R & D on Ash Remediation of Coal Fired Power Plant

Coal is being continuously used as a fuel for power generation representing 41% of global electricitygeneration (IEA 2012). Other than being inefficient and a major source of carbon dioxide emission, coalcombustion also produces solid waste in the form of fly ash (fine particles) and bottom ash (coarse particles). Itis predicted that that global fly ash generation is around 750 million tonnes. Currently, landfilling is a commonmethod used for ash disposal which is considered a huge environmental problem. Gamma Engineering Inc., theindustry partner in this application, has developed a technology for extracting alumina from fly ash. However,they are uncertain about the feasibility of using the solid waste for any commercial use and this has hugeimpact on the overall economy of the technology developed by Gamma. The applicant will therefore examinethe potential of utilizing the waste sludge produced after alumina extraction for brick making or cementproduction or any other commercial use. Samples of brick and cement specimen will be prepared from thesludge and tested for its strength, durability, tendency of moisture absorption and abrasion resistance. Based onthe results from the studies, suggestion will be made to Gamma with options for utilizing waste sludge.