There are many uses for ash and in particular fly ash.

However, the uses have to be weighed with the added processing requirements. Knowledge and cost of the following as well as other factors not listed need to be considered:

1. size distribution and overall mass content by size, shape and structure

2. shape of ash particles which are dependent on flue gas precipitator behavior and control

3. surface chemistry which may require a rigorous cost assessment to clean or bleach contaminants from ash surface

4. surface chemistry and treatment for enhancement with a specific process such as polymer fillers with a mercapto-silene(sic)

treatment to aid bonding

4. ash internal chemistry that may or may not be compatilble with use

5. agglomeration and structural properties of ash particles and their propensity to further size and shape reduction in a process

6. whether the precip. produces hollow, solid , hollow with perferations, star shapes or other morphologies

7. bulk density characteristics and buoyancy

8. grindablility to final size

9. strength classification for preprocessed ash and as processed

10. variability of the above points - most processes require control of consistency

Uses include many typical filler roles such as: polymers, paints, cement, PC boards, road base, masonry, plastics, chemical engineering, cosmetics......

THe use of the filler can either be used as a bulking agent or active structural ingredient.

I am sure there are many additional processing factors that will determine their efficacy. ■

A very improtant consideration is to whether the power plant precipitators can be controlled, altered or redesigned to enhance to ash product size, structure and shape that increases its mercantilism. ■

It also depends on the type of coal that is used in the power stations eg brown coal does not make good fly ash for cement purposes...

The issue is the markets for the products that U have and the quality. Any market will disappear if U do not have consistent quality.

Cheers

James ■