Used oil derived fuel utilization for the production of portland cement

The cement industry can assume a very important role in achieving a sustainable future. As the global population rises, the general public is placing an increased pressure on the conservation of essential natural resources such as land and nonrenewable energy sources with a need for more socially and environmentally sustainable development initiatives. Cement is one of the most important components of the infrastructure needed to support that sustainable development. The cement industry has been globally linked to those industries with extensive use of nonrenewable natural resources and with a high energy demand. It is well known that a cement plant needs between 80 kg to 150 kg of fuel and at least 100 kWh of electricity to produce one ton of cement. With such high energy demand, the cement industry has been searching and implementing several alternative fuel initiatives to increase energy efficiency and lower fuel and energy costs with many consequential environmental benefits. One of those clearly available fuel alternatives is used motor oil. In this study, the characteristics of used oil are measured through a detailed evaluation of fuel based on heating value, viscosity, and water content. The environmental benefits are measured through the evaluation of CO2 emission reduction and dioxin/furan stack testing. Copyright © 2006 by ASTM International.