Concrete

Moisture measurement in bulk solids including RMC

Published

4 years ago

December 21, 2021

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Time Domain Refractometry (TDR) is a method used to measure the dielectric constant (water content) of a material.

Time Domain Refractometry (TDR) is a method used to measure the dielectric constant (water content) of a material. Metal conductors or rods are used as wave guides for the transmission of the TDR-signal. The device generates a high-frequency-pulse (up to 1GHz) which propagates along the wave guides at the speed near to light, generating an electromagnetic field around the probe. At the end of the wave guides, the pulse is reflected to its source. The resulting transit time from picoseconds to nanoseconds and dielectric constant provide an accurate measurement of moisture content. The moisture content is calculated inside the device and is available at standard analogue outputs.

IMKO, a German company, which part of the Endress+Hauser Group has developed a patented measuring method called TRIME® TDR method. With this technology it is possible to measure the transit time with a resolution of 3 picoseconds. The TRIME® TDR method has been successfully used more than 30 years in the process industry.

The TRIME® TDR -technique has an ideal measuring frequency between 600MHz and 1.2GHz and the measuring field penetrates deep into the material. The electromagnetic pulses generated in the TRIME device are high enough and constant for good resolution and accuracy of measurement. In addition, disturbing influences such as electrical conductivity have nearly no effect. Precise moisture can be measured in temperatures up to 120°C. TRIME® TDR technology is used in Solitrend product which helps to increase product quality and reduce energy efforts due to precise moisture measurement.

The senor used in Solitrend is in direct contact with the material. Calibration is a simple linear equation. Measurement field adapts itself to the shape of material and is quite large. It is also undisturbed by dripping water, air and dirt. The probes are extremely rugged for exceptionally long operational life. It also replaces time consuming lab analysis and manual sampling with continuous online measurement.

Both In line as well as portable probes measurements are available.

Application

The building industry. Moisture measurement in Ready Mix Concrete.
In line moisture content measurement in bulk material or goods like wood chips, pellets, animal food etc.
The glass and ceramics industry like silica sand, moulding sand, ceramics mass.
Food Industry. Malting plants, Corn, Sludge drying, Fluid bed dryers (inlet/outlet).

Limitations of other methods

Capacitance method – This method works with single measuring frequencies between 5-80MHz. The dielectric constant is influenced both by moisture and salinity. It is very difficult to distinguish between the two influences and precise moisture measurements are difficult to achieve.

Microwave method – The frequencies of microwave techniques are generally higher than 2GHz. This technique leads to loss in resolution and accuracy of measurement having negative influence on the readings.

Conductance or Resistance method – This method have very low measuring frequencies of about 4kHz. There is a strong influence of different salinity of the bulk material on the measurement. The difference in salinity is caused by different mineral contents temperature. Another problem of resistance method is the low penetration depth of the measuring field.

Near-Infrared method (NIR)-This method shows a very lower penetration depth and, therefore, considerable influences of material surface and thickness.

Scan the QR code for more information or write to us on info.in.sc@endress.com.

Concrete

Berger Paints Announces Financial Results for the Quarter Ended

Net Profit for the quarter was Rs 2.06 billion, compared to Rs 2.69 billion in the corresponding quarter of the previous year.

Published

21 hours ago

November 5, 2025

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Berger Paints India announced its financial results for the quarter ended September 30, 2025.

The company reported Revenue from Operations of Rs 28.27 billion, compared to Rs 27.74 billion in the corresponding quarter last year, reflecting a growth of 1.9 per cent year-on-year.

EBITDA (excluding other income) stood at Rs 3.52 billion, as against Rs 4.34 billion in the same period last year, registering a decline of 18.9 per cent.

Net Profit for the quarter was Rs 2.06 billion, compared to Rs 2.69 billion in the corresponding quarter of the previous year, marking a decline of 23.5 per cent year-on-year.

Commenting on the performance, Abhijit Roy, Managing Director & CEO, Berger Paints India, said, “At Berger Paints, we remain committed to driving growth through network expansion, innovation, and brand building. Our focus continues to be on delivering long-term value for our investors and stakeholders.”

