FLSmidth has been awarded a contract for process and quality optimisation of 17 cement plants recently acquired by the CRH Group using FLSmidth's ECS/ProcessExpert® and QCX/BlendExpert(TM) products.

The order is the largest advanced process optimisation project awarded to FLSmidth and includes process optimisation of 12 kilns and 40 grinding mills, as well as quality optimisation of 14 raw mills. In addition, the order includes a service agreement, covering all 66 applications, where FLSmidth will provide 24/7 support and ongoing remote monitoring and optimisation by its process specialists.

CRH has more than doubled its cement production volume due to the recent acquisition of 34 plants (including grinding stations), divested as part of the Lafarge/Holcim merger last year. Many of the plants are already using optimisation systems, but CRH chose to standardise on FLSmidth's ECS/ProcessExpert and QCX/BlendExpert solutions.