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Brazilian Cement Congress round-up

World Cement,


On 19 – 21 May, some 300 delegates from the Brazilian and international cement industry gathered in São Paulo for the 6th Brazilian Cement Congress (CBC). After a gap of 15 years, the congress returned to deliver a strong technical programme and an engaging exhibition.

The three-day conference programme was opened by Renato José Giusti, Chief Executive of ABCP (Brazilian Portland Cement Association), and José Otávio de Carvalho, Chief Executive of SNIC (National Union of the Cement Industry), both of whom outlined the continuing demand for cement driven by the country’s housing and infrastructure requirements. Although growth is projected at a more modest rate than in previous years, the industry is still investing in capacity expansion to meet consumption needs. Sustainability, energy efficiency and emissions reduction were prominent points of discussion at the event. ABCP Technology Director, Yushiro Kihara, looked at areas that the Brazilian cement sector could improve on in order to lower its greenhouse gas emissions further, while also highlighting its achievements so far. In 2013, the domestic cement industry coprocessed approximately 1.2 million t of waste, had an impressive biomass utilisation rate and coprocessed enough tyres to go around the world 1.2 times.

Each conference session kicked off with a presentation from a keynote speaker, including the CSI’s Philippe Fonta, CEMBUREAU’s Vagner Mariongolo, the VDZ’s Martin Schneider, USP Associate Professor John Vanderley, and the PCA’s Cary Cohrs. These speakers provided an insight into some of the principal issues affecting the industry, both in Brazil and elsewhere in the world, from environmental goals and innovations to disaster-resilient buildings.

Technology and service specialists also delivered papers on the latest equipment and process developments. Several speakers discussed recent projects; for example, Densit do Brasil Ltda talked through the results of implementing a new system to optimise grinding for Ciplan Cimento Planalto, IKN outlined a clinker cooler upgrade project for Holcim Brazil’s Cantagalo plant, while Dynamis explained the development process for its new generation of burners.

Academics and cement producers also featured in the conference programme. This included an interesting presentation on carbon nanotubes, currently being researched by the Federal University of Minas Gerias with the support of InterCement, as well as an overview of Votorantim Cimentos’ sustainability initiatives and growth strategy by Edvaldo Araújo Rabelo.

While the conference programme remained well attended throughout the event, participants also had the opportunity to visit the exhibition, which comprised a number of key equipment and service providers.

Some photos from the event can be found on World Cement’s Facebook page.


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Read the article online at: https://www.worldcement.com/the-americas/02072014/brazilian_cement_congress_round_up_2014_16/

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