ABSTRACT
The modern cement works has, at its heart, the kiln in which the raw materials are burnt to form an intermediate product known as clinker. This is normally of a chemistry suitable for production of CEM I cement, previously referred to in the UK as “Ordinary Portland Cement”. Production of special clinkers, such as that required for Sulfate-resisting cement to BS 4027, tends to be concentrated at one or two locations within each cement group and shipped around the UK as demanded. The large volume of production requires that the bulk of raw materials are available locally. Minor constituents can be brought in to make fine adjustments but the characteristic chemistry, within the overall requirements imposed by the cement standard, will be specific to a particular works. These slight differences in characteristics between cements will be considered again when we discuss cement performance in more detail.
