In recent years, there has been a significant growth in the production of Portland Blast Furnace Slag Cement and its sales have also increased considerably over the last few years. This has given a major boost to the Indian cement industry.
The Slag Cement of the Portland Blast Furnace is a type of cement that is hydraulic and is manufactured in a blast furnace where iron ore is reduced to iron. The molten slag which is tapped is quickly drenched with water, dried, and then grounded to a fine powder. This fine powder that is produced is commonly known as the Portland Blast Furnace Slag Cement.
The manufacture of Portland Blast Furnace Slag Cement requires 75% less energy than that needed for the production of the Portland cement. The low cost of production of Portland Blast Furnace Slag Cement makes it cheaper than Portland cement. It is for this reason that in recent years, the sales of Portland Blast Furnace Slag Cement have increased.
Portland Blast Furnace Slag Cement has a typical light color and an easier 'finish' ability. Its concrete workability is better and it has a higher flexural and compressive strength. It is resistant to chemicals and also has more hardened consistency. This is the reason that Portland Blast Furnace Slag Cement is used in the construction of dams, bridges, building complexes, and pipes.
The various raw materials required for the production of Portland Blast Furnace Slag Cement are:
- Limestone
- Iron Ore
- Iron Scrap
- Coke
The major companies producing Portland Blast Furnace Slag Cement in India are:
- J K Cement
- Grasim Industries and Ultra Tech
- ACC
- India Cement Ltd
- Gujarat Ambuja Cement Ltd
The major countries where Portland Blast Furnace Slag Cement is exported from India are:
- South Africa
- UAE
- Sri Lanka
- Nepal
- Bangladesh
- Australia
- Doha-Qatar
The production and use of Portland Blast Furnace Slag Cement have increased over the years. The Indian government has undertaken several investments in the production of the Portland Blast Furnace Slag Cement so that its quality and durability can be improved.
