Model based prediction of required cut size diameter for fractionation of fly ash from a grate-fired wood chip incineration plant

Utilization of biomass ash as a soil improvement material is limited by the admissible input of heavy metals. It is well known that heavy metal concentrations are increased in fine ash fractions. In this study, two models are investigated to describe the distribution of various heavy metals in different size fractions of fly ash from a grate-fired biomass incineration plant incinerating wood chips. The second model assuming a dependence of the heavy metal concentration from the reciprocal particle diameter to the power of the variable N correlated well with measured concentrations. This model was then used in the calculation of the required cut size of a classifier for the production of a coarse fraction with heavy metal concentrations below limits from a fly ash sample exceeding the Austrian limits for a soil improvement material. The predicted concentrations of the critical heavy metals Cd and Pb and the total mass of the coarse fraction produced corresponded well with measured values, and although the concentration of Zn was considerably underestimated in the model, the produced coarse fraction was within the limits for utilization.     

Neutralizing capacity of bottom ash from municipal solid waste incineration of different particle size

This study measures the neutralizing capacity of bottom ash from municipal solid waste incineration of different particle sizes. We examine the effect of particle size on the weathering process, a method popularly used for stabilization of heavy metals in incineration of bottom ash. The distribution of particle sizes in municipal solid waste incineration bottom ash is rather broad, ranging from fine powder to as large as 40 mm in diameter. Although considered a by-product highly suitable as a road construction material, the high level of heavy metal leaching is an obstacle to its reuse. Weathering, a method used to reduce heavy metal leaching, is a lengthy process taking over thee months to complete. The chief reaction involved in weathering is carbonation occurring between Ca(OH)2 in bottom ash and CO₂(g) in the atmosphere. During this process, CaCO₃ is produced, causing the pH level to drop from over 12 to about 8.2 and reducing heavy metal leaching. In this paper, we attempt to determine the particle size best suited for reducing the period required for weathering bottom ash by identifying characteristics of different particle sizes that affect heavy metal leaching and neutralization.     

Studies of Cd, Pb and Cr distribution characteristics in bottom ash following agglomeration/defluidization in a fluidized bed boiler incinerating artificial waste

This study focused on the effects of agglomeration/defluidization on the Cd, Pb and Cr distribution in bottom ash particles of different sizes. In this study we have incinerated artificial waste, which was a mixture of sawdust, polypropylene, selected metal solutions, and polyethylene. The experimental parameters included Na concentration, addition of Ca and Mg and operating temperature. The results indicated that particle size decreased by attrition and thermal impact in the absence of added Na. When Na was added to the system, this metal reacted with silica sand to form eutectics, which increased particle size. Further addition of Ca and Mg was found to prolong the operating time, with greater amounts of liquid eutectic accumulating, leading to increase particle size.The heavy metal concentrations in coarse and fine particles were greater than those present in particles of intermediate sizes over a range of experimental conditions. As the particle size decreased below 0.59 mm or increased above 0.84 mm, the heavy metal concentrations increased. As Ca and Mg were added, the heavy metal concentrations in particles of all sizes increased relative to those present in identical particles when no metals or only Na were added. Additionally, the ratio of Cd sorption to silica sand decreased with increasing Na concentration, but Cr sorption had the opposite tendency. Therefore, while the addition of Na tended to increase agglomeration, it also increased the tendency for heavy metals to remain in the sand bed of fluidized bed incinerators. Addition of Ca and Mg not only inhibited the agglomeration/defluidization process, resulting in increased operating time, but also enhanced the removal of heavy metals by silica sand, decreasing the concentration of heavy metals in reactor exhaust.     

