Methodological development for the optimisation of electricity cost in cement factories: the use of artificial intelligence in process variables

Cement factories require large amounts of energy. 70% of the variable cost goes to energy—33% to kiln thermal energy and 37% to electrical energy. This paper represents the second stage of a broader research study which aims at optimising electricity cost in a cement factory by means of using artificial intelligence. After an analysis of the different tools that could be highly useful for the optimisation of electricity cost, for which a systematic review of the literature and surveys and an expert panel of 42 professionals in the cement sector were carried out, a methodology was developed in order to reduce electricity cost by optimising not only different variables of the production process, but also regulated electricity costs and electricity market costs. Artificial neural networks and genetic algorithms will be the tools to be used in this methodology, which can be applied to any cement plant in the world, and, by extension, to any electro-intensive consumer. The innovation of this research work is based on the use of a methodology that not only combines two different variables at the same time—process variables and regulated prices—but also makes use of artificial intelligence tools techniques.

Mortars with CDW Recycled Aggregates Submitted to High Levels of CO2

Construction and demolition wastes (CDW) are generated at a large scale and have a diversified potential in the construction sector. The replacement of natural aggregates (NA) with CDW recycled aggregates (RA) in construction materials, such as mortars, has several environmental benefits, such as the reduction in the natural resources used in these products and simultaneous prevention of waste landfill. Complementarily, CDW have the potential to capture CO2 since some of their components may carbonate, which also contributes to a decrease in global warming potential. The main objective of this research is to evaluate the influence of the exposure of CDW RA to CO2 produced in cement factories and its effect on mortars. Several mortars were developed with a volumetric ratio of 1:4 (cement: aggregate), with NA (reference mortar), CDW RA and CDW RA exposed to high levels of CO2 (CRA). The two types of waste aggregate were incorporated, replacing NA at 50% and 100% (in volume). The mortars with NA and non-carbonated RA and CRA from CDW were analysed, accounting for their performance in the fresh and hardened states in terms of workability, mechanical behaviour and water absorption by capillarity. It was concluded that mortars with CDW (both CRA and non-carbonated RA) generally present a good performance for non-structural purposes, although they suffer a moderate decrease in mechanical performance when NA is replaced with RA. Additionally, small improvements were found in the performance of the aggregates and mortars with CRA subjected to a CO2 curing for a short period (5 h), while a long carbonation period (5 d) led to a decrease in performance, contrary to the results obtained in the literature that indicate a significant increase in such characteristics. This difference could be because the literature focused on made-in-laboratory CDW aggregates, while, in this research, the wastes came from real demolition activities, and were thus older and more heterogeneous.

Aspects Regarding Polluting Emissions to the Stack of Clincher Ovens in Romanian Cement Factories

The paper presents an analysis of the flow of flue gases and dust in the area of the clinker kiln and in the area of the flour mill, as well as emission data for the last three consecutive years at the flour mill stack - clinker kiln, from some cement factories in Romania. In general, both emissions of dust (total powders) and pollutant gases (SOx, NOx, CO, dioxins and furans, VOC, heavy metals, etc.) were within the permissible limits set out in the Integrated Environmental Permit of the individual plants.

RECRUIT SPATIAL SYMBOLS IN BRAND DESIGN

Brand plays a major role in the success of companies, the corporate identity has become firmly established in the business communication environment, and can play a major role in the success of the company. Spatial symbols do not take a mere narrative structural formation, because their presence is not a neutral, static presence, but rather plays an active role in brand design and even in determining its functional options. Accordingly, dealing with these symbols was of great importance, as they are one of the components of the semantic construction of the design work , It is one of the foundations that constitute the designer's vision towards achieving the desired goal of the design, In this context, the search for spatial symbols becomes justified, especially if the design is among the works that show the act of belonging to the place. the importance of the tagged study (the employment of spatial symbols in the design of brands) to clarify the subject through three chapters. The first chapter includes the research problem and the need for it Which is represented by the following question (What are spatial symbols and how are they employed in the brand)? The aim of the study was (to identify spatial symbols in brand design). It includes the importance of the research, the limits of the research, and the definition of terms. As for the second chapter, it included the theoretical framework consisting of four sections that included the first topic (the symbol and identity of the place) and the second topic (symbols in graphic design), while the third topic included (the brand design). The fourth topic included (research applications), as the researcher adopted the descriptive approach, the method of content analysis in analyzing research models. In the third chapter, the research reached the results and conclusions, including: 1-As a result, the spatial symbols in the brand achieve the depth of belonging and the cultural embodiment of the country to be employed in the brand. 2-The spatial symbols in the design of the brand have had a creative impact on the recipient, and it helps him identify the spatial references of the industrial establishment (cement factories).

Biomass Content in Scrap Tires and Its Use as Sustainable Energy Resource: A CO2 Mitigation Assessment

This project aims to present a methodology to establish the biomass content of unused tires as a typical fuel in cement factories. To this end, between 2011–2016 samples were collected every 2 years (four surveys) to assess natural and synthetic rubber in scrap tires through the thermodynamic analysis. Ninety-six samples were used in the study, 803.6 tonnes of scrap tires, as fuel. Knowing the Spanish vehicle fleet and considering undifferentiated tires, it is possible to predict the biomass content. The methodology has also been evaluated taking into consideration mono-brand samples. The simplicity of the methodology makes it possible to apply it in different regions and countries. New materials included in current and future tires will require constant samples and an assessment of the formulae state. Lastly, the biomass content in non-conventional fuels and its use in the cement sector will reduce CO2 emissions in said sector, with significant economic implications for it is regulated by the 2003/87/EC Directive, with up to 2792.91 tonnes of CO2 reductions.

The effects of limestone sources as calcium source on the performance and eggshell quality of laying chickens

Two hundred and twenty four pullets of shaver Star Cross 579 x Hubbard Golden Comet, that were 30 weeks of age and laying at 50% hen day production, were utilized in a completely randomized design to assess the suitability of limestone sources (procured from different cement factories) for laying hen performance and eggshell quality. Oystershell and bone meal were used in the control diet. Results showed that there were no significant (P>0.05) differences between the treatment mean values for initial body weight of chicken, egg production. Feed per dozen eggs. Eggshell thickness and eggshell percentage. However. Feed intake. Final body weight and egg weight varied significantly (P<0.05) among diets. Generally, diets that produced numerically higher rate of egg production resulted in significantly (P<0.05) smaller egg weights.