Al Safwa Cement Co of Saudi Arabia is converting to a dual white and grey cement line, aiming to begin production in early 2020. The flexibility to adapt to market demands is a crucial competitive factor, and the new production capability will allow Al Safwa Cement Co to convert easily between grey or white cement production as necessary.
The contract to convert one of Al Safwa Cement's grey cement kiln lines has been awarded to Denmark-based FLSmidth. This will involve the cost-effective modification of existing equipment to create a dual white and grey cement production facility.
FLSmidth brings significant experience and know-how to this project, having conducted several similar grey-to-white conversions in recent years, including for Riyadh Cement Co in Saudi Arabia and Adana Cement in Turkey.
"We have seen the success of FLSmidth conversions elsewhere in the region, so they were an obvious choice as supplier of the expertise and various equipment we needed. FLSmidth's proven track record of supplying know-how and technology for white cement production was a key factor for us," says Yasser Zayed, CEO at Al Safwa Cement.
With the modified kiln expected to be commissioned in early 2020, the production objectives are to produce a minimum of 2000 tonnes per day (tpd) white clinker with a maximum heat consumption of 1380 kcal/kg clinker.
FLSmidth’s Duoflex® Burner is a central element in white cement production, and the conversion project involves installing this burner inside the kiln.
Helping to keep costs to a minimum, only minor changes will be made to the current preheater with as much existing equipment as possible being reused. In this case, the oil handling equipment, clinker cooler, raw material storage system and raw mill grinding equipment will be reused.
Mr Omar Rabia, Sales Manager at FLSmidth, explains that the approach taken at Al Safwa is a proven concept on several levels: "There is no doubt that in conversions such as this at Al Safwa Cement Company, our customers need to see a clear business case. With our Duoflex® Burner and by reusing existing equipment, we not only ensure a faster return on investment, but we also reduce future operations costs when production commences with the modified kiln."
