Feasibility study on the implementation of waste incineration system for a cement industry in Algeria

Abstract

Population growth is causing a high demand for construction and cement use and, at the same time, increasing the amount of MSW (Municipality Solid Waste). One of the solutions that can help to reduce the amount of waste in developing countries, along with the demand for fossil fuels, is using co-processing and incineration technologies in the cement industry.The objective of a waste management system is not to dispose of waste products, but it is to supply the economy with secondary raw materials and energy from waste. In the cement industry, co-processing is one of the best ways of recovering material and energy from waste. The desired waste material, to be used as a fuel, is available usually within the state or the country.Algeria, as a middle-income country, with a 72% urbanisation, faces waste management challenge. The industry sector consumes 25 % of the final gas consumption in the country. This study aims to reduce gas consumption in ement industries, one of the intensive consumers in the industry sector.Waste oil, plastic, and MSW (Municipal Solid Waste) as alternative fuels in the burning process of a cement industry are studied. The inject points are the main burner, calciner, and combustion chamber. Based on the injection point and replacement ratio, four different projects are analyzed:1. Waste Co-Processing in the Main Burner - 100% waste oil2. Waste Co-Processing in the Main Burner - 70% waste oil and 30% plastic3. Waste Incineration in the Calciner - 50% plastic and 50% MSW4. Waste Incineration in the Calciner and Combustion Chamber - 50% plasticand 50% MSWAnnually, at the targeted industry, 1,620,000 m3 waste can be incinerated in thecalciner and combustion chamber. Incinerating waste only in the calciner needs ahigher amount of averaged calorific value and waste treatment process, andapproximately 1,200,000 m3 waste can be burned. Waste co-processing in the main burner project can reduce the amount of waste oil 120,000 m3 per year. In the case of using a 30% replacement ratio with plastic also in the main burner, almost a waste volume reduction of 250,000 m3 per year can be seen.