cementverk

A cementverk (cement works) is an industrial facility where cement is produced from raw materials such as limestone and clay. In its most common form it is an integrated plant that forms clinker in a rotary kiln and then grinds it with gypsum to produce cement. Some facilities operate as grinding plants that receive clinker from a separate location. A cementverk typically includes quarries or mines, material handling systems, the kiln and clinker cooler, a cement mill, storage silos and packaging or dispatch equipment.

Raw materials are processed into a fine raw meal, preheated and partially calcined in a cyclone preheater, then fed into the high-temperature kiln at around 1400–1500°C. The resulting clinker is cooled and ground with a small amount of gypsum to produce Portland or other hydraulic cements. Modern plants may use alternative fuels and materials and recover waste heat to improve efficiency.

Common cement products include Ordinary Portland Cement and blended cements that incorporate supplementary cementitious materials such as fly ash, slag, or natural pozzolans. The plant type affects supply chain and emissions: integrated plants produce clinker on site, while grinding plants rely on clinker deliveries.

Environmental concerns center on carbon dioxide emissions from calcination and fuel combustion, energy intensity and dust or other pollutants. Measures include energy efficiency improvements, waste heat recovery, use of alternative fuels, clinker substitutions, and emissions controls such as baghouses or scrubbers.

Globally, cementworks are concentrated in regions with abundant limestone and demand for construction. The industry has a long history, with modern plants evolving since the 19th century to improve efficiency, product quality, and environmental performance.