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Making gains with OKâ„¢ cement mill

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Since 1982, the OK??vertical roller mill (VRM) has provided the cement industry an energy-efficient, flexible ??both in terms of size and the ability to handle variable feed materials ??and reliable solution for cement grinding. These benefits are ever more relevant today, as cement producers focus on reducing both operating costs and their environmental footprint through the increased use of supplementary cementitious materials added to the mill?? feedstock.

Nowhere are the benefits of the OK mill more appreciated than in the Indian subcontinent, where cement plant requirements vary widely in terms of grinding plant size and capacity to produce multiple cement types in each unit. In 2018 and 2019, a total of 15 VRMs were sold by FLSmidth in the region for raw, coal and cement applications.

The same trend applies to the neighboring countries, Nepal and Bangladesh; one such notable example is the OK 81-6 cement mill at Shah Cement in Bangladesh, which has been certified by Guinness World Records as the world?? largest VRM. The mill is 25.6m tall, weighs in at 1,904 tonnes and features the latest MAAG MAX Drive technology providing 11.6 MW of power. Successfully operating for two years since August 2018, the mill recently exceeded its performance guarantee testing.

??e are proud to have the world?? largest vertical roller mill as part of our operations,??said Hafiz Sikander, Director of Operations, Cement Division of Shah Cement Industries. ??e selected the FLSmidth OK 81-6 mill for its exceptional efficiency and reduced power consumption ??and it is living up to its promise. As the largest single-unit grinding mill in the industry, we expect it to meet our production requirements for many years.??/p>

Variable feed ??but invariably high product quality

Product quality is a function of cement particle size distribution (PSD) and the dehydration of the gypsum within the cement. In the OK mill, parameters such as mill air flow, separator speed and grinding pressure, can be easily adjusted during operation to control or alter the PSD curve to a (steeper or flatter) profile that achieves the desired quality standards. When needed, the PSD curve can match that of an existing ball mill.

The instant adjustability of operating parameters, as well as a short retention time, also means that switching between different types of products can be performed with almost immediate effect. The OK mill has also proven to be effective for grinding blended cements with one or more wet components, not only because of its highly-effective drying performance, but also due to its ability to maintain a stable grinding material bed. As a result, OK mills have been used to grind a wide range of materials from 100 per cent slag with feed containing more than 20 per cent moisture to limestone, pozzolan and fly ash.

Moreover, the OK Mill with ROKSH separator regularly grinds products with fineness above 5500 Blaine, further proving its versatility, as well as its capability for consistent, stable operation throughout a range of cement, blended cement, and slag cement products.


Figure 1: The composition of cement products produced using the OK??cement mill

Lower OPEX and maintenance with the FLSmidth OK??mill

Compared with other VRMs, the OK mill consistently operates with lower airflow and the lowest power consumption. As a result of the patented cement grinding profile and integral ROKSH separator with industry-leading high efficiency, the mill consistently uses 15 to 20 per cent (3 to 5 kWh/MT) less power than other cement VRMs.

The latest mill design adopts mechanical improvements based on actual operating and maintenance practices and the most recent metallurgical developments. A simple layout and fewer number of machines in the mill circuit ensure high run-factor, reduced civil construction costs and low long-term maintenance costs.

Modular design across applications and sizes allows for common spares, including roller assembly, lube systems, hydraulic systems and cylinders, and gear units. It also incorporates design elements in the roller and table profile that improve operating stability and reliability, regularly giving availability of 95 per cent of scheduled operating time. The OK mill can be operated with half of its rollers out of service and still achieve 60 to 70 per cent of the nominal output, minimising risk of lost production due to unplanned stoppages and guaranteeing long-term availability.

The ROKSH separator design has also been improved, allowing producers to achieve better product quality and ease of maintenance. Additionally, internal components have been adapted to improve airflow and mill velocity profile, reducing wear from jet abrasion. New features have also been added to provide easier maintenance access to the static guide vanes and rotor.

A mill to meet the needs of today?? cement producer

??s cement producers continually seek reduced energy consumption and lower maintenance costs, two emerging trends are changing the face of cement production: the increased use of grinding stations that support variable feed materials and more widespread use of vertical roller mills,??said John Terembula, FLSmidth Global Product Line Manager ??VRM. ??ement producers in India, Nepal and Bangladesh have achieved much success relying on the OK mill to meet these needs.??/p>

Communication by the management of the company

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Concrete

Cement Prices To Hold Steady Amid Monsoon Slump

Centrum report says demand weakness will limit hikes

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Centrum, a financial services firm, has reported that cement prices are likely to remain largely unchanged in July as weak demand during the monsoon season constrains pricing power. The report noted that construction activity remained subdued in the first quarter of fiscal year 2027 owing to labour shortages and slower execution of government projects. While June showed some volume recovery driven by delayed monsoons and quarter end sales, dealers are cautious about sustaining any price increases.

