Neptune introduces next-gen lightweight aggregates

Neptune Industries offers world-class technologies, which are indigenously developed and economically viable for the construction and ceramic industries, along with reliable customer support and timely product delivery. As a leading manufacturer of plant and machinery for producing Fly Ash bricks, Concrete Paver Blocks, LWA, Dry mix mortar, Green Sand, Clay/Brick blocks, Neptune has been actively involved in promoting Fly Ash Based technologies and their utilization in India. It has now introduced lightweight aggregate, & artificial sand which is a next gen product for the construction industry, Neptune is offering Complete Plant for producing LWA/A-Sand capacity 100-1000 m3/day

Neptune is investing around 10% of its profit in R&D. It is using dumped fly ash to make lightweight aggregates. The bricks and blocks produced from these aggregates are lightweight, have low porosity, high strength, and durability. The aggregates are pelletized and sintered. The sintered fly ash lightweight aggregates are a substitute for natural stone /chips in concrete, and they reduce the deadweight in skyscraper building and are very competitive but more strengthened against AAC block. They can also be used in the production of lightweight precast concrete blocks for use in load and non-load bearing walling material.

“Fly ash utilization is possible by making a lightweight aggregate which has many benefits and can be used for both real estate and infra projects such as dams, bridges, canals etc. At Neptune, we are establishing an industry (with our own pilot plant) for lightweight aggregates; the process of producing them is easy and inexpensive. The product also has export potential, especially to countries with depleted natural resources or with inferior quality aggregates as in the Middle East countries,” informed R. V. Panchal, Managing Director.


Enumerating the advantages of the lightweight aggregate in concrete, he informed that the most significant is its environment value, especially in view of the stringent environment limitations imposed on mining of natural aggregates. The lightweight aggregate, produced from fly ash, a by-product of coal burning power plant, is also recyclable. Plus, it can also replace natural sand and M Sand by Technology, that is, artificial sand. The product also has excellent thermal insulation property and a low density of 0.8 to 1 g per cc.

Lightweight aggregate is sintering technology similar to ceramic technology and being a leader in ceramic industry, the company is confident of being a leader in the market with this new product as well. “The product has been in the market since the last two and a half years and is yet a very new product for the construction industry. So, due to little awareness of its characteristics and advantages, the response has been slow so far. But we are confident that with increasing demand for sustainable construction, the product will gain market attention soon,” he added.

The company is participating in conferences and exhibitions to bring awareness of the new products and is expanding its dealer network. “Prompt customer service is our priority; customers can also access our complete range of spare parts online. IMFA & JSPL are currently manufacturing LWA/A-Sand and NTPC is setting up LWA Pilot plants to produce new generation products,” said Panchal.