Pyro-process technology - Continuous improvement

Since the introduction of the precalciner into the clinker production technology, there has been no substantially new process or machine development that could be considered as a quantum leap. Hence, the process of clinker manufacture in its present form is known and proven for already more than 30 years. However, there has been considerable improvement of the technology with respect to its performance and ability to cope with a number of emerging requirements like heat efficiency, plant availability, reduced emissions and secondary fuel suitability as well as reduced maintenance costs. This paper presents some major improvements of the pyro-process technology which enable the cement industry to cope with the challenges it is facing today. To attain that, not only generally new machines have been developed, as for example the new clinker cooler or a new kiln burner, but also a range of seemingly small improvements on existing machines which are nevertheless crucial for the optimization of the production process