Chemical News - October 2014

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE INDIAN CHEMICAL COUNCIL

CHEMICAL NEWS VOL. XI z OCTOBER 2014 z NO. 4

SHRI ANANTH KUMAR HON’BLE MINISTER FOR

CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA CHIEF GUEST FOR THE ICC AWARD FUNCTION ON 30TH SEPT. 2014

PAGES 76

ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RS.1,500/- z PRICE PER COPY RS.150/-

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HON. EDITOR DR. PRAKASH TRIVEDI ADVISORY BOARD: MR. YOGESH KOTHARI MR. RAKESH BHARTIA DR. S. SIVARAM MR. RAJEEV PANDIA MR. SAPAN RAY EDITORIAL BOARD: MR. D. P. MISRA MR. RAVI RAGHAVAN PROF. A. B. PANDIT MS. MALINI HARIHARAN MR. H. S. KARANGLE EDITORIAL, SUBSCRIPTION & ADVERTISING OFFICE: C/O INDIAN CHEMICAL COUNCIL SIR VITHALDAS CHAMBERS 16 MUMBAI SAMACHAR MARG MUMBAI – 400 001 TEL: 022- 22047649/8043 FAX: 022-22048057 E-MAIL : cin@iccmail.in NORTHERN REGIONAL OFFICE: IDA HOUSE, 1ST FLOOR, SEC - IV R. K. PURAM, NEW DELHI - 110 022 TEL: 011-26176689/26192910 EMAIL: iccnro@iccmail.in EASTERN REGIONAL OFFICE: SHANTINIKETAN, 8 CAMAC STREET KOLKATA - 700 017 TEL: 033-22829395 EMAIL: iccero@iccmail.in SOUTHERN REGIONAL OFFICE: KURIAN COMPLEX, III FLOOR 140-A NELSON MANICKAM ROAD CHENNAI - 600 029 TEL: 044-23746326 EMAIL: iccsro@iccmail.in GUJARAT CHAPTER: 30, NUTAN BHARAT SOCIETY 103, LA – CITADEL COMPLEX, ALKAPURI VADODARA - 390 007 GUJARAT TELEFAX: 0265-2342969 EMAIL: iccgujarat@iccmail.in ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION INLAND – RS. 1,500 FOREIGN – U.S.$ 200 (AIR MAIL) SINGLE COPY – RS. 150

W H AT ’ S I N S I D E 5 EDITORIAL China - India - Japan Making of G3?

6 FROM THE DIRECTOR GENERAL 8 DEPT. OF CHEMICALS & PETROCHEMICALS, GOVT. OF INDIA Excerpts from the Annual Report 2013-14 and National Policy on Chemicals.

12 ICC AWARDS FOR 2013 ANNOUNCED Most prestigious awards for Chemical Industries and Professionals announced.

16 ICC ACTIVITIES 20 RESPONSIBLE CARE IS ABOUT TRUST : IT IS NOT JUST ABOUT KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS - Dr. Stan Higgins 24 MUSINGS OF A CHEMICAL ENGINEER - RAJAN SHAH 26 DR. STAN HIGGINS’ COLUMN Energy from Waste: Reduction in Carbon Footprint Requires Maximum Energy Recovery from Waste 30 RECENT ADVANCES IN DEPOLYMERISATION OF NYLONS - Prashant B. Savvashe, Pravin G. Kadam & Shashank T. Mhaske 37 CCPS’S VISION 2020: CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPANIES WITH GREAT PROCESS SAFETY PERFORMANCE - Jack McCavit, Scott Berger & Louisa Nara 44 ECONOMIC REVIEW 50 NEW CHEMICAL PROJECTS UPDATE 52 NEWS FROM MEMBERS 60 NEWS NATIONAL 68 NEWS INTERNATIONAL 74 QUOTABLE & LAUGHABLE

ICC’s Goal is to have Member-Companies joining the Responsible Care Programme.

The views expressed in the journal are not necessarily those of the Council.

VOL. XI OCTOBER 2014 NO. 4 CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 3

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EDITORIAL

CHINA-INDIA-JAPAN: A NEW G3 IN MAKING?

DR. PRAKASH TRIVEDI Honorary Editor

P

rime Minister Narendra Modi’s SARC initiative and subsequent visits to Bhutan and Nepal are regarded as steps taken by a statesman rather than by a mere politician. Though, there are some setbacks, particularly in relation to -not surprisingly -Pakistan, the hope of “Acche Din” continues to stay high even for India’s foreign relations.

Narendra Modi’s first trip as a PM to Japan not only raised our expectations for greater economic and defence relations and also for increase in cultural and religious cooperation.

The ease and warmth shown in meetings between Japanese PM Abe and Modi was specially eye catching.

Modi’s earlier visit to Japan as CM of Gujarat had indeed laid groundwork for this bonhomie and signing of Kyoto and Varanasi sister cities and cleaning of Ganga river agreements were simply outstanding not just symbolically but also practically.

The economic agreements of nearly $35Bl in five year’s investment for far reaching projects like furtherance of smart cities, Mumbai-Delhi Business and Freight corridor, Bullet train, Infrastructure developments, etc were heartwarming too.

With this background, visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping comes with much heightened expectations.

Will China bring greater investments?

Will it show greater sensitivity and

speed to solve issues like border row and stapled visa? Will it be more neighbourly and friendlier or prefer to continue to flex its muscles? Will it keep spreading its influence in our neighbouring countries, not to mention Africa?

Compared to milder Japan, one cannot expect China to be docile in any field of its activity. They have been big builders, bigger dreamers, fast paced action oriented people. We all know of various stories of how new mega cities, dams, roads, airports, residences, malls, come up in less time than anywhere else in the world. Hence in physical infrastructure building, China is simply unbeatable today. Chinese President Xi Jinping is allegedly the most powerful leader to rule after Deng Xiaoping!

In three days visit, Xi Jinping and Narendra Modi have already signed, through various subordinates, several agreements. The investments from China may come up to $20bl or more in five years. This is less than what Japan & India signed but looks somewhat more concrete with two Industrial parks in the offing for Chinese industries.

One would definitely wait and see the progress in both the fronts with cross fingers, remembering, however, that India gets more FDI, of nearly US$60 Bl, every year than what seem to have been promised by both giants in next five years! Of this, nearly 40% is for manufacturing and half of it in for chemicals. Add to this the trade between China & India at $70Bl every year and that between India and Japan is $16.3Bl ($17Bl between India and South Korea) per annum recently.

Thus, China is our largest trading partner in the world, though it is much skewed in China’s favour. All three countries now expect to substantially

increase joint trade with India by 2020/21.

Shri Narendra Modi has therefore a very important role to play. China and Japan have been at ‘war’ politically for quite some years now, yet it was Japanese investment, along with American that brought up China to this high table. In most economic matters, China & Japan have continued their cordial relations. Politics and economics have been kept separate. Under Modi, India is also expected to follow suit.

How well will India do, when both Japan and China take active steps to invest in India? So far, China has investment of only about $400Mn and Japan has $ 4.5Bl in recent times.

Thus, ‘AbeMo’ is ahead of ‘XiMo’ to continue some wordplay of our PM! Can our PM then play an innovative role of a greater matchmaker for the betterment of India, Asia and even the World? With nearly 38% of world population residing in these three countries, China, Japan and India need to work far more cohesively, cogently and comprehensively to bring this about. Sure both China and Japan are highly developed countries and India can best be called a developing one.

Japan does not share any border with any other country. If we can resolve border disputes, ours longstanding with China and Japanese /Chinese on some islands, and stop bloating egos, nothing looks impossible. Middle East continuing in burning mode, climate change looming real threats, whole Asia Expects this much from this newly coming together of G3!

And we have something that eventually both Japan and China respect: Buddha and Gandhi. Modi has done well to emphasise this soft power.

India should build on this, lest we need to import or learn even that from China and Japan! z

“A booster in the form of foreign collaboration can give a plane an assisted take-off, but it will be incapable of independent flight unless it is powered by engines of its own. If Indian industry is to take off and be capable of independent flight, it must be powered by science and technology based in the country. - Dr. Homi Bhabha.

CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 5

FROM THE DIRECTOR GENERAL

H. S. Karangle Director General - ICC

I

n recognition of chemical companies’ ongoing commitment to excellence, ICC gives Awards in various categories to these companies. ICC Awards are always held in great esteem in Indian chemical industry. This can be ascertained by increased number of applications for the Awards.

These Awards are conferred on the applicants through very stringent procedure of selection by Awards Selection Committee, which consists of stalwarts from academia and Indian chemical industry. Wherever required site visit/s are also organized.

During inauguration of INDIA CHEM GUJARAT 2013, the then Chief Minister of Gujarat and now Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi said that ‘Research and Innovation’ is the Mantra for the future of chemical industry. Laying a road map for the growth of the chemical sector which plays the role of facilitator for other sectors of economy, he suggested for giving focus to R&D and innovations with increased spend on R&D. This year’s notable feature is

increased number of applications in the category of DEVELOPMENT OF INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGY and EXCELLENCE IN CHEMICAL PLANT DESIGN & ENGINEERING. More and more applications in these categories clearly indicates that innovation and R&D is getting due importance in Indian chemical industry which will definitely lead to growth and prosperity of the Indian chemical industry. Selecting one winner amongst six applications for the DEVELOPMENT OF INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGY was indeed a very difficult task.

AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH / SAFETY / ENVIRONMENT is equally important for sustainable development of Indian chemical industry. It is heartening to note that number of applications in this category is increasing. This along with EXCELLENCE IN ENERGY CONSERVATION AND MANAGEMENT and WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN CHEMICAL INDUSTRY will definitely help Indian chemical companies to adopt Responsible Care.

Importance of Responsible Care cannot be overstated. In view of this ICC has organized session on Responsible Care in the OneDay Seminar on “RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE OF PERFORMANCE IN VARIOUS FACETS OF CHEMICAL INDUSTRY” on 30 September 2014 coinciding Awards Presentation Function. ICC would like to thank Dr. Hubert Mandery, Director General, European Chemical Industry Council

Excellence is potential chiselled into a more perfect state through vision, dedication and determination.

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Innovation is the fuel of corporate longevity. It endows resources with a new capacity to create wealth.

(CEFIC) and Dr Hans-Jurgen Korte, Executive Vice President, Solvay Corporate Government & Public Affairs who had specially came for ICC event.

Corporate Social Responsibility is one of the aspects of Responsible Care and ICC is giving award for Social Responsibility as well. With new CSR directives coming in operation, we are sure number of companies aspiring to get award in this category will also increase.

ICC would like to congratulate all award winning companies for excellence in performance and also thank for sharing their experience with the peers in the industry.

As it is known, ICC is propagating Nicer Globe Project which deals with safe transportation of hazardous goods in Indian chemical industry.

While ICC gives awards every year in various categories, I am delighted to inform you that ICC got Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Award 2014 for Chemical Logistics for Nicer Globe Project. ICC would like to congratulate all Team members and participating companies who are involved in this project. I take this opportunity to appeal all ICC members transporting hazardous goods to be part of Nicer Globe Project.

Following are other significant initiatives undertaken by the Council in the last month:

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING OF ALL INDIA PRINTING INK MANUFACTURERS’ ASSOCIATION LTD

All India Printing Ink Manufacturers’ Association Ltd is Associate Member of ICC and invited ICC to attend its AGM held on 12 September 2014 at Mumbai. Mr. Vipin Doshi, Advisor – RC, and Mr. R. R. Gokhale, Secretary General of ICC participated and made presentation on Responsible Care Initiative. Presentation was very well received and there were discussions also regarding ISO Standards visà-vis Responsible Care and brand value. In the audience there were representatives of SME sector and they also shown keen interest in committing for Responsible Care.

In fact ASHA PENN COLOR PVT LTD applied for membership of ICC and has agreed to commit for Responsible Care.

MEETING WITH MR. ANTHONY CLYMO, VICE PRESIDENT COMPETENCE CENTER - EHS & SECURITY ASIA PACIFIC, BASF & MEMBER OF RCLG

Mr. Anthony Clymo, Vice President

Competence Center - EHS & Security Asia Pacific, BASF & Member of RCLG was in Mumbai on Friday, 5 September 2014. ICC delegation consisting of Mr. Yogesh M. Kothari, President, Mr. Ravi Kapoor, Additional Vice President, Mr. Jai Hiremath, Past President, Mr. Jim Pesek and Mr. S. K. Ray of RELIANCE INDUSTRIES LTD, Mr. H. S. Karangle, Director General, Mr. Vipin Doshi, Advisor – RC and Mr. R. R. Gokhale, Secretary General-ICC attended the meeting. The main purpose of the meeting was to understand Responsible Care implementation in India.

Dr. Raman Ramachandran, Chairman & Managing Director & Sub Regional Head South Asia, Ms. Ashima Sushilchandra, General Manager – RC, Capt. Dinesh Desai, Mr. Allwyn Crasto, BASF INDIA LIMITED and other senior members were also in attendance.

Mr. Anthony Clymo gave good suggestions for RC implementation and shared RC status in China.

He appreciated ICC’s efforts in propagating RC in Indian chemical environment which is complex one and consist presence of small and medium scale industries. BASF

has assured full support to ICC in propagating RC.

RESPONSIBLE CARE

As on today, 118 member-companies of ICC have signed Responsible Care Initiative. 26 member-companies have been granted permission to use RC Logo for a period of three years and 7 member-companies have been granted permission to use RC Logo on fast track basis for a period of one year.

FORTHCOMING MEETINGS / CONFERENCES / SEMINARS:

ICC will be organizing following Meetings / Conferences / Seminars:

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INDIA CHEM 2014 on 9 – 11 October 2014 at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai One-day Industrial Seminar on ““EXPANDING AWARENESS OF GREEN CHEMISTRY & GREEN PROCESSES, FOR PLANT & PRODUCTION MANAGERS” on 16 October 2014 at Hotel Lords Plaza, Ankleshwar, Gujarat ICC’s 8th Annual India Chemical Industry Outlook Conference on 3 - 4 March 2015 at Hotel Taj Lands End, Mumbai. z

3

PATRON MEMBERS

LIFE MEMBERS

Aditya Birla Chemicals (India) Ltd.

DCM Shriram Ltd.

Aegis Logistics Limited

Gharda Chemicals Ltd.

Deepak Fertilizers & Petrochemicals Corpn. Ltd.

Godrej Industries Ltd.

Deepak Nitrite Limited

Gujarat Alkalies & Chemicals Ltd.

Essar Oil Limited

Hindustan Unilever Ltd.

Evonik Indaia Pvt. Ltd.

Lubrizol India Pvt. Ltd.

Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd.

National Aluminium Co. Ltd.

Hikal Limited

Sabic Innovative Plastics India P. Ltd.

Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd.

Shasun Chemicals & Drugs Ltd.

Reliance Industries Ltd.

Thirumalai Chemicals Ltd.

TATA Chemicals Ltd. UPL Limited CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 7

MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS

DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICALS & PETROCHEMICALS GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

[Courtesy: DCPC Annual Report 2013-14]

T

he Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals (DCPC) under the Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India aims: i. To formulate and implement policy and Programs for achieving growth and development of the

chemical and the petrochemical sectors in the country, and ii. To foster the spirit of public-private partnership for overall development of above mentioned sectors of the industry.

Organisation Chart (As of 31.05.2014) Minister C&F Shri Ananth Kumar Minister of State C&F Shri Nihal Chand Secretary Shri Indrajit Pal

Additional Secretary & Financial Adviser (Shri Rajiv Yadav) Director (Finance) (Sh. V.K. Mehta) Controller of Accounts (Sh. Arvind Kumar)

Joint Secretary (Chemicals) (Dr. Adithela Jai Vara Prasad) Director (Chem-I) (Sh. Arun Agarwal) Director (Chem-II) (Sh. Manish Kumar Vimal) Deputy Secretary (Admn.)

(Sh. D. Praveen) Joint Industrial Adviser (Sh. O.P. Sharma)

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Joint Secretary (Petrochemicals) (Sh. Avinash Joshi) Director (PC-I) (Sh. Sanjeev Kumar) Director (PC-II) (Sh. Prannoy Sharma) Additional Industrial Adviser (Sh. A.K. Agarwal)

Economic Adviser (Ms. Ranjana Kale)

Deputy Director General (Sh. A.K. Mathur)

Joint Director (Sh. M.S. Ravi) Joint Director (O.L.) (Sh. G.L. Chopra)

Deputy Director General (Sh. N.K. Sharma)

OVERVIEW OF CHEMICAL AND PETROCHEMICAL INDUSTRY According to estimates of the Central Statistical Office (CSO), chemicals and chemical products (Industry Division 24 of NIC 2004) accounted for 2.51% of the GDP (at 2004-05 prices) in 2012-13, compared to 2.53% in 2011-12. The share of this sector in the GDP from manufacturing sector at 2004-05 prices was 15.95%

during 2012-13, compared to 15.55% in 2011-12. The annual average Indices of Industrial Production (compiled by the CSO) for chemicals and chemical products (Industry Division 24 of NIC 2004) for 2013-14 stands at 138.6 as compared to 127.3 for 2012-13, implying a growth rate of 8.9%. As per the estimates of the CSO, the size of the Indian Chemical Industry in terms of value of output in the year 2012-13 was Rs.7,82,949 crore.

DRAFT NATIONAL CHEMICAL POLICY (FINAL DRAFT NCP-2014) (EXCERPTS) GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS DEPARTMENT OF CHEMICALS & PETROCHEMICALS The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals (DCPC) has undertaken the formulation of the National Chemical Policy in order to facilitate rapid growth of the chemical sector, support inclusive growth and improve employment opportunities.

The chemical sector faces a number of challenges such as: z Inadequate supply of feedstock; z Lack of strong R&D and technology base; z Shortage of skilled manpower; z Erratic and inadequate power supply; z Lack of quality infrastructure; z High cost of capital; z Complex tax structure; z Delays in getting approvals and clearances, etc., These often result in cost- and time over-runs and adversely affect the growth of this sector.

This policy aims to increase the share of the chemical sector in India’s GDP within a decade through various initiatives such as: z Setting up of chemical clusters; z Building enabling infrastructure; z Establishing National Chemical Centre;

z Evolving a chemical management framework; z Facilitating fast-track project clearances, technology up-gradation, expansion of manufacturing capacities & skill development; and z Identifying, as well as mitigating, the problems/ impediments afflicting the medium and small sector units The policy enunciates specific action points and remedial measures that require immediate attention.

It envisages a roadmap to enhance the contribution of the chemical sector to national GDP through several initiatives, measures and support mechanisms to enhance the competitive capabilities of the chemical sector.

The policy aims to achieve an optimal growth rate of 10% CAGR for the Indian chemical industry over the next ten years, in line with aims and goals detailed in the National Manufacturing Policy 2011.

The chemical industry is a very important constituent of the growing Indian economy. In terms of size, the Indian chemical sector ranks sixth in the world and third in Asia. It is not only one of the largest industrial sectors in the Indian economy, but also an important employment generator. The Indian chemical sector comprises small, CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 9

medium and large-scale units. Presently, there are about 70,000 chemical manufacturing units in the country.

As one of the largest and most diversified industries in the world, it is critical for economic sustenance and empowerment. Globally, the chemical industry is estimated at US$ 3.6 trillion. The Indian chemical industry, including fertilizers and pharmaceuticals, accounts for Rs 7.83 lakh crore (US$ 144 billion) in terms of value of output (2012-13). It has a 10% share in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP); 15% share of manufacturing output; and a 2.11% share of GDP. In 2012-13, Chemical sector exports was valued at Rs 1.78 lakh crore (9.4% of total exports), whereas imports were valued at Rs 2.34 lakh crore (8.6% of total Indian imports). The Indian chemical industry grew at a CAGR rate of 13.9% during the 11th Five Year Plan period (2007-12), whereas the manufacturing sector and the GDP grew at a CAGR of 8.4% and 8.0% respectively in this period.

