Method for the recovery of minerals and production of by-products from coal ash

摘要

The method of the present invention is a novel comprehensive process for maximizing the recovery of valuable mineral values from coal ash. Options may also be included for the production of saleable inorganic chemical by-products. The process employs both physical and chemical extraction techniques that maximize the yield of products while reducing the quantity of waste produced. Valuable minerals and chemicals such as cenospheres (hollow microspheres), carbon, magnetite (Fe3O4), alumina (Al2O3), iron oxide (Fe2O3) and iron chloride (FeCl3) may be produced. Due to removal of carbon, magnetite, and iron oxide from the coal ash, the processed ash comprises a quality pozzolan.