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We can design a burner to consume up to 80% of replacement fuel

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– Ashok Dembla, President & MD of Humboldt Wedag India Pvt Ltd

Tell us more about the NCB event.
This is the forum where we meet all the technocrats from the cement industry and exchange on the new developments. The papers presented in the seminar are very informative. The session on alternative fuels and raw materials (AFR) is the talk of the day when we are discussing about the low carbon footprint. Everybody has accepted that AFR is the solution, it is available but how to bring it to plant at right price is an issue. Government bodies and other stakeholders have to do their bit. After implementation of GST, situation has slightly improved.

Today we expect synchronisation among all the bodies to support the cause. Agricultural wastes like coconut shell, rice husk, etc. are in use for long time since they are relatively easy to use. Even Plastichas been accepted well but we need a shredder to get it to smaller size before using. Even in case of hazardous industrial waste corporates have accepted their responsibility and are even prepared for incurring cost for correct disposal. The first is segregation of waste and then making it in usable form. If the end use is in the radius of 100 km range, then the cost of transportation is not an issue but beyond that it is a problem.

The big question is of municipal solid waste (MSW) and refuse-derived fuel (RDF). Some agency needs to prepare it, separate it and convert it in usable form. The cement industry should find it comparable to the cost of primary fuel they are already using. The municipal corporations may think of levying some tax on the residents for processing of the waste, and making it available to cement plants within 100 km range.

A few cities in southern States have already started processing their municipal waste. What is your take on this?
Yes. In Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh where cement plant is located in distance of 100 to 200 km from cities, municipal waste is sent to cement plants. Distance is not really a problem in these cases. But whereas in place like Delhi or Mumbai when there is no cement plant nearby; where the waste will go? The question of responsibility also comes here. The citizens should feel accountable for segregation of waste, providing waste to the right agency and paying for the processing of the waste. We must realise that there is no alternative.

Is your company in the role of providing services for managing waste?
My company in Germany has four different technologies on hand. I shall talk about two. The latest one is called pyro-rotor. It is a small rotary kiln where only gases are sent to the system. Material in the form of particles up to 200 to 250 mm in size can be used like wood waste, plastic waste and rubber tyre waste. Right now, it is working at one location and we have two more orders in hand.

Before this, we had a combustion chamber where the size to be processed was up to 75 mm and below materials like agro waste, wood waste or tyre chips but up to 50-75 mm size. It is in operation at five to six locations in Europe.

The other technologies are calciner extension and burner suitable for firing waste, without increasing the pollutants, as fuel is already with us for long time. Regarding preparation of waste, we don’t have our own technology, but we get it outsourced from others. We have a good knowledge about processing of waste in the kiln.

What about the modifications in the burner for feeding AFR?
We can design a burner to consume up to 80 per cent of replacement fuel. The feeding of AFR can be done through central pipe. While modifying the burner; firstly we have to ascertain how much waste we are going to get and process on continuous basis and how much we would like to process? There is a provision of routing the waste through the central feed pipe. Any burner for that matter can be modified to accept waste based on the first two questions I have raised.

How is the business environment right now with specific reference to liquidity crunch?
After elections in May 2019, a couple of projects have been declared but a very few of these have taken off while others are still on papers. For mega corporates like UltraTech and LafargeHolcim, decisions have been taken but in the case of smaller companies they are finding it difficult to raise finance. The companies that depend on borrowed money, the start of projects are affected.

How does this situation impact you and other similar players?
For running the business of design, engineering and machinery supply, we need a certain set of manpower which is essential. This manpower is having expertise in their own field, when we reduce the manpower means we reduce our expertise. In order to retain the manpower, sometimes the pressure comes on pricing which is occasionally too much to bear. If experienced people are not involved in negotiations then at times, we have to compromise with the variable cost and have to accept the order at minimal price to continue the business. It is a mismatching of the set up cost v/s business done.

In the present situation, the manpower cost is higher than the business you are able to generate. That brings us to the price pressure, which we try to pass on to our suppliers and further down. Now in the process who takes a wrong decision, lands up into a problem. That is the reason many small vendors have become bankrupt. It is a vicious circle.

How you expect year 2020 to be?
We are seeing the signs of improvements. Especially in case of large players like Shree Cement, Dalmia Cement, Chettinad Cement Kallur plant and JSW Shiva Cement, etc. have a definite plan to expand but the speed at which they are moving is slower. We are hopeful of getting orders and I think year 2020 will be better than 2019.

Kindly share more on emission controls.
The norms with respect to dust emissions and noise level are perfect. Regarding SOx and NOx, the plants have to invest money. On the other hand, technology for these emissions is also developing. KHD has a technology where without using ammonia we can reduce NOx. Nearly 5 million Euros are required to be invested in the existing plant. On the other hand price of cement is sluggish. Therefore the plants are requesting for more time. Look at China where they implemented controls on SOx and NOx but the authorities saw that the price of cement is sufficient enough to absorb the cost.

