We are facing severe problem of balling ball size is sometimes around 2m dia which chokes the hammer crusher and we are forced to stop the kiln. What are the possible reasons form such big balls, how is a kiln operater responsible for this, how a kiln operator can avoid such balls through process changes, how we can avoid the balls by changing the chemical composition of kiln feed.

We hear of these problems with increasing regularity. At one factory the problem was associated with an increase in the Mn₂O₃ content of the kiln feed associated with one of their additives. There are also instances where an increase in the MgO content of the kiln feed gives rise to balling problems. However, the most likely cause is a difference in the clinkering range of the material in the kiln brought about by variation in the sulphate content. A heavy coating tends to form and the material is then dammed behind this coating and agglomerates into a large clinker ball. You must ensure that there are good combustion conditions in the main burner of the kiln to minimise the recirculating sulphates. The other process response is likely to be an adjustment in either the alighnment or the primary air supply to the main burner of the kiln. Regarding the chemistry then any changes which adjust the liquid content will change the clinkering range in the kiln. Addition of calcium fluoride to the kiln feed is also helpful.

I have a question with regards to the sulphur cycle and a method that I adopt to mitigate the effects. Usually in the raw mix we usually run 0.07 per cent sulphur all of a sudden the value increases to 0.12 per cent and the operations are upset. What I have done is to add sodium carbonate in the kiln feed bin to force an increase in the alkali content in the internal cycle. I usually add approximately 100-150kg. What do you think about this? I have often read that sodium carbonate should not be added to the burning zone. I don't know why they say this. All that I think of is that the sodium reduces the viscosity of the liquid melt, making it more penetrating towards the brick!

I'm surprised that a rise from 0.07 to 0.12 per cent sulphur in the raw mix causes upset conditions. These are low values compared to many kilns whose companies add much more in the petroleum coke they use to fire their kilns. The sodium carbonate will dissociate in the kiln and the Na₂O will combine with the sulphur (as sodium sulphate) and pass out in the clinker. Your strategy is sound and based on known principles of the alkali cycle. There is no doubt that alkali penetration is one potential cause of refractory failure but at the levels you are using there should be no problem. There is wealth of material on the alkali cycle. The best reference I know is S.Sprung, "Technological problems in pyroprocessing cement clinker: cause & solution" published by Beton-Verlag.