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Basic Facts About Clinker
Basic Facts About Clinker
Reducing raw mix rejects lowers burning temperature and grinding energy. This is particularly
the case with siliceous rejects.
This action is also beneficial to strength properties.
Example: When the amount of 100m rejects is reduced from 20 to 10%, the global raw mix +
cement energy consumption is lowered by about 4 kWh per tonne of cement at a fineness
of 350 m2/kg.
Raw mix fineness is generally characterized by the weight of rejects in one or several sieves (a 100m
sieve is often used).
The following examples illustrate these three points:
58.5
Oil
58
(l/t Raw mix)
57.5
57
56.5
56
Several industrial raw mixes were characterized in lab burnability tests at temperatures between 1400
and 1550C (1000C/h heating rate and a 30 minutes hold point at final temperature), both as is and
with regrinding of the rejects.
The two graphs that follow (Figures 2 and 3), which give the observed free lime as a function of
temperature, show the effect of rejects regrinding. We can see that: :
the Martres raw mix, which is rich in quartz (> 10%), is harder to burn and more susceptible to
fineness than the Karsdorf raw mix.
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1
1-Raw mix rejects
8.00
% freeCaO
Rawmix
15%>100 mIndustrialasis
6.00
5%>100 mlabgrindingofresidue
5%>100 mcompletegrinding
4.00
2.00
temperature C
0.00
1400 1450 1500 1550 1600
Figure 2: Free lime after burning for different raw mix finenesses (Martres lab test)
8.00
% free CaO
6.00
Raw mix
2.00
temperature C
0.00
1350 1400 1450 1500 1550 1600
the % rejects criterion is not sufficient, of itself, to determine a given raw mixs burnability
(different results for Martres according to whether the entire sample or only the rejects are
reground).
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2
1-Raw mix rejects
1.2 Effect on grinding energy
In 1990, the Lexos plant had the chance to grind its raw mix to different finenesses (13% to 21% rejects at
100m) over a long enough period of time so that the plants monthly averages could be considered as
meaningful.
Figure 4 shows the increase in the raw mills power consumption with the increased fineness.
25
kWh/t
y =- 0.42 x +29.7
y = -0.4267x + 29.759
24 r2 =0.91
23
22
21
A study1 was done to determine the cement grinding power consumption for clinkers that correspond to
different raw mix finenesses and for various manufactured products. Figure 5 shows the rise in power
consumption for cement grinding corresponding to increasing raw mix rejects for a CEM I 52.5 R cement.
75
kWh/t
y = 1.38 x + 37.8
70
r2 =0,58
65
60
If we look at the end result, for the production of a CEM I 52.5 R, an additional 1% of 100m rejects in
the raw mix causes an increase in grinding energy of more than 0.5 kWh/t.
1 H. Geesen : Influence of raw meal fineness on cement grinding energy (Lexos plant)
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3
1-Raw mix rejects
1.3 Effect on mechanical strength
When raw meal fineness was changed at Contes2 (Figure 6), a small increase in strength at constant
Blaine fineness was observed. This allowed the plant to slightly lower the Blaine (and increase mill
production) while maintaining strength.
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4
2-Thermal profile
2 Thermal profile
Note: The optimum is achieved when the kiln torque is at the minimum value compatible with
stable kiln operation.
By thermal profile, we mean the rate of heating and cooling of the product in the kiln and cooler. The
burning zone length can also be assimilated to this concept.
The thermal profile is affected by a number of factors:
the raw mix burnability and the kilns heat consumption
the type of fuel and its preparation
the burner and its settings
cooler operation (via secondary air temperature)
kiln operation, especially the draught and fuel settings, but also
rotational speed
Generally speaking, it is somewhat difficult to compare a thermal profile from one kiln to the next. On the
other hand, for a given system, several sensors provide readings as to the burning zone length: amps or
torque of the drive motors, clinker temperature measured at the kiln outlet (or the NO in the kiln exit
gases), temperatures in the preheater cyclones, pressure drop through the Lepol grate, shell scanners,
etc.