Microscopic single particle characterization of zeolites synthesized in a soil polluted by copper or cadmium and treated with coal fly ash

In the perspective of the development of new soil remediation technologies, zeolites can be directly synthesized in soil from fused coal fly ash to reduce heavy metal mobility and availability. Such a process promotes the formation of metal hydroxide/oxide precipitates which can be also occluded inside the structure of the forming minerals. In this study, different types of zeolites (zeolite X, P, and A) were synthesized by treating soil samples, artificially contaminated by high concentrations of Cu or Cd ions, with fused coal fly ash at 30 and 60 °C. The formed zeolites were characterized for their amount, structure, chemical composition and size. To accomplish this survey, besides quantitative X-ray diffraction analyses (XRD), an automated single particle analysis (ASPA) method using electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPXMA) was employed for the first time for direct zeolite characterization in soil samples. The obtained results provide new information for assessing the role of heavy metals in zeolite crystallization in coal fly ash-treated soils. Heavy metal contamination, while not significantly hindering the zeolite formation process, can influence crystal size and preferentially drive zeolite synthesis toward the formation of sodalite unit-based zeolite X and zeolite A, even at 60 °C. The presence and nature of metal precipitate occlusions inside the forming zeolite minerals might have also favored the preferential synthesis of certain zeolitic structures.     

不同粒径城市垃圾焚烧飞灰中重金属的浸出规律研究

集中焚烧法已经逐渐成为我国城市生活垃圾处理的主要方式,但其中的重金属在焚烧过程中不会被破坏,最终主要集中在垃圾焚烧飞灰中排出。在垃圾焚烧飞灰的安全填埋过程中由于受到环境因素的影响,例如酸雨,其中的重金属会逐渐的发生迁移,从而影响环境。文章对不同粒径的垃圾焚烧飞灰中的重金属浸出特性进行了研究,实验结果表明：小粒径垃圾焚烧飞灰所占比例较大。不同粒径对重金属的浸出特性比较复杂,浸出浓度均不相同,其中除尘器飞灰中的重金属浸出浓度远高于其他三种飞灰,属于有浸出毒性的危险废物。     

Influence of trace metal distribution on its leachability from coal fly ash

The risks associated with the reuse of coal fly ash in natural environmental settings in terms of their mobility and ecotoxicological significance is largely determined by: (1) the physicochemical conditions the fly ash is placed under; (2) the total leachable metal content in fly ash and; (3) the distribution or mineralogical fractionation of metals. In this study, we report the mobility of As, Cr, Pb, Fe, Cu and Zn from a single Class F fly ash (CFFA). The influence of pH on metal release was compared to the total leachable metal content, as determined by single and sequential chemical extractions. The results show that the CFFA sample is environmentally safe under natural pH conditions, with metal leaching less than the mandated RCRA limits. The elements Fe, Pb and Cr were moderately soluble at acidic pH and sparingly soluble beyond neutral pH. Arsenic release from CFFA was higher under aggressive pH conditions (pH < 4 and pH > 9) and consistent with its oxyanionic behavior. Partial dissolution of the acid soluble (exchangeable) fraction at acidic pH; desorption of oxyanions at alkaline pH; adsorption and or co-precipitation of metals with iron (hydr) oxides at neutral pH appeared to be the probable mechanisms controlling metal release. While simple EDTA extractions provided good indications of the total leachable amounts, a direct correlation with pH leaching data was impossible as the mineralogical distribution of the metals in the fly ash appeared to play a significant role in their leachability. In the case of Class F fly ash, metal association with Fe-oxide appeared to play a more dominant role in metal release.     

Heavy metal concentrations in bottom ash and fly ash fractions from a large-sized (246 MW) fluidized bed boiler with respect to their Finnish forest fertilizer limit values

The total and size fractionated concentrations of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb and Zn in bottom ash and two fly ash fractions from a large-sized (246 MW) fluidized bed boiler were compared to Finnish statutory limit values for forest fertilizers, which came into force in March 2007. Fly ashes were sampled from the different fields (i.e. electrodes) of the electrostatic precipitator (ESP) unit treating the stack gases. The bottom ash and the fly ash from the first ESP field are suitable for use a forest fertilizer. Due to the elevated As concentration (40 mg/kg; d.w.), which exceeded its Finnish limit value of 30 mg/kg (d.w.), the fly ash from the second ESP field is not suitable as a forest fertilizer alone. The results of ash sieving indicated that an As concentration of 40 mg/kg (d.w.) for particle size less than 0.125 mm for fly ash 2 from the second ESP electrode field exceeded the As limit value of 30 mg/kg (d.w.). In addition, a Pb concentration of 170 mg/kg (d.w.) for fly ash 1 from the first ESP electrode field for particle size 0.5-2.0 mm exceeded the Pb limit value of 150 mg/kg (d.w.). These two specific fractions are therefore not suitable for used as a forest fertilizer alone.     

