A purview of co-processing evolution: a case study of Rajasthan
Student name: Ms N. Neela
Guide: Dr Prateek Sharma
Year of completion: 2012
Host Organisation: ACC Limited
Supervisor (Host Organisation): Ms Swati Sharma
Abstract: Industries produce different kinds of wastes as a result of their manufacturing processes. Large
amount of these wastes may have alternate fuel and/or raw material value. The waste has both
organic and inorganic fractions, though the proportion of these varies according to the
manufacturing procedures. Cement production is one of the most energy-intensive processes.
Waste generated in the industries can fulfil the fuel and raw material requirement of the cement
industry to a large extent, which is otherwise met though non-renewable resources. In the cement
kilns where cement is manufactured, this waste is subjected to high temperature and long
residence time ensuring 100% waste destruction. This is called Waste Co-processing. Waste coprocessing
is a tool for achieving sustainability in the cement industry, as the overall burden on
the world’s resources is reduced. Also, it is an environmentally sound way of managing the waste
as it ensures complete waste destruction, with minimum releases into the environment. Coprocessing
is carried out under strictly controlled conditions ensuring health and safety of the
workers. The present work aims at assessing the rate of co-processing in Rajasthan w.r.t. the
generation of hazardous waste in the state. It was found out even though a huge potential of coprocessable
waste is generated, the actual co-processed waste is low. Further applicability and
the perspective and willingness of stakeholders in relation to co-processing were studied.
The findings reflected that the business corporations are becoming more aware of their
responsibilities as corporate citizens. The corporations are having a re look at their strategy and
are adopting sustainable business practices.
Key words: Co-processing, cement industry, stakeholders, perspective, Rajasthan.
