title: Chemical composition and properties of ashes from combustion plants using Miscanthus as fuel.
abstract: Miscanthus giganteus is one of the energy crops considered to show potential for a substantial contribution to sustainable energy production. In the literature there is little data available about the chemical composition of ashes from the combustion of Miscanthus and practically no data about their physical properties. However, for handling, treatment and utilization of the ashes this information is important. In this study ashes from two biomass combustion plants using Miscanthus as fuel were investigated. The density of the ashes was 2230±35kg/m3, which was similar to the density of ashes from straw combustion. Also the bulk densities were close to those reported for straw ashes. The flowability of the ashes was a little worse than the flowability of ashes from wood combustion. The measured heavy metal concentrations were below the usual limits for utilization of the ashes as soil conditioner. The concentrations in the bottom ash were similar to those reported for ash from forest residue combustion plants. In comparison with cyclone fly ashes from forest residue combustion the measured heavy metal concentrations in the cyclone fly ash were considerably lower. Cl-, S and Zn were enriched in the cyclone fly ash which is also known for ashes from wood combustion. In comparison with literature data obtained from Miscanthus plant material the concentrations of K, Cl-and S were lower. This can be attributed to the fact that the finest fly ash is not collected by the cyclone de-dusting system of the Miscanthus combustion plants.
authors.affiliation: School of Engineering/Environmental Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, A-4600 Wels, Austria. Electronic address: c.lanzerstorfer@fh-wels.at.
authors.forename: Christof
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lanzerstorfer
mesh_terms: D004785:Environmental Pollutants / Q000032:analysis*; D017745:Incineration / Q000379:methods*; D019216:Metals, Heavy / Q000032:analysis; D006109:Poaceae
chemical_list: D004785:Environmental Pollutants; D019216:Metals, Heavy
keywords: Ash composition; Ash properties; Biomass combustion; Miscanthus