International Cement Review articles tagged under : Tech Forum
Evaluating an EPC project
In this month’s Technical Forum, Dr Michael Clark looks at the essential factors that cement producers must take into account when choosing the right contractor for a potential EPC project. Time to completion is an important factor to consider, as it will impact the net present value At the beginning of each year, ICR provides an update on new cement capacity projects around the w...
Mitigating acid gas emissions
In this month’s Technical Forum, Dr Michael Clark examines acid gas emissions from cement kilns. Understanding harmful acid gas emissions, such as hydrogen chloride, is required before investing in mitigation strateg...
Electrical opportunities
In this month’s Technical Forum, Dr Michael Clark examines the importance of a stable and reliable electricity supply. As one of the leading expenses of cement plant operation, it is essential to understand how elect...
Benchmarks for the finish line
Following Hans-Jorgen Nielsen’s “Ceramic Strengths” article in ICR’s June issue, Dr Michael Clark examines the potential energy-saving differences between milling systems used for cement finish grinding. Using...
2048 predicted
The 30th anniversary of the first publication of International Cement Review (ICR) in July 1988 has arrived. While last month’s Technical Forum considered the major changes in the world cement industry over the past ...
30 years of industry
Ahead of ICR celebrating the 30th anniversary of its first publication in July, this month’s Technical Forum reflects on what has changed in the industry over the past 30 years. By Dr Michael Clark, UK. Fallin...
Risk management
In this month’s Technical Forum, Dr Michael Clark examines how companies approach risk and the various management techniques that can be used to control it. Cement companies must guard against complacency wit...
Cemtech Dubai 2018 Technical Workshops
As Technical Forum readers are delving into the February 2018 issue of International Cement Review, the annual Cemtech Middle East and Africa conference in Dubai, UAE, will be fast approaching. As is tradition, the i...
Cement plant cost profiles
Dr Clark has spent most of the last month developing manufacturing cost profiles for cement factories in different geographies of the world. Such profiles help cement producers and traders alike in finding the right ...
Pozzolana is the key
East Africa is enjoying strong cement demand, driven by economic growth and a buoyant construction sector. But, given the high capital cost of establishing a cement plant there, how does a new player gain entry to th...
Aspirating the kiln
Last month’s Technical Forum concluded with the following closing comments: “A sufficient supply of oxygen to the kiln is critical. Any limitations on the drawing of oxygen into the kiln or exhausting the gases from ...
Benchmarking revisited
Recent years have seen growth in the take-up of benchmarking services provided by Whitehopleman. Some cement plants have participated every year since the service was launched 19 years ago. Benchmarking reports have ...
The blending menu
Blended cement is the focus of this month’s Technical Forum, namely the complexities of understanding its classification and labelling under the European EN 197 system. The moderator also takes a look at the reasons ...
Capex vs opex
In the last year the moderator has been reviewing numerous existing cement facilities and proposals for new cement plants or production lines. In this process, compromises have to be made between the conflicting obje...
Vertical roller mill optimisation
Dr Michael Clark returns from Cemtech MEA's workshop with vertical roller mill optimisation becoming a common concern for local cement producers.
Impact of alternative fuels
Dr Clark assesses the impact that burning alternative fuels has on kiln productivity and thermal energy efficiency.