ZKG Cement, Lime, Gypsum 2022, 75(8), S.46-51

The working plan of the Research Institute of the Cement Industry was aimed at systematic investigation of the mix formulation and workability of a nano-based cement-bound adhesive.

In the IGF (Cooperative Industrial Research) project the framework conditions for a possible performance test method for evaluating the alkali reactivity of concrete was calibrated on the basis of the requirements of the German regulations.

The aim of this research project was the laboratory and industrial production and testing of cements that contain levels of limestone above the maximum content described in DIN EN 197-1.

Participants will get a comprehensive overview of concepts for ensuring the durability of concrete structures. In addition to the damage mechanisms the concrete technology and design elements as well as the execution are explained. On the basis of examples the influence of the cement on durability-relevant parameters is going to be explained. Performance concepts and the principles of service life design are also addressed. For the participants it is possible to discuss their current issues from operational practice.

This training will provide knowledge of 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. They also provide a reliable foundation for the optimisation of individual operational system components, the cement quality, the reduction of emissions levels and for assessment of material cycles and coating formations.

The SIMULEX® cement plant simulator for training plant supervisors, foremen, production personnel, control room operators and young engineers was developed by KHD Humboldt Wedag AG in cooperation with VDZ. For over ten years VDZ has been using the simulator within the framework of training courses and has been continually supporting the further development of the system with practical input from the industry. As a result, the simulator provides a realistic reconstruction of a cement plant with a state-of-the-art supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA).

Climate protection and digitisation are key challenges for the cement industry: More than 600 representatives from the international cement industry and associated suppliers, as well as from scientific and research institutes around the world, gathered at the International VDZ Congress 2018 in Duesseldorf at the end of September. Steeped in tradition, the VDZ Congress is one of the world's most important events in the industry. The 40 talks held at this year's congress focused on particularly pressing topics such as climate protection and digitisation. The participants also discussed current technical challenges and the general situation with regard to cement production. A further highlight was an evening ceremony at which the winners of the VDZ Industrial Safety Prize 2017 received their awards.