Reliable air solutions for cement production

Cement plants need reliable compressed air for important tasks. These tasks include moving materials, controlling processes, and powering machines. Atlas Copco’s air solutions are designed and tested to work in demanding environments. They ensure high efficiency, uptime, and low overall costs. With a robust design and energy-saving technology, our compressors help keep cement production running smoothly.

Reliable in dusty environments

Cement plants operate in dusty conditions that can challenge standard equipment. For more than 120 years, we have designed our compressed air solutions to work outside in tough conditions. They have advanced filters and strong parts to ensure reliable performance.

Total solution offering

A fully integrated compressed air system improves efficiency, simplifies maintenance, and ensures consistent air quality. Our solution includes everything from compressors and dryers to piping and control systems - tailored to your plant’s needs.

Save on costs

Efficient compressed air systems can significantly reduce energy use and maintenance expenses in cement production. Our durable full solution delivers high performance with low energy consumption, helping you cut operational costs.

Compressed air solutions in cement plants

Compressed air plays a vital role in nearly every stage of cement production. From conveying raw materials and powering tools to silo fluidization and cooling processes. Its versatility and reliability makes it an essential utility across the plant, helping maintain productivity, reduce downtime, and ensure consistent product quality. Whatever exact cement plant application it’s used for, compressed air must be delivered with precision and efficiency to meet the demands of a continuous and high-output operation.

Cement factories are among the dustiest industrial environments, and this poses a serious challenge for compressed air equipment. Units exposed to airborne particles and harsh conditions must be robust, well-sealed, and equipped with advanced filtration systems to prevent contamination and mechanical wear. Choosing an air compressor solution designed specifically for dirty and dusty settings is crucial. Not only to protect the equipment itself but also to ensure safe, clean, and uninterrupted air supply throughout the plant.

Learn more about the right air solution for cement plants

Verkhnebakansky cement plant, top view. Factory for the production and preparation of building cement. Cement industry.

Stationary or on-site air compressor: which one is right within the cement industry?

Walk into any cement plant and you’ll feel the heat, see the dust, and hear the hum of machinery working around the clock. What you won’t see, however, is one of the most vital components of the entire operation: compressed air. It powers everything from pneumatic conveying systems to bag filter cleaning and even assists in cooling clinker. Without it, production would grind to a halt. But in such a harsh environment, not every compressor can survive. That’s where tough compressors come in: a solution designed to thrive where standard units fail.

Cement production factory on mining quarry. Conveyor belt of heavy machinery loads stones and gravel

Preventing compressed air breakdowns in tough manufacturing

In demanding manufacturing environments, such as metalworking, chemical processing, and general manufacturing, compressed air systems are essential. They power tools and machines, control automation, support material handling, and ensure safety systems function properly. But when these systems fail, the consequences can be costly and disruptive.

People are working in the industry. Modern technologies work at a cement plant. Technological work on the production of cement. Working atmosphere with copy space. Heaps of sand and soil raw materials

How to choose the right compressed air equipment for demanding industrial and manufacturing applications

In demanding industrial and manufacturing environments, compressed air is more than just a utility. It’s a critical component of production processes. Whether you're powering pneumatic machines or tools, controlling automation systems, or ensuring product integrity, the reliability and efficiency of your compressed air system directly impact your bottom line.

Professional heavy industry engineer worker control industrial ball mill grinds ore at mining and concentrating plant. Metal manufacture factory concentrate of copper and gold.

Is your environment hurting your equipment? How real-world conditions redefine compressor reliability

Factories rarely operate in clean and sterile conditions. Dust, humidity and heat all affect how machines perform, and compressed air systems are no exception. While some compressors work safely in clean, climate-controlled rooms, many operate directly on the production floor or outdoors, where conditions are less predictable. Yet in many industries, frequent equipment breakdowns leading to downtime are still accepted as routine, even when the environment is clearly putting stress on the equipment. This raises an important question for operators: is the workplace itself accelerating wear without them realizing it? And although some facilities keep separate compressor rooms, others could free up that space for production if their compressors were built to handle tougher conditions. So, the challenge becomes clear: how can compressors deliver reliable performance when clean rooms aren’t always available, or even needed?

Key applications of air compressors in cement plants

Pneumatic conveying

Compressed air is used to transport materials, ranging from dilute to dense, through pipelines or on belts. Our air solutions are built to perform in dusty environments, and meet the pressure and flow demands of all conveying processes, ensuring smooth and efficient material movement.

Silo cleaning

Over time, cement silos can accumulate hardened material and blockages that disrupt flow and reduce storage capacity. Compressed air systems are used in cleaning tools and air cannons to break up buildup and restore efficient operation without the need for manual intervention.

Silo aeration

To prevent material buildup and ensure consistent flow, air is introduced into silos to aerate bulk solids. This process requires clean, oil-free air to maintain product integrity and avoid contamination.

Bulker and train unloading

Efficient unloading of fly ash and other bulk materials is essential to keep logistics moving smoothly. A well-designed on-site compressed air compressor solution ensures smooth transfer, reduces waiting times, and supports continuous plant operations.

Combustion air supply

Kilns rely on a steady stream of combustion air to maintain high temperatures and stable burning conditions. A reliable compressed air system ensures uninterrupted airflow, supporting consistent clinker production.

Cooling air for clinker

During the cooling phase, controlled air supply helps regulate clinker temperature and structure. Variable speed compressors allow precise airflow adjustments, improving energy efficiency and product quality.

Airlift systems

Compressed air powers vertical transport systems that move materials to elevated storage or processing areas. These systems benefit from energy-efficient air supply tailored to fluctuating demand.

Baghouse cleaning (dust collectors)

Compressed air is used in pulse-jet cleaning systems to remove dust from filter bags, maintaining airflow and filtration efficiency. This supports cleaner operations and compliance with environmental standards.

Powering maintenance tools

Pneumatic air-powered tools are essential for routine maintenance and repair tasks across the plant. They offer durability and consistent performance in demanding industrial environments.