KURITA GL

Anti-Clogging Agent for Coal Handling Systems
What is KURITA GL?

Anti-Clogging Technology for High-Moisture Coal

KURITA GL Series is a high-performance powder-type anti-clogging agent for coal handling systems. It is based on a high molecular weight alkali metal carboxylate polymer that modifies the surface properties of wet coal and disrupts the liquid cross-linking bonds between coal particles that cause adhesion and blockage.

The product is designed for coal-fired power plants, petrochemical plants, and industrial boilers that handle high-moisture coal, particularly during rainy seasons or when processing coal grades such as Kalimantan or Sumatra coal with total moisture exceeding 20%.

INDUSTRY CHALLENGE

High-Moisture Coal Causes Serious Handling Problems

Coal handling systems are designed to move large volumes of material efficiently.

However, when coal contains high surface moisture, the material can become sticky, slurry-like, and difficult to transport.

This can create problems throughout the handling process.

Common Coal Handling Problems
  • Clogging at conveyor transfer points
  • Coal adhesion inside hoppers, crushers, and bunkers
  • Reduced coal feeding stability
  • Frequent cleaning requirements
  • Production interruptions during rainy season
  • Increased manpower and maintenance costs
  • Lower conveyor throughput
  • Need for backup fuel when coal supply is disrupted


KURITA GL Series is intended to address these coal adhesion and clogging issues by modifying the behavior of wet coal at the particle surface level.

Mechanism of Action

How KURITA GL Works

KURITA GL works by changing how surface water behaves on coal particles.
 
The product does not remove total moisture from coal.
 
Instead, it modifies the physical state of the surface water and reduces the liquid bridging effect that causes coal particles to stick together.

Important Technical Note

KURITA GL product does not reduce the total moisture content of coal. It improves the physical handling condition of wet coal by converting slurry-like wet coal behavior into a more free-flowing and transportable material, without altering inherent moisture or calorific value.

Key Benefits of KURITA GL

Operational Benefits

Reduce Clogging and Blockage

KURITA GL helps prevent coal adhesion and clogging in handling systems, supporting more stable coal movement through conveyors, hoppers, crushers, and bunkers.

Increase Throughput

KURITA GL Series supports operation at full dry-season conveyor flow rates even during rainy season conditions.

Eliminate Clogging-Triggered Emergency Shutdowns

This product can support zero clogging-triggered outages and help maintain stable electricity generation year-round.

Reduce Cleaning Workload

Application of KURITA GL can lead up to 75% reduction in cleaning manpower and fewer cleaning cycles per shift.

Cost Benefits

Lower Cleaning OPEX

By reducing clogging and cleaning frequency, KURITA GL helps reduce manpower and cleaning-related operating expenses

Eliminate Backup Fuel Costs

KURITA GL can help eliminate the need for expensive heavy oil backup when primary coal supply is disrupted by clogging events.

Lower Electricity Cost

40% faster transport cycle time can reduce belt conveyor energy consumption per ton of coal processed.

Expand Acceptable Coal Range

Higher-moisture, lower-cost coal grades that were previously considered operationally unusable can be handled safely, supporting procurement flexibility.

APPLICATION AREA

Where KURITA GL Can Be Applied

Kurita GL Series can be applied at multiple points depending on the site layout and the location of the most serious clogging issue. The preferred method is dry powder spray or scatter directly onto moving coal on the conveyor belt upstream of the problematic transfer or clogging point. 

Application PointMethodExplanation
Belt conveyor upstream of crusherPowder spray nozzlePreferred point where natural mixing can occur at the transfer tower. 
Belt conveyor upstream of bunkerScatter via feederSuitable for sites facing bunker clogging problems.
Coal pile or stockyardManual spray plus heavy machinery mixingCan be used for ship unloading or stockyard handling scenarios.

No Major Equipment Modification Required

KURITA GL injection system installation can be completed without production shutdown.

SUMMARY

Coal Anti-Clogging Solution for High-Moisture Coal Handling

Kurita GL Series is an anti-clogging coal handling technology designed to improve the flowability of high-moisture coal in conveyor, hopper, crusher, and bunker systems. By modifying the surface properties of wet coal, Kurita GL Series helps reduce adhesion, minimize clogging, lower cleaning requirements, improve conveyor throughput, and support more stable plant operation during rainy seasons. The technology is especially suitable for coal-fired power plants, petrochemical plants, and industrial boilers handling high-moisture coal.

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Tetsuya Teramoto

Tetsuya Teramoto

Managing Director, Kurita R&D Asia Pte. Ltd.

Mr. Tetsuya Teramoto has served as Managing Director of Kurita R&D Asia Pte. Ltd. since 2024. Since joining Kurita Water Industries in 2006, he has accumulated nearly 20 years of experience in technology strategy, research and development, and business innovation, including investments in startup companies.

