The long term behaviour of CFBC ash–water systems

Circulating fluidized bed combustion (CFBC) ashes in contact with water, whether in liquid or vapour form, exhibit considerable chemical activity, which can continue for more than a year. From the point of view of the setting of CFBC ash–water mixtures and their behaviour, the formation of gypsum and of ettringite are important. The crystallisation of ettringite is associated with expansion of the set mass and absorption of water into the solids, but the ash–water system as a whole shrinks. The extent of ettringite formation is reduced if carbonation of free lime can take place. There is little carbonation if the set solids are covered by water but if contact with air is not restricted, the ettringite formed earlier slowly decomposes, its place being taken by calcite and gypsum. The fate of the aluminium from decomposed ettringite is uncertain; no new crystalline A1 compounds are found. It appears that ultimately most analytical lime present can become carbonated. This is environmentally beneficial since it reduces chemical activity in the landfill, and reduces the amount of CO2 released due to limestone use. The main features of the behaviour of CFBC ash–water mixtures can be reproduced in model systems (CaO–A12O3–CaSO4–H2O) but that of real ashes is complicated by the presence of silicates and possible interactions between silica and the strongly alkaline aqueous medium. Also, aluminates present in the ash are probably more active with respect to ettringite formation than pure aluminum hydroxide.