Mineralogical properties of coal ash

Conference · Fri Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1982

OSTI ID:6085599

Hulett, L D; Lauf, R

Studies of the mineral phases of fly ash and the distribution of elements among them have been made. Three main phases have been categorized: (1) magnetic spinel, (2) mullite-quartz, and (3) glass. Each of these contains dissolved trace elements. The chemical species of the trace elements are determined by the phases within which they are dissolved. Elements are usually distributed preferentially, but not exclusively, in certain phases; e.g., Ni is more concentrated in the magnetic spinel matrix by factors as high as 100. Most of the trace elements are contained in the glass phase. Long-term leaching effects are therefore determined by mechanics of breakdown of the glass. Both the mullite-quartz and the magnetic spinel phases are potential resource recovery items. Mullite is used extensively as a commercial ceramic. The feasibility of its refinement from fly ash should be explored. Magnetite is an improper designation of the magnetic spinel phase, x-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy show that the magnetic spinel phase is a ferrite, having large amounts of aluminum substitution for iron. Recent studies of fly ash particles in human lung tissue indicate that lung fluids rapidly break down the glass phases, causing accelerated release of trace elements, leaving mullite residues permanently imbedded in the tissue. 3 figures.

• Research Organization: Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-26
• OSTI ID: 6085599
• Report Number(s): CONF-8206173-2; ON: DE83014132
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
010600* -- Coal
Lignite
& Peat-- Properties & Composition
AEROSOL WASTES
ALKALINE EARTH METAL COMPOUNDS
ALUMINIUM COMPOUNDS
ALUMINIUM OXIDES
ASHES
CARBONACEOUS MATERIALS
CHALCOGENIDES
COAL
COHERENT SCATTERING
DIFFRACTION
ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
ELEMENTS
ENERGY SOURCES
FLY ASH
FOSSIL FUELS
FUELS
INORGANIC ION EXCHANGERS
ION EXCHANGE MATERIALS
MAGNESIUM COMPOUNDS
MAGNESIUM OXIDES
MATERIALS
MICROSCOPY
MINERALOGY
MINERALS
MULLITE
OXIDE MINERALS
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
QUARTZ
RESIDUES
SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
SCATTERING
SILICON COMPOUNDS
SILICON OXIDES
SPINELS
TRACE AMOUNTS
TRANSMISSION ELECTRON MICROSCOPY
WASTES
X-RAY DIFFRACTION