Concrete

Our new technology is key to utilise max AFR percentage

Published

5 years ago

July 1, 2021

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Fives Combustion Systems is a subsidiary of Fives Pillard. Fives Combustion Systems designs and installs process automation controls such as process burners, elevated flares, combustion chambers, and Pillard Fuel System. Vikas Damle of ICR had a conversation with Rahul Rajgor, MD ??India operations, Fives Combustion Systems.

What measures have you taken while designing this burner so that it is able to meet the requirements on NOx emissions and improvements in clinker quality?

Fives has always been ahead of its time regarding the development of kiln burners with low emissions. This time on the eve of a century in kiln burner solutions, we have prepared a special treat, combining all the feedback we received from our customers and our practical experience in the field and brought it to our R&D labs in France. Thanks to dedicated research, intense engineering and analysis, we have come up with a new champion in the form of the Pillard NOVAFLAM^? Evolution, to deliver unparalleled performance in terms of clinker quality, emissions reduction and reduced primary air delivery.

Our Pillard NOVAFLAM^? Evolution, which has just been launched, is already operational in over 40 locations around the globe and is showing fantastic results.

Pillard NOVAFLAM? Evolution, the latest innovation for the cement industry.

In India, more and more cement plants are starting to use alternate fuels (AFR). In that context, what type of burners are you offering to the Indian Industry? Will the same burner be suitable as the AFR percentage increases?

India is a booming market for the cement industry and one priority for Fives Combustion Systems. Indeed, it offers many opportunities for replacing old generation burners with new and more improved models, delivering more benefits to the customers, including efficient AFR firing capability. The cement industry has come to us with a challenge on alternative fuels substitution to pharma waste, liquid waste as a low CV, electronic waste, agro waste, etc. We understand that demand and have delivered on our challenge. The Pillard NOVAFLAM^? Evolution is the answer to utilise maximum alternative fuel percentage while maximising the clinker quality at the same time.

The Pillard NOVAFLAM^? Evolution burner enables the central injection of ASF by means of dedicated injectors, specially engineered to prevent the ??ouble flame??effect thus avoiding flying particles on the fire. The injection method is adapted according to the various ASF criteria such as density, moisture, size, combustion kinetics, etc. thus enabling us to custom design the ASF injector for each plant. Various arrangements of ASF injection are possible to achieve the best combustion, thermal efficiency and enhance higher ASF substitution.

What are the new innovations and patents being introduced in your Pillard NOVAFLAM^? Evolution kiln burner?

To enhance thermal efficiency, we introduced the V type nozzle technology for axial and radial air impulse pattern.
Introduction of replaceable insert tips: One can replace axial air injectors very easily enhancing operational flexibility (increase or decrease primary air flow by replacing insert tip) and the maintenance cost is lower than replacing a full tip.
RST Swirler technology with better efficiency and adjustability from 0 to 45 degrees.
Lower primary air flow (4 to 8 per cent)
Introduction of an ??lternative fuel injection system??with an enhanced burning efficiency for solid fuel.
Airless stabilizer with a reduced primary air requirement for cooling.
Special alloyed heavy-duty burner tips with an Air Cooling arrangement resilient to heat expansion thus enhancing the burner lifespan.
Introduction of 4.0 smart functions with an optimised monitoring of kiln burning activities.

Does your factory in India manufactures burners in India or do you assemble it here?

In India, we do complete design, engineering, manufacturing and supply for all type of burners and control systems under Fives Pillard license and complying with Fives R&D guidelines.

We are a global manufacturing unit for a majority of burners products for various of the group Fives subsidiaries including Fives ITAS, Italy, Fives North American Combustion, USA and Fives Stein, France.

Our facility in Vadodara, Gujarat covers 1,25,000 square feet of area and is certified ISO 9001:2015, ISO 14001:2015 and ISO 45001:2018.

Fives Combustion Systems primarily serves the cement, oil and gas, steel, aluminum and power industries. We operate at the upper crest of the technology of combustion solutions and have been at the forefront in providing premium equipment manufactured in India complying with international standards.

Our technological edge, an increase of global customer outreach and our renown expertise explain the success of our products. To achieve high standard quality and customer satisfaction, Fives Combustion Systems has streamlined the entire product manufacturing value chain, from R&D through production including customer delivery and support.

Concrete

Cement Prices Likely to Rise Rs. 10-15 per Bag from Mid-October

Input costs and steady demand may drive cement price increases

Published

4 days ago

October 14, 2026

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Cement manufacturers in India are likely to raise prices by Rs. 10-15 per bag from mid-October, as they seek to offset persistent increases in power and fuel costs. Emkay Research said its channel checks indicated a high probability of an increase from October 12, supported by the start of the busy construction season and favourable demand-supply conditions.

