Fly Ash – the most commonly used coal combustion product – is a remarkable material that, when added to other products, improves their performance in a cost-effective way.
For instance, in the preparation of concrete for commercial purposes, cement is mixed with water to create the "glue" that holds strong aggregates together. Fly Ash works in tandem with cement in the production of concrete products. Concrete containing Fly Ash is easier to work with because its tiny, glassy beads create a lubricating effect that causes concrete to flow and pump more effectively, to fill forms more completely, and to do it all using up to 10 percent less water. Because the tiny Fly Ash particles fill microscopic spaces in the concrete, and because less water is required, concrete containing Fly Ash is denser and more durable.

View of the San Juan Skyline, showing the new fly ash dome for Ecológica Carmelo

Our 50,000 - ton-capacity dome stores Fly Ash.

The dome is built on Pier 16 at the San Juan Bay, and occupies an area of only 2,000m². It is the first of its kind on the island that is built for industrial purposes, and it has certainly changed the San Juan skyline.

Ecológica Carmelo's commitment to the enviromental is reflected in its decision to choose a dome. The facility is equipped with the most advanced technology, and automated controls for providing a hermetic, emissions-free structure for bulk handling operations in environmentally sensitive areas.

Fly Ash particles create a lubricating action when concrete is in its plastic state. The benefits are:

• Reduce Permeability. Concrete will resist the penetration of salts such as chlorides and sulfates, protecting both, concrete and steel reinforcement. This will increase the durability of structures containing fly ash.

• Workability. Concrete is easier to place with less effort, responding better to vibration to fill forms more completely.

• Ease of Pumping. Pumping requires less energy and longer pumping distances are possible.

• Improved Finishing. Sharp, clear architectural definition is easier to achieve, with less worry about cast- in - place integrity.

• Reduced Bleeding. Fewer bleed channels decrease permeability and chemical attack. Bleed streaking is reduced for architectural finishes.

• Reduced Segregation. The improved cohesiveness of Fly Ash concrete reduces segregation that can lead to rock pockets and blemishes.

Concrete is second only to water as the most consumed substance in the world. Every year, almost one ton of concrete is produced for every human on the planet, generating CO2 emissions that contribute to the greenhouse effect. Concrete and cement producers are working together with scientists and governmental organizations to minimize this negative environmental impact.