The principal objectives of the policy are to create an enabling framework to catalyze manufacturing, in order to meet the growing demands in all areas, expedite fast track clearances, foster innovation, address environmental concerns & adopt green technologies, promote safety and security, encourage HRD & R&D through academic institutions and industry. These measures are to be initiated with a view to not only catering to the growing domestic needs, but also taking advantage of global export opportunities as a logical expansion of the industry.

Further, as the policy, per se, is an evolving and a dynamic 10 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

concept to facilitate the growth and development of the chemical sector, it may be revisited, as and when required in future, to address the emerging trends & scenarios.

The Policy aims to: Increase the chemical sector growth to 10% per annum, Enhance global competitiveness of the Indian chemical industry, Create a conducive environment for attracting large investments, Strive towards making India a reliable hub for the manufacture of quality chemicals, as also an R&D hub, by harnessing trained technical man-power, Ensure availability of necessary feedstock and quality infrastructure, Leverage significant export potential of the country, Adopt a cluster approach, Evolve a comprehensive Chemical Management Framework, Rationalise all statutory regulations and controls; Facilitate access to the latest technologies, Establish and promote “Knowledge Foundation Center, Focus on ‘green’ chemicals, especially derived from Ethyl alcohol and other renewable sources/biomass/bio wastes, Set up a “National Chemical Centre” for acting as a repository of chemical sector information, Put in place a robust and enabling framework for promoting safety and security of chemical facilities, Promote a disaster resistant and resilient chemical sector in the country, Enhance the image of the chemical industry by creating public awareness and knowledge.

The National Manufacturing Policy-2011 envisages a growth rate of 12 to 14% in the manufacturing sector.

Keeping in view the present trend in the chemical sector, it is projected that with a growth rate of 10% p.a., the Indian chemical industry could achieve an output value of Rs.

20.31 lakh crore (US$373.50 billion) by the year 2022.

The thrust areas include specialty chemicals, agrochemicals, ‘green’ chemicals including bio-fuels, ensuring adequate feedstock availability (both fossil and renewable), exploiting export opportunities for generic

agrochemicals and Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs). In a nutshell, a growth-oriented ecosystem, with emphasis on R&D, green technologies, infrastructure, safety & security and chemical clusters, will provide impetus to this sector.

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE (COE) During the 11th Five Year Plan, the following two CoEs were approved: (i) National Chemical Laboratory (NCL) Pune _ Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Polymer Industry through Research Innovation & Training (CoESPIRIT) and (ii) Central Institute of Plastics Engineering & Technology (CIPET), Chennai – Centre of Excellence for Green Transportation Network (GREET). The assets created under CoE-SPIRIT have not only resulted in a boost to contemporary research in Polymer Science, but also contributed to training of several members of polymer industry and academia. In case of CoE-GREET at CIPET Chennai, the outputs are in terms of promoting

academic, research and educational excellence through partnership between CIPET, India and University of Toronto and Ford Motors, Canada. 20 research scholars have been registered and deputed to University of Toronto and 15 research scholars have registered under different Indian Universities.

Based on the recommendations of the Expert Group, set up for assessment of performance of the selected CoEs during the 11th Plan, the 3rd and final installment of Rs. 2 crore each was released to National Chemical Laboratory, Pune and CIPET, Chennai in March 2013.

OBJECTIVES & COMPONENTS OF COES CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE (COE) XI PLAN CoE for Green Transportation Network (GREET) at CIPET, Chennai in collaboration with University of Toronto (UoT), Canada

CoE for Sustainable Polymer Industry through Research Innovation & Training (CoE-SPIRIT) at National Chemicals Laboratory (NCL), Pune XII PLAN CoE for advanced Polymeric Materials at IIT, Delhi

CoE on Sustainable Green materials at CIPET, Bhubaneswar in collaboration with Michigan State University (MSU), USA

CoE for Sustainable Polymers at IIT, Guwahati

OBJECTIVES/COMPONENTS a) Design and Engineering of light weight and sustainable hybrid green composite auto parts; b) Development of dimensionally and thermally stable green composites; c) Fundamentals of rheology, inter phase, functional components and surface engineering; and d) Performance evaluation, life cycle analysis, recyclability and prototyping.

(20 Ph.D students, 5 at UoT and 15 at CIPET are working on the research activities of the centre. (i) Research and Scientific Services Programme (RSSP) – fundamental research on Reactor-Structure-Property Relationship (RSPR) (this includes reactor modeling, processing simulator and structure development); And (ii) Learning and Sharing Programs (LSP)

a) Fabrication, characterization of polymer nano composites and their performance assessment to enable new application development; b) Synthesis and characterization of polymer based composites and other materials for EMI shielding applications; and c) Synthesis and characterization of semi-conducting polymers and their filled composites for various electronic applications.

Phase I: Bio-resins from vegetable / plant oils (non-edible); Phase II: Bio-based adhesives / coating materials with enhanced curing mechanism from renewable resources; Phase III: Blends and composites from bio-resin / recycled plastics 15 Ph.D students (2at MSU and 13 at CIPET) and 1 Post Doctoral are working on the research activities of the centre.

To develop cost-effective and scalable technologies for the production of biodegradable polymer based end-products using both petrochemical and renewable bio-feedstock.

13 Ph.D students are working on the research activities fo the centre.

CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 11

ICC AWARDS FOR 2013 FOR VARIOUS CATEGORIES HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED ICC ACHARYA P.C. RAY AWARD FOR DEVELOPMENT OF INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGY Conferred on

AVRA LABORATORIES PVT. LTD., HYDERABAD AVRA Laboratories has achieved significant breakthrough in manufacturing an anti-cancer drug – Irinotecan, through a total synthesis of 7-Ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38). The innovative technology developed by Avra is the total synthesis of Irinotecan, a compound with high molecular complexity. This drug is a semi-synthetic derivative of the natural product Camptothecin and used to treat colorectal cancer. Using a 20 step synthesis, Avra has developed a commercially viable process to produce Irinotecan and its intermediates with a higher purity at a lower cost. Conventionally, Irinotecan and its intermediates such as SN-38 is made from Camptothecin, a compound derived through extraction from a plant source – Camptotheca acuminata.

ICC AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN CHEMICAL PLANT DESIGN & ENGINEERING Conferred on

GUJARAT STATE FERTILIZERS & CHEMICALS LTD., VADODARA GSFC has developed the process of producing Hydroxyl Amine Sulphate crystals from 26% hydroxyl Amine Sulphate solution in laboratory and pilot plant. It is completely an in-house technology development. Based on data obtained from pilot Plant GSFC has designed and installed 1200 MTPY capacity HAS Crystal Plant.

This helped in reduction of imports by 1200 MTPY of HAS crystals. GSFC has been awarded patent on this process know-how.

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ICC AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN MANAGEMENT OF HEALTH / SAFETY / ENVIRONMENT CATEGORY – I : ANNUAL SALES REVENUE ABOVE RS. 500 CRORES Conferred on

E.I.DUPONT INDIA PVT. LTD., GURGAON

E. I. DuPont adheres to the highest standards to ensure the safety, health of employees’, customers and the community in general in which it operates. DuPont India Knowledge Centre achieved 5 years of injury free operations. Its plants at Madurai and Savli have achieved 13 years of injury-free operations and the Savli Plant has a zero discharge facility.

AND CATEGORY – I : ANNUAL SALES REVENUE ABOVE RS. 500 CRORES Conferred on

NAGARJUNA FERTILIZERS AND CHEMICALS LTD., KAKINADA

Nagarjuna Fertilizers and Chemicals have implemented 14 elements of Process Safety Management. The continual reduction in air emission which is much below the level stipulated by State Pollution Control Board. NFCL has a zero discharge site. It has all the facilities for fire safety and emergency response People are regularly trained and mock drills and table top exercise are conducted regularly.

CATEGORY – II : ANNUAL SALES REVENUE BELOW RS. 500 CRORES Conferred on

NATIONAL PEROXIDE LIMITED, MOHONE, KALYAN, MAHARASHTRA At NPL (National Peroxide Ltd.) all manufacturing processes are closely monitored with DCS and Advance Process Control ensuring compliance to all required safety standards and control of environmental emissions. With its focus on ‘reduce-recycle-reuse’ approach for water conservation, NPL has most modern and technologically advance Effluent Treatment Plant having latest technology of tertiary treatment system consisting of Dissolved Air Floatation, UV Treatment and Reverse Osmosis. Other advance treatment techniques are being explored for achieving zero discharge.

ICC AWARD FOR EXCELLENCE IN ENERGY CONSERVATION & MANAGEMENT CATEGORY – I : ANNUAL SALES REVENUE ABOVE RS. 500 CRORES Conferred on

BHARAT PETROLEUM CORPORATION LTD., MUMBAI REFINERY

At BPCL refinery, energy optimization is emphasized through rainwater harvesting, condensate recovery, steam leak management, use of VFD, high efficiency motors and appliances. Technology is leveraged for improving energy efficiency by modification in process units, use of Advance Process Control (APC) Systems, Modeling techniques, etc. These initiatives resulted in improving the Specific Energy Consumption of Mumbai Refinery from 71.95 MTBU/NRGF/BBL in 2009-10 to 66.45 MTBU/NRGF/ BBL in 2012-13, making it the 2nd best in Energy Intensity Index amongst PSU refineries in India, as per benchmarking study by Centre for High Technology (CHT).

CERTIFICATE OF MERIT: Conferred on

CENTURY RAYON

(Divn. of Century Textiles & Industries Ltd.) Shahad, Maharashtra Century Rayon has a successful track record towards energy conservation and management. The company, being a Responsible Care Organisation, leaves no scope for wasting Energy in any form and is adapting the Philosophy of 3R - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Energy Conservation Targets are well planned at the beginning of the year and taken as Mission by each department and the road Map for energy conservation is prepared well in time. These Mission targets are reviewed on a monthly

basis. All the Energy saving Schemes identified through Department goals or Projects, Suggestion Schemes, Energy Loss Red Tag and COPQ’s are implemented.

CATEGORY – II : ANNUAL SALES REVENUE BELOW RS. 500 CRORES Conferred on

ASIAN PAINTS LIMITED, PANOLI

At Asian Paints, measures were taken to reduce operating load from 1200+ kW to 1160 kW, major savings were achieved when innovative heat recovery system, coupled with up gradation of steam turbine, was implemented.

This combination enabled reduction in Natural gas consumption by over 35%, from 3500 Nm3 day to 2200 Nm3 day, and corresponding reduction in Carbon Dioxide Emission by over 30%.

CERTIFICATE OF MERIT: Conferred on

NATIONAL PEROXIDE LIMITED Mohone, Kalyan, Maharashtra NPL is one of the few companies which have implemented Energy Management System (ISO 50001:2011) as part of its Integrated Management System. Some of the key implemented projects include installation of Energy Efficient Screw Compressors with Variable frequency Drive unit, Trimming of pump impellers, Replacement of old pumps with Energy Efficient Lowest Lifecycle Cost pumps, installation of High, Premium efficiency IE2 and IE3 Energy efficient motors, and replacement of old Light fittings with LED type light fittings has resulted in significant reduction in power consumption.

ICC AWARD FOR WATER RESOURCE MANAGEMENT IN CHEMICAL INDUSTRY CATEGORY – I : ANNUAL SALES REVENUE ABOVE RS. 500 CRORES Conferred on

CATEGORY – I : ANNUAL SALES REVENUE ABOVE RS. 500 CRORES Conferred on

Jamnagar Refinery, Gujarat Many Water Conservation Projects are implemented at Essar Oil with cost about Rs 8.0 cores & resulted saving of about Rs 10 crores till 31st Mar’ 14. The Refinery has installed modern state of the art Waste Water Treatment plant by M/S VA TECH WABAG to handle wastewater from Refinery (process, tankage, loading and utility areas). All wastewater generated in the refinery is treated to meet the disposal standard as given by Statutory Authority. As rainwater harvesting, six rain water ponds (total capacity = 200,000 M3) at strategic locations are created for holding rainwater during monsoon which is being used for horticulture and improving ground water quality.

Thane, Maharashtra The waste water post treatment plant, which deploys ion exchange resins and RO membranes manufactured

by LANXESS, is a perfect example of their commitment towards wzaer resource manaement.Their site at Nagda already had a full-fledged effluent treatment plant (ETP) and a state-of-the-art sewage treatment plant which treated sewage water from the colonies around and rendered it fit for use in the production processes. This plant, commissioned in November 2012, treats the discharge from the existing ETP in a manner that virtually no liquid effluent is discharged from the site. The water recovered from this plant is used for the production

ESSAR OIL LIMITED

LANXESS INDIA PRIVATE LTD.

CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 13

processes, which not only bridges the gap in availability of water during the summer months but also prevents contamination of river Chambal, the primary source of water for the villagers downstream.

Panoli, Gujarat Solvay has committed by the year 2020 to (a) reduce further by 10% the withdrawal of drinking water and

groundwater and (b) implement a Sustainable Water Management in 100 % of our sites under water stress.

The site voluntarily adopted the ground water remediation based on historical contamination before acquisition.

Remediation is done through hydraulic containment.

Abstracted water is treated and recycled. Besides a state of the art waste water treatment facility is installed for treating the effluent streams and recycle them back into the process. This has been able to reduce effluent discharge quantity by 80% and fresh water consumption by 40%. The water treated from both these systems meets stringent water quality requirements such as boiler feed water.

ICC AWARD FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

ICC LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

CATEGORY – II : ANNUAL SALES REVENUE BELOW RS. 500 CRORES Conferred on

SOLVAY SPECIALITIES INDIA PVT. LTD.

CATEGORY – I : ANNUAL SALES REVENUE ABOVE RS. 500 CRORES Conferred on

Conferred on

MR. CHIMANLAL K. MEHTA Chairman, Deepak Group.

RELIANCE INDUSTRIES LIMITED

As a Corporate citizen, RIL has integrated its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) around business philosophy to promote inclusive growth. RIL CSR policy as articulated in 2006 by the Chairman Honorable Sh. Mukesh D. Ambani is focused on creating and enhancing value of different assets - Human, Physical, Environment and Social. It also encourages employees to carry out voluntary CSR programmes as well.

Reliance foundations, the social & charitable arm of the group under the chairperson of Smt. Nita M. Ambani is instrumental spearheading the CSR initiatives on pan India basis mainly focusing on Rural transformation, improving quality of education, affordable quality health care, urban renewal, promotion of social & culture welfare & preservation of its rich heritage.

CATEGORY –I I : ANNUAL SALES REVENUE BELOW RS. 500 CRORES Conferred on

ULTRAMARINE & PIGMENTS LIMITED

Ranipet, Tamilnadu Ultramarine & Pigments Ltd. has the social service wing; Thirumalai charity trust (TCT) has started its operations around the factory. The scope of activities has expanded along with the growth of the company. UPL is located in a backward district. The leadership has felt the need of development of the community around it. UPL has chosen its area of operation as 317 villages in the 3 blocks (Block is a panchayat union comprising of a number of panchayats (villages) in Vellore district. Its first activity was targeted on the emancipation and empowerment of women who are less educated, and poor.

14 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

ICC D.M.TRIVEDI LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FOR CONTRIBUTION TO INDIAN CHEMICAL INDUSTRY FOR MANAGEMENT OF INDUSTRY: Conferred on

MR. D. P. MISRA

Director Development Consultants Pvt. Ltd.

FOR EDUCATION & RESEARCH Conferred on

DR. M. O. GARG

Director, Indian Institute of Petroleum, Dehradun

The Awards will be presented to the winners at a Special Function being organised on 30th September 2014 at Taj Mahal Hotel, Mumbai. Shri Ananth Kumar, Hon’ble Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers, Government of India has kindly agreed to be the CHIEF GUEST. Padma Vibhushan Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Former Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission of India, will be the Guest of Honour. z

CHEMICAL NEWS APRIL 2014 z 9

MR. RAVI KAPOOR, VICE PRESIDENT-ICC, DELIVERING THE WELCOME ADDRESS. SEATED ARE DR. WILLIAM ORTON, MANAGING DIRECTOR - INTERNATIONAL ISOCYANATE INSTITUTE (III), NEW JERSEY – USA, MR. DEEPAK MEHTA, PAST PRESIDENT –ICC AND MG. DIRECTOR-DEEPAK NITRITE LTD AND DR. KURT MEURER, HEAD - BAYER GROUP PHOSGENE STEERING GROUP (PSG), LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY.

3RD INTERNATIONAL PHOSGENE CONFERENCE

I

ndian Chemical Council, Gujarat Chapter, organised the 3RD INTERNATIONAL PHOSGENE CONFERENCE on 27th August, 2014 at Vadodara. The event was extremely successful with active participation of the key Phosgene manufactures and users from the state and the country. This conference has now become an annual event and very much sought after given the presence of the key producers and users in the India Of special mention and significance are the consistent and active support of the extremely qualified faculty from abroad, most of who have been present every year

and are real experts in Phosgene related issues. It is especially gratifying that this year also, we had the most prolific mix of international presenters from across the globe.

Other Experts apart from Dr. Kurt Meurer, Head - Bayer Group Phosgene Steering Group (PSG), Leverkusen, Germany & Dr. William Orton, Managing Director International Isocyanate Institute (III), New Jersey – USA, who made their presentations and shared their experience on safety, regulatory compliance and precautions to be taken while handling the phosgene were:

DR. WOLFGANG MACKENROTH, EXTRAORDINARY PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY, UNIVERSITY OF STELLENBOSCH, REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA & BASF SE, GERMANY

DR. SHELLY SAGAR, MEDICAL DOCTOR, BAYER INDIA

16 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

MR. ULRICH HOLLMANN, BAYER CHINA, SHANGHAI, CHINA

MR. ALEX XU, BASF CHINA, SHANGHAI, CHINA

MR. MARTIN SCHIFFHAUER, BAYER MATERIALSCIENCE AG, LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY.

MR. ATUL KHETTRI, HEAD – CAS&PT , BAYER MATERIAL SCIENCE, ANKLESHWAR

The 3rd edition of the Phosgene safety conference was especially significant as ICC-Gujarat looking into the severity of the hazard and the crying need for building better awareness but also growing needs and prospects of using phosgene decided to launch the Indian Phosgene Council (IPC) from this year onwards during this event.

Mr. Ravi Kapoor, Vice President, ICC & Chairman, ICC-Gujarat in his welcome speech explained that the 3rd conference was reaching a stage of maturity and now required a regular follow up through the year to ensure

MR. SHARAD PHOTGUN, GM CORPT.-SHE, ATUL LTD.

MR. HEMANT YADAV, ENGINEER, TDI PLANT –GNVFC LTD.

effective implementation of all the measures suggested during the conference as well as engender a close interaction between the producers and users for mutual benefit. He also welcomed Mr. Deepak Mehta, Past President-ICC & Managing Director - Deepak Nitrite Ltd, who had kindly consented to be the Chief Guest for this function.

The Indian Phosgene Council was launched by the traditional lighting of lamp by the distinguished panel of speakers. Mr. Deepak Mehta, Dr. Kurt Meurer, Dr. William Orton participated in the lamp lighting and

DIGNITARIES LIGHTING THE TRADITIONAL LAMP TO LAUNCH THE INDIAN PHOSGENE COUNCIL. STANDING (FROM L TO R) ARE: DR. PRAKASH TRIVEDI, HON. EDITOR – CHEMICAL NEWS, MR. RAVI KAPOOR, MR. DEEPAK MEHTA, DR. WILLIAM ORTON AND DR. KURT MEURER.

CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 17

DR. WILLIAM ORTON, MANAGING DIRECTOR - INTERNATIONAL ISOCYANATE INSTITUTE (III), NEW JERSEY – USA, ADDRESSING THE DELEGATES

launched the ‘Indian Phosgene Council’. Dr. Atul Khettry of Bayer Material Science kindly agreed to chair the council, which comprised of Mr. S. K. Hazra, Chairman, ICC Sustainability, RC & SHE Expert Committee, Mr. Rajan Salot, Bayer Material Science, Mr. Kapil Vatse, Dr. Sharad Photgun, Atul Ltd. Mr. Anand Kane, CWC Help Desk - ICCGujarat, Mr.V.C.Vishnoi, Dishman Pharmaceuticals Ltd. and Mr. R. Kannan and Mr. Kundan Patel from United Phosphorous Ltd. During his address Mr. Kapoor also pointed out that large volumes of Tri-phosgene was imported and the safe handling of Tri-phosgene needed to be addressed and he requested the speakers to shed light on this aspect during their presentations. He mentioned that phosgene though a hazard was not much more hazardous than Chlorine or Bromine and there existed a huge opportunity for the chemical industry in Phosgene chemistry as well as the fact that India figured very low in the total volume of phosgene produced in the country. Understandably there is a bogey around the manufacturing of Phosgene but with a safe and responsible handling and for us it is a very much manageable task and would provide a huge boost to production of products relying on Phosgene chemistry.

Mr. Deepak Mehta during his address appreciated the initiative and efforts of ICC-Gujarat as well as the proactive support of all the speakers and the companies they represented. He went down historic lane and mentioned that Phosgene was invented way back in 1812 in UK and was named by combining the Greek words ‘phos’ (meaning light) and genesis (birth).

Phosgene was used by Japanese army against China during World War-I. He mentioned that though about 50,000 Mt of phosgene is produced in India, it’s main products like Isocyanates, Di-phosgene and Tri-phosgene are imported in large quantities for the use by the 18 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

Polyurethane and agrochemical industry in India.

Polyurethane is an emerging segment worldwide, consuming these isocyanates. ‘Moserbear’ the manufacturer of CD & DVD is the largest consumer of Polycarbonate in the world. Per-capita consumption of Phosgene in Nigeria is much higher than India. China is the leader in chemical industry, while continuously growing at the rate of 23% per annum and has maintained the pace since many past years. Indian chemical industry needs to learn such growth patterns in order to remain stronger and bring-in larger investments in this segment.

He complimented the Indian Chemical Council for initiating the Indian Phosgene Council and mentioned that this would be of a big benefit.

It would not be out of place to mention that purpose of the ‘International Phosgene Safety Conference’ in India is to present and to explain/guide the current Phosgene safety measures used in various manufacturing processes and laboratory developments, but also to raise awareness of key issues of Phosgene safety. The international experience exchange meetings are the platform of a phosgene safety dialogue of global and local experts and an occasion to present new or proven safety solutions to local users and producers as well as to openly discuss rootcauses and lessons learned of incidents or near-misses.

It is also an excellent opportunity for State and Central authorities to learn and to exchange community information about state-of-the-art technologies and the highest level of tried-and-tested Phosgene industry practices. To this end, the conference was briliant success and ICC-Vadodara is to be complimented. ICC also wishes the Indian Phosgene Council great success in the future. z DR. KURT MEURER, HEAD - BAYER GROUP PHOSGENE STEERING GROUP (PSG), LEVERKUSEN, GERMANY, DELIVERING HIS ADDRESS

ICC MEMBER-COMPANIES PERMITTED TO USE

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Aditya Birla Chemicals India Ltd. Apcotex Industries Ltd. Astec Lifesciences Ltd. BASF India Limited Brenntag Ingredients (India) Pvt. Ltd. Century Rayon Clariant Chemicals (India) Ltd. Colourtex Industries Ltd. Deepak Nitrite Ltd. Dishman Pharmaceuticals & Chemicals Ltd. Dorf Ketal Chemicals (I) Pvt. Ltd. Dorf Ketal Speciality Catalyst Pvt. Ltd. Dow AgroSciences India Pvt. Ltd.(Lote Parshuram Unit) Dow Chemical International Pvt. Ltd. (Kalwa Unit) E.I. DuPont India Pvt. Ltd. Excel Industries Ltd. Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd. Heubach Colour Pvt. Ltd. Hikal Limited Indian Additives Ltd. Laxmi Organic Industries Ltd. Nagarjuna Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd. Navin Fluorine International Ltd. Rallis India Limited Rohm and Haas (India) Pvt. Ltd. S I Group – India Ltd. Solvay Specialities India Pvt. Ltd. SRF Limited Supreme Petrochem Ltd. Tagros Chemicals India Ltd. Tata Chemicals Ltd. Thirumalai Chemicals Ltd. UPL Limited.

RESPONSIBLE CARE IS ABOUT TRUST

IT IS NOT JUST ABOUT KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS

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ESPONSIBLE CARE is a selfregulated initiative formulated by the Chemical Industry of Canada in 1985 and represents the sectors desire to improve health, safety, and environmental performance and its image in the eyes of its stakeholders.

In almost every country, over the last 30 years, it has become an obligatory requirement of companies to sign up to the principles of Responsible Care in order to become a member of the national chemical industry trade association.

This initiative’s simple philosophy is that a company commits to contributing to the betterment of society, while minimising environmental impacts and any adverse consequences to society as a whole.

However, despite this apparently straightforward thinking the Responsible Care journey has not been easy for the industry. It certainly hasn’t been easy to implement in a uniform way because it requires cultural change and sometimes

20 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

investment - if not in people and training – then occasionally in physical assets also.

The cultural premise that is required is that companies to “do the right thing” even at times above their profit motives. Furthermore, it requires companies – both individually and collectively - to proactively demonstrate commitment to public verification of their impact against a number of key measures.

As it stands today, in some troublesome cases, we have companies in which Responsible Care has become a box-ticking exercise - yet for others adopting its principles has revolutionised their business culture, processes and prospects.

SOCIETAL PRESSURE During the last half of the 20th Century societal pressure grew to regulate the chemical industry. This pressure peaked when some serious incidents occurred at locations such as Bhopal India, Pasadena USA, Flixborough England and Seveso Italy to name but a few.

Some of the incidents not only

had explosive impacts but also resulted in severe health and environmental impacts. Furthermore, by the turn of the century, public perception of the chemical sector was at an all-time low.

Certainly in the UK, where surveys were carried out over a number of years by the Chemical Industry Association, fewer and fewer people seemed appreciative of what the sector did for them and were adverse to industry locating into their regions.

Several further studies indicated that this was an issue of trust. This is the true underpinning notion of responsible care - it is the issue of trust.

INDUSTRY RESPONSE In many countries chemical industry leaders have initiated the journey to responsible care. However, it is still the case that some business leaders have not yet appreciated that, unlike most journeys, there is no end to it.

The goal posts set by communities, regulators and Responsible Care committed companies will be forever changing, thereby impacting the performance of the company and bringing increasing scrutiny of its products old and new; its processes and materials used.

Responsible Care should actually be seen by companies to be about business sustainability, through capturing the hearts and minds of the industry’s stakeholders.

It can do this by providing the framework through which to liaise and inform local communities and wider stakeholders - involving them in collecting and interpreting performance data and agreeing the consequent messages that are more likely to be understood by society as a whole.

Sometimes these fundamental ideas get lost in a company’s desire to gain local accreditation from its national trade association who will have put in place a number of reportable measures. We must remember it is not about the measures themselves – it is the

wider impacts that they reflect that should be important.

Measures do provide a reflection on performance and bring the possibility of benchmarking, but we must not miss the point that Responsible Care is much more about sharing and implementing best practice in the full knowledge of our stakeholders. To achieve this participants need to adopt three fundamental principles.

3 GUIDING PRINCIPLES Responsible Care requires that companies: 1 Must do the right thing; 2 Be open and responsive to public concerns; and 3 Adopt product stewardship taking products from cradle to grave and to cradle again.

DOING THE RIGHT THING In the not too distant past and in most circumstances the chemical Industry, like many other industries, would do enough to respond to the regulatory requirements of the territories in which they operated.

Unfortunately, records show that

in many instances this has not been enough to protect humans nor the environment. In reality what society wants to do is give the chemical sector its trust and Responsible Care suggests that Industry must do the right thing in order to gain that trust.

By implementing these ideas, 30 years down the line, we have seen Industry globally adopting this principle. It has been steadily moving from simply being compliant with local regulation to the position of being ethically-driven.

Leading advocates of Responsible Care are driving continuous improvement and even advocating appropriate legislative updates by regulators. A recent and controversial example is in Europe where public representatives proposed further environmental control of materials through the REACH regulations.

In the spirit of Responsible Care industry did not fight these principles but worked hard with the regulators in an attempt to soften the administrative and financial burden of any new regulations that were implemented.

This is a true example of where Responsible Care principles ensured that industry in Europe, through its representative bodies such as CEFIC, did the right thing. Despite the administrative impact on the individual companies within the sector, focus remained on the interests of stakeholders above industry.

OPEN AND RESPONSIVE DIALOGUE Ultimately how companies interact with their local communities will change the perception of the chemical industry. National bodies can give leadership and support but the hearts and minds of stakeholders can only be captured on a local basis by individual companies.

Responsible Care principles require businesses to adopt an approach of active listening and CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 21

active discourse. This is essential to identify underlying concerns and to accurately represent the risks involved in operations and products.

Stakeholders really do want to understand the measures and processes taken by their local companies to minimise risk. In its most sophisticated form this will lead to overt integration of companies by stakeholders and then companies addressing their concerns during project planning and implementation.

Such a consensual approach should be beneficial to any project and ethically correct if our industry is to be trusted into the future.

One reviewer of the impact of Responsible Care has commented: “Responding to public concerns through an ethical approach requires sensitivity to the changing nature of concerns over time. Responsible Care has been successful in this, as evidenced by its evolution to include verification, community advisory panels and the sustainable principles of green chemistry. The most recent revision of the ethic includes preventive and green engineering principles.”

Despite such positivity about the industries implementation of Responsible Care, personally I am not sure that we have the data through our national Responsible Care KPI’s that show we can be reassured about the industry’s performance on this crucial point. How can we measure the openness and responsiveness of companies? We need measures that enable companies to reflect their activity and commitment to this philosophy via the interaction with their local communities. More than anything we do as a sector, active listening and active discourse will do more to build trust in the industry than any other technical measurement we can make.

National associations must insist that their members focus more and more on such corporate social responsibility activities - even as 22 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

society itself becomes more and more complex. Our stakeholders are becoming more sophisticated but we must continue to engage in meaningful dialogue with them.

DEEPER PRODUCT STEWARDSHIP Studies have shown that a majority of the general public does not appreciate when and where they come into contact with chemicals.

They do not associate the plastics, fuels and lubricants in their transport vehicles with this industry. They do not link their cosmetics, food packaging, construction materials in their homes nor their electronic devices to the chemical industry. The list is simply too long to name here.

Responsible Care principles, from their very beginning in Canada, stated that the chemical industry recognises that “caring about its products and their potential impact on people and the environment should not stop at the chemical plant gate”.

What this requires is that we in the chemical industry take responsibility for the way that our industry’s downstream customers ultimately use our products; and dispose of them.

Today a Responsible Care committed company should be advising and helping its customers in the handling of the materials it sells.

They must also be aware and diligent about how its customers use the product further downstream. Even to the point of not supplying materials to those who are potentially using the products inappropriately.

Whether the chemical industry likes it or not, it is our sector that is perceived by the public as the least understood and most dangerous part of the supply chain to consumer products; even when it is some distance in the downstream supply chain where an incident has occurred. A comprehensive product stewardship activity needs to be reinforced by the industry’s Responsible Care KPI’s.

DATA MUST REFLECT PUBLIC CONCERNS If Responsible Care is being implemented in a committed way by a company some of the data it will report will be company and community specific. Noise abatement at night for example may very much be a local issue.

Companies within industry have certainly been able to demonstrate steadily improving safety performance statistics.

The data collected by national associations will also reflect on wider issues. A technical measure that has become more and more important to stakeholders is the total emissions of climate change gases by our industry. As an example the European association of chemical industry trade bodies, CEFIC, collates data about this annually from each individual country and can now show stakeholders that whilst European chemical output has doubled over the last 20 years, its green-house gas emissions have halved.

It is important that both local measures and those of national if not global importance are delivered regularly to local stakeholders with best endeavours by individual companies; so that the public’s confidence grows in our data.

Discussing these matters openly and regularly with the public is the only way we will ultimately gain their trust.

Trust in the chemical industry will not come about by companies just delivering ever improving KPI’s. It will take more than this to win the hearts and minds of our stakeholders. A deeper adoption the principles of Responsible Care will certainly help our industry go further on that never ending journey.

DR. STAN HIGGINS is CEO of the Northeast of England Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC), a leading European Cluster for the chemical process industries see www. nepic.co.uk. NEPIC and ICC work closely on business development projects. Any opinions expressed in this column are those of Dr. Higgins alone.

MUSINGS OF A CHEMICAL ENGINEER RAJAN SHAH’S COLUMN

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his column will address the subject of mixing and it’s importance in the chemical industry. This discussion is restricted to fluid mixing, which includes liquid-liquid mixing, gasliquid mixing, solids suspension and solids dissolution. Solid-solid mixing and blending have been excluded.

Fluid mixing is typically performed in tanks and reactors. Reactors are typically jacketed closed tanks with an agitator. This discussion deals with fluid mixing applications involving low viscosity Newtonian fluids, which cover majority of applications in the chemical industry. Non-Newtonian fluids are usually encountered in the polymer industry and are excluded from these musings. Fluid mixing is used to blend miscible liquids, intensify interfacial contact between immiscible liquids, disperse and even dissolve gases in liquids, suspend and/or dissolve solids, precipitate or crystallize solids from solution, reduce particle size of solids and in other special operations. The agitator consists of a shaft and impeller(s). The impellers perform the mixing action and promote heat transfer. Impellers can be classified into Anchor, Paddle, Propeller and Turbine. Turbines are further classified into Radial and Axial Flow Turbines. In addition there are special purpose agitators such as the gas inducing agitator which 24 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

is used for carrying out gas-liquid reactions, typically hydrogenation and high shear impellers among others. The selection of the impeller depends on the fluid viscosity and the specific process application. The most common impellers used are Propellers and Turbines.

The selection and design of agitators require reasonably detailed information on the process being performed. From the process information available, the agitator designer defines the level of agitation required. Once this decision has been made, the designer will choose the type and number of impellers, calculate the power draw and complete the mechanical design of the agitator. For most low viscosity applications, the power draw would be in the range of 1-1.5 HP for 4,000 litres. In the majority of the chemical plants that I have visited here, I have observed that the motors driving 4,000 litre vessels are more likely to be 7.5 – 10 HP. This does seem to be a waste of both money and energy.

I was once consulted by a pharmaceutical manufacturer to assist them in reducing the power costs for a fermentation reactor.

They had developed a new antibiotic produced via fermentation in a 1,000 litre pilot scale fermenter. The agitator on the fermentation vessel was equipped with a 10 HP motor and they had calculated the cost of electrical power used for producing

the drug by scaling up the reactor volume and the agitator horsepower.

When I studied the data, it became apparent that though the agitator was equipped with a 10 HP motor, the actual power draw could not possibly exceed 0.4 kW as against the full load 7.5 kW. I asked them to measure the current drawn by the motor while operating the fermenter and they found that the agitator power cost was not even relevant.

In another assignment I was asked to find a way to avoid variations in yield and quality in a batch reaction, which involved carrying out ethoxylation at a specific pH and temperature. The pH value was maintained by acid addition in a 10,000 litre agitated baffled jacketed reactor. The reaction was exothermic and the temperature was maintained at the set point by controlling the rate of addition of EO and acid.

The impeller used was a turbine.

The problem was compounded by the fact that both EO and the acid were added continuously into the reactor over 5 hours and to obtain consistent yields and quality the pH of the reaction mixture had to be maintained constant. Calculations showed that the time required to achieve uniform composition after addition of the reagents would be close to 40 minutes. This meant that whereas the pH was being monitored at a single location in the reactor, the pH would be

different at a different point in the reactor and hence the pH value was location dependent. Basically this meant that the concentration of both EO and acid would be different in different locations inside the reactor at any point in time and this was responsible for the lower and variable yields. We were able to make significant improvements in both yield and quality by changing the level of agitation and introducing an external loop.

I have visited many companies in India operating multi-product batch plants. In these plants an agitated, jacketed vessel is used to carry out reactions, solvent extraction and crystallization. The agitator most commonly used is an anchor. Most of the reactions are performed in a homogenous liquid phase so the agitator needs to be designed for good mixing providing uniform concentration throughout the reactor. A pitched blade turbine or a

propeller would normally be selected for this duty. Solvent extraction needs an impeller that generates a high interfacial area and a flat blade turbine operating at a higher speed would be selected. The flow patterns used for solids suspension are required for crystallization and both impeller and operating speed would be different. The anchor impeller is not suitable for any of the three operations performed in the vessel and results in an several fold increase in vessel occupation time than what it should be. The

anchor impeller also results in poor mixing during reaction and lower plant capacity. There are also other drawbacks such as requiring much more solvent for extraction and poor control over crystallization.

In my consulting work in India, I have been privy to many different designs for agitators. Recently there has been a trend to install two impellers with opposing flow patterns, which would result in zero flow. These impellers perform poorly and consume a lot of energy.

I have noticed that often customers ask the firm fabricating tanks and reactors to design and supply the agitators installed inside the tanks and reactors. The fabrication firm possesses the knowledge and skills to actually carry out the fabrication and many smaller firms employ engineers moonlighting as consultants to perform the mechanical design of the tanks.

Some of these engineers also claim expertise in agitator design.

However these firms have virtually no understanding of mixing, agitator selection and design.

Agitator design does need expertise, experience and understanding of the process.

Chemical engineers are able to interpret the process for the agitator designer and some of them can also perform impeller selection. If however the objective is to optimize process performance and simultaneously reduce energy consumption, then it becomes necessary to assign the task of agitator selection and design to experts. z

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: RAJAN SHAH received his BS in 1966 and MS in 1967 in Chemical Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA. He then worked as a development engineer with MIT Prof. Dr. Ralph Landau’s company Halcon International Inc. (part of the Halcon/Scientific Design Group) in New York. He returned to India in 1968 and joined Aniline Dyestuffs & Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd. (ADP). The company had been started by his father, late Shri. Shivanand J. Shah, who was a past president of ICMA (now ICC) and past Chairman of CHEMEXCIL. In 1990 Rajan started Chemet Design & Engineering (I) Pvt. Ltd. to provide design, engineering and construction services for the chemical process industries. He moved to Australia in 1998 and has continued to provide design and process consulting services in Australasia, India and USA. Since 2005, Rajan has also been associated with Biospecialties International Pty. Ltd. as CEO, where he was engaged in developing the manufacturing process for a novel peptide for use as an ingredient in health supplements.

CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 25

DR. STAN HIGGINS’ COLUMN

ENERGY FROM WASTE REDUCTION IN CARBON FOOTPRINT REQUIRES MAXIMUM ENERGY RECOVERY FROM WASTE

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n the UK, Europe and USA waste to energy technology is being installed at a pace. In the NEPIC footprint alone in NE England, 3 large units are being built

by Air Products and Sita-Sembcorp to generate 150 megawatt (mw) of electricity from Municipal Solid Waste (MSW). Alongside these units several anaerobic digestion plants are already being operated by companies such as Northumbrian Water and Emerald Biogass, who are generating electricity from food and sewage wastes. In India there are companies such as Plasma Energy generating fuels from waste and by 2012 some 135 mw waste to energy installations were operational in 26 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

distilleries, pulp and paper mills, food processing, chemical and starch industries. India’s second stand-alone waste to energy plant is already under construction at Narela, the first being operational in Okhla in Delhi. According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in India, there is a potential to recover some 1,500 - 2000 mw of power from industrial and wastes.

