Ash Properties and Environmental Impact of Coal and Its Blend with Patent Fuel for Climate Sustainability

Marija Trkmić (), Lidija Ćurković, Danijela Ašperger (), Magdalena Ujević Bošnjak, Ivana Vinković Vrček and Sanja Matečić Mušanić
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Marija Trkmić: HEP-Proizvodnja, Central Laboratory for Chemical Technology, Zagorska 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Lidija Ćurković: University of Zagreb, Faculty Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Ivana Lucica 1, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Danijela Ašperger: University of Zagreb, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Marulićev trg 19, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Magdalena Ujević Bošnjak: Croatian National Institute of Public Health, Rockfellerova 7, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Ivana Vinković Vrček: The Institute for Medical Research and Occupational Health, Ksaverska cesta 2, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Sanja Matečić Mušanić: ZGI d.o.o., Vrandučka ulica 5 A, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia

Sustainability, 2024, vol. 16, issue 11, 1-19

Abstract: Fossil fuels are still widely used today, and exploring more sustainable ways of using coal is crucial. One promising approach is to develop a patented fuel with reduced harmful gas emissions during combustion. This study aims to investigate the properties of the ash produced by burning steam coal mixed with various ratios of patent fuel. The combustion process was carried out using a standard solid fuel boiler with a power output of 70 kW. The ash samples were analyzed using various analytical methods, and ash leaching tests were conducted. The study found that adding patent fuel to coal affects combustion and ash composition. Determining the thermal stability of ash samples showed that adding patent fuel to coal results in decomposition starting earlier and in stronger combustion. The ash produced by patent fuel–coal mixtures contains lower concentrations of Ba, Cr, Ga, Li, Mn, V, and Zn than pure coal combustion. Leaching tests showed that coal ash leachates had higher concentrations of environmental pollutants, such as As, Cd, Co, Mn, Mo, Sb, and U, than patent fuel leachates. Adding patent fuel to coal affects combustion, ash properties, emissions, and disposal. Understanding these implications can help to develop sustainable coal usage and reduce environmental impact.

Keywords: ash; characterization; coal; leaching; patent fuel (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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