Solid Wastes from Coal and Shale: Projections of Waste Forms and Utilization Potential

摘要

Coal mining wastes are suitable for reclamation purposes and could be used for landfill except that transport costs make that application prohibitive. Coal cleaning wastes contain significant quantities of carbon, thus have considerable energy content. Unfortunately, high amounts of sulfur are also contained in the tailings so that if combustion is an option the combustion method will require effective pollution control measures. One possibility is fluidized-bed combustion. Ashes and chars are produced by electric power plants and coal conversion plants. Considerable R and D is being devoted to the utilization of these wastes in the building industry and as sources of alumina and other minerals. Slags from flue gas desulfurization are used as sources of elemental sulfur and natural gypsum. Fluidized-bed combustion wastes are being considered for agricultural applications or for use as road bases. Large volumes of wastes from shale processing present utilization potential as well. Spent western shale is being considered as a source for alumina. The wastes from Chattanooga shales are being considered as a source for uranium. More R and D needs to be focused on the utilization of shale wastes. (ERA citation 09:049384)