From Coal Cars to Racing Cars

Coal Cars to Racing Cars

Fly ash is going from coal cars to racing cars thanks to new research from Wilkes University in Wilkes-Barre, PA.

The Wilkes University School of Science & Engineering (SSE), UGI Utilities Inc., and Falcon Racing Services Ltd., are developing components for the auto-racing industry manufactured from anthracite coal-fly ash, a by-product of coal combustion.

At the present time, SSE is developing experimental components such as the wings installed on the front and rear of Formula-series racing cars. These wings create downforce which gives drivers better traction. Other products--heat shields and nose cones--which use the coal fly ash are under development. Falcon Racing Services Ltd., located in Wilkes-Barre, is currently testing some of these products on their Formula Ford 2000 racing cars.

UGI produces anthracite coal-fly ash at their Hunlock Creek Power Station at Hunlock Creek, PA. Wilkes University's School of Science & Engineering is exploring other alternative uses for coal-fly ash. UGI Utilities and Wilkes University presented papers related to the utilization of coal-fly ash at the Third Annual Conference on Unburned Carbon in Utility Fly Ash sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy during May 15-16.

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Editors: The best point-of-contact for the story is Mark Davis. He's the public relations director at Wilkes University. His office numbers are 717-831- 4770/4774. Call Steve Infanti of Dick Jones Communications at 814-867-1963 if you need any assistance. We help Wilkes University with its public affairs work.