Hazemag supply large rapid dryer to CEMEX

IN 2006 Hazemag & EPR GmbH, based in Dülmen, Germany, received a contract for the supply of a rapid dryer to process clay of varying moisture content, for installation at CEMEX’s Broceni plant in Latvia.

Extensive trials in Hazemag’s own test plant demonstrated that the ASS-type rapid dryer would provide the solution to the client’s problem of pre-drying and de-agglomerating the clay prior to further processing.

The continuously operating dryer in question has been designed to handle feed material containing 16–25% moisture at a rate of 100–120 tonnes/h, generating a product with a residual moisture content of some 8–10%. In the drying process, the wet clay is agitated by twin paddle shafts, while at the same time being subjected to the uninterrupted thermal effect of hot drying gases.

Although not yet delivered, the dryer model selected for this application is already attracting considerable media attention owing to its huge size. The two agitator shafts each measure 1.8m in diameter and 6.1m in length, while the dryer housing is approximately 9.1m long x 4.5m wide x 7m high. If the framework for the unit’s inner, height-adjustable partition walls is also taken into consideration, its overall height is 8.7m.

Hazemag, who are also supplying the two double-pendulum flap gates for the feed and discharge units, say fabrication of the rapid dryer has been completed on schedule and to CEMEX’s complete satisfaction. The unit is due to be installed at the Broceni plant during the summer, with operation of the dryer commencing by the end of 2008.