水热法稳定垃圾焚烧飞灰中重金属研究进展

随着社会经济的发展和垃圾焚烧的应用,产生了大量属于危险废物的垃圾焚烧飞灰。其无害化处理技术的研发变得日益迫切,而水热处理技术是最具潜力的垃圾焚烧飞灰无害化技术之一。本文综述了水热法处理垃圾焚烧飞灰稳定重金属的研究进展。首先阐述了垃圾焚烧飞灰的理化性质;然后系统介绍了针对垃圾焚烧飞灰的水热处理方法,将其细分为传统水热法、添加剂辅助水热法和微波水热法,并分别总结了各类水热处理方法影响重金属稳定效果的因素,包括反应时间和温度、碱性激发剂及其浓度、液固比等;最后探讨了水热法稳定垃圾焚烧飞灰中重金属技术的优化途径,为后续的研究提供了研究思路,其中探究水热过程中硅铝酸盐矿物的合成及其稳定重金属机理极具发展潜力。     

Properties and microstructure of sintered incinerator bottom ash

The fraction of incinerator bottom ash with a particle size less than 8 mm produced at a commercial municipal solid waste incinerator was wet milled, dried, compacted and sintered at a range of temperatures to form ceramic materials. The effects of milled ash particle size distribution, powder compaction pressure and sintering temperature were investigated, and the materials formed characterised by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermal analysis (TG/DTA). The main minerals present in the milled ash were quartz (SiO₂) and calcite (CaCO₃). Sintered densities of materials produced from ash milled to 95% less than 27 μm increased from 1.38 to 2.63 g/cm³ on increasing the sintering temperature from 1020 to 1080 °C. Firing above 1080 °C caused a rapid decrease in density and sample expansion. The principal crystalline phase present in the high-density material was diopside (CaMgSi₂O₆). This work shows that a significant fraction of incinerator bottom ash can be processed to form sintered materials with properties controlled by ash particle size distribution and sintering conditions.     

Content, mobility and transfer behavior of heavy metals in MSWI bottom ash in Zhejiang province, China

Municipal solid waste incinerator (MSWI) bottom ash samples were taken from six cities of Zhejiang province, where 1/4 incinerators of China were located. The samples were instrumentally analyzed to detect the content of heavy metals. Sequential extraction procedure (SEP) was adopted to characterize the mobility and environmental impact of heavy metals. And the transfer coefficients of heavy metals from the input MSW to the bottom ash during the incineration were also calculated. It showed that the average content of Zn, Mn, Cu, Pb and Cr in the bottom ash exceeded 300 mg/kg, which was much higher than that in the soils. SEP results showed that although the residue fraction was the primary fraction of the heavy metals in the bottom ash, there were still 1.84 mg of Cd, 86.21 mg of Cu, 83.46 mg of Pb and 939.46 mg of Zn in 1 kg bottom ash having the potential of leaching, which indicated a great threat to the surrounding environment. The result of coefficients calculation revealed that almost all the Cu, Cr, Mn and Ni in the input MSW were transferred to the bottom ash during the incineration. Bottom ash was also the main destination of Cd, Co, As, Mo, Pb and Zn though considerable amounts of those metals were transferred to the raw gas.     

