Your Guide to Coal Logistics

There are quite a number of methods to help move prepared coal from the mine to the markets. In fact, the cost of transporting coal can be substantial and also accounts for an enormous fraction of the total cost to the consumer.

Railroads

One of the most common modes of hauling coal over long distances is through rail transportation. What actually makes railcars capital-intensive are roadbed, track requirements as well as a large fixed investment. However, the maintenance requirements is a relatively hassle-free operation that makes large volume shipments possible with a high mechanical efficiency that is obtained with low rolling resistances. These are certain factors that make rail transport one of the most attractive methods of transportation for long-term, long-distance as well as high-volume movements of coal.

On-highway Trucks

In case the distances to be covered and shipment sizes are smaller than usual, when it comes to coal logistics, it would be a good idea to transport it by truck through a network of public roads. While off-highway trucks can carry heavier coal, on-highway tricks are generally smaller and do not exceed 25-ton payloads. There are several advantages of using on-highway trucks  because of several reasons – they can negotiate a lot more severe grades and curves and in fact, with just a meagre capital investment, roads can be resurfaced or constructed more readily than railroads, thereby making the coal flow a lot more consistent by simply adding new trucks and replacing the failing ones.

Conveyors

Although the use of conveyors for carrying coal over comparatively longer distances is not very common, it is also not very uncommon to find conveyors transporting coal from mines to barge-loading stations. Additionally, in case a power plant is in close proximity to a mime, conveyors are typically used to carry coal to the power plant stockpile. One of the biggest advantages of conveyors is that they can traverse through the toughest terrain quite conveniently than trucks or even rail systems. In fact, KCT Group is the largest coal logistics company in India that transports coal across the country by road, rail and sea.

Slurry pipelines

A mixture of crushed coal and a liquid such as water or oil, coal slurry is a traditional mixture that was first patented in England, in the year of 1891. It consisted of 50% coal and 50% water by weight. These heavy coal slurries consisted of about 65% to 75% of coal, with the remainder being water, oil or methanol. Traditional slurry is usually transported by pipeline to the user, who then separates the water from the coal before burning. However, adding to its advantage, slurry fuels can be fired directly into boilers.

It is quite evident that transportation costs have a huge and significant impact on coal exports. In fact, there are substantial capital costs involved in developing the required facilities as well as in maintaining sizable stockpiles at the exporting ports. So, in case you’re looking for an efficient coal logistics company in India, Karam Chand Thapar & Bros. Ltd., The company efficiently transports between 60-70 million metric tons of coal annually across the country by road, rail and sea.

Understanding Aquaculture and It’s Need

The controlled process of cultivating aquatic organisms is known as Aquaculture. This is, especially in relation to produce for human consumption. Very similar to agriculture, this concept involves fishes and marine life instead of livestock and plants. Aquaculture is also a term used for fish farming. This is why sea food available to you at the local supermarket is often labelled as farmed fish. Aquaculture is practised across the globe and is thriving in areas close to the ocean waters, freshwater ponds and rivers.

How Does It Work?

The methods involved in aquaculture may vary from one species to another. The process of farm to table generally has four stages in the production chain. It starts in the hatcheries and ends at the seafood counter at your local supermarket. The stages involved depend on the type, safety and quality of seafood and its impact on the environment.

The first stage of aquaculture is the hatchery. This involves the breeding of fish, hatching of the eggs and rearing the newborn through the early stages of life. Once the animals have matured, they are moved to the farm. At the farm they are given the feed produced at the feed mills and grown to the required harvest size. From here, the fish is transported to the processing facility where they are packed and distributed among the retail stores and supermarkets. This is the last point from where the consumers procure their seafood.

Why Is It Important?

It is a known fact that overfishing has been constantly increasing, to a point where it has become dangerous. Humans need to find alternate sources of sea food to match the high demands of our magnanimous population. This is where aquaculture comes it as the perfect tool to fill the gap we are facing or might face in seafood supply. A responsible and sustainable way of fish farming is the only way we can ensure access to environment friendly and healthy protein for our future generations.

Given these facts, aquaculture is not only necessary but also a sustainable option for consumers when it comes to farmed proteins. Seafood is known to be a better source of protein in comparison to chicken, beef and pork, thus making it more efficient. It is great for the environment in the sense that it has lower greenhouse gas emissions than any other type of farming and helps maintain and preserve our nature. India has a number of enterprises involved in the practise of aquaculture as well including the famous KCT Group, headed by Varun Thapar.

