Evaluation of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system-genetic algorithm in the prediction and optimization of NOx emission in cement precalcining kiln

The increasing demand for cement due to urbanization growth in Africa countries may result in an upsurge of pollutants associated with its production. One major air pollutant in cement production is nitrogen oxides (NOx) and reported to cause serious damage to human health and the ecosystem. The operation of a cement rotary kiln NOx emission was studied with plant data using the ASPEN Plus software. It is essential to understand the effects of calciner temperature, tertiary air pressure, fuel gas, raw feed material, and fan damper on NOx emissions from a precalcining kiln. In addition, the performance capability of adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems and genetic algorithms (ANFIS-GA) to predict and optimize NOx emissions from a precalcining cement kiln is evaluated. The simulation results were in good agreement with the experimental results, with root mean square error of 2.05, variance account (VAF) of 96.0%, average absolute deviation (AAE) of 0.4097, and correlation coefficient of 0.963. Further, the optimal NOx emission was 273.0 mg/m(3), with the parameters as determined by the algorithm were calciner temperature at 845 degrees C, tertiary air pressure - 4.50 mbar, fuel gas of 8550 m(3)/h, raw feed material 200 t/h, and damper opening of 60%. Consequently, it is recommended that ANFIS should be combined with GA for effective prediction, and optimization of NOx emission in cement plants.