TestCenter expanded to support sustainable cement production
Qlar (formerly Schenck Process) has expanded its TestCenter in Darmstadt, Germany, to support customers in testing material blending and dosing processes – particularly for sustainable cement production. The updated facility now enables detailed simulation and evaluation of alternative material combinations used to reduce clinker content in cement, which is a key strategy for lowering CO₂ emissions in the industry.
The expanded TestCenter allows customers to conduct trials using additives such as granulated blast furnace slag, fly ash, calcined clay, and recycled materials. The aim is to determine optimal mixing ratios and assess material compatibility before large-scale production.
The upgraded facility includes a closed-loop system equipped with the MULTICOR S mass flow meter and the LIW Feeder MET screw feeder. The MULTICOR S measures material flow up to 7 tonnes per hour with an accuracy of ±0.5%, using the Coriolis principle. This precision enables reliable blending of materials with varying particle sizes. In combination with the screw feeder, two-component processes can be simulated, with initial mixing occurring as the material passes through the measuring wheel.
According to Qlar, customers can analyse the results of these trials to fine-tune their production parameters. The facility complements Qlar’s existing test capabilities, which include weighing, feeding, and pneumatic conveying.
In addition to Darmstadt, Qlar operates testing facilities in Prague and Doncaster, focusing on alternative fuels and conveying systems respectively.
An initial trial with an international cement producer has been completed, and further test series are underway.
With the completion of the renovation of its TestCenter in Darmstadt, Qlar now offers its customers comprehensive support in the simulation of mixing processes
Our goal is to play a leading role in implementing solutions and validating clinker substitutes in order to significantly reduce CO2 emissions in cement production,’ says André Appel, Head of the Test Centre in Darmstadt
The new circulation system at the TestCenter allows different products to be combined with one another and accuracy tests to be carried out using different measuring principles
