Application of a digital computer to the cement-making process

This paper describes the use of a digital control computer to supervise and control the process on-line in certain important areas. Among the functions covered are: priority scanning of critical points including off-limit checking; primary raw material control; final raw material control through the raw grinding and homogenizing systems; rotary kiln control including cold start-up procedures; and automatic calculation and typeout routines for production log, chemist´s log, and alarm log. Electronic instrumentation and control with computer operated set point provides the basic level of control. This is fully coordinated with the computer, which provides automatic continuous supervisory and documentary functions. Some comments are given on sixteen months of operating experience.