SUSTAINABILITY There is no doubt that recycling of societal waste is the best way of utilising the globe’s carbon resources. Making every effort to sustainably use our resources should be everyone’s goal. However if materials cannot be recovered, reprocessed and reused what else can be done? Using this waste to generate energy and reducing the use of fossil carbon directly for energy production has to be part of a mixed solution to the world’s resource preservation and climate change agenda. Some in fact argue that incineration destroys valuable carbon resources and may in fact be

a sinecure against the more difficult option of developing more recycling processes. However in advanced countries some are already achieving levels of recycling levels as high as 70% and incinerating the remaining waste to recover energy seems acceptable in such circumstances.

When burning municipal waste all the carbon content is effectively emitted as CO2 to atmosphere, on the other hand landfilling such waste also leads to emissions of climate change gases and disposal by landfill also has wider environmental impacts. In terms of gaseous emissions from landfilling our waste, 1 metric ton of landfilled MSW produces approximately 62 cubic metres of methane via the anaerobic decomposition.[1] Methane emissions have a global warming potential of 23 times that of carbon dioxide [2] and for every tonne of waste landfilled, greenhouse gas emissions in the form of carbon dioxide increase by at least 1.3 tonnes. [3] Virtually all the all the biodegradable material in municipal waste is in fact of

biological origin. Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) contains a lot of paper, cardboard, wood, cloth and food scraps all of biogenic origin. Studies have shown that typically half of the energy content in MSW is from such biogenic materials; hence the energy produced can be viewed as renewable.

Much of the biomass in societal waste has been formed by plants photosynthesising atmospheric CO2 typically within the immediate past growing season. Re-growing these plants ready for the next harvest means that the If these plants are regrown the CO2 we have just emitted from burning them will be recycled and removed from the atmosphere once more. This is not of course true for waste polymers and plastics which are clearly not to be regarded as renewable. Gaining the energy form these elements of the our waste at least saves the immediate use of fossil fuels and helps preserve them for future use and perhaps allow this carbon to be cycled through manufactured goods several times prior to their combustion.

TECHNOLOGY MOVES ON Generating energy from waste can be done in several ways. Generating electricity or heat via combustion but today there is also the option of manufacturing a commodity fuel from these materials. This is a considerable move from the 1980’s and 90’s when the word incinerator became a dirty word, quite rightly when little energy was being utilised and effectively the technology was being used with the sole aim of destroying hazardous waste streams or reducing the amount of waste sent to landfill. Furthermore in some cases the emission of PCBs from these units became everyone’s concern. Incineration technologies today are not only able to better control emission but the plants are

being built to specifically to recover the energy in the fuels and waste materials.

The latest waste to energy plants incinerate a variety of societal wastes. These are municipal solid waste (MSW) commercial, industrial waste or refuse derived fuel (RDF).

In most countries today incineration of such waste materials must meet strict emission standards, particularly nitrogen oxides (NOX), sulphur dioxide (SO2), heavy metals and dioxins (PCBs). In these modern incinerators the original waste materials can be reduced in volume by well over 90% and in most cases special provisions are made to recover many materials such as metals from the ash and also the ash itself can be used to make building

GENERATING ENERGY FROM WASTE CAN BE DONE IN SEVERAL WAYS. GENERATING ELECTRICITY OR HEAT VIA COMBUSTION BUT TODAY THERE IS ALSO THE OPTION OF MANUFACTURING A COMMODITY FUEL FROM THESE MATERIALS. CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 27

THE MAIN TECHNOLOGIES IN WASTE TO ENERGY PLANTS ARE NOT REALLY NEW, NOR PARTICULARLY REVOLUTIONARY, BURNING MATERIALS TO RAISE STEAM HAS BEEN USED FOR AT LEAST A COUPLE OF CENTURIES. HOWEVER THE APPLICATION OF TECHNOLOGIES IN NEW WAYS CAN NOW ENABLE PRODUCE ENERGY WITHOUT DIRECT COMBUSTION AND THEY CAN GENERATE ELECTRICITY DIRECTLY. materials. The key aim though is to utilise the organic carbon based materials in the waste and recover y the energy that this produces as part of the incineration process.

HIGH TEMPERATURE OPTIONS The main technologies in waste to energy plants are not really new, nor particularly revolutionary, burning materials to raise steam has been used for at least a couple of centuries. However the application of technologies in new ways can now enable produce energy without direct combustion and they can generate electricity directly. These technologies rely upon higher combustion temperatures and effective separation of ash and corrosive gases from the fuel thus enabling gas turbines, internal combustion engines and fuel cells to be used to generate electricity. Indeed rather than generating electricity some companies have taken the approach of using the purified high temperature gas to make syngas and on to fuel liquids and gases.

Waste to Energy Plants today are largely based on a core thermal technology such as incineration, gasification or pyrolisis to produce synthetic fuels be they syngas, hydrogen, or other synthetic fuels.

The direct recovery of materials form polymers is being done via thermal depolymerisation which enables a crude fuel oil to be produced.

This can be used as a fuel or even recycled into a refinery. Pyrolysis to produce tars and oils and most 28 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

recently plasma arc gasification to produce a syngas including hydrogen and carbon monoxide which can be used usable for fuel cells or gas fired turbines to generate electricity.

The efficiency of Incinerators in terms of electricity production via steam boilers is reported to be 1428%. However the heat efficiency can be improved if municipal or industrial heating is incorporated into the system. The best systems today can achieve 80% efficiency and even this can be higher if modern flue gas condensation equipment is used.

LOW TEMPERATURE OPTIONS There also several non-thermal technology options that are in use.

These include fermentation and anaerobic digestion. Fermentation of biomass derived from waste can create ethanol in the same way that we take sugar to make carbon dioxide and alcohol for human consumption. Esterification can also be done using waste to energy technologies, and the result of this process is biodiesel. Anaerobic Digestion produces a biogas that can use in an engine to produce electricity or power. In fact many localised Anaerobic Digestion plants are being set up by supermarkets to recover the energy from waste food.

The electricity produced being put into the local grid and also used to light and heat their own facilities.

LEGISLATIVE CONTROL It must however be remembered managing waste incinerators

whether one recovers the energy or not is not a simple option. Strict regulation and operations managing of incinerators is still required to control particulate and gaseous emissions. The solid residues may also be toxic. All these issues have to managed in a highly regulated environment. Despite these operational management concerns the New York Times states that modern incineration plants are

so clean that “many times more dioxin is now released from home fireplaces and backyard barbecues than from incineration.” The German Environmental Agency backs this up stating that “because of stringent regulations, waste incineration plants are no longer significant in terms of emissions of dioxins, dust, and heavy metals”.

REFERENCES

1. Franklin Associates, The role of recycling in integrated waste management in the US, Rep. EPA/530-R-96-001, USEPA, Munic. Industrial Waste Division, Washington, DC. 1995.

2. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Climate Change 2001: The Scientific Basis p.244, Cambridge Press (2001).

3. Nickolas J. Themelis in Waste Management World (www.iswa.org), 2003-2004 Review Issue, July-August 2003, p. 40-47

DR. STAN HIGGINS is CEO of the Northeast of England Process Industry Cluster (NEPIC), a leading European Cluster for the chemical process industries see www. nepic.co.uk. NEPIC and ICC work closely on business development projects. Any opinions expressed in this column are those of Dr. Higgins alone.

RECENT ADVANCES IN DEPOLYMERIZATION OF NYLONS Prashant B. Savvashe, Pravin G. Kadam, Dr. Shashank T. Mhaske

ABSTRACT

increasing production of nylons makes it inevitable to find Nylons are one of the largely used engineering plastics, alternative ways of disposing it off. having large application in automotives, sports, garments This review, may not be complete, but aims at making and medical area. Its current consumption is more than the readers aware of the recent developments happening 6.7 million tons. Thus, it also has capability to generate in the area of nylon depolymerization. It can be seen that large waste, which requires to be disposed off in an major developments are happening in using catalyst in environmentally friendly way. Landfill is one of the vastly increasing the efficiency of nylon depolymerization and used ways of nylon disposal. However, increase in land also in using steam or water as one of the solvent and cost and ever increasing production of nylons makes it hydrolysis material for nylons. inevitable to find alternate ways of nylon waste Figure utilization.

1: Statistical representation of the major nylon producing countries This review deals with the recent developments happening FIGURE 1: STATISTICAL REPRESENTATION OF THE MAJOR in the area of nylon depolymerization. Depolymerization NYLON PRODUCING COUNTRIES is an interesting way of nylon disposal as it gives back the utilized raw material, making it possible to redevelop USA Rest new materials with better properties. This review may not be complete, but gives a proper technical insight into the recent developments happening in the depolymerization of nylons.

INTRODUCTION Nylons are important engineering plastic produced from Canada either of the following main types of chemical reactions: 1. Condensation reaction between diacid and diamine, Germany China 2. Self condensation reaction of amino-acid, South 3. Chain opening reaction of caprolactums.

Korea Nylon-6 has world consumption of about 6.7 million Taiwan tons. They have very high crystallinity as compared to most other polymer materials due to strong intermolecular FIGURE 2: STATISTICAL REPRESENTATION OF THE WORLD Figure 2: Statistical representation of the world consumption of the forces attraction generated between polymer chains CONSUMPTION OF THE NYLON BASED PLASTIC nylon based plastic materials as of MATERIALS 2009 caused due to the presence of amide linkages into AS OF 2009 Canada the polymer backbone chain. They have very low Mexico Oceania melt viscosity, making them capable to be molded in Rep. of Korea parts having intricate shapes, suitable for most of the Taiwan automotive applications. These materials find large Central/South Western America applications in areas like gears, fittings, bearings, bristles Europe of toothbrush, surgical sutures, musical instruments, Other Asia garments etc. Figure 1 shows the stastical representation Central/Eastern of the major nylon producing countries, while Figures 2 Europe and 3 shows the statistical representation of the major Africa/ nylon consuming countries and major processing methods Middle East of nylons.

Thus, it can be said that nylons are of the commonly China used engineering plastic. Thus, after its usage, it also creates lot of waste, which is generally land filled.

United Japan However, the decrease in the land fills area and the ever States

30 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

re 3: Statistical representation of the major processing methods used for nylons FIGURE 3: STATISTICAL REPRESENTATION OF THE MAJOR added as 5 wt% of the total quantity of nylon-6. The PROCESSING METHODS USED FOR NYLONS reaction was supposed to be a base-catalyzed anioinic Injection Molding Resin 30% Fiber 62% Extrusion Resin 8%

LITERATURE REVIEW Czernik et al. investigated the effect of catalyst addition, reaction temperature and reaction time on the pyrolysis of nylon-6 to produce ε-caprolactum. Catalyst used was α—alumina supported KOH. Reactor used for the pyrolysis study is shown in Figure 4. Reaction temperature was varied as 330 and 360°C, while reaction time was varied as 60 min and 90 min; whereas, catalyst was

depolymerization, producing ε-caprolactum with a yield of about 85%, whereas the unrequired products formed were 2-ω-aminopentylazacyclohept-1-ene.

Braun et al. examined the depolymerization of nylon-6, in the form of nylon-6 based carpets, in the presence of steam operated at 800-1500 kPa pressure and 300-340°C. Reaction demonstrated by the investigators in shown in Figure 5; whereas, the reactor used by them for the following investigation is shown in Figure 6, which they have themselves manufactured for the study.

They obtained an yield of 95% of crude caprolactum when the reaction conditions were optimized at 6 g/min input rate of steam, temperature of 340°C, pressure of 1500 kPa and the reaction being carried out for 3h.

This process was found to be at par with the commercial available rates.

Meng et al. investigated the effect of subcritical, critical and supercritical water on the depolymerization products of nylon-66 using gas chromatography, mass spectroscopy and high performance liquid chromatography. In

Figure 4: Schematic of reactor used by Czernik et al. for the pyrolysis study of nylon-6 FIGURE 4: SCHEMATIC OF REACTOR USED BY CZERNIK ET AL. FOR THE PYROLYSIS STUDY OF NYLON-6 Feeder

Fluidized bed

Electrostatic Precipitator

Cyclone

Glass wool Trap

Cold Trap

Condenser

Figure 5: Depolymerization reaction of nylon-6

FIGURE 5: DEPOLYMERIZATION REACTION OF NYLON-6

O O

O

Depolymerization

NH

NH2–(CH2)5–C–NH–(CH2)5–C–NH–(CH2)5CO2H Polymerization Nylon 6

Caprolactam CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 31

Figure 6: Reactor designed and used by Braun et al. for the study of depolymerization of nylon-6 FIGURE 6: REACTOR DESIGNED AND USED BY BRAUN ET AL. FOR THE STUDY OF DEPOLYMERIZATION OF NYLON-6 Top Thermocouple Middle Thermocouple

Nitrogen

Cooling Water

Heating Cable Tylan Flow Controller

1” diam. X 43” length

Steam Thermocouple

Back Pressure Regulator

Steam Thermocouple

Water Pump

Residue Collection Steam Generators

subcritical, critical and supercritical conditions reaction temperature and pressure were maintained as 280°C/22MPa, 380°C/22MPa and 380°C/28MPa respectively. Reactions were performed for various times like 0, 15 and 30 min and the product obtained was characterized for the presence of decomposition products like adipic acid, hexanediamine, cyclopentanone, cycloheptylamine and other oligomers. It was determined that under subcritical condition, even with increase in reaction time, the content of oligomeric product increased. However, under critical conditions moderate conversion of nylon-66 to decomposition products was observed. Best conversion of nylon-66 to decomposition products was obtained under supercritical conditions giving very lesser amount of oligomers. Interestingly, when the reaction was continued for 30 min under supercritical condition complete conversion of nylon-66 to decomposition products was obtained; making it the best reaction condition to be utilized for the conversion of nylon-66 to low molecular weight important products, which can be easily segregated and further utilized as required. The better conversion under supercritical condition is attributed to the acidic feature of the water under supercritical condition favoring the decomposition

Bottom Thermocouple

process. They even investigated the additive effect of adipic acid on the decomposition process; and determined enhanced conversion of the nylon-66 to decomposition products on just 10 wt% addition of it. Table 1 demonstrates the effect of reaction condition on the yield obtained for the decomposition products.

Chen et al. studied the effect of catalyst concentration on the depolymerization nylon-6 in the presence of subcritical water to produce ε-caprolactum. Catalyzed used for the study was phosphotungstic heteropoly acid with an aim to improve the hydrolysis rate and yield of ε-caprolactum. Following parameters were varied in order to understand their effect on the rate of depolymerization: reaction time, reaction temperature and catalyst concentration. Reaction time was varied from 20 min to 120 min, while reaction temperature was varied from 553K to 603K; whereas, the catalyst concentration was varied as 0% and 3%. Effect of time and reaction temperature on the depolymerization rate of nylon-6 is illustrated in Figure 7. It can be seen that the rate of depolymerization increased with increase in reaction temperature as well as reaction time. However, it was observed that rate of depolymerization remained nearly constant after a certain time. But, this plateau

TABLE 1: DECOMPOSITION PRODUCTS OBTAINED ON DEPOLYMERIZATION OF NYLON-66

TIME (MIN)

ADIPIC ACID HEXANEDIAMINE (WT%) (WT%)

0 1 Subcritical 15 6.5

30 13.5

0 6 Critical 15 9

30 7

0 12 Supercritical 15 13

30 8.5

32 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

9 13 2 13 2 - 11 2

-

CYCLOPENTANONE CYCLOHEPTYAMINE OLIGOMERS SOLID (WT%) (WT%) (WT%) (WT%)

- - - 3 16 33 5 35

6

1 8 16 13 45 70 13 67

52

40 43 61 17 74 4 42 22 51 30 55 23 39 -

- -

region for the rate of depolymerization shifted to lower 573-673 K, for pressures upto 35MPa for 5-60 min. The time with increase in reaction temperature. Thus, reaction reaction scheme for the process utilized is demonstrated time and reaction temperature had profound effect on in Figure 9. They determined the rate constants (k1 the rate of depolymerization of nylon-6. Effect of catalyst and k2) for both the steps shown in Figure 9, for the concentration on the rate of nylon-6 depolymerization ε-aminocaproic acid production and the further production is demonstrated in Figure 8. The increase in the rate of of ε-caprolactum; and also the activation energy. nylon-6 depolymerization with addition of catalyst is very appreciable compared to the concentration of the catalyst FIGURE 9: REACTION SCHEME PERFORMED BY IWAYA ET AL. Figure 9: Reaction scheme performed by Iwaya et al. for the depolymerization of nylon added. Activation energy for the reaction was determined FOR THE DEPOLYMERIZATION OF NYLON-6 to have decreased to 77.38 kJ/mol for the catalyzed NH (CH2)5CO reaction compared to the 86.64 required for the nonn catalyzed reaction, which is an appreciable decrease Nylon 6 of about 11%. Reaction produced ε-caprolactum with Hydrolysis an yield of 77.96% for the optimized reaction condition mentioned as follows: Temperature-573K, Time-85 min, ε-aminocaproic acid Catalyst concentration-3%.

7: reaction EFFECT time OF REACTION TIME AND REACTION Figure 7:FIGURE Effect of and reaction temperature on the rate of nylon-6 TEMPERATUREdepolymerization ON THE RATE OFofDEPOLYMERIZATION OF NYLON-6

Cyclodehydration O

100

Secondary products

Depolymerization rate %

NH 80

ε-caprolactam 60

553K 573K 583K 603K

Depolymerization rate %

They determined that both k1 and k2 increased with increase in reaction temperature and reaction pressure.

40 The reaction rate constants and activation energy suggested higher rate of production of ε-aminocaproic 20 acid from nylon-6 as compared to the conversion of of ε-aminocaproic acid to ε-caprolactum.

0 Kamimura et al. investigated the depolymerization 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 of nylon-6 using supercritical alcohols and ionic liquids.

Reaction time/min Supercritical alcohol used was supercritical i-propanal; Figure 8: Effect catalyst concentration on the rate of depolymerization of nylon-6 while, the ionic liquids used was 4-Dimethylaminopyridine.

FIGUREof 8: EFFECT OF CATALYST CONCENTRATION ON THE RATE OF DEPOLYMERIZATION OF NYLON-6 Scheme of reaction is shown in Figure 10. They analyzed the effect of reaction temperature and reaction time 100 on the yield of ε-caprolactum. Reaction temperature for supercritical alcohol was varied from 300-370°C, 80 while it was maintained constant at 300°C for the ionic liquid depolymerization. ε-caprolactum yield as a 60 function of reaction temperature and reaction time for the no HPA supercritical alcohol treated nylon-6 is illustrated in Figure 3% HPA 11; while that for ionic liquid is demonstrated in Figure 12.

40 Polk et al. studied the phase-transfer-catalyzed alkaline depolymerization of nylon-66, nylon-46 and 20 poly (ethylene terephthalate) at atmospheric pressure; utilizing quaternary ammonium salts. Salts used were 0 trioctylmethyl ammonium chloride , trioctylmethyl 0 20 40 60 80 100 120 ammonium bromide, hexadecyltrimethyl ammonium Reaction time/min bromide, tetraethyl ammonium hydroxide and Iwaya et al. performed the kinetic analysis for the phenyltrimethyl ammonium chloride. Reaction time was hydrothermal depolymerization mechanism of nylon-6. They varied as 30, 60, 90, 150 and 240 min and the weight performed the depolymerization of nylon-6 in subcritical as percentage of PET, nylon-66 and nylon-46 reacted was well as supercritical water in a temperature range between estimated. For the depolymerization of PET reaction CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 33

Figure 10: Reaction scheme for the conversion of nylon-6 to ε-caprolactum utilized by Kamimura et al.

