DAL Engineering completes preheater upgrade at CRH’s Philippines cement plant

Turkey-based DAL Engineering has completed a preheater modification project at a cement plant operated by CRH in Bulacan, the Philippines, the company said in a LinkedIn post March 31.

The project involved the upgrade of the preheater's top cyclone, including dismantling of existing equipment, installation of new components, duct modifications and system alignment, alongside engineering design and on-site supervision, DAL Engineering said.

The modification is aimed at improving pyro-process efficiency and operational stability, with the system performing in line with expected targets, DAL Engineering said.

Improved preheater efficiency can lower fuel consumption and production costs, particularly as cement producers face energy price volatility amid the Middle East war, several Southeast Asia-based cement producers said.

"Preheater upgrades are one of the quickest wins for cement producers. You improve heat recovery and immediately cut fuel burn without touching the kiln itself," a Vietnam-based cement producer said.

Platts, part of S&P Global Energy, assessed cement (ASTM type I) FOB Vietnam at $38/metric ton March 26, down from $39/mt the previous week. Platts assessed cement clinker FOB Vietnam at $34/mt, down from $36/mt the previous week.