Civil Insight: A Technical Magazine Volume 2 | Page 58

CIVIL INSIGHT 2018 58 Sarbottam Cement Brief Implementing a new vision in the cement industry Sarbottam Cement Private Limited is a cement and clinker manufacturer based in Sunwal, Nawalparasi. Sarbottam Cement was established with a vision to provide the highest quality cement possible in the Nepalese market, and as such, Sarbottam manufactures its own clinker and sources its limestone from four mines located across Nepal, opting for higher quality limestone over the cheaper alternatives situated nearby the plant. The greatest distinguishing aspect in Sarbottam’s manufacturing process, as compared to every cement manufacturer currently in operation, is that the entirety of the plant was imported from Europe. From crushing the limestone to packing the cement, from source to delivery, Sarbottam Cement utilizes European technology in every step of the way. The defi ning feature of this technology is the Vertical Roller Mill (VRM) - as opposed to Ball Mills used by other manufacturers. VRMs can produce much fi ner cement dust at almost half the energy consumption compared to Ball Mills. In addition to importing European machinery, Sarbottam has also adopted European quality control measures; Sarbottam is the only cement manufacturer in Nepal that uses an X-Ray Diffraction machine to quickly and accurately measure key chemical properties of its products. Sarbottam is also the only manufacturer to use a cross-bar cooler, which quickly quenches the heated clinker adding extra strength, much like a blacksmith would dip heated metal into water to abruptly cool and strengthen the material. In fact, Sarbottam’s clinker is widely used by other cement manufacturers throughout Nepal. Furthermore, Sarbottam is only one of a select few to use a Stacker-Reclaimer to control the blend ratio of crushed limestone - hence assuring consistent chemical and physical properties in the clinker, and by extension the cement. By controlling the quality of the raw materials and by utilizing the latest advancements in cement production and quality control, Sarbottam ensures an unrivaled excellency in its cement. Sarbottam’s push for products of the greatest quality possible stems from its desire to be sustainable. Cement manufacturing is an inherently pollution laden and environmentally taxing industry. In any economy in any corner of the world, cement manufacturing requires a substantial and continual supply of electricity - mostly derived from fossil fuels - and limestone. Furthermore, the grinding of limestone,