|
|
||
|
Lignite Combustion Byproducts |
||
|
Fly Ash Fly ash is a fine particulate waste product produced during coal combustion. When used instead of cement, the ash enhances the quality of the finished concrete product by making it stronger, more durable and easier to finish. Some producers are now replacing 30 percent or more of their cement with fly ash. Cement production is an energy intensive process and more than a ton of carbon dioxide is emitted for each ton of cement produced. However, each ton of fly ash used in place of cement reduces greenhouse gases by at least a ton. Bottom Ash Bottom ash can be used as an aggregate in road bases, pavement and cement. It also serves as a good alternative to sand for roads in the winter. Waste Heat As coal is burned in a power plant to produce electricity, there is a significant amount of heat generated from the boiler that typically goes unused. However, recently many coal-fired power plants are looking to utilize this waste heat to produce ethanol. The most expensive part of an ethanol plant is the boiler required to produce the ethanol. Eliminating the need for a boiler by using a coal plant's waste heat saves millions of dollars and only requires that the ethanol plant be built next to a coal-based power plant. |
||
