Effect of energy and temperature on performance of alkanolamine processing additions

The effect of tertiary alkanolamines including triethanolamine (TEA) and triisopropanolamine (TIPA) on clinker processing and cement hydration reactions is well documented in literature. Yet, the results obtained cannot be directly transposed to real-scale industrial grinding, given that additive degradation due to attrition and heat are substantially different from those experienced under laboratory conditions. This paper is part of a research project undertaken to bridge the gap between laboratory and industrial grinding. It mainly seeks at quantifying the effect of specific energy consumption (Ec) and elevated temperature on degradation (i.e., loss in performance) of alkanolamine-based additive used at 350 and 460 g/ton of cement. A series of grinding tests was performed using 50-l laboratory mill at various Ec values and materials temperature. Tested properties included water demand, setting time, heat of hydration, and strength development. Laboratory results are validated using data collected from real-scale closed-circuit tube mill operating at 90 ton/h.