Buying Property? 3 Tips to Make the Right Deal

Buying property involves a big investment. There are people who put their entire life savings to buy a piece of land. It therefore becomes very important to do good research about the property and be very sure of the decision you are making to avoid any problems later. For those buying property for the first time, the entire process can be difficult and challenging as there are many intricate details that needs to be taken care of. Here we list down some smart tips to follow that will make the entire property buying process smooth and hassle-free.

Do Good Research: Considering the amount of money involved in buying property, it goes without saying that one must do good research and planning before making the final deal. There are people who do not do much research as they consider it a long and tedious process. However, to make a profitable deal, it is advised to do good background research of the potential property. Check the neighborhood, figure out the age of the property, investigate about the builder, and know about the features of the property. It is best to get in touch with reputed real estate companies like the KCT Group as they have a name in the industry and can help you with all your questions.

Think Long Term: As buying property is a long-term investment, one must consider a range of factors before taking the final decision. Once you have purchased the property, it will be you who will have to pay the property tax, maintenance charges, mortgage burden etc.

Consult a Reputed Real Estate Agent: If you are investing in real estate for the first time, it is best to get in touch with licensed real estate agents as they have good experience in the field and can give you the best advice on every step of the property buying process. They will provide you with all the information and guidance that is required to make a profitable deal. Be it understanding the market dynamics or ways to manage your finances, a good agent will help you clear all your doubts. Having thorough knowledge of the field, these agents are skilled enough to negotiate on your behalf and crack the deal that will work best for you.

Extreme Biodiversity in Shrimp Farming

Existing since long, marine shrimp farming is considered to be a rewarding business with lesser investment. The practice of marine shrimp farming is especially popular in Asian countries. Until a decade ago, the commodity was regarded as a secondary crop in traditional fish farming practices. Generally, the practice involves rearing shrimps trapped in salt beds, coastal paddy fields, or brackish water fishponds which is allowed to grow to the established size and harvested. Although the practice has been in existence for long, it has gained more popularity recently. KCT Group and Waterbase Limited, led by Varun Thapar, have been trailblazers in this industry since 1993. It is important to keep the harvest protected from any form of the disease to yield higher returns. There have been several incidents around the globe when shrimps have been faced with some mystery disease of the other. Let us understand how farmers deal with such risks and what the future of shrimp farming in India looks like:

The Devastating Impact of Disease on Shrimp Farming:

It not only affects the produce but also brings down profits to a considerable level. In fact, it’s believed that it can throw a region and farm into a downward spiral of losses. This may affect the farmers negatively- both financially and emotionally.

There are several factors that might be responsible for the introduction of a disease in a pond which includes water, crabs, birds, etc. The hosts carry the pathogens to the pond, thereby infecting the water and the shrimps residing inside. This results in diseased crops.

How Is Biosecurity Handled By The Farms?

With so many carriers of the disease, biosecurity gains prime importance. There are varying degrees of biosecurity practiced by the farmers. The first one includes the inspection of the PLs to ensure there are no pathogens being carried by them. Next is to ensure the pond water quality and take steps to make it pathogen-free. All the well-established companies involved in shrimp farming businesses such as The Waterbase Limited treat their water reservoirs with safe probiotics and other disease mitigation strategies to ensure there are no harmful pollutants inside.

The last step involves taking steps so that no human-borne or airborne pathogens can access the ponds. The practice of putting up carb and bird nets is in prevalence. Some people also build greenhouses to ensure additional safety while others go a step further and apply hatchery-level biosecurity measures which include having the staff members wear smocks, caps, and sanitizing their boots as they enter.

The Future of Biosecurity Measures:

There has been an increase in the focus towards controlling variables affecting the health of animals. Adopting safe farming practices is profitable in the long run and is likely to trickle down to all the farms in the near future.

Busting 4 Common Myths about the Real Estate Sector

Investing in real estate is not an easy task and requires careful considerations. In the absence of adequate knowledge, one might end up making a wrong investment with no lucrative ROI. A proper understanding is required to analyse the various risks associated and finalize a deal that best serves your purpose. Besides the risk and high returns, there are also many misconceptions related to this sector. Inaccurate information and false perceptions can interfere with the process of finding an ideal property. Below mentioned are a few common real estate myths which a buyer must know before investing in a property.

• One Needs To Be Super Rich To Invest In Real Estate:

This is one of the biggest myths associated with real estate investment. The general perception among the people is that only people with big bank accounts can venture into real estate investment. There are many bank loans and schemes that one can take advantage of for investing in real estate. Home loans cover 80% of the total amount so one needs not have a fortune to invest in real estate.

• Real Estate Investment is A Risky Venture:

The real estate sector is considered to be too risky by a majority of the people. However, it’s nothing but a misconception. It’s a fact that all types of investments carry a certain amount of risk. But when compared to other investment types such as bonds, stocks, and gold, etc., investing in real estate carries much lesser risk. Moreover, it assures the basic security of having a place to live.

