Drilling cuttings impregnated with diesel, a viable energy option for the manufacture of refractory materials

Abstract

Cuba currently presents a complex energy situation; hence, the production chain could be the solution to guarantee production in some industrial sectors based on the circular economic concept introduction. The manufacture of ceramic elements in Cuba is an activity that requires increasing its production for the construction of houses, therefore using diesel-impregnated drilling cuttings (OBM) as an energy alternative could be a viable alternative in this sector. The work was carry out by the three Cuban tiles, with the objective of evaluating the energy contribution of the OBM residue in the ceramic brick firing process. Industrial tests were carry out in kilns with different types, from selected producers. The caloric value was determined before the industrial test, the OBM cut were uses as fuel and the air quality was measure before and during the use of this residual. Total suspended particles (TSP) were determined. The selected pollutants, the minimum sampling frequency and the number of samples at each point was establish in accordance with the laws. The results were favourable for the use of the OBM cuts, a high-sustained combustion was observe over time and although a polluted and rarefied environment was evident, both due to the particles coming from the incomplete combustion of the wood and due to the high content of methane, contaminants were not increased when using the proposed residuals.