Vitrification of municipal solid waste incineration fly ash: An approach to find the successful batch compositions

Incineration is the most common way to reduce the mass and the volume of municipal solid wastes. One of the most dangerous by-products of the incineration process is fly ash that contains a considerable amount of heavy metals. Therefore, its treatment is crucial to prevent the leaching of heavy metals into the environment. In the present work, two different sources of municipal solid waste incinerator fly ash have been vitrified in order to inhibit the release of potentially toxic heavy metals. Two different sources of silica, i.e. silica sand and glass cullet, have been added to each type of fly ash in an attempt to obtain vitrifiable batches. The standard leaching test on vitrified products was performed according to EN12457-2 confirming no heavy metal leaching and, therefore, they all pass waste acceptance criteria to be classified as an inert material. Furthermore, the previously reported data for vitrification of fly ash was combined with the present work and their compositions were presented in the SiO₂–Al₂O₃–CaO, and SiO₂-ΣM₂O₃-Σ(MO + M₂O) ternary phase diagrams to identify the region in which successful compositions are concentrated. This analysis could facilitate the attempt to find the right composition for vitrification of fly ash.     

Synthesis and adsorption performance of fly ash/steel slag-based geopolymer for removal of Cu (II) and methylene blue

In order to realize the value-added resource utilization of solid waste, geopolymer particle adsorbents were prepared at low temperatures using silica-aluminum-rich fly ash and steel slag powders as raw materials. In order to investigate the mechanism of their adsorption of dyes and heavy metal ions from wastewater, the effects of steel slag/fly ash ratio, adsorbent dosage, initial concentration of methylene blue (MB) and Cu²⁺ solution, adsorption time and temperature on the adsorption performance of the fly ash/steel slag-based geopolymer adsorbents were investigated, systematically. Results presented that the adsorption capacities of MB and Cu²⁺ were 33.30 and 24.15 mg/g, and the removal efficiencies were 99.90% and 96.59% with the dosages of 3 and 4 g/L geopolymer adsorbents (steel slag/fly ash ratio of 20 wt.%), respectively. The adsorption processes of MB and Cu²⁺ on the adsorbents were in accordance with the proposed pseudo-second-order and Langmuir isotherm models, which mainly included physical and chemical adsorption mechanisms. The adsorption was a spontaneous endothermic process. The fly ash/steel slag-based geopolymer had good removal ability for dyes and heavy metal ions, and it could maintain good adsorption performance after three cycles of regeneration. It had potential application in wastewater treatment.     

Effects of fly ash and bottom ash on the frictional behavior of composites

Immense quantities of coal combustion by-products are produced every year, and only a small fraction of them are currently utilized. Our recent work has focused on developing value-added products especially from fly ash, bottom ash, and flue gas desulfurization (FGD) scrubber sludge. We explored the potential utilization of fly ash, bottom ash, and sulfate-rich scrubber sludge as frictional modifiers and additives for automotive frictional composites. The surfaces of the frictional composites, fabricated from scrubber sludge and fly ash or bottom ash, were characterized with the help of scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The mechanical properties of by-products containing composites were evaluated using a dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA). The frictional behavior of the composites was probed with the help of friction assessment and screening test (FAST). The frictional results suggested that fly ash or bottom ash had a profoundly different effect on the frictional coefficient (μ) and wear of the composite than those observed for scrubber sludge particles. It appeared that fly ash or bottom ash particles had abrasive characteristics and gave frictional composites a higher μ-value. The FAST test also revealed that the fluctuations in the μ-value were a minimum for composites that contained 20 vol% fly ash or bottom ash among the ash-derived composites. The composites that contained 30 vol% fly ash or bottom ash showed fade after approximately 60 min of continuous FAST test. We compared the frictional and wear performance of our composites with a commercial automotive brake, and it appeared that frictional composites could be formed which contained up to 20 vol% fly ash or bottom ash and 25 vol% scrubber sludge.     

