Optimization of Switchgrass Combustion for Simultaneous Production of Energy and Pozzolan
Publication: Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 27, Issue 12
Abstract
Combustion of switchgrass, a low-carbon fuel, generates energy and ash that can be recycled as a pozzolan in cement. This study aimed to optimize switchgrass combustion to achieve high-energy conversion and ash recycling value for cement. Combustion factors under investigation included temperature (350°C, 450°C, 550°C, or 650°C) and retention time (1 h or 4 h). Energy release was quantified by thermogravimetric analysis-differential scanning calorimetry, and ash pozzolanic activity was assessed with the concrete strength test. A numeric simulation model of the pozzolanic reaction, based on unbiased experimental data from -ash suspensions, provided insight into how combustion conditions affected the pozzolanic properties of switchgrass ash. Consequently, combustion at 550°C for 4 h was recommended for concurrently optimizing the ash pozzolanic activity (114%) and energy output () from switchgrass.
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Acknowledgments
This research was funded by Natural Science and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) of Canada and the McGill Collaborative Research Development Fund. The industrial support from Lafarge Cement North America was also appreciated.
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Information & Authors
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Published In
Journal of Materials in Civil Engineering
Volume 27 • Issue 12 • December 2015
Copyright
© 2015 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Aug 26, 2014
Accepted: Feb 13, 2015
Published online: Apr 6, 2015
Discussion open until: Sep 6, 2015
Published in print: Dec 1, 2015
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