Re: (erielack) Coal trains to Portland cement

["Michael Nickerson (Lodi, California - USA)" <michael4449_@_hotmail.com>]

Here is another angle on this question.  Why is coal preferred over 
natural gas in making cement?  Over the period of a shift, coal can be 
more consistent in its heat output per pound, so the temperature of the 
kiln, which is essential, can be better regulated (at least in the 
1950's time frame.)

An 85-year old friend who worked in the 1950's in cement plants in 
California thus told me.

Michael Nickerson
Lodi, California USA
Born in Wellsville NY, 16 months before the Erie-Lackawanna merger.
  ----- Original Message -----
  From: David J. Monte Verde
  To: VSX9000_@_aol.com ; trains@robertjohndavis.com ; 
erielack_@_railfan.net
  Sent: Saturday, July 13, 2002 5:25 AM
  Subject: Re: (erielack) Coal trains to Portland cement


  Why does the process of making cement use coal? To dry out the cement 
once
  it is mined?  Regards David MV

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