Composition and size distribution of particules emissions from a coal-fired power plant in India

Particulate matter in fly ash from ESP inlet and outlet of a coal fired power plant in India was measured for five units of 120 MW and 210 MW of the power plant. Samples of the pulverised coal and bottom and fly ashes were also collected. The size distribution and chemical composition of particulate matter were determined using a laser particle analyser, an ion chromatograph (IC) and an inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES). The observed particle mass concentration at the ESP inlet was 5443–21483 mg Nm⁻³ whereas the outlet concentration was found as 12–315 mg Nm⁻³ thereby giving total removal efficiency of 95.7–99.8%. A fine particle mode appeared at the particle size of 0.4–0.9 μm and coarse particle mode appeared at the particle size greater than 1 μm. Magnesium and iron remained in bottom ash and showed high concentrations 99 and 2154 μg g⁻¹ (ppmw) respectively, while other elements such as lead, chromium and zinc were observed in higher concentration in ESP inlet flue gas. Relative enrichment of trace elements (except Fe) in fly ash was observed higher than that in bottom ash.     

Analysis of fly ash heavy metal content and disposal in three thermal power plants in India

The study investigates the heavy metal content of fly ash and bottom ash from three major power plants in North India, using flame atomic absorption spectrometry. It also studies the prevalent disposal methods used at these sites. The ashes were analysed for the presence of Cr, Mn, Pb, Zn, Cu, Ni and Co and detectable levels of all were found in both fly ash and bottom ash. The concentrations of Cr and Zn were highest while Co concentration was less. The wet disposal method is used in two of the power plants (site 1 and site 3). Neither of the sites uses ash pond lining in the construction of the ash ponds, hence leaching of the heavy metals is possible. Site 2 has adopted 100% dry disposal system which allows better utilization but incurs additional costs. Better management practices, increased utilization and proper disposal practices need to be undertaken to minimize the adverse environmental impact.     

城市生活垃圾焚烧飞灰组成特性及重金属熔融固化处理技术研究进展

近年来,我国城市生活垃圾清运量以每年5%左右的增速发展,垃圾焚烧处理能力不断提升,而垃圾焚烧过程会产生占焚烧总量3%~5%的垃圾焚烧飞灰。随着垃圾焚烧处理能力的不断提升,垃圾飞灰产量逐年增加,飞灰处置压力越来越大。城市生活垃圾焚烧飞灰作为一种高重金属浸出毒性的危险废弃物,对环境存在较大危害。论述了城市生活垃圾焚烧飞灰的组成特性及重金属的分布和性质,从飞灰熔融过程原理、重金属转化特性、重金属固化影响因素等方面阐述了熔融处理垃圾飞灰技术的研究进展,探究了飞灰组分和熔融条件对熔融过程及重金属固化效果的影响。论述了等离子熔融技术和熔融固化重金属的效果,最后对飞灰复配熔融及冷却过程优化处理给出参考性建议,并指出飞灰熔融处理技术未来发展方向。垃圾焚烧飞灰中重金属主要以其氧化物、氯化物、硫酸盐形式存在,熔融处理可以改变飞灰组分及相态,使飞灰发生多晶转变和熔融相变过程,重金属离子发生同晶置换反应,被固化在硅酸盐的Si—O四面体晶格结构中,很大程度上降低了飞灰的浸出毒性并实现熔渣资源化利用。熔融处理过程中,熔融气氛、时间及飞灰组分对过程特性和重金属的迁移转化影响较大,冷却方式不同会影响玻璃体熔渣的物理性质。根据重金属的熔点和沸点特性,在熔融处理后,烟气和二次飞灰中会携带部分挥发性强、沸点低的重金属。在今后研究中需要对烟气和二次飞灰进行冷却或二次捕集处理,并对烟气成分进行探究。由于熔融处理过程耗能大、投资高、关键设备研发难攻关,我国垃圾焚烧飞灰熔融处理技术仍处于技术研发阶段,尚无稳定化工业运行实例,但已有部分中试研究试验。熔融处理前,应先分析飞灰组成成分,根据飞灰组成进行预处理。通过添加助熔剂、调节飞灰碱度对飞灰进行复配熔融处理,降低熔融处理的能耗,高效稳定处理重金属。在实验室稳定有效试验的基础上,可以对等离子体熔融处理装置进行技术改进和创新,提高等离子火焰稳定性,实现熔渣的高效分离,提升装置耐久性。     

