FCT ACTech Pty Ltd, the Australian supplier of the Continuous On Stream Mineral Analyser (COSMA), and Iteca Socadei SAS, the French supplier of on line analysis and sampling equipment, announced today that they have signed a worldwide cooperation agreement to jointly market, sell and support their equipment for clinker analysis and kiln control applications.

COSMA is an on-line X-ray diffraction (XRD) analyzer, which continuously reports the quantitative composition of crystalline phases in clinker and cement passing through the instrument. It is extremely effective in the real time analysis and control of cement and clinker manufacture, improving product quality, plant productivity and plant profitability by increasing production, reducing fuel and energy consumption, and reducing testing requirements. Emissions can also be significantly reduced. COSMA is delivering these benefits at plants in USA, Italy and Canada.

Iteca has supplied clinker sampling, sample transport and sample preparation systems to the cement industry for over 20 years. Iteca samplers can take clinker from the kiln nose ring, under the cooler grate or at the cooler discharge. Iteca also supply equipment that transports, crushes and grinds the clinker for analysis.

The combination of FCT and Iteca offers cement manufacturers a single source for the most advanced clinker analysis equipment available, and sampling equipment that is proven effective in the most challenging of physical environments. It also establishes a network of distributors and agencies for the support of customers in over 30 countries.

The Managing Director of the FCT Group of Companies, Mr Constantino Manias, expressed his delight on signing the agreement, stating: 'We are extremely pleased to link up with such a capable and successful company as Iteca. 'COSMA is the best way for cement manufacturers to control their process and the quality of their product,' he said. 'Iteca's reliable sampling and sample treatment equipment, together with their vast sales and customer support network adds tremendous value to our offering.'

Iteca's Managing Director, Mr Anis Haider, was equally happy with the deal. 'We have seen the results that COSMA has delivered in its installations so far,' he said. 'Kiln control is where the impact of on-line XRD analysis is greatest. Combine COSMA with Iteca's reliable sampling systems, and we can make significant improvements to plants' bottom lines all over the world.'

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