How the cement industry, refineries and chemical factories reduce their carbon emissions

The production of cement for the construction industry is responsible for approx. 7% of all man-made CO₂ emissions. It is therefore essential that the cement industry in particular reduce its CO₂ emissions. Enormous quantities of CO₂ are also produced, however, when producing ammonia for refineries and chemical factories. But how can these industries reduce their environmental footprint, and what sensor solutions does SICK offer?

Welcome to part seven of our series on decarbonization where we focus on the cement and chemical industry.

The chemical and cement industries cause high CO2 emissions.

Decarbonization of the cement industry

The SCPS3300 gas analysis system enables quality control and process optimization.

Globally, the cement industry contributes to 7% of CO₂ emissions. Around two thirds of these emissions can be attributed to raw material related processes. A further third result from energy-related CO₂ emissions through the use of fuels.

Faced with this challenge, the industry has set itself the ambitious goal of decarbonizing its energy and resource intensive processes over the coming years. Various technologies are available for this: improving the thermal efficiency, reducing the clinker content in cement, greater use of alternative fuels and renewable energy sources, and using CCUS technologies.

SICK assists cement producers along the entire value adding chain with reducing their emissions and optimizing processes. The SCPS3300 gas analysis system, for example, is used for quality control and process optimization.

Continuous emission monitoring systems such as the MCS200HW are used to monitor emissions.

In addition to a comprehensive portfolio of products for measuring gases, dust, and flow, SICK focuses in particular on the automation and digitalization of existing processes to adapt them to the new requirements. With its broad range of hardware, software and service solutions, SICK is a competent partner for the cement industry in jointly achieving and realizing the goals it has set itself.

SICK offers various products for measuring gases, dust and flow.

Gas Analyzers

Proven measurement technology for flue gas monitoring

MCS200HW

Gas analysis under the harshest conditions, directly on rotary kilns

SCPS

Decarbonization in chemicals, petrochemicals, and refineries

Since ammonia will also be used in future as a carbon-free fuel, reducing the carbon intensity in the production of ammonia is an important goal.

The “blue” ammonia production process uses the same hydrocarbon raw materials except with a carbon capture system for isolating and removing the CO₂.

In “green” ammonia production, hydrogen is obtained through the electrolysis of water and nitrogen. The energy for driving these plants is generated from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind energy.

Burning ammonia in air produces nitrogen oxides which, when dissolved in water, form nitric acid - an important base chemical for fertilizer production. Several residual nitrogen oxides remain in the exhaust gas, however, along with nitrous oxide (N₂O), an important greenhouse gas that is produced as a by-product in the combustion process. Waste gas reduction technologies are used to reduce the NO_x and N₂O concentrations. MCS200HW CEMS solutions control the DeNO_x reduction units and report the emissions.