Industry thought leader

(in German)

Executive Summary of the VDZ Study

Here you will find information about our corporate philosophy.

The topic of the research project is the utilisation of brick-containing materials from the recycling of mineral construction waste. It is being investigated whether and how resource-efficient cements can be produced with processed brick-containing construction waste and reduced clinker content, thus reducing process-related CO₂ emissions.

The IGF project 21386 N focuses on the relationship between the releasable alkali contents from aggregates and possible effects in concrete.

AI applications or machine learning applications such as soft sensors or assistance systems for production controllers represent promising solutions for process control and optimisation. However, this requires robust AI applications that do not jeopardise the operational safety of the complex production facilities in the cement industry.

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.

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.