Ohorongo considers TDF use
Following the inauguration of its first RDF processing plant earlier this year, Namibia's Ohorongo Cement is now investigating, together with Metallurgical Research and Consulting (METRECO), the use of tyre-derived fuel (TDF) to fire its cement kilns at the Sargberg plant.
The step is taken in line with the company’s efforts to replace up to 80 per cent of imported coal with alternative fuels by 2019.
“With gas temperatures of up to 2000˚C, the cement manufacturing process guarantees a complete combustion and destruction of all toxic substances resulting in no harmful emission and will not compromise the product quality,” says Hans-Wilhelm Schütte the Managing Director of Ohorongo Cement.
The use of TDF has multiple benefits, including a reduced demand for landfill space and CO2 emissions. Moreover, the move is also expected to assist in the reduction of fuel imports which can positively affect Namibia's trade balance.
“The Sargberg plant is equipped to combust TDF with minimal risk to the environment while utilising the energy reservoir contained in scrap tyres. Aiming to halt the practice of stockpiling, landfilling and uncontrolled tyre burning as a waste disposal method in Namibia, METRECO will collect and process scrap tyres, to produce a TDF product that can be used as a partial substitute for coal. In Ohorongo Cement we have found the ideal partner for this venture,” according to Camillo Shalli, metallurgist at METRECO.
