01.05.2025
Research projects
CO₂ capture in cement production using shaft calciner in combination with a rotary kiln
As plans are progressing for the CCUS infrastructure for transporting, storing and using CO₂, it is becoming increasingly clear that the separated CO₂ must be very pure in order to be used or stored. CC technologies are currently being planned with considerable engineering effort and electricity consumption for gas cleaning systems to separate unwanted accompanying substances. This is where this project comes in. It aims to investigate an innovative concept that could significantly reduce this effort.
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01.04.2025
Research projects
Behaviour of trace elements in modern rotary kiln systems - effects on emissions, CO₂ separation systems and the product
Precise material balances and up-to-date transfer factors are essential for evaluating trace element emissions in cement clinker production. Outdated data makes it difficult to use modern, CO₂-neutral raw materials and fuels. The project aims to update the transfer factors to support industry, the environment and climate protection.
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01.07.2024
Research projects
Performance of two-layer concrete pavers using clinker efficient cements with focus on freeze-thaw resistance
Following the recommendations of the CO₂ roadmap, a minimum of 50 % of concrete for pavers will be produced with CEM II/C or similar clinker efficient cements by 2050. Proof of their practicability for production of two-layer pavers is still pending. This research project aims to develop actions for paver manufacturers to ensure a production of concrete pavers with a high resistance to freeze-thaw attack with de-icing chemicals using clinker efficient cements.
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01.12.2022
Research projects
REDOL - Aragon's REgional Hub for circularity: Demonstration Of Local industrial-urban symbiosis initiatives
Redol deals with closing material cycles using the city of Zaragoza as an example. The research project focuses on solid urban waste, which is an abundant source to produce circular products. Five value chains for solid urban waste in the Aragon region will be redesigned in order to be able to produce circular products using an industrial-urban symbiosis approach.
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05.10.2026
Training
Energy balances and efficiency
In this training you will learn how to conduct and evaluate cement kiln and mill trials. Kiln and mill examinations are carried out in order to gather data on the performance and to validate warranty performance data such as the output, the energy consumption, input/output ratio or the efficiency. Using this data as a reliable basis, you can for example optimise individual components of the operating system as well as the cement quality, reduce energy demands as well as emissions, evaluate material cycles and reduce coating formation.
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01.05.2023
Research projects
Fire performance of ecologically optimised concretes
The purpose of the research project is to gain the first systematic scientific findings on spalling behaviour in the event of fire and on thermo-mechanical and thermo-physical properties for concretes with the new clinker-efficient cement types and with recycled aggregates.
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20.04.2026
Training
Firing alternative fuels 2026
In this training you will become familiar with all relevant aspects concerning the use of alternative fuels in cement plants. Starting with the main political drivers such as the circular economy and the European waste fuel strategy, you will get a detailed insight into the current state-of-the-art-situation with regard to the use of alternative fuels in the EU. In this context, pre-treatment and suitable quality control of alternative fuels will be also explained and presented to you. You will focus on all the relevant aspects of the use of alternative fuels in the burning process (e.g. drivers and barriers of their use, available process technology and latest developments) and discuss them in the sessions. You will acquire knowledge about technical feasibility and optimisation potential, and have the possibility to discuss case studies.
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01.04.2021
Research projects
Reduction of green house gases by process innovations in the primary Industry, SP 6: Development of a methodology for cross-project and ecological potential assessment, cement industry
The transfer and networking project ReInvent aims to provide technical and organisational support for the BMBF funding measure KlimPro-Industrie.
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01.10.2022
Research projects
CaLby2030 – Calcium Looping to capture CO2 from industrial processes by 2030
In CaLby2030, the deployment of Calcium Looping technology (CaL) using Circulating Fluidised Bed reactors (CFB) in the cement industry will be investigated, aiming at efficient CO₂-Capture without compromising clinker production or product quality. A technology scale-up will be also evaluated in a German cement plant by exploring different retrofit possibilities. Besides the cement sector, the deployment of CFB-CaL technology in other relevant sectors will also be investigated.
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16.03.2026
Training
Burning technology in cement production
Clinker production is the most energy-intensive process step in cement manufacturing. It can represent up to 90% of the total energy demand in a cement plant and is therefore a main focus not only with regard to cost optimisation and quality improvement of the final product, but also regarding emission control and the reduction of impacts on the environment. VDZ’s training will enable you as participant to obtain a deeper knowledge of the clinker production process and a better understanding of how the daily decisions can impact the overall performance of the plant (quality, electrical energy use, fuel consumption and emissions).
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