Management of wastes from energy industry in the frame of circular economy on the example of microspheres

Abstract

Microspheres, in other words aluminosilicate grains, are spherical particles of a small size classified as volatile ash fraction, so-called by-products of combustion, produced in the energy sector. In their construction, two phases can be distinguished-gas and solid. They are characterized, among others, by high mechanical strength, excellent thermal insulation properties and the ability to damp vibrations. It is estimated that the content of microspheres in fly ash is about 1-3%. There are two methods for recovering aluminosilicate grains: wet and dry. In view of the fact that microspheres possess numerous, valuable properties, they are widely used in the economy, including construction, chemical industry, automotive industry and waste management. Due to the generation of significant amounts of waste from the energy sector, it is extremely important to search for and implement ways to reuse it. Microspheres are a good example of the multitude of potential applications. At the same time, the recovery is carried out in an economically and environmentally effective way, thus this process fits in the idea of the Circular Economy.