Characterization of fly ash from Israel with reference to its possible utilization

The demand for electricity in Israel is growing exponentially and is increasingly based on power generated from coal. Current means of ash disposal are both inadequate and wasteful and have reached their maximum potential, thus future ash disposal presents considerable economic and environmental problems. Two representative samples of coal fly ash from Israeli power plants were examined for their mineralogical, chemical, physical and technical properties. Both samples are good-quality type F fly ashes (ASTM nomenclature) with excellent pozzolanic characteristics. On the basis of strength index data, the South African fly ash was found to be a better pozzolan than the Colombian. A simple beneficiation process is suggested to produce a high-quality, reproducible and valuable raw material. Some specific uses for fly ash in the Israel context are suggested.