Track: Energy

Abstract

This research paper presents a study conducted on the use of alternative fuels in the South African cement industry as part of a remedy strategy against CO₂ emission. Despite the positive and significant contribution of Ordinary Portland Cement to improve the lives of people and the urbanization of our society, Ordinary Portland Cement affects the environment negatively by emitting between 0.9 to 1 tonne of dioxide of carbon per tonne of cement produced and makes the cement industry the second largest pollutant in the world. It should be noted that the CO₂ emission from cement production is well understood and documented; this knowledge directs government entities and international organisations to recommend initiatives such as the Carbon Tax Bill and the Cement Sustainability Initiative (CSI). Best practises are presented to guide the cement producers to reach the goal of reduction of CO₂ emissions. Among all best practices, the usage of alternative fuels in the cement Kiln is regarded as one of the most significant reduction method. To obtain the optimum combination of three fuel materials such as coal, used tyres and waste oil, a mathematical model is developed for minimizing the CO₂ emissions. The waste oil emits 80.34 percent less of CO₂ compared to used tyres, the latter has the most efficient thermal energy conversion at 20 percent relative to used oil. Furthermore, the study determined that 18.38 percent of CO₂ emissions is reduced by burning the alternative fuels in cement Kilns.