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How does the wet process of cement manufacturing differ from the dry process?
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Cement
The cement-making process, from crushing and grinding of raw materials, through roasting of the ground and mixed ingredients, to final cooling and storing of the finished product.
The primary difference between the wet and dry processes of cement manufacturing lies in the state of the raw materials when they are fed into the kiln.1
- Wet Process: Raw materials are ground with water to create a slurry, which is then stored in tanks and stirred using mechanical means or compressed air. This slurry typically contains 35 to 45 percent water, though it may be filtered to reduce moisture to 20 to 30 percent before entering the kiln to improve fuel efficiency.21
- Dry Process: Raw materials are ground into a dry powder, which is stored in silos and blended using compressed air.21
Because the wet process requires the evaporation of significant amounts of water during the burning stage, it generally consumes more fuel than the dry process. Given that cement production is a major contributor to global warming through carbon dioxide emissions, improving energy efficiency in these processes is an essential ethical priority for the industry.21