Comparative Analysis of Air Emission from Cement Plant Using TDF as Partial Substitute for Coal

Abstract

Tyre derived fuel (TDF) has a potential advantage for its use as a co-fuel with coal in rotary kilns of cement plants.  In this study we analyzed the emissions of selected criteria pollutants; CO₂, CO, NO_x, SO_x and PM to suggest suitable proportion of TDF to replace coal when different proportions of TDF and coal were used as cement kiln feed. Emissions of CO₂, CO, NO, NO₂, SO₂ and total PM from stack and concentrations of CO, NO_x, SO_x and PM₁₀ in ambient air were assessed using USEPA recommended methods. Substitution such as 85% coal and 15% TDF, 80% coal and 20% TDF, 75% coal and 25% TDF and 70% coal and 30% TDF were applied in this study. Results of the current study revealed a rise in CO and TPM stack emissions with an increase in proportions of TDF and crossed standards at 80% coal and 20% TDF. Decline in NO_x emissions up-till 15% proportion of TDF was observed and remained lower than the emission of NO_x at 100% coal use in spite of an increase in its concentration at each increased proportion of TDF above 15% TDF use. No significant difference (p > 0.05) in ambient air pollutant concentration with and without TDF use was observed. The study suggested 15% TDF substitution as a preferable proportion for the selected cement plant.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.erem.68.2.6471