New finish mill commissioned at Oro Grande plant

CalPortland has commissioned a new cement grinding mill and distribution system at its cement plant in Oro Grande (CA), USA. 

The development brings an additional 64 per cent in total production capacity directly to the Oro Grande plant. The project is the culmination of the partial plant modernisation programme that was originally completed in 2008, prior to the acquisition of the facility by CalPortland.

The project began in January 2018 and was constructed by general contractor ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions and sub-contractor TIC (The Industrial Company), in collaboration with CalPortland’s Engineering Services team. It has provided local employment for 240 workers at the peak of project construction.

The mill is a Polysius two-compartment mill with production capability of 200stph. It is equipped with the most advanced and efficient motor, mill and separator technology as well as the most efficient cement cooler design technology. The system also employs mechanical conveyance (bucket elevator) to convey finished product to the new silos, reducing energy requirement by an additional 500hp.

"The addition of this modern finish mill and efficient distribution system allows the plant to operate to the best in class standards as originally designed. It will help provide the industry with the additional supply required for necessary rehabilitation and rapidly developing infrastructure in CA and NV," said Steve Regis, senior vice president Corporate Services, CalPortland.