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INDUSTRIAL CASE STUDY: THE CEMENT INDUSTRY

CALMAC Study ID: PGE0251.01

FINAL REPORT
PREPARED FOR

PACIFIC GAS AND ELECTRIC COMPANY SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA


PREPARED BY

KEMA
with assistance from

LAWRENCE BERKELEY NATIONAL LABORATORY SEPTEMBER 2005

INDUSTRIAL CASE STUDY: THE CEMENT INDUSTRY


CALMAC Study ID: PGE0251.01

Final Report
Prepared for Pacific Gas and Electric Company San Francisco, California Prepared by KEMA Inc. Oakland, California with assistance from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Berkeley, California

September 2005

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTION 1 SECTION 2

INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................11 CEMENT INDUSTRY STATISTICS ..........................................................21 2.1 Economic Statistics........................................................................................21 2.2 Energy Usage .................................................................................................21 2.2.1 Peak Electricity Demand....................................................................23 2.3 Energy Intensity .............................................................................................23 2.4 References......................................................................................................24 CEMENT PRODUCTION PROCESS AND ENERGY USE.......................31 3.1 Introduction....................................................................................................31 3.2 Description of the Cement Production Process .............................................32 3.2.1 Mining and Quarrying........................................................................32 3.2.2 Raw Material Preparation ..................................................................33 3.2.3 Clinker Production (Pyro-Processing) ...............................................33 3.2.4 Finish Grinding ..................................................................................34 3.3 Cement Production Energy Use.....................................................................34 3.4 Technical Potential for Energy Efficiency.....................................................35 3.5 References......................................................................................................36 CUSTOMER INTERVIEWS.......................................................................41 4.1 Overview........................................................................................................41 4.2 General Information.......................................................................................41 4.3 Energy Characteristics ...................................................................................42 4.4 Energy as It Relates to Overall Business Factors ..........................................42 4.5 Overall Energy Management .........................................................................43 4.6 General Decision-Making Practices ..............................................................45 4.7 Energy Efficiency Decision Making..............................................................46 4.8 O&M Practices...............................................................................................46 4.9 Attitudes Towards Energy Efficiency............................................................47 4.10 Recent Energy Efficiency Project Activity....................................................48 4.11 Energy Efficiency Information and Program Activity...................................49 ENERGY-EFFICIENCY INITIATIVES .......................................................51 5.1 Portland Cement Association.........................................................................51 5.2 Cement Kiln Recycling Coalition..................................................................51 5.3 Climate VISION ............................................................................................51 i

SECTION 3

SECTION 4

SECTION 5

TABLE OF CONTENTS

5.4 5.5 5.6 SECTION 6

ENERGY STAR ............................................................................................52 Climate Leaders .............................................................................................52 References......................................................................................................53

OPPORTUNITIES AND BARRIERS .........................................................61 6.1 Energy Efficiency Opportunities ...................................................................61 6.1.1 O&M ..................................................................................................61 6.1.2 High Efficiency Equipment/Processes...............................................61 6.1.3 Process Controls.................................................................................62 6.2 Barriers to Energy Efficiency ........................................................................63 6.2.1 Barriers to Program Participation ......................................................64 6.3 References......................................................................................................64 RECOMMENDATIONS .............................................................................71

SECTION 7

APPENDIX A INTERVIEW GUIDE ................................................................................. A1 APPENDIX B CUSTOMER SURVEY RESULTS............................................................ B1

LIST OF TABLES Table 2-1 Table 2-2 Table 4-1 Table 4-2 Table 4-3 Table 4-4 Table 4-5

Cement Industry Economic Statistics ................................................21 Cement Industry Electricity and Natural Gas Consumption..............22 General Customer/Facility Information.............................................42 Rating of Key Business Factors (0 = Unimportant, 5 = Extremely Important).........................................................................43 Overall Energy Management Policy..................................................44 Usual Decision Making Process for Capital Improvements ..............45 Equipment-Specific O&M Practices..................................................47

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 2-1 Figure 2-2 Figure 3-1

Cement Industry End Use Electricity Consumption..........................22 Electric Energy Intensity Comparison ...............................................23 Simplified Process Schematic for Cement Making ...........................32

ii

1
1 INTRODUCTION

INTRODUCTION

This report summarizes a case study of the cement industry in California. The study was conducted to assist the four investor-owned utilities, Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E), San Diego Gas and Electric Company (SDG&E), Southern California Edison Company (SCE), and Southern California Gas Company (SCG), to improve their understanding of industrial customers opportunities to save significant amounts of energy. This study was conducted at the request of the California Public Utilities Commission. The study was managed by PG&E. It was funded through the public goods charge (PGC) for energy efficiency and is available for download at www.calmac.org. The cement industry in California consists of 31 sites than consume roughly 1,600 GWh and 22 million therms per year. Eleven of these sites are involved in full-scale cement production, while the remainder of the facilities provides grinding and mixing operations only. The eleven fulloperation sites account for over 90% of the California cement industrys electric use and 80% of the natural gas use. The goals of this case study include the following: Develop an understanding of the key processes and associated energy consumption in the cement industry; Identify key energy efficiency opportunities and associated technical potential for the cement industry; Identify key barriers that preclude cement customers for adopting energy efficient practices and equipment; Examine how current PGC-funded programs can better address these customers barriers to implementation of more energy efficiency measures. The primary approach to this case study involved walk-through surveys of customer facilities and in depth interviews with customer decision makers and subsequent analysis of collected data. In addition, a basic review of the cement production process was developed, and summary cement industry energy and economic data were collected, and analyzed. The remainder of this report is organized as follows: Section 2 summarizes California cement industry statistics Section 3 provides an overview of the cement production process Section 4 presents results of interviews with cement industry customers Section 5 identifies energy efficiency initiatives in the cement industry

11

SECTION 1

INTRODUCTION

Section 6 summarizes opportunities and barriers to increased energy efficiency in the cement industry; and Section 7 discusses possible ways to increase energy efficiency in the cement industry.

In addition, Appendix A shows the interview guide used to structure cement industry customer surveys, and Appendix B provides a tabulation of survey results.

oa:projects:wpge0070:report:cement:final:1_intro

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2
2 CEMENT INDUSTRY STATISTICS

CEMENT INDUSTRY STATISTICS

The cement manufacturing industry is identified by North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) code 32731 (formerly identified as SIC code 3241). The cement industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing portland, natural, masonry, pozzalanic, and other hydraulic cements. Cement manufacturing establishments may calcine earths or mine, quarry, manufacture, or purchase lime.1

2.1

ECONOMIC STATISTICS

In California, the cement industry employs approximately 1,990 workers and has an annual value of shipments of about $850 million. Table 2-1 presents economic statistics for the California cement industry, as compared to U.S. cement industry totals. Table 2-1 Cement Industry Economic Statistics
California Total establishments Establishments with 20 employees or more Number of employees Payroll ($1,000s) Number of production workers Total hours worked (1,000s) Total wages ($1,000s) Value added ($1,000s) Cost of materials ($1,000s) Value of shipments ($1,000s) Total capital expenditures ($1,000s) 31 15 1,927 93,795 1,461 3,118 66,434 486,760 354,774 846,898 66,207 U.S. 279 136 16,973 735,506 12,524 27,294 498,875 4,027,714 2,479,050 6,540,243 506,015 CA share of U.S. 11% 11% 11% 13% 12% 11% 13% 12% 14% 13% 13%

Source: 1997 Economic Census, http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/econ97.html

2.2

ENERGY USAGE

In California, the cement industry consumes approximately 1,600 GWh per year, 220 MW, and 22 million therms per year. This represents about 5% of California manufacturing electricity consumption and 1% of California manufacturing natural gas consumption. Table 2-2 compares cement industry electricity and natural gas use for California and the U.S.
1

U.S. Census Bureau definition, http://www.census.gov/epcd/naics02/def/NDEF327.HTM#N32731

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CEMENT INDUSTRY STATISTICS

Table 2-2 Cement Industry Electricity and Natural Gas Consumption


Energy Use Type GWh per year MW Million therms per year California 1,620 224 22 U.S. 11,900 na 260 CA share of U.S 14% na 8%

Source: Utility billing data, CEC forecast database, and 1998 MECS data

Figure 2-1 shows typical end use electricity consumption shares, based on 1998 Manufacturing Energy Consumption Survey (MECS) data. Most of the usage is in the machine drive end use, associated with grinding, crushing, and materials transport. Cement industry natural gas consumption is concentrated in the process heating end use (about 90% of total gas consumption), which involves clinker production in large kilns. In most cases natural gas is used as a supplemental fuel to coal. Only one California plant utilizes gas as a primary kiln fuel. This is a relatively small plant that produces white cement. The remainder of the natural gas usage is associated with boiler and machine drive end uses. Figure 2-1 Cement Industry End Use Electricity Consumption

Process Heating 10% Process Othe 2% HVAC 3% Process Machine Drive 81% Lighting 3% Other 1%

Source: 1998 MECS

Of the 31 cement facilities in California, 11 are involved in full cement operation from raw materials. The production at the remainder of the facilities involves grinding and readymix of clinker that is produced in other facilities, either domestically or abroad. The 11 full operation facilities account for the majority of California energy use and these large facilities tend to use

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CEMENT INDUSTRY STATISTICS

ten to twenty times as much energy as the grinding/readymix facilities. The focus of this case study is on the larger full-scale facilities. 2.2.1 Peak Electricity Demand Most California cement plants have a reverse peak electric load profile (i.e. their demand is lower during the peak hours) because they consciously defer peak load. They try to stockpile certain crushed products when they can so that they can shut down or slow down large process mills or fans during the on peak hours. The kilns operate at full capacity continuously.

2.3

ENERGY INTENSITY

Energy intensity can be examined by combining information on energy usage (Table 2-2) with information on cement industry economic activity (Table 2-1). Electricity use per production worker and per dollar of valued added are presented in Figure 2-2. Data for the overall manufacturing sector are presented for comparison purposes. As the figure illustrates, electric energy intensity in the cement industry is well above the industrial average. Also, the California cement industry is slightly more electricity intensive that the U.S cement average. Figure 2-2 Electric Energy Intensity Comparison
3.5 3.0 2.5 2.0 1.5 1.0 0.5 0.0 CA Cement US Cement CA Mfg US Mfg
GWh /production worker kWh per $ value added

Sources: Utility Billing Data, CEC Forecast Database, 1997 Economic Census, 1998 MECS

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CEMENT INDUSTRY STATISTICS

2.4

REFERENCES

California Energy Commission. June 2000. California Energy Demand 2000-2010. Technical Report to California Energy Outlook 2000 Docket #99-CEO-1. Sacramento, CA U.S. Census Bureau. 2000. Economic Census. Available online: http://www.census.gov/epcd/www/econ97.html U.S. Census Bureau. 2002. NAICS Definitions. Available online: http://www.census.gov/epcd/naics02/def/NDEF327.HTM#N32731 U.S. Energy Information Administration. 2004. 1998 Manufacturing Consumption Survey. Available online: http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/mecs/contents.html XENERGY Inc. 1998. United States Industrial Motor Systems Market Opportunities Assessment. Burlington, MA: US Department of Energy.

