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AFR FEEDING AND DOSING: PRECISION FOR STABLE COMBUSTION

Accurate, flexible and reliable feeding and dosing systems for alternative fuels and raw materials, ensuring controlled material input in cement plants and other energy-intensive industries.

BEUMER AFR FEEDING AND DOSING SYSTEMS

BG OptiFeed

BG OptiLock

HOW PRECISE AFR FEEDING AND DOSING PROTECTS COMBUSTION STABILITY

AFR feeding and dosing represent the final critical step before alternative fuels enter the combustion process. At this stage, consistent and precisely controlled material flow is essential to ensure stable combustion, reliable material input and compliance with process and emission requirements.

Unlike conventional fuels, alternative fuels vary widely in particle size, bulk density and moisture content. Bulk material feeding and dosing systems must be designed to compensate for these variations to ensure efficient combustion.

Unwanted ambient air, or ‘false air’, is another consideration. Entering through gaps, worn seals or leaks in equipment, false air cools the process, dilutes hot gases and disrupts combustion conditions. This results in reduced thermal efficiency, higher fuel and power consumption, and lower overall productivity.

Advanced feeding and dosing systems compensate for fuel fluctuations and false air ingress in real time, enabling higher substitution rates while maintaining operational reliability and process stability.

ENGINEERING CHALLENGES IN AFR DOSING AND FEEDING

Alternative fuels introduce specific technical and operational challenges at the dosing and feeding stage, where accuracy and reliability are paramount.

Fuel variability
Fluctuations in particle size, bulk density and moisture content can negatively impact feeding accuracy and thermal input.
Feeding accuracy
Inconsistent mass flow can lead to unstable combustion, reduced efficiency and increased emissions.
Flowability and segregation
Materials with poor flow behaviour or segregation tendencies place high demands on feeder design and control systems.
Abrasive and corrosive materials
Certain alternative fuels accelerate wear and require robust, wear-resistant components to ensure long-term reliability.
False air control
Uncontrolled air ingress can affect combustion efficiency and must be carefully minimised through proper system design.

CONTINUOUS OPERATION AND LONG-TERM FEEDING ACCURACY

AFR feeding and dosing systems operate continuously under demanding conditions, making durability and lifecycle performance critical design considerations.

Key components must be engineered for high wear resistance while maintaining long-term weighing accuracy. Easy access, replaceable wear parts and condition-based maintenance concepts help minimise downtime, reduce maintenance effort and protect system availability.

High-quality weighing technology, standardised components and predictive maintenance capabilities contribute to consistent performance, extended service life and a low total cost of ownership across the system lifecycle.

GRAVIMETRIC AFR FEEDING AND DOSING SOLUTIONS FOR CEMENT PLANTS

BEUMER Group delivers gravimetric feeding and dosing solutions specifically designed for alternative fuels in cement and other energy-intensive industries.

By continuously measuring and regulating mass flow in real time through load cells, speed sensors and BG OptiTec software evaluation, BEUMER feeding and dosing systems compensate for changing material properties to ensure accurate material input and stable process conditions. Depending on the application, belt- or screw-based feeding technologies are selected to achieve the required accuracy, robustness and reliability under demanding AFR conditions.

Designed as an integral part of the overall AFR handling system, BEUMER feeding and dosing solutions support flexible fuel strategies, emissions compliance and reliable long-term operation.

BENEFITS OF BEUMER AFR FEEDING AND DOSING SOLUTIONS

  • Stable material input

    Precise mass flow control supports consistent combustion and process stability.

  • High feeding accuracy

    Gravimetric measurement ensures reliable feeding despite variable fuel properties.

  • Higher substitution rates

    Accurate control enables greater use of alternative fuels without compromising performance.

  • Improved operational reliability

    Robust design and controlled material flow improve process stability and uptime.

  • Reduced emissions

    Stable feeding supports consistent combustion conditions and regulatory compliance.

  • Lower total cost of ownership

    Durable components and efficient maintenance concepts minimise lifecycle costs.

PROVEN AFR FEEDING AND DOSING PERFORMANCE IN CEMENT KILN OPERATIONS

See how BEUMER AFR dosing and feeding solutions perform in real cement plant operations.

Lafarge Zementwerke GmbH selected BEUMER Group as their trusted partner for AFR feeding and dosing, highlighting precise control, reliable operation and long-term performance under demanding conditions.

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EXPLORE BEUMER AFR FEEDING AND DOSING SYSTEMS

  • False air control system for AFR input

    Engineered to minimise false air intake and support safe, reliable fuel feeding into the combustion process, the BG OptiLock double-screw feeder is ideal for applications requiring low false air inlet. Equipped with a 2,5-4 m3 material bin, the BG OptiLock has a standard capacity of up to 300 m³/h, with larger volumes available through tailor-made solutions.

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Our support goes beyond the standard — it’s a partnership built to last. Backed by a worldwide network of regional service centers, we are with you throughout the entire lifecycle of your systems and assets, understanding your unique needs to ensure maximum reliability and efficiency.

We are working 24/7 to be your Partner of Choice.

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Claus Weyhofen - Head of Sales Cement

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Claus Weyhofen

Head of Sales Cement

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+49 (2521) 24 3976