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Industry overview
 
Malvern cement analyzers
 
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Vulcan Materials
 
Ash Grove cement
 
Cement Industry Solutions

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Cement industry optimization: Understanding and control

Process optimization

The first step towards optimization of the finish grinding circuit is the development of a detailed understanding of the factors influencing product quality and variable cost. This identifies the best levers for control, parameters that can be successfully manipulated to meet the product specification in the most efficient way. Measuring particle size, in a process relevant time scale, gives vital insight into plant behavior, and in the longer term provides a sound basis for grinding circuit control.

Manual control, guided by process knowledge and effective plant monitoring, is better than an empirical approach with only infrequent process measurement. However, fully automated operation is the ultimate goal. Well-tuned multivariate automated control, working to boundaries derived from equipment and market constraints, maintains optimal operation of the plant, 24/7. Consistent product quality is a major gain, while waste (manual effort, out-of-spec product, under-utilized plant) and energy consumption are driven down.

What's Next?



In this section


Understanding
 


Understanding
- the foundation for effective process control
Composition and fineness are the key parameters controlling cement product quality. Blaine is the traditional industry measure of fineness but its limitations are widely acknowledged. Particle size distribution data more accurately reflect product quality. Laser diffraction particle size analysis makes it possible to precisely define product quality targets and to gain a more complete understanding of the factors influencing them.

More Information:
Optimize your finish mill, Why switch from Blaine to PSD?


Control
 
Control
- maximizing the return on process understanding

Effective plant monitoring is essential for tight plant control, the key to achieving manufacturing targets. Laser diffraction particle sizing technology has options for off-, at- and on-line measurement which can generate data at a frequency that allows the successful implementation of manual or automated control strategies. Designed for integration, these systems are ideal for multivariate automated process control for fully optimized operation.

More Information:
Maximize the benefit of off and at-line system, Full automation with on-line particle fineness, Evaluate potential savings