To produce a superior ES&C product, TXI begins with a raw material of shale or clay, which is quarried near the company's primary manufacturing facilities in Texas, Colorado and California. Shale and clay meeting certain specifications are excavated, crushed and screened into various sizes.
Using careful quality control standards, these particles are then fired in a rotary kiln at temperatures exceeding 2,000°F. At these extreme temperatures, gasses form tiny air cells within the aggregate. A hard vitreous membrane, consisting mainly of silica and alumina, surrounds each air cell.
The glowing red-hot aggregate is then discharged into a cooling container, screened and stored in several stockpiles.
Prior to shipping by barge, rail or truck transport, the ES&C is processed to precise particle size gradations, as required by the project engineer or customer.
