Chemistry

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Clinker Moduli

A-2

Modules
The content of the major oxides is controlled by using modulus calculations to maintain the
required proportions of CaO, SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3. The moduli are calculated as follows:
Parameter
Lime Saturation
Factor
Silica Modulus
Alumina Modulus

Formula
LSF

Typical range
100 C
2,8 S 1,18 A 0,65 F

92-98

S
(A F)

2,3-2,7

A
F

1,0-2,5

MS

MA

Lime Saturation Factor (LSF)

The Lime Saturation Factor is the ratio of the actual amount of lime to the theoretical lime required
by the other major oxides in the raw mix or clinker. When LSF is >100% the ordinary clinker will
always contain some free lime. When firing a kiln with coal or other fuels containing ash the LSF of
the raw meal can be higher than 100%. The incorporation of ash into the clinker lowers the LSF
because of the silica, alumina and iron content of the ash. To monitor the burning process, the
amount of unreacted CaOfree (free lime) in the clinker is analysed. The lower the free lime the
closer the reactions are to completion, however too low free lime can also indicate too hard and
uneconomic burning. The free lime target is normally about 0.5-1.5% CaO free. In theory a clinker
with LSF 100% can be burned to 0 % free lime.
Silica Modulus (MS)
The amount of melt phase in the burning zone is a function of MS. When MS is high, the amount of
melt is low and vice versa. Therefore, when the MS is too high, the formation of nodules and the
chemical reactions may be too slow making it difficult to obtain a satisfactory degree of reaction.
The kiln becomes more dusty and difficult to operate. The higher the MS the harder it is to burn.
When MS is too low there may be too much melt phase and the coating can become too thick.
Recommended step changes 0.05 0,1 unit.
Alumina Modulus (MA)
The temperature by which the melt forms depends on the MA. The lowest temperature is obtained
when the MA is approximately 1.6 which is the optimum regarding formation of clinker minerals
and nodulisation. The MA also affects the colour of the clinker and cement. The higher the MA the
lighter the colour of the cement. MA is not always a directly controlled parameter.

FLSmidth
01.09.2003