Concrete

Safety is a top priority when handling alternative fuels

Published

8 months ago

March 11, 2025

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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.

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Concrete

JSW Paints to Raise Rs 33 Billion for Akzo Nobel India Deal

Funds to part-finance Rs 129.15 billion acquisition of 74.76 per cent stake.

Published

1 hour ago

November 7, 2025

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JSW Paints Limited (JSWPL) plans to raise Rs 33 billion through non-convertible debentures (NCDs) to partly fund the Rs 129.15 billion acquisition of a 74.76 per cent stake in Akzo Nobel India Ltd, according to an exchange filing. The deal, which will trigger an open offer for the remaining shares, forms part of the JSW Group’s Rs 65 billion capital infusion plan.

The bonds, to be issued on Friday, are rated ‘AA– (Stable)’ by ICRA, which noted that the NCDs will carry a five-year bullet repayment, with a call/put option after three years. Only a portion of the coupon will be paid annually, with the balance payable upon redemption.

ICRA said JSW Paints’ debt servicing obligations can be comfortably met through operating profits and dividends expected from Akzo Nobel India until maturity. However, it cautioned that the company’s leverage will remain elevated at over four times in the medium term.

JSW Paints, part of the JSW Group promoted by Sajjan Jindal and led by Managing Director Parth Jindal, plays a strategic role in supplying industrial coatings to JSW Steel. To date, JSW Steel has infused Rs 7.5 billion, while South West Mining Ltd has contributed Rs 1.5 billion towards capital expenditure, debt repayment, and working capital needs.

ICRA expects continued promoter support for the acquisition, which will be financed through a mix of borrowings and equity infusion at the JSW Paints level.

Post-acquisition, JSW Paints’ business profile is expected to strengthen significantly, benefiting from operational synergies, an expanded dealer network, and access to advanced coating technologies. The merger will position the combined entity — JSW Paints and Akzo Nobel India — as India’s fourth-largest decorative paint company and second-largest in the industrial segment. The acquisition will also give JSW access to premium brands like Dulux and new segments such as vehicle refinishes and marine coatings.

In FY25, JSW Paints recorded revenues of Rs 21.55 billion. The company expects a sharp rise in FY26 and beyond, supported by synergies in manufacturing, logistics, and marketing. ICRA projects healthy double-digit operating margins by FY27, marking a strong turnaround from operating losses in FY25.

The acquisition, initially announced in June 2025, valued the 74.76 per cent stake at Rs 94 billion and received Competition Commission of India (CCI) approval on 16 September 2025. The deal is expected to close within the current financial year.

Following the transaction, the Dutch parent company of Akzo Nobel India will retain the powder coatings business and R&D centre, while JSW Paints will integrate the rest of the operations.

Concrete

SAIL Bokaro Develops New Electrical Steel Grade

BSL produces 1,100 tonnes of energy-efficient special steel.

Published

1 hour ago

November 7, 2025

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Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) has announced that its Bokaro Steel Plant (BSL) has developed a special grade of electrical steel for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the company’s efforts to expand its portfolio of high-value and advanced steel products.

The newly developed steel is designed for use in electric motors, generators, small power transformers, electrical appliances, and rotors for hybrid and electric vehicles, contributing to enhanced energy efficiency and supporting India’s growing green mobility and energy infrastructure sectors.

In a statement, SAIL said, “The Bokaro Steel Plant has achieved a major milestone in product development by successfully producing about 1,100 tonnes of 0.5 mm thick IS 18316 LS Grade Non-Grain Oriented (NGO) Electrical Steel for the first time.”

The innovation is expected to position SAIL as a key domestic supplier of specialised electrical steel, reducing dependence on imports for critical industrial applications. It also aligns with the company’s broader strategy to move up the value chain and contribute to India’s self-reliance in advanced materials manufacturing.

The Bokaro Steel Plant’s success in developing this new grade of steel underscores SAIL’s focus on technology-driven production, quality enhancement, and sustainable industrial growth.

Concrete

Steel Ministry to Launch Third Round of PLI Scheme

New PLI phase to boost specialty steel output and cut imports.

Published

1 hour ago

November 7, 2025

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The Ministry of Steel, Government of India, is set to launch the third round (PLI 1.2) of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Specialty Steel, a flagship initiative under the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision. The launch will be led by Union Minister for Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy, in the presence of senior officials and industry stakeholders.

Approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2021 with an outlay of Rs 63.22 billion, the PLI Scheme aims to transform India into a global manufacturing hub for high-value, advanced steel grades. The scheme incentivises incremental production, investment, and innovation across selected product categories to enhance domestic value addition and reduce import dependence in critical sectors such as defence, power, aerospace, and infrastructure.

So far, the PLI Scheme has attracted a committed investment of Rs 438.74 billion, of which Rs 229.73 billion has already been realised, resulting in the creation of over 13,000 jobs under the first two rounds.

The scheme covers 22 product sub-categories, including super alloys, cold-rolled grain-oriented (CRGO) steel, alloy forgings, stainless steel (long and flat products), titanium alloys, and coated steels.

Under PLI 1.2, incentive rates will range from 4 to 15 per cent, applicable for five years starting from FY 2025–26, with payouts beginning in FY 2026–27. The base year for pricing has been revised to FY 2024–25 to better reflect prevailing market trends.

The third round of the PLI Scheme represents another significant step in advancing India’s self-reliance in specialty steel production, encouraging technological upgradation and private sector participation in one of the nation’s most vital industrial sectors.