Review of Regulatory and Technical Documentation in the Field of Ash and Slag Handling at TPPs

Abstract

Statistical data on the level of use of ash and slag from thermal power plants is provided. The results of an analysis of regulatory and technical documentation in the field of ash and slag management in the energy sector are presented. Laws, regulations, and other documents regulating the management of by-products of coal combustion are considered. It was noted that it is necessary to refine the existing documentation, introduce legally defined terms and definitions for a number of ash and slag processing products, and also legally consider ash and slag as mineral raw materials and not waste. Definitions of ash and slag are given in accordance with the current industry regulatory document, in which ash and slag are тще called waste but mineral residues of solid fuel. It is shown that various government agencies are preparing regulatory documents related to the involvement of ash and slag into economic circulation. However, the existing regulatory framework does not meet the goals of achieving the level of low-waste and waste-free production. It was noted that regional programs have currently been approved to increase the level of ash and slag utilization from thermal power plants in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation. Activities are presented that will make it possible to achieve the indicators for the level of utilization of ash and slag from thermal power plants in accordance with the Energy Development Strategy of the Russian Federation until 2035. It is explained how legally correct regulatory and technical documentation will make it possible to increase the level of ash and slag utilization in Russia and will help eliminate accumulated harm to the environment. It has been shown that the most large-scale, high-tech, environmentally friendly and economical use of fly ash is its replacement of up to 40% of cement in the construction of buildings and structures. Definitions of fly ash used in cements and concretes are given in the standards of different countries (EU countries, United States, Australia, India, China, Japan, Russia) depending on the type of ash formed. A comparative analysis of Russian and foreign national standards for the use of ash in cements and concretes was carried out in terms of physical and chemical characteristics, which are significant limiting factors when choosing directions and projects for the use of ash.