Scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy of low-sulfur coal fly ash

• Type: Article in International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2009

Authors

Valentim, B (Author) FCUP; Hower, JC (Author) Other; Guedes, A (Author) FCUP; Flores, D (Author) FCUP

Journal

Title: International Journal of Energy for a Clean Environment

Vol. 10

Pages: 147-166

ISSN: 2150-3621

Publisher: Begell House

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge

Scopus - 21 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-008-3TV

DOI: 10.1615/interjenercleanenv.2011001526

Abstract (EN): Fly ash is a heterogeneous material produced during the burning of pulverized coal in thermoelectric power stations, and its phase and mineral composition includes (i) an inorganic constituent, amorphous and crystalline; (ii) an organic constituent composed of char materials (slightly changed, semicoked and coked particles) and organic minerals; and (iii) fluid constituent. Hence the characterization of fly ash is usually made using several methods. However, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) is the best method and is, along with X-ray diffraction, one of the most widely used techniques for the identification and characterization of phases in fly ash, especially with an SEM equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS). In this study SEM/EDS was carried out to analyze two high-volatility low-sulfur coals and the fly ash resulting from the combustion of a 50:50 ratio blend of these coals. © 2009 by Begell House, Inc.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific