About Us

About SonoAsh

SonoAsh is a process engineering company at the forefront of coal ash beneficiation. Our mission is to transform environmental liabilities into valuable assets with our patent-protected, low-emission sonication process, making us a leader in the industry.

Our Technology

SonoAsh employs a unique, patent-protected process in the beneficiation of coal ash known as sonication. Sonication involves the application of low-frequency, high-energy transmission of mechanical energy through shear vibration. Originally developed by Placer Dome with a $10 million investment for mining applications, our technology has evolved significantly.

Technological Milestones

  • 1985 – 1995: Developed by Placer Dome for mining 
  • 2004 – 2007: Expanded with a $60 million investment for PCB soil destruction and heavy oil de-asphalting 
  • 2012: Sold de-asphalting IP along with royalty streams 

With an additional $4 million investment, we have focused on perfecting the sonication technology for coal ash beneficiation. 

Our Process

The SonoAsh process is specifically designed for processing impoundment coal ash. It is a wet process involving several critical stages: 

  • Raw Material Stage: Dredging and pumping for impoundment coal ash; screening and crushing if required 
  • Pre-Sonicator Stage: Blending coal ash into a slurry with a precise solids/liquid ratio 
  • Sonication Stage: Utilizing low-frequency technology central to our approach 
  • Froth Flotation Stage: Separating carbon from non-carbon particles 
  • Dewatering, Drying, and Packaging: Final processing using standard mineral processing equipment 
Group of men in the machine area

Environmental Impact

Our sonication and froth flotation methods allow for the reclamation of older coal ash storage sites, reducing the need for new disposal sites. Additionally, ash in slurry form can be transported cost-effectively via slurry pipelines, enhancing the flexibility of both source material and end product.

Green earth abstract environmental background

Awards

  • 2020 and 2023 Solar Impulse Efficient Solution Award 
  • World of Coal Ash 2024 (World of Coal Ash – Grand Rapids, MI) 

WOCA is the essential coal management and beneficial use conference in the world. 2024 saw record attendance from all corners of the globe. SonoAsh presented in the critical minerals stream, outlining our work with the DOE, National Labs, and Academia. These key themes were presented at the World of Coal Ash Conference in Grand Rapids, MI, on May 16, 2024 

12 responsible consumption and production
11 sustatinable cities and communities
Sustainable development goals
Solar Impulse 2020
Solar Impulse 2023