Based on the above facts and figures, it is advantageous to go for the silo storage
capacity to 1 day with lower capital investment, lower operating power cost
and lower execution time as compared to high capacity blending silo. To take
care of unexpected breakdown like chute jamming or some electrical breakdown
etc., it is desirable to take 1.5 days’ storage for the raw meal silo. It is also desirable
to invest on the cross belt analyzer in mill feed system which cost approx. Rs.165 Lacs.
If we consider the 1.5 days of storage with cross belt analyzer in circuit against
higher capacity blending silo for storage of more than 2. Days, we can still save on
capital cost.
2.4.2 Cement Silo:
One always desires to have a sufficient silo capacity in the cement plant due to fear
of breakdowns and stoppages in the plant. But unnecessary storage only increases
the cost of capex with no substantial gain. Based on number of products the
quantity of silos is decided rest the overall storage capacity shall be of 2 days.
In above cost analysis, although total capital cost in 3 x 5000 MT configuration is
10% higher from 2 x 7500 MT configuration, is advisable to have 3 x 5000 MT con
figuration so that system have more flexibility for various products.
2.4.3 Fly Ash Silo:
It is recommended to decide the capacity of dry fly ash silo based on distance and
transportation suitability.
Preferably, Fly ash silo diameter shall be kept similar to cement silo.