leaching and strength retained on exposure to solvents (monoethanolamine, potassium carbonate and distilled water), show high resistance to ethanolamine. Potassium carbonate resistance depends greatly on the formulation used. Porosity is a key factor in overall strength and chemical resistance.

Comparative study of the performances during match play of an elite-level spin bowler and an elite-level pace bowler in cricket

A study of one right-hand pace bowler and one left-arm wrist spin bowler, during the 2006–2007 Ashes series between England and Australia, has been undertaken to understand better the existing knowledge regarding cricket bowling performance during match play. Data from Hawk-Eye and Feedback Cricket performance analysis software programs have been used to analyse 624 pace deliveries and 949 spin deliveries, bowled to five opposition batters. Pace deliveries have been classified on the basis of the pitching length, and spin deliveries have been categorized into one of four delivery types (the leg break, flipper, slider, or googly). One-way analyses of variance were carried out on all deliveries to determine the differences of statistical significance in bowling. For spin bowling, the speed of the ball at release, vertical release angle, and deviation angle after pitching varied for different delivery types. For pace bowling, the pitching line of the ball became closer to the centre stump as the delivery length became fuller and the ball release angle became flatter towards the horizontal. The outcome of this investigation has been to determine the expected ranges of delivery combinations for both an elite spin bowler and an elite pace bowler during match play.

Test Match Special and the discourse of cricket: The sporting radio broadcast as narrative

This article concerns the radio broadcast as mediated sports event. In particular, it has to do with the ways in which meaning is constructed in ball by ball cricket commentary in the BBC broadcast Test Match Special ( TMS). Its central concerns are: the extent to which the live radio broadcast can be considered a narrative; how does TMS narratively construct the Test match; and what is the relationship between this construction and the discourses which frame meaning? The analysis offered in the article centres on the TMS commentary of the final Test match between England and Australia in the 2009 Ashes series.

Element mobility from fresh and long-stored acidic fly ashes associated with an Australian power station

Abstract The mobility of major and trace elements in a series of ashes from pulverised coal combustion, stored in dams and similar repositories for up to 25 years, has been investigated. Comparison with the mobility of the same elements from equivalent fresh, dry ash material has been used to provide a basis for assessing the long-term changes in element mobility during ash storage. Laboratory testing at different initial pH values indicates an increase in the natural (acidic) pH and a decrease in the buffering capacity of the ash by contact with water during handling and storage, suggesting loss of components such as SO 4 from the surfaces of the ash particles with even relatively brief water contact. Most elements show lesser degrees of mobility from ashes that have been stored under water, even if only for a relatively short period, than from the fresh dry material. There are, however, some exceptions, such as Mo, which appear to have increased mobility from the longer-stored ashes due to a progressive rise in pH levels. Relatively little difference is noted between the mobility of most elements in the water-stored ashes, regardless of whether they were only recently emplaced or have been in the dam for 20 years or more. This suggests that equilibrium has been established between the ash and the pore water, and that once the readily leached fraction had been removed the ash–water system remained relatively stable with time. Ash that had been deposited under water in a trial ash pond and then drained and exposed to dry storage conditions for many years, however, showed many similar leaching characteristics to the fresh dry ash material. This suggests that at least some elements or ions (e.g. SO 4 2− ) may be re-adsorbed on to the ash particles with exposure after drying, or that additional elements of similar characteristics may be released, allowing a new set of equilibrium conditions to be established. The concentrations of most elements in the laboratory test leachates are of a similar order of magnitude to the concentrations of the same elements in the water in the present-day ash pond. This increases confidence in the use of laboratory tests to provide guidance on the expected behaviour of ash when exposed to water in actual field situations.

Could El Niño Southern Oscillation affect the results of the Ashes series in Australia?

An analysis of the results of those Ashes cricket test matches between England and Australia which are played in Australia suggests a correlation between these results and the El-Nino Southern Oscillation, or ENSO. In those years with a positive ENSO, results favour Australia, whereas in those years with a negative ENSO, results are more even. A potential mechanism is presented for this apparent correlation.

