Concrete

Weighing it Right

Published

2 years ago

April 10, 2023

admin

Rakesh Valeja, Director, Thames Side Sensors India, talks about the crucial role that weighing equipment plays at every stage of the cement manufacturing process.

Thames Side Sensors India provides weighing electronics for the cement industry. When there is manufacturing, there is a requirement of measuring and packing. Measuring happens at different parts of the cement manufacturing process.
Their equipment starts measuring from 300g to 1000 tonne capacity, thus, it can accommodate any weighing application in the cement industry. When raw material comes in from the mines, there is a requirement of weight bridges. When limestone comes to plant on conveyor belts, load needs to be measured there. In the weigh feeder application, raw material is weighed and at the end when the end product is packed that, too, is weighed and packed in respective bags. From raw material to when final packaging is out, their equipment is used in the cement industry at every stage.
Their system is one of the most accurate weighing systems worldwide and they have a presence in over 70 countries globally. Speaking about accuracy, their systems’ outputs are better than the industry standard. They also give excellent warranty support and due to their confidence in their products, they give a 5-year warranty, which is the highest amongst all competition in the market. Their customers also have confidence in the company and have shown their trust in them by making repeat purchases.

Improving Efficiency
Following are some of the important aspects of the systems provided by Thames Side Sensors India:
Their equipment gives the best in class accuracy, which leads the customer to avoid any losses. In this way, they help cement manufacturers save cost. The life of the equipment is 15-20 years, which reduces the need to replace and thus, giving a good return on investment.
They provide equipment use training to their customers.
Automation and technology part is executed by OEM partners. As the company supplies their load measurers through OEM system integrators. The OEM partners supply their tech and the company’s system as part of their package. They work on the system to integrate and interface their technology with the company’s product, which makes it suitable for the cement manufacturers.
If there’s reduced spillage and life of the product is high, it reduces environment pollution, need for replacement and money saving. This money saved can be put into making better innovations that will benefit the environment.
During the installation of silos, they need to provide dummy load measuring equipment. However, multiple processes like welding etc., are happening at that time, and so, the original load measurers cannot be installed. However, the company has come up with a product that can sustain harsh conditions and shock, and will not lead to any discrepancy in its readings.
All their products fall under the International Organisation of Legal Metrology (OILM) code of standards. Only after the approval from this organisation, the products are released for market consumption. The company also has the highest standards of accuracy. In this way, it is a win-win for all the customers.
Thames Side Sensors India is getting to know more and more partners and competitors in the market as well as cement manufacturers and marking their footprint. The industry, too, getting to know them. They are currently working with some of the big names of the cement industry and would continue to do so.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Rakesh Valeja, Director, Thames Side Sensors India, is responsible for providing the overall direction to the company and planning activities for high-level management and clientele alike and ensuring that clients, shareholders, and employees are all satisfied with their experiences with the company.

Up Next

Gauging the Role of Low Carbon Solutions

Don't Miss

Envisioning a Better Tomorrow

Concrete

Lower sales realization impacts margins for cement makers in Q2 FY25

The industry encountered several challenges, including an extended monsoon season.

Published

2 days ago

November 6, 2024

admin

Major cement manufacturers reported a decline in margins for the September quarter, primarily due to lower prices, which led to decreased sales realization.

With the exception of three leading cement producers—UltraTech Cement, Ambuja Cement, and Dalmia Bharat—smaller companies, including Nuvoco Vistas Corp, JK Cement, Birla Corporation, and Heidelberg Cement, experienced a drop in both topline and sales volume during the second quarter of the current fiscal year.

The industry encountered several challenges, including an extended monsoon season, flooding, and a slow recovery in government demand, all contributing to weak overall demand.

Despite these challenges, power, fuel, and other costs largely remained stable across the industry. The all-India average cement price was approximately Rs 348 per 50 kg bag in June 2024, which represented an 11 per cent year-on-year decrease to Rs 330 per bag in September, although it saw a month-on-month increase of 2 per cent.

In the first half of FY25, cement prices declined by 10 per cent year-on-year, settling at Rs 330 per bag. This decline was notable compared to the previous year’s average prices of Rs 365 per bag and Rs 375 per bag in FY23, as reported by Icra.

Leading cement manufacturer UltraTech reported a capacity utilization rate of 68 per cent, with a 3 per cent growth in volume. However, its sales realization for grey cement declined by 8.4 per cent year-on-year and 2.9 per cent quarter-on-quarter during the July-September period.

In response to a query regarding cement prices during the earnings call, UltraTech’s CFO Atul Daga indicated that there had been an improvement in prices from August to September and noted that prices remained steady from September to October. He mentioned that the prices had risen from Rs 347 in August to approximately Rs 354 currently.

Concrete

Steel companies face Rs 89,000 crore inventory crisis

Steel firms grapple with Rs 89,000 crore stockpile amid import surge.

Published

3 days ago

November 5, 2024

admin

Steel companies in India are facing a significant challenge as they contend with an inventory crisis valued at approximately Rs 89,000 crore. This situation has arisen due to a notable increase in steel imports, which has put pressure on domestic producers struggling to maintain sales in a competitive market.

The surge in imports has been fueled by various factors, including fluctuations in global steel prices and increased production capacities in exporting countries. As a result, domestic steel manufacturers have found it difficult to compete, leading to rising stock levels of unsold products. This inventory buildup has forced several companies to reassess their production strategies and pricing models.

The financial impact of this inventory crisis is profound, affecting cash flows and profitability for many steel firms. With domestic demand remaining volatile, the pressure to reduce prices has increased, further complicating the situation for manufacturers who are already grappling with elevated production costs.

Industry experts are urging policymakers to consider measures that can support local steel producers, such as imposing tariffs on imports or enhancing trade regulations. This would help to protect the domestic market and ensure that Indian steel companies can compete more effectively.

As the steel sector navigates these challenges, stakeholders are closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a turnaround that can stabilize the market and restore confidence among investors. The current dynamics emphasize the need for a robust strategy to bolster domestic production and mitigate the risks associated with excessive imports.

Concrete

JSW and POSCO collaborate for steel plant

JSW Group and POSCO ink MoU for steel project.

Published

3 days ago

November 5, 2024

admin

JSW Group has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with South Korea’s POSCO Group to develop an integrated steel plant in India. This collaboration aims to enhance India’s steel production capacity and contribute to the country’s growing manufacturing sector.

The agreement was formalized during a recent meeting between executives from both companies, highlighting their commitment to sustainable development and technological innovation in the steel industry. The planned facility will incorporate advanced manufacturing processes and adhere to environmentally friendly practices, aligning with global standards for sustainability.

JSW Group, a leader in the Indian steel industry, has expressed confidence that the joint venture with POSCO will bolster its position in the market and accelerate growth. The project is expected to attract significant investments, generating thousands of jobs in the region and contributing to local economies.

As India aims to boost its steel output to meet domestic demand and support infrastructure projects, this partnership signifies a crucial step toward achieving those goals. Both companies are committed to leveraging their expertise to develop a state-of-the-art facility that will produce high-quality steel products while minimizing environmental impact.

This initiative also reflects the increasing collaboration between Indian and international firms to enhance industrial capabilities and foster economic growth. The MoU sets the stage for a promising future in the Indian steel sector, emphasizing innovation and sustainability as key drivers of success.