4.1 This guide provides guidance for the characterization of coal fly ash or clean coal combustion fly ash for potential uses in which absorption, cementitious activity, pozzolanic activity, pH adjustment, heat rise, or stabilization and solidification properties may be desired.

1.1 This guide recommends standards for the characterization of fly ash from the combustion of coal, fly ash from coal combusted in the presence of alkaline materials, and fly ash from combusted coal in which the flue gases have been treated with alkaline materials in the presence of the fly ash.

1.2 This guide provides recommended and optional test methods for fly ash evaluation. Acceptance criteria can be negotiated between the producer and the user according to the potential end use.

1.3 The coal fly ash and clean coal combustion fly ash of this guide do not include the following:

1.3.1 Dusts from kilns producing products such as lime, portland cement, activated clays, etc.;

1.3.2 By-products of flue gas desulflurization that are not collected with the primary fly ash removal equipment such as the baghouse or electrostatic precipitator; and

1.3.3 Fly ash or other combustion products derived from the burning of waste; municipal, industrial, or commercial garbage; sewage sludge or other refuse, or both; derived fuels; wood; wood waste products; rice hulls; agriculture waste; or other non-coal fuels or other such fuels blended with coal, or some combination thereof.

1.4 Fly ash may contain some trace elements that may affect performance or potential end use.

1.5 The values stated in inch-pound units are to be regarded as standard. The values given in parentheses are mathematical conversions to SI units that are provided for information only and are not considered standard.

1.6 This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.

1.7 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.