Preparation and dynamic mechanical properties of polyurethane‐modified epoxy composites filled with functionalized fly ash particulates

AbstractFly ash (FA) is a porous ceramic, which has proved to have some favorable functions. In this article, we have prepared a series of fly ash filled composites, where the polyurethane‐(PU) modified epoxy (EP) was acted as the matrix. With the purpose of characterizing the effect of the content of PU in the matrices and the surface‐treatment (ST) of fly ash particulates on the dynamic mechanical properties of composites, Fourier transform infrared spectral analysis (FTIR), microstructure observation, impact property test as well as dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were systematically investigated. With FTIR test, it can be found that the chemical reactions occur, and new chemical structures are formed between EP and PU, and the functionalized groups existing on the surface of fly ash particulates can also be detected. In fractographs observation of composites, it can be seen that the silane coupling agent improves the interfacial bonding conditions between fly ash particulates and the matrix. Impact property test result reveals that PU improves the toughness of EP. Dynamic mechanical analysis of the composites is carried out from −40 to 150°C using a tension‐compression mode. Results show that the composites, whose matrices are with 10 and 20 wt % PU, may possess better dynamic mechanical properties as compared with the other composites. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci 2007

Television viewers' motivations to follow the 2005 Ashes Test series: implications for the rebranding of English cricket

PurposeThe aim of this paper is to examine the factors that induced people to follow the 2005 Ashes cricket series on television and to explore the implications of these factors for the marketing of English cricket as a brand.Design/methodology/approachA total of 427 members of the public who reported that they had watched at least part of the 2005 Ashes series on television were questioned about their motives for having done so. Specific motives were then related to viewing intensity and to an individual's intention to follow cricket in the future.FindingsThe study finds that viewers who had been motivated to watch the Ashes series because of cricket's nostalgic associations with England's past were more likely than others to have followed the series intensively and to state that they would continue to be interested in cricket. Patriotic motivations led to short‐ but not to long‐term support. Social pressure, prior involvement with cricket, and several variables identified from a review of the general academic literature in the sports marketing area also exerted significant influences on future intentions to watch cricket.Research limitations/implicationsIt was not feasible to establish the socio‐demographic, cultural and economic backgrounds of individuals who exhibited strong tendencies in relation to the motivations covered by the study. Thus it was not possible to relate these background characteristics to decisions to follow cricket in the longer period.Practical implicationsThe results suggest that English cricket may indeed be regarded as a brand, and that certain aspects of cricket's brand identity should be incorporated into marketing communications that promote the sport.Originality/valueThis was the first empirical study to analyse the factors underlying the highly successful rebranding of English cricket that occurred between 1997 and 2004.

‘To Be an Englishman’: Nation, Ethnicity and English Cricket in the Global Age

This contribution is concerned with two central issues in contemporary English cricket, both of which touch on notions of ethnicity and nation. Firstly, it explores the paradox in which, on the one hand, cricket has been an enduring motif of an unchanging Englishness while, on the other, particularly since the 1960s, the English cricket authorities have availed themselves of an ever more malleable definition of English nationality. The chapter will briefly trace this malleability historically from the late nineteenth century through to the present day. It then discusses new ideas of ethnicity and nationality and their implications for English cricket. It goes on to assess the relationship to English cricket of various ethnically defined communities; it analyses the controversy in 2003 over whether or not the England cricket team should play in Zimbabwe and closes by commenting on the significance both of the Ashes series played in England in the summer of 2005, which was widely perceived as momentous in its implications, and of the England and Wales Cricket Board's decision to award the contract to televise England Test matches to a satellite TV company. In cricket [there is an ongoing] row about whether the game should go forward to a world of coloured clothing, selling advertising space on the umpire's coat and Rupert Murdoch's money; or stay with the traditions of the BBC, polite applause and the game being run by people who think a chap shouldn't be given out LBW if his father is in the House of Lords. Both have their own agenda, and neither has the interests of the game as its priority. [1] In football, by and large, it's the fans that are racist but in cricket it's the establishment. It's institutionalized racism. The smell of imperialism is in your nostrils all the time. [2]

Determination of glass content and estimation of glass composition in fly ash using quantitative X-ray diffractometry

The proportion of amorphous or glassy material in a series of fly ashes has been evaluated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) using the Rietveld-based SIROQUANT software package. Several different sample preparation and processing methods were investigated, including XRD analysis of samples spiked with known masses of synthetic corundum and zinc oxide as well as techniques based on analysing the raw or unspiked fly ash directly using the SIROQUANT process. In the latter case, two different poorly crystallised silicate mineral patterns, metakaolin and tridymite, were used in the SIROQUANT processing of the raw ash XRD data to represent the amorphous constituents. The results of the different methods based on XRD of spiked samples were found to be mutually consistent, and also consistent with other published data for an international reference fly ash sample. SIROQUANT analysis of the unspiked fly ashes gave similar results, although different poorly crystallised silicate reference patterns seem to be more suited for ashes from Australian and North American sources. The mineralogy of the ashes, including the proportions of quartz, iron oxide and glassy constituents, appears to be related to the nature of the mineral matter in the relevant feed coals. Calculations based on subtracting the inferred chemistry of the crystalline minerals in the fly ashes from the total fly ash chemistry were also used to estimate the overall chemical composition of the glass fraction in each ash. The results indicate that ashes derived from lower-rank coals in the samples studied have different glass compositions to those derived from higher-rank (bituminous) materials. These different glass compositions appear to be related to several other ash properties, including particle density and particle surface area. Evaluation of glass content and composition may be significant in different aspects of ash utilisation, and also in evaluating interactions with water at ash disposal sites.

