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In keeping with our time-honoured tradition, this year's edition of the "Environmental data of the German cement industry" again provides an in-depth insight into the use of raw materials, energy input and the various emissions produced by German cement manufacturers. This encompasses not only the dust and dust bound constituents, but also the inorganic and organic exhaust gas compounds. A further aspect of our environmental data is information on carbon dioxide emissions, the reduction of which is a particular focal point in connection with the decarbonisation of cement production.

The aim of the research project was to define the procedure for robust and precise dust analyses in factory laboratories in order to enable optimal utilisation of production dusts and to support process control.

We see diversity as an enrichment of our work and an opportunity for our company. Therefore, we strive for equal participation of all genders and cultures in our workforce.

The research project analyses whether sulphate-rich process dusts can be used to optimise the sulphate content of cements, thereby saving anhydrite/gypsum and, in particular, improving the early strength of cements with several main constituents. Furthermore, it is to be determined whether isothermal heat flow calorimetry can be used as a fast and cost-effective investigation method for this purpose.

The aim of IGF project 21619 is to develop a training simulator with which learners can independently solve typical process engineering tasks within a virtual reality (VR) environment, particularly in connection with ball mills.

The aim of the research project is to investigate the suitability of previously largely unused mineral secondary raw materials from the stone and earth industry as a resource-conserving and climate-friendly main cement constituent. The use of cal-cined clays from secondary raw materials instead of conventional main cement constituents or high-quality primary clays can make an important contribution to the production of climate-friendly and resource-efficient cements.

The cement industry provides excellent job opportunities for young engineers and scientists. Training schemes introduce these new employees to cement technology, taking their different professional backgrounds into account. This online course provides a one-week in-depth training session which covers all relevant aspects of cement technology including chemistry, mineralogy and environmental aspects. Quality control as well as cement performance in mortar and concrete will also be covered.

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 production plant with a state-of-the-art supervisory control and data acquisition system (SCADA).

VDZ offers an online course that covers all the 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, the training will give a detailed view of 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. A main focus will be given to the drivers and barriers of the use of alternative fuels within the burning process. Relevant aspects will be explained and discussed with the participants. Finally, technical feasibilities, case studies and possible optimisation potential will be part of the training course. This training course provides four half-day training sessions in a webinar format. This unique format enables the employees to combine an adequate learning pace with their daily work in the plant.

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.