For each kiln, the most representative indicator should to be determined and analyzed.
Two recent examples can be given :
kWh / t
75
70
BB 10
65
60
55
50
C
45
1050 1100 1150 1200 1250 1300 1350 1400 1450
Cooling zone temperature
Figure 7: Grindability vs ; kiln cooling zone temperature (Port-la-Nouvelle)
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5
2-Thermal profile
75
70
65
BB10 (kWh/t)
60
55
50
45 Nm
600 700 800 900 1000 1100 1200 1300 1400 1500
Kiln drive torque
Figure 8: Grindability vs. kiln drive torque (Port-la-Nouvelle)
Weekly spot clinker sampling over a period of approximately one year. Simultaneous recording of kiln
operating parameters. Clinker grindability measured by BB10.
A short burning zone, characterized by a low kiln torque value and high burning zone temperature, affords
the best grindability.
2.2 Le Teil
450 Grindability 75
improvement
400 70
350 65
300 60
Kiln amps decrease
250 55
200 50
30/05/1995 04:00 30/05/1995 12:00 30/05/1995 20:00 31/05/1995 04:00 31/05/1995 12:00
Spot clinker sampling during a SHTS (~CEM I 52.5 R) production test over a two-day period.
Simultaneous recording of kiln operating parameters. Clinker grindability measured by BB10.
A lengthening of the burning zone early in test leads to a decrease in clinker grindability. A shorter
burning zone (low kiln amp values) affords the best grindability.
The technical literature and lab studies point to the favorable impact of a short thermal profile on strength,
as well as, the beneficial effect of rapid quenching for strength and workability. This information has not
been verified industrially.
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6
3-Burning atmosphere
It was observed that the kiln remained stable at all coke percentages. It is evident that the coarse
particles in the coke burn on the clinker load: the reducing atmosphere that results shows no effect on kiln
stability (because, in the case of a long kiln, the volatilized sulfur has an exit via the stack), but has an
important effect on sulfur volatilization and increased SO2 emissions at the stack.
In this particular case, a 1% increase in the oxygen exiting the kiln, at constant coke input, translates into
a 16 point decrease in the volatilization coefficient. The level of sulfates in the clinker is increased by
60%.
3.2 Brookfield
At Brookfield (long dry kiln), where raw mix SO3 is 1.5%, the kiln went through many cycles that were
recognizable by:
the cyclical variation of kiln torque
the cyclical variation of clinker production, with surges every eight hours
variation in the clinker SO3 and K2O content : SO3 between 1% and 4%
Cyclical operations, with a period of about two hours, were observed on other long kilns such as Bath and
Exshaw (kiln 4), where the raw mixes are rich in volatile elements.
One solution used to reduce the sulfur cycle is to divert part of the electrostatic precipitator dust (the
finest and highest in sulfur content) away from the kiln circuit.
At Brookfield, some tests were carried out on the kiln exit oxygen values. An increase in the draught
augmented the dust pick-up, which lead to a redesign of the chain section. A setting of 3.2% oxygen was
decided upon instead of 1.9%. Of course, this had a negative impact on heat consumption, but a positive
effect on the quantity of by-passed dust.
Kiln exit oxygen (%) 1.9 3.2 4
volatilization SO3 (%) 78 32
Dust eliminated (t/d) 90 40
Figure 11: Brookfield kiln 1
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7
3-Burning atmosphere
3.3 Le Teil
The figure below shows the impact of oxygen levels on the volatilization of sulfates (clinker SO3 in the C4
material).
% SO C4 C4
%3 SO3
%
%O 2 Preheater
O2 sortie tourexit %%
SOSO3 clinker
3 Clinker
5,5 4,5
5
3,5
3
4,5 % OO2
2 preheater
sortie tourexit
2,5 % SO3 C4
SO3 C4
% SO 3 Clinker
SO3 KK
2
4
1,5
1
3,5
0,5
3 0
17/sep 17/sep 17/sep 17/sep 18/sep 18/sep 18/sep 18/sep 18/sep 18/sep
09:00 13:00 17:00 21:00 01:00 05:00 09:00 13:00 17:00 21:00
Figure 12: Influence of the oxygen level at preheater exit on sulfate volatilization.