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3
3

CEMENT PRODUCTION PROCESS AND ENERGY USE

CEMENT PRODUCTION PROCESS AND ENERGY USE

3.1

INTRODUCTION

Cement is an inorganic, non-metallic substance with hydraulic binding properties, and is used as a bonding agent in building materials. It is a fine powder, usually gray in color, that consists of a mixture of the hydraulic cement minerals to which one or more forms of calcium sulfate have been added (Greer et al., 1992). Mixed with water it forms a paste, which hardens due to formation of cement mineral hydrates. Cement is the binding agent in concrete, which is a combination of cement, mineral aggregates and water. Concrete is a key building material for a variety of applications. The U.S. cement industry is made up of either portland cement plants that produce clinker and grind it to make finished cement, or clinker-grinding plants that intergrind clinker obtained elsewhere, with various additives. Clinker is produced through a controlled high-temperature burn in a kiln of a measured blend of calcareous rocks (usually limestone) and lesser quantities of siliceous, aluminous, and ferrous materials. The kiln feed blend (also called raw meal or raw mix) is adjusted depending on the chemical composition of the raw materials and the type of cement desired. Portland and masonry cements are the chief types produced in the United States. More than 90% of the cement produced in the U.S. in 1999 was portland cement, while masonry cement accounted for 5.0% of U.S. cement output in 1999 (USGS, 2001). Cement plants are typically constructed in areas with substantial raw materials deposits (e.g. 50 years or longer). There were 117 operating cement plants in the U.S. in 1999, spread across 37 states and in Puerto Rico, owned by 42 companies. Portland cement was produced at 116 plants in 1999, while masonry cement was produced at 83 plants (82 of which also produced portland cement). Clinker was produced at 109 plants (111 including Puerto Rico) in the U.S. in 1999. Production rates per plant vary between 0.5 and 3.1 million metric tons (Mt) per year. Fuel costs are the single largest variable production cost at cement plants. Variable costs are typically about 50% of overall operating costs, so energy is frequently the single largest production cost, besides raw materials. Labor is relatively small at a cement plant.

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3.2

DESCRIPTION OF THE CEMENT PRODUCTION PROCESS

3.2.1 Mining and Quarrying The most common raw materials used for cement production are limestone, chalk and clay. The major component of the raw materials, the limestone or chalk, is usually extracted from a quarry adjacent to or very close to the plant. Limestone provides the required calcium oxide and some of the other oxides, while clay, shale and other materials provide most of the silicon, aluminum and iron oxides required for the manufacture of portland cement. In California, the limestone is extracted from open-face quarries. The raw materials are selected, crushed, ground, and proportioned so that the resulting mixture has the desired fineness and chemical composition for delivery to the pyroprocessing systems (see Figure 3-1). It is often necessary to raise the content of silicon oxides or iron oxides by adding quartz sand and iron ore, respectively. The quarried material is reduced in size by processing through a series of crushers. Normally primary size reduction is accomplished by a jaw or gyratory crusher, and followed by secondary size reduction with a roller or hammer mill. The crushed material is screened and stones are returned. More than 1.5 tons of raw materials are required to produce one ton of portland cement (Greer et al., 1992; Alsop and Post, 1995). Figure 3-1 Simplified Process Schematic for Cement Making
Limestone Crusher Grinder Raw meal Kiln Clinker Grinder Cement
Limestone is the major process input. Other raw materials such as clay, shale, sand, quartz or iron ore may be added.

Additives

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3.2.2 Raw Material Preparation After primary and secondary size reduction, the raw materials are further reduced in size by grinding. The grinding differs with the pyroprocessing process used. In dry processing, the materials are ground into a flowable powder in horizontal ball mills or in vertical roller mills. In a ball (or tube) mill, steel-alloy balls (or tubes) are responsible for decreasing the size of the raw material pieces in a rotating cylinder, referred to as a rotary mill. Rollers on a round table fulfill this task of comminution in a roller mill. Utilizing waste heat from the kiln exhaust, clinker cooler hood, or auxiliary heat from a stand-alone air heater before pyroprocessing may further dry the raw materials. The moisture content in the kiln feed of the dry kiln is typically around 0.5% (0 - 0.7%). When raw materials are very humid, as found in some countries and regions, wet processing can be preferable1. In the wet process, raw materials are ground with the addition of water in a ball or tube mill to produce a slurry typically containing 36% water (range of 24-48%). Various degrees of wet processing exist, e.g. semi-wet (moisture content of 17-22%) to reduce the fuels consumption in the kiln. 3.2.3 Clinker Production (Pyro-Processing) Clinker is produced by pyroprocessing in large kilns. These kiln systems evaporate the inherent water in the raw meal, calcine the carbonate constituents (calcination), and form cement minerals (clinkerization). The main pyroprocessing kiln type used in the U.S. is the rotary kiln. In these rotary kilns a tube with a diameter up to 25 feet is installed at a 3-4 degree angle that rotates 1-3 times per minute. The ground raw material, fed into the top of the kiln, moves down the tube countercurrent to the flow of gases and toward the flame-end of the rotary kiln, where the raw meal is dried, calcined, and enters into the sintering zone. In the sintering (or clinkering) zone, the combustion gas reaches a temperature of 33003600 F. While many different fuels can be used in the kiln, coal has been the primary fuel in the U.S. since the 1970s. In a wet rotary kiln, the raw meal typically contains approximately 36% moisture. These kilns were developed as an upgrade of the original long dry kiln to improve the chemical uniformity in the raw meal. The water (due to the high moisture content of the raw meal) is first evaporated in the kiln in the low temperature zone. The evaporation step makes a long kiln necessary. The length to diameter ratio may be up to 38, with lengths up to 252 yards. The capacity of large units may be up to 4000 short tons of clinker per day. None of the cement plants in California operates a wet process clinker kiln. In a dry rotary kiln, feed material with much lower moisture content (0.5%) is used, thereby reducing the need for evaporation and reducing kiln length. The first development of the dry
1

Originally, the wet process was the preferred process, as it was easier to mix, grind and control the size distribution of the particles in a slurry form. The need for the wet process was reduced by the development of improved grinding processes, and improvement of the energy efficiency of the pyroprocessing systems.

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process took place in the U.S. and was a long dry kiln without preheating (Cembureau, 1997). Later developments have added multi-stage suspension preheaters (i.e. a cyclone) or shaft preheater. Pre-calciner technology was more recently developed in which a second combustion chamber has been added between the kiln and a conventional pre-heater that allows for further reduction of kiln fuel requirements. Once the clinker is formed in the rotary kiln, it is cooled rapidly to minimize the formation of a glass phase and ensure the maximum yield of alite (tricalcium silicate) formation, an important component for the hardening properties of cement. The main cooling technologies are either the grate cooler or the tube or planetary cooler. In the grate cooler, the clinker is transported over a reciprocating grate through which air flows perpendicular to the flow of clinker. In the planetary cooler (a series of tubes surrounding the discharge end of the rotary kiln), the clinker is cooled in a counter-current air stream. The cooling air is used as secondary combustion air for the kiln. 3.2.4 Finish Grinding After cooling, the clinker can be stored in the clinker dome, silos, bins, or outside. The material handling equipment used to transport clinker from the clinker coolers to storage and then to the finish mill is similar to that used to transport raw materials (e.g. belt conveyors, deep bucket conveyors, and bucket elevators). To produce powdered cement, the nodules of cement clinker are ground to the consistency of face powder. Grinding of cement clinker, together with additions (3-5% gypsum to control the setting properties of the cement) can be done in ball mills, ball mills in combination with roller presses, roller mills, or roller presses. While vertical roller mills are feasible, they have not found wide acceptance in the U.S. Coarse material is separated in a classifier that is re-circulated and returned to the mill for additional grinding to ensure a uniform surface area of the final product. Traditionally, ball mills are used in finish grinding, while many plants use vertical roller mills. In ball or tube mills, the clinker and gypsum are fed into one end of a horizontal cylinder and partially ground cement exits from the other end. Modern state-of-the-art concepts utilize a high-pressure roller mill and the horizontal roller mill (e.g. Horomill) (Seebach et al., 1996) that are claimed to use 20-50% less energy than a ball mill. The roller press is a relatively new technology, and is more common in Western Europe than in North America. Various new grinding mill concepts are under development or have been demonstrated (Seebach et al., 1996), e.g. the Horomill (Buzzi, 1997), Cemax (Folsberg, 1997a), the IHI mill, and the air-swept ring roller mill (Folsberg, 1997b).

3.3

CEMENT PRODUCTION ENERGY USE

Energy use associated with mining and quarrying raw materials for cement production are not typically included in the cement sector, but rather are accounted for in the mining sector. As such, the cement sector energy consumption is comprised of energy used for raw material preparation, clinker production, and finish grinding.

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Raw material preparation is an electricity-intensive production step requiring generally about 2332 kWh/short ton (COWIconsult et al., 1993; Jaccard and Willis, 1996), although it could require as little as 10 kWh/short ton. Clinker production is the most energy-intensive stage in cement production, accounting for over 90% of total industry energy use, and virtually all of the fuel use. Fuel use for clinker production in a wet kiln can vary between 4.6 and 6.1 MBtu/short ton clinker (Worrell and Galitsky, 2004). Typical fuel consumption of a dry kiln with 4 or 5-stage preheating can vary between 2.7 and 3.0 MBtu/short ton clinker, electricity use increases slightly due to the increased pressure drop across the system. A six stage preheater kiln can theoretically use as low as 2.5-2.6 MBtu/short ton clinker. The most efficient pre-heater, pre-calciner kilns use approximately 2.5 MBtu/short ton clinker. Alkali or kiln dust (KD) bypass systems may be required in kilns to remove alkalis, sulfates, and/or chlorides. Such systems lead to additional energy losses since sensible heat is removed with the bypass gas and dust. Power consumption for grinding depends on the surface area required for the final product and the additives used. Electricity use for raw meal and finish grinding depends strongly on the hardness of the material (limestone, clinker, pozzolana extenders) and the desired fineness of the cement as well as the amount of additives. Blast furnace slags are harder to grind and hence use more grinding power, between 45 and 64 kWh/short ton for a 3,500 Blaine2 (expressed in cm2/g). Modern ball mills may use between 29 and 34 kWh/short ton (Worrell and Galitsky, 2004) for cements with a Blaine of 3,500.

3.4

TECHNICAL POTENTIAL FOR ENERGY EFFICIENCY

A previous analysis of the technical potential for energy efficiency improvement in the U.S. cement industry found a potential of 180 PJ, or 40%, based on U.S. cement production characteristics in the early 1990s (Martin et al., 1999). This report as well as a later report (Worrell and Galitsky, 2004), evaluated the energy-saving potential of about 30 energyefficiency technologies and practices that could be applied to both wet and dry process cement production. For this analysis, we compare current energy use (both for electricity and for fuels) for cement production in California in 2002 (van Oss, 2003) to best practice values for these two types of fuel. The best practice value of 109 kWh/short ton of cement for electricity production is based on expert judgment, taking into account the hard limestone found in California, as reported by representatives at Hansen Permanente Cement Company. The best practice value of 2.62 MBtu/short ton of clinker is based on a plant built in Taiwan in the mid-1990s that has an intensity of 2.64 MBtu/short ton (Die Zementindustrie Taiwans, 1994) and a plant built in India that has an intensity of 2.58 MBtu/short ton (Somani and Kothari, 1997).

Blaine is a measure of the total surface of the particles in a given quantity of cement, or an indicator of the fineness of cement. It is defined in terms of square centimetres per gram. The higher the Blaine, the more energy required to grind the clinker and additives (Holderbank, 1993).

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Given these best practice values, we estimate potential electricity savings of about 32 kWh/short ton of cement and potential fuel savings of about 0.7 MBtu/short ton of clinker. Given 2002 production of 11,166,000 short tons of cement and 11,187,000 short tons of clinker in California, the technical potential electricity savings are about 360 GWh and fuel savings are about 7.8 TBtu, with a total technical potential savings for both fuels of about 20% over 2002 levels.

