Waste heat recovery (WHR) power generation can add a valuable source of power to a cement plant. However, this requires the selection of the most suitable thermodynamic system for the plant’s process conditions. By Cai Zhenyu, Nanjing Kisen International Engineering Co Ltd, and Ming Fang, Nanjing Kesen Kenen Environment & Energy Co Ltd, China.
Since the 1970s and early 1980s, medium- and low-temperature pure waste heat recovery (WHR) power generation technology has been used in the cement industry by western developed countries and Japan. The technology entered China in the 1990s and a short while later, key equipment was designed and manufactured in China. Following technological absorption and research, Chinese equipment manufacurers optimised and innovated WHR technology and equipment. The technology is now used frequently in both existing and new clinker production lines in the domestic cement industry.
