Mineral Sequestration of Carbon Dioxide in Circulating Fluidized Bed Combustion Boiler Bottom Ash

Abstract

This paper investigates the mineral sequestration of carbon dioxide in circulating fluidized bed combustion (CFBC) boiler bottom ash. CFBC bottom ash, which originated from two sources, was prepared along with pulverized coal-fired (PC) boiler bottom ash as a control. These ashes were exposed to accelerated carbonation conditions at a relative humidity of 40% and 100%, in order to investigate the effects of humidity on the carbonation kinetics of the bottom ash. The obtained results showed that not only lime but other calcium-bearing phases (gehlenite, wollastonite, and brownmillerite) in CFBC bottom ash participated in the mineral carbonation reaction. In particular, these phases underwent hydration in a wet carbonation environment, whereby the carbon dioxide uptake and capacity of CFBC bottom ash are significantly enhanced. This study may have important implications, demonstrating the feasibility of carbon dioxide sequestration and recycling of CFBC boiler bottom ash.