Laser ablation multicollector ICPMS determination of δ11B in geological samples

A method for the in situ single spot δ 11B characterisation of geological materials with laser ablation multicollector ICP mass spectrometry (LA-MC-ICPMS) has been developed. The mass spectrometer was equipped with both Faradays and multiple ion counters. Four samples with different B contents (12–31,400 ppm) and isotopic compositions ( δ 11B are between −8.71 and +13.6‰) were analysed. Samples include the B4 tourmaline and 3 MPI-DING glasses (StHs6/80-G, GOR132-G and GOR128-G). All sources of B isotopic fractionation during the analysis (mass bias, laser-induced isotopic fractionation and detector efficiency drift) have been evaluated and quantified. Instrumental mass bias is the major source of fractionation, altering the original isotopic ratio up to 13%. Fractionation related to laser sampling and transport to the ICP was found to be very low (less than 0.0015% s −1). Fractionation effects due to drift in ion counter efficiencies were found to be significant. Nevertheless, the “standard-sample-standard” bracketing approach could be used to correct for the above fractionation effects using NIST SRM 610 as external standard. With spot sizes of 60–80 μm in diameter, geologically meaningful results can be achieved on samples containing at least 10 ppm B, i.e., results with precisions that can discriminate between the different reservoirs on Earth. Data obtained with Faraday detectors on NIST SRM 610 and B4 tourmaline show high precision (down to 0.04‰, 1 σ) and accuracy. Boron isotope ratios measured in the glass samples using multiple ion counting show significantly higher standard deviations (up to 2.5‰, 1 σ), but they are very close to the values that can be expected from counting statistics. No significant variations with spot size or B contents were observed. Most of the values are within 1 σ level of the reference values. The developed method was applied to a series of ashes from Mt. Etna erupted in 1995 having B contents between 14 and 20 ppm. The B isotope compositions of the ashes are between −4.8 and −10.7‰, with a weighted average value of −8.0 ± 1.9‰ (1 σ).

Paleogene volcanic ash layers in the Danish Basin: compositions and source areas in the North Atlantic Igneous Province

The Paleogene mo clay basin in Denmark contains ca. 200 layers of mostly well-preserved volcanic ash. Of these, ca. 77 layers have been analysed for major and trace elements by X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (XRF), 22 for rare-earth elements (REE), and 11 for Sr and Nd isotopes. The ‘negative’ ash series (layers −39 to −1) comprise tholeiitic basalt, crustally contaminated trachyte, and rhyolite; alkaline basalt, trachybasalt, trachyte, and rhyolite; and Ti-rich nephelinite and phonolite. The ‘positive’ ash series (layers +1 to +140) comprise enriched tholeiitic ferrobasalt and two rhyolite layers. The ferrobasalts form one comagmatic group; however, oscillations are seen up-section between less-enriched and more-enriched compositions, as indicated by variations in Zr/Nb, REE contents, and isotope compositions, suggesting heterogeneities in the mantle source. Two samples of Eocene ash from Greifswalder Oie in northern Germany are identical to the positive series ashes. By comparison of the ash compositions with other rocks from the North Atlantic Igneous Province, probable source areas can be identified. Four stages of deposition can be distinguished. In stage 1 (layers −39 to −22), basalts and rhyolites were sourced from centres on the NW European shelf. In stage 2 (layers −21b to −15), trachytes and rhyolites were still sourced from centres on the shelf, whereas the strongly alkaline layers could all have originated in the Gardiner Complex in East Greenland. In stage 3, alkali basalts (layers −13 to −11) may be the products of a failed or propagating part of the opening oceanic rift. In stage 4 (layers +1 to +140), we suggest that the comagmatic suite of voluminous ferrobasalts were sourced from a gigantic volcanic system representing the nascent Proto-Iceland within the opening ocean. The cataclysmic character of stage 4 can be understood if the areas of extremely high magma production associated with the Proto-Icelandic mantle plume, which had until then produced the large subaerial flood basalts in Greenland, at this time moved away from the continent and into the sea-covered opening rift, thus switching the bulk of volcanism from effusive to explosive. When Proto-Iceland finally emerged, the explosive activity abated again.

