Distribution of Rare-Earth Elements in Ashes Produced in the Coal Combustion Process from Power Boilers

The growing demand for rare-earth elements and yttrium (REY) in modern technologies has resulted the systematic depletion of primary ores. For this reason, research is being conducted around world on alternative sources elements, e.g., possibilities recovering REY from coal waste or combustion. article presents results comprehensive tests fuel—hard coal, high-temperature HTA ash, fly bottom ash. Examined samples were taken a Polish power plant. In tests, fuel quality parameters determined accordance with standards; microscopic observations reflected transmitted light, as well scanning electron microscope (SEM/EDS), used, chemical phase composition using ICP-MS XRD methods, respectively. distribution between these ashes was analyzed. Their suitability assessed. obtained showed that process hard combustion pulverized boilers influenced geochemical differentiation energy waste. This manifested by higher concentrations critical ash than values Coutl prospective coefficient made it possible to classify analyzed raw materials.