Plant Design and Economics of Rice Husk Ash Exploitation as a Pozzolanic Material

Biomass produced ashes, upon certain conditions (chemical configuration, level of fineness) can posses pozzolanic properties. Rice husk ash (RHA), an agro-industrial by-product produced of the rice industry, can be utilized successfully (in terms of concrete properties and durability indicators) as a pozzolanic material (replacing cement to a certain extend) in concrete mix design. The question is if such an endeavor is viable from an economic point of view. Such is the aim of this study. Upon a brief presentation of some of the authors' research results on the sound viability of RHA as a cement replacement material, an assessment of the techno-economical characteristics of RHA production is taking place. Particular attention has being paid to factors as treatment process, fixed/operational cost, production cost and profit. In addition cost-benefit, short sensitivity and risk analyses were also performed aiming to evaluate the economic viability for investment on RHA pozzolanic material production and the dependence of investment characteristics on production capacity. Overall, the techno-economical analysis presented in this study provides precise demands on capital for a fixed investment, provisions for operational capital and finally provisions for revenue.