Cement News tagged under: Manufacturing technology
Raw material microscopy30 October 2017, Published under Cement NewsMicroscopical methods are key tools in the assessment of potential raw materials to be used in the production of high-quality cement. This month ICR considers the use of optical microscopy in the determination of the mineral composition of the rocks under investigation. Figure 1: kiln feed viewed in plain-polarised light Assessment of potential raw materials involves many lines of enquiry. The chemical composition, geological variation, accessibility and consistency are essentia... |
Making the right moves23 October 2017, Published under Cement NewsThe opening moves in a chess game lay the foundation for every match. Likewise, assigning cement transport orders to contract hauliers plays a crucial role in the daily race for competitiveness. Algorithms can help planners and dispatchers avoid checkmate from their first move. By Thomas Bergmans and Dirk Schlemper, INFORM GmbH, Germany. Figure 1: haulier assignment in cement logistics When you see a good move, look for a better one. That was the advice given by 27-times world c... |
The preference for plastic18 October 2017, Published under Cement NewsWhen using plastic packaging choosing the right bag and the corresponding technology is not easy. By Frank Goris, Arodo BVBA, Belgium. Arodo produces machines for perforated, labyrinth or sealed bags While various studies have been undertaken comparing the impact of paper and plastic bags on the environment, most of this research focusses on grocery packaging. However, the body of research was expanded when Belgian manufacturer of bag filling equipment Arodo received a request f... |
Coming into port04 October 2017, Published under Cement NewsWhile cement represents only a small part of the dry bulk shipping market, it has its own requirements in terms of port facilities and market dynamics. With seaborne trade continuing to grow, it is vital that ports understand each market and install facilities that best serve them. By Ricardo González-Haba, GlobBULK Consulting, Spain. Figure 1: population density and ports in sub-Saharan Africa (blue: draught <11m – black: draught >11m) Some 90 per cent of world trade volumes ar... |
Ensuring IT security13 September 2017, Published under Cement NewsThe role of security is becoming increasingly important for companies looking to gain control over their IT landscape. By identifying vulnerabilities in existing technical architecture, absolute control and security can be obtained to increase network safety. By Oliver Kurtnacker, Axians Industrial Applications & Services, Germany. Enabling lasting, effective and efficient control and monitoring of your IT network Picture the following scenario: you set up a network and subseque... |
Finding failure06 September 2017, Published under Cement NewsRoller presses are a popular choice for raw, pre-clinker or finish grinding. Online condition monitoring of its components can help detect early equipment failure and reduce downtime of the grinding section. By Dalog Diagnosesysteme GmbH, Germany. Figure 1: roller press rolls Roller presses have proven to be a popular option for new and old cement plants in recent years. When used in a production line upgrade with a ball mill, they increase throughput and energy efficiency. R... |
Establishing a Latin fan base07 August 2017, Published under Cement NewsLatin America is a key market for the Boldrocchi Group. Recent projects include the supply of a range of fans for the Cementos Fortaleza plant in Tula, Mexico, and for the Oruro plant of Empresa Pública Productiva Cementos de Bolivia (ECEBOL). Over the years, the Italy-based equipment supplier has built a presence in most Latin American countries. By Stefano Dalla Casa, Boldrocchi Group, Italy. Installing the new equipment at the Tula works of Cementos Fortaleza, Mexico In the l... |
Fabric filtration comes of age31 July 2017, Published under Cement NewsFabric filtration is increasingly seen as the best-available technology to help producers meet their goals, and with good reason. FLSmidth has introduced two important innovations in this area. Firstly, extra-long filter bags prevent the formation of a filter cake on the outside of the bags. Secondly, a side inlet for gas and dust extends the bag’s life time and reduces the need for maintenance, process control and troubleshooting. By Henrik Vittrup Pedersen and Pietro Aresta, FLSmidth Airte... |
Early strength development31 May 2017, Published under Cement NewsThis month Arthur Harrisson discusses early strength development in concrete, which is affected by many variables in practice. In the two-stage process, which includes a setting and a hardening phase, he observes the parts played by sulphates and C3A while acknowledging the importance of other factors such as the C3S content. Cement hydrates five hours after mixing Several studies of which factors influence early strength performance have been carried out under controlled condit... |
Beneficiation of landfilled and ponded fly ash23 May 2017, Published under Cement NewsWith interest in the recovery and beneficiation of landfilled ash growing, ST Equipment and Technologies (STET) explains how its unique tribo-electrostatic belt separation system, long used for beneficiation of freshly-generated fly ash, is also effective on recovered ash after suitable drying and deagglomeration. By Lewis Baker, Abhishek Gupta, Stephen Gasiorowski, ST Equipment and Technologies , USA. Figure 1: STET Separator processing dried, landfilled fly ash The American Co... |