Purifying the planet

The problem of air pollution and the reduction of greenhouse gasses is one of substantial importance to all humanity. The cement industry is a major concern when it comes to dust emissions; a study from China has found that the cement industry accounts for up to 40% of total Chinese industrial particulate matter (PM) emissions.1 It should be noted that China accounts for more than 56% of the world’s cement production, so the number might be a little lower worldwide, with geographical differences.

The complexity of the PM also needs to be taken into consideration, as dust is emitted by multiple sources within the cement factory, such as the crusher silo, raw mill, kiln, and coal mill (Figure 2).3 As such, the PM emitted is a complex mixture of solid particles and aerosols that vary in size, shape, and chemical composition.4 PM that is less or equal to 10 µm, can be inhaled into the lungs and can cause various adverse health effects. All of these facts add to the complexity of lowering the dust emission levels of cement production; hence the cement industry is an area of special interest, not only for cement plants and governments, but also for individuals more generally.

Providing a solution

Lowering dust emissions is a science in itself, and the importance of knowing the particulate matter, operating conditions, and the specific processes are crucial when selecting and customising the correct filter cartridge, providing safe working conditions for the employees and ensuring cleaner air for the wider population.

Nordic Air Filtration produces pleated bags, which are a substitute for traditional filter bags. During its 30 years of operation, the company has gained valuable insights from different cement installations worldwide, providing with both smaller dust collection systems in Europe and larger scale systems in China.

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Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/special-reports/26082022/purifying-the-planet/