Suitability of PMDC Degyari Coal for Use in Cement Industry

The selection of fuel is of significant importance in cement industry as the fuel cost comprises 40% of the total cement manufacturing cost. Furnace Oil, Natural Gas and coal are the three available options for kiln firing. The Coal being cheapest is economically more suitable but is difficult to handle. However, in order to ensure the cost effectiveness of process, coal arises as the suitable choice. This research paper investigates the suitability of PMDC Degyari Coal, Quetta to be used in cement industry. A detail analysis of the coal was carried out including its proximate analysis, gross calorific value, hard groove grindability index, total sulfur, and ash analysis. Volatile Matter, Ash Content, Fixed Carbon, Gross Calorific Value and Moisture Content of the coal understudy are within the limits prescribed for usage of coal in the cement industry(1). However, the sulfur content of coal and the hard groove index are the problematic areas. On this basis it is suggested that the coal understudy can be used in cement industry after mixing it with imported coal of low sulfur content and high hard groove grindability index.