Vicat Group has successfully completed of the first phase of its training programme on the new laboratory equipment at its recently-established alternative fuels and raw materials (AFR) laboratory at Kalburgi Cements Pvt Ltd's plant in Chatrasala, Karnataka. The training sessions ran between 23-30 May 2024 and over 20 employees from the quality control and AFR departments took part in the programme.

The participants were introduced to a range of advanced laboratory instruments, including:

•  890 Titrando KF High End with 860 KF Thermoeprep and Auto Titrator – 888 Titrando (Metrohm India): participants learned to accurately measure moisture levels and chloride content in samples of alternative materials used in the plant's kiln
• flashpoint analyser (Lab India): training focussed on determining the flash point of unknown materials, a critical safety parameter
• viscometer (Bishops Scientific): participants gained insights into measuring viscosity, an important factor in ensuring the optimal performance of materials fed into the kiln
• shredder (MAxin India): to support the preparation of appropriately-sized samples before conducting any tests.

By equipping Vicat teams with the skills to operate these advanced tools, the company says it is enhancing its capability to effectively evaluate and utilise alternative materials in its processes, thereby contributing to its sustainability goals.