A timeframe of two to three years was given to set up a new plant compliant with SOx and NOx regulations. But in democratic set up like India you cannot do that.

What about your business outside India?
We have been doing some upgradation jobs in China where these existing plants are having problems. In terms of production, electrical energy efficiency and thermal energy, these plants need improvement. We are working with them to resolve the problems. We are working in Nepal and Bangladesh.

Nepal is a very tight market price wise and Bangladesh has a good potential for grinding units. We are also active in Philippines with CRH group. Being in India and spreading our business to outside countries, we are able to extend our footprint.

Nepal is a very tight market price wise and Bangladesh has a good potential for grinding units.

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Economy & Market

Power Build’s Core Gear Series

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A deep dive into Core Gear Series of products M, C, F and K, by Power Build, and how they represent precision in motion.

At the heart of every high-performance industrial system lies the need for robust, reliable, and efficient power transmission. Power Build answers this need with its flagship geared motor series: M, C, F and K. Each series is meticulously engineered to serve specific operational demands while maintaining the universal promise of durability, efficiency, and performance.

Series M – Helical Inline Geared Motors
Compact and powerful, the Series M delivers exceptional drive solutions for a broad range of applications. With power handling up to 160kW and torque capacity reaching 20,000 Nm, it is the trusted solution for industries requiring quiet operation, high efficiency, and space-saving design. Series M is available with multiple mounting and motor options, making it a versatile choice for manufacturers and OEMs globally.

Series C – Right Angled Heli-Worm Geared Motors
Combining the benefits of helical and worm gearing, the Series C is designed for right-angled power transmission. With gear ratios of up to 16,000:1 and torque capacities of up to 10,000 Nm, this series is optimal for applications demanding precision in compact spaces. Industries looking for a smooth, low-noise operation with maximum torque efficiency rely on Series C for dependable performance.

Series F – Parallel Shaft Mounted Geared Motors
Built for endurance in the most demanding environments, Series F is widely adopted in steel plants, hoists, cranes and heavy-duty conveyors. Offering torque up to 10,000 Nm and high gear ratios up to 20,000:1, this product features an integral torque arm and diverse output configurations to meet industry-specific challenges head-on.

Series K – Right Angle Helical Bevel Geared Motors
For industries seeking high efficiency and torque-heavy performance, Series K is the answer. This right-angled geared motor series delivers torque up to 50,000 Nm, making it a preferred choice in core infrastructure sectors such as cement, power, mining and material handling. Its flexibility in mounting and broad motor options offer engineers the freedom in design and reliability in execution.
Together, these four series reflect Power Build’s commitment to excellence in mechanical power transmission. From compact inline designs to robust right-angle drives, each geared motor is a result of decades of engineering innovation, customer-focused design and field-tested reliability. Whether the requirement is speed control, torque multiplication or space efficiency, Radicon’s Series M, C, F and K stand as trusted powerhouses for global industries.

http://www.powerbuild.in
Call: +919727719344

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Economy & Market

Conveyor belts are a vital link in the supply chain

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Kamlesh Jain, Managing Director, Elastocon, discusses how the brand delivers high-performance, customised conveyor belt solutions for demanding industries like cement, mining, and logistics, while embracing innovation, automation, and sustainability.

In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, efficient material handling isn’t just a necessity—it’s a competitive advantage. As industries such as mining, cement, steel and logistics push for higher productivity, automation, and sustainability, the humble conveyor belt has taken on a mission-critical role. In this exclusive interview, Kamlesh Jain, Managing Director, Elastocon, discusses how the company is innovating for tougher terrains, smarter systems and a greener tomorrow.

Brief us about your company – in terms of its offerings, manufacturing facilities, and the key end-user industries it serves.
Elastocon, a flagship brand of the Royal Group, is a trusted name in the conveyor belt manufacturing industry. Under the brand name ELASTOCON, the company produces both open-end and endless belts, offering tailor-made solutions to some of the most demanding sectors such as cement, steel, power, mining, fertiliser, and logistics. Every belt is meticulously engineered—from fabric selection to material composition—to ensure optimal performance in tough working conditions. With advanced manufacturing facilities and strict quality protocols, Elastocon continues to deliver high-performance conveyor solutions designed for durability, safety, and efficiency.

How is the group addressing the needs for efficient material handling?
Efficient material handling is the backbone of any industrial operation. At Elastocon, our engineering philosophy revolves around creating belts that deliver consistent performance, long operational life, and minimal maintenance. We focus on key performance parameters such as tensile strength, abrasion resistance, tear strength, and low elongation at working tension. Our belts are designed to offer superior bonding between plies and covers, which directly impacts their life and reliability. We also support clients
with maintenance manuals and technical advice, helping them improve their system’s productivity and reduce downtime.

