Brownfield project finished in record time
This is the third time in recent years Chettinad Cement has contracted with FLSmidth to supply major equipment for its expanding cement production operations.
When Chettinad Cement planned to add a new production line at its Karikkali plant, it again opted for FLSmidth as the main supplier of raw meal production and pyro processing technology.
The contract with FLSmidth became effective on 12 May 2009. It comprised a complete package of equipment for the raw mill, coal mill, preheater kiln and cooler. All the machinery was to be supplied within 15 months. The aim of this brownfield project was to add production capacity of 4,000 tpd to the cement works, which originally came on stream in October 2001 with a capacity of 3200 tpd.
Strong tradition of cooperation
This is the third time in recent years Chettinad Cement has contracted with FLSmidth to supply major equipment for its expanding cement production operations. In 2006, Chettinad ordered a 4,000 tpd line (Line 1) for its Ariyalur plant. The cement project Line 1 was completed in June 2009, with all performance tests successfully fulfilled. In October 2007, a repeat order was placed for Line 2 at the Ariyalur site, which is located in the state of Tamil Nadu. The line 2 was commissioned successfully.
Efficient completion
The recent Karikkali project in the state of Tamil Nadu has now successfully come on stream. On 11 March, the raw mill serving the 4,000 tpd line was commissioned. This was followed five days later, on 16 March, by the lighting up of the kiln. On 18 March 2011, the entire plant was commissioned, only 22 months after the effective date of contract.
Five months later performance guarantee (PG) tests for the pyro and coal mill sections were passed and those for the raw mill are in progress. This is one of the fastest PG completion rates ever achieved in India.
The swift installation and commissioning process reflects the smooth and trustful relations between client and supplier based on many years of close cooperation. Very important was also the effective work processes at the site, for example the kiln shell was lifted into place within merely four hours!
Diversified group
The Chettinad Group is a leading manufacturer of cement and construction materials in South India. It was founded in 1962 by Dr. Rajah Sir Muthiah Chettiar to cater for the growing demand for cement and thereby contribute to the building of the nation. The Group today is involved not only in cement, but also ready-mix concrete, transport and construction, power generation and in education.
Contact:PVV Nagendra Kumar