Ensuring high quality and profitability for low-clinker cement production

Thanks to the widespread adoption of Type 1L in the USA and GUL15 in Canada, the evolution of the North American cement industry toward low-clinker cement is now a reality. The demand for high-quality SCMs to further reduce clinker content in cement and lower cement content in concrete will continue to grow.

Switching to low clinker cement and increase the processing and use of SCM’s involves real challenges. Fives FCB delivers customized solutions based on its core technologies, from single machine to full EPC projects.

In a recent webinar, Yan Huerre, Commercial Director, and Eric Edet, Product Manager, shared key technologies and real-world case studies to show how Fives is helping the industry to preserve productivity, with the additional key benefits of reducing CO2 footprint.

Achieving 60% recovery in cement paste recycling
Fives’ innovative Rhodax^® technology has achieved remarkable results in cement paste recovery from recycled concrete, delivering up to 60% recovery compared to the industry norm of 30%. This breakthrough is the result of a long-term R&D collaboration with Heidelberg Materials, during which large volumes of concrete were processed and separated into aggregates, sand, and paste for quality testing.

Over 18 months, the teams optimized both the quantity and quality of recovery. The 60% figure was validated through extensive testing, including at Contour Labs in Japan, and was made possible by recirculating up to 75% of the material to improve liberation and cleanliness.

Superior classification in terms of fineness and homogeneity
Fives’ classifiers, particularly the TSV THF series, has proven to be highly effective in achieving superior fineness and homogeneity. This is especially valuable when adapting traditional cement ball mills to low-clinker cement production without sacrificing productivity.




For example, at Holcim Macuspana, the use of Fives’ classification technology has led to improved blending quality and production output, reducing losses during transitions between Type 1 and Type 1L cement. The THF series delivers low bypass rates, even for extremely fine cement, with excellent fine recovery.

Improving efficiency and quality in low-clinker cement production
Fives’ integrated approach, combining drying, classification, and grinding, demonstrates how even small investments can yield substantial gains. At the CENOSA facility in Honduras, a switch to a lower-cost pozzolana with higher moisture content caused production to drop from 90 tons/hour.

Rather than investing in a large, costly dryer, Fives proposed a process-smart solution: redesigning the bypass duct. This low-investment upgrade, supported by strong process expertise, not only restored lost production but increased output by more than 20 tons/hour. It is a clear example of how Fives’ tailored systems can enhance both efficiency and quality in low-clinker cement manufacturing.




Accelerating the adoption of sustainable cement in North America
With the North American cement industry rapidly transitioning toward low-clinker cement, Fives has strategically established a new U.S. subsidiary to support the shift. This local presence enables the company to work closely with customers, understand the specific challenges posed by new cement recipes, and provide optimized solutions.

The goal is to empower producers to maintain productivity, even as formulations evolve. By equipping skilled technical and commercial teams on the ground, Fives ensures faster support, customized engineering, and real-world validation through pilot testing and case studies. The move reflects Fives’ long-term commitment to accelerating the decarbonization of cement manufacturing in North America.