• Only Fully Developed Areas Are Ideal For Investment: 

The value of the property tends to differ depending on the locality, amenities, and surroundings. Mostly, people search for properties in central business districts. This doesn’t mean that one is restricted to invest in well-developed areas only. Keeping only a few options open is a bad choice. Also, properties in such areas cost a fortune. Therefore, it’s advisable to keep all options open. You can also invest in the corporate real estate sector. KCT Group, led by Varun Thapar, have developed several office spaces and buildings that are beneficial for investments. This shall help achieve higher returns on the investments being made.

• Buy Property only When the Market is Good

Everyone is aware of the fact that the market is never stable. If you wait too long, you might lose on the opportunity of investing in a valuable investment. Instead of relying on the external trends, invest in a property if you have the savings and income. If you are looking to invest in properties at premium locations, Indian City Properties is a viable option.

Common Myths about the Real Estate Sector

Investing in the real estate sector is a very difficult task. Without adequate knowledge, investing in this sector can result in a loss. One needs to build a proper understanding of the various risks involved in this sector. The main objective behind investing in a property is to get a good return on it.

This sector also suffers from many misconceptions that provide inaccurate information. These false perceptions of people interfere with the process of finding the ideal property. Mentioned below are a few common real estate myths according to industry leaders like KCT Group that a buyer must know before investing in a property:

One has to be Rich before Investing in Real Estate

Among all the biggest myths that surround the real estate sector, this one surely tops the list. People believe that anyone with money can invest in the real estate sector. However, it is not the case. In many cases, people buying a property prefer taking home loans from a bank or any other organization that provides funds. Home loans can cover up to 80% of the total amount that needs to be paid. So, for investing in real estate, you need not have to have a fortune.

Investing in Real Estate is always Risky

The real estate sector is considered too risky to invest by many people. However, it is nothing but a myth. The chances of encountering any issue are as much as in other sectors. All investments involve some amount of risks. However, when compared to other forms of investments like stocks, bonds, and gold, investing in real estate is considered much less risky by experts like Indian City Properties. A property always gives the basic security of having a place to live, irrespective of any market changes.

Fully Developed Areas are the only place to Invest

Depending on a locality, surroundings or vicinity, the value of the property differs. Most people want a place in central business districts. But this does not necessarily mean you have to consider places that are well developed only. If you are only looking to invest in a similar area, this may be a bad investment choice. Properties in such areas are very expensive and will cost a fortune. Rather, experts suggest investing in areas where the chances of growth are higher in the near future. This will help to get higher returns on the investment made.

Buy Property only When the Market is Good

People who understand economics are aware that the market is never stable. If you wait too long, the chances of missing out on valuable investment opportunities are lost. Rather than hoping for external trends, invest in a property if you have the income and savings. Also choose a reliable company such as the Indian City Properties if you wish to invest in real estate.

Ways to Ensure Disease Prevention in Shrimp Cultivation

Shrimp is an animal which lacks a specific immune system. Hence, its ability to resist pathogens is quite poor. Moreover, there are no vaccines available to prevent diseases in shrimp. If shrimps are weak and have a major disease, the farmer not only has to incur the cost for pond preparation but also deal with reduced yield.

Shrimps are especially prone to bacteria and virus attack during the change of weather when they easily become weak and susceptible. Hence, more precaution needs to be taken during seasonal changes.

Symptoms of weak or diseased shrimp include lethargic swimming near pond banks, water surfaces or shores. There is also a loss of appetite and they may even die at the bottom of the pond. Since the medicines mixed with feed won’t be consumed by the infected shrimp, the treatment is rather ineffective. Hence, shrimp producers must consider the husbandry procedures, stock quality and healthy nutrition as the main tools for controlling the disease.

Here are some of the ways to ensure disease prevention in shrimp cultivation:

• The traditional approach to considerably reduce the impact of diseases is by increasing the key nutrients such as vitamin C and E, fatty acids, phospholipids, carotenoids, and trace minerals. These booster feeds when supplemented with immunostimulants strengthen the immune system of the shrimps.
• Increase use of bio-products to serve the purpose of treating poisonous gases, decomposing wastes and stabilizing pH, alkaline, algae etc. Siphoning water in the pond is also a good practice to follow. Make sure to not exchange pond water with external sources if the treatment has not been processed thoroughly. This will ensure preventing the spread of disease to the surrounding environment.
• Increasing aeration also creates a suitable environment for microbial decomposition by increasing the amount of dissolved oxygen in the pond.
• When using medicines, it is vital to use the correct dosages and at right intervals.

