Industrial waste as alternative fuel in cement industry : its impact on environment

Cement manufacturing is a high energy consuming and heavy pollutant process. Cement producers are trying to reduce the energy and environmental cost by using alternative fuels and raw materials through their research and development. Alkaline environment, high temperature and long processing time allow cement kiln to burn a wide range of waste and hazardous materials. This paper summarizes and reviews literatures on the different types of industrial wastes as alternative fuel and their advantages, disadvantages, selection criteria and impacts on environment. It is found from the review that none of the individual alternative fuel (industrial waste) can claim as best alternative fuel on the basis of their energy value, tendency to greenhouse gas emissions and operational merits and demerits. Rather, it is suggested that the maximum benefit can be achieved by using a blend of different alternative fuels together with fossil fuel with appropriate percentage of substitution, which is yet to quantify. Further study is required to determine the correct blending ratio and Central Queensland University is currently undertaking this research.