Studies of sintering of coal ash relevant to pulverised coal utility boilers: 2. Preliminary studies of compressive strengths of fly ash sinters

The development of strength of pellets of fly ash with sintering temperature was investigated. Pellets heated below the shrinkage or electrical (Raask) sinter point did not develop strength over several hours. Hot crushing of pellets above the sinter point gave plastic deformation, presumably due to liquid on the particle surfaces. Cooling below the sinter point before crushing gave the same strength as crushing at room temperature, showing strength was due to solidification. Strength as a function of heat treatment temperature (1 h duration) above the sinter point went through a maximum, indicating that liquid is removed at higher temperature. SEM analysis of the cold pellets showed glassy sintering at conditions of maximum strength, and crystallization of mullite as strength decreased with higher heat treatment temperatures. Results suggest that iron silicate compositions increased the maximum sinter strength more than sodium silicate compositions. Water washing of fly ash reduced maximum strength. Addition of Na 20 or surface films of sodium carbonate to a synthetic mineral mixture reduced the sinter point and led to strength development at lower temperatures: however, too high additions reduced the maximum strength.