Cement

Raw materials

To ensure consistent product quality, analytical testing begins with the raw materials used. Raw meals and starting materials such as limestone, clay, bauxite, quartz sand and iron ore are routinely analyzed for their elemental composition using X-ray fluorescence analysis (XRF) before being used in production. X-ray diffraction (XRD) provides additional information about the mineralogical phase of the materials. This combined analysis enables a comprehensive evaluation of the material quality and forms the basis for a stable raw meal composition.

Clinker

Following the calcination and sintering processes, the resulting clinker is also analyzed using XRF to determine the content of relevant elements such as calcium, silicon, aluminum and iron. Phase analysis using XRD also provides precise information about the mineralogical composition of the clinker. In particular, the quantification of free lime content and the main phases – alite (C₃S), belite (C₂S), aluminate (C₃A) and ferrite (C₄AF) – is crucial for the subsequent reactivity and strength development of the cement. Polymorphic variants of these phases and other crystalline components are also reliably identified.

Finished cements

The final quality control of the finished cement, including additives such as gypsum, limestone or pozzolanic components, is also carried out using XRF and XRD analysis. While XRF determines the overall composition of the cement, XRD analysis allows a differentiated view of the mineral phases contained in both the clinker and the ground additives. This detailed analysis is crucial for evaluating the performance of the end product and ensuring compliance with normative requirements.

The use of XRF and XRD across all stages of cement production thus offers a fast, robust and precise solution for analytical process control – from raw material qualification to end product monitoring.

	Rigaku apparatuses can be connected to automation equipment by combining them with a robot arm or a conveyor belt (both optional). Industry standard sample holders (steel rings) are supported as standard.
	Sample holder size	Outer diameter	Inside diameter	Height
		51.5 mm	35 mm	8.6 mm
		40 mm	35 mm	14 mm

See how Rigaku and Herzog deliver fully automated solutions for cement quality control (QC) and process control (PC). This demonstration, filmed at Herzog’s facility in Columbus, OH, shows how the MiniFlex XpC XRD and ZSX Primus IV XRF systems integrate seamlessly with Herzog’s HP-MP grinding and pellet press.

To support fast, accurate and reproducible material analysis, Rigaku offers turnkey solutions for the cement industry – both in the field of wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis (WDXRF) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). These preconfigured application packages enable a significant reduction in implementation time, maximized productivity in everyday laboratory work and, at the same time, high data accuracy when introducing new analysis methods.

Pre-calibrated application packages are available for XRF analysis, which are specially tailored to the analysis of the most important oxides and elements relevant to cement. For XRD, we offer ready-made measurement recipes including Rietveld refinement methods, which enable well-founded phase analysis and quantitative evaluation.

The underlying approach is based on Rigaku's App-Pak concept—a unique combination of instrument setup, certified analysis standards and customized software. This concept allows users to implement high-precision analysis methods directly with minimal initial effort.

OXIDE-FB PAK

WDXRF pre-calibration package for quantitative oxide analysis

The OXIDE-FB PAK is a preconfigured application and calibration package for wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence analysis. It has been specially developed for the quantitative determination of oxide components in inorganic materials. The package includes a complete application including calibration curves, measurement conditions and analysis parameters optimized for use with the fusion method.

Calibration is based on 44 certified reference materials (CRMs), ensuring high accuracy and broad applicability. In total, the package enables the quantitative analysis of up to 23 different oxide components, including typical constituents such as SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, CaO, MgO, TiO₂ and others.

Three multi-element glass plates are included in the scope of delivery for long-term stabilization and maintenance of the calibration. These are ideal for monitoring measurement stability and readjusting the calibration curves.

The OXIDE-FB PAK can be used universally for a wide range of oxide-containing materials, including:

• Rocks and minerals
  
• Ores and slags
  
• Refractory materials
  
• Cement and related building materials

Thanks to its robust methodology and high flexibility, this app package is a fast, reliable and standard-compliant solution for quantitative oxide analysis in laboratories and production.

Cement Pre-calibration PAK

WDXRF calibration package for cement and clinker

The Cement Pre-Calibration Package is a fully prepared WDXRF pre-calibration package for the quantitative analysis of cement powder and clinker using the press powder method. The calibration is based on the internationally recognized reference standards of the Japan Cement Association (JCA), Series 601A, which comprises a total of 15 certified samples.

This package has been specially developed for the requirements of the cement industry and enables reliable and standard-compliant determination of the contents of relevant oxide components such as SiO₂, Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, CaO, MgO and other constituents.

Three multi-element glass plates are included in the scope of delivery for quality assurance and long-term calibration maintenance. These are used to reconstruct, adjust and check the stability of the calibration curves during operation.

The Cement App-Pak is a tried-and-tested solution that offers laboratories fast commissioning, high analysis precision and minimal calibration effort—ideal for use in routine and production laboratories in cement manufacturing.