Skokie, IL – Oct. 4, 2019 – The Portland Cement Association (PCA) today announced the winners of the 2019 Chairman’s Manufacturing Performance Awards, which recognize PCA Associate Member company accomplishments in the advancement of cement manufacturing over the previous year.  PCA Associate Members are suppliers, engineers and consultants that support cement companies in the production of high quality cement in the most energy efficient and environmentally sound way possible.

Presented at the PCA Fall Board and Committee Meetings in Kissimmee, Florida, the awards recognize achievements in three main areas: innovative products, unique processes and best-in-class practices.  Entrants presented to a panel of PCA member judges earlier this year during a joint meeting of the PCA Environment & Energy and Manufacturing Technical committees.

1st place: RHI MAGNESITA – For a silicon dioxide impregnated refractory using nano-particle sized silica. The case study presented demonstrated reduced porosity, reduced permeability, increased alkali resistance, and increased abrasion resistance. Of particular note was the coating repellency, lower thermal conductivity, and insensitivity to water vapor of this refractory.

2nd place: BEUMER Group – For a successful implementation of an alternative fuel system. The case study presented demonstrated storage, mixture, and feeding of four different alternative fuels to both ends of two kilns. Of particular note was the accomplishment of taking the plant from no alternative fuel use to a 25% substitution rate with alternative fuel feeding both at the main burner and at the preheater tower.

3rd place (TIE): FLSmidth, Inc. – For a high efficiency, high performance V-series rotary feeder and airlock that replaces screw pumps in many pneumatic conveying applications. The case study presented demonstrated a saving in power consumption of 32% with an annual cost savings of $160,000.

3rd place (TIE): W.L. Gore and Associates – For a low drag filter bag membrane installation. The case studies presented demonstrated energy savings and appreciable drops in differential pressures with one plant experiencing a 16% increase in feed rate and 9% increase in airflow.

To learn more about the PCA Associate Member program, or about the Chairman’s Manufacturing Awards, visit http://www.cement.org/awards/2019-chairmans-manufacturing-performance-award-winners

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The Portland Cement Association (PCA), founded in 1916, is the premier policy research, education, and market intelligence organization serving America’s cement manufacturers. PCA members represent 91 percent of U.S. cement production capacity and have facilities in all 50 states. The association promotes safety, sustainability, and innovation in all aspects of construction, fosters continuous improvement in cement manufacturing and distribution and generally promotes economic growth and sound infrastructure investment.