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Our belts are likely to give the best efficiency to plants

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AP Singh, Executive Director, Continental Conveyors, discusses the role of conveyor belts in material transportation.

What is the role of the conveyor belt in the transportation of material for cement manufacturing?
The main role of conveyor belts in the cement manufacturing process is transportation of material. From transportation of raw materials to the loading of end products into the trucks, all materials are transported by conveyor belts only.

What are the grades of conveyor belt materials that you have and supply to cement plants?
There are many grades for the conveyor belt materials. The first one is the M-24 grade, which is widely used. These are general UT Belts. The second one is Super Heat Resistant (SHR) grade, which are heat resistant belts. The third kind or grade of material is Ultra Heat Resistant (UHR) material, which can resist heat up to 220OC to 250OC.
We also have belts made of chevron material, also known as wavy belts, that are used for loading bags of cement in the trucks during despatch.

How are the above mentioned belts used for different functions at a cement plant?
Basically, the basic concept is the same but the application is different. Any normal belt can sustain up to 70oC temperature. The SHR belts can sustain up to 150oC temperature of the material being transported, while, the UHR belts can sustain up to 220oC to 250oC. This kind of belt is usually used to transport clinker, which has a very high temperature.
Likewise, the function of the chevron belts and wavy top belts is to create an anti-slippage surface for smooth loading of bags of cementin trucks.
We design conveyor belts according to customer’s requirements.

Tell us about the quality standards maintained for the conveyor belts. How often do they need change for maintenance?
We have a process of quality checking for every belt that is manufactured at our end. The key to maintaining quality is inspection of every belt that is despatched from our company. Our
in-house laboratory helps us keep a check on quality maintenance.
Maintenance of the belts or requirement of change differs from plant to plant. If the establishment is good and follows all protocol, the requirement for changing the belts is less frequent. If the maintenance of systems and processes are not good, then the requirement of changing or getting maintenance done for the belts is high as they are made of softer materials and may be classified as one of the weakest materials in the cement plants.

What is the impact of the conveyor belts on the efficiency of cement plants?
With a properly maintained conveyor belt system and process following, our belts are likely to give the best efficiency to plants by performing their function with the right speed and accuracy.

Which are the most challenging installations and wear and tear points in a cement plant?
In mine areas, when raw material i.e., limestone or coal is transported, the lump sizes are large and have sharp edges which may lead to high wear and tear of the belts. Secondly, it is the hot clinker, which causes the most wear and tear of the belts.

Tell us about the changes and innovations happening that the cement industry can look forward to?
At Continental Conveyors, we are involved in regular research and development to make more material grades for belts based on the various applications and requirements of cement manufacturers.

