Portugal: Cimpor Cement plans to upgrade the kiln line of its Souselas cement plant in order to enable 60% refuse-derived fuel (RDF) substitution in its fuel mix. The producer has contracted Denmark-based FLSmidth to install chlorine bypass technology in order to prevent chlorine build-up in the plant’s flue gas. Work is scheduled to begin in mid-2021, and production will stop until its completion and the commissioning of the installation in early 2022.

Cimpor Cement project manager Paulo Evangelista said, “Investing in the chlorine bypass is a key step on our journey towards reducing our environmental footprint. On top of the obvious incentives to increase our fuel substitution, like lower CO₂ emissions and financial savings, we are experiencing better waste handling infrastructure in the local area. All this has made it an easy choice to make. FLSmidth knows our Souselas site and has been key in delivering a solution that will enable this next phase on our sustainability journey.”

Germany: Märker Zement has ordered a single-source alternative fuels (AF) storage and conveying system for its Harburg, Bavaria cement plant from Germany-based Beumer. The supplier says that the line will consist of a 700m pipe conveyor, silos, distribution equipment and a screen. It will be equipped with a BG OptiFeed screw weigh feeder. It will connect the preheater both to an existing warehouse and a new one at the site. The line will handle two different qualities of refuse-derived fuel (RDF) and shredded tyres. It will be operated at a maximum capacity of 40t/hr. Commissioning is scheduled for 2022.

Canada: St Mary’s Cement plans to increase its use of alternative fuels to 400t/day from 96t/day at its Bowmanville plant. The Toronto Star newspaper has reported that the plans will entail a 90,000t/yr reduction in the plant’s coal and petcoke consumption.

US: The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) of New York state has turned down Lafarge Cement’s application for a licence to burn tyres as an alternative fuel (AF) at its Ravena cement plant. The Times Union newspaper has reported the DEC found that the plant in Albany county was inadequately equipped to burn tyres under the permit for which the company had applied.

Spokesperson Jocelyn Gerst said “We received the DEC’s correspondence and are reviewing it. We will be weighing all available options.”