Switching from Blaine measurements to laser diffraction particle size analysis

Increasingly the cement industry is adopting laser diffraction particle size analysis. Unlike Blaine analysis, laser diffraction delivers a size distribution for the sample, rather than a single averaged figure. This makes it the more sensitive technique for characterizing cement quality. Equally importantly laser diffraction measurement is highly automated, and well-suited to on-line installation. Using on-line analysis cement manufacturers can monitor product quality in real time. This article examines the advantages of laser diffraction relative to Blaine, focusing on the use of on-line measurement. Real-time analysis transforms control of the milling circuits used to produce the finished cement. It improves manual operation and more importantly provides a platform for automated control. The result is better product quality, less waste and lower energy consumption.

Author: S. Macaulay, D.M. Krutikov

Section: Control of production

Keywords: particle size distribution; particle size analysis; particle size analyzer; laser diffraction; cement particle size; Blaine