Evaluation of CO₂ and Grinding Energy Reduction Potential of Synergistic Use of Rice Husk Ash in Cement Production
1*Bello, T., 2Raheem, A. A and 1Oguntola, I. O.
1Department of Civil Engineering, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso Oyo State, Nigeria
2Department of Building Technology, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, Nigeria
DOI: 10.36108/laujoces/5202.51.0111
Abstract
The cement industry is a major global contributor to carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions and energy consumption. This study investigates the potential of Rice Husk Ash (RHA) as a supplementary cementitious material to mitigate the environmental impacts arising from cement production processes. these environmental impacts. Portland limestone cement (PLC) clinker was partially replaced with RHA at levels from 10% to 50% by mass (M10-M50). CO₂ emissions were calculated using both a direct mass balance and the IPCC methods, while grinding energy was measured experimentally and scaled to a perton basis. Results demonstrate a direct correlation between clinker replacement and environmental savings. The IPCC method indicated CO₂ emission reductions of 10.53% to 53.63% during clinkering from M10 to M50% respectively, and total cement production emissions fell by 30.96, 24.77, 18.58, 12.38 and 6.19%, at M50- M10 respectively. Furthermore, grinding energy consumption decreased significantly by 52.70, 50.92, 45.27, 40.17 and 33.01% at M50-M10 respectively. This research concludes that utilization of high-volume RHA to partially replace clinker by 50% in cement offers a viable, dual pathway strategy for enhancing the sustainability of cement production.
Keywords: CO₂ Emissions, Grinding Energy, Clinker Replacement, Rice Husk Ash, Supplementary Cementitious Materials, Sustainable Cement