Cylindrical powder cement cooler automation

Quality control standards of cement manufacturing and ready-mix operations require finished cement temperatures to meet a maximum upper limit. One way of meeting this requirement is the use of cylindrical powdered cement coolers. These cement coolers require water to flow down the outside of the cylindrical shell counter to the flow of the cement inside the shell. The water flow is normally controlled using a manual control valve as directed by the control room operator. The problem with a manual control valve is that normally too much water is applied, ultimately reducing cement temperature far below the maximum set point and using excess water. Additionally, too much water flow can result in water overflowing the catch basin creating a hazard that increases labor costs in clean-up. Today's operating environment is forcing manufacturers to reduce power and water consumption; therefore automating the water usage on cement coolers can reduce water consumption and in some cases reduce power consumption.