Publication: Grindability study on cement clinker from YTL , Kanthan
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Date
2025-08-06
Authors
Nurul Afikah binti Aliyas
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Abstract
Grindability is the ability of a material to be ground into finer particles, crucial in industries like mineral processing and coal utilization. It is measured through indices like the grindability coefficient and work index, affecting economic efficiency, processing suitability, equipment design, environmental management, and quality assessment. The study aims to analyze energy consumption for grinding different clinker types, optimizing operations and improving energy efficiency. Cement clinker is the primary ingredient in cement production, providing binding properties, compressive strength, durability, and resistance to shrinkage and cracking. The test involves crushing the material, sieving it into a specific size, and grinding it multiple times. The Bond Work Index Ball Mill is a standard laboratory test used to determine the grindability of cement clinker. An X-ray diffraction (XRD) is used to identify and quantify mineralogical phases, which influence how easily clinker can be ground. An X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is used to determine the chemical composition before and after grinding, allowing for better understanding of the material's behaviour during milling. A polished section is a slice of rock, mineral, or ore that has been highly polished to create a smooth, mirror-like surface for microscopic examination. Microscopic analysis of cement clinker is a core laboratory practice for checking clinker quality, fine-tuning production, and spotting problems early. The study assessed the grindability of cement clinker samples using the Bond Work Index method, revealing a high grinding resistance of 31.6 kWh/t, potentially impacting energy consumption and process effectiveness in industrial cement production. This suggests energy consumption for size reduction during milling may affect cement production. The main crystalline phases identified were alite and belite.