Alternative Fuels in Cement Production – Contributing to a Sustainable Future
Special Symposium - Environmental Protection & Sustainability
Environmental Protection & Sustainability - II
Keywords: Alternative fuels, cement products, combustion, emissions, sustainable
Cement products are consumed worldwide in significant quantities as building materials. Modern cement production plants processes raw materials at temperatures up to about 2000°C, producing so-called cement clinker, which upon grinding with additives produces the final cement product to be sold. Due to a highly endothermic calcination reaction in the kiln system of the modern cement plant and the high processing temperature, a significant amount of energy is consumed pr. tonne of cement clinker produced. This energy supply usually comes from fossil fuels of coal, oil and gas. Consequently, replacement of these fossil fuels with more environmental friendly alternative fuels contributes to a sustainable future. The main advantages using alternative fuels in cement production are: 1) Fossil fuels are saved, 2)Alternative fuels may be CO2 neutral, 3) No solid residues are produced as the ash components are reused as cement clinker minerals, 4) High temperatures ensure good conditions for complete oxidation of organic compounds, and 5) Negative costs may be associated with alternative fuels. This article reviews the utilization of alternative fuels in modern cement production plants. Main emphasis is on combustion processes and emissions.
Presented Monday 17, 11:15 to 11:35, in session Environmental Protection & Sustainability - II (S-7B).