3.5

REFERENCES

Alsop, P.A. and J.W. Post, 1995. The Cement Plant Operations Handbook, (First edition), Tradeship Publications Ltd., Dorking, UK. Buzzi, S. and G. Sassone, 1993. Optimization of Clinker Cooler Operation, Proc. VDZ Kongress 1993: "Verfahrenstechnik der Zementherstellung" Bauverlag, Wiesbaden, Germany (pp.296-304). Cembureau, 1997. Best Available Techniques for the Cement Industry, Brussels: Cembureau. COWIconsult, March Consulting Group and MAIN, 1993. Energy Technology in the Cement Industrial Sector, Report prepared for CEC - DG-XVII, Brussels, April 1992. Die Zementindustrie Taiwans - Rueckblick und Gegenwaertiger Stand, 1994. (The Cement Industry in Taiwan - Historic and Current Situation, 1994) Zement-Kalk-Gips 147 pp.47-50. Folsberg, J., 1997a. "Future Grinding" Asian Cement, January 1997, pp.21-23 (1997). Folsberg, J., 1997b. The Air-Swept Ring Roller Mill for Clinker Grinding Proc.1997 IEEE/PCA Cement Industry Technical Conference XXXIX Conference Record, Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers: New Jersey. Greer, W. L., Johnson, M. D., Morton, E.L., Raught, E.C., Steuch, H.E. and Trusty Jr., C.B., 1992. Portland Cement, in Air Pollution Engineering Manual, Anthony J. Buonicore and Waynte T. Davis (eds.). New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold. Holderbank Consulting, 1993. Present and Future Energy Use of Energy in the Cement and Concrete Industries in Canada, CANMET, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. Jaccard, M.K.& Associates and Willis Energy Services Ltd., 1996. Industrial Energy End-Use Analysis and Conservation Potential in Six Major Industries in Canada. Report prepared for Natural Resources Canada, Ottawa, Canada. Seebach, H.M. von, E. Neumann and L. Lohnherr, 1996. "State-of-the-Art of Energy-Efficient Grinding Systems" ZKG International 2 49 pp.61-67 (1996). Somani, R.A., S.S. Kothari, 1997. Die Neue Zementlinie bei Rajashree Cement in Malkhed/Indien ZKG International 8 50 pp.430-436 (1997).

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United States Geological Survey, 2001. Minerals Yearbook, Washington, D.C., USGS, http://minerals.er.usgs.gov/minerals/. van Oss, H., 2002. Personal Communication. U.S. Geological Survey, March May 2002. Worrell, E. and C. Galitsky. 2004. Energy Efficiency Improvement Opportunities for Cement Making: An ENERGY STAR Guide for Energy and Plant Managers. Berkeley, CA: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL-54036).

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4
4 CUSTOMER INTERVIEWS

CUSTOMER INTERVIEWS

4.1

OVERVIEW

This section presents results of in depth interviews with senior representatives from four cement companies representing operations at five California cement plants. The interviews were conducted by a senior KEMA-XENERGY engineer who was generally knowledgeable about cement plant operations. The interview process included a brief technical discussion of each facilities operations, but mainly focused on various aspects of the customers decision-making process, especially as it applies to purchases of energy efficiency products and services. The following survey topics are covered in this section: General customer information; Plant energy characteristics; Energy as It Relates to Overall Business Factors Energy Management General Decision-Making Practices Energy Efficiency Decision Making O&M Practices Attitudes Towards Energy Efficiency Recent Energy Efficiency Project Activity Energy Efficiency Information and Program Activity A copy of the interview guidelines is provided in Appendix A and a tabulation of survey responses is provided in Appendix B.

4.2

GENERAL INFORMATION

Table 4-1 summarizes some general information about the customers included in the interview process. All facilities are involved in full cement production, from quarry to finished product, although one facility is primarily involved in grinding operations of clicker produced elsewhere. In general, the cement facilities are not very labor intensive, employing only 100-200 full-time workers per site. All but one of the companies owns multiple cement facilities in California, and all companies own cement plants outside of California (although one company has only one U.S. facility). Only one of the companies (facilities A1 and A2) is U.S.-owned.

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CUSTOMER INTERVIEWS

Overall cement plant efficiency is generally correlated with the age of the primary equipment. Table 4-1 General Customer/Facility Information

Facility Location Interviewee(s) Title

Product

Facility Description

A1 Riverside Community and Govt. Affairs Manager, Financial Manager White cement from scratch; grey cement from clinker produced elsewhere - 2 kilns, dating to 1963; clinker capacity of 110 k tons/yr - 4 mills, dating to 1963, with a capacity of 914 k tons/yr

A2 Oro Grande Community and Govt. Affairs Manager, Financial Manager Grey cement

B C Colton Lucerne Valley Plant Manager, Plant Manager Operations Supervisor Grey cement Grey cement

D Tehachapi Plant Manager

Grey cement

General Plant Employees Company-Owned Plants in California Company-Owned Plants outside

Less efficient 100-150 2 2

- 7 kilns, newest dates to 1959; clinker capacity of 1,046 k tons/yr - 4 mills, newest dates to 1957, with a capacity of 640 k tons/yr; - 7 waste heat boilers and 2 generators for cogeneration Less efficient 100-150 2 2

- 2 kilns, dating to 1962; clinker capacity of 680 k tons/yr - 4 mills, 2 dating to 1962 and 2 dating to 1980, with a capacity of 1,316 k tons/yr; - 30 MW steam plant utilizes waste heat (not fully utilized) Less efficient 120 3 1

- 1 kiln, dating to 1982, clinker capacity of 1,543 k tons/yr - 4 mills, 3 dating to 1966 or older and 1 dating to 1982, with a capacity of 1,647 k tons/yr

- 1 kiln, dating to 1991, clinker capacity of 907 k tons/yr - 2 mills, dating to 1971 and 1992, with a capacity of 798 k tons/yr

More efficient 180 1 No other US plants

More efficient 150-200 2 5 other US plants

4.3

ENERGY CHARACTERISTICS

Energy costs are the single largest variable production cost at cement plants, as indicated by all survey interviewees. Variable costs are typically about 50% of overall operating costs in the cement industry, so energy is frequently the single largest production cost. Electricity was estimated to account for over 10% of overall production costs for four of the facilities and over 30% of the production costs for one facility. All customers indicated that they were direct-access electricity purchasers. Natural gas tended to account for only 1% to 5% of overall production costs, as most facilities utilize other primary fuels (coal, tires, other waste fuels) in their kilns.

4.4

ENERGY AS IT RELATES TO OVERALL BUSINESS FACTORS

In the interview, the customers were asked (unaided) to list the factors that were very important to their business. All indicated that energy costs and market conditions were two of the factors that were very important to their businesses. Three of the four interviewees indicated that environmental regulations where also a very important consideration, while one customer cited production management as a very important factor.

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In addition to energy costs, customers were asked to rate a number of factors as to their importance to their business. Results are tabulated and summarized in Table 4-2. Clearly, the most important factor cited is the need to comply with regulatory requirements. This is not surprising as the plants could not operate long in non-compliance. One of the primary regulatory factors involves compliance with air emissions standards. The next highest rated business factors involve maintaining product quality and meeting production requirements. Having a reliable high-quality supply of electricity was rated of medium importance by most interviewees. It is interesting to note that one customer with a more-efficient facility indicated that maintaining technologically competitive was of extreme importance. This customer is owned by a company that produces equipment for the cement industry, which most likely correlates with the customers perception of this business factors, as well as the efficiency of the plant. Table 4-2 Rating of Key Business Factors (0 = Unimportant, 5 = Extremely Important)
Business Factors Maintaining product quality and consistency Meeting your production schedule Meeting regulatory requirements (such as environmental requirements) Keeping up technologically with competitors Keeping up with new or shifting market demands Having a reliable, high quality supply of electricity Maintaining your market niche Maintaining a happy and productive staff Identifying and implementing cost saving measures A1 4 5 5 1 3 3 3 2 1 A2 4 5 5 1 3 3 3 2 1 4 4 2 3 2 Facility B 5 3 5 C 4 5 5 5 3 3 2 2 1 D* Average 4.3 4.5 5.0 2.3 3.3 3.3 2.5 2.3 1.3

* Interviewee did not address this series of questions.

4.5

OVERALL ENERGY MANAGEMENT

Interviewees were asked to assess the overall energy management policies at their facilities. Responses are cited in Table 4-3. These perceptions correlate well with the overall assessment of plant efficiency (as developed by outside sources). It appears that Customer D provides a pretty good summary of the basic approach towards energy management as practiced by all surveyed firms and the competing objects they must deal with. The primary difference between

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firms appears to be the degree to which they practice weight the importance of energy management in their operations. Table 4-3 Overall Energy Management Policy
Customer Response A Moderate: Energy costs are certainly a concern but capital is limited and no one really has time to focus on energy and carry forth projects. In addition, at <one site>, the uncertainty about the plant remaining in operation has kept us from doing any upgrades there. Moderate - High: It is our single largest production cost. Energy use guides all of our process operating practicing practices. Extremely Aggressive: Energy costs are constantly reviewed vs. production - daily, weekly, monthly and annually. Control decisions are based on power requirements. Strong: However, maintaining consistent production and product quality is the overriding concern. Although everyone at the plant is aware of energy and it is a key factor on which some operations are based, we have limited operating staff. Fine-tuning for optimizing efficiency, and developing, championing, and managing energy improvements takes staff time that is just not available given each persons day to day responsibility. We do have special projects engineering staff, but even they are too busy to take on energy projects that arent related to maintaining production. Also, the plant must remain in production as much as possible. The interruptions and coordination required for retrofits can also restrict consideration of energy retrofits.

B C D

All interviewees indicated that they, for the most part, had the information they needed to effectively manage energy costs. However, to varying degrees, each customer indicated that they did not necessarily have time to process all the information or act on it. One of the more efficient companies indicated that their parent company has performed periodic process/energy audits to help facilitate increased efficiency. Another respondent indicated that often there are projects where energy impacts cant be determined precisely enough and the ensuing risk was too high to justify investments. It appears likely that the customer responses are predominantly directed at the most significant energy-sing equipment because measures targeted there can deliver the highest level of savings. It is not as clear that these customers are as aware of smaller-impact measures, such as fine tuning of O&M activities, since these activities deliver relatively small levels of savings. Given the lack of manpower, it appears that the small cost-effective projects will often be overlooked. All customers indicated that they have implemented or would consider implementing a number activities to manage energy costs, including: adjusting production schedules, utilizing industry best practices/training to improve productivity, purchasing equipment to improve productivity, and implementing conservation activities. Most customers mentioned that they would require the appropriate price signals to trigger a shifting of their production processes. Three of the four interviewees indicated that, in the past, they have implemented shifts in production in response to Real Time Rate Programs. None of the customers indicated that they would consider downsizing their production facility to reduce energy costs.

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4.6

GENERAL DECISION-MAKING PRACTICES

Interviewees were asked a number of questions about how they made investment decisions and how energy efficiency related decisions were handled as compared to other investment decisions. For the most part, each companys operations personnel are charged with identifying opportunities and specifying equipment to invest in, and senior management is responsible for approving all investments outside of normal O&M expenditures. Two of the respondents indicated that vendors were sometimes included in the equipment specification process. One company indicated that senior management approval was required for all expenditures over $10,000. The general decision-making process for each firm is summarized in Table 4-4. It is notable that the two more efficient facilities identified funds that are set aside annually for capital improvement, indicating that these firms have institutionalized a process on continually upgrading their facility. Table 4-4 Usual Decision Making Process for Capital Improvements
Customer Response A B C Corporate or plant managers identify technological potential; local corporate staff review and evaluate based on corporate criteria; ultimately goes to corporate for financial approval. Initiated and analyzed at plant, goes to corporate for financial approval. Plant process managers identify technological potential, cost-benefit is reviewed at the department level and then the plant level. Local corporate staff review and evaluate based on corporate criteria. Ultimately goes to corporate for final financial approval. Capital budget has been fairly fixed at $4 million for the last several years. Sometimes we get funds for special projects that are being pushed at the corporate level. Plant manager develops the operating and capital investment for the plant within guidelines provided by corporate management and with input from the various production section managers. Energy saving projects compete with other capital projects. The plant manager asks for project needs from the various division department managers and make the final determination on the budget request. It is usually they who propose energy related projects. Sometimes with guidance from the Plant Manager or Corporate suggestions but usually on their own initiative. The level of capital funding depends on business and macro economic conditions. We usually have $1 million/year for capital improvements. Investments over $10K require corporate approval although sometimes they are lumped with other projects.

