MICROSTRUCTURE OF CEMENT CLINKER: ITS RELATION WITH PROCESS PARAMETERS AND EFFECT ON HYDRAULIC BEHAVIOUR

A thorough microscopic investigation was carried out at our plant in order to understand the correlation of clinker strength development vis-à-vis the raw material characteristics as well as the process conditions. During the period of study, the clinker quality was maintained at constant C₃S (or alite) content. The kiln system corresponds to a state of the art technology. The preheater consists of 6 stages of low pressure drop cyclone. The kiln is lined with Mg Spinel bricks to withstand the short and intense flame in the burning zone. The cooler is a high efficiency grate cooler. The kiln system operates at high volumetric and thermal loads. Good correlation was also found between the Burning Zone Temperature and the Clinker Litre weight. Very good microstructure development was correlated with the optimum development of compressive strength. The process parameters conducive to the good development of microstructure are identified. Microscopic investigation of clinker has been identified as a tool to analyze the clinker quality and subsequent strength development pattern and further improvements in the clinker or cement quality can be achieved.

• INTRODUCTION

• PROCESS PARAMETER OBSERVATIONS

• MICROSCOPY ANALYSIS

• STRENGTH DEVELOPMENT PATTERN

• CONCLUSIONS

• REFERENCES