Flow Aids Return Plant To Designed Production Rate
Product Types Used Air Cannon Solutions , Air Cannons , Flow Aid Accessories
Industry Cement
Customer CEMEX USA Balcones Plant New Braunfels, Texas

Problem

CEMEX Balcones Plant, New Braunfels, Texas

Material would build up at the inlet to the fourth stage (the highest level) of the pre-heater tower. These accumulations choked the flow of material, reducing the plant’s production from its design rate of 3000 to 2700 tons per day.

To regain capacity, the plant would take unscheduled outages to allow manual cleaning of the ducts. But after the cleaning, the buildup would resume, with flow choked again within ten days.

Solution

The Martin® Air Cannons installation included Martin® Thermo Safety Shields to protect maintenance workers from exposure to high temperatures.

Martin® Air Cannons were installed on the inlet to the fourth stage of the pre-heater. The installation included angled discharge nozzles, to prevent material falling back into the air cannons, and Martin® Thermo Safety Shields to protect maintenance personnel required to inspect or service the air cannon system.

Results

At the CEMEX Balcones Plant, the Martin® Air Cannon System paid for itself through improved production capacity, in less than one week.

Periodic checks of airflow through the fourth stage inlets by plant personnel indicate there is no material buildup. With the plant’s increased production rate, the air cannon system paid for itself in less than one week.

Resources

PDF - Printable Version of Case Study Download
Brochure - Air Cannons Download
Brochure - Martin Engineering Corporate Profile Download

View Additional Resources

We've solved your problem somewhere before!

While your problem seems unique and frustrating, with 70+ years of solving similar problems around the world, and with the most experienced and educated people on our teams, we can assure you that we’ve “Been There, Done That.” At least close enough to know what needs to be done next and adjust for your situation.

Put Us To The Test For Free! Let Us Give You a Solution.