Generally, returns on capital investments need to be pretty high to justify expenditures. The interviewees from the less efficient facilities indicated that their typical targeted payback for investments was 1.0 to 1.5 years. The interviewees from the more efficient plants indicated somewhat high payback thresholds: one cited a maximum of three years, and one indicated that a 1.0-2.0 year payback requirement was typical. Only one customer indicated that energyefficiency projects might be treated differently from other projects they stated that production output related project might sometimes be given an advantage over cost-reduction projects.

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All customers indicated that their organizations required a detailed technical and financial review before investing in all projects, and the same type of analysis was required for energy and nonenergy projects. Critical drivers for investment in new equipment (in addition to cost-effectiveness) included: capital availability, affects on production, market conditions, and innovation. One of the less efficient facilities was clearly facing limited capital availability that greatly limited any capital investments. The installation of innovative equipment was cited by an interviewee of one of the more efficient plants. Addition considerations for installation of new equipment included: lost production time, equipment reliability, environmental issues, safety, and effects on maintenance costs.

4.7

ENERGY EFFICIENCY DECISION MAKING

All interviewees indicated that, for the most part, energy efficiency investments were treated similarly to other investment opportunities. One customer noted that specific-energy is considered in all investment decisions consistent with the fact that energy is such a large part of operating costs. One customer noted that the availability of incentives might cause them to look more favorably at energy efficiency investments. All companies utilize normal internal capital resources to fund energy efficiency projects. Two of the four companies indicated they had policies in place to specify higher efficiency equipment when making investments. A third company had no formal procedures in place, but expected new equipment to lower or at least be neutral with respect to specific energy. The fourth customer, owner of a less efficient plant, had no energy efficiency purchase policy. Only one of the four companies (at one of the more efficient facilities) indicated they had an employee dedicated to maintaining/improving energy efficiency at the plant. An additional two companies indicated that there were informal champions of energy efficiency at their plants. Given the large energy costs for these facilities, it appears that most operations staff have some directive to focus on efficient energy use, but it appears the only one company has put an organizational emphasis on reducing energy costs. When asked about disincentives to reducing energy operating costs, two customers cited large exit charges as a primary factor limiting the cost effectiveness of cogeneration projects that would take advantage of waste heat. One customer listed long project duration as a limiting factor in participating in rebate programs. Also, caps on incentive levels limit their effectiveness in influencing customer decisions, since many of the project involve very large capital outlays.

4.8

O&M PRACTICES

All customers indicated that the primary maintenance at their facilities was to do whatever was necessary to keep equipment running to maximize production. They all indicated that they tried to maintain equipments so as to minimize energy use, since energy was such a large part of their operations. Three of the interviewees indicated that their staff had good to very good knowledge 46

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of energy efficiency practices. One on the less efficient customers indicated their staff had modest knowledge. Customers were asked about their specific policies regarding maintenance policy for various types of equipment. Results are presented in Table 4-5. The proactive category includes limited scheduled preventive maintenance, aggressive scheduled preventive maintenance, and predictive maintenance. Most proactive strategies involved the limited scheduled preventive maintenance, but one customer, at a more efficient plant, indicated they utilized predictive O&M practices for bearing lubrication and for fan/blower wheel balancing. Table 4-5 Equipment-Specific O&M Practices
Facility O&M Category Motor lubrication Bearing lubrication Motor belt replacement Fan/blower blade cleaning Fan/blower wheel balancing Fan/blower airflow test Air compressor intake filters Compressed air water traps & pressure regulators A1 As needed Proactive As needed As needed As needed As needed Proactive As needed A2 As needed Proactive As needed As needed As needed As needed Proactive As needed B Proactive Proactive As needed As needed As needed As needed Proactive As needed C Proactive Proactive As needed As needed Proactive Proactive Proactive Proactive D Proactive Proactive As needed As needed As needed As needed Proactive As needed

4.9

ATTITUDES TOWARDS ENERGY EFFICIENCY

Three of the four customers indicated that energy efficiency equipment and practices were very important to their operations. One of the three acknowledged that they dont have enough staff and time to pursue most of their energy efficiency opportunities. The fourth customer indicated that they could do much better with regard to energy efficiency, but felt they were severely limited by capital and other resource constraints. All customers believed that premium efficiency equipment was similar to standard equipment in terms of procurement lead times, installation costs, and ongoing maintenance costs. Thus, they appeared to have no predisposed bias against high efficiency equipment in terms of these dimension of hassle cost. The customers didnt express strong options regarding how well energy efficiency deliver on expected energy savings. One customer indicated that they usually meet expectations due to this customers extensive research prior to energy efficiency investments.

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When asked about energy efficiency systems they would like to have, irregardless of cost, the interviewees were all able to provide a pretty good, and overlapping, wish list. Key measures were (number of respondents who cited the measure are listed in parentheses): Heat recovery for power generation (4) More VFDs (4) Roller mills versus ball mills (3) Vertical calcining kilns(2) Fewer pneumatic/more mechanical conveyors (2) Improved compressed air system (1) Better classifiers (1) Better combustion controls for kilns (1) More use of tires and waste fuels in kilns (1) The primary factors limiting increased energy efficiency were listed as (with number of respondents in parentheses): To busy to research (3) No money to research (3) Capital constraints (3) Too much plant down time (3) Not worth the trouble for small items (3) No staff time to manage the projects (2) Insufficient reliable information on products (1) Doesnt meet payback criteria (1) Hard to sell to management due to savings risk (1) Waiting to see how measures perform elsewhere (1) Clearly the key limitations for these customers are time and money. They have limited staff and limited capital, and most believe they are doing the best job they can with resources at hand. They all seem willing to do more to improve their plants energy efficiency if they had more resources. The smaller energy efficiency items at these cement plants are likely to amount to fairly large savings, given the overall energy intensity of these facilities. These smaller items dont seem to get on the radar screen for these customers and are mainly seen as a hassle.

4.10 RECENT ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECT ACTIVITY


When asked if they had installed any major capital projects over the past several years: One customer stated they had installed no projects One customer installed a computer analyzer for a mixer 48

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One customer installed classifiers on two mills and a VFD on a fan; The last customer installed a number of measures in the past 10 years or so, including a LOSHI vertical raw mill, a precalciner, control upgrades, and high efficiency separators.

Energy efficiency considerations were primary motivators in all investments. The interviewees from two most efficient plants also indicated that they were planning to install new energy efficiency equipment in the next year or so: a waste heat cogeneration plant (possibly), a new classifier, improvements to the clinker coolers, and controls. All of the respondents were aware of many of the newer technologies in the industry (as listed at the top of page 4-8). They were all very receptive to the newer technologies, but they all indicated that the associated high capital costs were prohibitive. One customer wasnt sure that retrofitting with the newer technologies would be cost effective at his plant.

4.11 ENERGY EFFICIENCY INFORMATION AND PROGRAM ACTIVITY


All customers claimed they utilized various sources to maintain awareness of energy efficiency measures, including: trade journals, vendors, utility staff, business associates, trade associations, and trade shows. Trusted sources of energy efficiency information cited by all respondents included the IEEE Tech Committee and the Portland Cement Association (PCA). In addition, one customer cited his corporate staff and one customer cited his local utility. All respondents were aware of the SPC and Express Efficiency Programs, and one respondent indicated he was aware of the availability of energy audits. Two customers were aware of recent compressed air programs. In terms of program participation, one customer had participated in the SPC Program and the Express Efficiency Program and had installed a new classifier and a fan VFD under the programs. Another customer had installed a new air compressor under the SPC Program. These installations came at the two more efficient plants included in the interviews. Finally, three of the four customers indicated that extending program time limits to three or more years would further encourage installation of more energy efficiency equipment. All these customers indicate that the planning and installation schedules in their industry did not line up well with the relatively short program periods associated with Public Goods Funded programs.

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5
5 ENERGY-EFFICIENCY INITIATIVES

ENERGY-EFFICIENCY INITIATIVES

This section presents a brief description of the key initiatives currently affecting the cement industry.

5.1

PORTLAND CEMENT ASSOCIATION

The Portland Cement Association (PCA) is the industry association with offices in Skokie (Illinois) and Washington, DC (PCA, 2004). The organization has a double function, as it serves as the representation in Washington, DC, and as a research and dissemination organization and clearinghouse focused on cement and concrete applications. Over 80% of the cement plants in the United States are associated with the PCA. All cement companies in California are PCA members. The PCA annually collects data on energy and labor inputs from all its members, which are published each year. The PCA has no special programs related to energy efficiency improvement in the cement industry. However, PCA serves as the conduit for national programs like ENERGY STAR and ClimateVISION (see below).

5.2

CEMENT KILN RECYCLING COALITION

The Cement Kiln Recycling Coalition (CKRC) is a trade association with member companies located throughout the United States (CKRC, 2004). Members include cement companies engaged in the use of hazardous waste-derived fuel as well as companies involved in the collection, processing, management, and marketing of such fuel for use in cement kilns. CKRC and its member companies support appropriate regulations related to the use of waste-derived fuels including scrap tires. It collects and disseminates information on the use of wastes as fuel in clinker kilns. The CKRC is based in Washington, DC. Of the California based cement companies, only Texas Industries (TXI) is a member of the CKRC.

5.3

CLIMATE VISION

The federal government (through the U.S. Department of Energy, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the U.S. Department of Transportation, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture) and industry organizations in 12 energy-intensive economic sectors joined in a voluntary partnership called Climate VISION. Climate VISION works with industry to identify and pursue cost-effective solutions to reduce emissions using existing technologies; develop tools to calculate and report emission intensity reductions; speed the commercial adoption of advanced technologies; and develop strategies to reduce emissions intensity in other economic sectors (ClimateVISION, 2004). The Portland Cement Association has committed to a 10% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions per ton of cementious product produced or sold from a 1990 baseline by 2020.

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5.4

ENERGY STAR

ENERGY STAR is the primary program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency aimed at energy-efficiency improvement. ENERGY STAR for industry (U.S. EPA, 2004a) aims at the development and institutionalization of strategic corporate energy management in companies participating in ENERGY STAR as a member or through the so-called Focus (see below). Currently, nearly 500 companies are ENERGY STAR members. All cement companies based in California are members of ENERGY STAR, except for Hanson in Cupertino. However, all companies and the PCA, including Hanson Permanente Cement participate in the ENERGY STAR Focus. Within the Focus effort, the ENERGY STAR program collaborates with specific industries. The cement industry is one of the Focus industries.1 The Focus efforts include three elements: Tailored support for the development of a corporate energy management program, offered through professional energy managers; A tool to analyze the performance of a plant compared to the peers in the U.S. based on a simplified benchmarking approach. An Energy Guide for the focus industry, providing detailed descriptions of energy efficiency measures in the Focus industry. LBNL prepares the Guides. The Guide for the cement industry was published in January 2004 (Worrell and Galitsky, 2004).

Besides the three elements above the ENERGY STAR program also offers regular networking meetings within each Focus industry and an annual energy managers networking meeting and workshop for all ENERGY STAR participants. ENERGY STAR has offered assistance in the development of an energy management program to several of the companies located in California, and has closely collaborated with California Portland Cement, Mitsubishi and RMC Pacific, while all representatives of all companies participate in the Focus networking meetings and tele-conferences.

