Overview of the Multi-Sector Air Pollutants Regulations: part 3


Part 3 - Cement

Why is the government regulating kilns in cement manufacturing facilities?

Prior to the Multi-Sector Air Pollutants Regulations (MSAPR), there were no federal regulations that limited emissions of nitrogen oxide (NOX) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) from cement manufacturing facilities. The MSAPR will reduce these emissions to protect the health of Canadians and the environment. 

 

What is a cement kiln?

A cement kiln is an insulated chamber into which blended feedstock is introduced for processing to produce clinker. Clinker is the intermediary product to make cement. Clinker manufacturing is the largest source of air emissions in the cement manufacturing process.

 

How many cement manufacturing facilities are covered by the MSAPR?

The MSAPR apply to all new and existing cement facilities that manufacture clinker for the purpose of making grey cement. There are 15 grey cement manufacturing facilities across Canada, 4 in Quebec, 5 in Ontario, 3 in British Columbia, 2 in Alberta and 1 in Nova Scotia.

 

What are the performance standards for kilns in cement manufacturing facilities?

The performance standard for SO2 is 3.0 kg/tonne of clinker for all kiln types. The performance standards for NOX are 2.55 kg/tonne clinker or a 30% reduction from their reported 2006 emission intensity for wet and dry kilns; and 2.25 kg/tonne clinker for preheater and precalciner kilns.

 

How much will the MSAPR reduce emissions from cement manufacturing facilities?

The MSAPR will result in emission reductions across Canada. The MSAPR are estimated to result in a reduction of 5.5 kt of NOX over the 2017 to 2035 period from cement facilities. No SO2 reductions are estimated for cement facilities. 

 

How do these performances standards for kilns in cement manufacturing facilities compare to those in the U.S.?

The MSAPR apply to new and existing facilities. The performance standards are comparable to those applicable in the U.S. for existing cement facilities. New source performance standards proposed by the U.S. EPA to reduce NOX and SO2 emissions from new cement kilns are however more stringent than the base-level requirements in the MSAPR.

 

How can industry comply with the requirements for kilns in cement manufacturing facilities?

There is a broad range of proven technologies and operational improvements that will allow facilities to reduce their emissions of NOX and SO2 to meet the base-level industrial emissions requirements (BLIERs). These include improvements or combinations of energy efficiency, adoption of flue gas desulphurization for the reduction of SO2 and the introduction of selective non-catalytic reduction for the control of NOX. The estimated cost to comply with the Regulations is $8.7 million, between 2016 and 2035.

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