Question – The diagrams below show the stages and equipment used in the cement-making process, and how cement is used to produce concrete for building purposes.
Summarise the information by selecting and reporting the main features, and make comparisons where relevant.
Write at least 150 words.
The drawings illustrate the process of manufacturing cement and showcase an application where cement is used to create concrete for construction purposes.
To produce cement, operators begin by combining raw materials like limestone and clay, which are then processed in a crusher. The resulting mixture is carefully blended to achieve the optimal combination. Following this, the mixture undergoes a heating process through rotation. Heat is applied from the end of the rotating heater tube before the blend is discharged onto the grinder. After completing the systematic process, the mixture transforms into cement and is subsequently sealed into bags.
Simultaneously, a concrete mixer is employed to blend materials such as gravel, cement, water, and sand to create concrete. Among these materials, gravel or small stones constitute 50%, making it the most crucial component. Additional materials, including sand, which is the second most commonly used material after gravel, along with cement and water, contribute to the mix. Cement comprises 15% of all the materials required for constructing a new building. The concrete mixer efficiently combines all these materials.
In essence, the production of concrete involves the straightforward mixing of necessary ingredients in the correct ratio using a simpler machine. On the other hand, manufacturing cement entails a more intricate process with multiple steps and sophisticated equipment. It’s essential to note that concrete production necessitates heat, which must be introduced into the mixture during the mixing process.