5.5

CLIMATE LEADERS

Climate Leaders is a voluntary industry-government partnership of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that encourages companies to develop long-term comprehensive climate change strategies and set greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction goals (U.S. EPA, 2004b). Members of Climate Leaders set a long-term target for GHG emission reduction for the company. Although currently three cement companies participate in Climate Leaders, none with facilities in California participate.

Other Focus industries (early 2004) are: breweries, wet corn milling, vehicle assembly, petroleum refining and pharmaceuticals. Every year new Focus industries are added.

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5.6

REFERENCES

Cement Kiln Recycling Coalition, 2004. www.ckrc.org ClimateVISION, 2004. www.climatevision.gov Dutrow, E. and T. Hicks. 2003. Encouraging Development of Sustainable Energy Management Systems in the Manufacturing Sector. Proceedings of the 2003 ACEEE Summer Study on Energy Efficiency in Industry. Washington, DC: ACEEE. Portland Cement Association, 2004. www.cement.org

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2004a. www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=industry.bus_industry U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2004b. www.epa.gov/climateleaders Worrell, E. and C. Galitsky. 2004. Energy Efficiency Improvement Opportunities for Cement Making: An ENERGY STAR Guide for Energy and Plant Managers. Berkeley, CA: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL-54036).

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6
6 OPPORTUNITIES AND BARRIERS

OPPORTUNITIES AND BARRIERS

6.1

ENERGY EFFICIENCY OPPORTUNITIES


O&M activities to ensure that the installed equipment is running efficiently Installation of high efficiency equipment/processes Control of the production process to ensure efficient use of inputs

Energy efficiency opportunities can fall into at least three primary categories:

Key energy efficiency opportunities, as indicated by customers and identified in literature, are discussed next. In addition these opportunities, a number of customers also indicated that they would be willing to shift production to off-peak periods given the right price signals, such as real time pricing. 6.1.1 O&M Operations and maintenance practices include elements such as motor and bearing lubrication, motor belt replacement, fan blade cleaning, fan wheel balancing, and compressed air system maintenance including leak minimization and filter replacement. While most customers indicated that they tried to keep equipment in good working order, the primary focus is on keeping equipment operating to maximize production. Energy efficiency considerations are not the primary concern. Preventative maintenance is generally employed at the more efficient facilities but could be improved at other plants (see Table 4-5). Preventative maintenance includes training of plant staff to be attentive to energy consumption and efficiency. Energy savings of up to 2 to 3 percent are possible with the institution of a rigorous preventative maintenance program. 6.1.2 High Efficiency Equipment/Processes In cement industry, as in other energy intensive process industries, the more generic measures, like high efficiency motors and lighting, are either already done or are so small that their impacts are below the radar. Significant energy savings projects typically involve major process and/or equipment modifications that are industry-specific and highly specialized. Often highly specialized expertise is necessary to identify and be able to quantify energy savings of technology improvements. Cement industry customers see their equipment vendors as business partners because the vendors tend to have the specialized expertise and experience in their particular area (e.g. crushers/classifiers, kilns, conveyors). Some of the energy efficiency equipment opportunities identified by customers, with a primary focus on electricity savings, include: 61

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Efficient materials transport system: most notably conversion of pneumatic conveyors to mechanical conveyors, with a savings of around 1% of total plant electricity use. Conversion of ball mills to roller mills for both raw materials and finish grinding: energy savings in raw materials preparation can be in the order of 5% of total electricity consumption, while installation of advanced finish grinding systems can save achieve savings in the 20% range. High efficiency classifiers: these do a better job of separating out fine particles from coarse particles, which are returned to the mills. They prevent over-grinding of the fine particles that results in unnecessary power use in the mills. Savings can be around 8%. Conversion to more efficient kilns such as vertical precalciner kilns, which will primarily improve the thermal efficiency of the kiln, saving on coal consumption. Variable speed drives: for fans in the kilns, coolers, preheaters, separators, and mills, and for other drives associated with variable loads. A comprehensive conversion to VSDs could probably save about 5% of total plant electricity use. Compressed air system improvements: while not a large part of a cement plants total electricity use, there is often room for significant efficiency improvements in systems that have not been optimized.

In addition to the equipment-related opportunities listed above, there appears to be a good opportunity to recover waste heat from the clinker production process for the generation of electricity. There is significant waste heat from kilns even after it is used to the maximum possible degree to preheat incoming material. Pre-heater exhaust is often more than 700F. Two of the studied facilities already have cogeneration plants, and several more have performed feasibility studies. 6.1.3 Process Controls Key opportunities for improved process controls involve clinker production and finish grinding, as well as operation of compressed air systems. In clinker production, computerized controls can be used in a number of applications, such as Optimizing the mix of raw materials entering the kilns to ensure proper chemical composition and provide for more steady kiln operation; Optimizing the combustion process and conditions in the kiln to improve product quality and grindability; and Improving heat recovery, material throughput, and emissions from the clinker cooler.

Grinding mill controls optimized the flow in the mill and classifiers to improve product quality and increase production. The increased production translates into energy savings per unit of output.

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Overall, savings from advanced control systems are in the 2-5% range for plants that have not already installed such system.

6.2

BARRIERS TO ENERGY EFFICIENCY

A number of barriers to increased energy efficiency were identified in discussions with cement customers and utility representatives who are in close contact with their cement customers. Following are some key barriers identified in the interview process. Limited capital: many of the energy efficiency equipment improvements in the cement industry involve large capital investments, and most customers cited limited capital availability as a key factor limiting increases in energy efficiency. One customer cited a $4 million capital budget, and another cited a $1 million capital budget. Two other customers did not indicate that they had any set budget to work with and had to justify all new capital expenditures on a case by case basis. Many targeted project cost many millions of dollars, so even the customers with assigned capital budgets are severely constrained. Production concerns: for all customers, keeping equipment operation and avoiding production disruptions was of the highest priority. Additionally, cement plants do not like to shut down except for once a year, largely because shut down stresses the ceramic insulation in the kiln. Heat-up and cool down has to be done very carefully or the ceramic insulation will deteriorate. Limited staff time: staffing limitations were another key barrier to increased energy efficiency. While all customers want to stay as efficient as possible, staffs number one priority is keeping things running. Information: while all customers feel they have access to the information they need to make energy efficiency improvements, several customers indicated that they did not have time to focus on this information. Also, it appears that customer knowledge is mostly directed towards the big ticket equipment that are the primary energy users, and their understanding of the energysaving aspects of smaller items such are preventative O&M appears to be lower. Reliability concerns: since maintaining production is such a high priority, cement customers are very concerned about the reliability of all new equipment, including high efficiency equipment. While the customers dont perceive differences in reliability between energy efficient and standard equipment, any installations of new equipment at the plant will generate some reliability concerns. Hassle: since staff time is limited, smaller energy efficiency projects are not pursued because they are not worth the trouble. Facility uncertainty: one customer indicated that they were currently investigating the feasibility of a complete plant overhaul. Uncertainty over the overhaul project has halted any possible efficiency projects.

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Cost effectiveness: most customers have severe cost effectiveness criteria. Two customers (with less efficient plants) have payback cutoffs of 1.0 to 1.5 years. Only one customer indicated that they would consider projects with paybacks of up to three years. Exit fees: Customers have not proceeded to install cogeneration equipment that would utilize waste heat because they would be subject to departure charges. Without the departure charges, on-site generation with waste heat would be very close to being economic. 6.2.1 Barriers to Program Participation While all interviewed customers were aware of the PGC-funded programs, SPC and Express, and two of the customers had participated in the SPC program, there were several barriers to increased program participation cited: Short program period: in many cases it takes three to five years for these customers to develop and implement a project, from the planning through construction stages. Programs that have a one or two year time period dont fit well with their operations. Limited incentives: many of the cement plant projects cost tens of millions of dollars. Incentives of a few hundred thousand dollars dont provide much incentive for these types of projects. M&V requirements: past SPC M&V requirements have generally favored one-for-one equipment changeouts where pre and post equipment efficiencies are more readily measurable. Measures that are more holistic and affect energy use of a system are harder to justify savings for and thus have had limited acceptance in the Program. Program paperwork: SPC participation was limited at the beginning because the application process was time consuming and a burden on customer staff. Utility assistance to some customers with the applications, when necessary, has helped mitigate this barrier.

6.3

REFERENCES

Worrell, E. and C. Galitsky. 2004. Energy Efficiency Improvement Opportunities for Cement Making: An ENERGY STAR Guide for Energy and Plant Managers. Berkeley, CA: Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL-54036).

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7 RECOMMENDATIONS

RECOMMENDATIONS

This section provides some recommendations on how to increase energy efficiency in Californias cement industry. These recommendations address the opportunities and barriers summarized in Section 6. It is likely that PGC funds could be used to implement some, but not all of the following recommendations. Increase program time limits for project implementation: if program limits were increased to three years or more, the program participation process would fit better into customers planning and operations schedules. For customers with severe capital constraints, the availability of an incentive may be a driving factor in project approval. However, once an application is accepted, it still may take months for a project to get approval of upper management. Following the approval process, project design and implementation may take years and must fit into scheduled plant down times.

Integrate industrial program activities with DOE and other initiatives: as presented in Section 5, there are a number of organizations and initiatives that cement industry customers are involved in or have access to. PGC program funding could be utilized to support energy efficiency aspects of these initiatives directed towards California cement producers. In addition, funding could be used to assist customers who participate in these initiatives.

Provide energy manager funding: while most customers indicate that they manage their energy use, and that staff are committed to improving energy efficiency, only one interviewed customer has employed a full time energy management position. It may be possible to use PGC funding to hire industry experts to serve as energy managers at interested facilities. These experts could take the lead on identification, planning, and implementation of energy efficiency projects. This would help alleviate a key barrier to energy efficiency improvements limited staff time. For example, a cement industry expert could be hired to provide energy efficiency services to several cement facilities over a program year, maybe spending 25% of their time at each of four plants. They could be charged with reviewing existing project plans, conducting or coordinating energy audit activities, and managing energy efficiency projects.

Eliminate exit fees for waste heat cogeneration: currently, much of the heat generated in cement kilns is exhausted into the air. Recovery of this energy should be encouraged, but current regulatory practices work against the economics of customer-generation investments by adding an additional economic hurdle, exit fees, to the cost effectiveness calculations. Customers indicated that they are likely to seriously consider investing in waste heat cogeneration if the exit fee hurdle were to be removed.

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RECOMMENDATIONS

Increase rebate limits: for cement customers, where energy efficiency projects can cost many millions of dollars, caps on rebate levels limit their effectiveness in influencing customer decisions. The limited incentives primarily influence the smaller projects a customer will undertake, such as the installation of VSDs. While larger projects may also qualify for incentives, it is likely that these projects would proceed anyway.

Make incentives conditional on customer installation of very cost-effective measures: customers indicate that the hassle factor may cause them not to pursue some of the smaller energy efficiency projects. If incentives for larger projects were conditional on customers implementing many of the smaller cost-effective projects, like those with paybacks of six months or less, it may be possible to get these smaller projects on the radar screen.

Provide audits for cross-cutting technologies: while a high level of expertise is required for understanding and recommending energy efficiency projects particular to the cement industry, audits may be useful in identifying good opportunities for some of the more standard end uses such as lighting, HVAC, compressed air, and pumping. Combined with an energy manager program, these audits could help customers more easily implement some of these smaller projects. (Note, a small project at an energy intensive cement plant may equate to a fairly large project at other businesses.)

Provided funding for industry-specific education and training: ongoing training of cement plant staff, with a special focus on energy efficiency, may be useful to maintain customer interest in improving plant efficiency. Such training could focus on the investments and practices that generally provide the best returns for an customers efforts. Such training could be coordinated with activities provided in other cement industry initiatives.

