Continuous on-line control using X-ray diffraction

Continuous on-line measurement of cement mineralogy is now becoming accepted into the cement industry. Continuous on-stream X-ray diffraction analysers are now operating in four different countries around the globe. A sample extracted from a production stream is passed continuously through thistype of X-ray diffraction analyser. The collected data is automatically processed via preconfigured Rietveld refinement to determine thepercentage of each different mineral present in the sample. Data showing significant real time variations in production cement mineralogy including free lime, portlandite and gypsum hydration states will be presented and discussed. Using this information to optimise the production process is also discussed.

Author: P. Storer

Section: Control of production

Keywords: COSMA system, X-ray diffraction, sample preparation, mineral composition