Dry and Mighty
Published by Alfie Lloyd-Perks,
Editorial Assistant
World Cement,
In recent years, the drying of alternative fuels (AFs) and fractions of high-calorific waste (RDF), has been an increasingly important topic, particularly in the cement industry.
As part of one of the company’s training days earlier this year, stela invited an established expert in the industry, Dip-Ing. Wolfgang Schwörer, where he provided insights from his many years of experience working at cement plants. The resulting synergies, particularly in the design and application of belt dryer technology in an industrial setting, can be used by operators.
Firstly, it must be questioned what types of AF are currently used in the cement industry. Various types of AF are being used to replace traditional fossil fuels like coal, natural gas and oil. These AFs come from different sources and can be divided into different categories, such as:
- Biomass fuels (such as wood waste, agricultural waste, as well as biogenic waste from the food industry).
- Secondary fuels (such as old and used tyres, non-recyclable plastics, industrial waste).
- Municipal waste (household waste, processed waste, municipal sewage sludge).
- Industrial by-products (sewage sludge, oil sludge from oil processing and refineries).
- Other fuels (‘meat & bone’, solvents, etc.).
The environmental benefits
The environmental benefits of using AF in cement production have been discussed in depth. Refuse-derived fuels are a substitute for fossil fuels and therefore help to conserve resources from limited fossil sources. Substitute fuels sometimes contain significant proportions of biomass and other CO2-neutral fuels. As the amount of CO2 released during combustion corresponds to the amount absorbed by the plants during their growth, they are considered CO2-neutral. This significantly reduces the relevant carbon dioxide emissions. Many other AF come from waste that would otherwise be disposed of in landfill sites. By using this type of AF in cement production, the volume of waste is reduced, lowering the environmental impact of landfills, and increasing their lifespan. By substituting fossil fuels, the limited fossil resources are replaced, contributing to the conservation of resources.
Using waste as fuel supports the concept of the circular economy by reusing and recycling materials rather than disposing of them. This promotes the sustainable use of resources and minimises waste.
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Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/special-reports/02102024/dry-and-mighty/
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