The potential utilization of solid waste as alternative fuel in cement industry (case study of PT Semen Padang)

Abstract

To reduce fossil fuel usage and promote eco-friendly energy, PT Semen Padang uses Alternative Fuels (AF) instead of coal. This study focuses on projecting the use of solid waste as AF from 2023-2030. It compares the waste's calorific value and proximate analysis with standards, calculates its potential use based on the Thermal Substitution Rate (TSR), and plans the necessary equipment. The tested waste includes Spent Bleaching Earth (SBE), rice husk, calliandra, palm fiber, and sawdust. The AF's characterization follows ASTM D 2015 for calorific value and ASTM 3172-3175 for proximate analysis. Results are compared to the RDF Specification Guidelines of 2017. The largest volume of waste used as AF is SBE (35,060 tons/year), while the smallest is 397 tons/year in stage III (2029-2030). Rice husk, calliandra, and sawdust meet the standards for AF in cement production. SBE doesn't meet the calorific value and ash content standard, and palm fiber doesn't meet the moisture content standard. The potential use of solid waste as AF reaches PT Semen Padang's target of 5.792% from 2023-2027. The necessary equipment for waste utilization as AF includes a shredder, dryer, mixing machine, and pyrolysis reactor.