When it comes to cement production, there are several types of mature carbon capture technologies we are developing or assessing to give us maximum flexibility across our global footprint. They broadly fall into one of the following two categories: Post-combustion technologies
These solutions capture CO2 in the exhaust gas of a traditional kiln system at the “end of the pipe.” The most advanced post-combustion solution is based on liquid solvents such as amines, e.g. monoethanolamine solution (MEA). The CO2 in the exhaust gas is absorbed by the solvent, and the CO2-rich liquid is then sent to the regenerator where the CO2 is released in a concentrated form. The solvent is reintroduced to the absorption column. Other post-combustion approaches include CO2 separation by membranes and adsorption processes. Integrated processes
Integrated processes such as oxyfuel or the electrification of clinker manufacturing or calcination of raw materials are possible alternatives to pure post-combustion capture. We are currently engaged in various site-specific investigations to develop integrated concepts. In the oxyfuel approach, air for combustion in the cement manufacturing process is replaced with oxygen. This prevents nitrogen forming in the system and generates a concentrated CO2 exhaust stream.