Connect with us

Concrete

Bartin Cimento Meets Guarantees

Published

on

Shares

In April 2012 Belim Makina completed the installation of a new 3000 t/d kiln line of Bartin Cimento, Turkey. Just one month later during a 48 hours test run at full production all parameters met the guarantees of IKN, who had provided the design of the complete pyro line. In addition, IKN had supplied key components like ID fan, valves, dampers, kiln drive, girth gear, kiln roller stations and the clinker cooler.

Bartin Cimento, a member of Sanko Holding, in 2010 decided to replace its old wet kiln line with state-of- the-art equipment, in order to increase production to 3.000 t/d and reduce energy consumption to the best possible level. The new line was to be placed adjacent to the existing wet kiln, which had to be maintained in operation. Upon stable production of the new line the old kiln was to be dismantled. The customer as well as Belim Makina, who was selected as EPC contractor, knew IKN well from earlier projects in Turkey and accepted its proposed solution for the pyro line as it promised operational reliability in combination with attractive process parameters. In particular, the decision to select IKN as supplier for the complete pyro line was based on process guarantees and mechanical warranties. The final solution comprised a six-stage LUCY type preheater with inline calciner, a conventional 4.2x62m 3-pier kiln and a Pendulum Cooler, which is known for its linear pendulum suspension and horizontal aeration. The calciner and kiln burners were designed for burning a mixture of pet coke and coal. In addition a modern multi-channel burner was required for the use of heavy fuel oil as an alternative during start-up.

Preheater LUCY
LUCY stands for low under pressure cyclones, a development of IKN’s sister company PSP of Czech Republic. The six-stage preheater tower rises 100 meters above ground level and accommodates amply two top cyclones followed by a single string of cyclones. The raw meal enters the preheater at the riser duct between the two top cyclones of 6 m diameter. It passes the cyclone stages C2 to C6 which are 7.5m in diameter. In line with the LUCY concept, the pressure drops and the corresponding degrees of raw meal separation decrease towards the hot gas inlet. The separated raw meal leaves the cone of the respective cyclone through steep and wide raw meal chutes equipped with flaps designed for continuous release of the meal at minimal counter flow of hot gas.

Calciner
Between cyclones C5 and C6 an inline calciner type KKN-AS with low NOx duct is installed. The preheated raw meal enters the calcining channel just above the location where the burner pipes and tertiary air ducts are attached. The lower part of the calciner has a width of 4.35m square. It ensures an efficient mixing of 4.35 m square. It ensures an efficient mixing of meal and fuel with the oxygen-rich tertiary air. The upper part of the calciner has a diameter of 4.1m. It ends in a swirl head followed by a down comer duct to the C6 inlet. Initial mixing in the bottom part and repeated mixing by the swirl head together with specified retention time care for complete fuel combustion at low oxygen surplus. Parallel to the calciner channel a so-called low NOx duct bypasses oxygen-rich tertiary air to the swirl head so that the calciner duct generates CO, which reduces a good portion of nitrogen oxides summarized as NOx. Combustion is completed in the swirl head and the down comer duct of the calciner in an oxygen rich atmosphere. The calciner burner is designed to burn any combination of petcoke or coal.

Kiln
For the production of 3.000 t/d a 62m long and 4.2m shell inner diameter rotary kiln of 3 per cent inclination supported by three piers was selected. Its diameter and volume allows for a reserve in gas volume along with higher production or along with alternate fuel combustion. The 12 radial roller bearings of the kiln supplied by IKN have spherical seats for the bushes, which tolerate bending of the roller shafts and render overheating less likely. They are equipped with an oil and water distribution system for lubrication and cooling. Temperature of oil and thrust ring are monitored by thermocouples. Adjustment boxes on the frame serve for horizontal alignment during operation. For uniform wear of rollers and tires regular axial shifts of the kiln take place. A shift to its upper position is performed by a single hydraulic thrust roller pushing against the tire of bottom pier #1. The kiln is then allowed to travel down by gravity against the thrust roller, which has meanwhile returned to its lower position. The axial shifts are programmed in regular intervals of 5 – 8 hours. Shell temperatures and tire slips are monitored by scanners. Combined with proven shell materials and statics, forced axial kiln shifts and spherical roller bearings provide optimal protection against mechanical kiln failures.

The inlet and outlet seals are air cooled double lamella types, which are easily maintained.

The 55MW thermal capacity multi-channel burner is designed to burn 100 per cent pet coke, 100 per cent coal or a mixture of both. For start-up heavy fuel oil can be used through a separate fuel lance of 5.280 kg/h capacity.

Cooler
The clinker cooler still is the key to the availability and heat efficiency of the pyro line. IKN’s Pendulum Cooler has an aerated surface of 68m2. Availability is assured by a single stage, single hydraulic cylinder drive located at the front end, by Linear Pendulum Supports (LPS) with no lubricated parts within the confined area of the under grate housing, by minimal number of movable parts of the grate surface, by a slow motion roller crusher capable of handling chunks up to a size passing the kiln burner pipe and by a minimal number of 7 fans connected to 7 compartments of the 21m long grate.