FIGURE 10: REACTION SCHEME FOR THE CONVERSION OF NYLON-6 TO -CAPROLACTUM UTILIZED BY KAMIMURA ET AL. super or subcritical alcohol

O N H n

H N

370 °C/4 h

nylon 6

1

O

MeOH, 14%; EtOH; 36%; PrOH, 35% BuOH, 47%; C8H17OH, 55%; C12H25OH, 61% iPrOH, 91%; sec-BuOH, 96%, c-C6H11OH, 95%; tBuOH, 95%.

Yield (%) of 1

FIGURE 11:temperature EFFECT OF REACTION TEMPERATURE Shukla et al. examined the depolymerization of waste gure 11: Effect of reaction and reaction time on AND the yield of ε-caprolactum REACTION TIME ON THE YIELD OF -CAPROLACTUM nylon-6 fibres using various solvents like formic acid, from nylon-6 when utilizing supercritical alcohol FROM NYLON-6 WHEN UTILIZING SUPERCRITICAL ALCOHOL hydrochloric acid and sulphuric acid. They investigated the effect of solvent type and reaction time on the 300°C conversion of nylon-6 to amino caproic acid. Reaction 330°C 100 time was varied as 4, 6 and 8 h. They determined 350°C maximum conversion of nylon-6 to amino caproic acid 370°C 80 for the depolymerization process carried out for 4h using 40% HCl as the solvent.

60

CONCLUSION

40 20 0 0

1

2 3 Reaction time (h)

4

5

FIGURE 12: EFFECT OF REACTION TEMPERATURE AND

TIME ONtemperature THE YIELD OF Figure 12:REACTION Effect of reaction andΕ-CAPROLACTUM reaction time onFROM the yield of ε-caprolactum fromWHEN nylon-6 when utilizing ionic liquid NYLON-6 UTILIZING IONIC LIQUID 100

Yield of caprolactam 1 (%)

90 80 70 60 [P13][NTf2] [TMPA][NTf2]

50 40

[bmim][NTf2] [P14][NTf2] [aeim][NTf2] [DEME][NTf2] [PP13][NTf2]

30 20 10 0 1

2

3

4

5

times

temperature was maintained constant at 80°C using 5% sodium hydroxide solution as the solvent. While for the depolymerization of nylon-46 reaction temperature was maintained constant at 165°C under reflux using 25 or 50% sodium hydroxide solution as the solvent.

Whereas, for nylon-6650% sodium hydroxide solution was used as the solvent and the reaction was performed at 130°C under reflux. Conversion of 90.15% was obtained for PET to terephthalic acid when depolymerized using trioctylmethyl ammonium bromide as the catalyst and reaction carried out for 240 min. Nylon-46 and nylon-66 were converted to monomers 1,4-diaminobutane and adipic acid respectively giving very high yields.

34 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

In this review an attempt is made to explain the recent developments happening in the field of nylon depolymerization. It can be seen that lot of developments in the calatyst based depolymerization of nylon giving better yields in lower time. However, large developments are also happening in the utilization of subcritical, supercritical and critical water as the depolymerization agent for nylons. Ot of developments are yet to be noticed due to the large and ever increasing consumption of nylons.

REFERENCES

Braun, M., Levy, A. B., & Sifniades, S. (1999). Recycling nylon 6 carpet to caprolactam. Polymer-Plastics Technology and Engineering, 38(3), 471-484.

Chen, J., Li, Z., Jin, L., Ni, P., Liu, G., He, H., ... & Ruan, R. (2010).

Catalytic hydrothermal depolymerization of nylon 6. Journal of Material Cycles and Waste Management, 12(4), 321-325.

Czernik, S., Elam, C. C., Evans, R. J., Meglen, R. R., Moens, L., & Tatsumoto, K. (1998). Catalytic pyrolysis of nylon-6 to recover caprolactam. Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis, 46(1), 51-64.

Iwaya, T., Sasaki, M., & Goto, M. (2006). Kinetic analysis for hydrothermal depolymerization of nylon 6. Polymer degradation and stability, 91(9), 1989-1995.

Kamimura, A., Kaiso, K., Yamamoto, S., Shugimoto, T., & Kashiwagi, K. EFFICIENT DEPOLYMERIZATION METHODS OF POLYAMIDES IN SUPERCRITICAL ALCOHOLS AND IONIC LIQUIDS. Meng, L., Zhang, Y., Huang, Y., Shibata, M., & Yosomiya, R. (2004).

Studies on the decomposition behavior of nylon-66 in supercritical water. Polymer degradation and stability, 83(3), 389-393.

Polk, M. B., Leboeuf, L. L., Shah, M., Won, C. Y., Hu, X., & Ding, W. (1999). Nylon 66, nylon 46, and PET phase-transfer-catalyzed alkaline depolymerization at atmospheric pressure. Polymer-Plastics Technology and Engineering, 38(3), 459-470.

AUTHORS: PRASHANT B. SAVVASHE, PRAVIN G. KADAM, DR. SHASHANK T. MHASKE Department of Polymer and Surface Engineering, Institute of Chemical Technology, Matunga, Mumbai-400 019, Maharashtra, India, prashantsavvashe@gmail.com

CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 35

This issue sponsored by http://www.aiche.org/CCPS/Publications/Beacon/index.aspx www.aiche.org/ccps

Messages for Manufacturing Personnel

www.iomosaic.com

Dust Explosions - Clean up this Hazard!

1

2

October 2014 3

In August 2014 the United States Chemical Safety Board (CSB) reported the results of an investigation of a December 2010 explosion in a titanium and zirconium 4 scrap metal processing facility in West Virginia. The explosion resulted in three fatalities and one injury. Here is a brief summary of what is believed to have happened: 1. A blender was being used to process zirconium powder. Employees had observed mechanical problems before the explosion. Blender paddles were striking the sidewall of the blender causing damage. Adjustments and repairs were made but problems continued.

Note: All pictures are screen captures 2. It is believed that sparks or heat from metal-to-metal contact between the blender from the US Chemical Safety Board video describing the incident blades and the blender side ignited the zirconium powder. (http://www.csb.gov/al-solutions-fatal-dust3. The burning zirconium dust resulted in a deflagration - hot gases expanded, explosion/) producing a “wind” observed by two witnesses. The burning zirconium dust ignited open drums of titanium and zirconium stored nearby, propagating the fire.

4. The initial explosion lofted other dust in the plant into the air causing a secondary dust explosion and fire.

Did you know?

What can you do?

The CSB has investigated 9 serious combustible dust incidents in the USA since 2003. These explosions and fires caused a total of 36 fatalities and 128 injuries. Five of these explosions involved metal dusts, and three occurred in the same plant.

On August 2, 2014 an explosion in a plant in Kunshan, China that manufactures aluminum automobile wheels caused at least 75 fatalities and 180 injuries. Initial reports indicate that the incident was an aluminum dust explosion.

Most solid organic materials, as well as plastic powders and many metals, can create an explosive cloud if the particles are small enough and dispersed in the air at a sufficiently high concentration.

More information about dust explosions can be found in the following Beacons: 9/2003, 5/2006, and 5/2008. You can view these at www.sache.org.

The CSB report identified many contributing causes for this incident. Most were related to facility design, failure to comply with dust explosion protection standards, and management systems. But there are things that you can do as a plant worker to prevent dust explosions.

Know whether or not you have any dust explosion hazards in your plant, and what you must do to ensure proper operation of your plant’s protective systems. US OSHA has a useful poster with guidance on what kinds of materials might be dust explosion hazards: https://www.osha.gov/Publications/combustibledustposter.pdf

Recognize that good housekeeping is critically important for dust explosion safety. Accumulated dust on equipment, floors, and elevated surfaces such as lighting fixtures and ceiling support beams can contribute to secondary dust explosions.

Report any maintenance issues which could result in sparking or overheating in any dust handling equipment, and do not operate the equipment until it is repaired.

Do you have dust explosion hazards in your plant? ©AIChE 2014. All rights reserved. Reproduction for non-commercial, educational purposes is encouraged. However, reproduction for any commercial purpose without express written consent of AIChE is strictly prohibited. Contact us at ccps_beacon@aiche.org or 646-495-1371.

The Beacon is usually available in Arabic, Afrikaans, Chinese, Czech, Danish, Dutch, English, French, German, Greek, Gujarati, Hebrew, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Marathi, Farsi (Persian), Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Spanish, Swedish, Tamil, Telugu, Thai, Turkish, and Vietnamese.

36 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

CCPS’S VISION 2020 CHARACTERISTICS OF COMPANIES WITH GREAT PROCESS SAFETY PERFORMANCE Jack McCavit; Scott Berger & Louisa Nara [This paper was presented at the American Institute of Chemical Engineers 2013 Spring Meeting – the 9th Global Congress on Process Safety – held in San Atonio, Texas, USA, during April 28- May 1, 2013]

KEYWORDS: process safety,

vision, culture, competency, learning, standards

ABSTRACT CCPS’s Vision 2020 describes the characteristics of companies with great process safety performance in the future. This work is extremely important to the process industries and other industries that handle toxic, flammable, and explosive materials because it establishes targets to which companies will aspire for years to come. In developing the vision, it was also recognized that there are issues beyond the scope of individual companies that need to be addressed to enable improved process safety performance.

Therefore, in Vision 2020 there are activities that go well beyond any individual company, indeed beyond the industries. The purpose of this paper is to share CCPS’s Vision 2020 with the Global Congress, begin the process of engaging the broader community in the vision and the steps to achieve it, and provide an opportunity for companies to begin comparing their current characteristics to the vision.

1

INTRODUCTION

CCPS’s vision is to protect people, property, and the environment by bringing the best process safety knowledge and practices to industry, academia, the government, and the public around the world through collective wisdom, tools, training, and expertise in order to eliminate process safety incidents in all industries (1). To this end, CCPS and its member companies maintain a robust program incorporating development of technical interaction, guidelines, tools, training, and conferences.

Periodically, CCPS also evaluates the state of practice of process safety to look for opportunities to take global industry performance to the next level. This is necessary because process safety efforts typically reach a plateau that can be difficult to move beyond without taking a new approach. The previous such effort, begun in 2004, led to publication of Guidelines for Risk Based Process Safety, which since its publication in 2007 has served as the roadmap for upgrading process safety in thousands of chemical plants and refineries globally.

To maintain progress through

this decade, in 2011 CCPS initiated work to develop a new roadmap for improvement to achieve great process safety performance. This effort was titled Process Safety Vision 2020. Previous efforts aimed to codify and consolidate a wide range of best practices used in parts by diverse companies into a common best practice. By contrast, the current effort challenged CCPS member companies to envision the characteristics that companies should demonstrate, organizations and government should support, and the public should understand related to process safety in the year 2020, even if a specific path forward to achieve these characteristics is not completely clear today.

CCPS’ resulting Vision 2020 differs from previous efforts in that it recognizes that individual companies cannot accomplish alone all that is needed to truly produce great performance in the not-too-distant future. Accordingly, CCPS Vision 2020 is presented from two points of view; the internal corporate perspective and the external perspective going beyond any individual company, and in fact extending beyond the processing industries.

CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 37

system and procedures at all organizational levels. Leadership is felt from senior executives through plant personnel via personal involvement, tangible commitment, and workforce engagement. A desire to improve is ever-present due to a strong sense of vulnerability.

There must be a strong and committed culture for excellence in process safety performance and the key to that strong culture is the leadership from senior executives. The executives must be personally committed to process safety excellence and they must demonstrate that commitment through their personal involvement.

The commitment needs to extend from the senior executives all the way through line management such that all employees are compelled to adhere to the management system and procedures. This atmosphere will be sustained by an ever-present sense of vulnerability.

for all systems, including those that affect process safety. These systems are implemented throughout the organization. The management systems promote inherently safer design principles and the principles of Risk Based Process Safety (2) including fit-for-purpose policies and procedures.

All employees need to have a clear understanding of the expectations of senior management and those expectations need to be documented and shared.

Companies with great process safety performance will not impose the most complex systems on their facilities; instead, they will require systems that are fit-for-purpose.

The CCPS book, Guidelines for Risk Based Process Safety (2) provides many alternatives for implementation of process safety element management systems and is a useful tool when companies are developing their fit-for-purpose systems.

2.1 COMMITTED CULTURE

2.2 VIBRANT MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS

2.3 DISCIPLINED ADHERENCE TO STANDARDS

Leadership instills disciplined adherence to the management

There is a structure that clearly defines and documents expectations

Company and/or industry standards are rigorously followed to standardize

The Vision incorporates a core principle, five basic tenets, and four global / societal themes needed to integrate actions of the process industries, academia, governmental agencies, and the public.

2

INTERNAL - FROM A COMPANY PERSPECTIVE

The five tenets identified for creating and sustaining great process safety include the following: z Committed Culture z Vibrant Management Systems z Disciplined Adherence to Standards z Intentional Competency Development z Enhanced Application of Lessons Learned Adherence to these tenets is united by the core principle of Passion for Process Safety Excellence as shown in Figure 1.

Each tenet is defined and discussed below.

Vision 2020

FIGURE 1 – CCPS VISION 2020 AND INTERRELATIONSHIP OF ITS ELEMENTS

Five Company Tenets and Four Societal Themes VISION 2020 FIVE COMPANY TENETS AND FOUR SOCIETAL THEMES

Enhanced Stakeholder Knowledge

Meticulous Verification Committed Culture

Enhanced Application & Sharing of Lessons Learned

Intentional Competency Development Harmonization of Global Standards

Passion

Vibrant Management Systems

Disciplined Adherence to Standards Responsible Collaboration

FIGURE 38 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 20141 – CCPS VISION 2020 AND INTERRELATIONSHIP OF ITS ELEMENTS

equipment installations and design methodologies to minimize opportunities for error in design, operation, and maintenance.

Systems are in place to ensure that existing equipment meets the original design intent and clearly defined company minimum expectations.

Often when considering adherence to standards, new construction is the primary consideration. In fact, in most companies there is much more existing equipment than there is newly constructed equipment.

Therefore, though adherence to standards for newly constructed equipment is important, possibly even more important is ensuring that existing equipment meets the company expectations. Standards should apply to old equipment as well as new. However, it is sometimes not possible for old equipment to meet standards established or revised after the equipment was installed. In such cases systems are needed to ensure that the old equipment delivers the same process safety performance requirements. Companies should have minimum requirements for all equipment and a management system in place that ensures the equipment meets the established minimum requirements.

It is recognized that standards do not exist for all types of equipment and engineering practices. Risk decision-making is used when applicable standards do not exist.

of training for employees. Operators and mechanics receive training as new employees as well as periodic refresher training. Engineers are hired with a degree, so their initial training is often less rigorous than operators and mechanics, but engineers typically receive on-going training throughout their career.

Sometimes the training for engineers simply includes a training course with relatively little thought about the real needs of the employee.

Intentional competency development requires much more thought and organizational commitment to ensure competent employees.

Intentional competency development is critical to great process safety performance because no matter how good the culture is, how good the management system is, or how well the company attempts to adhere

In order to achieve great process safety results, companies must have a learning culture. There must be a thirst for learning at every opportunity, from major incidents to significant near misses, to benchmarking, and even from work done well. There needs to be an obsession with learning at every opportunity. Of course, with these learning moments, actions must be taken to turn the learning into procedural or mechanical changes that are necessary to apply the lessons learned.

These five tenets, combined with a passion for process safety excellence, make a powerful framework for success. Process safety results will be dramatically improved if a company has: z A committed culture in which the executives are personally

2.4 INTENTIONAL COMPETENCY DEVELOPMENT

2.5 ENHANCED APPLICATION AND SHARING OF LESSONS LEARNED

z

A robust employee competency program is developed and managed to ensure employees who impact process safety results are fully capable of meeting the technical and cultural requirements of their jobs.

It is a given that companies provide sufficient numbers of personnel to perform the work that must be done.

All companies provide some type

To reduce incidents, employers and employees must enthusiastically support a culture that is driven to learn from many sources, including benchmarking, near misses and incidents, and jobs done well.

Changes are implemented based on the lessons learned within the company, industry, and across industries.

z

OFTEN WHEN CONSIDERING ADHERENCE TO STANDARDS, NEW CONSTRUCTION IS THE PRIMARY CONSIDERATION. IN FACT, IN MOST COMPANIES THERE IS MUCH MORE EXISTING EQUIPMENT THAN THERE IS NEWLY CONSTRUCTED EQUIPMENT. THEREFORE, THOUGH ADHERENCE TO STANDARDS FOR NEWLY CONSTRUCTED EQUIPMENT IS IMPORTANT, POSSIBLY EVEN MORE IMPORTANT IS ENSURING THAT EXISTING EQUIPMENT MEETS THE COMPANY EXPECTATIONS. to standards, highly competent employees are necessary to implement those systems.

z

z

involved, managers drive excellent execution every day, and all employees maintain a sense of vulnerability Vibrant management systems engrained; Disciplined adherence to standards for new and existing equipment; Intentional competency development such that all of their employees have full technical and cultural capability to do their jobs well; and, Enhanced application of lessons learned including an CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 39

expectation and thirst for learning from several different types of opportunities.

3

EXTERNAL - FROM AN INDUSTRIAL AND SOCIETAL PERSPECTIVE

Successful fulfillment of this vision will be greatly aided if overall industry, the public, labor, and government embrace four societal themes described below.

3.1 ENHANCED STAKEHOLDER KNOWLEDGE Risk Literacy – The public, industry decision makers, and government authorities have an enhanced understanding of the nature of risk and how it is managed.

Risk management concepts are introduced in middle or high school; and, technical risk management becomes a specific topic in business school (e.g., MBA).

Process Safety Fundamentals – Chemical engineers take at least a 1-semester course dedicated to process safety to receive a bachelor degree. Other engineers receive education in select elements of process safety related to their discipline. Executives not otherwise trained receive an overview of process safety and risk management concepts.

Two opportunities exist from a stakeholder knowledge perspective. The general public, including industry decision makers and government authorities, need a strong understanding of risk.

Ideally teaching the concepts of risk should begin in middle school or high school so that all of the population has a better understanding of risk concepts and so that individuals who need to learn more about risk have the background to absorb concepts that are more advanced in business and engineering schools.

In addition to general risk literacy, there is a need to improve 40 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

the knowledge of process safety fundamentals of graduating chemical engineering students.

Today, to a large degree, chemical engineering students learn about process safety after they are on the job. Some companies do an excellent job of educating their new engineers about process safety fundamentals, but there are also many companies that do not perform that education well.

3.2 RESPONSIBLE COLLABORATION Government regulatory and investigatory authorities, labor organizations, communities, research institutions and universities, and industries work together to effectively remove legal barriers to reporting of incidents, develop reporting databases, and promote mutual understanding of risks and effective process safety systems.

There are significant opportunities for organizations that affect industrial process safety to work together and have a positive impact on process safety results throughout the world. There is currently no obvious opportunity for government authorities, labor organizations, communities, research institutions, and industries to pull together to help industry achieve improved results. Collaboration amongst these different groups will be challenging because the groups sometimes have conflicting objectives and approaches, but if all of the organizations work together, there will be improvements in systems that affect process safety.

3.3 HARMONIZATION OF GLOBAL STANDARDS Organizations issuing accepted standards, guidelines, and practices work jointly to align and streamline practices, eliminate redundancy, and cooperatively address emerging issues.

Today, a number of organizations produce standards and guidelines

for safe design, operation and maintenance of equipment. This cacophony of standards and practices is often confusing to people who are trying design and maintain equipment to be in conformance with standards and practices. If the standard writing organizations worked together with their customers in mind, there could be much improved understanding and use of the resulting standards.

Work is ongoing between CCPS and other global and national organizations to harmonize process safety metrics. Two resources for this topic are CCPS’ Guidelines for Process Safety Metrics and Process Safety Leading (3) and Lagging Metrics …You Don’t Improve What You Don’t Measure (4).

3.4 METICULOUS VERIFICATION To help companies ensure that their process safety systems are robust and functioning as intended, third parties, including public or Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), are available to evaluate implementation of company process safety programs.