Increasing bioavailability of phosphorus from fly ash through vermicomposting.

Due to the environmental problems created by large-scale fly ash generation throughout the world, efforts are being made to recycle these materials. An important component of the recycling effort is using fly ash to improve low-fertility soils. Because availability of many nutrients is very low in fly ash, available ranges of such nutrients must be improved to increase the effectiveness of fly ash as a soil amendment. In the present study, we assessed the possibility of increasing P bioavailability in fly ash through vermicomposting in a yard experiment. Fly ash was mixed with organic matter in the form of cow (Bos taurus) dung at 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1 ratios and incubated with and without epigeic earthworm (Eisenia fetida) for 50 d. The concentration of phosphate-solubilizing bacteria (PSB) was found to increase many fold in the earthworm-treated series of fly ash and organic matter combinations compared with the series without earthworm. This helped to transform considerable amounts of insoluble P from fly ash into more soluble forms and thus resulted in increased bioavailability of the nutrients in the vermicomposted series. Among different combinations of fly ash and organic matter, P availability in fly ash due to vermicomposting was significantly higher in the 1:1 fly ash to cow dung treatment compared with the other treatments.

Deep vein thrombosis following calf strain: a case study

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) has been the subject of considerable media attention after a number of deaths and scares in apparently low risk individuals following long haul flights. While many contributory factors have been put forward for the development of DVT, few cases have been reported following muscle strain. The recent publicity surrounding the calf strain sustained by Steve Waugh, the Australian cricket captain, during the Ashes series was initially unremarkable. The case was however, subsequently complicated by the development of DVT following his return (long haul) flight to Australia. Latest reports indicate that following anticoagulant treatment he has made a full recovery and returned to playing. This case could easily be dismissed as a ‘one off’ or an unusual set of circumstances. The following case report illustrates that DVT following calf strain is by no means unique. The ramifications of these cases may have serious implications for Physicians and manual therapists working in sports medicine.

The Paleocene/Eocene-boundary interval of a Tethyan deep-sea section (Austria) and its correlation with the North Sea basin

Abstract The Anthering-section is one of the most expanded upper Paleocene - lower Eocene sedimentary sequences known to date and records several of the Paleocene/Eocene boundary events, including the delta 13 C isotope excursion. Within 250 m of abyssal-plain deposits, calcareous mud-turbidites originating from the basin slope alternate with hemipelagic claystones. The average rate of sedimentation for the lower part of Zone NP9 is calculated at 22.7 cm/ky and for the upper part of Zone NP9 and Zone NP10 at 9.1 cm/ky. In the lower part of Zone NP10 closely spaced bentonite layers occur which mainly display immobile element concentrations typical for alkaline basalts. However, the thickest bentonite (X1), situated at the base of the ash series, plots into the trachyte field. Dinoflagellate stratigraphy strongly suggests that the ash-series at Anthering is synchronous with the main occurrence of ash layers in the North Sea region which display a comparable chemical composition. The biostratigraphical and geochemical correspondence of both ash-series point to a common source of magma. Especially, a correlation of layer +19 of the North Sea region with layer X1 at Anthering seems probable. We therefore consider the bentonites from the Anthering-section as distal deposits of the "positive" ash-series of the North Sea region which obviously represent unique and widespread correlation tools.

Absolute chronology of the Pliocene-Quaternary sediment sequence of the Bogota area, Colombia

A revised geochronological framework is presented for the sequence of unconsolidated sediments present in the Bogotá area (Eastern Cordillera, Colombia). This is based on 11 fission track dates on zircons that were obtained both from exposed ash layers and from a series of ashes from the Funza II borehole, which reached 586 m below the surface of the high plain. The 3 dates obtained from the exposed ash layers provide control for the older part of the sequence (6-2.5 Ma). The 8 dates from the Funza II core give control for the younger part of the sequence (3-0 Ma). Acceptance of these new fission track dates on volcanic zircons means that many of the tephra dates obtained from the Funza I core (that included fission track dates on glass shards and KAr dates using the mineral fractions in the ashes, published in 1984), are rejected. It also confirms earlier climate-stratigraphical dating. The Neogene-Quaternary sediments of the Bogotá area span a period of at least the last 6 Ma. The fluvial-lacustrine sediment record registers major tectonic uplift of the Eastern Cordillera for the period between 5 and 3 Ma, the development of the large sedimentary basin of Bogotá after 3.5 Ma, with an important phase of tectonic adjustment at about 1 Ma, and a long period of strong climatic fluctuations that started shortly after 2.7 Ma.

