Fives FCB completes kiln and tyre replacement at Val d'Azergues plant

Fives FCB has successfully completed the kiln shell replacement at LafargeHolcim's Val d'Azergues plant, France.

LafargeHolcim previouly signed an agreement with Fives FCB in 2018 for the replacement of 9m section of its kiln shell at the Val d’Azergues plant, including the replacement of one tyre, roller and seal.


Site installation and preliminary works started in the beginning of January 2019.
 Mid-January replacement works were initiated: ducts were dismantled for crane access, old pieces of equipment were disassembled, including cutting and removal of the downstream shell section.

Fives FCB continued with the installation of the new shell section with the replacement tyre. Assembly was carried out on the ground, with all pads – alignment and positioning of the tyre and final fixation
 – lifting of the new shell section, with tyre, by a 750t crane and fixation to the kiln by submerged arc welding.


Maintenance of the hydraulic thrust, kiln bearings and replacement of one roller and kiln outlet seal were also performed. Both replacement of the cooler, by LafargeHolcim, and installation of the shell and tyre by Fives FCB were carried out simultaneously.