垃圾焚烧底渣中重金属的研究

采用Tessier四步分级提取法对垃圾焚烧飞灰中的4种重金属(锌、镍、铜、镉)的化学形态进行了研究。结果表明,金属Cd主要以底渣态的形式存在(占总镉质量的61.22%~62.41%),Ni,Zn以底渣态和铁锰氧化态为主,Cu主要以有机结合态为主(占总铜质量的60.97%~62.29%)。同时4种金属的生物有效性由高到低顺序依次为Ni,Cd,Zn,Cu。     

The leachability of heavy metals in hardened fly ash cement and cement-solidified fly ash

The effect of mix proportion, leachant pH, curing age, carbonation and specimen making method etc. on the leaching of heavy metals and Cr(VI) in fly ash cement mortars and cement-solidified fly ashes has been investigated. In addition, a method for reducing the leaching of Cr(VI) from cement-solidified fly ashes is proposed. The results mainly indicate that: (1) either Portland cement or fly ash contains a certain amount of heavy and toxic metals, and the leaching of them from hardened fly ash incorporated specimens exists and is increased with fly ash addition and water to cement ratio; (2) the leachability of some heavy metals is greatly dependent on leachant pH; (3) when carbonation of cement mortars occurs the leaching of chromium ions is increased; (4) the amount of heavy metals leached from cement-solidified fly ashes depends more on the kind of fly ash than their contents in fly ash; and (5) with ground granulated blast furnace slag addition, the leaching of Cr(VI) from solidified fly ashes is decreased.     

城市垃圾焚烧飞灰中重金属形态及生物有效性研究

随着集中焚烧法逐渐成为我国城市生活垃圾处理的主要方式,焚烧飞灰的安全处置与利用也成为学者普遍关注的问题。由于在填埋过程中受到各种环境要素的影响,垃圾焚烧飞灰中的重金属有可能会发生迁移和转化,重金属形态、毒性也会随之变化。本文对不同粒径城市垃圾焚烧飞灰中重金属的总量、形态及生物有效性进行了研究,为其在安全填埋及资源化利用过程中预测重金属的环境风险提供参考。     

Aggregation experiments on fine fly ash particles in uniform magnetic field

Aggregation experiments on three fly ash samples in the size range of 0.023-9.314 μm were conducted in a uniform magnetic field. The fly ash particles were produced from combustion of three different bituminous coals. The coals were originated Dongshen, Datong and Xuzhou of China, respectively. A fluidized bed aerosol generator was used to disperse the fly ash particles to generate a constant aerosol. The aerosol particles aggregated when passing through the magnetic field. The variation of particle number concentration caused by particle aggregation was measured in real time by an Electrical Low Pressure Impactor (ELPI). The effects of several parameters, such as particle size, magnetic flux density, particle residence time in the magnetic field, total particle mass concentration and average gas velocity, on particle aggregation were examined. Experimental results indicated that removal efficiencies are the highest for particles with sizes in the middle of the size ranges tested. Increasing magnetic flux density, total particle mass concentration, particle residence time in the magnetic field or by reducing average gas velocity can increase removal efficiencies of single-sized and total fly ash particles. When fly ash particle magnetization reached saturation state, further increase of the magnetic flux density will have no effect on particle aggregation. The single-sized and total particle removal efficiencies of the three fly ashes are different under the same operating conditions. The removal efficiency is the highest for fly ash generated from Dongshen coal, followed by fly ash from Datong coal, and then fly ash from Xuzhou coal. Particle number median diameters decreases with the increase in the total particle removal efficiencies. The model prediction of particle aggregation under high total particle mass concentrations conditions indicated that the single-sized and total particle removal efficiencies will increase greatly with the increase in total particle mass concentration. The model predicted total removal efficiencies of the three fly ash particles are 53%, 43% and 14%, for Dongshen, Datong and Xuzhou coals respectively when total particle mass concentration is 40 g/m³.