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A
A INTERVIEW GUIDE

INTERVIEW GUIDE
Industrial Case Study Decision-Maker Interview Guide

Interview Tracking Information


Survey Number Interviewer Completion Date Survey Length (min.)

Customer Information
SIC Code Utility (s) PG&E SCE SCG SDG&E

Company Name Street Address City, State, Zip Contact Name Contact Title Phone Alt info (email, cell)

Contact Notes

A1

APPENDIX A

INTERVIEW GUIDE

Firmographics
F1. What do you make/do at this facility?

F2. Basic Facility Description (number of buildings, process/offices, etc.)

F3. How many people work at your facility (full time equivalents)? _________ people Not sure, this is a rough estimate Dont know

F4. How many other separate facilities do you have in California? Outside California? ______________ in CA ______________ outside CA Not sure, this is a rough estimate Dont know

Energy Characteristics
E1. How important is energy usage relative to your overall production costs? (gas/electric?) Not important Somewhat Important Very Important

E2. Could you estimate the percent of overall production costs that go to electricity? (If necessary: 1% or less; >1%-5%, 5%-10%, over 10%) ________ E3. Could you estimate the percent of overall production costs that go to natural gas? (If necessary: 1% or less; >1%-5%, 5%-10%, over 10%) ________

A2

APPENDIX A

INTERVIEW GUIDE

Important Factors for Business


B1. What factor(s) do you consider to be very important to your business?

B2. How would you rate the following factors in their importance to your business? (Use a scale of 0 to 5, where 0 is unimportant and 5 is extremely important.) Maintaining product quality and consistency Meeting your production schedule Meeting regulatory requirements (such as environmental reqs) Keeping up technologically with competitors Keeping up with new or shifting market demands Having a reliable, high quality supply of electricity Maintaining your market niche Maintaining a happy and productive staff Identifying and implementing cost saving measures 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

B3. How would you assess the overall energy management policy at your facility? (Minimal, moderate, extensive, )

B4. Do you have the information you need to effectively manage energy costs? Yes No Notes: ______________________________________________________

A3

APPENDIX A

INTERVIEW GUIDE

B5. Which of the following cost saving measures would you consider/have considered implementing to reduce/manage energy costs? Very Unlikely Extend or shorten production schedule Shift production schedule Make use of best industry practices/training to improve productivity Purchase equipment to improve productivity Implement energy conservation Layoffs and other staffing-based considerations Downsize our production facility Would Consider Have already

B5. Would you be more likely to implement any of these with increasing energy costs? If so which? (If asked, assume a roughly 25% increase). ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________

A4

APPENDIX A

INTERVIEW GUIDE

General Decision-Making Practices


D1. Please describe the usual decision-making process for capital improvements. (Establishing need, initiating research, specifying, financial analysis, actual procurement)

D2. What type of investment criteria do new capital projects need to satisfy?

D3. Are energy efficiency projects evaluated differently than other projects? If so, state differences.

D4. What type of documentation/information is needed to sell/justify an energy efficiency project?

D5. Is this different from a production-related project? If so what is different?

D6. What are usually the critical driver(s) for new equipment? (e.g. cost savings, reliability, innovation, productivity)

D7. What other major considerations are there for installation of new equipment? (e.g. plant down time, worker productivity)

A5

APPENDIX A

INTERVIEW GUIDE

D8. Who most often specifies attributes of new equipment (efficiency, features)? D9. Who makes the final decision on purchasing? D7. Final Decision (Lower cost) D7a. Final Decision (Higher cost)

D6. Specifies President Plant engineer Plant electrician Operations manager Maintenance supervisor Facilities manager Purchasing department Other: _________________

D10. Is there a dollar threshold that would involve different decision makers? If so, indicate dollar threshold, and identify both types of decision makers above. _________________

Notes:

Energy Efficiency Decision-Making


E1. How are energy efficiency investments generally viewed at this facility? Are they treated differently than other capital investments?

E2. Are there any special considerations made for energy-efficient equipment or systems? Yes No

A6

APPENDIX A

INTERVIEW GUIDE

E3. Are there any policies or procedures regarding energy efficiency when investing in new equipment or systems? (e.g. new construction/renovation or process design/retrofit decisions) Yes No

E4. What is the approach to financing/access to capital for energy efficient equipment?

E5. Any champions of EE at your facility? Yes No Notes: ______________________________________________________ Contact name and phone number: ________________________________ E6. Is there a full time energy manager? (or is anyone formally responsible for energy management?) Yes No Notes: ______________________________________________________ Contact name and phone number: ________________________________ E7. What kind of incentives or disincentives are there to reducing energy operating costs? (e.g. Pro: recognition/awards programs, Con: reduced budget due to savings)

A7

APPENDIX A

INTERVIEW GUIDE

O&M Practices
M1. What is the size of your maintenance staff? _______ Full Time Equivalents Not sure, this is a rough estimate Dont know

M2. Please briefly describe the overall maintenance strategy for this plant? (include any recent major changes)

M3. What type of maintenance policy does your company follow for each of the following types of equipment?
Equipment As Needed Unscheduled Preventive Limited Scheduled Preventive Aggressive Scheduled Preventive Predictive Not Applicable Dont Know

Motor lubrication Bearing lubrication Motor belt replacement Fan/blower blade cleaning Fan/blower wheel balancing Fan/blower airflow test Air compressor intake filters Compressed air water traps & pressure regulators Other 1 ______________ Other 2 ______________

M4. What, if any, O&M procedures do you do regularly to conserve energy?

M5. How would you characterize the knowledge of the O&M staff regarding energy efficiency, overall?

A8

APPENDIX A

INTERVIEW GUIDE

Attitudes toward EE
A1. What are your thoughts generally on high efficiency equipment and practices to improve energy efficiency?

A2. Please tell me how you think premium efficiency equipment compares to standard equipment in each of the following categories: a. How long it takes to procure them: Longer Shorter About same Dont know b. Cost of installation Higher Lower About same Dont know c. Cost of maintenance Higher Lower About same Dont know Notes (e.g. variations by equipment type):

A3. How do energy savings usually compare with original expectations? Savings10% or more than expected Savings meet expectations (+/- 10%) Savings 10-20% short of expectations Savings over 20% short of expectations No reliable way to tell energy savings Dont know what original expectations were Notes:

A4. If your facility were as energy efficient as possible, what would it have? (If cost was not a factor, but only using existing/emerging technologies)

A9

APPENDIX A

INTERVIEW GUIDE

A5. What are the primary factors keep you from being as energy efficient as possible? No applicable measures for facility/processes Waiting to see how new measures perform at other sites Insufficient information (reliable, relevant) Too busy to research / specify No money to research / audit / specify EE measures usually do not meet payback criteria Reducing energy costs not a high priority Capital constraints for optional EE equipment Requires too much plant down time Difficult to sell to management/decisionmaker Only will do if has other benefits (e.g. productivity) Unwilling to risk possible effect on productivity Just not worth the trouble Other (1): Other (2): Other (3): Notes:

If clear picture of situation has not already been established ask. A5. What would need to change for your firm to be more likely to implement cost-effective energy efficiency measures?

A10

APPENDIX A

INTERVIEW GUIDE

Recent Project Activity


P1. Have you implemented any major capital projects in the past 2 years?

P2. Was energy efficiency considered for any of these projects? Yes No

P3. Have you installed any high efficiency equipment at your facility in the past 24 months?

P4. What were the most important reasons that you installed high efficiency equipment or new technologies? <Check all that apply. Do NOT prompt with items from the list.> Pros Energy cost savings Maintenance or other cost savings Increased system capacity/ productivity Improved reliability / less down time Improved worker environment Other non-energy benefit __________________________________ Cons Long delivery time Increased maintenance or other costs Decreased equipment reliability Capital cost too high Payback too long/savings too low/ Incompatibility with current systems Other EE equipment detriment _______________________________ Other Expertise of maintenance staff Environmental compliance concerns It was included in the systems we bought Corporate policy Other(1): __________________________________ Other(2): __________________________________ Other(3): __________________________________

A11

APPENDIX A

INTERVIEW GUIDE

P4. Do you have any plans to install high efficiency equipment in the next year?

P5. Has the energy crisis in California, or the increase in your rates, had any effect on your decision making or practices? Yes Notes: No

Next I would like to ask about new production technologies designed for your industry. P6. Are you aware of any specific new technologies for your industry? If yes, what? Yes Notes: No

P7. What are your thoughts on this new technology?

P8. Are you considering (or have you already installed) this new technology(s)? Yes, have already Notes: Yes, have plans to install No (if not, why not?)

A12

APPENDIX A

INTERVIEW GUIDE

Information on EE
I1. How do you usually become aware of new products and product improvements? Check all that apply. Read about them in trade journals Sales personnel/Vendors Utility staff/programs Business associates/ Industry Associations Trade shows Other ____________________________________________________________ I2. What industry organization(s) do you trust as a source for energy-related information?

I3. Are you aware of any programs or resources provided by your utility in 2002 or 2003 that were designed to promote energy efficiency for facilities like yours? Yes No Record program(s), if mentioned: Standard Performance Contract Program Express Efficiency Energy audits Technology demonstrations Other: ______________________________________________________ I4. During the last two years, did this facility participate in any energy efficiency programs offered by your utility or other source? (record all mentions) Standard Performance Contract Program Express Efficiency Energy audits Technology demonstrations CEC Peak Load Reduction Other: ______________________________________________________ Brief description of project(s):

A13

APPENDIX A

INTERVIEW GUIDE

I5. What could the California energy efficiency programs, implemented by the utilities and other 3rd parties utilizing Publics Goods Funding, do to further encourage you to install more energy efficient equipment? (Prompt about factors such as information, education, and financial incentives.)

Energy Systems
Things that will probably be covered in the Technical section of the survey, but address here if necessary. For each key end use address the following: awareness of: measures to implement of effects of energy savings costs savings payback reasons for efficient operations or inefficient operations M1. Do you have any electronic controls on process equipment that (check all that apply): Unload or turn off equipment to save energy during idle periods? Manage process equipment operation to minimize peak demand? Have other energy management capabilities? Not sure -- (Skip to the Water Re-Use section) None -- (Skip to the Water Re-Use section)

A14

APPENDIX A

INTERVIEW GUIDE

M2. Why did you install the control system(s)? Check all that apply. To extend machine life To increase process reliability To increase product quality Came with purchased equipment For energy savings. Please compare savings with original expectations: Savings more than expected Savings meet expectations Savings fall short of expectations Savings fall far short of expectations No reliable way to tell energy savings Dont know what original expectations were Other ______________________________________________ Not sure Types of EE projects include: replacement of lighting fixtures automation/controls HVAC retrofit motors/fans TOD scheduling for lighting (relevant?) VSDs compressed air conveyor systems process-industry specific boiler/steam system furnace/oven

A15

B
B CUSTOMER SURVEY RESULTS

CUSTOMER SURVEY RESULTS

B1

APPENDIX B

CUSTOMER SURVEY RESULTS

B2

APPENDIX B
Facility Location F1. What do you make/do at this facility? A1 Riverside A2 Oro Grande B Colton CA

CUSTOMER SURVEY RESULTS


C Lucernce Valley; Ontario Two types of grey cement D Tehachapi Grey cement

White cement from scratch, Cement; old facility, 7 kilns, Two types of grey cement 14 raw and finish mills grey cement from clinker produced elsewhere Quarry, complete cement production, 10,000-15,000 sf offices/labs Quarry, complete cement production, 10,000-15,000 sf offices/labs; also 7 waste heat boiler driving 2 generators for 90% of electricity 100-150 1 in CA 2 out of CA Quarry, cement production. 6 mills, 2 long dry kilns, 30MW steam power plant - operated at 1.5 to 3 MW using waste heat

F2. Basic Facility Description (number of buildings, process/offices, etc.)