Figure 12 shows the switch from 60% to 100% coke on September 17 at 9 a.m. (beginning of chart).
In cyclone 4, one can see the increase in SO3 attaining 4% at 1400h. The clinker SO3 remains low. The
sulfur introduced as a result of the additional coke does not leave the system: there is a risk of plugging.
At 1400h the preheater exit O 2 was raised from 4.4% to 4.9%; the C 4 material SO 3 content goes down
from 4% to 2.5%, the clinker SO3 content increases from 0.7% to 1.3%. The oxygen increase allows an
acceptable sulfur balance to be reached with 100% coke thereby avoiding plugging in the cyclones, ring
formation, etc.
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8
4-Free lime
4.1 Saint-Constant
A burning intensity study undertaken with St. Constants long dry kiln, allowed the plant to compare the
relationship between clinker free lime and initial setting time, as shown in the table below:
180
160
140
120
100 %
0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6
Clinker free lime
Figure 13: Setting time as a function of free lime
The correlation is non-linear: the effect setting time is a lot stronger between 0.4 and 0.8% free lime than
beyond 0.8%.
4.2 Bath
At Bath, another long dry process, numerous tests were carried out to reduce initial and final setting times
in response to a customer request. These tests were all aimed at increasing the free lime content to
0.9%: fineness, mix composition, kiln speed/feed ratio, etc. None of these tests gave the desired results.
The solution applied today consists of adding limestone at the kiln outlet, in the nose ring area. This
addition could technically be done at the cooler inlet, however this would not be in accordance with ASTM
standard which apply to part of the plants sales.
The results are as follows:
4 Lime quality (specifically its burning temperature, its hydration level, etc.) and clinker quality have an influence on the results obtained.
_______________________________________ ________________________________
9
4-Free lime
Sample SSB free Setting Setting Concrete Concrete Concrete Con- Con-
(m2/ lime time time setting setting setting crete crete
kg) (%) 23C 23C time time time set. set.
10C / time time
(plant) (CTS) (h:min) 24C /
2%CaCl2 24C 10C
2%CaCl2
Reference 360 0.35 165 180 5:45 3:30 4:45 5:10 8:30
Test 1 357 0.7 125 110 4:55
Test 2 371 0.9 120 115 4:40 3:10 4:25 4:30 7:15
Figure 14: Injection of limestone at kiln outlet (Bath)
Tests 1 and 2 were done with an injection of different addition rates of limestone at the kiln outlet, as
reflected in the different levels of free lime. The final setting times were not recorded (they were
estimated based on initial setting times). The gain in concrete setting time at 10C is especially
noteworthy.
.
4.4 Woodstock
At Woodstock, a comparable test was carried out at the kiln outlet, where the effect was minimal. This
could be related to the level of lime saturation, which is lower in this plant. This conclusion was also
reached in the Delta-free lime study carried out by LCR: the decrease in setting time through an increase
in free lime is most effective when the degree of lime saturation in the raw mix is high.
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10
5-Clinker C3S
Order of magnitude: +10% C3S +2 to +5 MPa in the short and medium terms
65.00
60.00
55.00
% C3S
50.00
45.00
40.00
7/02/92
8/02/92
9/02/92
12/02/92
3/03/92
12/03/92
31/03/92
21/04/92
29/04/92
13/05/92
19/05/92
26/05/92
03/06/92
10/06/92
10/03/92
17/03/92
24/03/92
07/04/92
05/05/92
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11
5-Clinker C3S
1.80
1.60
1.40
1.20
% SO3
1.00
0.80
0.60
0.40
0.20
0.00
8/02/92
9/02/92
3/03/92
10/03/92
12/03/92
31/03/92
07/04/92
21/04/92
13/05/92
19/05/92
26/05/92
10/06/92
7/02/92
12/02/92
17/03/92
24/03/92
29/04/92
05/05/92
03/06/92
Figure 16: Evolution of clinker SO3 (Villaluenga plant)
The strength increase with increasing C 3S, at all ages is clearly shown in Figure 17 (clinker sample lab
ground at 3600 SSB with total sulfates held constant).