Concrete

Ambuja Cements posts record Q2, lifts FY28 capacity target

PAT rises to Rs 23.02 bn; volumes up 20%; margin widens 450 bps

Published

21 hours ago

November 5, 2025

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Ahmedabad, recently — Ambuja Cements, part of the Adani Portfolio, reported a strong Q2 FY26 performance with consolidated PAT of Rs 23.02 billion (up 364 per cent year on year), highest-ever Q2 sales volume of 16.6 million tonnes (up 20 per cent) and revenue of Rs 91.74 billion (up 21 per cent). EBITDA rose to Rs 17.61 billion with a margin of 19.2 per cent, while EBITDA per tonne reached Rs 1,060 (up 32 per cent). EPS stood at Rs 7.2 (up 267 per cent). The PAT figure includes an income-tax provision reversal of Rs 16.97 billion.

The company raised its FY28 capacity goal by 15 MTPA to 155 MTPA, largely through low-capex debottlenecking at about USD 48 per tonne. Thirteen new blenders are being installed to optimise product mix and lift the share of premium cement, and logistics debottlenecking is expected to add around three per cent utilisation to the existing 107 MTPA base over 24 months.

On projects, a 4 MTPA kiln at Bhatapara has begun trial runs, the 2 MTPA Krishnapatnam grinding unit has been operationalised, and an additional 7 MTPA across three locations is slated for Q3. Renewable power capacity reached 673 MW after commissioning 200 MW, with targets of 900 MW by year-end and 1,122 MW by FY27.

Cost discipline continued: kiln fuel, power and logistics costs declined year on year; green power share of consumption rose to 32.9 per cent; and logistics cost stood at Rs 1,224 per tonne. Management reiterated end-FY26 total cost guidance of about Rs 4,000 per tonne and a pathway to Rs 3,650 per tonne by FY28, supported by higher coal share, newer assets, shorter lead distances (including a growing sea-logistics share), and long-term fly ash/slag tie-ups.

Strategically, Ambuja launched CiNOC (Cement Intelligent Network Operations Centre) to embed AI across sales, production and logistics; deepened engagements with CONCOR, CREDAI and 400+ academic partners; and ordered seven vessels totalling 65,800 DWT to lift coastal movement to five per cent. The company remains debt-free with net worth of Rs 694.93 billion and the highest Crisil ratings (AAA/Stable; A1+).

Concrete

India, EU Resume Talks To Finalise Free Trade Agreement

High-level negotiators meet in Delhi to push balanced trade deal

Published

2 days ago

November 4, 2025

admin

A senior delegation from the European Union (EU) is in New Delhi from 3 to 7 November 2025 to hold detailed discussions with Indian counterparts on the proposed India–EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The negotiations aim to resolve key pending issues and move closer to a comprehensive, balanced, and mutually beneficial trade framework.

The visit follows Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal’s official trip to Brussels on 27–28 October 2025, during which he held forward-looking talks with European Commissioner for Trade and Economic Security Maroš Šef?ovi?. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to intensify dialogue and strengthen cooperation towards finalising the FTA.

This week’s deliberations will focus on trade in goods and services, rules of origin, and technical and institutional matters, guided by the shared goal of creating a modern and future-ready trade pact that reflects the priorities and sensitivities of both India and the EU.

The discussions gained further momentum after a virtual meeting on 3 November 2025 between Minister Piyush Goyal, Commissioner Maroš Šef?ovi?, and EU Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Christophe Hansen, which helped align positions on key areas of mutual interest.

As part of the ongoing negotiations, Ms. Sabine Weyand, Director-General for Trade at the European Commission (EU DG Trade), will visit New Delhi on 5–6 November for high-level consultations with India’s Commerce Secretary Rajesh Aggarwal. The talks will address technical and policy matters critical to concluding the agreement.

The EU delegation’s visit underscores the shared determination of India and the European Union to conclude a fair, transparent, and equitable FTA, aimed at boosting trade, investment, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.

Both sides view the FTA as a strategic pillar in their partnership, capable of enhancing market access, creating new opportunities for businesses, and promoting a resilient and diversified global supply chain.