ACT - Advanced Cement Technology

ACT is a scalable breakthrough cement technology that combines a range of technical innovations with the use of widely available low-carbon materials for rapid and competitive decarbonisation of cement production by as much as 70%,

Ecocem's ACT (Advanced Cement Technology) is a low-carbon cement technology developed by Ecocem Ireland, a company specializing in the production of ground granulated blast-furnace slag (GGBS), a sustainable alternative to traditional Portland cement. Ecocem ACT is a blended cement that contains a high proportion of GGBS, which reduces the overall carbon footprint of the cement production process.

Here's a detailed description of Ecocem's ACT technology:

1. Raw materials: Ecocem ACT is produced by blending Portland cement clinker with GGBS, a byproduct of the steel industry. GGBS has excellent cementitious properties and is produced at a much lower carbon intensity than clinker. The use of GGBS in Ecocem ACT reduces the carbon footprint of the cement by up to 80% compared to traditional Portland cement.

2. Manufacturing process: The manufacturing process of Ecocem ACT involves grinding the blended raw materials (clinker and GGBS) together to a fine powder, which is then mixed with gypsum to adjust the setting time. This process is more energy-efficient and has lower emissions compared to the traditional cement production process, which involves heating limestone, clay, and other materials at high temperatures to form clinker.

3. Performance: Ecocem ACT has superior performance characteristics compared to traditional Portland cement. It provides improved workability, durability, and resistance to aggressive environments, such as exposure to chlorides and sulfates. This makes it a suitable material for use in various construction applications, including concrete structures, roads, bridges, and marine infrastructure.

4. Environmental benefits: The use of Ecocem ACT in construction projects contributes to sustainable development and helps reduce the carbon footprint of the built environment. The high GGBS content in Ecocem ACT not only reduces emissions during production but also results in a more durable and long-lasting concrete, which reduces the need for maintenance and replacement. Additionally, the use of GGBS in Ecocem ACT helps divert waste from the steel industry and contributes to a circular economy.

In summary, Ecocem's ACT technology is an innovative low-carbon cement solution that combines the benefits of Portland cement and GGBS. It provides superior performance characteristics, reduces the carbon footprint of cement production, and contributes to a more sustainable built environment.

Basic information about the technique

Production data

Associated main production process(es) and product(s): Cement production

Production data: 400,000 ton product per year

Relevant alternative technique

Standard cement produced in rotary kilns typically consists of Portland cement, which is made by heating limestone and clay at high temperatures to form clinker. The clinker is then ground with gypsum to produce the final cement.

Participant Companies