From research to industrial application: New approaches to emission reduction at Holcim

A research project is evolving into an economically viable solution for the cement industry: By 2027, Scheuch will implement an innovative flue gas cleaning system for Holcim at the Dotternhausen cement plant in Germany. The system reduces emissions and integrates seamlessly into the site-specific energy concept.

The Scheuch plant reduces nitrogen oxides using proven catalyst technology and is complemented by an innovation in CO and VOC oxidation: Instead of thermal treatment, CO and VOC are converted catalytically for the first time – without any additional energy demand. Only during the heat-up phase and as a backup will small amounts of gas/biogas be required.

From research project to economically viable application

In the cement industry, CO and VOC conversion is typically carried out using thermal processes that require additional energy. However, the trials in Dotternhausen demonstrate that an efficient, site-integrated approach is feasible when relevant process conditions are met.

Based on these findings, a new plant concept was developed: a dedicated oxidation catalyst integrated into the overall system supplied by Scheuch. This transforms research results into a scalable and economically applicable solution.

Added value of the new OxiCat solution:

• Catalytic CO and VOC oxidation instead of thermal treatment
• No additional energy source required, thanks to the use of existing waste heat from the kiln process
• Developed and tested directly at the site