R9m offloading zone set to drive efficiency in coastal cement operations

Cement producer, PPC, has built a R9m offloading facility at its George Depot, which will receive product by rail, improving its turnaround to customers without compromising quality.

“The decision to commission the pneumatic offloading facility included the construction of a new 250-ton silo with its ancillary equipment located next to the old silo. The pneumatic offloading system’s compressor and electrical equipment is located in a container that is positioned inside the warehouse. The piping for the pneumatic offloading system is installed parallel to the rail line and the warehouse,” says Johan Vorster, head of coastal business unit at PPC.

Having identified the need for these projects in 2018, the business has minimised the risks that come with offloading by hand, thereby improving its offloading time by 40 minutes. The immediate benefit is seen in the road tankers idling time as the pneumatic offloading facility increases PPC George Depot’s turnaround times. The pneumatic offloading facility holds 45 tons of cement per hour,

“PPC George Depot affords us the opportunity to create sustainable value for all stakeholders, here in the Western Cape, improving our service to our customers! As a depot, we have a clear vision of how we continue to empower the community to experience a better quality of life. Our production of 100% local cement that has the PPC guarantee of 100% quality drives our ambition," Vorster says.