Concrete
Optimisation is about doing more with less
Published
3 years agoon
By
admin
Rizwan Sabjan, Head – Regional Sales Enablement, FLSmidth, sheds light on the use and implementation of connectivity-based technologies and AI for the smooth transitioning of the cement industry from manual to automated processes that make cement plants more sustainable and greener.
Tell us about the role of technology in increasing the productivity of cement. Which of your equipment can contribute to the same?
Recently, the cement industries have seen a change in what shapes growth. The spotlight has shifted from increasing capacity to enhancing productivity. Digitisation has considerable advantages to make this shift possible. To support our customers, we are building a growing portfolio of digital solutions that connect, monitor and optimise performance, in response to the demands of this changing business landscape. We call it FLSmidth ENABLR, because it enables customers to simplify their operations and improve productivity.
Which technology is underrated and less used by cement makers, but is likely to prove beneficial in the long run?
Advance Process Control systems are very often seen as one of the main drivers needed to reach the dream of autonomous operations. In this context, it’s commonly portrayed in the media that artificial intelligence (AI) is replacing APC systems. But this wrongly assumes that AI is already a synonym for fully autonomous operations. This kind of misrepresentation does not help, as such fully autonomous continuous-process plants are still not that close to reality. The ability of AI technologies to continuously adapt to changing conditions to find the optimal operating parameters and targets is one of the key areas in which AI can improve the ability of APC systems to optimise cement processes.
Cognitive augmentation: The ability to gather, analyse and combine various data streams in real time can bring relatively quick benefits from operational and safety perspectives. One example would be building new virtual sensors to replace unreliable or unavailable signals, particularly when the instrumentation is placed in risky areas or is often out of service.
Smart controllers: In certain contexts, controllers, such as linear and non-linear MPCs or fuzzy, can be enhanced and complemented by virtual models of machinery or processes, known as digital twins. If the digital twins are done well, they can be used to find the controller’s optimum parameters, which leads to more stable processes, achieves higher production and quality levels, or decreases the amount of energy or water used.
Dynamic adaptiveness: Many cement processes are by nature nonlinear and time-varying: this means that actions that were optimal to achieve specific goals yesterday (or even an hour ago) may be suboptimal or even inefficient now. A clear example of this is the cement kiln, where a strong push to substitute fossil fuels with alternative fuels, in as high a ratio as possible, makes stabilisation and optimisation a challenging task, both for human and expert systems.
Most equipment and machinery in plants are often regularly inspected visually. Can these inspections be made more precise and pre-empt damage to save downtime and costs?
With equipment in continuous use, damage can happen at any time. While visual inspections are important to provide broad, contextualised operational insights, relying only on intermittent site visits puts customers at the risk of missing the early warning signs that could enable them to drastically reduce both downtime and expenses. Online condition monitoring is a continuous service that enables customers to detect potential failures well in advance, giving them plenty of time to take preventative action and avoid actual failure.
All these symptoms warn the customers that damage is imminent. In many cases, when the visible symptoms appear, it is already much too late for an ‘easy’ fix. By contrast, sensors on customer equipment are able to capture data that may be otherwise ‘invisible. Our online condition monitoring services connect this data to the cloud where it is continuously monitored and trended. If something is wrong, an alarm notifies our team of experts who are able to analyse the data remotely and develop a recommended action plan to rectify the fault well ahead of it escalating. It’s a low-stress, low-cost, low-risk approach to maintenance that offers high returns.
–Kanika Mathur
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Concrete
Transforming Interior Spaces: Trendy Wall Putty Designs to Enhance Your Home
Published
2 weeks agoon
March 19, 2025By
admin
- Rustic Texture: Mimicking natural stone or aged plaster for an earthy, vintage feel.
- Wave Patterns: Adding a sense of movement and fluidity to walls, perfect for living rooms and entryways.
- Sand Finish: A subtle grainy effect that provides a sophisticated touch.
- Monochrome interiors where walls serve as a sleek backdrop.
- High-gloss or matte-painted walls that need a seamless base.
- Spaces with minimal décor where the walls themselves make a statement.
