Indian Material Handling Systems

To protect the biodiversity and prevent dumping of fly ash, there exists a law on collection and disposal of fly ash from coal-based industries and thermal power plants. Prior to the development of a technology to collect and recycle ash to make bricks and other items, it used to pollute the entire environment. It also posed serious health hazards like respiratory ailments. The enactment of a rigid policy on the disposal of ash ushered a new segment in the Indian industry. It resulted in the rapid growth of ash handling system manufacturers in India. Makers of material handling aids took the lead in this direction as they were already abreast with the boiler and turbine sectors.

Depending on the location and the process in vogue at a thermal-based plant, makers of ash

handling systems have evolved applicable technologies. Certain factors like the availability of ash disposal area, size of boiler, need for fly ash utilisation, pollution control requirement are kept in view while designing, manufacturing and commissioning of the handling systems. Apart from integrated and turnkey concepts, a good number of manufacturers undertake tailor-made systems.

The various systems manufactured in India are dry bottom ash collection, water impounded bottom ash hopper, hydro-bins, separator, decantation, hydro jet pumps, pneumatic conveyor and scrapper chain conveyor etc. The technology involves method of collection, conveying, interim storage and load out all sorts of ash residue from solid fuel combustion.

Another segment related to this sector is the system of handling coal and other fuels like lignite to respective plants. The coal handling equipment suppliers in India play a very vital role in the overall economy of the country. Often referred as the black diamond, coal has been the prime source of energy in the operation of thermal power stations and the steel and cement plants. Manufacture of conveyor belts and mechanized earth-moving systems like shovels and scoopers are the major players in coal handling equipment industry. In addition to catering to the domestic needs, this sector has also made a mark around the world. Stiff competition has been posed by makers of such systems from the USA, UK, Germany, Japan, Korea and China. Yet the Indian manufacturers of material handling aids have carved out a niche in the global market.