- Written by Amy Saunders, Global Gypsum Magazine
The Russian Federation, established in 1991 following the downfall of the Soviet Union, is a semi-federal republic located in the north of Eurasia. The government rules 83 federal subjects comprising 47 oblasts, 21 republics, nine krais, four okrugs and two federal cities, from its base at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia's capital city. As the largest country in the world, Russia spans 17,075,400km2 and had 143m inhabitants in 2012,1 making it the world's 10th most populous nation. The Russian gypsum industry has seen its fair share of market fluctuation thanks to multiple industrial and economic events that have overtly affected the construction industry. Here we give an overview of the industry as it stands today and its potential for the foreseeable future.
- Written by Dustin Neumann, Neumann Process Control Inc
Throughout the building products manufacturing industry, there is a persistent effort to reduce thermal energy consumption in order to remain cost competitive and to meet growing requirements for reduced carbon emissions. In areas where the cost of thermal energy is relatively low, it is difficult to justify capital expenditures for energy saving initiatives. This article describes an effective approach to identifying opportunities for thermal energy savings and for implementing energy-saving measures with minimal risk. Case studies demonstrate energy-saving projects that have resulted in substantial energy savings with minimal capital investment.
- Written by Peter Edwards, Global Gypsum Magazine
The United States of America is the third largest,1 third most populous1 and richest nation in the world.2 It also has the world's largest gypsum wallboard industry, which, like other aspects of the construction industry, has suffered badly during the recent recession. However, the US has been showing increasing indications of a full-blown gypsum market recovery, alongside a general economic turnaround.
The continent of North America, home to myriad indigenous peoples, was 'discovered' by Spain's Christopher Columbus in 1492. The USA as a country was not formed until the signing of the Declaration of Independence on 4 July 1776. Prior to this date, the eastern side of the modern US territory had been under the control of Great Britain, which had fought France, Spain and other colonial powers for control of the 'new world.'
- Written by Dr Daniel Schildbach, Wacker Chemie AG (Silicones)
Poor water resistance is the primary disadvantage of construction materials that use gypsum as a binder. Gypsum dry-mix mortars, in particular, have so far offered only limited options for minimising water absorption in the long-term in end products that have set. Now, however, a novel, highly-efficient water repellent is available for use in dry-mix processes. This powdered additive opens the door to dry-mix mortar formulations that are universally suitable for use throughout home interiors.
Builders appreciate gypsum-based construction materials for more than just economic and environmental reasons. They also value their favourable processing characteristics as well as the physical and biological properties they exhibit in construction applications. These materials, especially plasters that use gypsum as a binder, create a comfortable indoor climate because they regulate interior humidity and feel pleasantly warm and dry to the touch.
- Written by Lars Roettger, Claudius Peters Projects GmbH
GIPS AD has been active in the gypsum and plaster market in Bulgaria for many years. It sells not only calcined plaster directly to the market but also raw gypsum from its own underground mine to building material companies. The old calcining plant from the early 1970s was based on Russian kettle calcining technology with a heavy fuel oil hot gas generator and electrostatic filter.
To fulfil European emission legislations, GIPS AD decided to build a new green-field facility next to the old one. The plant lies in Koshava near Vidin on the bank of the Danube River in the northwest corner of Bulgaria. Here semi-turnkey provider Claudius Peters Projects GmbH gives a detailed run-down of the new plant from the gypsum feed to the packed plaster product.
