Result description
Concrete is a highly durable material and when used effectively, it helps buildings to be extremely energy-efficient. Demand will increase due to the global population growth and the trend to further urbanisation. However, cement production is CO2 intensive (8% of global CO2 emissions). The majority of these CO2 emissions are released directly and unavoidably from the processing of the raw materials – not from the combustion of fossil fuels.
LEILAC is piloting a new technology that re-engineers the existing process flows by indirectly heating the limestone. Calix’s new system enables CO2 to be captured as it is released from the limestone because the furnace exhaust gases are kept separate. The design should also capable of working with a variety of energy sources (from electricity to alternative fuels) and other capture options.
This simple and effective solution requires no additional chemicals, energy, or processes – and may be an effective, very low-cost carbon capture option.
The LEILAC project involves the construction of a pilot plant at the HeidelbergCement plant in Lixhe, Belgium. Extensive research, development and engineering was necessary to design and construct the pilot – which was brought in on time and on budget.
It will have a feed rate capacity of up to 240 tonnes per day of raw meal for cement production (the equivalent to 5% of a typical cement plant’s capacity) and 200 tonnes ground limestone, operating over a continuous basis for several weeks at a time.
With the commencement of operations, albeit not yet pushed to maximum capacity, initial trials of the LEILAC pilot are extremely promising and that the technology is working as expected. It has successfully demonstrated that limestone can be processed; that the CO2 is successfully separated; that there have been no negative impacts on the host plant, and no impact on clinker production; and that the pilot is safe and easy to operate, with no safety incidents.
Addressing target audiences and expressing needs
- We are sharing our knowledge
- Grants and Subsidies
- Others/ No specific audience
- Public or private funding institutions
R&D, Technology and Innovation aspects
The low-cost, 60-metre tall pilot plant, has been built – on time and budget – at the operational cement plant at Lixhe, Belgium. It aims to process around 5percent of a typical cement plant’s material, separating the CO2 without the need for additional energy or processes.
The next stage will involve creating a low-cost ‘module’ processing at least 20 percent of a typical cement plant’s material.
Result submitted to Horizon Results Platform by CALIX – EUROPE
