Domes for Cement Plants

Cement manufacturers must insure their product has consistent properties over time, but most limestone quarries produce materials of varying chemical composition. To obtain consistent quality in the final product, quarried raw materials must be blended before being fed into the kiln, but if done in the open, blending limestone may produce large amounts of dust.

Limestone blending is done in two steps: First, the stacker arm moves back and forth, distributing inventory in layers, either in an arc of a circle (circular blending, shown in the photo) or in a straight line (longitudinal blending). With each pass, the stacker changes its overall position, moving closer to the back end of the reclaimer. Second, the reclaimer system works at the tall back end of the pile, taking out inclined slices and inching forward towards the back end of the stacker. The entire stacker/reclaimer system thus rotates slowly around the center (circular blending) or moves slowly down a straight line (longitudinal blending).

Longitudinal storage dome for limestone and additives, 60m x 300m

Geometrica domes provide the most efficient shape for a stockpile enclosure because they are lightweight and can span large areas without intermediate supports. The most common dome shape is a segment of a sphere, but it is more economical to use varying radii of curvature for the meridian of the dome -- the goal is to have the dome "hug" the clearance line of the stacker-reclaimer.

113m Diameter limestone storage domes, South Africa

Elliptical or compound dome meridians result in a smaller surface area and better clearance for vehicles around the perimeter.

Edo’s cement clinker storage dome in Nigeria.

In spans larger than 50m, traditional structures are very complex. Geometrica's solutions offer an economical and beautiful alternative.

Dozens of galvanized steel domes for limestone storage have been built around the world.

90m diameter and additives, 70m diameter, Mexico

Geometrica offers domes for cement manufacturers that are:

built with corrosion-resistant galvanized steel or aluminum;
circular, longitudinal or free-style;
packaged and shipped in small crates that can be easily handled in remote locations;
assembled by local labor without special equipment; and
assembled over a stock pile even while the pile remains in operation.

Cement plant with three Geometrica domes, Tunisia

Geometrica domes help solve pollution problems in cement manufacturing. If you have a stockpile that needs a cover, or if you would like to receive our newsletter, please send us your information using this inquiry form.