The automated determination of silicon and calcium in Portland cement and associated raw materials

Abstract

The manufacture of Portland cement clinker is a continuous large scale chemical synthesis of specific compounds. The strength of the hydrated cement matrix in concrete is a function of the original clinker compound assemblage. Control of the production of the clinker compounds has to be related to the time of passage of materials through the rotary kiln and the conditions of processing. Continuous control of the major constituents is essential and knowledge of the effects of the variation of the constituents on the physical properties of the product is desirable.

Methods are described for the automated determination of calcium and silicon in Portland cement and associated raw materials with respect to the demands, scale and nature of the process.