We are having to stop our kiln at frequent intervals because of ring build-ups. When we raise the alumina modulus to 1.7 we have better results. Secondly what's the difference between a snowman and a ring formation.

: Ring formation is caused by the formation of liquids in the kiln at a particular position. These penetrate the refractory lining and cause a localised thickening of the coating. Fe₂O₃ can be a cause of these problems and I am not surprised that raising the alumina modulus has solved the problem. Many cement factories operate with higher alumina modulus than 1.7 and I would recommend keeping the kiln feed mix design with the higher alumina modulus. A snowman is the formation of a large build-up on the first grate of the cooler where the clinker falls from the kiln rather than a build-up in the kiln.

I need to know how and why companies use air cooled blast furnace slag in the manufacture of cement.

Air-cooled blast furnace slag can be added to the inlet of the cement kiln in the patented Cemstar process developed by TXI cement in the USA. I know a number of US cement companies are doing this. This is in the manufacture of cement powder. Another use is as an aggregate in the manufacture of concrete.