Automation to Improve Quality Control

摘要

The Cementos Progreso Plant, located in San Miguel, Guatemala gradually grew from a single line installation to the complex 3 line plant it is today. With the plant growth, the quality control and quality assurance demands also grew in both number and complexity. Currently, the plant is operating the three lines, fueled 100% by high sulphur petcoke (up to 6.5%) in its kilns. Clinker production is enhanced by mineralization, the addition of fluorine to change the clinkering dynamics. The plant produces a low clinker factor GU cement (60%) a puzzolanic type P cement among others. A lime (CaO) plant is also sharing resources for its quality control, and use of alternative fuels also demands a high degree of product uniformity. This paper reviews the evolution of quality control solutions at the San Miguel Plant, focusing on the most recent automation efforts that involved 20 plant sampling stations, a robotic laboratory cell and advanced chemical control. The benefits and challenges are both discussed.