The installation of correct dedusting equipment can greatly improve the operation of a cement plant, particularly after a change in production technology. Following a wet- to dry-process conversion at Suez Cement Co’s Tourah cement works in Egypt, the Italcementi group company replaced its ESPs with bag filters, leading to energy savings and longer filter service life. By OYK Consultants, Egypt.
Following the conversion from wet- to dry-process technology, cement plants can often face issues with the use of electrostatic precipitators (ESPs). During kiln start-up, the kiln temperature must be gradually raised to prevent damage to the kiln refractory lining. However, during this process, complete combustion of fuels (especially coal) cannot occur, giving rise to combustible gases in the exhaust stream into the ESP. This could potentially lead to an explosion or fire due to internal arcing and hence the ESP cannot be activated.
