Highly efficient burning of clinker using flame analysis and NMPC

To date, six cement plants, worldwide, are using a dynamic Non-linear Model Predictive Control (NMPC) solution combined with flame analysis to gain essential savings in their clinker burning process. Through a combination of the latest developments in the field of artificial intelligence and digital image processing, they have optimized while increasing the fuel substitution rate and improved clinker quality. A new feature in the control concept is the use of the primary air distribution of the main burner. The article describes the functionality and performance of the optimization system which operates with "flame shaping" developed by the German Automation company