Kanika Mathur

Concrete

India Sets Up First Carbon Capture Testbeds for Cement Industry

Five CCU testbeds launched to decarbonise cement production

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The Department of Science and Technology (DST) recently unveiled a pioneering national initiative: five Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds in the cement sector, forming a first-of-its-kind research and innovation cluster to combat industrial carbon emissions.
This is a significant step towards India’s Climate Action for fostering National Determined Contributions (NDCs) targets and to achieve net zero decarbonisation pathways for Industry Transition., towards the Government’s goal to achieve a carbon-neutral economy by 2070.
Carbon Capture Utilisation (CCU) holds significant importance in hard-to-abate sectors like Cement, Steel, Power, Oil &Natural Gas, Chemicals & Fertilizers in reducing emissions by capturing carbon dioxide from industrial processes and converting it to value add products such as synthetic fuels, Urea, Soda, Ash, chemicals, food grade CO2 or concrete aggregates. CCU provides a feasible pathway for these tough to decarbonise industries to lower their carbon footprint and move towards achieving Net Zero Goals while continuing their operations efficiently. DST has taken major strides in fostering R&D in the CCUS domain.
Concrete is vital for India’s economy and the Cement industry being one of the main hard-to-abate sectors, is committed to align with the national decarbonisation commitments. New technologies to decarbonise emission intensity of the cement sector would play a key role in achieving of national net zero targets.
Recognizing the critical need for decarbonising the Cement sector, the Energy and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division of Department launched a unique call for mobilising Academia-Industry Consortia proposals for deployment of Carbon Capture Utilisation (CCU) in Cement Sector. This Special call envisaged to develop and deploy innovative CCU Test bed in Cement Sector with thrust on Developing CO2 capture + CO2 Utilisation integrated unit in an Industrial set up through an innovative Public Private Partnership (PPP) funding model.
As a unique initiative and one of its first kind in India, DST has approved setting up of five CCU testbeds for translational R&D, to be set up in Academia-Industry collaboration under this significant initiative of DST in PPP mode, engaging with premier research laboratories as knowledge partners and top Cement companies as the industry partner.
On the occasion of National Technology Day celebrations, on May 11, 2025 the 5 CCU Cement Test beds were announced and grants had been handed over to the Test bed teams by the Chief Guest, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr Jitendra Singh in the presence of Secretary DST Prof. Abhay Karandikar.
The five testbeds are not just academic experiments — they are collaborative industrial pilot projects bringing together India’s top research institutions and leading cement manufacturers under a unique Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Each testbed addresses a different facet of CCU, from cutting-edge catalysis to vacuum-based gas separation.
The outcomes of this innovative initiative will not only showcase the pathways of decarbonisation towards Net zero goals through CCU route in cement sector, but should also be a critical confidence building measure for potential stakeholders to uptake the deployed CCU technology for further scale up and commercialisation.
It is envisioned that through continuous research and innovation under these test beds in developing innovative catalysts, materials, electrolyser technology, reactors, and electronics, the cost of Green Cement via the deployed CCU technology in Cement Sector may considerably be made more sustainable.
Secretary DBT Dr Rajesh Gokhale, Dr Ajai Choudhary, Co-Founder HCL, Dr. Rajesh Pathak, Secretary, TDB, Dr Anita Gupta Head CEST, DST and Dr Neelima Alam, Associate Head, DST were also present at the programme organized at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.

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Concrete

JK Lakshmi Adopts EVs to Cut Emissions in Logistics

Electric vehicles deployed between JK Puram and Kalol units

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JK Lakshmi Cement, a key player in the Indian cement industry, has announced the deployment of electric vehicles (EVs) in its logistics operations. This move, made in partnership with SwitchLabs Automobiles, will see EVs transporting goods between the JK Puram Plant in Sirohi, Rajasthan, and the Kalol Grinding Unit in Gujarat.
The announcement follows a successful pilot project that showcased measurable reductions in carbon emissions while maintaining efficiency. Building on this, the company is scaling up EV integration to enhance sustainability across its supply chain.
“Sustainability is integral to our vision at JK Lakshmi Cement. Our collaboration with SwitchLabs Automobiles reflects our continued focus on driving innovation in our logistics operations while taking responsibility for our environmental footprint. This initiative positions us as a leader in transforming the cement sector’s logistics landscape,” said Arun Shukla, President & Director, JK Lakshmi Cement.
This deployment marks a significant step in aligning with India’s push for greener transport infrastructure. By embracing clean mobility, JK Lakshmi Cement is setting an example for the industry, demonstrating that environmental responsibility can go hand in hand with operational efficiency.
The company continues to embed sustainability into its operations as part of a broader goal to reduce its carbon footprint. This initiative adds to its vision of building a more sustainable and eco-friendly future.
JK Lakshmi Cement, part of the 135-year-old JK Organisation, began operations in 1982 and has grown to become a recognised name in Indian cement. With a presence across Northern, Western, and Eastern India, the company has a cement capacity of 16.5 MTPA, with a target to reach 30 MT by 2030. Its product range includes ready-mix concrete, gypsum plaster, wall putty, and autoclaved aerated fly ash blocks.

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Concrete

Holcim UK drives sustainable construction

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Holcim UK has released a report titled ‘Making Sustainable Construction a Reality,’ outlining its five-fold commitment to a greener future. The company aims to focus on decarbonisation, circular economy principles, smarter building methods, community engagement, and integrating nature. Based on a survey of 2,000 people, only 41 per cent felt urban spaces in the UK are sustainably built. A significant majority (82 per cent) advocated for more green spaces, 69 per cent called for government leadership in sustainability, and 54 per cent saw businesses as key players. Additionally, 80 per cent of respondents stressed the need for greater transparency from companies regarding their environmental practices.

Image source:holcim

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