Characterization and Possible Use to Fly Ashes from Anthracite Combustion in a Thermal Power Plant

The coal-fired power plant operating in Anshun (Guizhou - China) produces approximately 500,000 tons of ash per year as solid waste. It is estimated that 55% of this amount corresponds to the so-called fly ash and 45% to bed ash. By determining the possible use of this waste will reduce the environmental impact associated with the final disposal. As a result, the present work has as objective to characterize the ashes obtained at laboratory scale and to predict their possible use in the development of new technological undertakings. To achieve the aforementioned objective, two carbon sampling campaigns were carried out, in order to cover possible variations in the ore that will feed the thermal power plant. The combustion of the coal in the laboratory was made with the addition of limestone, simulating the condition of an actual operation. For the characterization, parameters related to the use in the cement industry were determined. The results obtained from the analysis carried out allowed us to classify the ashes as silico-aluminous. As a first conclusion it could be established that they are suitable for the formulation of raw materials for the manufacture of clinker, as well as for obtaining mixed cements. However, it is estimated that the percentage destined to these uses will not exceed 40% of the produced ash by which it will be necessary to look for other applications, as well as to foresee the environmental disposition of the same.