Coal Combustion Byproducts

KEMA has expert knowledge in the field of generation, characterization and applications of coal combustion byproducts

The generation of coal combustion byproducts
KEMA developed an empirical and statistical model: the KEMA TRACE MODEL to calculate the relation between coal and combustion byproducts (CCB) composition. The model is supported by roughly twenty mass balance studies conducted for 100 percent coal firing in the eighties to 20 percent co-firing in the nineties. The results give a good impression of the average residue composition, as well as emissions into the air. These results of the KEMA model are being used in official documents like Environmental Impact Statements (EIS), license applications and sound R&D programs.

Characterization of coal combustion byproducts
Mineralogical, chemical and physical characterization is the first step toward assessing the opportunities of utilization of CCBs. Characterization has become of major importance to assess the influences of co-combustion on the properties and quality of CCBs. For over 15 years KEMA is involved in the characterization of CCBs from co-combustion, using a wide range of methods like Scanning Electron Microscopy, X-ray-diffraction, and elemental analyses.

Many applications of coal combustion byproducts
In the Netherlands KEMA supports the Dutch Fly Ash Corporation with research and consultancy on the implementation and utilization of CCBs. The CCBs are utilized in the Netherlands in the following applications:
Fly ash
- pozzolanic filler in cement and concrete
- raw material for the production of Portland clinker
- filler in asphalt
- raw material for ceramics.
Bottom ash
- fine aggregate in concrete
- road construction.
Gypsum
- raw material for the production of self-leveling floors and other building materials (gypsum).