Close cooperation with its waste-derived fuel (WDF) provider, Sapphire Recovery, has enabled Lafarge’s Cauldon Works to avoid extensive modifications to its precalciner system to successfully incorporate WDFs in its production process. ICR speaks with Andy Woodcock, manager at Lafarge’s Cauldon Works, about the plant’s efforts in the fields of WDF and sustainability.
The introduction of WDF at Lafarge’s Cauldon Works included extensive talks with Sapphire Recovery and a 10-hour trial at the cement plant to monitor quality parameters and equipment capabilities as well as the production and process stability.
ICR: What changes have been made to the precalciner system to allow higher substitution of fossil fuels?
Andy Woodcock (AW): Extensive modification of the precalciner system has been avoided through our sustainability initiative at Lafarge’s Cauldon Works meaning we have minimised the potential impact on production. With such a high volume of cement manufactured at our site, it was vital that the WDF project did not inhibit our day-to-day activity where possible. However, we did make minor alterations to the entry points which feed the WDF to the calciner to allow for smooth input.
