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Safety is a top priority when handling alternative fuels

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Indrendra Singh Raghuwanshi, Sales Head – Cement Division, ATS Conveyors talks about how advanced bulk material handling solutions enables cement plants to optimise alternative fuel integration, enhance efficiency and drive sustainability.

As the cement industry transitions toward sustainability, efficient handling of alternative fuels has become a critical focus. In this interview, ATS experts share insights into their cutting-edge technologies, safety measures, and future-focused developments that are transforming bulk material handling in the cement sector.

Can you summarise ATS Group’s expertise in bulk material handling for the cement industry?
ATS Group is a recognised leader in bulk material handling solutions for the cement industry, offering a comprehensive range of services and equipment designed to optimise the efficiency and safety of cement production. Our expertise lies in providing innovative, reliable, and cost-effective systems for storage, dosing, conveying and feeding a wide range of AFR materials. Providing support at every stage, from engineering and design to installation, commissioning, and ongoing maintenance. With decades of experience in the cement industry, ATS Group’s innovative material handling technologies enable cement manufacturers to achieve smoother operations, higher Thermal Substitution Ratio (TSR) and long-term operational success.

How does your WMH department help cement plants adopt alternative fuels effectively?
The Walter Material Handling Division of ATS Group plays a crucial role in helping cement plants adopt alternative fuels by providing tailored solutions that ensure the safe, efficient, and cost-effective handling of these materials. As the industry moves towards sustainability, alternative fuels such as Municipal solid waste (MSW), Biomass and Refuse-derived fuel (RDF) are used more commonly in cement production processes. Our expertise enables cement plants to incorporate these fuels with minimal disruption and maximum benefits by the Customised Fuel Handling Systems, AFR storage handling solutions, safety and environmental, expert consultation and support provided by ATS team.

What innovations set your bulk material handling solutions apart in addressing challenges like precision dosing and storage?
Our bulk material handling solutions stand out due to several innovations that address key challenges such as precision dosing and storage. These innovations are designed to enhance efficiency, accuracy, and flexibility, ensuring optimal performance even in complex and demanding environments like cement production. Precise dosing is done using equipment like Weigh Belt Feeder and TWIN Doseahorse whereas storage challenges are easily addressed by the fully automated Grab Crane of ATS.

How do you ensure your systems handle diverse alternative fuels reliably?
Ensuring that our systems handle diverse alternative fuels reliably is at the core of our engineering approach. Alternative fuels, such as biomass, MSW, RDF and industrial waste vary significantly in terms of composition, size, moisture content, and combustibility. All our systems are designed with flexibility and robustness to meet the unique challenges posed by these heterogeneous fuels while maintaining operational efficiency and safety. Also, before deployment to site, we conduct extensive testing for our equipment to ensure that they can reliably handle alternative fuels under a variety of conditions. This includes testing different fuel types, moisture levels, and feeding rates to identify any potential challenges. Our systems are then fine-tuned during the commissioning phase to ensure optimal performance in real-world conditions.

What safety measures are in place for secure alternative fuel handling and kiln feeding?
Safety is a top priority when handling alternative fuels, especially given the potential hazards such as dust generation, flammability and variations in material properties. Our systems are designed with comprehensive safety measures to ensure the secure handling of alternative fuels throughout the entire process, from storage and transport to kiln feeding. The key safety measures foreseen in ATS machines include provision for ATEX components, Temperature sensors, sprinklers and using high temperature material of construction as and where required. Also, ATS supplied machines are integrated with the central control room of cement plants for centralised monitoring, control and diagnosis on real time basis.

How does ATS Group’s material handling support sustainability goals in the cement sector?
The cement industry is energy-intensive and traditionally relies on fossil fuels, but ATS Group’s material handling systems are designed to help cement plants transition to more sustainable practices while maintaining operational efficiency. ATS systems plays a key role in supporting sustainability goals within the cement sector through innovative solutions that optimise alternative fuels handling and integration to maximise energy efficiency, reduce carbon emissions and promote environmental responsibility by waste reduction to contribute for the circular economy.

What future trends in bulk material handling is ATS Group focusing on for the cement industry and have you designed any new innovative product to meet the futuristic demands?
ATS Group, through its Walter Material Handling division, is focused on several key trends in AFR material handling for the cement industry to stay ahead of evolving industry demands, technological advances, and sustainability goals. As cement plants increasingly shift towards more sustainable practices, the efficient handling of AFR materials is becoming more important. By focusing on these trends, ATS Group is actively developing solutions that not only support cement industry’s shift toward sustainable practices but also enhance operational efficiency and reduce environmental impact these solutions include Walt’Air (Air Floating Belt Conveyor). This machine is engineered to address some unique challenges like, accommodating a new conveying system using minimal space utilisation and with minimum changes in the existing plant infrastructure, ensuring safe and spillage-free transportation of AFR for long distances with reduced power consumption as well as low CAPEX and OPEX. Additionally, ATS has developed TWIN Doseahorse which was awarded with the prestigious Product of the year Award in 14th Cement EXPO 2023. This is a specialised solution having common inlet and dual outlet for consistent and accurate division of AFR material to feed in, two different feeding points for individual Kiln or for dual kiln feed, enhancing both economic and environmental performance in cement plants.