Companies use various assessment and auditing techniques to assure that their process safety management systems are working as intended. Generally, those audits and assessments are made by individuals internal to the companies being assessed. There is a need for commonly available and accepted third party assessment so that companies are fully aware of shortcomings so that they may use that experience to enhance their own assessments.

4

A DAY IN THE LIFE

To help illustrate the changes that will occur if Vision 2020 tenets are achieved, a “day in the life of” examples have been written and two are included below.

The examples demonstrate several types of improvements suggested by Vision 2020.

THE CEO – 2012

THE CEO – 2020

On the ride in to the office in the back of her town car, the CEO reads through background information on the nearby production site she’ll be visiting later in the day. She makes a point of reviewing the production numbers and profitability, as well as the worker injury rate. While the business numbers are below expectations, the site worker injury rate is better than the goal.

In the office that morning, she asks the CFO for further analysis on the site financials. She also calls the regional Head of Health, Safety, and Environment to see if there’s been any change in the worker injury rate. He replies that those numbers are still good but the site has had a few process incidents lately.

Around noon she arrives at the site. While gathering with the site leadership team for lunch, she overhears some of the managers discussing a process upset incident that occurred overnight. Initially concerned, she relaxes when she hears that, although there was a release of material, there were no injuries and the release was not reportable to public agencies. She commends the team on their good worker injury numbers and then delves into a discussion on production.

During a tour of the units, she once again commends the control room workers for their worker injury rate and then casually chats with them about their ideas on production and operability improvements.

The CEO sits back in her town car as it pulls away from her house on the way to the office. Like every morning, the CEO begins her work day by checking the “daily KPIs” on her tablet. Among the variety of metrics, she notes that the nearby production site that she’ll be visiting later that day has business numbers that are below expectations but the worker injury rate is doing well. What draws her attention though is the steady increase in process upset incidents. Drilling down through the metrics, she sees that the site had yet another overpressure incident the previous day.

In the office that morning, she asks the CFO for further analysis on the site financials. She also calls the regional Head of Process Safety to discuss the disturbing trend in process upset incidents at the site. He replies that he’s seen the trend as well as gives her some points to discuss during her visit.

Arriving at the site and gathering with the site leadership team for lunch, she intentionally launches into a discussion on the previous day’s incident and the trend of process upsets.

During a subsequent tour of the units, she commends the operators on their worker injury rate but also asks for thoughts about the process safety incidents. She makes a point to seek out some of the front-line supervisors to chat personally about the importance of proper conduct of operations and to gain their buy-in for improving the process safety performance.

CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 41

THE UNIT ENGINEER – 2012

THE UNIT ENGINEER – 2020

Terry slurps his first cup of coffee and rereads the email assigning him as investigation lead for the upset and pressure relief incident yesterday. He’s already thinking “Great, one more thing on the list. How am I going to fit an investigation into my schedule?”

Diverting himself momentarily from the incident email, he turns to the two high-priority Management of Change (MOC) forms he’s responsible for coordinating.

Both changes are relatively simple and nearly identical changes have been made multiple times previously but he still needs to make sure that the extensive checklists are completed. He wonders if he can just complete them ahead of time…”Do we really need to discuss and answer all of those questions?”

In addition, he’s the technical “expert” on a new bypass system that is being designed. He needs to approve the design today; he feels the design is sound but has begun to wonder if it meets “codes.” The company has internal standards but they are rather dated and don’t apply to all situations. He hasn’t kept up on relevant external recognized codes and the company has never pushed for him or others to learn those codes. He thinks there’s an old copy of one of the codes in his filing cabinet. He decides he’ll worry about that in the afternoon; he has to find time for those MOCs. He has a unit meeting coming up at 9:00 a.m. and sighs, “Great, more time wasted.”

Thinking back to the incident, he knows that this is just one of several similar incidents…the cause and findings should be the same…that should make the investigation simple and get it out of the way…maybe he’ll just quickly meet with the operations supervisor sometime tomorrow.

James starts into his first cup of coffee and rereads the email assigning him as investigation lead for the upset and pressure relief incident yesterday. He quickly pulls up the incident “screening” methodology in the incident tracking system; the results show that because this incident was a repeat incident and had the potential to be “really bad” it requires a comprehensive, systematic root cause analysis instead of one of the more streamlined methods. James thinks, “Ughh, as if I don’t have enough to do. This is going to be more involved than I thought.”

Nevertheless, he knows it has to be done right and begins re-planning his day.

He turns to the two high-priority Management of Change (MOC) forms he’s responsible for coordinating.

He notes that the submitter attached an existing site procedure created specifically for these types of process changes. The site created this procedure because the changes are relatively simple and are performed a few times per year. The site still manages the changes under MOC because there can be minor difference for each change. The site MOC “system”, however, has generated streamlined yet applicable safety and environmental review forms. He breathes a sigh of relief—the forms combined with the specific procedure will minimize the review time involved while still forcing the MOC team to answer the right questions. He should be able to address both of these during the 9:00 a.m. unit meeting.

In addition, he’s the technical “expert” on a new bypass system that is being designed. He needs to confirm today that the design meets the recognized industry codes.

Having been to refresher training on the relevant codes earlier in the year, he feels he can complete that task after the unit meeting.

Although James still has a lot of other tasks to do, he realizes he can now devote the afternoon to the incident investigation. He begins identifying investigation team members and drafting an email instructing them to make their afternoon available—the investigation needs to be their priority.

42 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

4

CONCLUSIONS

Achieving great process safety is both a journey and a destination. It takes constant vigilance on the part of the companies, industry, academia, governmental agencies and the public, all working together to eliminate incidents and manage and understand the risk associated with exploration, Research and Development (R&D), manufacturing,

in one or more areas. This belief gives CCPS confidence that although difficult, Vision 2020 should be achievable. Nonetheless, when CCPS speaks frankly to companies considered the leaders in process safety, it is clear that every company will have important steps to take to reach Vision 2020.

CCPS recommends that companies review the Vision 2020 tenets and critically assess

Process Safety, AIChE, New York, 2007, www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/ productCd-0470165693.html 3. CCPS, Guidelines for Process Safety Metrics, AIChE, New York, 2009, www. wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/ productCd-0470572124.html 4. CCPS. Process Safety Leading and Lagging Metrics …You Don’t Improve What You Don’t Measure, AIChE, New York, 2011, www. aiche.org/ccps/resources/overview/processsafetymetrics/recommended-process-safetymetrics

6

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

1. CCPS, The Business Case for Process Safety, 2nd Edition, CCPS ,

2006 www.aiche.org/ccps/about/ business-case-process-safety-pdf 2. Conduct of Operations and Operational Discipline: For Improving Process Safety in Industry, CCPS, March 201, http:// www.wiley.com/WileyCDA/WileyTitle/ productCd-0470767715.html

7

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to thank the CCPS Technical Steering Committee and Advisory Board who supported this project and the following committee members who were active in identifying the appropriate tents and societal theme and creating the presented vision.

and distribution of materials.

Some readers of this paper may conclude that their companies already do these things. CCPS believes that a number of the concepts described in this paper may have been conceived by some companies which demonstrate leadership in process safety, and some companies have plans and may even be making good progress

their current status, recognize improvement opportunities, and address needs, including working with organizations and the public to address extra-company gaps.

5

REFERENCES .

1. CCPS, 2013 Annual Report, Vision and Mission Statement, page 2, www.aiche.org/ccps/about/ annual-report 2. CCPS, Guidelines for Risk Based

COMMITTEE MEMBERS Jack McCavit - CCPS Emeritus and Committee Chair Joe Allaben - Flint Hills Resources Dave Jones – Chevron Steve Arendt - ABS Consulting Pete Lodal - Eastman Chemical Company Todd Aukerman – LanXess Louisa Nara – CCPS Scott Berger – CCPS Shannon Ross – Covidien Mike Broadribb – BakerRisk Dan Sliva CCPS Staff Consultant Jeff Fox - Dow Corning Kenan Stevick – The Dow Chemical Company Walt Frank - CCPS Emeritus Karen Tancredi – DuPont Cheryl Grounds – BP Vincent Van Brunt University of South Carolina

AUTHORS: JACK MCCAVIT, CCPS Emeritus, 1000 Quail Place, Pampa, TX 79065; jlmconsulting@sbcglobal.net SCOTT BERGER, Executive Director, CCPS, AIChE; 3 Park Avenue, New York, NY, 10016 USA, scotb@aiche.org LOUISA NARA, Technical Director, CCPS, AIChE, 3 Park Avenue, New York, NY, 10016 USA, louna@aiche.org COURTESY: MR. SCOTT BERGER, Executive Director, Center for Chemical Process Safety, AIChE, Three Park Ave, New York, NY 10016, USA, http://www. ccpsonline.org. Tel: +1.646.495.1370, fax: +1.646.495.1504, mob: +1.609.462.505 & 98335 44780 (India). The Center for Chemical Process Safety (CCPS) was founded by the American Institute of Chemical Engineers in 1985 to give engineers the tools they need to prevent further accidents like Bhopal. Since that time, CCPS has published more than 70 books on all aspects of process safety and established a dynamic university curriculum for process safety. CCPS is supported by the contributions and voluntary participation of more than 80 companies around the world. For more information about CCPS, please visit www.ccpsonline.org or contact ccps@aiche.org.

CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 43

ECONOMIC REVIEW Compiled by MR. BIPIN JHA, Executive-Corporate, Excel Industries Ltd.

1

According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO), Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, quarterly GDP at factor cost at constant (2004-2005) prices for first quarter AprilJune of 2014-15 is estimated at Rs. 14.38 lakh crore, as compared to Rs. 13.61 lakh crore in the first quarter of 2013-14, representing a growth rate of 5.7 per cent over the corresponding quarter of last year. The economic activities which contributed significant growth in the first quarter of 44 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

2014-15 over the first quarter of 2013-14 are ‘electricity, gas & water supply’ at 10.2 per cent , ‘financing, insurance, real estate and business services’ at 10.4 per cent and ‘community, social and personal services’ at 9.1 per cent.

The estimated growth rates in other economic activities are: 4.8 per cent in ‘construction’, 3.5 per cent in ‘manufacturing’, 2.8 per cent in ‘trade, hotels, transport and communication’, 3.8 per cent in ‘agriculture, forestry & fishing’, and 2.1 per cent in ‘mining & quarrying’ during this period.

200

2

The Centre’s Indirect Tax Revenue (Provisional) collections at Rs. 1,94,492 crore increased by 4.6% from Rs 1,85,881 crore in April-August 2013 The Service Tax collections at Rs. 61,870 crore have increased by 15.1% compared to 53,751 crore in April-August 2013. The Excise collections at Rs 61,415 crore during the period have increased by 0.5% from Rs. 61,131 crore in April-August 2013.

3

According to latest Reserve Bank data, Bank loans increased by 1.3% during April-July 2014-15 as compared to 2.5% in the corresponding period last year. Retail loans grew by 14.5%, to Rs10.7 lakh crore and loans to industry increased by 10% to Rs 25 lakh crore, loans to services increased by 12% to Rs 13 lakh crore and farm loans grew by 7.6% to Rs 7 lakh crore during the period.

4

The eight core infrastructure industries growth - crude petroleum, petroleum products, coal, electricity, cement, Natural Gas, Fertilizers and finished steel represented growth of 4.1% in April-July 2014 compared to same growth of 4.1% posted in April-July 2013. During April-July 2014, crude oil production recorded negative growth of 0.3% as compared to decline of 1.6% in April-July 2013. Petroleum refinery products declined by 2.2% in April-July 2014 as against the rise of 4.5% during April-July 2013. Coal posted growth of 5.7% compared to decline of 1.1% in April-July 2013. Cement registered growth of 11.1% as compared to growth of 2.7% recorded in April-July 2013. Electricity witnessed growth of 11% in April-July 2014 compared to growth of 3.8% in April-July 2013. Finished steel registered meager growth of 0.3% in April-July 2014 as compared to robust growth of 14.6% during the corresponding period in 2013. Natural gas declined by 5.2% in April-July 2014 as compared to decline of 17.2% in April-July 2013. Fertilizers growth increased by 4.9% in April-July 2014 as compared to growth of 1.9% during the corresponding period in 2013.

5

Data on Index of Industrial Production (IIP) with the base year 2004-05, released by the CSO show that industrial production increased by 0.5% in July 2014 as compared to increase of 2.6% in July 2013. The manufacturing sector, which accounts for about 80% of the weightage in the IIP, declined by 1% in July 2014 as compared to increase of 3% in July 2013. The mining sector increased by 2.1% in July 2014 as against the decline of 3% in July 2013. The Electricity witnessed growth of 11.7% as compared to growth of 5.2% during July 2013. During April-July 2014, industrial production increased by 3.3% as against the decline of 0.1% in AprilJuly 2013. The manufacturing sector posted growth of 2.3% in April-July 2014 as compared to decline of 0.1%

Industrial Sector

BKJ : 22.9

Index of Industrial Production : General

(Base : 2004-05 = 100)

180

2013-14

2014-15

160

2012-13

140 120

220 200

Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

Industrial Sector

BKJ : 22.9

Manufacturing : Production Index

(Base : 2004-05 = 100)

180 160

2012-13 2014-15

2013-14

140 120

200 180

Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

Industrial Sector

BKJ : 22.9

Index of Industrial Production : Electricity

(Base : 2004-05 = 100)

2013-14

2014-15

160

2012-13

140 120 100

200 180

Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

Industrial Sector

BKJ : 22.9

Basic Goods : Production Index

(Base : 2004-05 = 100)

2014-15

2013-14

160 140

2012-13

120 100

Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 45

in April-July 2013. The mining sector recorded growth of 2.8% in April-July 2014 as compared to decline of 4.3% during April-July 2013. The Electricity achieved growth of 11.4% as compared to growth of 3.9% during April-July 2013.

6

Going by the use-based classification of IIP data, in July 2014, the production of Capital Goods segment of the manufacturing industries declined by 3.8% as against the increase of 15.9% in

410 360 310

Industrial Sector

BKJ : 22.9

Capital Goods : Production Index (Base : 2004-05 = 100)

2014-15

2013-14

2012-13

260

7

210 160

180

Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

Industrial Sector

BKJ : 22.9

Intermediate Goods : Production Index (Base : 2004-05 = 100)

2013-14

2014-15 140

100

360 328

July 2013. Intermediate Goods production increased by 2.6% in July 2014 as compared to rise of 3.2% in July 2013. Basic Goods sector witnessed growth of 7.6% as compared to rise of 1% in July 2013. Consumer Durables declined by 20.9% in July 2014 as compared to decline of 9.6% in July 2013. Consumer Non-durables increased by 2.9% as compared to rise of 7.4% in July 2013. During April-July 2014, Capital Goods witnessed growth of 8.5% as against the rise of 1.4% in April-July 2013. Intermediate Goods production increased by 2.8% in April-July 2014 as compared to increase of 2.1% in April-July 2013. Basic Goods sector posted growth of 8.1% as compared to increase of 0.1% in April-July 2013. Consumer Durables declined by 12.5% in April-July 2014 compared to decline of 11.9% during the corresponding period in 2013.

Consumer Non-durables during April-July 2014 increased by 1.3% as compared to increase of 7.2% during the corresponding period in 2013.

2012-13

Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

Industrial Sector

BKJ : 22.9

Consumer Durables : Prod. Index

(Base : 2004-05 = 100)

2014-15

2013-14

296

ACCORDING TO THE INDUSTRYWISE IIP DATA, THE CHEMICAL INDUSTRY INCREASED BY 6% IN JULY 2014. DURING APRIL-JULY 2014 THE INDUSTRY RECORDED GROWTH OF 2% OVER APRIL-JULY 2013.

8

As far as foreign trade is concerned, India’s exports during August 2014 valued at $26.96 bln. increased by 2.35% from its level of $26.34 bln. in August 2013. Imports during the month at $37.8 billion increased by 2.1% from its level of $37 bln. in August 2013. India’s total exports during April-August 2014-15 valued at $134.8 bln. increased by 7.3% from its level of $125.6 bln. in April-August 2013-14. Imports during the period at $190.9 billion declined by 2.7% from

200 180 160

Industrial Sector

BKJ : 22.9

Consumer Non-durables : Prod. Index (Base : 2004-05 = 100)

2014-15 2013-14

140 264 232 200

2012-13

120

2012-13

100 Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

46 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

80

Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

Industrial Sector BKJ : 22.9 20 Chemicals : Production 18 16 (% change over previous year) 14 2013-14 12 10 8 6 4 2 0 Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar -2 2012-13 -4 2014-15 -6 -8 -10 its level of $196.2 bln. in April-August 2013-14. Oil import bill in April-August 2014-15 was higher by 1.77% from the level of oil imports in April-August 2013-14. Non-oil imports in April-August 2014-15 were lower by 4.99% from non-oil imports in April-August 2013-14. The trade deficit for April-August 2014-15 was estimated at $56.15 billion, lower than the deficit of $70.6 billion during the corresponding period in 2013-14.

9

India has signed the Trade in Services & Trade in Investments Agreement with ASEAN (The Association of Southeast Asian Nations). The Services Agreement will open up opportunities of movement of both manpower and investments from either side between India and ASEAN. Nine out of ten ASEAN countries have signed the agreement. Philippines is completing its domestic procedure and is expected to sign it soon.

10

India’s foreign exchange reserves declined by $1.61 billion to $315.69 billion for the week ended 12 September 2014. The foreign currency assets declined by $1.02 billion to $290.36 billion. The value of gold reserves remained static at $20.93 billion. The value of special drawing rights (SDRs) declined by $11.4 million to $4.33 billion. India’s reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) slipped by $4.4 million to $1.66 billion.

11 12

The total approximate earnings of Indian Railways at Rs. 61324.64 crore during April-August 2014 were up by 12.53 per cent compared to Rs. 54496.73 crore during the same period last year.

The annual rate of inflation, based on monthly WPI, stood at 3.74% (provisional) for the month of August, 2014 (over August,2013) as compared to 5.19% (provisional) for the previous month and 6.99% during the

35000

External Sector Exports

2012-13

BKJ : 22.9

2013-14

2014-15

30000 (Million Dollars) 25000 20000 15000 10000 5000 0

50000 40000

Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

External Sector

Imports

2012-13

BKJ : 22.9

2013-14

2014-15

(Million Dollars)

30000 20000 10000 0

400

Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

External Sector Foreign Exchange

2012-13

BKJ : 22.9

2013-14

2014-15

350 (Billion Dollars) 300 250 200 150 100 50 0

Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar

corresponding month of the previous year.

13 14

The rainfall for the country as a whole during this year’s monsoon season upto 3 September 2014 has been deficient by 15% compared to Long Period Average.

All India Consumer Price Index Number for Industrial Workers (CPI-IW) on base 2001=100 for the month of July 2014 increased by 6 points and stood at 252.

CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 47

Chandermukhi, 3rd Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai - 400021, INDIA Phone: 91 22 2285 1316 / 5176 / 5177

48 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

Email: nkrao@laxmiorganic.co.in

CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 49

PROJECTS INVESTMENT IN CHEMICALS SECTOR Cost in Rs. Crore

PHENOLS & ACETONES

Promoter: Deepak Nitrite Limited Cost: 1,200.00 Industry: Organic Chemicals Completion: NA Location: Bharuch, Gujarat Deepak Nitrite plans to set up phenols and acetones unit at Dahej in Bharuch district of Gujarat.

Contact: Deepak Nitrite Ltd., 9/10, Kunj Society, Alkapuri, Vadodara, Gujarat 390007. Tel: (0265)2351013/ 2334481-82, Fax: 2330994

BULK DRUGS & INTERMEDIATES

Promoter: Emmennar Pharma Pvt. Ltd. Cost: 911.33 Industry: Bulk Drugs Completion: NA Location: Medak, Telangana Emmennar Pharma plans to set up a bulk drugs and intermediates unit 50 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

at Hatnoora in Medak district of Telangana.

