The Rise of Blended Cements and Efficient Handling Solutions

The cement industry is constantly evolving, with a growing emphasis on sustainability and performance. One key area of development is the increasing use of blended cements, which incorporate supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) to enhance properties and reduce environmental impact. As the use of these blended cements becomes more widespread, efficient handling solutions are crucial.

Understanding Blended Cements

Blended cements are produced by mixing Portland cement clinker with other materials, such as:

• Diatomaceous earth: A naturally occurring siliceous sedimentary rock.

• Calcined clay: Clay that has been heated to high temperatures to alter its properties.

• Metakaolin: A highly reactive pozzolan produced by calcining purified kaolinitic clay.

  
  

These SCMs offer several benefits, including improved workability, enhanced durability, and reduced CO2 emissions compared to traditional Portland cement.

Handling Challenges and Delta Ducon's Expertise

However, the use of blended cements also presents unique handling challenges, particularly in pneumatic conveying systems. These materials can exhibit varying particle sizes, flow properties, and abrasiveness, which can affect their behavior during transport.

Delta Ducon has extensive experience in designing and supplying pneumatic conveying systems for a wide range of materials, including those used in blended cements. Our expertise includes:

• System design: We design systems that are tailored to the specific properties of each material, ensuring efficient and reliable conveying.

• Rotary valves: Delta Ducon manufactures a complete line of rotary valves that provide accurate material metering and feeding, even with difficult-to-handle materials.

• Wear-resistant solutions: We offer abrasion-resistant piping and fittings (PERMA/flo) to minimize wear and tear on equipment when conveying abrasive materials like metakaolin.

  
  

By understanding the characteristics of blended cements and offering tailored solutions, Delta Ducon can help cement producers and users efficiently handle these materials throughout the production process.