Electrical Separation of Coal Ash — A Promising Method of Preparing Coal Energy Waste for Recycling

The article deals with the pressing issue of disposal of ash and slag waste accumulated in coal-fired power industry, particularly in regions with prevalence of high-ash brown coal, such as Zabaikalsky Krai. It is emphasizes that ash of brown coal from boiler houses has significant resource potential, since boiler houses of Zabaikalsky Krai are characterized by a high percentage of unburned carbon — up to 50–60%. We have analyzed the existing technologies for processing ash and slag waste, including gravitational, magnetic and flotation methods, identified their constraints under regional conditions. Particular attention is paid to triboelectrostatic separation as a method capable of achieving a degree of unburned carbon removal of 85–90% with an energy consumption of about 1 kWh per ton. The article presents approximate technical and economic assessment of implementing triboelectrostatic separation at the Silicate Plant’s boiler facility, showing a payback period of less than three years. We have considered the capabilities of localizing the equipment and the environmental effect of the technology, which align with the strategic goals of the Russian Federation for ash utilization.