Abstract

POIRIER, Thierry; BAENA, José; PICARDO, Carlos  and  HUNG, Xavier. Relevance of the raw material factor in a ceramic industrial process: A venezuelan case-study. Rev. Fac. Ing. UCV [online]. 2014, vol.29, n.3, pp.103-113. ISSN 0798-4065.

In order to respond to quality issues experimented in Venezuelan ceramic companies, the chemical and granulometric analysis of raw material should be combined with the measurement of its most relevant processing properties. By identifying “clusters” inside the mine with similar properties and finding reliable correlations between composition and these properties, the impact of any incoming batch may be anticipated, and it is possible to regulate its effect in the process and avoid excessive changes that cause production and quality losses. The present case study applies this principle to the key parameters of a tile making plant that uses one single clay mine. The results clearly show the strong effect of the raw material factor on the quality losses and confirm the compulsory nature of appropriate technical as well as managerial policies, such as zoning or homogenization of raw material in the mine and/or timely adjustment of working parameters in the process.

Keywords : Mine; Clay; Composition; Properties; Process.