Cement Manufacturing and the Products Used

Cement industry plays a significant role in meeting the housing and the infrastructure needs of the people. And so, the manufacturers of cementing products offer a list of cementing additives and drilling tools. Cement is one of the fundamental materials used in construction. It helps to solidify our homes, offices, hospitals and roads as well as underground water, bricks, blocks and drainage pipes. None of these things can be concreted without cement and no other material can replace it in terms of its cost, effectiveness and performance for various purposes.

Production

Cement is the end result of blending of different kind of raw materials. It is produced by mixing the raw materials at a high temperature in order to achieve precise chemical proportions of lime, silica, alumina, and iron. Cement is essentially a mixture of calcium silicates and smaller amounts of calcium aluminates that react with water and cause the cement to set.

Different Kinds of Cement

The cement that is used in construction can be broadly divided into two categories:

• Hydraulic; and
• Non-hydraulic

Hydraulic cements e.g., Portland cement is most widely produced cement. It hardens because of hydration. Thus, it can harden underwater or when constantly exposed to wet weather. The chemical reaction results in hydrates that are not very water-soluble and so are quite durable in water.

Non-hydraulic cement such as slaked limes (calcium hydroxide mixed with water), harden due to the reaction of carbonation in presence of the carbon dioxide naturally present in the air. After the cement is processed, it is stored in silos and then it is shipped in bulk or bags to various construction sites.

Other varieties include:

• Rapid hardening
• Low heat
• Sulfate-resisting; and
• Low alkali

The availability of appropriate raw materials is usually the determining factor in the location of cement works and these are normally located in the close proximity to the limestone deposits and ideally close by other major raw materials. The process of cement making is remarkably flexible in terms of raw material that can be used to achieve required chemical compositions.

Sustainability Issues in Making Cement:

• Produces waste, CO2 and other emissions, which can cause adverse impacts to the environment and the climate
• Requires large quantities of raw materials i.e. Limestone and fossil fuels to be consumed
• May cause local impacts from quarry/ cement dust, traffic and noise

The process of cement manufacturing in India has undergone changes with technological advancement and still there exists scope for improvement.

Agarwal Min Chem. Ltd is one of the reliable Lime Suppliers India, also one of the prominent Gypsum Suppliers in Rajasthan.