High Alumina Cement (aka HAC) refers to a type of cement that is made from a mixture of limestone & bauxite. It is also acknowledged as Calcium Aluminate Cement or Refractory Cement. HAC entails a high percentage of alumina (Al2O3) content, typically more than 35%, which imparts unmatched refractory properties, making it ideal for use in high-temperature applications. HAC is used in an assortment of applications where high resistance to heat and ample strength are required. Some of the common applications of High Alumina Cement include Refractory Castables, Precast Shapes, Construction, Oil and Gas industry, the marine industry, etc. The manufacturers of HAC are mandatorily required to secure BIS registration. Here’s everything you need to know about the BIS certification for High Alumina cement and its legalities.
What is the role of IS 6452:1989 in BIS certification for High Alumina Cement?
The IS 6452:1989 standard pertains to high alumina cement (HAC) for structural use and outlines the manufacturing requirements and specific usage requirements for this material in colder regions of the country where temperatures are consistently at or below 18°C. However, it does not cover the application of HAC as a refractory cement.
To produce cement that meets this standard, aluminous and calcareous materials must be fused or sintered to form clinker, which is then ground. Only water can be added during the grinding process, and the resulting cement must have a total alumina content (AL2O3) of no less than 32 percent by mass, as determined in accordance with IS 4032:1985.
The physical requirements outlined in the standard must be met by high alumina cement when tested using the specified methods. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer to ensure that the cement meets these requirements. Additionally, a laboratory must be properly maintained and tests must be conducted using the methods specified in the standard.
Mandatory Testing Under BIS Certification for High Alumina Cement
The manufacturer seeking BIS certification for high alumina cement must pass the following tests beforehand for their product.
- Alumina content test
- Fineness test
- Soundness test
- Initial Setting time
- Compressive Strength
- Chemical testing
Mandatory Labelling and Marking Norm for Cement Producers
High alumina cement must be packed according to the guidelines specified in IS 6452:1989 and labelled and marked accordingly. Each bag or drum of high alumina cement, or its label, must bear the BIS Standard Mark (ISI Mark) if the material in the package meets the specification. To use the standard mark, the manufacturer must obtain a BIS license from the Bureau of Indian Standards. This license is granted after an assessment of the manufacturing infrastructure, quality control, testing capabilities, and production process has been successfully completed.
Documents Concerning BIS Certification for High Alumina Cement
The common documents required for BIS Certification for High Alumina Cement in India include:
- Application form for BIS registration
- A copy of the factory license
- A copy of the partnership deed or Memorandum of Association (MoA) and Articles of Association (AoA).
- Test reports from a BIS-recognized laboratory for each product to be registered.
- A list concerning manufacturing machinery and equipment along with technical specs.
- A flowchart or process diagram concerning the manufacturing process
- A quality control plan or manual.
- Details relating to the testing facility, including equipment and active staff.
- A copy of the receipt concerning the BIS application fee, if applicable.
- Any other documents requested by the authority during the license processing.
Process to Apply For BIS Certification for High Alumina Cement
The process to apply for BIS Certification for High Alumina Cement in India is as follows:
- Step 1. Obtain a Manufacturing License
The first step is to secure a manufacturing license from the appropriate government agency.
- Step 2. Submit Application Form
The next step is to file an application form with the BIS along with the applicable documents and fees. The application can be submitted on a BIS[1] web portal. There is an offline mode as well which requires the applicant to visit the regional BIS office and submit the application in hardcopy.
- Step 3. Product Testing
Post application submission, the manufacturer must arrange for product testing at a BIS-certified lab. The lab will perform the following tests to ensure that the HAC meets the relevant BIS standards.
- Alumina content test
- Fineness test
- Soundness test
- Initial Setting time
- Compressive Strength
- Chemical testing
- Step 4. Factory Inspection
Post-product testing, a BIS officer will perform an inspection of the manufacturing premise to ensure whether relevant BIS standards are being followed or not.
- Step 5. Grant of License
If the product passes all tests and the production premise meets all norms, the authority will accord a license to the HAC. The manufacturer can then use the ISI marking on their product in a prescribed manner.
The manufacturer must meet compliance with relevant BIS norms and undergo periodic inspections to ensure continued compliance.
Note: The exact process and requisites may vary based on the product and location of the production premise. Thus, feel free to approach the BIS consultant or official for detailed guidance
Conclusion
BIS registration refers to a mark of quality and safety assurance for products in India. It is a voluntary certification scheme that empowers manufacturers to show that their products adhere to relevant Indian standards for safety, quality, and performance. Product success can be enhanced by securing BIS registration. BIS registration provides assurance to end-users that the product has been tested and certified by a certified lab, and fulfills the relevant Indian standards. This can boost consumer trust in the product and lead to boosted sales and market share.
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