National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) has recently made headlines by developing a cost-effective infrastructure designed to transport fly ash from power plants directly to cement plants. This represents a significant advancement in the cause of efficient, environmentally responsible transportation. The move falls in line with NTPC’s commitment to ensure 100% utilization of fly ash produced by power plants. Presently, India utilizes around 63% of the total fly ash produced.
Understanding Fly Ash
Fly ash is a byproduct that results from burning coal in electric power generating plants. The name ‘fly ash’ is derived from the manner in which it is transported away from the combustion chamber by exhaust gases. Devices such as electrostatic precipitators or bag filters help collect fly ash from the exhaust gases. Chemically, fly ash contains considerable amounts of silicon dioxide (SiO2), aluminium oxide (Al2O3), ferric oxide (Fe2O3), and calcium oxide (CaO).
The Properties and Uses of Fly Ash
In its physical properties, fly ash closely resembles Portland cement, even though it has a different chemical composition. Portland cement is a finely ground powder that acts as a binding material. It is produced by burning and grinding a mixture of limestone and clay to develop chemical constituents like calcium silicates, calcium aluminate, and calcium aluminoferrite. Fly ash exhibits similar cementitious properties – materials that harden when mixed with water. Furthermore, fly ash is used in a diverse set of applications including concrete and cement products, road base preparation, metal recovery, and as mineral fillers.
Negative Impact of Fly Ash
Despite its usefulness, fly ash presents some serious environmental and health challenges. As a constituent of toxic air pollutants, fly ash particles can cause a variety of health issues including heart disease, cancer, respiratory diseases, and even stroke. Moreover, when fly ash combines with water, it results in the leaching of heavy metals into the groundwater, polluting it. It also affects the soil quality negatively and hampers the root development system of trees.
About NTPC
NTPC Ltd. is a Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the central Ministry of Power. The corporation is based out of New Delhi, becoming a Maharatna company in May 2010. The primary goal of NTPC is to provide reliable power and related solutions in a manner that is economical, efficient, and environmentally responsible. The company places a high emphasis on innovation and agility in its operations.
Source
This information is sourced from the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