How critical are conveyor belts in ensuring seamless material handling?
Conveyor belts are a vital link in the supply chain across industries. In sectors like mining, cement, steel, and logistics, they facilitate the efficient movement of materials and help maintain uninterrupted production flows. At Elastocon, we recognise the crucial role of belts in minimising breakdowns and increasing plant uptime. Our belts are built to endure abrasive, high-temperature, or high-load environments. We also advocate proper system maintenance, including correct belt storage, jointing, roller alignment, and idler checks, to ensure smooth and centered belt movement, reducing operational interruptions.

What are the key market and demand drivers for the conveyor belt industry?
The growth of the conveyor belt industry is closely tied to infrastructure development, increased automation, and the push for higher operational efficiency. As industries strive to reduce labor dependency and improve productivity, there is a growing demand for advanced material handling systems. Customers today seek not just reliability, but also cost-effectiveness and technical superiority in the belts they choose. Enhanced product aesthetics and innovation in design are also becoming significant differentiators. These trends are pushing manufacturers to evolve continuously, and Elastocon is leading the way with customer-centric product development.

How does Elastocon address the diverse and evolving requirements of these sectors?
Our strength lies in offering a broad and technically advanced product portfolio that serves various industries. For general-purpose applications, our M24 and DINX/W grade belts offer excellent abrasion resistance, especially for RMHS and cement plants. For high-temperature operations, we provide HR and SHR T2 grade belts, as well as our flagship PYROCON and PYROKING belts, which can withstand extreme heat—up to 250°C continuous and even 400°C peak—thanks to advanced EPM polymers.
We also cater to sectors with specialised needs. For fire-prone environments like underground mining, we offer fire-resistant belts certified to IS 1891 Part V, ISO 340, and MSHA standards. Our OR-grade belts are designed for oil and chemical resistance, making them ideal for fertiliser and chemical industries. In high-moisture applications like food and agriculture, our MR-grade belts ensure optimal performance. This diverse range enables us to meet customer-specific challenges with precision and efficiency.

What core advantages does Elastocon offer that differentiate it from competitors?
Elastocon stands out due to its deep commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Every belt is customised to the client’s requirements, supported by a strong R&D foundation that keeps us aligned with global standards and trends. Our customer support doesn’t end at product delivery—we provide ongoing technical assistance and after-sales service that help clients maximise the value of their investments. Moreover, our focus on compliance and certifications ensures our belts meet stringent national and international safety and performance standards, giving customers added confidence.

How is Elastocon gearing up to meet its customers’ evolving needs?
We are conscious of the shift towards greener and smarter manufacturing practices. Elastocon is embracing sustainability by incorporating eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient manufacturing techniques. In parallel, we are developing belts that seamlessly integrate with automated systems and smart industrial platforms. Our vision is to make our products not just high-performing but also future-ready—aligned with global sustainability goals and compatible with emerging technologies in industrial automation and predictive maintenance.

What trends do you foresee shaping the future of the conveyor belt industry?
The conveyor belt industry is undergoing a significant transformation. As Industry 4.0 principles gain traction, we expect to see widespread adoption of smart belts equipped with sensors for real-time monitoring, diagnostics, and predictive maintenance. The demand for recyclable materials and sustainable designs will continue to grow. Furthermore, industry-specific customisation will increasingly replace standardisation, and belts will be expected to do more than just transport material—they will be integrated into intelligent production systems. Elastocon is already investing in these future-focused areas to stay ahead of the curve.

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Economy & Market

Impactful Branding

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Advertising or branding is never about driving sales. It’s about creating brand awareness and recall. It’s about conveying the core values of your brand to your consumers. In this context, why is branding important for cement companies? As far as the customers are concerned cement is simply cement. It is precisely for this reason that branding, marketing and advertising of cement becomes crucial. Since the customer is unable to differentiate between the shades of grey, the onus of creating this awareness is carried by the brands. That explains the heavy marketing budgets, celebrity-centric commercials, emotion-invoking taglines and campaigns enunciating the many benefits of their offerings.
Marketing strategies of cement companies have undergone gradual transformation owing to the change in consumer behaviour. While TV commercials are high on humour and emotions to establish a fast connect with the customer, social media campaigns are focussed more on capturing the consumer’s attention in an over-crowded virtual world. Branding for cement companies has become a holistic growth strategy with quantifiable results. This has made brands opt for a mix package of traditional and new-age tools, such as social media. However, the hero of every marketing communication is the message, which encapsulates the unique selling points of the product. That after all is crux of the matter here.
While cement companies are effectively using marketing tools to reach out to the consumers, they need to strengthen the four Cs of the branding process – Consumer, Cost, Communication and Convenience. Putting up the right message, at the right time and at the right place for the right kind of customer demographic is of utmost importance in the long run. It is precisely for this reason that regional players are likely to have an upper hand as they rely on local language and cultural references to drive home the point. But modern marketing and branding domain is exponentially growing and it would be an interesting exercise to tabulate and analyse its impact on branding for cement.

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