Model for cradle-to-gate life cycle assessment of clinker production

Journal Article · Thu Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 2009 · Environmental Science and Technology

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/es900036e· OSTI ID:21240349

Boesch, Michael Elias; Koehler, Annette; Hellweg, Stefanie ^[1]

---

1. ETH Zurich, Zurich (Switzerland). Institute of Environmental Engineering

A model for input- and technology-dependent cradle-to-gate life cycle assessments (LCA) was constructed to quantify emissions and resource consumption of various clinker production options. The model was compiled using data of more than 100 clinker production lines and complemented with literature data and best judgment from experts. It can be applied by the cement industry for the selection of alternative fuels and raw materials (AFR) and by authorities for decision-support regarding the permission of waste co-processing in cement kilns. In the field of sustainable construction, the model can be used to compare clinker production options. Two case studies are presented. First, co-processing of four different types of waste is analyzed at a modern precalciner kiln system. Second, clinker production is compared between five kiln systems. Results show that the use of waste (tires, prepared industrial waste, dried sewage sludge, blast furnace slag) led to reduced greenhouse gas emissions, decreased resource consumption, and mostly to reduced aggregated environmental impacts. Regarding the different kiln systems, the environmental impact generally increased with decreasing energy efficiency. 35 refs., 2 figs., 2 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 21240349
• Journal Information: Environmental Science and Technology, Journal Name: Environmental Science and Technology Journal Issue: 19 Vol. 43; ISSN ESTHAG; ISSN 0013-936X
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

01 COAL, LIGNITE, AND PEAT
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
ASHES
BLACK COAL
BLAST FURNACES
CALCINATION
CARBON DIOXIDE
CLAYS
CLINKER
COPROCESSING
ENERGY EFFICIENCY
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS
FIRES
FLUE GAS
FUEL SUBSTITUTION
KILNS
LIFE CYCLE ASSESSMENT
LIMESTONE
MITIGATION
PORTLAND CEMENT
PRODUCTION
SEWAGE SLUDGE
SLAGS
WASTE PROCESSING