CEMEX Colombia
The construction industry worldwide is under pressure to reduce its CO₂ emissions and use resources more efficiently. One key to this is the use of alternative fuels. CEMEX Colombia, part of the international building materials group CEMEX based in Mexico, relies on shredding technology from UNTHA and independently produces high-quality substitute fuels (RDF) for more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly cement production.
CEMEX Colombia has been producing cement, concrete, and other building materials for the construction industry for over 25 years. In order to meet the energy requirements of its cement kilns in a more sustainable manner, the company uses processed commercial and industrial waste, old tires, mattresses, and other high-calorific materials as alternative fuels. These fractions have a high calorific value and are ideal for replacing fossil fuels such as coal. With the help of industrial shredders – such as those from UNTHA – RDF with defined calorific values is produced that is precisely tailored to the thermal processes in the main burner and calciner. This not only reduces energy costs, but also significantly reduces CO₂ emissions.
1-stage shredding process
The robust C-cutting system produces a homogeneous output material with a grain size of 45–130 mm in just one step. Interchangeable perforated screens allow the shredder to be flexibly adapted for the production of different fuel qualities. With a throughput of up to 15 t/h and operating costs of less than €5/t, the XR3000C impresses with its energy efficiency, reliability, and low maintenance requirements. The plant processes around 2,000 tons of material per month, including difficult-to-handle waste such as tires and mattresses. Materials that would previously have been sent to landfill are now being recycled and returned to the energy cycle. CEMEX is thus making an active contribution to the circular economy and to reducing waste in landfills.
UNTHA Ibérica accompanied the project from planning to commissioning and continues to support CEMEX with expertise and technical assistance. For CEMEX Colombia, the XR3000C is not just a shredding solution, but a strategic tool for combining economic efficiency and environmental responsibility – and making the construction industry in Colombia more sustainable. “Previously, we could only process pre-treated materials. With the UNTHA XR3000C, we can now efficiently shred a wider range of waste to reliably supply the cement plant with energy,” explains Miguel Rocha, Portfolio Manager at CEMEX Colombia. “This allows us to reduce our costs, expand our range of products and services, and at the same time contribute to greater sustainability in the construction industry.”
Héctor Montellano, Sales & Business Development at UNTHA Ibérica, also emphasizes: “CEMEX Colombia is a prime example of how economic efficiency and environmental responsibility can be combined. The XR3000C is the ideal solution for converting heterogeneous waste into valuable energy.”
Images for download (reproduction for press purposes free of charge, image credit: UNTHA shredding technology GmbH) https://untha.canto.de/b/IIRBC
Images 1+2: UNTHA XR3000C stationary in the RDF plant of CEMEX Colombia
Image 3: The XR's C-cutter ensures homogeneous output material and high-quality RDF
Image 4: Héctor Montellano, Sales & Business Development at UNTHA Ibérica