Fly ash and bottom ash: Alfred H Knight explains the importance of testing

Typical fuels do not contain ash but instead contain mineral matter which forms ash on combustion. The formation and chemistry of ash from biomass fuel however is dependent upon the combustion process, particularly to the combustion conditions. This, as well as the nature of the fuel burned, can have a massive effect on the quality and composition of your ash which can impact the efficiency and uptime of your boiler, waste disposal or re-use. Generally, two types of ash are of interest — fly ash and bottom ash.

WHAT IS FLY ASH?

Fly ash is a fine material prevented from escaping to the atmosphere by a suitable abatement system such as bag filtration or electrostatic precipitation. These are typically contaminated with volatile trace materials, Dioxins and Furans.

WHAT IS BOTTOM ASH?

Bottom ash is the residue left under the grate at the bottom of the boiler and may contain physical contaminants mixed with the fuel such as metal, stones, glass, ceramics and other materials. It is coarser than fly ash and is typically contaminated with heavy metals.

HOW CAN FLY ASH AND BOTTOM ASH IMPACT MY BOILER?

Issues may arise when ash chemistry is present, including the promotion of corrosion or low ash melting., which leads to adverse impacts on boiler/plant efficiency, uptime and long-term material sustainability. This has a greater significance with some fuels than others and is particularly important when considering agricultural material or other biomass recyclates.

HOW CAN ALFRED H KNIGHT HELP?

As an industry-leading testing and inspection company, Alfred H Knight helps organizations around the world build an accurate and reliable profile of their materials. Alfred H Knight supports the biomass sector through a range of inspection and analytical services, including ash testing.

By independently verifying the quantity and quality of material, the company can help clients to minimize the risk involved in their investment and certify the quality of their commodities.

Inspection

Alfred H Knight provides trust and certainty to the global supply chain through quality and quantity assessment of bulk, bagged and containerized cargo. Its inspectors operate at many locations on behalf of its clients, including mine sites and at crucial points in logistic chains such as loading and discharge ports, warehouses and receiving works including refineries, smelters and recycling plants.

Analysis

ACCREDITED LABORATORIES

Alfred H Knight operates a global network of accredited laboratories, specializing in the commercial analysis of metals, minerals, solid fuels and agricultural commodities. The company also specializes in production analysis, physical testing and sample preparation. Its high standard of technical expertise, years of experience in classical analysis and investment in the most sophisticated instrumental techniques enable its laboratories to provide fast and efficient service.

Consultancy Services

Alfred H Knight has over 140 years of experience in the provision of independent analysis and inspection services to the metals & minerals industry and has since utilized that experience to expand into the solid fuels and agricultural sectors. Its services can be provided both on-site at any location, or remotely through its network of global expertise.

MARKETS SERVED METALS & MINERALS

Alfred H Knight helps organizations to determine the chemical composition, commercial quality and regulatory compliance of metals and minerals through independent inspection and analytical services.

The company maintains rigorous quality standards to ensure that all our operations provide the highest level of services to our clients. This is achieved through compliance with industry standards and regulations, accreditations from external agencies including ISO/IEC 17025:2017 and ISO 9001:2015, and in-house quality standards.

Solid Fuels Quality Determination

Through independent testing and inspection services from Alfred H Knight. companies can determine the chemical composition, commercial quality, and regulatory compliance of their commodities.

The company has extensive experience within the power generation industry, working with major clients in the coal, waste management, wood pellet, biomass agricultural and forestry sectors.

Agriculture At Alfred H Knight

Alfred H Knight offers a wide range of quality and quantity inspections, rapid analytical assessments and precision agriculture services to support the entire agricultural supply chain. From grains to fertilizers, fibres and seeds, its experts can help.

The company provides clients around the globe with clear risk management solutions to monitor intrinsic values, compliance and brand protection. Its indepth knowledge and approach allows it to tailor its services to suit the client’s individual needs.