One must take inspiration from companies such as The Waterbase Limited by The Thapar Group and Avanti feeds which ensure healthy shrimp cultivation and do all it takes to ensure disease prevention.

Top Coal Importers in India

India, with an aim to become self-sufficient in terms of meeting the demand for coal, has been focusing on both domestic production as well as import of coal from outside. Here are the leading coal import companies in India which play a substantial role in meeting the demand-supply cycle:

Steel Authority of India

Steel Authority of India is one of the largest coal importers in India. The company is into importing coking coal in non-bulk from countries such as USA, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Mozambique, and US Virgin Islands. Australia is the greatest contributor of coal to Steel Authority of India.

JSW Steel Limited

The company imports different variants of coal such as coking coal, anthracite, non-coking coal, bituminous etc. Canada, Mozambique, Australia, Russia, USA, and Indonesia are the main countries from which it imports. While coking coal and anthracite are imported in bulk as well as non-bulk manner, bituminous and non-coking coal are restricted to non-bulk packaging only. Russia is the main exporter of anthracite to JSW Steel Limited.

Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited

It is an importer of coking coal in non-bulk packaging from countries such as USA, Australia and Canada. The major exporter of coal to Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited is Australia.

Coastal Gujarat Limited

Mozambique and Indonesia are the main countries that the company relies upon for importing coal, with 90% of the steam coal coming from Indonesia. The company imports non-coking coal in bulk quantity.

Tata Steel Limited

The company is into importing different varieties of coal such as coking, anthracite, and non-coking majorly from New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and Russia. It mostly imports non-coking coal in non-bulk packaging.

KCT Coal

Being the largest coal logistics company in India, KCT coal transports about 60-70 million metric tons of coal throughout the country via rail, road and sea. It serves to both private as well as public sectors such as paper mills, thermal power stations, cement plants etc. It majorly imports coal from Australia, Indonesia and South Africa.

Understanding Coal Sampling

Coal sampling basically refers to the process of storing and handling a small quantity of coal for laboratory analysis. This sampling is usually done for a variety of purposes such as coal resource assessment and exploration, production of a mine, characterizing the cleaning processes, monitoring receipt or shipment of coal for adherence to best quality standards, carrying out reactivity or combustion tests.

During the initial phase, which is resource assessment or exploration, sampling is done from test pits, natural outcrops, drill cuttings, drilled cores or old mines in the area. Characterizing a mine’s production or reserves involves sample collection from the mine, handling and loading equipment (from shipments or stockpiles) and representative cuts from coal conveyors. Talking about contract specifications, it depends upon sampling- either from the coal handling facility, production flow, loadout or from the incoming shipments.

Usually, for reserve characterization and coal resource, the most appropriate variants of coals include- channel sample or face channel. This is a sample that is taken from the mine by cutting away any weathered or loose coal. This is followed by collection of a coal on a clean surface. The same is done by chopping out uniform channels. A face channel, on the other hand, is taken near the working face where the most exposed coal lays and where actual loading and removal of mined coal takes place.

Partings which are larger than 3/8 inch or mineral concretions with more than ½ inch of thickness and more than 2 inches in diameter are usually discarded from the coal that has been accurately mined, crushed and then screened in order to eliminate non-coal materials. Reputed companies such as Coal India and KCT Coal follow efficient coal sampling procedures and adhere to all the norms and policies related to coal sampling.

How are reefers important in overcoming pharmaceutical challenges

One of the most significant challenges faced by the pharmaceutical industry is the efficient transportation of vaccines, medicines, blood and other products which require a particular temperature to remain safe and usable. From manufacturing till the final arrival and supply of the product to the customer, certain standards must be met to keep up with the quality. In such situations, cold chain products such as reefer containers are quite useful. They not only safeguard the products but also maintain their quality by controlling the temperature. This makes sure that the effectiveness, stability, efficacy and physiochemical characteristics of the drugs are not compromised. While most of the medicines and vaccines reach their final destination in deteriorated form, the chances of risks can be significantly reduced by using good quality reefer containers made by companies such as Indicon Westfalia Limited by KCT Group.

Controlling and monitoring the temperature especially during transportation of pharmaceuticals is one of the key factors to maintain the integrity of the product. Moreover, the manufacturers are the main people whose recommendation must be taken into consideration at all costs. These suggestions usually revolve around acceptable temperature and humidity limits.

Temperature control and the delicacy of the product is the main factor of cold logistics in pharmaceutical sector. This leads to specific demands such as temperature monitoring systems, refrigeration chambers and specialized care. The process is even more complicated in case of biological medicines which involves more delicate procedures.