INGENOVA is developing the engineering for modifying the bottom of the cement silos to practically restore their original capacity.

The plant has seven silos for storing and shipping bulk and bagged cement. Silos 1, 2, and 3 are the oldest and were built in the 1960s. The original cement extraction system posed several problems. Therefore, it was modified in 1990 to extract the cement through the wall approximately 5.35 meters above the exterior pavement, allowing it to be fed directly to the truck for bulk loading.

Due to this lateral discharge, the material below the outlet and the natural slope formed by the cement from that opening cannot be extracted, significantly reducing the silo’s useful capacity.

CEMEX now intends to install a new extraction system in Cement Silo 2, which will allow the silo’s useful capacity to be restored to practically its original capacity.

To carry out this modification, the engineering work required the following:

• Opening of a new extraction and inspection opening.
• Construction of a new bottom slab with 15° slopes.
• Post-tensioning of the lower part of the silo to withstand the increased pressures in accordance with current regulations.
• Foundation and service platform for a new lifting screw.
• Modifications to the bulk loading shed and its access walkway to connect it to the new platform.