Quarry; 1 dry kiln with precalciner; 4 finish mills; 2 raw mills; all are ball mills; all with recent he classifiers

This is a nearly 100 year old mill. It is one of two Lehigh Plants in Ca. It has a vertical precalciner combined with a short round kiln. 150-200 1 in CA 5 other US plants (German owner) Very important over 30%

F3. How many people work at your facility (full time equivalents)? _________ people F4. How many other separate facilities do you have in California? Outside California?

100-150 1 in CA 2 out of CA

120 2 in CA 1 out of CA

180 0 this is only plant in US

E1. How important is energy usage relative to your overall production costs? (gas/electric?) E2. Could you estimate the percent of overall production costs that go to electricity? (If necessary: 1% or less; >1%-5%, 5%-10%, over 10%) E3. Could you estimate the percent of overall production costs that go to natural gas? (If necessary: 1% or less; >1%-5%, 5%-10%, over 10%) B1. What factor(s) do you consider to be very important to your business?

Very important over 10%

Very important over 10%

Very important over 10%

Very important over 10%

1%-5%

1%-5%

1%-5%

1%-5%

low

Energy Costs, Market Conditions, Environmental Regulations

Energy Costs, Market Conditions, Environmental Regulations

Energy Costs, Market Conditions, Environmental Regulations

Energy Costs, Market Conditions, Environmental Regulations

Energy Costs, running the plant, Production management, Market Issues Not asked

B2. How would you rate the following factors in their importance to your business? (Use a scale of 0 to 5, where 0 is unimportant and 5 is extremely important.) Maintaining product quality and consistency Meeting your production schedule Meeting regulatory requirements (such as environmental reqs) Keeping up technologically with competitors 4 5 5 1 4 5 5 1 3 3 4 4 5 3 5 4 5 5 5 3 3

Keeping up with new or shifting market demands 3 Having a reliable, high quality supply of electricity 3

B3

APPENDIX B
Facility Location Maintaining your market niche Maintaining a happy and productive staff Identifying and implementing cost saving measures B3. How would you assess the overall energy management policy at your facility? (Minimal, moderate, extensive, ) 3 2 1 A1 Riverside 3 2 1 A2 Oro Grande 2 3 2 B Colton CA 2 2 1

CUSTOMER SURVEY RESULTS


C Lucernce Valley; Ontario D Tehachapi

Moderate Energy costs are certainly a concern but capital is limited and no one really has time to focus on energy and carry forth projects.

Moderate Energy costs are certainly a concern but capital is limited and no one really has time to focus on energy and carry forth projects. In addition, at Oro Grande, the uncertainty about the plant remaining in operation has kept us from doing any upgrades there.

Moderate- High It is our single largest production cost. Energy use guides all of our process operating practicing practices.

Extremely aggressive. Energy costs are constantly reviewed vs production . Daily, weekly, monthly and annually. Control decisions are based on power requirements.

Strong However, maintaining consistent production and product quality is the overriding concern. Although everyone at the plant is aware of energy and it is a key factor on which some operations are based, we have limited operating staff. Fine tuning for optimizing efficiency, and developing, championing, and managing energy improvements takes staff time that is just not available given each persons day to day responsibility. We do have special projects engineering staff, but even they are too busy to take on energy projects that arent related to maintaining production. Also, the plant must remain in production as much as possible. The interruptions and coordination required for retrofits can also restrict consideration of energy retrofits. Yes, in general for the most part, we do. We keep well informed about energy saving potential because energy is such an important cost factor. We are aware of most technological potential but

B4. Do you have the information you need to effectively manage energy costs?

Yes, For the most part. We Yes, For the most part. We For the most part. We keep keep well informed because keep well informed because well informed because energy energy is such an important energy is such an important is such an important cost factor. cost factor. We are aware cost factor. We are aware Have information available but of most technological of most technological not necessarily time to process potential but do not have the potential but do not have the and analyze it. resources to act on it. resources to act on it.

Yes, For the most part. We keep well informed because energy is such an important cost factor. We are aware of most technological potential but do not necessarily have the financial or resources to act on it. Our parent corporation is an

B4

APPENDIX B
Facility Location A1 Riverside A2 Oro Grande B Colton CA

CUSTOMER SURVEY RESULTS


C Lucernce Valley; Ontario equipment and process manufacturer so we have internal access to the newest technologies. The parent corporation has performed period process/energy audits of the plant. The most recent was two years ago. D Tehachapi do not always have the resources to act on it. That being said, we do often have projects where the precise energy savings cannot be predicted precisely or guaranteed by a vendor. So some projects are not followed up on due to the performance risk involved.

B5. Which of the following cost saving measures would you consider/have considered implementing to reduce/manage energy costs? Extend or shorten production schedule. Shift production schedule Unlikely Unlikely Have already - with price signal Unlikely (real time pricing) Would consider

If there is a price signal. We If there is a price signal. We Have already - with price signal Have/would - with price signal; Would consider (real time pricing) did with rtp used to do this when we used to do this when we were on real time rates, but were on real time rates, but no more. no more. Would consider Would consider Would consider Would consider / have already Unlikely Would consider Would consider Would consider Would consider / have already Unlikely Have already Have already Have already Have already Unlikely Have/would consider Have/would consider Have/would consider Have/would consider Unlikely Would consider Would consider Would consider Unlikely Unlikely We will consider any option if it makes business sense.

Make use of best industry practices/training to improve productivity Purchase equipment to improve productivity Implement energy conservation Layoffs and other staffing-based considerations Downsize our production facility B6. Would you be more likely to implement any of these with increasing energy costs? If so which? (If asked, assume a roughly 25% increase). D1. Please describe the usual decision-making process for capital improvements. (Establishing need, initiating research, specifying, financial analysis, actual procurement)

Change schedule / shift Change schedule / shift Change schedule / shift production - if price signal is production - if price signal is production - if price signal is right right right

Corporate or plant Corporate or plant Initiated and analyzed at plant, managers identify managers identify goes to corporate for financial technological potential; local technological potential; local approval. corporate staff review and corporate staff review and evaluate based on corporate evaluate based on corporate criteria; ultimately goes to criteria; ultimately goes to corporate for financial corporate for financial approval. approval.

Plant process managers identify Plant manager develops the operating and capital technological potential, cost investment for the plant benefit is reviewed at the department level and then the within guidelines provided by corporate management plant level. Local corporate staff review and evaluate based and with input from the on corporate criteria. Ultimately various production section managers. Energy saving goes to corporate for final projects compete with financial approval. Capital budget has been fairly fixed at other capital projects. The $4 million for the last several plant manager asks for

B5

APPENDIX B
Facility Location A1 Riverside A2 Oro Grande B Colton CA

CUSTOMER SURVEY RESULTS


C Lucernce Valley; Ontario years. Sometimes we get funds for special projects that are being pushed at the corporate level. D Tehachapi project needs from the various division department managers and make the final determination on the budget request. It is usually they who propose energy related projects. Sometimes with guidance from the Plant Manager or Corporate suggestions but usually on their own initiative. The level of capital funding depends on business and macro economic conditions. We usually have $1 million/year for capital improvements. Investments over $10K require corporate approval although sometimes they are lumped with other projects. They need to be justified for overall economic efficiency and level of production , etc. Energy projects typically have to payback within a year or two

D2. What type of investment criteria do new capital projects need to satisfy?

1.0-1.5 year payback

1.0-1.5 year payback

1.0-1.5 year payback

3 years max. with limit of capital available typically $4 million/year.

D3. Are energy efficiency projects evaluated differently than other projects? If so, state differences.

No

No

Somewhat Production output Not really. The driving factor for Not really. Energy and specific energy is a key all recent projects has been projects are evaluated on factor. energy costs. an overall financial sense just like any others. A detailed technical and financial review. A detailed technical and financial review. A paper study either done in house or done by a vendor and reqiewed in house with the justification and financial analysis. Not really except there is a Revenue stream that is generated. Many other projects are either intended to improve production or reduce

D4. What type of documentation/information is Detailed technical and needed to sell/justify an energy efficiency project? financial review

Detailed technical and financial review

D5. Is this different from a production-related project? If so what is different?

No

No

No

No

B6

APPENDIX B
Facility Location A1 Riverside A2 Oro Grande Capital availability B Colton CA

CUSTOMER SURVEY RESULTS


C Lucernce Valley; Ontario D Tehachapi maintenance costs.

D6. What are usually the critical driver(s) for new Capital availability equipment? (e.g. cost savings, reliability, innovation, productivity)

Production and specific energy Energy costs, reliability, overall cost savings, reliability, innovation, productivity use, capital availability, market production costs, capital projections. availability. Production (continuity), environmental issues (NOX) Plant down time is important. We never like to shut down. Reliability and maintenance costs are also a concern. The section manager sets the performance requirement. Vendors often provide the final specification and selection and detailed installation requirements.

D7. What other major considerations are there for Lost production time, Lost production time, Lost production time, reliability installation of new equipment? (e.g. plant down reliability risk, safety, reliability risk, safety, risk, safety, environmental time, worker productivity) environmental issues (NOX) environmental issues (NOX) issues (NOX)

D8. Who most often specifies attributes of new equipment (efficiency, features)?

Plant Staff & Operating personnel & Corporate engineers

Plant Staff & Operating personnel & Corporate engineers

Staff and operating engineers

Plant staff & operating personnel & plant process managers and engineering staff. Sometimes with assistance of the vendors

D9. Who makes the final decision on purchasing? Plant engineer / operations Plant engineer / operations Plant engineer / operations Process managers ops Plant engineer and manager specified - Sr. manager specified - Sr. manager specified - Sr. manager, maintenance operations manager management decides - both management decides - both management decides - both low supervisor specify (also process specify; and approve low low and high cost purchases low and high cost purchases and high cost purchases engineer and ee manager both cost; upper management new); Sr. management makes approve higher cost final decisions D10. Is there a dollar threshold that would involve Any measure outside of different decision makers? If so, indicate dollar normal O&M budget goes for corporate review threshold, and identify both types of decision makers above. Any measure outside of normal O&M budget goes for corporate review Any measure outside of normal Any capital measure or O&M budget goes for corporate measure outside of normal review O&M practices maintenance budget goes for local management review. No not really. Production projects are viewed more favorably. No Yes Greater than 10k capital requirements outside the budget technically requires corporate approval. Not really, their costs and benefits are evaluated much like other projects. Corporate requires a minimum 18% IRR after taxes for app projects other than those necessary to keep the plant running. They have a 3 year capital planning program. Projects compete amongst all US plants. Yes if incentives are available we may take a look.

E1. How are energy efficiency investments Treated same as all generally viewed at this facility? Are they treated investments differently than other capital investments?

Treated same as all investments

E2. Are there any special considerations made for No energy-efficient equipment or systems?

No

Efficiency and specific energy is No always considered in all manufacturing decisions.

B7

APPENDIX B
Facility Location E3. Are there any policies or procedures No regarding energy efficiency when investing in new equipment or systems? (e.g. new construction/renovation or process design/retrofit decisions) A1 Riverside No A2 Oro Grande B Colton CA

CUSTOMER SURVEY RESULTS


C Lucernce Valley; Ontario D Tehachapi

High efficiency motors, etc. are Yes. Energy is a consideration Nothing formal, but it is specified. in all decisions already. HE understood that motors and equipment is improvements are routinely specified for new expected to lower or at equipment and replacement least be neutral with respect to specific energy. eqpt. A new position will be charged with reviewing existing systems and identifying whether there is a rationale for changing out existing equipment sucha as motors, fans, etc. Internal capital resources are used Internal capital resources are used. Funds are made available through standard corporate cash flow techniques, bonds, etc. No. All line Managers are concerned with production. Two new positions, a process engineer and an operating engineer are charged with maintaining and improving energy use Internal corporate capital resources are used. This may include corporate bonds if the climate is right. Yes I am, and all operating staff are. but there is no official energy manager and frequently staff to champion a particular project is limited.