40.0
N/mm 2
y = 0.58x + 1.42
35.0 r2 = 0.67
2d
30.0
25.0 y = 0.45x - 2.59
1d r2 = 0.43
20.0
15.0
45.0 50.0 55.0 60.0
C3 S
Figure 17: Evolution of strengths as a function of C3S (Villaluenga plant)
1 day: gives a moderate correlation (r 2=0.43) which improves in the case of multiple regression
using the proportion of sulfate in the clinker. Result: 4.5 MPa for 10% C 3S
2 days: good correlation (r 2=0.67). Result: 5.8 MPa for 10% C3S
7 days: good correlation (r 2=0.58). Result: 5.5 MPa for 10% C3S
28 days: poor correlation (r2=0.31). Result: 4.1 MPa for 10% C3S
It must be noted, however, that the SO3 and C3S evolved in the same manner during those four months
and it is therefore difficult to distinguish their individual effects and the impact of optimum sulfate
addition. This may explain why the slopes of the linear regressions (1 day and 28 days in Figure 17) are
very similar.
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12
5-Clinker C3S
5.2 Villaluenga 1501
Production in normal conditions for kiln 1501 (kiln w/ AS precalciner). This corresponds to the same
period as the start up of kiln 2302 but the C3S is less variable .
Clinker characteristics: the average values are C3S =57.9, SR=2.7, A/F=1.73, SO3/alkalies molar ratio =
0.92.
The compressive strengths vs. C3S content for different ages are show in Figure 18:
60.00
y = 0.59x + 20.84
55.00 r 2 = 0.59
50.00 28d
45.00 y = 0.68x + 5.61
r 2 = 0.66
40.00 7d
N/mm 2
35.00
y = 0.54x + 0.771
30.00 2d r 2 = 0.59
25.00
y = 0.28x + 4.88
20.00 r 2 = 0.22
1d
15.00
50.0 55.0 60.0 65.0
C3 S
Figure 18: Evolution of strengths as a function of C 3S (Villaluenga plant, kiln 1501)
1 day: very weak correlation (r2=0.22). Result: 2.8 MPa for 10% C3S
2 days: good correlation (r 2=0.59). Result: 5.4 MPa for 10% C3S
7 days: good correlation (r 2=0.66). Result: 6.8 MPa for 10% C3S
28 days: poor correlation (r2=0.59). Result: 5.9 MPa for 10% C3S
Note the weak evolution of 1 day strength.
5.3 Whitehall
For reasons that have to do with the quarry, the Whitehall plant had to perform some clinker production
tests with low C3S levels. The industrially produced clinkers were ground in the lab at constant sulfate
addition. The table on the following page shows the test results.
40
35
30 1 d
3 d
25 7 d
28 d
20
MPa
15
10
0
10 20 30 40 50 60
C3 S
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13
6-Clinker C2S
For a given Blaine specific surface (SSB), grinding energy increases with C 2S content.
Conversely, it decreases with increasing C3S.
Order of magnitude: +10% C2S, (or -10% C3S) +5 kWh/t (for 3500 cm2/g).
6.1 Ocumare
The Ocumare plant5 (FNC - Venezuela) recently modified its raw mix composition (February 1997) by
increasing the lime saturation in order to improve clinker reactivity. All other parameters including the
clinker free lime remained constant. The table below summarizes the situation over a consecutive two-
month period, before and after changing the mix.
