Process understanding: The foundation for control

Cement product quality is primarily controlled in the kiln (composition) and in the finish grinding circuit (fineness) to meet short and long term strength targets. In the grinding circuit it is advantageous to reduce fineness just to the point where it meets the specification - and no further - making it essential to sensitively define the specification. Particle size analysis replaces the averaged figure supplied by Blaine with a size distribution, so that it becomes possible to tailor fines and coarse content to more precisely meet strength targets.

Correlating partcle size and cement performance

Effective plant control is problematic if the consequences of manual interventions are not immediately obvious. A more responsive analytical regime makes it easier to quantify the impact of control parameters, in turn enhancing process understanding. At-line measurement goes some way towards this goal but continuous real-time measurement is unrivalled in the process insight that it delivers. Being able to see instantly the impact of a process change accelerates the development of productive control strategies, especially during periods of transient operation. A continuous data stream is the ideal basis for automated closed loop control.

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In this section

		Optimize your finish mill - reliably grind to a consistent specification and minimize energy consumption Product variability, a frequently reported problem for the finish grinding circuit, usually stems from infrequent analysis and poor manual control. A more responsive analytical regime provides data for improved control, especially during periods of transient operation: start-up, product changeover and shut down. In the longer term, effective control at a well-defined set-point reduces variability, increases throughput and minimizes over-grinding. More Information: Tackle product variability, Increase throughput, Eliminate over-grinding, Reduce changeover times
		Why switch from Blaine to Particle Size Distribution? - open up options for continuous, automated, real-time measurement Blaine measurement is ill-suited to automation and provides just a single number descriptor for each cement sample. Measuring particle size distribution differentiates samples that Blaine would classify as identical, giving more precise information for product quality control. With options for off-, at- and on-line measurement, laser diffraction particle size analysis fulfils the industry’s need for reference laboratory solutions, automated laboratories and in-process measurement. Specifications are transferred easily from one instrument to another. More Information: Switching from Blaine to particle size analysis