Characterise and optimise your fuel flows

In other words, as a cement manufacturer that consumes the finished product, you can reduce your GTPA according to the proportion of biogenic carbon you produce. 
If you want to sell your waste, you can enhance its value by determining the biogenic carbon content and sell your product at a higher price.

How can the biogenic fraction of CO₂ reduce GTPA?

Numerous jurisdictions consider energy produced from the biogenic fraction of MSW (municipal solid waste) to be renewable.

According to the IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change), only CO₂ emissions resulting from oxidation of carbon in waste of fossil origin (plastics, synthetic fabrics, etc.) are considered net emissions and should be included in CO₂ emissions estimates. CO₂ emissions from combustion of biomass materials (e.g. food waste, wood and paper) are biogenic emissions and should not be included in the estimates.

Carbon is a common fuel source, historically derived from oil fields or wood. The development of virtuous circles and a circular economy has extended to (synthetic) plastic materials and wood waste. In order to limit the depletion of fossil fuels, current legislation differentiates taxation of CO₂ emissions by distinguishing between two cases: the use of carbon of biological (short-term) origin, such as wood, and the use of carbon of synthetic (fossil) origin. 

Determination of renewable carbon content in the analytical laboratory

We determine this content according to the EN 15440 standard or, since 1 January 2021, ISO 21644. We have three determination methods available to us:

1. the carbon 14 method,
2. selective dissolution,
3. manual sorting.

The appropriate analyses are carried out in our laboratory in the Isère department in France. The resulting report clearly indicates the proportion of so-called biogenic (non-fossil) carbon in your product.

The benefits of having your analysis carried out at WESSLING 

• Rapid service
• Two methodologies available
• Analysis performed locally, in France.

Among the most commonly monitored parameters are: 

• humidity level
• heating value (LHV and HHV) 
• chlorine level
• ash content

In addition, some processes include measurements of synthetic organic matter and non-synthetic organic matter (SOM and NSOM) as well as inert content. 

Legally, a solid recovered fuel is considered as such if it meets the criteria set out in the decree of 23 May 2016 relating to the preparation of secondary fuels. The required parameters make it possible to assess the quality of the fuel from various aspects: pollutants, energy potential, ease of integration, etc.

Our experts will help you competently and reliably to ensure legal compliance with this decree.

The analysis parameters are generally similar to those required for the use of SRFs and LSFs. 
The main cement components are analysed to incorporate the material into the cement recipe. 
The pollutants are analysed to check that the material does not affect the quality of the cement and its physicochemical properties.

Cement factories are increasingly using waste materials. These include :

• soil polluted with hydrocarbons or heavy metals,
• shooting targets,
• sewage sludge,
• industrial wastewater sludge,
• etc.

Each waste product is subject to strict tests for specific purposes: to preserve the quality of the cement manufacturer's products while ensuring the sustainability of the plant and protecting the environment. 

The parameters studied differ from one cement manufacturer to another. We suggest you perform the following analyses:

• combustion parameters: humidity, elemental analysis, heating value, ash 
• pollutants, including halogens, chlorinated compounds, heavy metals, hydrocarbons and VOCs
• main cement components: Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, CaO, etc.

Analysis of all these parameters makes it possible to validate or not the acceptance of the product by the cement manufacturer and forms the basis for commercial negotiations. In fact, it is generally pollutants (heavy metals and halogens) that frustrate cement manufacturers.