Concrete

Lubricants are indispensable

Published

9 months ago

June 14, 2024

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James (Jim) Holden, PE, Technical Director, Energy and Engineered Solutions, and Lisa Marston, Regional Technical Service Engineer, Cortec Corporation, discuss how lubricants play a crucial role in maintaining efficiency, preventing breakdowns and supporting sustainable practices in industrial operations.

What role do lubricants play in the lifespan of any machinery?
Holden: Any manufacturer of rotating equipment will specify the type of bearing and the type of lubricant to be used in their machinery. The main functions of the lubricant are to minimise friction between stationary and moving components and to extend the life of these components by preventing excessive wear and premature failures.

Which are the key areas in any machinery that should be protected by the grease or lubricants?
Holden: Anytime there is relative motion between two pieces of metal, such as bearings and shafts, a lubricant should be used. There are generally three categories of lubricants – lubricating oils, lubricating greases, and general-purpose penetrating lubricants. Each of these has different applications.

Tell us about your products that offer corrosion prevention in machinery. What makes them unique?
Marston: Cortec has products that serve various needs in lubricating systems. One major category of products is oil additives with contact and vapor phase corrosion inhibitors that are designed to provide enhanced corrosion protection in addition to the lubricating oil itself during long term storage and intermittent operating conditions for gearboxes, steam turbines, pumps, etc. Cortec also offers greases that are formulated with vapor phase corrosion inhibitors, some of which are derived from renewable resources. Additionally, Cortec manufactures general purpose lubricants with corrosion inhibitors that can be used on valve bushings, fasteners, and packing glands, as a few examples. The addition of contact and vapor phase corrosion inhibitors in these products ensures consistent corrosion protection throughout the equipment, even when components may not be in direct contact with the lubricant.

How often should lubricants of any kind be changed for effective functionality?
Holden: OEMs and/or lubricant suppliers will recommend operating cycles, how often to inspect the oil, and what tests to run to ensure the oil is healthy for continued operation of their equipment. As part of day-to-day operations, it is also typical to try to minimise the water content in the oils
through purification.

How can sustainability be incorporated in lubrication systems?
Marston: The two major ways that come to mind include:
1. Extending the life cycle of your oil and your equipment to avoid wasted capacity of the assets. This can be done by keeping the oils and systems clean, monitoring the health of the oils over time, and inspecting the equipment on a routine maintenance schedule.
2. Using environmentally friendly corrosion inhibitors and lubricants where possible. Cortec offers several biobased products including EcoLine CLP, a multi-functional penetrant/lubricant made with 89 per cent USDA certified biobased content, and EcoLine Biobased Grease powered by Nano-VpCI which contains 86 per cent biobased content and is formulated from vegetable oils.

What are the advancements made in the field of lubricants that can positively impact productivity of heavy machinery?
Lubricants are indispensable for maintaining smooth machinery operation and preventing costly breakdowns. By reducing friction between moving parts, they minimise wear and tear, extending the lifespan of equipment. Additionally, lubricants absorb shocks, dampen noise, and mitigate corrosion, ensuring optimal performance even in challenging environments. With less friction comes reduced heat generation, further safeguarding against damage and enhancing overall efficiency. In essence, the strategic use of lubricants not only facilitates seamless operation
but also safeguards against unplanned downtime and unexpected expenses. We are looking forward to continued development of biobased and biodegradable alternatives to traditionally petroleum-based products, which are safer for handling and the environment.

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Concrete

UltraTech Cement Ventures into Wires and Cables with Rs 18 Bn Plan

The New Gujarat Plant Marks Expansion in Construction Value Chain.

Published

1 week ago

February 28, 2025

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UltraTech Cement has announced its foray into the wires and cables segment, further expanding its footprint in the construction value chain. The Aditya Birla Group company will invest Rs 18 billion in setting up a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility near Bharuch, Gujarat, which is expected to commence operations by December 2026. An initial investment of Rs 1 billion has already been made towards the project.

The UltraTech board of directors approved the strategic expansion, reaffirming the company’s commitment to strengthening its position as a comprehensive building solutions provider. This move follows last year’s entry into the decorative paints sector with the launch of Birla Opus, signalling the company’s diversification beyond its core cement business.

Strategic Market Entry and Growth Potential
UltraTech Cement aims to tap into the growing demand for wires and cables across residential, commercial, infrastructure, and industrial sectors. The wires and cables industry in India has witnessed a robust revenue growth of approximately 13% between FY2019 and FY2024, driven by rising urbanisation, infrastructure development, and increasing adoption of branded products over unorganised players.

UltraTech believes its entry into this high-growth sector will be value accretive for its shareholders, presenting a compelling opportunity to establish a credible, large-scale presence in the organised market.

