Cemex UK’s cement plant reduces dust emissions

Reducing cement dust emissions

Cemex UK has invested in a new dust abatement plant, known as an electrostatic precipitator, for one of its two cement kilns at South Ferriby, Lincolnshire. The state-of-the-art precipitator will cut dust emissions by 90%.

How it works

The precipitator is a bespoke system that was manufactured in the UK, representing an investment of £3.8 million. It works by extracting dust from gases produced in the cement kiln and has been installed on the plant’s exhaust duct to provide a physical barrier to the dust as it passes from the kiln to the chimney.

Static electricity is generated in the precipitator and gives the dust particles a negative charge. The dust particles pass through positively charged conducting plates to which they are attracted to form a layer. The positive plates are then gently rapped so that the collected dust falls to the bottom of the main hoppers from where it is transported to the dust handling plant for reuse.

According to Philip Baynes-Clarke, Plant Director, “The investment in the new precipitator is an important milestone for South Ferriby Cement Plant and helps ensure the production of cement in the most environmentally friendly way. I am pleased to report that this state-of-the-art unit was successfully commissioned in early March and is performing especially well.”

Cement production – increasing sustainability

The enhanced reduction in dust at the plant, as well as the increase in the use of alternative fuels to traditional fossil fuels burnt in the kiln, combine to help make cement production more sustainable. Over a three-day period in March 2011, the plant set a new record of using 100% alternative fuels.

The alternative fuels used at South Ferriby are Secondary Liquid Fuels (SLF) made from industrial liquid wastes that cannot be recycled and Climafuel, made from domestic, commercial and industrial waste that would otherwise typically go to landfill.

Adapted from press release by Louise Fordham.

Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/europe-cis/18042012/cement_cemex_dust_emissions_uk/