A Holistic Approach for Alternative Fuel Utilization in Cement Manufacturing

The co-processing of alternative fuels within the cement manufacturing process is a long-established measure towards a more sustainable operation of modern cement plants. However, even if the usage of alternative fuels (AF) becomes a common-sense approach for the reduction of fossil fuels in the clinkering process, there are still numerous examples of practical difficulties and associated unused potentials. In this context the development of a holistic approach for AF utilization and co-processing becomes a major goal for all stakeholders involved in the realization. Such an approach would consider all aspects of an AF project and the corresponding implementation framework in order to understand the requirements derived from circular economic value and supply chains. The paper will present such a holistic approach based on practical case studies which involve orienting guidelines for defining logistic frameworks for supply chains of AF, measures for the assurance of fuel quality in the cement plant, efficient handling of material flows associated to AF utilization and concrete examples of fuel injection and corresponding process questions. The practical examples from different implemented projects represent best-practice approaches for AF utilization.