19 June 2020
Timlyuy Cement upgrades two raw mills 19 June 2020
Russia: Sibtsem Holding Company subsidiary Timlyuy Cement has announced the completion of essential upkeep on raw material mills five and ten at its Timlyuy Cement plant. Improvements included the replacement of exhausted plate feeders with bucket feeders for accurate dosing, “improving the quality of the finished product while lowering cost,” according to Timlyuy Cement process control chief expert Vladislav Zarubin. A new conveyor belt with an electric drive, strain gauges and control system was also included under the US$57,500 upgrades.
Timlyuy Cement says that per unit productivity has increased by 37% to 55t/hr from 41t/hr. Managing director Vladimir Klichko said, “For the Timlyuy Cement plant, improving the reliability of process equipment is traditionally one of the primary tasks. The modernisation of raw materials grinding, performed at the proper level, is the key to stable and efficient operation of the enterprise - a guarantee that even at the peak of the construction season, consumers will receive high-quality products on time, and in the right amount.”
Russia: The International Standards Organisation (ISO) has granted Eurocement subsidiary Akhangarantsement ISO 9001:2015 quality management systems certification for its Akhangarantsement integrated cement plant. A TÜV audit concluded that the plant’s production, distribution and management systems conform to international quality standards.
Akhangarantsement general director Gennady Kulikov said, “The introduction of a modern management system allows us to flexibly respond to changes in demand and implement an active investment program. The development strategy of the enterprise involves increasing production capabilities through the construction of a new high-tech dry process plant with a capacity of 3Mt/yr. A number of measures are aimed at sustainable development and increasing efficiency: introduction of energy-saving technologies, automation of production, development of new types of products, professional development of employees and the creation of high-tech jobs and the introduction of green technologies and advanced environmental solutions.”
EQIOM slashes transport carbon footprint 19 June 2020
France: CRH subsidiary EQIOM has announced a 9000t/yr reduction in its transport-related CO2 emissions, down by 5% to 171,000t/yr for the past three years from 180,000t in 2017. It achieved the reduction through its commitment to the FRET21 initiative, a sustainable development strategy of the Agence de l’Environnement et de la Maîtrise de l’Énergie (ADEME) and Association des Utilisateurs de Transport de Fret (AFAT).
The initiative is based on CO2 reduction around four key activities: loading rate; distance travelled; means of transport; and responsible purchasing. EQIOM launched five initiatives, including increasing laden returns of trucks to reduce empty transport to 28%, commissioning four new natural gas and bioethanol-powered vehicles and increasing rail freight to 89%.
EQIOM logistics manager Jérôme Becamel said, "As in the rest of the country, our transport activity has been impacted by the social situation, particularly strikes on the roads and in the railways. However, we are delighted with the results obtained for this first challenge even if we were unable to reach our ambitions 100%. We are only more motivated and we will be stepping up our efforts over the next three years.”
US: Bulk materials handling specialist Conveyor Components has announced the launch of the Tripper Position Switch (TPS), a control unit consisting of two SP/DT micro switches rated for 20A at 120V, 240V or 480V. The unit indicates when the tripper of a shuttle conveyor is located on a multiple discharge point and will activate the dumper when signalled. Conveyor Components says that the device is housed in a “cast aluminium enclosure rated for NEMA 4 weather-proof or NEMA 7/9 explosion proof.”
Schmersal fights cyber attack 19 June 2020
Germany: Schmersal says it is once more connected to the internet and fully operational following a cyber attack on 20 May 2020 that forced it to shut down its local networks and go offline. During the incident the engineering company reacted to a malware injection in progress and stopped the criminals from completing the attack. Systems were gradually restored over the following two weeks.
Managing director Philip Schmersal said, “Situations like these really highlight how dependent companies now are on IT. Making telephone calls, e-mails, accepting orders – we had to find alternative channels for every process. We worked extremely hard to keep in contact with our customers in every conceivable way and to keep them up to date.” Schmersal thanked “customers for their understanding and all employees for their tremendous dedication in this testing time.”