Boral Resources makes flyash available

In preparation for harvesting and marketing the flyash, Boral Resources sampled and tested the materials comprehensively. Samples were drawn from boring locations throughout the monofill and evaluated for chemical composition, carbon content, loss on ignition (LOI), particle size distribution, fineness, organic impurities (ASTM C40), foam index, and adsorption.

Testing of the flyash boring samples has determined it to be of consistently higher quality than current-generation ash across a range of criteria. The harvested ash has a higher pozzolanic content than as-produced ash and far lower levels of LOI and sulfur. Foam index tests show that the ash's adsorption of air-entraining agents is extremely low—making the harvested ash particularly suitable for applications requiring freeze-thaw resistance. Samples also tested negative for organic contaminants. Chemical and physical analyses of a boring composite sample of the landfilled flyash were also performed to assess it against both the ASTM C618 and AASHTO M295 standard specifications for coal flyash and raw or calcined natural pozzolan for use in concrete. The sample met or exceeded the requirements of both standards.

Material and performance in concrete testing of borings composite and 14 t samples were carried out and compared with that of an as-produced sample to determine suitability for concrete applications. The harvested flyash was found to contain higher levels of alumino-silicates than the as-produced sample and is expected to outperform current-generation ash as a pozzolan.

"The Washingtonville project represents a leap forward in providing options for harvesting previously disposed flyash," said Terry Peterson, Vice President, Boral Resources East Region. "This strategy will enable increased supplies of high-quality ash for use in concrete. It represents an important new arrow in our quiver of technologies that will be used to supply ash markets affected by closures of coal-fuelled power plants."

An on-site processing plant is used to dry and beneficiate the harvested flyash. The quality product is tested to assure consistency for use in ready mixed concrete and other durable/high-strength applications.

Peterson also pointed out that, for lower-quality ashes and ash disposed in wet impoundments, Boral offers carbon burn-out technology as an additional harvesting option. In this process, residual carbon in flyash is combusted to produce a consistent, low-carbon, high-quality pozzolan suitable for use in concrete and other high-value applications. Carbon burn-out can also be used to cost-effectively process ash that has been stored for long periods, converting it into a high-quality pozzolan for sale to concrete producers.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/17092018/boral-resources-makes-fly-ash-available/