Selection and application of roller press for raw meal preparation at Alpena [cement plant]

The author reviews the twin roller press systems installed at Lafarge´s cement plant in Alpena, MI. The two press systems, with their associated ball mills, are together rated for 640 st/hr of raw meal. The systems include integral flash drying and flexibility for operation at various production rates. The author discusses five alternative options that were studied and the reasons for the selection of the installed system. A risk analysis of the key mechanical components, including roll hard-facing gear reducers, and main bearings, is presented, along with the actions taken for minimizing these risks. Preliminary operating results for the system are shown