Core Cement Business Remains a Priority
Despite this diversification, UltraTech Cement remains firmly committed to its core cement business. The company recently achieved a milestone cement production capacity of over 175 million tonnes per annum (mtpa) in India. It continues to strengthen its leadership position through strategic acquisitions and capacity expansions, especially amid intense competition from Ambuja Cements, owned by the Adani Group.

Industry Outlook: A Diversified Future for Construction Materials
The construction materials industry in India is witnessing rapid evolution, with companies increasingly diversifying their portfolios to cater to a growing and dynamic market. With infrastructure development and urbanisation on the rise, demand for complementary building materials such as wires, cables, and paints is expected to surge. UltraTech’s strategic expansion aligns with this trend, positioning it to capitalise on emerging opportunities while reinforcing its leadership in cement manufacturing.

Concrete

Star Cement to Invest Rs 32 Bn in Assam for New Clinker Plant

The MoU was signed at Advantage Assam 2.0 to boost state’s industrial growth.

Published

1 week ago

February 28, 2025

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In a significant boost to Assam’s industrial expansion, Star Cement Ltd has announced a Rs 32 billoninvestment to establish a state-of-the-art cement clinker and grinding plant in the region. The commitment was formalised with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Assam government and the company on the concluding day of the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, addressing the gathering, lauded the commitment of leading investors towards the state’s economic progress. He underscored that such projects reinforce Assam’s position as an emerging industrial hub. “The investment commitments we have received reflect Assam’s potential as a centre for industries and innovation. These projects will significantly contribute to our vision of a developed and self-reliant Assam,” he stated.

This ambitious proposal by Star Cement aligns with Assam’s broader vision of fostering large-scale industrialisation, particularly in key sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, and green energy. The project is expected to create significant employment opportunities and contribute to the state’s economic landscape.

Surge in Investments Across Sectors
Beyond Star Cement’s investment, the Assam government secured several other strategic MoUs during the summit. Among them was an agreement with Matheson Hydrogen Lvt Ltd, which will set up a Rs 15 billion hydrogen and steam generation facility, marking a crucial step in Assam’s transition towards clean energy.

Additionally, the state signed a Rs 5 billion MoU with Global Health Ltd to bolster healthcare infrastructure, while ITE Education Services partnered with the government to enhance educational facilities through two non-financial agreements.

Over the two-day event, Assam witnessed the signing of a record-breaking 164 MoUs spanning 15 sectors, reinforcing its status as a promising investment destination. The chief minister hinted at further agreements being finalised, underscoring the growing confidence of investors in Assam’s potential.

Market Outlook: Assam’s Industrial and Economic Trajectory
The surge in investments at the Advantage Assam 2.0 summit highlights the state’s evolving business landscape. With an emphasis on industrial diversification, infrastructure development, and sustainable energy solutions, Assam is poised to emerge as a key player in India’s economic growth story. The increasing participation of major companies across various sectors signals a robust economic trajectory, further solidifying Assam’s reputation as a preferred destination for investors seeking growth and innovation.

Concrete

Kaushalya Logistics Expands with New Varanasi Depot for Adani Cement

Kaushalya Logistics has been actively expanding its depot network to support cement manufacturers with faster turnaround times.

Published

2 weeks ago

February 27, 2025

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Kaushalya Logistics, a diversified conglomerate specializing in logistics for the cement industry, has expanded its operations with the commencement of services at the Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) depot of ACC, a part of the Adani Cement Group. This development aligns with the company’s strategic growth objectives, aimed at enhancing supply chain efficiencies and streamlining cement distribution across key regions in India.

The Varanasi depot, established under the CCFA model, marks the company’s sixth location and eighth depot under this framework. Designed to manage over 20,000 metric tons of cement per month, the facility will contribute to improved inventory management and timely deliveries. As the cement industry experiences strong demand growth, efficient distribution networks play a critical role in ensuring seamless supply chain operations.

Kaushalya Logistics has been actively expanding its depot network to support cement manufacturers with faster turnaround times, optimized inventory management, and cost-effective logistics solutions. Through automation, digital tracking systems, and operational excellence, the company continues to enhance its service offerings, aligning with the evolving needs of the industry.

The launch of the Varanasi depot is part of Kaushalya Logistics’ aggressive expansion strategy, which has seen the establishment of 19 new depots in FY 2024-25. With this addition, the company’s total network has grown to 93 depots, significantly strengthening its market presence. This expansion further reinforces Kaushalya Logistics’ role as a key logistics partner for leading cement manufacturers, ensuring efficient and uninterrupted cement distribution across diverse regions in India.

News source: ANI