The effect on grinding energy is lesser in the plant than in the lab, although it has the same tendency to
decrease. If we use the figures obtained in the lab (calculated for 350 m2/kg), we can evaluate the drop
in power consumption at 46.7 x (350/368)1.5 - 44.4 x (350/371)1.5 = 2.6 kWh/t for 7% less C2S, or:
Note that during the same period, the increase in C 3S content resulted in a gain of 3.5 MPa at 28 days on
industrial cement.
6.2 Karsdorf
Until 1994, only one clinker with high lime saturation (KST = 98) was used for the entire cement product
range. At that time, the new European standards lowered the upper limit of 28-day strength of CEM I
32.5 to 52.5 MPa from its previous 55 MPa. Meeting this demand was not easy. The solution, which
consisted of reducing cement fineness, caused problems with bleeding, which was unacceptable for the
users.
5 Presentation given by L. Corda, J.A. Sbardella from Gerencia Desarollo y Procesos, Cementos La Vega, TYTP Combustion Meeting on April 15-16,
1997 at Yozgat.
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14
6-Clinker C2S
It was therefore decided to produce a second clinker less saturated in CaO (KST = 90), which gives less
28 day strength because of lower C3S content.
The results obtained6 are as follows:
The increase in the percentage of Belite causes the mill power consumption to increase by:
It must be stated that this solution is not satisfactory firstly because of increased energy cost and
secondly because the strong reactivity of the Belite at Karsdorf doesnt allow for a significant reduction of
28-day strength in the cement considering the clinkers high lime saturation. Figure 21 below shows the
results of laboratory-ground cement made from two industrial clinkers with two different sulfate addition
rates (2/3 gypsum 1/3 SH). Another method is being studied, which consists of modifying the sulfate
addition of KST 98 clinker. The trouble here lies with the risk of rheological disturbances.
KST = 90 KST = 98
60 60
56
54
54
50 50 44 50
43
40 41 40 40
30
SO3 =2.3
30 24.5 30
SO3 =2.9 26.5
23.5 18.2
20 17.3 20
17.8
14.5 11
10 8.8 9 10 9.8
0 0
0 10 J ours 20 30 0 10 J ours 20 30
6 Presentation given by G. Cochet and G. Staupendahl at the CTI/CTEC Technical Days in Madrid, October 1996. Study of clinker grindability at
Karsdorf by G. Cochet, CTI, September 1995.
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15
7-Alkalies and 28-day strength
Alkalies7, whatever their form, are never favorable to 28-day compressive strength.
It is usually very difficult to change the alkali content in a given plant without greatly altering other
parameters, because the content in the individual raw materials tend to be relatively constant.
65
28 -day Strength (MPa)
60
55
50
45
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4 1.6 1.8 2
% Total Alkalies
Fig
ure 22: Influence of total alkalies on 28-day strength
7 The clinker alkalies may occur in different forms depending upon the degree of alkali saturation by sulfates. The total alkalies Na 2O+K20 are present
in either or both of the following forms:
Soluble alkalies
The alkalies combined with sulfate are Na 2SO4, K2SO4, K2SO4(CaSO4)2. These compounds can make their appearance during industrial production
when the fuel is changed from a natural gas to a sulfur-bearing fuel like bunker oil or petroleum coke or when gypsum is added to the raw mix. In this
case, there will be more soluble alkalies at the expense of alkalies in solid solution.
Alkalies in solid solution
The alkalies that are not combined with sulfates will enter the aluminate and silicate crystal lattices, modifying their reactivity. This can be a problem for
the C3A (loss of workability) as mentioned in the ninth basic fact.
8 R. Guyot, R. Ranc, B. Cariou: Sulfates Synthesis Report , June 1983.
9 at a constant Blaine and with sulfate addition optimized for 28-day strength.
10 M. Debos, G. Chaudouard
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16
7-Alkalies and 28-day strength
80
Rc MPa R 28j
70
R 28j + K2O
60
R 7j + K2O
50
R 7j
40
R 2j + K2O
30
R 2j
20
R 1j + K2O
10
0 R 1j
25 30 35 40 45 50 55 60 65
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17
8-Alkalies and short-term strengths
At optimum sulfate addition for early ages, soluble alkalies in the form of alkali sulfates improve
early strength.
