Calciner modification highly effective in meeting Northern California Plant´s alkali reduction and emission control requirements

A cement production facility in the coastal California area of the US is faced with market demanded low alkali product requirements, stringent emission limits and high raw material chemical variations. This paper details some of the challenges faced by Davenport, California Plant and chronicles subsequent solutions. Emphasis is placed on kiln and preheater/precalciner atmospheres, gas flow control parameters, final product characteristics and optimization of alkali reduction process. The subject of NO_x formation mechanisms is well documented in industry literature, and not detailed within. Design and implementation of newly established calciner concepts reinvigorates the plant with respect to production, quality control and process control issues