Development of Refuse Derived Fuel for Cement Factories in Turkey

The authors present an investigation of the development of refuse derived fuel (RDF) materials from nonrecycling wastes and the determination of its potential use as an alternative fuel in cement production. RDF produced from municipal solid waste was analyzed and its effects on cement production process were examined. The contribution of RDF on clinker production was determined and the produced clinker has been characterized. For this purpose, produced RDF was mixed with the main fuel (petrocoke) in different ratios. Then chemical and mineralogical analyses of produced clinker were made. Emission values were measured during the experiments at an industrial scale rotary cement kiln. The results were below the limit values of directives and acceptable in cement industry. It is believed that successful results of this study are a good example for municipalities and cement industries in order to achieve both economic and environmental benefits.