An industrial comparative study of cement clinker grinding systems regarding the specific energy consumption and cement properties

This paper is concerned with a comparative analysis of modern cement grinding systems, namely, combined grinding (Comflex®), high-pressure roll mill (HPRM) grinding, and horizontal roller mill (Horomill®) grinding. Cement production trials were run with these grinding systems in the same cement plant by using the same clinker/gypsum feed to produce cements of almost identical chemical compositions and similar Blaine fineness values of about 3600 cm2/g. The grinding systems were compared in terms of specific energy consumption and mortar properties of the produced cements. The specific energy consumption and the cement setting times increased in the order of combined grinding, HPRM grinding, and horizontal roller mill grinding. No significant difference was detectable among the water demands of the cements from the three grinding systems. The HPRM cement was superior in strength development, particularly at early ages.