A comparison of the performance of various synthetic gypsums in plant trials during the manufacturing of OPC clinker

• Published in: Cement and concrete research Vol. 34; no. 12; pp. 2245 - 2250
• Main Authors: Potgieter, J.H., Potgieter, S.S., McCrindle, R.I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York, NY Elsevier Ltd 01-12-2004; Elsevier Science
• Subjects: Applied sciences; Buildings. Public works; Cement concrete constituents; Cement manufacture; Cements; Compressive strengths; Exact sciences and technology; Lime. Gypsum plaster. Plaster elements; Materials; Portland cement; Properties and test methods; Properties of anhydrous and hydrated cement, test methods; Retardation; Sulphate; Sulphate; Compressive strengths; Retardation; Portland cement; Cement manufacture; Performance evaluation; Gypsum; Compressive strength; Phosphogypsum; Experimental study; Laboratory test; Manufacturing; Setting time; Comparative study
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cemconres.2004.04.002
• EISSN: 1873-3948
• ISSN: 0008-8846

This paper compares the plant performances of various synthetic gypsums used as set regulators in cement. The decision about the suitability of a specific gypsum was based on measurements and comparisons of the specific areas (Blaine), initial setting time (min), final setting time (h), SO
3 content and compressive strength of the OPC clinker mixed with it. The results from the trials run with synthetic gypsum that was wet milled and treated with milk of lime showed no significant difference in compressive strengths at all ages, but a delay of approximately 35% in initial and 50% in final setting times occurred. Gypsum from a Tioxide plant can be successfully used as set retarders for OPC cement if the handling problems can be solved. In this case, no significant difference in either initial or final setting times or the compressive strengths, were observed. The ultrasonically treated phosphogypsum displayed a large variability of 50% or more in final and initial setting times, as well as compressive strengths at all ages, and is unsuccessful in rendering the gypsum usable as a set retarder for OPC cement.