E4. What is the approach to financing/access to capital for energy efficient equipment?

Internal capital resources are used

Internal capital resources are used

E5. Any champions of EE at your facility?

No. Managers are No. Managers are Plant manager, Operations concerned with production; concerned with production; Supervisor staff is not "tuned in" staff is not "tuned in"

E6. Is there a full time energy manager? (or is anyone formally responsible for energy management?)

No. financial officer takes on No. financial officer takes on No. Part of Plant Manager and Yes: Not an energy manager No the role but is not involved in the role but is not involved in ops supervisor responsibilities per-se, but there is a person a technical practices technical practices process engineer to which energy use is a top priority and specific job function. Very few it is a significant part of our production costs. One significant disincentive is the departure charges that are levied for new generation capacity even waste generation capacity. Capital is very limited. Most major measures require capital. We are focused on production. Also, with regard to a potential cogen project, the current PUC rules allow lost revenue recovery which effectively makes a potential cogen project not financially attractive. Also mentioned was the duration of projects (long term planning is needed for major projects) , and limitations on rebates to one customer. Rebates

E7. What kind of incentives or disincentives are Capital is very limited. Most Capital is very limited. Most measures will require capital measures will require capital there to reducing energy operating costs? (e.g. Pro: recognition/awards programs, Con: reduced budget due to savings)

B8

APPENDIX B
Facility Location A1 Riverside A2 Oro Grande B Colton CA

CUSTOMER SURVEY RESULTS


C Lucernce Valley; Ontario D Tehachapi are usually play only a small part in a major capital project. about 20 FTE Make as much cement as possible as efficiently as possible.

M1. What is the size of your maintenance staff?

DK

DK Do whatever is necessary to keep equipment operating so there is no lost production

NA Do whatever is necessary to keep equipment operating so there are no bottlenecks and lost production

Operations and maintenance are tied together. Do whatever is necessary to keep equipment operating so there is no lost production

M2. Please briefly describe the overall Do whatever is necessary to maintenance strategy for this plant? (include any keep equipment operating recent major changes) so there is no lost production M3. What type of maintenance policy does your company follow for each of the following types of equipment? As needed Motor lubrication Bearing lubrication Motor belt replacement Fan/blower blade cleaning Fan/blower wheel balancing Fan/blower airflow test Air compressor intake filters Limited scheduled preventitive As needed As needed As needed As needed Limited scheduled preventitive

As needed Limited scheduled preventitive As needed As needed As needed As needed Limited scheduled preventitive As needed

Limited scheduled preventitive Limited scheduled preventitive As needed As needed As needed As needed Limited scheduled preventitive As needed Predictive As needed As needed Predictive

Aggressive scheduled preventative Limited scheduled preventative As needed As needed As needed

Limted Scheduled Preventitive As needed Limted Scheduled Preventitive Limited scheduled preventative Limted Scheduled Preventitive As needed We had an air compressor survey done by a consultant in a recent year. But we havent done much to implement it. (NOTE a 2001 LBL publication says that they installed 2 new compressors and other equipment and saved 900,000 kWh or $90,000.)

Compressed air water traps & pressure regulators As needed

M4. What, if any, O&M procedures do you do regularly to conserve energy?

Within the limits of the Within the limits of the Everything possible. All Within the limits of the controls controls and equipment, we controls and equipment, we operations are based on energy and equipment, we try to try to minimize energy use. try to minimize energy use. use. minimize energy use. WE had a survey done about 3 years ago where we turned off all unnecessary equipment down to lights, AC, pumps, etc.

Lubrication, cleaning (Cleaning is a major issue with all the dust here.), change belts, other manufacturers recommended activities.

B9

APPENDIX B
Facility Location M5. How would you characterize the knowledge of the O&M staff regarding energy efficiency, overall? A1. What are your thoughts generally on high efficiency equipment and practices to improve energy efficiency? A1 Riverside Moderate A2 Oro Grande Moderate Very High B Colton CA

CUSTOMER SURVEY RESULTS


C Lucernce Valley; Ontario Savings were about 5-6% Excellent D Tehachapi Generally good but most have other priorities.

We know that we can do We know that we can do We are very motivated much better but we are very much better but we are very capital and resource limited. capital and resource limited.

We support and encourage all They are very important to energy saving within our capital us. We encourage them and time constraints. but we dont have enough staff to pursue most of them. Similar with regard to procurement, cost, and maintenance Savings meet expectations. WE do a fairly thorough review so were fairly confident before the project takes place. We have a good energy information database. Savings are often suspected to be short of expectations or impossible to calculate.

A2. Please tell me how you think premium efficiency equipment compares to standard equipment in each of the following categories: A3. How do energy savings usually compare with original expectations?

Similar with regard to procurement, cost, and maintenance Variable

Similar with regard to procurement, cost, and maintenance Variable

Similar with regard to procurement, cost, and maintenance

A4. If your facility were as energy efficient as possible, what would it have? (If cost was not a factor, but only using existing/emerging technologies)

Roller Mills vs ball mills

Roller Mills vs ball mills

Roller Mills vs ball mills

Roller Mills vs ball mills

Better air/combustion controls in kilns Optimized heat recovery/power generation More VFDs where appropriate A vertical calcining kiln

Better air/combustion controls in kilns Optimized heat recovery/power generation More VFDs where appropriate A vertical calcining kiln Optimized heat recovery/power Heat recovery power generation Heat recovery for cogen generation from the clinker cooler. More VFDs where appropriate A vertical calcining furnace Improved compresswed air system Fewer Pneumatic conveyors Better classifiers Mechanical conveyors in some areas More use of tires and waste fuels. More VFDs where appropriate VFDs on most fans.

A5. What are the primary factors keep you from being as energy efficient as possible?

Too busy to research

Too busy to research Waiting to see how new

B10

APPENDIX B
Facility Location A1 Riverside A2 Oro Grande B Colton CA

CUSTOMER SURVEY RESULTS


C Lucernce Valley; Ontario D Tehachapi measures perform at other sites Insufficient information (reliable, relevant) Too busy to research / specify No money to research No money to research No money to research EE doesn't meet payback criteria Capital constraints Too much plant down time Capital constraints Too much plant down time Capital constraints Too much plant down time Hard to sell to mgmt - savings risk Not worth trouble for small items Not worth trouble for small items Not worth trouble for small items Not worth trouble for small items Capital constraints Too much plant down time No money to research

No staff time to manage project No staff time to assess/manage project A5. What would need to change for your firm to More staff time; more capital More staff time; more capital More staff time be more likely to implement cost-effective energy efficiency measures? Change of regulation and More staff time; more available capital incentive constraints (waste heat generation process); more available capital YES a LOSHI vertical raw Mill Precalciner was installed in 1991 Control Upgrade HE Separators 1992, 1997 P2. Was energy efficiency considered for any of these projects? NA NA Yes Yes it was the primary motivation for all of those projects. Yes Classifiers/VFDs improved controls. Yes all of them, especially Controls Yes LOSHI Mill Energy cost savings; maintenacne cost savings; increase productivity; increased reliability;

P1. Have you implemented any major capital projects in the past 2 years?

No

No

Yes - computer analyzer for mix Yes classifiers on #2 finish mill and raw mill, VFD on ??? fan;

P3. Have you installed any high efficiency No equipment at your facility in the past 24 months? P4. What were the most important reasons that you installed high efficiency equipment or new technologies? <Check all that apply. Do NOT prompt with items from the list.>

No

Yes - see P1

Energy cost savings; increase Energy cost savings capacity/productivity; improved reliability; imporved quality control

B11

APPENDIX B
Facility Location P4. Do you have any plans to install high efficiency equipment in the next year? P5. Has the energy crisis in California, or the increase in your rates, had any effect on your decision making or practices? No A1 Riverside No A2 Oro Grande No B Colton CA

CUSTOMER SURVEY RESULTS


C Lucernce Valley; Ontario Yes; waste heat cogen (will decide soon); new classifier D Tehachapi cost - long delivery time Would like to improve clinker cooler; control project is ongoing Yes Energy is more critical to every decision. We also consider importing product and have port facilities.

Yes; energy costs are even Yes; energy costs are even Yes. Has not affected us too Yes; energy costs are even more critical more critical much because we are on direct more critical access. But Energy management is even more critical Yes; see A4 Yes; see A4 Yes; see A4

P6. Are you aware of any specific new technologies for your industry? If yes, what?

Yes; HE classifiers, mechanical To many to name . converyors, improved controls, Veritcal mills, VFD, Heat recovery, VFDs on fans, roller vs. ball mills All work well but all are major process change projects that cost millions of dollars. It is all good and would save us energy to install it but we are not sure if it is all cost-effective.

P7. What are your thoughts on this new technology?

All work well; but most involve too much captial

All work well; but most involve too much captial

They all work well, but significant capital changes

P8. Are you considering (or have you already installed) this new technology(s)?

No - capital constraints

No - capital constraints

Did AC survey and installed some VFDs. and improved Controls. Others involve too much capital cost, have long payback. All sources mentioned

Yes; have/plan to. Have already Yes Some of it. installed most technologies to some degree and plan to continue as capital permits.

I1. How do you usually become aware of new products and product improvements?

All sources mentioned

All sources mentioned

All sources mentioned IEEE Tech Committee; PCA, Corporate staff

All sources mentioned IEEE Tech Committee, PCA, SCE helps coordinate access to information and has helped with rebates. Yes; SPC, Express, Energy Audits; Compressed air studies SPC; air compressor

I2. What industry organization(s) do you trust as a IEEE Tech Committee; PCA IEEE Tech Committee; PCA AIEEE Tech Committee; PCA source for energy-related information?

I3. Are you aware of any programs or resources Yes; SPC and Express provided by your utility in 2002 or 2003 that were Efficiency designed to promote energy efficiency for facilities like yours? I4. During the last two years, did this facility participate in any energy efficiency programs offered by your utility or other source? (record all mentions)

Yes; SPC and Express Efficiency

Yes; SPC, Express, Energy Yes; SPC, Express Audits; Compressed air survey

Compressed air survey

Yes; SPC, Express; New classifier and VFD on fan

I5. What could the California energy efficiency Extend Program time limits Extend Program time limits Extend Program time limits to to 3+ years 3+ years programs, implemented by the utilities and other to 3+ years rd 3 parties utilizing Publics Goods Funding, do to further encourage you to install more energy efficient equipment? (Prompt about factors such as information, education, and financial

Extend Program time limits to 3+ years

Eliminate the departure fee for heat recovery cogen

B12

APPENDIX B
Facility Location incentives.) A1 Riverside Increase max funds A2 Oro Grande Increase max funds B Colton CA Increase max funds

CUSTOMER SURVEY RESULTS


C Lucernce Valley; Ontario Increase max funds D Tehachapi Allow more wholistic projects that dont require a before and after efficiency calculation. Allow more long term projects Increase capital

Remove restrictions to on site generation.

Extend waste heat generation incentive to more than 1 MW Remove departure fee disincentive for waste heat generation.

M1. Do you have any electronic controls on process equipment that (check all that apply):

Yes; not sure specifics

Yes; not sure specifics

Yes; they have other energy management capabilities

Yes; Unload or turn off equipment to save energy during idle periods; Have other energy management capabilities

M2. Why did you install the control system(s)? Check all that apply.

Increase process reliability

Increase process reliability

To increase reliability; to To increase product quality; for energy savings increase quality; fore energy savings - to allow energy-based control

Increase product quality Energy savings

Increase product quality Energy savings

B13

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