Characterization of Products of Primary Flue Gas Desulphurization

ABSTRACTIn primary flue gas desulphurization lime is introduced into the flame, in addition to modifications of the burners and/or equipment. An ash is thus obtained in which the sulphur present in the fuel becomes chemically bound, rather than leaving the heat-generating unit as gaseous SO2, a constituent of the flue gases. In the present paper the composition, particle shape and size distribution of a series of ashes formed in the primary flue gas desulphurization are reported. The options for their utilization need to be evaluated.

Sixty-Five Volcanic Events Recorded in Single Coal Bed: ABSTRACT

The preservation potential of a continual series of volcanic ash falls is slight. There must be a favorable depositional site downwind and within range of an area of pyroclastic activity. A favorable depositional site is a body of quiet or deep water, existing through a long period of time, with relatively rapid normal sedimentation that covers each ash fall before another fall occurs. In a slowly subsiding basin, the early Paleocene Big Dirty coal swamp of central to eastern Montana provided an ideal depositional environment, and it was partially ringed by areas of volcanism 140-300 km north, northwest, and west of the western edge. As many as 65 ash falls, one by one, blanketed the swamp and were covered by organic debris. The resultant sedimentary package, the Big Dirty coal bed, is particularly well exposed in the Bull Mountain coalfield, northeast of Billings, Montana. Layers of altered volcanic ash and sanidine-rich crystal tuff average 1.5 cm thick and are separated by an average 7.6 cm of coal, tuffaceous coal, or carbonaceous tuff. The Big Dirty coal bed contains a rare continuous record of a period of frequent volcanic eruptions. End_of_Article - Last_Page 246------------

Lithium-bearing rocks of the Horse Spring Formation, Clark County, Nevada

The Horse Spring Formation of Miocene age in Clark County, Nevada, contains as much as 0.5% Li in individual samples. Rock sequences which average 0.1% Li range from 3 m thick near Gold Butte (south of Mesquite, Nev.) to as much as 40 m thick near Lava Butte (east of Las Vegas, Nev.) about 75 km to the west. The lithium-bearing beds are light colored to white and contain hectorite in a dolomite, magnesite, or calcite matrix. Varied amounts of gypsum, halite, celestite, clinoptilolite, quartz, feldspar, biolite and colemanite are also present locally. Hectorite is the only lithium mineral recognized to date.The lithium-rich rocks contain low concentrations of most other minor elements except that boron and strontium are enriched. Rarely, barium, arsenic, and zinc are present in anomalously large amounts.The lithium-enriched part of the Horse Spring Formation was formed from a series of volcanic ashes which were deposited in a playa. Relict volcanic ash is recognizable in thin sections as remnant glass shards and vitroclastic textures. Most of the original glass has been altered to clay minerals, carbonate minerals, or zeolites, presumably through interaction with highly saline pore waters. Abundant evidence of spring activity suggests that thermal waters played a part in releasing the lithium from volcanic materials.

Origin of Tuffs in Stanley Group, Ouachita Mountains, Arkansas and Oklahoma: ABSTRACT

Five major tuff sequences (8-120 ft thick) are interbedded with marine graywacke and shale in the 11,000 ft-thick Mississippian Stanley Group. They are present in the basal 1,500 ft and upper 350 ft of the highly folded flysch group. These widespread sequences are thickest and best exposed in the southern Ouachitas, but are traceable to the central Ouachitas. End_Page 355------------------------------ Three tuff sequences are composed of massive and bedded crystal tuff; 2 are composed of massive and bedded pumiceous vitric-crystal tuff. All five sequences have massive and sometimes laminated fine-grained vitric upper portions. Crystal-rich and pumiceous tuff sequences probably reflect different settling and/or eruptive histories. Crystal tuff sequences originated from crystal-rich magmas or from crystal enrichment by gravity sorting of pyroclastic debris settling through long water columns, possibly as a result of vulcanian-type submarine eruptions. Bedded crystal tuff was deposited from a series of ash falls and tuffaceous turbidites. Widespread slumping of bedded crystal tuff produced massive crystal tuff. Pumiceous tuff sequences probably formed from Katmai-like eruptions. Thick, nonwelded pumiceous vitric-crystal tuffs commonly overlain by thin-bedded pumiceous tuffs were produced from submarine pyroclastic flows covered by contemporaneous ash falls. Fine-grained vitric tuff formed from slow settling of very fine ash. The ash was possibly the finest size remnants suspended in settling columns after major eruptions and/or was produced by weaker ash falls. Rare cross bedding is evidence for some current reworking. Tuff thickness, grain-size trends, paleocurrent indicators, and paleogeography suggest a southern volcanic source, possibly the buried Luling overthrust front in Texas. End_of_Article - Last_Page 356------------