The best carbon capture technique for cement production is oxy-fuel combustion combined with post-combustion capture. Oxy-fuel combustion enables high CO₂ concentration in flue gases, making it easier and more efficient to capture. Additionally, post-combustion capture using amine-based solvents or advanced adsorption methods can be effective, especially when integrated into the plant’s exhaust systems. This combination enhances CO₂ capture efficiency, making it suitable for cement plants focused on reducing emissions.

-The use of wet process for cement manufacturing can reduce carbon emission

- Replace clinker with industrial by-products

Amine scrubbing is a well-established carbon capture technology that utilizes amine-based solvents to selectively absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) from flue gases. In this process, flue gas is introduced into an absorption column where it comes into contact with a solvent, typically a mixture of water and amines like monoethanolamine (MEA). The CO2 reacts with the amines to form a soluble carbonate salt, effectively removing CO2 from the gas stream. The CO2-rich solvent is then transferred to a desorber column, where it is heated to release pure CO2 for storage or utilization, while regenerating the solvent for reuse. This method can achieve CO2 capture rates of 85-95% with high purity, but it is energy-intensive due to the heating required for solvent regeneration, posing economic and environmental challenges. Despite these drawbacks, amine scrubbing remains the most advanced and commercially viable carbon capture solution available for the cement industry, with ongoing projects aimed at optimizing its efficiency and integration into existing processes.

The best carbon capture technique for a cement production plant depends on various factors, including the specific technology available, the scale of production, and the economic considerations. Ultimately, the best approach may involve a combination of techniques tailored to the cement production facility's specific needs and capabilities, considering factors like costs, technological maturity, regulatory requirements, and sustainability goals.

Cement production is a major source of CO₂ emissions, contributing to about 7–8% of global emissions, primarily from the calcination of limestone and energy use. The best carbon capture technique for a cement plant depends on factors like process integration, cost, energy efficiency, and scalability. Below are the most promising carbon capture techniques for cement plants:

1. Post-Combustion Capture

• Description: Captures CO₂ from flue gases after combustion using chemical solvents (e.g., amine-based systems).
• Advantages:Can be retrofitted to existing plants. Proven technology in industrial applications.
• Challenges:High energy demand for solvent regeneration. Large infrastructure requirement.
• Applicability to Cement: Effective for capturing CO₂ from exhaust gases of kilns.

2. Oxy-Fuel Combustion

• Description: Burns fuel with pure oxygen instead of air, producing a flue gas mainly composed of CO₂ and water, making CO₂ separation easier.
• Advantages:Produces high-purity CO₂, reducing separation costs. Can be combined with CO₂ utilization or storage.
• Challenges:High capital cost for air separation units. Retrofit challenges for existing plants.
• Applicability to Cement: Suitable for new cement plants; retrofitting existing ones is more complex.

3. Calcium Looping

• Description: Uses calcium oxide (CaO) to capture CO₂ from flue gases. The resulting calcium carbonate (CaCO₃) is then calcined, releasing CO₂ for storage or utilization.
• Advantages:High capture efficiency. Synergizes well with cement processes as it uses similar materials.
• Challenges:High energy demand for regeneration. Requires advanced process control.
• Applicability to Cement: Ideal for integrating with cement kilns since CaO is already used in clinker production.