The sector had implemented similar rate adjustments of Rs. 10-15 per bag during the first quarter, but the increases were insufficient to cover higher operating costs. Prices also softened during July and August because of the monsoon, widening the gap between realisations and input expenses. Delayed plant expansion programmes have pushed clinker utilisation rates towards 79 per cent by FY28, helping to balance market fundamentals.

Emkay Research said steady volume offtake was supporting cement consumption, with non-trade demand driving activity across regional markets. Industry volumes are expected to grow by 7-8 per cent year on year during the first half of FY27, while demand momentum is projected to remain firm over the following 18 months. The outlook includes the busy construction season in the second half of FY27 and infrastructure activity linked to general elections in the first half of calendar year 2029.

The brokerage expects overall cement demand to record a compound annual growth rate of about 7 per cent between FY26 and FY28. However, elevated operating expenses are likely to continue weighing on profitability. Input costs have risen by Rs. 300-400 per t over the past six to seven months, with the full impact expected to become visible in second-quarter earnings and remain persistent through the second half of FY27.

Spot prices for petcoke and imported coal are approximately 20 per cent and 16 per cent above their second-quarter averages, at USD 175 per t and USD 150 per t, respectively. Packing costs have also increased, with polypropylene granule prices rising above Rs. 135 per kg. Emkay Research estimated that second-quarter earnings could decline by Rs. 200-250 per t sequentially because of higher fuel bills and negative operating leverage, and said the sector requires sustained price increases of about Rs. 10 per bag to offset cost inflation.

Concrete

Nuvoco Marks 10 Years, Targets 35 MMTPA Capacity by FY28

Nuvoco celebrates a decade of growth, targeting 35 MMTPA cement capacity by FY28.

Published

5 days ago

October 13, 2026

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Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Limited is celebrating a decade of operations under the theme ‘Dus Saal Bemisaal’, highlighting its expansion in India’s building materials sector. The company has grown from a single cement manufacturing facility into a diversified organisation operating across cement, ready-mix concrete (RMC) and modern building materials.

The company’s journey began in 2014 when its parent, Nirma Group, commissioned a 2 million metric tonnes per annum (MMTPA) greenfield cement plant at Nimbol, Rajasthan. A major milestone followed in October 2016 with the acquisition of Lafarge India, significantly expanding its manufacturing footprint.

Nuvoco strengthened its market presence through the acquisition of Emami Cement, now NU Vista Limited, in 2020, followed by its public listing in 2021. In April 2025, the company added Vadraj Cement to its portfolio, strengthening its presence in western India.

Nuvoco has an operating cement capacity of 27 MMTPA and 14 manufacturing units, including the Kutch and Sachana facilities in Gujarat, which are in advanced stages of completion. It also operates 58 ready-mix concrete plants across India and offers a range of modern building materials.

The company aims to increase its cement capacity to 35 MMTPA by FY2027-28, representing approximately 15-fold growth over the decade.

Reflecting on the milestone, Hiren Patel, Chairman, Nuvoco Vistas Corporation Limited, said, “From our beginnings at Nimbol to the organisation we are today, every milestone has added a new chapter to Nuvoco’s journey and strengthened our belief in building for the long term.”

The company continues to focus on capacity expansion, operational efficiency, innovation and sustainability while strengthening its position in India’s construction materials market.

Concrete

J&K Government Notifies City Gas Distribution Policy

Policy targets PNG and CNG expansion across all 20 districts

Published

5 days ago

October 13, 2026

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Jammu and Kashmir government has notified the City Gas Distribution (CGD) Policy, 2026, following its approval by the Council of Ministers headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. The policy sets out a phased framework for expanding Piped Natural Gas (PNG) and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) access for households, businesses, industries and the transport sector across the Union Territory.

CGD networks will be expanded in phases across all 20 districts, with the aim of bringing reliable natural gas closer to consumers and supporting a gradual shift from conventional fuels. The government said the policy is designed to improve energy access while creating an investor-friendly and time-bound environment for gas distribution projects.

The policy provides for single-window and time-bound clearances, streamlined procedures for setting up CNG stations and standardised norms for the Right of Way. These measures are intended to reduce procedural delays, simplify project implementation and facilitate investment in natural gas infrastructure.

It also prioritises gas connectivity for major industrial estates, including those in Kathua, Samba and Pulwama. Improved access to natural gas is expected to support industrial activity, enhance energy efficiency and help businesses manage fuel costs, while strengthening their competitiveness and encouraging investment in the clean-energy sector.

The policy is also expected to create opportunities for local employment, apprenticeships and skill development in the construction, operation and maintenance of gas distribution networks and related services. Abdullah described the measure as an important step towards cleaner growth, sustainable development and a modern energy ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it would expand reliable energy access and support industry and investment.