The new way of processing cement replaces a large part of the clinker with artificial pozzolana, produced by calcining certain types of clays. This material is not only easier to exploit and handle, but also has no carbonates in its molecule, i.e. it pollutes less when heated.
According to Argos, the company's laboratory results show a reduction in CO2 emissions of up to 38% and a 30% reduction in energy consumption.
In the new process, the clay also goes through a kiln, but this time at 'only' 800 degrees Celsius and not at 1,400 degrees Celsius like the limestone.. This already means less consumption of fossil fuels to heat the furnace.
The innovation consists of getting the clay to achieve the characteristics of a high quality and reactive pozzolan. It requires the right balance between temperature, firing time, type of clay and other conditions that we cannot reveal because they are part of the intellectual property of the process," explained Carlos Aramburu, manager of alternative resources at Argos and the executive who led the research process.
