The cement manufacturing and concrete industry use fly ash in its production process as it improves the quality of the concrete in structure and by it being able to lessen the volume of high carbon footprint elements in concrete.
The VIS machine has always performed well in a like for like basis in processing fly ash. In addition, we have achieved solid drying results with our own plant and the baghouse and ducting set up that we have used. Based on the findings of our work in recycled glass, we are also now going into detailed study of the effects that our machine has on ash particles and how it improves reactivity. We have constantly had ash processed by our machine perform better in bonding tests compared to the same ash that had been traditionally milled.
We will provide more news on this as these tests and results are fully verified.
We have partnered with Ash-TEK, a USA based sustainable materials solutions company, to have our technology used within their groundbreaking and proprietary ponded ash rehabilitation process. Their plant solution takes pond ash, dries it and screens it from waste material and then mills and cleans it of all heavy metals and contaminants. Ash-TEK have done years of trialling and testing with North American cementitious companies and the first commercial launch of their plant is happening right now at the TransAlta Sundance site in Alberta, Canada. We have our machines being installed there and we will provide details of that launch as soon as that happens.
Due to the extreme forces and the patented process of applying the VIS machine forces to solid materials, the particle surface is chemically activated and material achieves a reactivity that is far past its natural state
Due to the unique aero acoustic forces in the VIS machine, any particle surface moisture or moisture embedded within a particle clump, is ripped out and vaporised. It is essential to manage the output material with the relevant plant to ensure that the freed moisture does not recombine onto the ultrafine particles.
The aero acoustic forces applied in the VIS machine literally explode particles apart. There are very complex forces in play to cause this effect and it means that we are able to achieve ultra fine materials processing without any direct mechanical impact or there being any residue from mechanical impact tools commonly used. Not all materials respond to these forces however, there is little impact on plastics, formed metals and paper.
The VIS machine is a quality option for the milling of fly ash on a like for like basis compared to existing mechanical milling plant options. When you also factor in the increased chemical reactivity we bring to the material, the VIS machine is the best option for milling ash for use in concrete and cement manufacture.
Financially and environmentally viable options for rehabilitating ashponds are crucial. There are thousands globally, with many that are decades old with liners that are starting to leak. With global warming and an increasing severity of hurricanes and storms, ashponds in these areas are prone to overflow flooding of surrounding areas. This means toxic components like arsenic and mercury are being put into surrounding groundwater and river systems.
The use of ash in concrete production is increasing due to it improving the carbon footprint of concrete. With coal fired power stations and furnaces being shut down due to carbon footprint issues, the supply of fresh ash is starting to dwindle. It is vital then to unlock the use of ponded ash to keep the concrete production industry supplied
