In July 2018, LafargeHolcim and Fives signed a contract for the replacement of a 9 m kiln downstream at the Val d’Azergues plant. This included the replacement of one tyre, roller, and seal.
Plant installation and preliminary works started at the beginning of January 2019. Replacement works were initiated in mid-January. This involved the dismantling of ducts for crane access and old pieces of equipment being disassembled, including the cutting and removal of the downstream shell section.
After this, implementation of the new sell section with the tyre was carried out. This included assembling on the ground of the tyre on the kiln shell with all pads. the alignment and positioning of the tyre, final fixation, and the lifting of the new shell section with tyre. This last element was done by a 750 t crane and fixation to the kiln was done by submerged arc welding. The maintenance of the hydraulic thrust, kiln bearings, and replacement of one roller and kiln outlet seal were also performed.
Both the replacement of the cooler by LafargeHolcim and installation of the shell and tyre by Fives were completed at the same time. This made coactivity an important factor to take into account. No accidents were reported for the whole duration of the works.