A predictive chemistry model for the cement process

A tool has been developed that enables prediction of the chemistry in cement production with thermodynamic phase equilibrium calculations. Reactions in gas, solid and liquid phases are calculated in the process from preheating tower, including exhaust gas cleaning, through rotary kiln, clinker cooler and ends at the output of clinker. The simulated values are compared to measured or calculated data from a full scale plant. This is a cement plant producing 2000 t clinker per day using both traditional and alternative fuels. The chemistry model shows good agreement especially on material chemistry at various places in the process and on composition of the clinker. A new way to define fuels is used and is straightforward and reliable. In the future work the model has to be improved and more elements are to be added to the thermodynamic database.