Recirculating Water-Cooling Tower
At Irish Cement, we use recycled quarry water to cool equipment, suppress dust and for general cleaning services.
In addition to the direct use of recycled quarry water in the process, there are closed loop water circuits which are also used for mechanical cooling. Closed loop water circuits are composed of a network of water pipes leading to various areas of the factory that require cooling, in addition to a Recirculating Water-Cooling Tower which re-cools the circulating water. The Recirculating Water-Cooling Tower requires automated water chemical treatment and routing testing to prevent limescale buildup and bacterial growth.
Platin CM4 closed loop circuit glycol refrigerant system.
In 2025, Irish Cement Platin advanced its commitment to sustainable operations through the successful installation of the CM4 closed-loop glycol refrigerant system. This modern solution represents a significant step forward in responsible water management, eliminating the need for cooling water by recirculating glycol within a fully enclosed circuit. As a result, water consumption on the cement mills has been substantially reduced, supporting broader resource conservation goals while ensuring reliable temperature control across critical processes.
Alongside water savings, the Platin CM4 system delivers notable improvements in energy efficiency. Its advanced heat exchange technology and optimised circulation significantly reduce the power demand associated with cooling operations, contributing to lower overall energy consumption and reduced carbon intensity. By incorporating intelligent controls and high-performance components, the system adapts efficiently to operational requirements, avoiding unnecessary energy use during periods of lower demand.
This investment reflects Irish Cement’s ongoing focus on integrating innovative technologies that deliver tangible environmental benefits, supporting the company’s pathway toward more sustainable and energy-efficient production.