Optimising quality in the kiln
Arthur Harrisson takes an inquisitive look at the aspects that may make-up a supposedly ‘good quality cement’. Whether this should relate to cement strength, the fineness of the product or any other such parameter is perhaps not so clear, but the ultimate guide to whether a plant is producing high-grade cement is no doubt dependent on whether the customers’ needs are truly met.
Optimisation in the cement kiln can be applied to a number of different parameters. Most important and generally over-riding will be optimisation of economy, although this will nearly always be qualified by a restriction such as “at a given output”. Alternatively, it may be required to optimise output at a given cost per tonne of cement. Sometimes there is a call to optimise quality (although usually at a given cost and at a given output).
