In the UK, Tarmac Cement and Lime Ltd, owned and operated by CRH, has recently invested in a new Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) handling system at its Dunbar Cements Works to increase the site's capability to utilise alternative fuels. The SRF handling system is being supplied by Saxlund International Ltd, a subsidiary of Sweden-headed bulk solid handling and bioenergy combustion specialists Saxlund Group AB.
The waste-derived fuel supplied by Hamilton – Solid Recovered Fuel (SRF) – is manufactured from waste material that cannot be recycled. It is composed of a range of non-hazardous materials including paper, card, wood, textiles, and plastic. The dry, flock-like material can be consistently manufactured to users’ specification including moisture content and calorific value.
SRF is ideally suited to the energy and mineral needs of the cement production process by releasing a high calorific energy value. All the fuel is used and there is no residual waste – the mineral ash becomes part of the cement clinker, a process known as ‘co-processing’. Further environmental value is derived as a result of diverting this residual material from expensive and non-sustainable disposal in landfill.
SRF is an excellent fuel for the cement manufacturing process and has been used at Tarmac’s other cement plants in Derbyshire and South Wales for years. We are pleased to be adding it to the range of waste-derived fuels supporting our operations at Dunbar, reducing our emissions and dependence on fossil fuels and making a significant difference to the sustainability of our operations, said Oliver Curtin, Dunbar Plant Manager.
The SRF system, that will be installed in the latter part of 2019, is designed for the reception of trucks and storage of fuel in two bunkers. The new system includes processing of fuel to remove ferrous and oversize particles before accurately weighing and dosing into a pneumatic conveying system for kiln injection.
We are delighted to be involved in the development of this new SRF facility at the Dunbar Cement works. The overall system for the reception, storage and conveying of SRF fuel will help to ensure a highly resilient and robust solution for our client. We are pleased that the project at Dunbar is another in a long line of alternative fuels system for cement plants and power stations that Saxlund has delivered in the UK and worldwide, commented Mark Neal, Sales Manager, Saxlund International.
