Concrete
Lubrication Management
Published
3 months agoon
By
admin
Gaurav K Mathur, Director and Chief Executive, Global Technical Services, discusses how lubrication is the key to achieve sustainability in the cement industry.
Lubricants are one of the essential items for keeping machine running smoothly. Lubricants provides lubrication to reduce friction in the moving part of the machine. By reducing this friction machine runs for a much longer time and by good lubrication management the machine operation and reliability can be further achieved. By good lubrication and oil condition monitoring, machine can run uninterrupted for long time and provide reliability in manufacturing.
Industrial sector accounts for a fair amount of Green House Gases (GHG) emissions. In most of these Cement and Mining Industries, lubricants are used in large quantities. Lubrication can significantly impact the overall efficiency of a machine if the proper lubrication is being done. The lubricant also affects the energy efficiency of the equipment’s. In most cases, scientifically done lubrication has shown considerably reduced power consumption, besides machine reliability.
Why is lubrication key to sustainability?
The cement industry plays a pivotal role in infrastructure development, providing the foundation for buildings, roads and other critical infrastructure in nation building.
Cement manufacturing and mining are energy-intensive, with emissions contributing to carbon footprints. In the pursuit of sustainable practices, cement plants are increasingly turning their attention to good lubrication, as key elements in enhancing operational efficiency while minimising environmental impact.
As awareness of climate change grows, the cement and mining Industry is proactively looking towards adopting technology to decrease their carbon footprint and attention is being given to sustainability to ensure minimal impact to the environment. Efforts and resources are being pledged to optimise every aspect of production, including good lubrication practises by adopting to Total Lubrication Management (TLM).
Lubrication and its efficient management, by adopting TLM in the plant, have great potential
to reach their sustainability goal and at the same time improve operational excellence, with sustainability objectives.
Lubrication is the fulcrum of mechanical maintenance, thus playing a critical role towards sustainable and profitable operation in the limestone quarry or at plants. Traditionally, lubricants have been chosen based on their ability to reduce friction, wear and corrosion. However, the evolving landscape of sustainability demands a more comprehensive approach to lubrication, and Oil Condition Monitoring.
Through the careful selection of high-quality lubricants and optimized application practices, friction and wear within machinery are minimized, leading to increased energy efficiency. This results in lower energy consumption, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and extended equipment lifespan. By incorporating advanced lubrication technologies and practices, cements and mining industry can contribute to the industry’s overall commitment to achieving more sustainable and environmentally friendly manufacturing.
Energy-efficient lubricants have been formulated by the Lubricant suppliers, typically cost more because they are made of tailored synthesised chemicals rather than straight hydrocarbon base oils. Generally, users are reluctant to purchase more expensive products unless there is demonstrable value.
Energy consumption is a significant concern in cement production, with a substantial portion of it attributed to the friction and heat generated by moving components in machinery. Lubrication management plays a pivotal role in optimising energy efficiency within all manufacturing plants. Advanced lubricants with superior friction-reducing properties contribute to lower energy consumption by minimising resistance in moving parts and ultimately play important role in machine reliability.
Moreover, lubricants can be tailored to specific applications within manufacturing plants, ensuring that each type of machinery receives optimal lubrication for its unique requirements. For example, synthetic lubricants achieve the most impressive energy savings where equipment slides or rolls. This targeted approach not only enhances energy efficiency but also extends the lifespan of critical equipment, reducing the need for frequent replacements and associated resource consumption.
Over a period of time, lubricants in machines gets contaminated by dust, dirt, wear metals and moisture. This oil has to be periodically tested at an Oil Testing Laboratory and cleaned to maintain its good condition.
Oil never dies – it just needs to be cleaned to its specification by removing contaminants and may be needing additives dosage required to keep it as per operating standard. All this activity can be done at plant itself, for continuous production and minimum downtime.
Since oil is contaminated, contaminants have to be removed. There are certain methods to remove contaminants and the simplest and best way is ‘oil filtration’ which can remove all suspected impurities along with moisture.
Required additives also be doped at the site to bring oil to its normal specification levels. Hence, besides oil re-cycling, there is a need for having an oil testing laboratory at the site as oil test report must be available within 36 to 48 hours. This will pay back maximum within six months in any cement or mining enterprise. This approach not only enhances the sustainability of operations but also aligns with the principles of the circular economy.
Save the environment with green manufacturing
While the adoption of sustainable lubricants and lubrication management holds great promise for driving sustainability in Industry, several challenges and considerations must be addressed. One significant consideration is the compatibility of new lubricants with existing equipment’s. Cement plants often have long lifecycles for their machinery, and transitioning to new lubricants must be carefully planned to avoid transition issues and ensure a seamless integration.
The cement industry’s journey toward sustainability involves a comprehensive approach that extends to every facet of production, including lubrication technology. By embracing sustainable processes, optimising energy efficiency, and leveraging advanced lubrication systems, cement plants can significantly reduce their environmental impact while enhancing operational performance, all aspects being covered by simply implementing TLM.
Significant efforts are being made by cement Industries for being sustainable, TLM is being implemented majorly by cement companies. Two roadblocks to widespread adoption of TLM include the challenge of quantifying measurable improvements and arriving at payback.
The transition to sustainable lubrication practices is a strategic imperative for cement manufacturers seeking to thrive in an era of increasing environmental awareness. As the industry continues to evolve, the integration of TLM plays a pivotal role in shaping a more sustainable future for cement production, where efficiency and environmental stewardship go hand in hand.
Lubricants must be kept clean and free from moisture while maintaining a healthy balance of additives to increase its lifespan, lubricants must be dealt with same sensitivity as blood in a human body.
We, at Global Technical Services, believe oil in the machine is like blood in the human body, and implementation of TLM is an important step towards sustainability. In fact, sustainable manufacturing is not possible without the implementation of TLM.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Gaurav K Mathur, Director and Chief Executive, Global Technical Services, has been instrumental in developing advanced lubrication systems that ensure contamination-free maintenance across industries.
Concrete
FORNNAX Appoints Dieter Jerschl as Sales Partner for Central Europe
Published
2 weeks agoon
February 5, 2026By
admin
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.
Concrete
Budget 2026–27 infra thrust and CCUS outlay to lift cement sector outlook
Published
2 weeks agoon
February 2, 2026By
admin
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.
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.
Published
2 weeks agoon
January 31, 2026By
admin
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…
FORNNAX Appoints Dieter Jerschl as Sales Partner for Central Europe
Budget 2026–27 infra thrust and CCUS outlay to lift cement sector outlook
Steel: Shielded or Strengthened?
JK Cement Commissions 3 MTPA Buxar Plant, Crosses 31 MTPA
JK Cement Crosses 31 MTPA Capacity with Commissioning of Buxar Plant in Bihar
FORNNAX Appoints Dieter Jerschl as Sales Partner for Central Europe
Budget 2026–27 infra thrust and CCUS outlay to lift cement sector outlook
Steel: Shielded or Strengthened?
JK Cement Commissions 3 MTPA Buxar Plant, Crosses 31 MTPA


