Modern Cement Manufacturing – Role Of Industrial Fans
                     MODERN CEMENT MANUFACTURING – 
ROLE OF INDUSTRIAL FANS
Neel Rao
Writes on Reitzindia massive industrial fans,  ID Fan and 
Forced draft fan.
Industrial fans play a crucial role in the cement manufacturing sector, an industry 
where power consumption is exceptionally high. In this context, these plants must 
deploy blowers to significantly minimize the energy consumed. Additionally, 
industrial fans enable optimal airflow and enhanced operational efficiency. The 
commonly used blowers in the cement manufacturing sector are: induced draft (ID) 
and forced draft (FD) fans.
Fan Applications in Cement Manufacturing
Various processes such as preparing raw materials, clinker production in kilns, and 
grinding are involved in cement manufacturing. Industrial blowers are pivotal 
components in all these processes.
 Fans provide the required airflow when raw materials are moved to mills where 
grinding is carried out.
 Similarly, burners receive fresh air from fans. These blowers also eliminate dust 
and hot gases generated in the combustion process.
 Industrial fans ensure that temperature is kept under control within clinker 
coolers. This is a crucial factor that influences the quality of the clinker.
Cement Plants – Industrial Fan Types
These are the varieties of industrial fans generally used in cement plants. Typically 
centrifugal fans based equipment is used as it is designed to operate in rough 
environments.
 Induced draft fans: ID fans create negative pressure to collect flue gases from dust 
collectors and kilns, then expel them into the outside atmosphere. They are of 
immense value in processes like dust collection and grinding. They are integral 
elements of ventilation systems, too.
 Forced draft fans: These fans provide the air that is necessary for proper 
completion of the process of combustion in kilns.
 
Modern Industrial Fans – Energy Efficiency
Let us now look at a few points about energy efficiency.
 Earlier, approximately one-third of the energy consumed by a cement 
manufacturing unit was attributable to fans.
 However, modern industrial blowers are being manufactured to utilize less power 
and deliver enhanced performance.
 Many of the presently-available models are made with materials that withstand 
wear and tear for a long duration. Some of these fans are fitted with VFDs 
(variable frequency drives) and aerodynamic blades. As a result, plants are able to 
realize their objective of improving energy efficiency.
Key Challenges and Solutions
It is now appropriate to focus on a few challenges and their corresponding solutions 
specific to cement manufacturing.
 In any cement manufacturing unit, these blowers are exposed to rough 
particulates, and this can adversely impact their lifespan. Here, deploying fans 
made from materials like special steel material which have coatings that are wear-
resistant is the best choice.
 In these plants, a significant amount of dust can accumulate in blowers, which 
greatly reduces their efficiency. This issue can be resolved by selecting models 
with high-quality filters and proper sealing.
 Continuing with old industrial fans only leads to a substantial increase in costs. 
Cement manufacturing plants should upgrade and bring in the latest variants, 
without being deterred by the initial cost. These models will, anyway, lead to a 
noteworthy saving in costs in the long run.
 
Though not many speak about the role of industrial fans in cement manufacturing 
units, they are very important equipment in the cement factory. It is because of their 
presence that many salient processes of plants progress smoothly. With the rapidly 
escalating energy costs, it has become more necessary than ever before to install 
energy efficient blowers. The technologies integrated into modern industrial fans 
contribute significantly to the development of the cement sector.
About REITZINDIA
Reitz India has set a benchmark to deliver high quality fans for heavy duty industries 
which can work at precise operating conditions like high temperatures and 
pressures. Reitz offer idealistic Centrifugal Fan and Centrifugal blower design that 
can be used in all large scale process industries like cement, iron & steel, power 
plants, fertilizers/ chemicals and more.
Thank you for spending your precious time in reading this article!