Contact: Emmennar Pharma Pvt. Ltd., Plot No:A-4, Industrial Estate, Opposite Sanath Nagar Police station, Hyderabad, Telangana 500018.

Tel: (040)-65974799, Fax: 23801966.

Email: sales@emmennar.com

CHEMICALS

Promoter: Nirma Limited Cost: 415.00 Industry: Chemicals Completion: NA Location: Bhavnagar, Gujarat Nirma plans to expand chemicals capacity in Bhavnagar district of Gujarat. Received environmental clearance.

Contact: Nirma Ltd., Nirma House, Near Income Tax Office,Ashram Road, Ahmedabad, Gujarat 380009.

Tel: (079)-27546565-74,

Fax: 27546605.

Email: info@nirma.co.in, powerproject@nirma.co.in

DRUG FORMULATIONS

Promoter: Lupin Limited Cost: 270.00 Industry: Drug Formulations Completion: NA Location: Vadodara, Gujarat

Lupin plans to set up drug formulations unit at Padra in Vadodara district of Gujarat.

Awaiting environmental clearance.

Contact: Lupin Ltd., 159, CST Road, Kalina, Mumbai Suburban, Maharashtra 400098.

Tel: (022)-66402323, Fax: 66402051. Email: corporateoffice@lupinworld.com

SULPHURIC ACID

Promoter: Madhya Bharat Agro Products Ltd. Cost: 150.00 Industry: Inorganic Acids

Completion: NA Location: Sagar, Madhya Pradesh

Work to commence by November 2014.

Madhya Bharat Agro Products plans to expand sulphuric acid capacity from 99,000 tpa to 1,65,000 tpa at Banda in Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh. Land acquired.Awaiting pollution clearance.

Contact: Indofil Industries Ltd., Off S V Road,P.O.Azad Nagar, Sandoz Building, Thane, Maharashtra 400607.

Tel: (022)-67999100, Fax: 25898357 Email: indofilthane@modi.com

Contact: Madhya Bharat Agro Products Ltd., 5-O-1, R.C. Vyas Colony Bhilwara, Rajasthan 239091.

Tel: (01482)-239091 / 237104 / 310871, Fax: 239638 Email: ostwaldiamond@gmail.com

TABLETS

PESTICIDES

Promoter: Shivalik Rasayan Ltd. Cost: 60.00 Industry: Pesticides Completion: NA Location: Bharuch, Gujarat

Promoter: J B Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd. Cost: 140.00 Industry: Drug Formulations Completion: NA Location: Bharuch, Gujarat J B Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals plans to expand tablets capacity from 300 million numbers per month to 800 million numbers per month at Panoli in Bharuch district of Gujarat.

Work to commence by September 2014.

Contact: J B Chemicals & Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Neelam Centre, 4th Floor, B-Wing, Hind Cycle Road, Worli, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400030.

Tel: (022)-30451500/1200, Fax: 24930534/ 24939633. Email: corporate@jbcpl.com

AGRO CHEMICALS

Promoter: Indofil Industries Ltd. Cost: 140.00 Industry: Inorganic Chemicals Completion: December 2016 Location: Bharuch, Gujarat Indofil Industries plans to set up agro chemicals unit with a capacity of 4,000 tpa at Dahej SEZ in Bharuch district of Gujarat. Land acquired.

Data source: ProjectsToday

tpa to 10,000 tpa at Rasegaon village, Dindori in Nashik district of Maharashtra.

Contact: Spectrum Ethers Ltd., Gate No.367, Village Rasegaon, Dindori Taluka, Nashik-Peth Road, Nashik, Maharashtra 422202.

Tel: (02557)-226371/226389 Email: factory@spectrumethers.com

ETHYL ALCOHOL

Promoter: Allied Blenders & Distillers Pvt. Ltd. Cost: NA Industry: Alcohols & Derivatives Completion: NA Location: Aurangabad (MAH), Maharashtra Allied Blenders & Distillers plans to set up an ethyl alcohol unit with a capacity of 8,760 kilo liters per year at Chikalthana in Aurangabadr district of Maharashtra.

Shivalik Rasayan plans to set up a pesticides unit with a capacity of 750 tpm at Vagra in Bharuch district of Gujarat. Received environmental clearance.

Contact: Shivalik Rasayan Ltd., 1506, Chiranjiv Tower, 43, Nehru Place, Delhi110019. Tel: (011)-26221811 / 26418182, Fax: 26213081. Email: info@shivalikrasayan.in

PESTICIDES

Promoter: Spectrum Ethers Ltd. Cost: NA Industry: Pesticides Completion: NA Location: Nashik, Maharashtra Spectrum Ethers plans to expand pesticides capacity from 3,525

Contact: Allied Blenders & Distillers Pvt. Ltd., Ashford Centre, 3rd & 4th Floor, Shankarrao Naram Marg, Lower Parel (West), Mumbai, Maharashtra 400013.

Tel: (022)-43001111

DYESTUFFS

Promoter: Siddharth Colorchem Ltd. Cost: NA Industry: Dyes & Dyestuffs Completion: January 2015 Location: Raigarh (MAH), Maharashtra Siddharth Colorchem is expanding dyestuffs capacity from 850 tpm to 2,850 tpm at Mahad in Raigarh district of Maharashtra. Work underway.

Contact: Siddharth Colorchem Ltd., Building No.121, Altanta Building, Nariman Point, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400021.

Tel: (022)-22851007 / 22840243 / 93, Fax: 22029146 z

For a free trail access please log on to www.projectstoday.com CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 51

NEWS FROM MEMBERS MARINE CONSERVATION IN GUJARAT GETS A BOOST, AS TATA CHEMICALS, WILDLIFE TRUST OF INDIA AND GUJARAT STATE FOREST DEPARTMENT CELEBRATE INTERNATIONAL WHALE SHARK DAY

The capital of Gujarat today witnessed Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), the Gujarat Forest Department and Tata Chemicals (TCL) come together to commemorate International Whale Shark Day and their success in protecting the whale shark since the launch of the conservation project in 2004. To further boost marine conservation in the state, project reports on the whale shark and coral reef were released that exhibited the 52 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

development on the project over the past few years. Mr. Vivek Menon, executive director and CEO, WTI and Mr. R. Mukundan, managing director, TCL, also signed a memorandum of understanding, firming the latter’s continued support for marine conservation in Gujarat.

The event was held at the Forest Research and Training Complex in Gandhinagar in the presence of dignitaries, including Dr. C. N. Pandey, PCCF and Chief Wildlife Warden, Mr. Vivek Menon, executive director and CEO, WTI, and Mr. R. Mukundan, managing director, TCL. The Chairperson for the event was Shri P. K. Taneja, Additional Chief Secretary, IAS, Forests & Environment, Gujarat State and the Chief Guest was Shri Rajeeva, Principal Chief Conservator, IFS, Forests & Head of the Forest Force, Gujarat State. More than 100 forest officials, school students, media personnel, members of the Gujarat fishing community and other guests were also present at the event. While various activities were organised for school children to help them

learn more about this magnificent fish and the rainforests of the sea, presentations were also made by the institutions including Geer Foundation.

The Whale Shark Conservation Report and the Mithapur Coral Reef Recovery Report were released commemorating the event, in addition to posters on International Whale Shark Day and the Mithapur Coral Reef, all ventures of WTI in collaboration with the Forest Department and TCL. “Such public-private collaborative projects facilitated by scientific organizations are the much needed inclusive management practice in the coastal and marine environment which are in the Common Property Rescue Regime and requires innovative co-management approaches,” said Dr C N Pandey.

The whale shark (Rhincodontypus), the largest fish in the world, was hunted indiscriminately in the waters of the Arabian Sea of the coast of Gujarat, even though it has been afforded protection under Schedule 1 of the

Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972. It was also brought under the Schedule 1 of CITES, affording it legal protection from international trade. The first phase of WTI’s whale shark campaign brought this species to the forefront of conservation in Gujarat with the species now being called ‘Vhali’ or a friend instead of the barrel, the equipment the fishermen used to kill it. With the religious leader Morari Bapu lending his voice against the killing, the whale shark became an icon of conservation and pride.

Mr Menon said, “Perhaps along with Morari Bapu’s campaign what has really worked in favour of the whale sharks is the selfdocumentation scheme which cut down the time taken to rescue the whale sharks caught in nets, thereby reducing the stress on the fish and subsequently increasing chances of survival in the wild, post-release.

Marine conservation today is akin to clarion call for saving the forests of yesterday. It is the new frontier in conserving nature.”

“Marine conservation in Gujarat has grown in leaps and bounds with each passing day. WTI and the Forest Department will have Tata Chemicals’ sustained support as we strive to save our natural heritage and help communities to learn more about Whales Shark Conservation and Coral Reef projects through the release of our study reports.

Over 421 whale sharks have been rescued till date and we are proud to achieve this milestone. Tata Chemicals is committed to the important issues of biodiversity and will continue to take steps forward in conserving nature and species in years to come,” said Mr R Mukundan, Managing Director, TCL. In the first effort of its kind, the Gujarat Forest Department, WTI and TCL stepped forward to conserve the coral reef at Mithapur and initiated the ‘Coral Recovery Programme’ in 2008. Twenty two live coral fragments were transported from Lakshadweep by ship, train and road

and transplanted in Mithapur in an experimental transportation and transplantation of extinct species ‘Acroporahumilis’ in Gujarat. This is the first time that a 1,200 kilometre long transplantation of corals took place in India. This live coral transportation attempt challenged the belief that corals are delicate and would not survive the long distance transportation.

“New species are being discovered practically every year by our team. We have been receiving generous support from TCL as well as administrative and logistic support from the Gujarat Forest Department and Gulf of Kutchh, Marine National Park Management which have been of a colossal help as our people venture into the still relatively unexplored coral reefs. Hopefully, our next effort at transplantation will be successful as we draw on our previous experience to help guide this attempt,” said Dr B C Choudhury, Principal Investigator of the West Coast Marine Conservation Project.

GNFC INKS JV PACT WITH BELGIUM’S ECOPHOS FOR DICALCIUM PHOSPHATE Two companies to set up a 1,50,000 MT per annum animal feed grade di-calcium phosphate (DCP) plant at Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals’ TDI Dahej site in Gujarat Belgium-based EcoPhos has joined

hands with Gujarat Narmada Valley Fertilizers & Chemicals Limited (GNFC) for manufacturing di-calcium phosphate (DCP) in Gujarat. Two companies have signed a memorandum of understanding for setting up a 1,50,000 MT per annum animal feed grade di-calcium phosphate plant at GNFC TDI Dahej site, Gujarat.

The co-operation is to incorporate a joint venture (JV) company, in which EcoPhos will have majority stake. The DCP JV plant will be set up based on eco friendly, energy efficient and renowned world class technology provided by EcoPhos, utilising hydrochloric acid (HCl) and low graderock phosphate as feedstock.

GNFC will provide HCl, utilities and other required services and EcoPhos will provide license, engineering services and proprietary equipments to the proposed JV company.

Dr Rajiv Kumar Gupta, Managing Director, GNFC, stated, “This future JV proves once again GNFC´s endeavour to apply world class ecofriendly high-tech technologies in their production sites.”

EcoPhos will market the output of the JV’s production site at Dahej.

Mohamed Takhim, CEO and Founder, EcoPhos, said, “This is a substantial step in the realisation of EcoPhos target to become the global market and cost leader in animal feed phosphates through its animal feed division.”

P. D. SAMUDRA TAKES OVER AS NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR OF UHDE INDIA P. D. Samudra is the new Managing Director of Uhde India Private Limited, the engineering consulting company based in Mumbai and Pune, and the Deputy CEO of the Regional Cluster for India of the parent company ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions. He succeeds Dr Benno Lueke who stayed in India from 2009 to 2014, and who has now relocated to Germany due to his appointment as CEO Chemicals and Oil & Gas Operating Unit of the Business Unit Process Technologies of ThyssenKrupp Industrial Solutions.

Though effective July 1, 2014, the official handover was formalised at an exclusive business meet of the Group’s customers, business associates and press at the Trident in Mumbai on Aug 13, 2014.

CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 53

EcoPhos is a Belgian-based technology provider, producer and market leader of animal feed phosphates in Europe. Its patented process allows for valorising low and high grade natural and urban phosphate sources, with ecological and economic benefits. EcoPhos has feed phosphates production sites in Devnya (Bulgaria) and Rotterdam (the Netherlands) with a total capacity of 300 kilotonne per year.

AB CHEMICALS BUYS JAYSHREE CHEMICALS’ UNIT TO STRENGTHEN CHLORALKALI BUSINESS With the acquisition of Jayshree Chemicals’ chlor-alkali division for Rs 212 crore, the total caustic soda capacity of Aditya Birla Chemicals will increase to about 3,55,000 TPA Aditya Birla Chemicals (India) Ltd, an Aditya Birla Group company, has acquired chlor-alkali division of Jayshree Chemicals Limited on slump sale basis for a cash consideration of Rs. 212 crore. This transaction is expected to take Aditya Birla Chemicals to a higher growth trajectory, giving a major boost to its chlor-alkali business.

Kumar Mangalam Birla, Chairman, Aditya Birla Group, commented, “The acquisition is strategic and further strengthens our position in the chlor-alkali business. It will take our chloralkali business on a higher growth trajectory. The acquisition solidifies the Group’s position as the country’s largest producer of chlor-alkali and bolsters caustic soda supply, which is a critical input for the aluminium business. The business has potential for future growth.”

This is AB Group second major acquisition in chlor-alkali business in the last three year in India. In May 2011, Aditya Birla Chemicals had acquired its major competitor unit in the eastern region, the chloro chemicals division of Kanoria Chemicals based in Renukoot.

The acquired unit was renamed as 54 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

Renukoot Chemical Division.

Jayshree Chemicals’ chlor-alkali division (CAD) has an energy-efficient membrane cell facility located at Ganjam, Odisha and about 1,600 acres of salt works in Andhra Pradesh. The current capacity of the facility is about 57,000 tonnes per annum. With this acquisition, the total caustic soda capacity of Aditya Birla Chemicals will increase to about 3,55,000 tonnes per annum.

Lalit Naik, Sector Head for Chemicals, Aditya Birla Group, said, “We expect significant operational synergies on account of cost savings.

The acquisition cost and proposed capital expenditure will be funded through a mix of internal accruals and debt.”

Caustic soda is one of the essential inputs for the manufacture of alumina. It is also used widely in various other industries. CAD’s manufacturing facility is strategically situated in the state of Odisha and is in proximity to various aluminium manufacturing facilities, which provides significant growth opportunities.

DEEPAK FERTILISERS FORMS JOINT VENTURE IN AUSTRALIA TO PROVIDE MINING SERVICES Deepak Fertilisers and Petrochemicals Ltd. (DFPCL) has set up a joint venture firm in Australia with local partners to provide mining services and will invest about Rs. 160-crore over the next two years. DFPCL’s arm, Smartchem Technologies Ltd.

(STL), which manufactures mining chemicals, announced the launch of its overseas venture for mining services in Brisbane, Australia as a part of its forward integration initiative. “STL has set up Platinum Blasting Services Pty Ltd (Platinum), a joint venture with local Australian partners, who have vast experience in providing value-added blasting services and operation expertise to the mining and explosives industries in Australia,” DFPCL said in a statement. STL will hold 65% in the joint venture, while the local partners will hold 35%, it added. “Over the next two years, Platinum intends to make an investment of around AUD 28-mn, through a mix of debt and equity,” the statement said.

The company plans to develop a full service offering including: Technical Ammonium Nitrate (TAN) supplies, storage and logistics; manufacturing of emulsion; blast design & technical support; and down-thehole services. Australia, which is an about 2-mt and expanding TAN market, will offer immense growth potential to Platinum, the company said. “With over three and a half decades experience and as globally the fifth largest manufacturer of TAN, reaching out to matured global market, especially Australia, is a natural and logical forward integration strategy. Apart from supplying TAN to this growing market, we intend to create an expertise in providing value added services and be an integral part of the Australian mining industry,” Deepak Fertilisers CMD, Mr. Sailesh Mehta said.

TATA CHEMICALS LAUNCHES PARAS 20:20:0:13 AMMONIUM PHOSPHATE SULPHATE FERTILISER Tata Chemicals, a leading crop nutrition and agri-solution manufacturer and marketer, announced the launch of Tata Paras 20:20:0:13, an ammonium phosphate sulphate fertiliser. This is aimed at addressing the larger national issue of excessive depletion of micronutrients from the soil by indiscriminate and inadequate use of fertilisers.

Furthering the principle of “Sampoorna santulit poshan”, which has made Paras the preferred brand of choice over the last 25 years, Tata Paras 20:20:0:13 is specially designed to meet the needs of a phosphorus-deficient soil as well as sulphur-loving crops. Besides two macronutrients (Nitrogen and Phosphorus), Tata Paras 20:20:0:13 provides Sulphur – the fourth most important nutrient after N, P and K. The 1:1 ratio of Nitrogen and Phosphorus is beneficial for vegetables and many other crops.

Being granular in form, Paras 20:20:0:13 is easy to handle and can be applied using any mode viz broadcasting, placement or drilling. As granules absorb very little water, the fertiliser can be stored longer under normal warehouse conditions.

Speaking about this launch Mr. D.K. Sundar, senior vice president, Fertilizers, Tata Chemicals, stated, “The introduction of Tata Paras 20:20:0:13 is based on an in-

depth understanding of farmers’ requirements where we found a clear need for a high-quality fertilizer offering in this space. The Paras 20:20:0:13 product has been designed to address the need of constant nutritional change in the soil and enable the farmers to efficiently improve soil quality and overall crop productivity.”

Tata Chemicals farm essentials division will undertake mass farmer awareness programmes and farm

level demonstrations in key target markets to explain the key features and benefits of the products by offering first-hand user experience.

Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium are key agro-nutrients for crops. Tata Chemicals is present in all three crop nutrition groups through its fertiliser product base that spans: z Urea (a nitrogenous fertiliser) z Di-ammonium phosphate (contains both Nitrogen and Phosphorus) z NP and NPK complexes z Single super phosphates Additionally, the company imports and sells muriate of potash (MOP) and supplies organic fertilizers and other specialty fertilisers and micronutrients, which are required to meet the nutritional need of the soil and to improve soil health. All these offering are under the brand name “Tata Paras”.

SECRETARY FERTILIZERS, VISITS RCF Shri Jugal Kishore Mohapatra, IAS, Secretary, (Fertilizers) Govt of India, taking Guard of Honour during the visit to Rashtriya Chemicals & Fertilizers Ltd (RCF), Mumbai on 13th September, 2014. Shri. R. G. Rajan, Chairman & Managing Director, RCF, Shri. C. M. T. Britto, Director (Tech.), Shri A. B. Ghasghase, Director (Mktg.), Shri Suresh Warior, Director (Fin.) and senior executives of RCF accompanied him during their visit. He also visited RCF Thal Unit.

CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 55

DR. A. N. SREERAM, CORPORATE VICE PRESIDENT - R&D, DOW CHEMICALS (USA), SHARING AN OVERVIEW OF INNOVATIONS AT DOW, DURING HIS KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE FIRST EVER INNOVATION DAY ORGANIZED BY DOW INDIA

EVENT SUMMATION REPORT

RIDING ON INNOVATION: DOW INDIA z Hosts first ever innovation day with global R&D experts and industry champions in attendance z Collaborates with customers across industries on global advance trends to ensure crossbusiness fertilization of ideas In an effort to bring its customers across business units together along with the global and local R&D and application development champions, Dow India recently hosted the first chapter/edition of Innovation Day. The event was organized to address the rapidly evolving needs of the customers by providing insights into the global advance trends and their orientation in India. This engagement is likely to see customers and businesses handhold and partner each other further as they step to a more ambitious future.