Heat efficiency equal to secondary and tertiary air of high and stable temperature is assured by the clinker inlet distribution system KIDS, which with regard to the width of the 3.2m wide grate generates a clinker bed of uniform resistance against the passage of air, and by air distribution to all clinker voids by gentle horizontal COANDA aeration. Named after Henry Coanda of Romania, this effect creates horizontal air jets which are aerating the clinker bed and by keeping adjacent to the grate surface provide an efficient cooling of the grate itself. Safe cooler operation is simply limited to the observance of a pre-set bed pressure drop of the first air compartment, which is controlled by the speed of the hydraulic cylinder. Rather than close automated control, which is provided as well, IKN recommends a fixed grate speed allowing for a pre-set range of bed pressure variation. In most cases – including Bartin Cimento – fixed grate speed comes along with stable kiln operation.

Thanks to the accuracy of the grate alignment and the minimal gaps between moving and fixed parts of the grate, the amount of clinker falling into the under-grate compartments is minimal. The dust could be evacuated during annual shut downs. For comfort and safety, a tube chain conveyor is installed for the extraction of any clinker dust to the clinker discharge. Typically, the tube extractor is operated once a day for a couple of hours.

Installation
Installation of the pyro line took place from September 2011 until April 2012. During this period IKN delegated various experts for inspection of local manufacturing based on its detail drawings and for assistance of Belim Makina for speedy identification and installation of parts. The cooperation with Belim Makina was excellent as the company had earlier experience with IKN equipment.

A highlight and challenging task was the installation and alignment of the kiln girth gear. Using a crane, both halves of the girth gear were wrapped around the kiln and firmly bolted together. Upon measurements of an acceptable run-out, the crew installed the auxiliary drive, adjusted the rollers to their final position, and finalized the gear alignment. auxiliary drive, adjusted the rollers to their final position, and finalized the gear alignment. For cooler grate surface installation, preassembly tools specifically designed for this project were used, which reduced installation time and which made sure that all parts fitted easily into their position. For LPS alignment a laser-light theodolite was used and the reference points marked on the kiln foundation were protocolled for later verification.

Finally, the six-stage preheater at Bartin is the new landmark which represents the latest technology in cement production in the area.

Commissioning/Testing
In May 2012 the new pyroline was started up. Within the two days performance test the same month all relevant technical parameters were measured during operation and a protocol was signed.

Conclusions
The performance of the new pyro line at Bartin Cimento confirms that the combination of IKN Pendulum Coolers with a state-of-the-art pyro system provides excellent results. The combination leverages the IKN cooler performance to an over-all plant performance which in this case benefits Bartin +Cimento. It confirms further that for new pyro lines and refurbishment projects, excellent process know-how, in-house manufacturing capability coupled with thorough design experience provides superior results in terms of time, efficiency, and cost.

by Frank Lichomski, IKN GmbH, Germany

Design Parameters:

Capacity

3.000 tpd

Preheater 6 stage single string type LUCY with inline calciner (KKN-AS)
Calciner burner "for 100% petcoke, 100% coal or mixture of both alternatively 100% HFO"
Kiln 4,2m x 62 m
Kiln Burner "for 100% petcoke, 100% coal or mixture of both alternatively 100% HFO"
specific heat consumption <688 kcal/kg
Cooler "single stage with single hydraulic cylinder drive suspended by Linear Pendulum Support (LPS) aerated surface: 67 m2
installed cooling air: 2,1 Nm3/kg clinker"
cooler discharge clinker temperature 65?C above ambient
Roller crusher Roll crusher with 3 rolls, width: 3m
Exhaust fan 245 Nm3/h

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Concrete

Cement Demand Strong As Prices Remain Stable

Volumes rise amid steady trade pricing and higher fuel costs

Published

on

By

Shares

Channel checks show cement demand remained healthy with volume growth estimated at six to seven per cent in July and August 2026. Trade prices were broadly stable while non-trade prices were volatile in the East, and attempted hikes were rolled back amid higher competition. Average fuel costs rose in August by five to nine per cent, lifting spot petcoke and coal prices.

All-India trade price remained flat month on month in August as increased rake supplies and competition offset early increases. Monsoon related demand softness limited sustained hikes and dealers indicated further attempts would depend on demand trends. Combined July and August volumes were estimated at six to seven per cent, supported by infrastructure spending while retail housing remained weather sensitive.

In the South, a Rs20 a bag hike in August did not hold and prices stayed flat month on month, while dealers planned Rs25 to Rs30 a bag from fifth September 2026 but with uncertain sustainability. In the East, trade prices were unchanged and non-trade prices corrected by Rs15 to Rs20 a bag amid weak construction in West Bengal, Jharkhand and Odisha.

