Biomass substitution with petroleum fuels in drying processes at Hima Cement Limited.

Abstract

This report represents an evaluation of the feasibility of Biomass fuel substitution with petroleum fuels (that is; Natural gas, liquefied petroleum oils, heavy furnace oil ) in the drying processes at HIMA cement limited in order to reduce on the rates of deforestation and its impacts to the environment. In this analysis we determined the total amount of heat energy using biomass (wood),the mass of fuel, direct carbon dioxide emissions and fuel costs of using a given fuel were determined and compared to create a baseline for the research. Using the operating data of the unit, the total heat energy for drying was determined by carrying out an energy balance around the unit. The total energy was later on used together with calorific values to calculate the mass of fuel required for drying. Direct carbon dioxide emissions were also determined basing on the combustion reactions and the specific carbon contents in a particular fuel. The cost analysis was done basing on the current fuels prices and this was used to estimate the cost of using a particular fuel. The results were compared between wood and petroleum fuels and according to the research findings, wood substitution is feasible with Natural gas since it offers advantages of both reduced direct carbon dioxide emissions and reduced costs compared to wood. However, Liquefied petroleum gas and Heavy fuel oil on the other hand only offer reduced carbon dioxide emissions with no economic incentives.