26 June 2017
UK: Vortex’s Loading Solutions product line has gained Zone 20 (internal) and Zone 21 (external) ATEX certification in the European Union (EU). The certification allows Vortex to broaden its international reach and enter an established European market for loading spouts, chutes and bellows as ATEX certification is required for equipment sold through the EU. The UK’s SGS Baseefa assisted Vortex in gaining certification over a year-long process.
Vortex Loading Solutions are designed to capture fugitive dust, prevent material waste, ensure plant and environmental safety, and minimise maintenance and service expenses for bulk solids applications.
US: Two CalPortland cement plants have earned the US Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Energy Star certification for 2017. The Rillito plant in Arizona has achieved certification for the sixth time and the Oro Grande plant in California has earned its first certification since recently being acquired by CalPortland in 2015.
“CalPortland is proud to accept EPA’s Energy Star certification in recognition of our energy efficiency efforts,” said Allen Hamblen, president and chief executive officer (CEO) of CalPortland. “CalPortland takes great pride in our partnership with Energy Star which is proven through the dedication of our employees who are proud to participate in programs that improve our energy efficiency, reduce emissions and contribute to protecting our environment.”
Gharibwal Cement starts waste heat recovery unit 26 June 2017
Pakistan: Gharibwal Cement has started commercial operation of a 20MW waste heat recovery unit at its Jehuml plant in Punjab. According to its website it will generate 12MW from the waste hot gases of the cement production process and 8MW from a coal-fired system. The plant has a clinker production capacity of 6700t/day.
India: The Tamil Nadu state Industries Minister M C Sampath says that the Tamil Nadu Cements Corporation (Tancem) upgrade project is 60% complete at its Ariyalur cement plant. The US$116m upgrade at the government-owned plant is being undertaken by Larsen & Toubro with FLSmidth, according to the Press Trust of India. US$24m has been spent on the project so far. Construction is expected to be completed in 2018 and the upgrade will increase the plant’s production capacity to 1.5Mt/yr from 0.5Mt/yr.
Ssangyong Cement buys Daehan Cement 26 June 2017
South Korea: Ssangyong Cement has purchased a 100% stake in Daehan Cement for US$232.8m. Ssangyong Cement has signed an agreement with Hahn & Company to buy the stake from the private equity firm, according to the Maeil Business Newspaper. Daehan Cement is the country’s largest slag cement producer. Ssangyong Cement’s purchase is expected to preserve the cement producer’s market lead against Hanil Cement which bought Hyundai Cement earlier in 2017.