Cambridge University researchers have conducted the first scrap-metal trial melt in the Materials Processing Institute (MPI) Cement 2 Zero project, aiming to prove the potential of cement clinker production using graded, recycled concrete material as flux in electric arc furnace (EAF) steel milling. The project entails a collaboration of MPI and Cambridge; construction materials producers CELSA Steel UK, Day Aggregates and Tarmac; plus, contractors Atkins and Balfour Beatty. Each party will take a role in research, development, scaling and testing. Tarmac, the U.K. sister operation of the Ash Grove Cement, Oldcastle and CRH Americas Materials businesses, will test trial clinker to understand its grinding properties and assess key performance criteria.
Cement 2 Zero process inventor, Cambridge’s Dr. Cyrille Dunant, observed how the chemical composition of hydrated cement in hardened concrete is virtually identical to that of the lime-flux used in conventional EAFs. The flux floats on molten material and serves the all-important function of oxygen containment. The pilot-scale melts use flux material bearing recycled cement processed by Day Aggregates and international mining and minerals group LKAB, plus CELSA scrap steel inputs. Balfour Beatty and Atkins are defining protocols and detailing projects to test the pilot-scale EAF trial’s material output.
“The initial melt is a critical part of the project and a huge step towards creating a more efficient, environmentally friendly, and resource conscious manufacturing process contributing to the decarbonization of the construction, cement and steel sectors,” says MPI CEO Chris McDonald. “The preliminary findings are encouraging in terms of providing the project team with a much greater understanding of the process and how it can be improved and scaled.”
“This phase has started to provide us relevant insight as to whether the lime replacement material will function for steel making at an industrial scale,” adds CELSA UK CEO Carles Rovira. “We are committed to a Net Zero Pathway and embracing the principles of a circular economy. Investing resources in this ground-breaking collaborative project is a great opportunity for all involved.”