A new standard from ASTM International’s coal and coke committee (D05) covers the determination of the quality of flue gas desulfurization (FGD) solids that are products of processes used to remove sulfur dioxide from exhaust gasses at fossil-fuel power plants and waste incinerators. 
 
The new standard, soon to be published as D8339, covers the determination of free moisture, by-product gypsum, calcium sulfite hemihydrate, calcium hydroxide, calcium carbonate, and ash in FGD solids using a macro thermogravimetric analyzer (macro TGA).

“Gypsum-product is the primary material used to assess the quality of FGD solids for industrial purposes, especially construction wallboard.” says ASTM International member John T. Riley, professor emeritus, Western Kentucky University. “Calcium sulfite hemihydrate is used to assess the suitability of FGD solids for construction wallboard. FGD solids are also used in mining applications, cement manufacturing, and for agricultural purposes.”
 
According to Riley, several papers have been published that describe studies conducted to determine various components in FGD solids. The new standard incorporates procedures from these studies to form a systematic six-step process to identify and quantify components in FGD studies in a single macro TGA run. 
 
This effort directly relates to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal #7 on affordable and clean energy. 
 
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Media Inquiries: Dan Bergels, tel +1.610.832.9602; dbergels@astm.org 

Committee Contact: Melissa Macinowski, tel +1.610.832.9626; mmarcinowski@astm.org
 
Release #11077

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