Effect of grinding process on the level of leachability of the contaminants from the fly ashes from combustion of biomass

Abstract

The most commonly used renewable energy source in Polish energy production companies is solid biomass which is used both as a separate fuel or as a component co-incinerated together with (mostly) hard coal. During its incineration the biomass generates by-products with diverse and variable physicochemical properties. The most of the waste from production of electricity and/or heat are fly ashes. The fly ashes from combustion of biomass are a particular kind of waste distinguished by high level of leaching of contaminants and variable chemical composition. The by-products from combustion can only be used in production when their physicochemical properties meet specific parameters. This article presents results of research on leachability of chemical pollutants from dry ashes of combustion or co-combustion of biomass. The study of the impact of grinding of ashes on the level of their leachability was also conducted. Ashes from combustion of biomass as well as their mixture with fluidized ash from combustion of charcoal were submitted to grinding process. Afterwards level of leachability was measured on them to determine prospect of utility in mining technologies.