Throughout his career, Mr. Teramoto has led development projects across Japan, China, and the United States. Since 2023, he has been based in Singapore, where he has focused on accelerating technology development aligned with ASEAN market needs, strengthening partnerships with startups, universities, and other ecosystem stakeholders, and driving the creation of emerging solutions that contribute to the Kurita Group’s growth.

Mr. Teramoto holds a Master’s degree in Biosystem Studies from the University of Tsukuba, Japan. Leveraging his expertise in both research and development and business strategy, he is committed to driving innovation that transforms technology into business value and sustainable growth opportunities.

Zackariya

Mohamad Zackariya

Managing Director, Kurita (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.

Mr. Mohamad Zackariya has served as Managing Director of Kurita (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. since April 2023, capping a distinguished career of more than 25 years with the company. A Singaporean national, he joined Kurita Singapore in 1998 as a Design Engineer in the Plant Division and progressed through a series of leadership roles, including Manager, General Manager, Director, and ultimately Managing Director. His extensive experience has played a key role in strengthening the company’s technical capabilities, customer partnerships, and business growth across the region.

Holding a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Moratuwa, Sri Lanka and a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from Singapore Institute of Management, Mr. Zackariya combines deep technical expertise with strong business leadership. He is committed to advancing Kurita’s mission of creating shared value through innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable water solutions that support customers and industries throughout Southeast Asia.

Masato Hirai

Masato Hirai

Chief Administration Officer, ASEAN Regional

Mr. Masato Hirai serves as ASEAN Regional Chief Administration Officer at Kurita, a role he has held since 2023. With more than 25 years of experience in corporate administration, financial planning, and business operations, he brings extensive expertise in supporting organizational growth, strengthening governance, and driving operational excellence across international business environments.

Mr. Hirai joined Kurita Group in 2021 and has held leadership positions in Japan, Malaysia, Thailand, and Indonesia. Throughout his career, he has been responsible for financial planning and analysis, business administration, and the management of cross-functional corporate operations. He has also supported overseas subsidiaries across Asia, Europe, and North America, contributing to the development of effective business practices and strong stakeholder relationships. Prior to joining Kurita, he held management and planning roles at several multinational manufacturing and chemical companies.

Known for his strategic vision and collaborative approach to leadership, Mr. Hirai is committed to strengthening organizational performance and creating long-term sustainable growth. Currently based in Indonesia, he leverages extensive international experience to support Kurita’s regional development and business transformation initiatives. He graduated from Hitotsubashi University, Japan, with a Bachelor of Social Sciences degree in 1999.

Toshiaki Nakai

Toshiaki Nakai

General Director, Kurita-GK Vietnam Co. Ltd.

Mr. Toshiaki Nakai serves as General Director of Kurita-GK Vietnam Co. Ltd., a position he has held since April 2026. With more than 20 years of experience at Kurita, he has developed extensive expertise in water treatment solutions, business development, and customer partnership management across a wide range of industrial sectors, including general manufacturing, oil refining, and steel production.

Since joining Kurita Water Industries Ltd. in 2004 as a Sales Engineer, Mr. Nakai has supported customers in optimizing water use, enhancing operational efficiency, and advancing sustainability initiatives. He later expanded his leadership responsibilities in Indonesia, serving as General Manager of PT. Kurita Indonesia from 2022 to 2025 and Senior General Manager from 2025 to 2026, where he contributed to the company’s growth and strengthened its market presence.

Mr. Nakai holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Agriculture from Kobe University, Japan, graduating in 2004.

Toshinori Maema

Toshinori Maema

President Director, P.T. Kurita Indonesia

Mr. Toshinori Maema has served as President Director of PT. Kurita Indonesia since 2025, bringing over 20 years of experience in sales, marketing, technical, and business leadership within the water treatment industry. Having worked across Asia, Europe, and North America, he offers a global perspective on customer engagement, organizational development, and sustainable business growth.

Since joining the Kurita Group in 2004, Mr. Maema has held leadership positions at various Kurita companies in China, Europe, Japan, and Avista Technologies in the United States, where he served as President & CEO from 2023 to 2025 to focus on global initiatives to expand the Kurita reverse osmosis chemicals business. With more than half of his career spent outside Japan, he has developed extensive experience in leading multicultural teams and driving business growth across diverse markets.

Mr. Maema holds a degree in Biochemistry from Aoyama Gakuin University and completed the Leadership on Change program at IESE Business School. Fluent in Japanese, English, and Chinese, with elementary proficiency in German, he is passionate about fostering collaboration across cultures. Outside of work, he enjoys a wide range of sports, including golf, baseball, soccer, and basketball.