PELLETIZATION OF FLY ASH FOR UTILIZATION IN DYNAMIC SORPTION PROCESSES

Milica Vlahović; Nataša Đorđević; Nenad Vušović; Miljan Vlahović; Jelena Avramović; Nikola Veljković; Aleksandar Savić

Milica Vlahović University of Belgrade, Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy- National Institute of the Republic of Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7893-9101
Nataša Đorđević Institute for Technology of Nuclear and Other Row Materials, F. d'Esperey 86, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2353-6751
Nenad Vušović University of Belgrade - Technical Faculty in Bor Vojske Jugoslavije 12, Bor, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0001-5246-4243
Miljan Vlahović Public Company Nuclear Facilities of Serbia, Mike Petrovića Alasa 12-14, Vinča, Belgrade, Serbia
Jelena Avramović Total Materia d.o.o., Danka Popovića 30, Belgrade, Serbia
Nikola Veljković
Aleksandar Savić University of Belgrade, Faculty of Civil Engineering Kralj Aleksandar Blvd. 73, Belgrade, Serbia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1777-6775

Keywords: fly ash, sorbent, agglomeration, cement, plasticizer

Abstract

Fly ash, a byproduct of coal combustion in thermal power plants, has transitioned from an industrial waste to a valuable technogenic raw material. Its alumino-silicate composition, porous structure, large specific surface area, and sorption activity make fly ash an efficient and low-cost sorbent for removing metal ions from acidic mine waters but only in discontinuous (static) systems. Its small particle size and poor hydraulic properties limit its application in continuous (dynamic) water treatment systems. This study aims to produce fly ash pellets with suitable properties for use as a sorbent in dynamic- column purification systems. By agglomerating fly ash with cement and plasticizer, pellets with enhanced mechanical properties such as compressive strength, impact strength, abrasion resistance, and disintegration time in water were developed. These pellets promise to improve the applicability and effectiveness of fly ash in dynamic water treatment processes, offering an economical and efficient solution for removing metal contaminants from wastewater.

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