Decarbonization
Decarbonization, this means the reduction or elimination of carbon dioxide emissions of cement production, is a global goal demanded by the governments of the world. Currently 7% of the global annual green house gas emissions are from cement production, which shows the importance of measures to be taken in this sector.
There are many different way to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in cement production. Some of them are proven technology in operation already for decades.
The one measure already implemented in many parts of the world is firing alternative fuels.
Other measures are new and currently not in large scale operation.
IBBL Ingenieurbüro Brkic und Labenbacher can support your company with selecting appropriate measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and implementation thereof in your cement production.
Please download our flyer about decarbonization of cement and concrete production
Alternative fuels
Many different materials serve as alternative fuels: tires, plastics, fabrics, fibers, agricultural waste, sewage sludge, etc. These materials would otherwise be dumped on a landfill.
Substitution rates differ from country to country. Germany has substitution rate in clinker production of around 70%, Austria has a substitution rate of 92%. Some plants in Austria and Czech Republic reach a substitution rate of almost 100%.
In other countries, substitution rates are much lower but with plans to increase. For example, the current rate in UAE is 30%.
Burning alternative fuels
- Has impact on production process and
- Requires pre-processing of the AF
- Requires built-up of know-how for operation
Therefore, requires in-depth investigation, technically and commercially to start the project. This investigation is provided by IBBL.
A typical path to implement the co-processing of alternative fuels in your plant starts with a feasibility study checking the following:
- Check availability of alternative fuels, quality and quantity wise
- Assess impact of burning these AFs on the production process, emissions, product quality and quantity
- Develop the target substitution rate as well as the injection system of the AF
- Design necessary plant modification like AF handling system, burning system, calcining system, environmental protection systems, etc.
- Commercial investigation of the project
In a second step, the project is executed. The main tasks are:
- Tendering for equipment and services
- Detail engineering, manufacturing, construction and erection, commissioning (mainly provided by specialized suppliers)
- Project management, quality control, supervision
- Transfer know-how on combustion, quality control, operation, etc. from contractors to the plant operators
- Optimizing plant operation with alternative fuel combustion can gradually lead to higher substitution rates