Abstract: A cement mix based on an inorganic hydraulic cement, for example, Portland Cement, an air-cooled blast furnace slag and silica fume produces concretes having strength characteristics superior to those achieved by the cement alone; furthermore this cement mix is superior to a corresponding mix based on the inorganic hydraulic cement, and the air-cooled slag without the silica fume, and to a corresponding mix based on the cement and silica fume without the slag; additionally a cost saving in the expensive Portland Cement is achieved by use of the air-cooled slag which is a waste material and cheaper than granulated or pelletized slag.

Abstract: A drain tank for installation underground has a longer life than steel and fibreglass tanks and has a leak detection system to identify leaks. The drain tank comprises a sealed concrete chamber having at least one opening at the top thereof with a collar integral therewith, a manway connected to the collar extending upwards, the manway having a top lid with a vent and pump out exit. Inside the concrete chamber is an impervious bag liner which is sealed to the collar; an entry pipe passes through the chamber side wall and the liner and a leak detector tube passes down into the chamber to a location at the base between the chamber and the liner having an intermediate gap spacing arranged therein for an insertion tube to pass therethrough thereby facilitating the task of leak detection when interconnecting such insertion tube with a vacuum means and a suction reservoir.

Abstract: A source of free lime is introduced into a cooling zone of a cement kiln in an amount to elevate the free lime content to a content of 0.6 to 2.0%, by weight. This addition is made without altering the normal or standard process operating parameters of the kiln for cement clinker production. The free lime content of 0.6 to 2.0%, by weight, provides advantageous characteristics in cement produced with the cement clinker.