Study of utilization of power plant fly ash in cement making process and reduction of power consumption

The increasing use of electricity has started producing many by-products. These by-products have started affecting the environment in very adverse ways. It is very important to produce alternate arrangements for the disposal of these by-products so that environment can be protected from their unwanted presence. The continuous increase in population, depletion of fossil fuel and emission related regulations of power utilities has forced developers towards the promotion of clean energy along with cost effectiveness and higher fuel efficiency. This study focuses on the use of power plant fly ash in cement making. The power plant fly ash is a by-product in the process and if it can be used as a substitute then it will cause a positive sentiment on environment. Also, cement is a vastly used component in construction industry. India being a developing nation thus cement is heavily used in India. Thus, if a by-product is replaced by a heavily used material, then it’s a win-win situation for the society. Firstly, physical properties like Specific gravity (as per IS 2720-Part 3), Fineness test (as per IS: 4031 (part 2)-1988), Consistency test (as per IS: 4031 (part 4)-1988), Initial and final setting time (as per IS: 4031(part 5)-1988), Soundness test (as per IS: 4031 (part 3)-1988), Compressive strength test (as per IS: 4031 (part 7)-1988) were tested. Then mortar cubes with varying percentage of fly ash and slag were prepared. The percentage of gypsum and clinker was 3% and 35% respectively. Results show that the compressive strength of mortar cubes was decreasing as the percentage of replacement was increasing in the mix design. Results also suggest that mix is acceptable till 15% of replacement of fly ash after that the targeted strength was not achieved.