Optical Properties of Coal Combustion Byproducts for Particle-Size Analysis by Laser Diffraction

Authors

Robert B. Jewell, University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research, 2540 Research Park Drive, Lexington, KY 40511, United States
Robert F. Rathbone, University of Kentucky Center for Applied Energy Research, 2540 Research Park Drive, Lexington, KY 40511, United States

Document Type

Article

Abstract

Laser diffraction analysis is commonly used for determining the particle-size distribution (PSD) of fly ash. However, there is currently no standard method for preparing samples and analyzing them. The Mie and Fraunhofer optical models are used to calculate the PSD of fly ash from laser diffraction data. The Mie theory is most applicable for particles smaller than 50 mm, and is therefore the most accurate model for the analysis of fly ash. However, the refractive index (RI) of fly ash is complex and not well known. This study presents the analysis of several supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as coal combustion fly ash, gasification slag, or blast-furnace slag with the objective of providing optical properties for these materials. The optical constants that are most applicable to a given type of fly ash and slag are suggested.

First Page

1

Last Page

6

DOI

https://doi.org/10.4177/CCGP-D-09-00001

Volume

1

Publication Date

1-1-2009

Recommended Citation

Jewell, Robert B, and Robert F Rathbone. 2009. “Optical Properties of Coal Combustion Byproducts for Particle-Size Analysis by Laser Diffraction.” Coal Combustion and Gasification Products 1 (1): 1–6. https://doi.org/10.4177/CCGP-D-09-00001.