French cement technology company Hoffmann Green has introduced H-CLAY®, a technology that processes clay without traditional calcination or flash calcination for use in 0% clinker cement.
The process turns different types of clay into a co-product that can be incorporated into low-carbon cement formulations. Hoffmann Green says the approach avoids the energy-intensive processing associated with conventional calcination.
H-CLAY® processes clay without calcination
H-CLAY® uses a cold-processing method to prepare clay for use in cement. The processed material can be incorporated into cement formulations in a role similar to slag in some of Hoffmann Green’s existing 0% clinker cements.
The company says the technology allows it to recover different types of clay and use them as a cement input. It is intended for cement formulations designed to meet the requirements of structural concrete, with technical performance and durability among the requirements the company identified.
The cold-processing approach is intended to limit the energy required to prepare the clay, compared with processes that rely on calcination or flash calcination.
Part of Hoffmann Green’s 0% clinker strategy
H-CLAY® adds another technology to Hoffmann Green’s portfolio of 0% clinker processes. The company is targeting six innovative 0% clinker cements by 2030.
Its existing technologies include H-UKR®, based on alkali-activated slag; H-IONA®, a supersulphated cement technology; H-EVA®, based on alkali-based ettringite; and H-P2A®, a geopolymer technology.
Hoffmann Green says H-CLAY® will let it work with a broader supply of clay resources while reducing the energy required for processing.
The launch continues the company’s development of clinker-free cement processes for construction applications, including materials intended for structural concrete.
