Ash Fusion Temperature Analysis

Ash fusion temperature (AFT) analysis determines the temperatures at which fuel ash (inorganic material) transitions through the stages of melting as it transforms from a solid to liquid state.

Advanced Technology

• Applicable standards include ASTM D1857
• Standard AFT parameters: Initial deformation (IT), Softening (ST), Hemispherical (HT) and Fluid (FT)
• Reducing or oxidizing environment to simulate different scenarios
• Automated image capture and analysis for high objectivity and repeatability

What's the benefit?

The behaviour of a fuel’s ash residue at high temperature is a critical factor in industrial thermal conversion processes, most notably gasification and combustion processes in boiler facilities. In this setting, ash fusion parameters are useful guide points for fuel source selection, engineering design and operational parameters.

• Know your fuel - AFT analysis is a component of solid fuel profiling to support informed market targeting and procurement decisions for specific applications. Applicable fuel classes include hog, pellets, plastic and other biomass.
• Optimize your boiler - Validate facility design and operating parameters based on data from the ash produced.
• Troubleshoot issues - AFT data can provide valuable insight into persistent boiler problems including uncontrolled slagging and clinker formation in non-slagging facilities, or poor slag flow in slagging facilities.

Analyses that complement AFT

Econotech offers a full range of ash analyses. Ash fusion temperatures are influenced by chemical composition, so when troubleshooting it is often useful to perform complementary tests alongside AFT so that the basis for unusual or problematic ash behaviour may be understood. For example, significant quantities of monovalent cations (eg sodium, potassium), divalent cations (eg calcium, magnesium), and sulfur, phosphorous or chlorine in ash can result in physical eutectic or chemical transformation phenomena that cause AFT parameters to deviate significantly from the expected range. Determination of these chemical properties using a combination of ICP, XRD and other techniques can enhance root cause analysis and expedite a resolution.