History of Fly Ash Tour

We have prepared a three page tour, which explains why Fly Ash is so important.

The combustion of pulverised coal at high temperatures and pressures in power stations produces different types of ash.

The 'fine' ash fraction is carried upwards with the flue gases and captured before reaching the atmosphere by highly efficient electro static precipitators. This material is known as Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA) or 'fly ash'. It is composed mainly of extremely fine, glassy spheres and looks similar to cement.

The 'coarse' ash fraction falls into the grates below the boilers, where it is mixed with water and pumped to lagoons. This material, known as Furnace Bottom Ash (FBA) has a gritty, sand-like texture.

The use of PFA and FBA in construction has been established for decades. Applications range from providing the cementitious material in concrete, to use as a simple fill material or a lightweight aggregate in the manufacture of blocks.

Using PFA and FBA makes a positive contribution to the environment. PFA and FBA are used in many applications to replace naturally occurring aggregates and minerals, which can reduce significantly the demand for virgin aggregates.

The following story of Fly Ash concentrated on this ash type only:

History of Fly Ash I

History of Fly Ash II

History of Fly Ash III