Effect of the calcination reaction on the energy and exergy analysis of a rotary kiln used in the production of clinker

Abstract

The production of cement requires high energy consumption. The main process of cement production is the clinker production called clinkerization. This process occurs in a rotary kiln. Previous studies indicate that a considerable part of the energy spent in the cement production process is used in clinker production. Thus, the study on the use of the energy available for the operation of the rotary kiln is relevant. Several authors used mathematical modeling of rotary kilns to analyze the energy and exergy efficiencies of this equipment. In this study, it was proposed a methodology to calculate the energy and exergy efficiencies of a kiln used in clinker production. The reactions involved in calcination and clinkerization were added and this modification resulted in a more realistic process description. These changes significantly affected the efficiency values previously obtained.

Keywords:
exergetic analysis; energetic analysis; clinker rotary kiln; cement