Concrete

FORNNAX Appoints Dieter Jerschl as Sales Partner for Central Europe

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FORNNAX TECHNOLOGY has appointed industry veteran Dieter Jerschl as its new sales partner in Germany to strengthen its presence across Central Europe. The partnership aims to accelerate the adoption of FORNNAX’s high-capacity, sustainable recycling solutions while building long-term regional capabilities.

FORNNAX TECHNOLOGY, one of the leading advanced recycling equipment manufacturers, has announced the appointment of a new sales partner in Germany as part of its strategic expansion into Central Europe. The company has entered into a collaborative agreement with Mr. Dieter Jerschl, a seasoned industry professional with over 20 years of experience in the shredding and recycling sector, to represent and promote FORNNAX’s solutions across key European markets.

Mr. Jerschl brings extensive expertise from his work with renowned companies such as BHS, Eldan, Vecoplan, and others. Over the course of his career, he has successfully led the deployment of both single machines and complete turnkey installations for a wide range of applications, including tyre recycling, cable recycling, municipal solid waste, e-waste, and industrial waste processing.

Speaking about the partnership, Mr. Jerschl said,
“I’ve known FORNNAX for over a decade and have followed their growth closely. What attracted me to this collaboration is their state-of-the-art & high-capacity technology, it is powerful, sustainable, and economically viable. There is great potential to introduce FORNNAX’s innovative systems to more markets across Europe, and I am excited to be part of that journey.”

The partnership will primarily focus on Central Europe, including Germany, Austria, and neighbouring countries, with the flexibility to extend the geographical scope based on project requirements and mutual agreement. The collaboration is structured to evolve over time, with performance-driven expansion and ongoing strategic discussions with FORNNAX’s management. The immediate priority is to build a strong project pipeline and enhance FORNNAX’s brand presence across the region.

FORNNAX’s portfolio of high-performance shredding and pre-processing solutions is well aligned with Europe’s growing demand for sustainable and efficient waste treatment technologies. By partnering with Mr. Jerschl—who brings deep market insight and established industry relationships—FORNNAX aims to accelerate adoption of its solutions and participate in upcoming recycling projects across the region.

As part of the partnership, Mr. Jerschl will also deliver value-added services, including equipment installation, maintenance, and spare parts support through a dedicated technical team. This local service capability is expected to ensure faster project execution, minimise downtime, and enhance overall customer experience.

Commenting on the long-term vision, Mr. Jerschl added,
“We are committed to increasing market awareness and establishing new reference projects across the region. My goal is not only to generate business but to lay the foundation for long-term growth. Ideally, we aim to establish a dedicated FORNNAX legal entity or operational site in Germany over the next five to ten years.”

For FORNNAX, this partnership aligns closely with its global strategy of expanding into key markets through strong regional representation. The company believes that local partnerships are critical for navigating complex market dynamics and delivering solutions tailored to region-specific waste management challenges.

“We see tremendous potential in the Central European market,” said Mr. Jignesh Kundaria, Director and CEO of FORNNAX.
“Partnering with someone as experienced and well-established as Mr. Jerschl gives us a strong foothold and allows us to better serve our customers. This marks a major milestone in our efforts to promote reliable, efficient and future-ready recycling solutions globally,” he added.

This collaboration further strengthens FORNNAX’s commitment to environmental stewardship, innovation, and sustainable waste management, supporting the transition toward a greener and more circular future.

 

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Concrete

Budget 2026–27 infra thrust and CCUS outlay to lift cement sector outlook

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Higher capex, city-led growth and CCUS funding improve demand visibility and decarbonisation prospects for cement

Mumbai

Cement manufacturers have welcomed the Union Budget 2026–27’s strong infrastructure thrust, with public capital expenditure increased to Rs 12.2 trillion, saying it reinforces infrastructure as the central engine of economic growth and strengthens medium-term prospects for the cement sector. In a statement, the Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) has welcomed the Union budget 2026-27 for reinforcing the ambitions for the nation’s growth balancing the aspirations of the people through inclusivity inspired by the vision of Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India, for a Viksit Bharat by 2047 and Atmanirbharta.

The budget underscores India’s steady economic trajectory over the past 12 years, marked by fiscal discipline, sustained growth and moderate inflation, and offers strong demand visibility for infrastructure linked sectors such as cement.

