Process technology for efficient and sustainable cement production

Over the years technology in the cement industry has been further developed with a growing focus on sustainable, cost- and energy-efficient production. While significant steps may not seem visible on a year to year basis, the medium-term view shows notable progress. The trend of increasing the capacity of cement kilns has slowed down in recent years — maximum clinker output still lies between 12,000 and 13,000 tpd. Burning and cooling technologies have progressed, especially with respect to burners specifically designed for the co-incineration of high levels of alternative fuels. Taking into account all process-integrated measures, thermal process efficiency reaches values above 80% of the theoretical maximum. The grinding of raw materials and cement has been in the focus of better energy utilisation, but product quality is also of the highest importance. In terms of sustainable production, NOx abatement and CO2 capture and its reuse remain in the focus of extensive research.