From Waste to Efficient Fuel Utilisation

Today´s business environment for the cement producers is becoming more challenging. Rising production costs and environmental regulations are only two of the main limiting factors. One proven solution is the use of alternative fuels, whereby especially the influence of such fuels to the production-process and pyro-process needs to be evaluated. This is very important in order to achieve the goal of a highly efficient combustion of alternative fuel with a minimal environmental impact. Starting with sampling and analysis of the fuels, proper pyro-process investigation often indicates some necessary modifications of the existing equipment to avoid, or at least minimize bottlenecks. The data from the pyro-process investigation is the basis for the design of the alternative fuel preparation plant. Due to the development of modular preparation systems, high flexibility for different requirements can be attained. Dosing and combustion of the alternative fuel are an equally important factor. Unique feeding systems to the various areas of the calciner, including feeding to the tertiary air duct, and proper design of the combustion system ensure to reach the required goals. The potential of fuel cost reduction through alternative fuel substitution depends on many different parameters and have to be considered case-by-case.