Alternative Fuel (AFR) Feeding
Controlled Feeding for Irregular and High-Impact Materials
The cement industry is undergoing a structural transformation. Alternative Fuels & Raw Materials (AFR) are no longer experimental, they are central to decarbonization strategy, cost control, and regulatory compliance.
However, AFR feeding is one of the most mechanically demanding applications inside a cement plant. Unlike coal or raw meal, AFR materials are heterogeneous, variable in size and density, often abrasive, sometimes sticky or fibrous, and irregular in flow behavior.
Oswar Rotocorp Rotary Air Locks are designed to manage this complexity while preserving kiln stability and pressure integrity.
What Makes This Zone Demanding
Why AFR Feeding is Mechanically Challenging
- AFR materials include shredded plastics, biomass, RDF, tyre chips, industrial waste, and sewage sludge blends
- These materials do not flow uniformly and can bridge or block
- Cause high internal wear and introduce pressure instability
- Unstable feeding results in flame instability and inconsistent combustion
- Kiln upset conditions increase energy losses and maintenance frequency
Engineering Requirements for AFR Rotary Air Locks
- Structural reinforcement to handle shock loads
- Wear-resistant internal protection for abrasive materials
- Shock-resistant rotor construction for irregular material impacts
- Pressure sealing integrity and continuous duty capability
- Standard light-duty valves are not suitable for AFR environments
How Oswar Rotocorp Solves It
Abrasive Series for Irregular Materials
- Replaceable wear liners and hardened rotor tips
- Reinforced rotor arms for shock absorption
- Optimized clearance control maintains sealing efficiency
- Abrasion-resistant housing design for sustained wear protection
Heavy Duty Series for Continuous AFR Systems
- High-torque drive compatibility handles dense and irregular loads
- Structural rigidity under load prevents deformation
- Shock absorption capability protects against material impact
- Stable pocket discharge and long service intervals
Stable Feeding Under Variable Material Conditions
- Consistent volumetric discharge despite density fluctuations
- Reduced pulsation minimizes pressure disturbance to kiln
- Stable feed rate control protects combustion consistency
- Engineered pocket geometry handles mixed-size materials
Pressure Integrity & False Air Prevention
- Precision-machined rotors prevent false air ingress
- Advanced sealing systems maintain pressure isolation
- Protects combustion temperature and thermal efficiency
- Reduces fuel consumption and improves clinker quality
Engineering Features
Operational Benefits
Recommended Series for Alternative Fuel (AFR) Feeding
AFR is not just a fuel shift, it is a process transformation. Reliable feeding systems are essential to achieving stable combustion, emission compliance, and operational efficiency. Oswar Rotocorp Rotary Air Locks provide the mechanical durability and pressure control required for modern Alternative Fuel feeding systems.