We are proud to share that our VTU colleague Roberto Palazzolo has published an article in the September 2024 issue (Volume 54) of “Thermal Science and Engineering Progress” together with Beatrice Poggianti and Cristina Moliner from the University of Genova/Italy.
In their article “Rotary kiln simulation for energy recovery: the precalciner cement kiln case”, the authors describe a simplified model for kiln production which was created through the use of Microsoft Excel and Aspen Plus to study the heat recovery optimization.
Cement production is highly energy-intensive, with energy costs making up about 40% of operational expenses. Modern plants still experience significant heat losses, primarily from hot flue gases and exhaust air streams used for cooling clinker, which account for 35% of process heat losses.
These streams, with temperatures above 280°C, offer good potential for a heat recovery system to improve the cement plant’s efficiency.
The article aims to create a simplified model of a cement rotary kiln to optimize heat recovery. The model’s results aligned with literature data on temperature, pressure, and flow rates. It suggests that the plant could generate 3.2 kWh/ton of clinker, covering around 20% of its total electrical consumption. The model can also be adapted for other processes that involve a rotary kiln.
Access the article here (in English)