Order of magnitude: + 0.1 % Eq. Na2O soluble + 0.5 to 1.5 N/mm2 at 1 day
The soluble alkalies [Na2SO4, K2SO4, K2SO4(CaSO4)2] in the clinker are, as mentioned above, mainly in
the form of K2SO4 although they are calculated on the basis of Na 2SO4 equivalent.
There are two ways to increase soluble alkalies:
Increase the sulfates insofar as the alkalies are not yet saturated. In this case, the soluble alkalies
will increase. This can be done either via the fuel (ex. : gas bunker oil or low sulfur content oil
high sulfur content oil) or via the raw mix (adding sulfates to the mix).
Increase the alkalies in the raw mix insofar as there are available sulfates. This can be done by
using a siliceous sand that is rich in alkalies, for example (sea sand).
In both cases, it is very clear that an increase in the saturation of alkalies with sulfates (increase in
soluble alkalies) leads to a very slight increase in 1-day strength.
In both cases with the gypsum addition to the raw mix, the C 3A takes on a cubic form, and no longer the
orthorhombic form which is the case in the presence of alkalies in the C 3A crystal structure.
Plant % SO3 Clinker % K2O Total % Na2O Total SSB (m2/kg) 1d (MPa)
Martres Gaz 0.20 0.40 0.06 370 12.5
Fuel oil 1.00 350 15.5
La Malle low-s oil 0.60 0.95 0.10 360 18.0
Hi-s oil 1.00 340 21.0
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18
8-Alkalies and short-term strengths
For both plants, when one operated with gas and the other with low-sulfur oil, the alkalies were not totally
saturated. There would have to have been 0.40% and 0.93% of SO3 in the clinker to saturate the alkalies
at the Martres and La Malle plants, respectively.
The switch to higher sulfur content oils in both cases produced the saturation of the alkalies and,
therefore, an increase in the amount of soluble alkalies, with a positive impact on 1-day compressive
strengths.
In the lab, the increase in the portion of soluble alkalies was also tested, confirming industrial results. In
these laboratory tests, 1.85% of K 2SO4 (=1% K20) was added to clinker, equivalent to a 1.85% addition of
K2SO4 to the cement during the mixing with water.
The table below confirms once more the positive effect on early strength and the negative effect on long-
term strength.
Despite slight variability in the alkalies and the difference in cement composition (additive ratios of 16 and
20%), it remains possible to compare the results.
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19
9-Alkali saturation
9 Alkali saturation
The molar saturation of alkalies by SO3 in the clinker facilitates workability control.
9.1 Reminder
SO3 molar saturation: % SO3 = 1.29 (% total Eq. Na2O).
A low SO3/alkali ratio results in a small percentage of soluble alkalies and the presence of orthorhombic
C3A.
All Portland clinkers11 contain alkalies in greater or lesser quantities. But depending on the nature of the
fuel used (oil or petcoke rich in sulfur or low-sulfur coal), the alkalies can be found in two different forms.
When the clinker contains sulfates that come from the raw mix and/or fuel, a significant part of the
alkalies are in the form of alkali sulfates. These alkalies are referred to as soluble .
Non-soluble alkalies are incorporated in the silicate or aluminate crystals structure
The sum of soluble alkalies and alkalies in the crystal strucutres is called total alkalies .
11 M. Debos, G; CHAUDOUARD. Portland Cement: chemistry - mineralogy - properties of phases - reactivity (June 1991).
12 R. Ranc. Influence of alkalies on the physical and mechanical properties of Portland cements . Sept. 93.
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20
9-Alkali saturation
These tests were all carried out for the purpose of improving the rheological properties of cement (by
eliminating the causes of false set).
