Students visit Lafarge Tarmac’s Tunstead site

Master’s Degree students from Salford University visited the Tunstead cement plant near Buxton to learn about the use of natural gas in a modern cement plant. The multinational group of students originate from countries where natural gas isn’t typically used by major industry. One of the key areas of interest was how natural gas is used in the lime production process for both environmental and efficiency reasons, and how it could be a fuel of the future. Most of the students are studying gas engineering and management, while others are enrolled on petroleum gas and engineering courses. During the tour, they visited the Tunstead quarry and its shaft kilns, before witnessing a demonstration of the Maerz kilns at Lafarge Tarmac’s Hindlow site. This gave an insight into the natural gas systems currently being operated by the company.

The annual visit was arranged by University Lecturer Alan Wells. Salford University has forged strong links with the Tunstead site over the years and these visits provide a valuable experience to its students. They also demonstrate Lafarge Tarmac’s commitment to educating future generations.

Alan Wells, Lecturer at Salford University, said: “Our students have been given a real life understanding of the inner workings of a quarry and cement plant. Natural gas is obviously an important fuel for Lafarge Tarmac, enabling the company to increase efficiency while minimising its environmental impact.

“This visit is an important and valued part of the course we present at Salford University, with the course contributing significantly towards achievement of the students’ Master’s Degrees.”

Adapted from press release by Katherine Guenioui

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/09042015/students-visit-lafarge-tarmac-tunstead-site-654/