Derivation for LSF (Lime Saturation Factor)

By VD Chari - June 30, 2018

Derivation of the LSF (Lime Saturation Factor)

LSF (Lime Saturation Factor) is the theoretical point in the C-S-A-F system where there is just
enough CaO present to react completely to form C3S from C2S at 1450oC under equilibrium
conditions. At this point the C2S content of the clinker would theoretically be 0.

Therefore, one can only expect C3S, C3A and C4AF to exist on the C-S-A-F Quaternary phase
diagram. While this is certainly true for C3S and C4AF, it turns out that a significant amount of
SiO2 is incorporated into the C3A at this point and its actual composition is closer to C3.31 AS0.39
(i.e. 3.31 moles of CaO, one mole of Al2O3 and 0.39 moles of SiO2)

Therefore, assuming that the minerals existing at the point of lime saturation are C3S, C4AF and
C3.31 AS0.39 ,one can the say that the sum of the oxides, SiO2, Fe2O3 and Al2O3 in these minerals,
expressed as a molar fraction of the CaO, will be equal to unity.

Now, given that the minerals existing at the point of lime saturation are C3S, C4AF and C3.31
AS0.39 , one can calculate the molar weight ratios of SiO2/CaO, Fe2O3/CaO and Al2O3/CaO in these
minerals.

For C3S;
SiO2/CaO = (60/(3 x 56)) = 0.357
Al2O3/CaO = (0/(3 x 56)) = 0.000
Fe2O3/CaO = (0/(3 x 56)) = 0.000

For C4AF;
SiO2/CaO = (0/(4 x 56)) = 0.000
Al2O3/CaO = (102/(4 x 56)) = 0.455
Fe2O3/CaO = (160/(4 x 56)) = 0.714

For C3.31 AS0.39;

SiO2/CaO = (0.39 x 60)/(3.31 x 56)) = 0.126
Al2O3/CaO =(102 /(3.31 x 56)) = 0.549
Fe2O3/CaO = (0/(3.31 x 56)) = 0.000

Let the relative multipliers for SiO2, Al2O3 and Fe2O3 required for lime saturation be “a”, “b”and
“c”respectively. Now, using the molar weight ratio, one can write three equations (one for each
mineral) which are all true at the lime saturation point.

The three equations take the form;-

[a x (SiO2/CaO)] + [b x (Al2O3/CaO)] + [c x (Fe2O3/CaO)] = 1

For C3S (a x 0.357) + (b x 0) + (c x 0) = 1

For C4AF (a x 0) + (b x 0.455) + (c x 0.714) = 1
For C3.31 AS0.39 (a x 0.126) + (b x 0.549) + (c x 0) = 1

Solving the equations

a = 2.8 ( Which is the LSF coefficient for SiO2)

b = 1.18 (Which is the LSF coefficient for Al2O3)
c = 0.65 (Which is the LSF coefficient for Fe2O3)

(2.8 x SiO2/CaO) + (1.18 x Al2O3/CaO) + (0.65 x Fe2O3 /CaO) = 1

or, 2.8 x SiO2 + 1.18 x Al2O3 + 0.65 x Fe2O3 = CaO
or, CaO/(2.8 x SiO2 + 1.18 x Al2O3 + 0.65 x Fe2O3) = 1

Which is the derivation for LSF(Lime Saturation Factor).

Comment

VD Chari
 https://www.vdchari.com

Since 1985, Mr.V.D. Chari is engaged in quality and process control in cement manufacturing units in India. He has
wide experience in productivity enhancement, energy conservation, cost effectiveness etc. of small and large
cement plants. This site gives information on the work experience and the services provided by him.

 