9.2 Ranteil
The table below presents the laboratory results 13 (burning and grinding) due to the addition of gypsum to
the raw mix at Ranteil (non-saturated alkalies).
The cements prepared from the clinker made from a raw mix with gypsum addition are more fluid than
the control clinkers. The higher the SO 3 clinker content, the better the fluidity appears to be.
.
9.3 Ste
Industrial tests14 were carried out in 1970:
Probe penetration tests show an improvement in the rheological characteristics of pure pastes and
mortars that come from clinker where gypsum has been added to the raw mix.
13 Ray. Allgre. Study on the influence of the addition of gypsum to the raw mix at Ranteil (1972)
14 Ray. Allgre. CB N.20 IDSG industrial trial at the Ste plant - OS 11445 March 1971.
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21
10-Excess of sulfates
If clinker SO3 is increased beyond the molar saturation of alkalies, an increase in both clinker
fineness and grinding energy is noted.
If the clinker excess SO3 is increased beyond the molar saturation of alkalies, the following are observed:
an increase in clinker fineness
an increase in grinding energy
Each of these points will be dealt with separately.
100
80
% passing
60 0,1 % S03
40 1,3 % SO3
20
0
0 5 10 15 20 25
mm
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22
10-Excess of sulfates
10.1.1 Ste 1971
100
80
% passing
60 0,1 % SO3
40 2,9 % SO3
20
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
mm
100
80
60 0,1 % SO3
% passing
40 1,2 % SO3
20
0
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
mm
It is likely 17 that in these tests, there was a significant volatilization factor due to a poorly controlled
burning atmosphere and that the increase in fines could (partially) be the result of alkali sulfate
volatilization. Recent tests have shown that the burning zone length has a significant effect on clinker
particle size and that the level of SO3 in the kiln load influences burnability.
10.2.1 Mekns
At the Meknes18 plant, a gradual switch to coke was made without any major changes to equipment, raw
mix or products.
16 Ray. Allgre / CB 20 OS n 11445 Industrial test JDSG at the Ste plant March 1971
17 M. Debos Sulfates conference (L'Isle d'Abeau) : Influence of sulfates on kiln operations Nov. 1993
18 Meknes plant. Market reports 1994/95
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23
10-Excess of sulfates
coke coal fuel SO3 kk
K2OT Na2OT C/K Mill kW
F2 F3 CPJ 45
10.2.2 Ste
In the industrial study16 on sulfate addition to the raw mix at the Ste plant (1971), cement grinding trials
were carried out both in the lab and in the plant.
The results are expressed in terms of:
output for the industrial trials
mill rotations and SSB (Blaine specific surface) for the lab trials.
Lab.tests
kk normal 0,1 0,37 0,10 - - 2880 2000
kk sulfated 2,9 0,56 0,09 - - 2580 2000
Figure 34: Cement grinding results for raw mixes with gypsum addition (Ste plant)
10.2.3 La Couronne
The use of petcoke at the La Couronne19 plant produced an increase in clinker SO3 content and a
reduction in terms of pure cement production rate from the various mills.
1991 1992
K2 O 0,89 0,92
Production t / h
The study done on 12 clinkers at La Couronne shows that the SO3/alkalies ratio correlates with clinker
grinding energy.
W 4000 SSB = 5.44 SO3 /alkal. + 55.7 r2 =0.67
with: SO3 /alkalies between 1 and 4
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10-Excess of sulfates
10.2.4 Cantagalo Clinker
On a series of 17 industrial clinkers 20 taken from the Cantagalo plant, it was determined that lab grinding
energy is correlated with clinker SO3 (or with the excess of SO3), according to the equation:
W (# of mill rotations BB 10) = 1008 SO3 kk + 3250 r2 =0.66
shows the increase in the number of BB10 mill rotations (image of industrial
grindability) to obtain a cement at 350 10 m2/kg.
4800
4600
4400
rotations BB10
4200
4000
3800
y = 1008 x + 3255
r 2 =0.66
3600
3400
SO3 kk
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