The background, operational experiences and upgraded replacement of the Dunstable to rugby high pressure chalk slurry pipeline after 35 years continuous operation

摘要

Cement at Rugby was historically manufactured by burning a 75% limestone and 25% clay mix. Segregation became costly and improved high production methods focused on a cheaper 70% chalk and 30% clay with limestone mix. The Chilterns, 90 km south, offered chalk which when rail hauled was cost effective. Spiralling transport costs in the early 1960's with other constraints demanded a new approach. Short haul solids pipelines were widespread and one thing, a 92 km chalk line through English countryside with no precedent set another. This paper traces the story of that pipeline, its ups, its downs and finally its renewal.