Quantification of the Reduced Environmental Impacts with Use of Co-Processing in Cement Kilns in India

Abstract

Coupled with resource conservation and reduced carbon emissions, co-processing technology is a preferable alternative for sound and environmental friendly waste disposal over incinerators & non-scientific methods. It is not only solution to the waste disposal menace, but also reduces burden on secured landfills & TSDFs. Apart from using energy and material value of wastes, co-processing not only fixes the inorganic content of the wastes within the clinker, but also, it destroys the wastes completely due to high temperature and long residence time, avoiding need of further processing as in case of incineration. Trial run identifies wastes suitable for co-processing, source emission monitoring assesses environmental impacts and the quantification of reduced environmental impacts gives a clear picture of actual benefits of co-processing. The results show that the suggested process is efficient, economized and environmental friendly, particularly for a populated country, such as India, as there was no adverse effect on quality of cement, stack emission and air quality of environment due to co-processing of variety of identified wastes in cement kiln. Also, the quantified data of coal saved, CO2 emissions reduced & landfill volume avoided by the waste utilization will help in convincing all the stakeholders that co-processing of waste is the best environmentally sound technology for waste disposal.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5755/j01.erem.69.3.6736