Cement News tagged under: manufacturing technology

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Advanced kiln and cooler control

19 April 2017, Published under Cement News

Practices such as over-burning clinker, the introduction of alternative fuels and ensuring cooler efficiency and reliability require reliable and consistent process control, as does the drive to reduce stack emissions such as CO 2 and NO x . By John Window and Victoria Martin, Mirion Technologies, UK. The Spyrometer system helps cement plants to optimise pyro-processing operations Despite concerns relating to cement production overcapacity (principally in Asia), it is forecast ...

From Superman to lasers

15 March 2017, Published under Cement News

Non-contact level sensors provide many benefits to the cement producer. These level measurement devices use 3D scanners, laser or radar technologies to ensure accurate monitoring of product levels. BinMaster compares the different technologies. By Jenny Nielson Christensen, BinMaster, USA. For very large silos, two or more 3D scanners can be used to measure and map the material Cement manufacturers find non-contact level sensors attractive for a number of reasons. Firstly, as no...

A case for low-lime cement

22 February 2017, Published under Cement News

The cement and concrete industry is re-inventing itself through new and efficient processes to not only reverse its environmental impact, but to make improvements to the whole supply chain of the building materials industry. This sustainability drive has seen the emergence of low-clinker cements, including cements that have a reduced lime content. By Dr Vahit Atakan, Dr Sada Sahu and Dr Nick DeCristofaro, Solidia Technologies, USA. Pavers ready for curing: Solidia Concrete ® cures wi...

Protecting a key asset

08 February 2017, Published under Cement News

Optimising the lifespan of a cement plant’s essential assets, such as the kiln, is key to the continued profitability of a cement company. The replacement of a kiln shell is one of the largest capital expenditures for a cement business, so identifying and integrating technologies that maximise its longevity and reduce damage are essential. By Richard Gagg, AMETEK Land, UK. Kiln shell display with thermal image, profile and tyre slip The cement production process with its extreme...

Improving SNCR performance

21 December 2016, Published under Cement News

In recent years the reduction of nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions in kiln lines has been an important topic which is expected to further gain prominence as central European emission limits are set to reduce to 200mg/Nm³ at the start of 2019. NH3 slip emission will also be limited to 30mg/Nm³. To meet these new limits, current SNCR technology will need to be reconsidered as a realistic NOx reduction degree is between 50-75 per cent depending on the kiln line design. By C Helmreich, MAL Umweltte...

Achieving the target

23 November 2016, Published under Cement News

While achieving targets is commonplace in the cement industry, when it comes to quality, there are a few key parameters that determine the final product in the cement production process. Figure 1: some of the large amounts of data that are routinely collected in a modern cement plant Maintaining quality in the cement industry involves meeting a wide range of targets for raw material composition, raw meal fineness, kiln feed composition, clinker composition and mineralogy, cement...

Developing AF in Egypt

16 November 2016, Published under Cement News

With the increasing scarcity of natural gas and the hike in gas prices, Egypt’s cement producers are seeking alternative ways of firing their kilns. The availability of MSW and agricultural waste provides a good foundation, but several challenges need to be overcome. By MVW Lechtenberg, Germany. The need for waste management and the development of its related infrastructure provides Egypt's cement industry with an opportunity to support society Cement consumption in Egypt rea...

Predict and avoid

26 October 2016, Published under Cement News

The shutdown of mills due to breakdowns and maintenance results in major costs for cement producers. At Sunstate Cement, Australia, cost-efficient and easy-installed vibration monitoring technology helps to predict and avoid such costly mill stops. By Schaeffler Australia Pty Ltd, Australia. Use of the SmartCheck monitoring technology has helped to ensure optimum reliability of Sunstate Cement's tube mills With a cement capacity of over 1.5Mta, Australia’s Sunstate Cement Ltd ha...

Gaseous fuel firing in lime kilns

12 October 2016, Published under Cement News

FCT Combustion applies jet excitation, a fluid dynamic singularity, in its Gyro-Therm ® burner to promote increased mixing rates between gaseous fuels and oxidant in lime kilns. This technology is able to simultaneously reduce specific energy consumption, kiln inlet temperature and NO x emissions, while increasing production rates. By Joel Maia, FCT GmbH, Germany. Figure 1: Gyro-Therm chamber diagram Even if it is an oversimplified statement, it is commonly said that there are...

Maintaining a smooth run

03 October 2016, Published under Cement News

Maintenance plays an important part in keeping cement plant operations running smoothly but can be severely impacted by inappropriate lubrication practices. Therefore, a suitable lubrication management programme is key to lowering maintenance expenditure and, ultimately, production costs. By Burak Kasımoğlu, SKF Türk San Ve Tic Ltd Şti, Turkey. Keeping components in good condition through regular maintenance helps to extend equipment life and operating efficiency Maintaining ...