The Budget’s strong infrastructure push, with public capital expenditure rising from Rs 11.2 trillion in fiscal year 2025–26 to Rs 12.2 trillion in fiscal year 2026–27, recognises infrastructure as the primary anchor for economic growth creating positive prospects for the Indian cement industry and improving long term visibility for the cement sector. The emphasis on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities with populations above 5 lakh and the creation of City Economic Regions (CERs) with an allocation of Rs 50 billion per CER over five years, should accelerate construction activity across housing, transport and urban services, supporting broad based cement consumption.

Logistics and connectivity measures announced in the budget are particularly significant for the cement industry. The announcement of new dedicated freight corridors, the operationalisation of 20 additional National Waterways over the next five years, the launch of the Coastal Cargo Promotion Scheme to raise the modal share of waterways and coastal shipping from 6 per cent to 12 per cent by 2047, and the development of ship repair ecosystems should enhance multimodal freight efficiency, reduce logistics costs and improve the sector’s carbon footprint. The announcement of seven high speed rail corridors as growth corridors can be expected to further stimulate regional development and construction demand.

Commenting on the budget, Parth Jindal, President, Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA), said, “As India advances towards a Viksit Bharat, the three kartavya articulated in the Union Budget provide a clear context for the Nation’s growth and aspirations, combining economic momentum with capacity building and inclusive progress. The Cement Manufacturers’ Association (CMA) appreciates the Union Budget 2026-27 for the continued emphasis on manufacturing competitiveness, urban development and infrastructure modernisation, supported by over 350 reforms spanning GST simplification, labour codes, quality control rationalisation and coordinated deregulation with States. These reforms, alongside the Budget’s focus on Youth Power and domestic manufacturing capacity under Atmanirbharta, stand to strengthen the investment environment for capital intensive sectors such as Cement. The Union Budget 2026-27 reflects the Government’s focus on infrastructure led development emerging as a structural pillar of India’s growth strategy.”

He added, “The Rs 200 billion CCUS outlay for various sectors, including Cement, fundamentally alters the decarbonisation landscape for India’s emissions intensive industries. CCUS is a significant enabler for large scale decarbonisation of industries such as Cement and this intervention directly addresses the technology and cost requirements of the Cement sector in context. The Cement Industry, fully aligned with the Government of India’s Net Zero commitment by 2070, views this support as critical to enabling the adoption and scale up of CCUS technologies while continuing to meet the Country’s long term infrastructure needs.”

Dr Raghavpat Singhania, Vice President, CMA, said, “The government’s sustained infrastructure push supports employment, regional development and stronger local supply chains. Cement manufacturing clusters act as economic anchors across regions, generating livelihoods in construction, logistics and allied sectors. The budget’s focus on inclusive growth, execution and system level enablers creates a supportive environment for responsible and efficient expansion offering opportunities for economic growth and lending momentum to the cement sector. The increase in public capex to Rs 12.2 trillion, the focus on Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and the creation of City Economic Regions stand to strengthen the growth of the cement sector. We welcome the budget’s emphasis on tourism, cultural and social infrastructure, which should broaden construction activity across regions. Investments in tourism facilities, heritage and Buddhist circuits, regional connectivity in Purvodaya and North Eastern States, and the strengthening of emergency and trauma care infrastructure in district hospitals reinforce the cement sector’s role in enabling inclusive growth.”

CMA also noted the Government’s continued commitment to fiscal discipline, with the fiscal deficit estimated at 4.3 per cent of GDP in FY27, reinforcing macroeconomic stability and investor confidence.

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Concrete

Steel: Shielded or Strengthened?

CW explores the impact of pro-steel policies on construction and infrastructure and identifies gaps that need to be addressed.

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Going forward, domestic steel mills are targeting capacity expansion
of nearly 40 per cent through till FY31, adding 80-85 mt, translating
into an investment pipeline of $ 45-50 billion. So, Jhunjhunwala points
out that continuing the safeguard duty will be vital to prevent a surge
in imports and protect domestic prices from external shocks. While in
FY26, the industry operating profit per tonne is expected to hold at
around $ 108, similar to last year, the industry’s earnings must
meaningfully improve from hereon to sustain large-scale investments.
Else, domestic mills could experience a significant spike in industry
leverage levels over the medium term, increasing their vulnerability to
external macroeconomic shocks.(~$ 60/tonne) over the past one month,
compressing the import parity discount to ~$ 23-25/tonne from previous
highs of ~$ 70-90/tonne, adds Jhunjhunwala. With this, he says, “the
industry can expect high resistance to further steel price increases.”

Domestic HRC prices have increased by ~Rs 5,000/tonne
“Aggressive
capacity additions (~15 mt commissioned in FY25, with 5 mt more by
FY26) have created a supply overhang, temporarily outpacing demand
growth of ~11-12 mt,” he says…

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