The analysis suggested that seasonal slowdown related to monsoon will prolong demand and pricing challenges through the second quarter. Dealers saw most recent attempts at price hikes as protective measures rather than genuine shifts in market fundamentals. They signalled that pockets of demand in select regions could prompt isolated adjustments but that broad based increases were unlikely while construction activity remained weak. Market participants therefore expected a cautious stance on pricing.

The report highlighted that despite intermittent recovery in shipments during June, the underlying demand trajectory remained muted as monsoon hampered site level activity and logistics. Commercial builders and retail dealers both reported constrained order books and slower payment cycles, which in turn reduced room for margin expansion among manufacturers. Analysts noted that unless government project execution accelerates markedly, demand improvement would be gradual. Price setters were thus likely to focus on protecting market shares rather than pursuing aggressive increases.

Market watchers said the near term outlook would be shaped by monsoon progress and fiscal spending patterns, with any acceleration in public works offering the most tangible support. Traders expected that regional variations would persist and that trade flows between surplus and deficit centres would determine local price movements. The report concluded that stakeholders should prepare for a period of subdued pricing until demand signals strengthen.

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Concrete

Cement Prices Set To Stay Under Pressure In July

Monsoon and weak demand keep prices under strain

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A report by Centrum said cement prices are expected to remain largely flat in July as the monsoon and weak demand weigh on the sector. The report said demand during the first quarter of FY27 remained range-bound and below expectations, with dealers across markets pointing to subdued construction activity, labour shortages, elections, heatwaves and slower execution of government projects as key reasons. It noted that some recovery was witnessed in June due to delayed onset of the monsoon and quarter-end volume push.\n\nDealers across most markets do not expect any meaningful price increases in July, the report said, adding that attempts to raise prices in some markets are aimed at defending existing levels rather than achieving significant gains. The sharp correction following the rollback of April hikes has largely played out across most regions, limiting scope for further immediate increases. Seasonal slowdown in construction activity during the monsoon is expected to continue affecting demand and pricing in the coming months.\n\nCentrum indicated that pricing pressure is likely to persist through the second quarter of FY27 as monsoon-related softness continues. Dealers remain cautious about sustainability of any price rise attempts and do not rule out further weakness during the peak monsoon period. The combination of subdued demand and seasonal factors is likely to constrain the industry’s ability to raise prices in the near term. While June saw some improvement in volumes because of delayed rains and quarter-end sales efforts, the broader demand environment remains challenging.\n\nCement companies are therefore expected to focus on maintaining current price levels rather than pursuing aggressive increases as the sector navigates weak demand and seasonal headwinds. The report suggested that unless demand conditions improve significantly, limited scope will exist for meaningful price recovery. Market participants remain watchful for any shifts in execution of infrastructure projects or construction activity that could alter the outlook.

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Concrete

TARIL Secures Ultra Mega Transformer Order From PGCIL

Order for manufacturing transformers to be delivered in 30 months

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Transformers and Rectifiers (India) Limited has received Notifications of Awards from Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) for multiple contracts to manufacture transformers and undertake associated works. The company submitted the disclosure to BSE and the National Stock Exchange under Regulation 30 of the SEBI Listing Regulations. The submission cited security code 532928 and trading symbol TARIL, and the filings cite the award reference and confirm execution in accordance with the terms and conditions stipulated in the notifications.

The contracts are described as an Ultra Mega Order under the company classification, indicating a value at or above Rs 10 billion (bn) on conversion. The filing identifies the contracts as domestic orders and specifies a scheduled delivery period of 30 months. The scope covers manufacturing of transformers of various ratings together with all associated work. The order size places it in the highest project classification defined in the company’s disclosure.

The disclosure states that the promoter group and group companies have no interest in the awarding entity and that the contracts do not constitute related party transactions. The company noted that the awards will be executed in the normal course of business and not fall within related party transactions. The document reiterates that the company is committed to delivering high quality products and services and has established itself as a leading manufacturer of transformers in the country over time.

Chief Financial Officer Mehul Shah authorised the filing and requested the exchanges to take the information on record, with the company providing the requisite filing reference in its submission. The company indicated that the orders will be executed as per the notifications of awards and the applicable regulatory framework. The original filing is available on the stock exchange portal at the provided link.

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