- Chevron or Herringbone: A dynamic, sophisticated look that pairs well with both modern and mid-century décor.
- 3D Raised Panels: Using putty to craft subtle raised patterns, adding a sculptural effect to the wall.
- Asymmetrical Shapes: For a bold and avant-garde touch.
- These patterns work best in bedrooms, study areas, or accent walls in open spaces.
- Statement walls in living rooms and foyers.
- Elegant dining areas where a touch of opulence is desired.
- Boutique-style bedrooms with a rich, textured finish.
- Children’s rooms or play areas, creating a fun and dynamic atmosphere.
- Bedrooms with a soothing pastel gradient for a calming effect.
- Dining spaces where a bold color fade adds character.
- Luxurious master bedrooms and dressing areas.
- Accent walls in dining rooms or home bars.
- Commercial spaces like boutiques and salons.
- Choose the Right Putty: Opt for a premium wall putty like Birla White WallCare Putty to ensure durability, a smooth finish, and long-lasting appeal.
- Prepare the Surface: Ensure the walls are clean, dry, and free from loose particles before application.
- Apply in Layers: Depending on the design, putty can be applied in single or multiple layers for the desired effect.
- Use the Right Tools: Trowels, spatulas, sponges, or patterned rollers help create specific textures and patterns.
- Seal with Paint or Polish: Once the putty is dry, finishing it with paint, polish, or protective coatings enhances its aesthetic and durability.
Concrete
Dalmia Bharat to add 6 MnTPA Cement Capacity in Maharashtra and Karnataka
Published
2 weeks agoon
March 19, 2025By
admin
- Investment in alignment with the strategic goal of becoming a PAN India company and achieving 75 MnT capacity by FY28
- Increases capacity primarily to meet growing demand in Western India along with existing regions
Dalmia Bharat Limited, one of India’s leading cement companies, through its subsidiaries, has announced a strategic investment of approximately Rs 3,520 Crore in the states of Maharashtra and Karnataka. As part of this initiative, the company will establish a 3.6 MnTPA clinker unit and a 3 MnTPA grinding unit at its existing Belgaum plant, Karnataka coupled with a new greenfield split grinding unit with a capacity of 3 MnTPA in Pune, Maharashtra. The capex will be funded through a combination of debt and internal accruals. With this expansion, Dalmia Bharat’s total installed cement capacity will increase to 55.5 MnTPA, after considering the ongoing expansion of 2.9 MnT at Assam and Bihar. These new units are expected to be commissioned by Q4 FY27.
The Belgaum Grinding Unit will cater to the underserved Southern Maharashtra markets while enhancing share in the existing region by improving penetration. On the other hand, Pune Grinding Unit will entirely cater to the untapped Western Maharashtra markets. The initiative is a part of the company’s vision to be a PAN India player and achieve 75 MnTPA capacity by FY28 and 110-130 MnT by 2031.
Speaking on the development, Mr. Puneet Dalmia, Managing Director & CEO, Dalmia Bharat Limited, said, “This investment is a significant step in our Phase II expansion strategy, bringing us closer to strengthen our position as a pan-India player and to reach intermittent goal of 75 MnT capacity by FY28. The increase in our production capacity is primarily to meet the growing infrastructure demand in Western India.” He further added, “We remain committed in realising our goals of capacity expansion, while staying focused on operational excellence and creating long-term value for our stakeholders. The capacity additions will also continue to be in line with Dalmia Bharat’s sustainability-driven approach and its commitment to supporting India’s infrastructure and development goals.”
About Dalmia Bharat: Founded in 1939, Dalmia Bharat Limited (DBL) (BSE/NSE Symbol: DALBHARAT) is one of India’s pioneering cement companies headquartered in New Delhi. With a growing capacity, currently pegged at 46.6 MnT, Dalmia Bharat Limited (including its subsidiaries) is the fourth-largest cement manufacturing company in India by installed capacity. Spread across 10 states and 15 manufacturing units. Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Limited, a subsidiary of Dalmia Bharat Limited, prides itself at having one of the lowest carbon footprint in the cement world globally. It is the first cement company to commit to RE100, EP100 and EV100 (first triple joiner) – showing real business leadership in the clean energy transition by taking a joined-up approach.

Showcasing India’s Supply Chain Revolution

Highlighting the Future of Smart, Sustainable Infra

Driving Sustainability Through Innovation

Transforming Interior Spaces: Trendy Wall Putty Designs to Enhance Your Home

Dalmia Bharat to add 6 MnTPA Cement Capacity in Maharashtra and Karnataka

Showcasing India’s Supply Chain Revolution

Highlighting the Future of Smart, Sustainable Infra

Driving Sustainability Through Innovation

Transforming Interior Spaces: Trendy Wall Putty Designs to Enhance Your Home