The West remained most resilient on pricing and demand despite attempted hikes of Rs10 to Rs15 a bag, and Gujarat saw relatively better volumes in August. North and Central markets kept prices range bound as players focused on ramping up utilisation of new capacity, with schemes of up to Rs2 to Rs3 a bag used to meet month-end targets. Overall construction activity improved as the monsoon eased, aiding a pickup in several states.

Fuel cost pressures persisted, with South African coal at USD114 a t and petcoke around USD146 to USD147 a t in August, while spot imported petcoke and coal were higher. Imported coal consumption cost stood at Rs2.07 per Kcal and petcoke at USD2.11 per Kcal. Analysts estimate the all-India trade spread to decline by Rs90 to Rs100 a t quarter on quarter, weighing on near-term profitability and they prefer UltraTech Cement (UTCEM), JK Cement (JKCE) and Grasim Industries (GRASIM).

Continue Reading

Concrete

Aditya Birla Group Launches Ultravolt Wires And Cables Business

UltraTech extends building solutions into electrical wiring

Published

on

By

Shares

Aditya Birla Group has entered the wires and cables market through Ultravolt, extending UltraTech’s move from building materials into building solutions. The shift builds on UltraTech Building Solutions, a multi-category platform that already addresses customers across different stages of construction and extends beyond cement into ready-mix concrete, waterproofing, tile-fixing solutions and mortars.

The company intends to enter with scale, seeking presence across 100,000 retailers in more than 500 districts and availability through 5,000 plus UltraTech Building Solutions (UBS) outlets. The portfolio spans house wires, light-duty cables, communication cables, solar cables and low-tension and industrial cables to meet changing electrical requirements driven by solar installations, communications infrastructure and industrial automation.

An upstream advantage begins in the Group’s metals ecosystem, with conductor quality central to product performance. Ultravolt wires will use TruePure Copper, defined as 99.97 per cent pure electrolytic-grade annealed copper sourced from Hindalco, providing greater control over raw material quality and provenance and supporting electrical performance, safety and durability.

The business also targets the electrician community as a decisive influence on product choice and installation quality. The Wires and Cables Business has launched a Skill India Electrician Training Programme in partnership with the Electronics Sector Skills Council of India that aims to train and certify more than 40,000 electricians across India over the next year, focusing on safe wiring practices, correct installation and advanced wire technologies and offering Skill India-aligned certification and identification credentials.

The move combines market opportunity, UltraTech’s construction ecosystem, manufacturing capability and Group-level resources. A large Gujarat facility, advanced machinery and in-house testing and research and development underpin the product strategy, which is designed for both traditional and emerging applications. The ambition is to build a scaled national brand and become one of the top two players within five years, making the Group an integral participant in modern building infrastructure.

Continue Reading

Concrete

Ramco Cements Mine Restoration Gets Global Biodiversity Certification

Pandalgudi mine restoration receives Advanced Certification from TGBS

Published

on

By

Shares
The ecological restoration of Ramco Cements’ limestone mine at Pandalgudi in Virudhunagar district, Tamil Nadu, has received international recognition with the site being awarded Advanced Certification by The Global Biodiversity Standard (TGBS). The recognition makes Pandalgudi the first site in Peninsular India to receive the certification and places it among globally recognised biodiversity restoration projects.
TGBS, recognised by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), assesses biodiversity restoration projects based on scientific evaluation and their contribution to ecosystem recovery and local communities. The certification is supported by more than 250 scientists and academics worldwide.
Spread across over 500 acres of worked-out mine areas, the restoration project includes a certified 234-acre site. Initiated in 2018 with technical support from Auroville Botanical Gardens, the project began plantation activities in 2019 and is expected to be completed by 2027. More than 430,000 native trees and shrubs belonging to 150 ecologically significant species have been planted at the site.
The restored mine, which was once a barren landscape with limited biodiversity, has recorded over 72 bird species and 53 butterfly species. The project has also captured an estimated 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide over the past seven years, supporting broader sustainability and carbon reduction goals.
Opened officially in 2022, the site has attracted more than 13,000 visitors through educational programmes for schools, colleges and training institutions. The restoration initiative has also contributed to the development of the Rajapalayam Masterplan and supported Tamil Nadu’s carbon neutrality ambitions.
Commenting on the achievement, Mr P. R. Venketrama Raja, Chairman, Ramco Group, said the company aims for the Pandalgudi restoration project to serve as an inspiration and blueprint for the mining industry in India. Dr David Bartholomew, CEO, The Global Biodiversity Standard, highlighted the project’s long-term commitment to biodiversity recovery and independent assessment of ecological outcomes.
The certification reinforces Ramco Cements’ focus on sustainable mining practices and ecological restoration as part of its commitment towards a carbon-neutral future.

Continue Reading

Video Thumbnail
â–¶

    SIGN-UP FOR OUR GENERAL NEWSLETTER

    Trending News

    SUBSCRIBE TO THE NEWSLETTER

     

    Don't miss out on valuable insights and opportunities to connect with like minded professionals.

     


      This will close in 0 seconds