Over 170 external stakeholders - customers, business partners and media from all over the country participated in the event. The day-long seminar witnessed some eminent speakers from company’s global R&D team such as - Dr. Sreeram, Corporate Vice President 56 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

R&D, Dr. David Bem Vice President of R&D - Dow Advanced Materials, Dr. Bob Maughon, Global R&D Director - Dow Performance Plastics and Feedstocks and Dr. Nilesh Shah, Senior R&D Director - Dow Consumer & Industrial Solutions.

The event also featured some thought provoking discussions from industry captains across businesses as they deliberated on the trends

in various industries and different markets, innovative and sustainable practices etc.

Delivering the welcome address, Vipul Shah, President, CEO and Chairman of Dow India highlighted the need for collaborative innovation to harness future opportunities.

He said, “Our biggest strength in India has been customizing global innovations through our application development centres to address the needs of our customers locally.

We believe innovation should be all encompassing - in process, product, customer experience and business model. It is the ability to connect science and innovation with the principles of sustainability, that has helped us make this journey from a bulk chemical company to a go-to solution provider and build long term meaningful relationships with our customers in India.”

With three application development centers that cater to nine businesses, Dow India is addressing the needs of a rapidly evolving market place along with its customers. Today, the company has about 2000 products that cater to needs of its 3000 customers across

MR. VIPUL SHAH – PRESIDENT, CEO AND CHAIRMAN, DOW INDIA DURING THE INAUGURAL ADDRESS AT THE INNOVATION DAY SAID, “TODAY, IF EACH OF US CAN COME UP WITH INNOVATIVE IDEAS TO WORK TOGETHER, THIS WILL BE A NEW MILESTONE AND THE SPIRIT OF THE INNOVATION DAY WILL BE REALIZED.”

DR. DAVID BEM VICE PRESIDENT OF R&D PRESENTED A TALK ON “GROWTH TECHNOLOGIES OF TOMORROW”, WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS OF OFFERINGS FROM DOW ADVANCED MATERIALS DIVISION.

business units. Our solutions touch the lives of Indian consumers as well as business and industry.

Dr. Sreeram, Corporate Vice President - R&D, The Dow Chemical Company (TDCC), USA said, “Innovation throughout the value chain is a key strategic priority for Dow. Dow R&D organization is aligned to our businesses & market priorities and our innovation efforts directly reflect the needs of our customers and the market”.

On optimization and planning of R&D resources he further added, “Customer collaborations ensure alignment and help in prioritization of projects. Dow has a disciplined project management and financial planning process that helps us track milestones, understand opportunities and make decisions to ensure we are investing appropriately to deliver the highest value-add solutions.

Finally, we view the diversity of our sciences and engineering and industry engagement as a significant competitive advantage, as over the years we have learned to apply knowledge from one industry to another.”

India plays a critical role not only as a growth market but also

as a pillar of Dow R&D. While the immediate focus of the company is to support its multiple businesses in India through the three applications development centers, its future outlook is strengthen the footprint to serve the customers across Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka (IBPS) through these facilities.

Dow India is continuously striving to embed sustainability into its business decisions – its practices and processes to minimize its footprint in delivering solutions.

The company relies on Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) and is data driven for product development from the onset. This essentially implies that before investing in a product, the company carefully studies its entire life cycle – from raw materials to buyers, value chain and recycling possibilities etc.

Commenting on the corelation between innovation and sustainability, Mr. Ravi Rao, VicePresident, R&D, Dow India said, “Mapping and optimization of the resources has helped researchers evaluate the potential footprint of a product, compare it to alternatives and rank projects against key sustainability criteria. This is instrumental in understanding the viability of the innovation. It is a best practice and it is being embraced by many leading industries.”

The event concluded with thought provoking discussions on bottlenecks in the industry, threads that tie them together and how the global trends can be adopted to address these issues. The participants benefitted from experiences and best practices shared by the various industry veterans and discussed similar applications with the Dow technology experts. z

HIGHEST LEVELS OF COMFORT, QUALITY AND PERFORMANCE HONED OVER 65+ YEARS OF DOW INDIA’S ENGAGEMENT IN THE POLYURETHANES SPACE WAS ON DISPLAY AT THE BUSINESS KIOSK

CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 57

With Best Compliments From

EAST INDIA PHARMACEUTICAL WORKS LIMITED 6, Little Russell Street Kolkata - 700 071

Tel.: 2287 2262 / 2287 3004 / 2287 3007 2287 3009 / 2287 3041 / 2283 0709 Fax: 91-33-2287 3852 / 2287 4289 E-mail: eipwl@cal.vsnl.net.in Website: www.eastindiapharma.org

58 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

Government of India Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals

CHEMICAL WEAPONS CONVENTION (CWC) ATTENTION ALL CHEMICAL / PHARMACEUTICAL / PETROCHEMICAL / DYESTUFFS / PIGMENTS MANUFACTURERS / EXPORTERS / IMPORTERS (ENFORCEMENT OF CWC ACT- 2000)

SUBMIT DECLARATIONS NOW

India being signatory to CWC, submission of Declaration is obligatory under the CWC Act – 2000.

Non-compliance is a criminal offence & attracts imprisonment / penalties.

SCHEDULE- 2 CHEMICALS Initial and Annual Declarations are required for all plant sites that comprise one or more plant(s) which produced, processed or consumed during any of the previous three calendar years or is anticipated to produce, process or consume in the next calendar year more than:

(a) 1 Kg. of a Chemical designated “ * ” in Schedule–2, Part-A; (b) 100 Kg. of any other chemical listed in Schedule-2, Part-A; OR (c) 1 Tonne of a chemical listed in Schedule-2, Part-B of Annex on Chemicals of CWC.

SCHEDULE- 3 CHEMICALS Initial and Annual Declarations are required for all plant sites that comprise one or more plants which produced during the previous calendar year or are anticipated to produce in the next calendar year more than 30 Tonnes of a Schedule-3 Chemical of Annex on Chemicals of CWC. Declarations are also required on the quantities for each Schedule-2 and Schedule-3 chemical(s) imported and exported for the previous Calendar Year for each country involved.

Declaration Time Limit for Schedules – 2, 3 & Other Chemical Production Facilities (OCPFs) DECLARATION Annual Declaration of Past Activities (ADPA) for Schedule 2,3 & OCPF

25th January every year

Annual Declaration of Anticipated Activities (ADAA) for Schedule 2 & 3 only

25th July every year

Additionally planned activities

DEADLINE

Any planned change minus 30 Days i.e.

30 days before commencement of activities

FOR OTHER CHEMICAL PRODUCTION FACILITIES (OCPFs) Initial and Annual Declaration is required for all plant sites that produced by synthesis during previous calendar year more than 200 tonnes of unscheduled Discrete Organic Chemicals (DOCs) or 30 tonnes of an unscheduled DOC containing – PSF (elements Phosphorus, Sulphur or Fluorine) Chemical.

File CWC Declarations online. Access the web address http://cwc.dcpc.nic.in for the purpose.

FOR FURTHER DETAILS UNDERMENTIONED WEBSITES MAY BE VISITED

www.opcw.org



www.chemicals.nic.in



www.nacwc.nic.in

For any clarification, please contact CWC HelpDesk of your region set up by Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Govt. of India: ■ Chennai HelpDesk: ■ Hyderabad HelpDesk: ■ Kolkata HelpDesk: ■ Mumbai HelpDesk: ■ New Delhi HelpDesk: ■ Vadodara HelpDesk:

MR. R. NARAYANAN, Mobile: 09788580405 Email: narayanan.icc@gmail.com MR. V. GIREESAN MENON, Mobile: 08790975660 Email: icc.cwc@iccmail.in MR. ABHIJIT CHAKRABORTY, Mobile: 09831325654 Email: iccero@iccmail.in MR. SUDHIR KULKARNI, Mobile: 09930301927 Email: kulkarni.icc.mumbai@gmail.com MR. K.S. VARMA, Mobile: 09811007209 Email: cwchdd@gmail.com MR. ANAND KANE, Mobile: 09376980207 Email: cwchelpdesk@iccmail.in

Intimation Slip and Hard Copy of Declaration is to be sent (by SPEED POST ONLY) to: MR. O. P. SHARMA, Joint Industrial Advisor Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers, Dept.of Chemicals & Petrochemicals, Govt.of India Room No. 223, A-Wing, Shastri Bhawan, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Road, New Delhi - 110001 Tel: 011-23071442 Tele-Fax: 011-23071187 Email: efilehelp.dcpc@nic.in A Hard Copy of the Declaration also be submitted to: MRS. LATA MOHAN, Joint Director National Authority, Chemical Weapons Convention Cabinet Secretariat, 1st Floor,Chanakya Bhavan, New Delhi - 110021 Tel: 011-24675527 Fax: 011-24675767 Cell: 09560454945 Email: lata.mohan@nic.in

CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 59

NEWS NATIONAL

SHIVALIK RASAYAN TO ROLL OUT 750 MTPM PESTICIDES & CHEMICALS UNIT IN BHARUCH Following the speedy environment clearance (EC) by the Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF), decks for Shivalik Rasayan Ltd’s proposed pesticides and chemicals manufacturing unit in Bharuch Gujarat has been cleared. The estimated project cost is Rs 60 crores. The MoEF accorded the clearance on 27th August, 2014.

Based on the information submitted by the project proponent, the Ministry hereby accords environmental clearance to the said project under the provisions of Environment lmpact Assessment notification subject to the compliance specific and general conditions, the Ministry said in a statement. According to the details submitted by Shivalik Rasayan, total land available for the project stands at 50,000 sq. meter of which about 16,230 sq. meters (32.46 %) area is covered as greenbelt and other forms of greenery.

60 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

Shivalik Rasayan plans to introduce pesticides and allied agrochemical products manufacturing unit at Dahej site by using proposed manufacturing and infrastructure facilities with a total cost of Rs 60 crores.

As per the information furnished by the company to the MoEF, the facility will be operating for maximum of 330 days in a year and its product range of 750 million tonnes per month (MTPM) would comprise of dimethoate technical, acephate technical, hexaconazole, glyphosphate technical, chlorpyriphos technical, melathion technical, tebuconazole etc. Among the byproducts, out of 750 tonnes per month (TPM) the new facility will produce NaHS (sodium hydrogen sulphide) and acetic acid.

The company further adds that during construction phase, skilled and unskilled manpower will be needed. The manpower requirement for the proposed project activity will be expected to generate some permanent jobs and secondary jobs for the operation and maintenance

of plant. This will increase direct or indirect employment opportunities and ancillary business development to some extent for the local population. This phase is expected to create a beneficial impact on the local socio-economic environment.

NEYVELI LIGNITE PLANS MEGA INVESTMENT IN RENEWABLE ENERGY The company to invest over Rs 500 crore to set up over 80 MW of wind and solar energy projects Neyveli Lignite Corporation, a government-owned lignite mining and power generating company, is planning to invest over Rs 500 crore in various renewable energy projects.

The company plans to set up over 80 MW of wind and solarenergy projects.

The board has approved the 25 MW solar power project at Neyveli, Tamil Nadu, the company informed.

The company said that of the 25 MW, 10 MW will be installed in an area of about 54 acres in first phase and another 15 MW as an expansion in the second phase.

BHEL, Chennai has been awarded the contract for setting up the power project at a cost of Rs 74.60 crore, which includes operation and maintenance for three years after the warranty period. The project is scheduled to be completed within 9 months from the date of LOA. A proposal to set up a solar power plant of 10 MW capacity at Barsingsar, Rajasthan at an estimated cost of Rs 92.83 crore is also under consideration, according to company’s Annual Report 2013-14.

Neyveli has also obtained approval for setting up a 51 MW wind power project at Kazhuneerkulam, Tirunelveli district at an aggregate cost of Rs 347.14 crore.

The company said that both the renewable projects have been notified for prior consideration of CDM to United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

MoEF CLEARS VAISHNAVI ENTERPRISE’S BHAVNAGAR PLANT EXPANSION The Ministry of Environment & Forests (MoEF) has cleared Vaishnavi Enterprise’s much awaited expansion plan of synthetic organic manufacturing unit in Bhavnagar.

The company has earmarked Rs 1.86 crore for the expansion.

According to the information furnished by Vaishnavi Enterprises, the project seeks for the expansion of its existing unit for capacity enhancement of the existing product and for introduction of three new products to meet the market demand of the products. A total of 1100 tonnes per month (TPM) of benzoic acid, benzyl benzoate, benzyl acetate, and sodium benzoate will be produced in the new facility, the company stated.

The company plans to expand its existing unit for manufacturing of additional quantity of benzoic acid by only purification and crystallization where as three derivatives (salt) of benzoic acid through synthesis. The

ARIHA TO USE INVISTA’S TECHNOLOGY TO RECOVER CHEMICALS FROM PTA PLANT’S WASTE Ariha Chemicals to use Swiss company’s R2R technology for its upcoming plant in Navi Mumbai The Navi Mumbai-based Ariha Chemicals Pvt Ltd has recently signed an agreement with Swiss firm InvistaTechnologies to use its R2R technology for Ariha’s new project dedicated to the recovery of valuable chemicals from the residues generated by purified terephthalic acid(PTA) plants. PTA is a basic raw material for polyester and it is also used in the making polyethylene terephthalate (PET) film, which are extensively used in beverage packaging.

PTA is also used in making cyclohexanedimethanol, terephthaloyl chloride, copolyester-ether elastomers, plasticisers and liquid crystal polymers.

The project, which will be installed at Taloja, Maharashtra, will have an initial design capacity of 35,000 metric tonnes per year and will be the first stand-alone R2R facility licensed by Invista. Ariha Chemicals’ new plant is scheduled to be operational by the end of 2014.

Ariha Chemicals aims to become a leading player in the residue recovery business with plants at multiple locations utilising the extensive experience of its founding partners coupled with ongoing R&D and latest available technology. In phase 1, Ariha plans to recover chemicals such as benzoic acid, terephthalic acid, isophthalic acid and catalyst metals from the residues.

Kumar Dharwadkar, Director, Ariha Chemicals, said, “Ariha is excited to be embarking on this new venture that could benefit its environmental and variable cost performance by using the R2R Technology from Invista.”

Mike Pickens, General Manager for Invista’s technology and licensing group - Invista Performance Technologies - said, “Invista is pleased to have been chosen by Ariha for its project, which will focus on recovering benzoic acid and other materials from a residue waste stream.”

CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 61

proposed expansion project involves the production of synthetic organic chemicals: benzoic acid and its derivatives (salts) which fall under item no. 5(f) - synthetic organic chemicals, of schedule–I of the EIA notification 2006 (as amended timely) and since the proposed project is located outside the notified industrial estate, it falls under Category A. The company proposes to conduct social welfare activities which include the funding and contribution for public infrastructure or facilities development, maintenance and improvement on the basis of as and when required.

CHLOR-ALKALI INDUSTRIES IN CHINA, INDIA TO FUEL GROWTH OF GLOBAL SALT MARKET The growing chlor-alkali industries in the Asia-Pacific region are likely to be the prime factor the rising demand for saltglobally in near future. The global demand for salt is forecast

to climb 1.5 percent annually to 325 million metric tonnes in 2018, valued at $13.4 billion, according to theFreedonia Group’s new study, ‘World Salt’. Trends in the dominant chemical manufacturing market will continue to strongly influence growth in salt consumption, althoughroad deicing and food production will also have a significant impact.

Carolyn Zulandt, Analyst, Freedonia Group, said, “Asia/ Pacific is by far the leading and fastest growing regional market for salt based on its large chlor-alkali industry.”

Trends in the production of chloralkali chemicals (chlorine, caustic soda, and synthetic soda ash) will continue to have the most significant effect on regional salt demand. “In the Asia/Pacific region, China and India are the largest chlor-alkali producers and have registered growth significantly above the global average over the past decade.

While advances through 2018 will decelerate due to excess supply, Asia

INDIA MAY CONSIDER INDORAMA’S PLEA ON SPANDEX YARN In order to bolster the domestic production of synthetic yarn in the country, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizer (MoCF) has initiated the process of giving a level playing field to domestic producers of spandex yarn. The Ministry has decided to recommend to the Ministry of Commerce for action on the plea of Indorama Industries Limited on issues related to Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on raw materials.

In its submission to the Ministry of Commerce & Industries, Indorama has pleaded to consider elimination of the product, bare elastomeric or spandex yarn, from ASEAN Free Trade Agreement (FTA). The company has also requested the government for restoration of import duty on spandex yarn to original tariff rate of 10 per cent and its removal from the MFN (most favoured nation) list, along with import duty reduction to nil on 3 imported raw materials consumed for production of spandex yarn only.

The DCPC, however, is learnt to have been in agreement with the plea of Indorama on the ground that it has been facing difficulties in operations in India due to high percentage of import duty on imported raw material as well as cheaper imports of spandex yarn from ASEAN countries due to lower duties of 3 per cent.

According to the company, the steep reduction during the last 3 years in imported spandex prices by all foreign suppliers has been done with a view to force the domestic industry to close down. Thereafter, the foreign suppliers would jack up the prices to gain profit, thereby adversely affecting the domestic textile industry. The company further stresses, that if they are forced to close down their India operations, the Indian government would lose around Rs 600 crores per annum as foreign exchange.

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will still register the best advances in salt demand in the chemical market over that time,” said Freedonia in a press release.

In the US, growth in chlor-alkali production is expected to accelerate, benefitting from low natural gas prices and a strong construction market. In contrast, Europe is expected to see stagnant-todeclining chlor-alkali output due to a weak pulp and paper industry and competition from chemical suppliers in Asia and the US. Food processing will continue to provide steady but slow growth in most countries, while demand for salt in road deicing is projected to drop back to more usual levels in countries that experienced harsh winters in 2013. Overall, China will continue to represent the largest salt market worldwide while India is expected to register the fastest gains.

Road deicing is the second largest application for salt worldwide, even though demand is concentrated in only a few large countries (the US alone controls nearly 60 percent of the market). Food processing is expected to register average gains in most countries. In developed economies, health concerns regarding high sodium intake are leading to salt reduction initiatives.

On the other hand, fast growth in processed food manufacturing is driving food salt consumption in developing countries.

INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON EDUCATION IN CHEMISTRY ICEC 2014 - DECEMBER 12-14, 2014 AT HBCSE (TIFR) MUMBAI Association of Chemistry Teachers (ACT) and Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (TIFR) Mumbai have organised an International Conference on “Education in Chemistry” ICEC 2014 on December 12-14, 2014 at HBCSE (TIFR) Mumbai to acquaint

Chemistry teachers with the latest developments in Chemistry Education Research (CER) and to help them to review their own teaching-learning practices in the light of current trends in CER. There is a growing recognition that the quality of higher education in the country has to be improved.

The improvement is envisaged in two important areas:1) updating Chemistry curricula and syllabi and 2) modernising teaching strategies using a research based approach.

In India, CER is practiced in very few institutions. ICER 2014 is perhaps the only conference in our country devoted exclusively to CER. ICEC 2014 will include review talks, workshops and presentations by experts in Chemistry Education from USA, UK besides India.

Papers related to Chemistry Education will be considered for oral and poster presentation.

Extended abstracts of maximum 500 words should be submitted by email to icecindia2014@ gmail.com by October 1, 2014.The ACT website: www. associationofchemistryteachers.org may be referred to for all relevant details of ICEC 2014.

As a part of the conference, an exhibition of instruments, books, journals, study and resource material and computer software pertaining to Chemistry and allied subjects will be set up.

ACT is the Indian national organisation of Chemistry educators, involved in activities to improve tertiary level education in the

SABIC AND CAS JOIN HANDS FOR CHEMICAL RESEARCH SABIC and the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) have signed an agreement recently for joint research in the chemical and chemical engineering fields to develop advanced technologies and solutions.

According to SABIC, this landmark strategic collaborative agreement will go a long way in augmenting intellectual exchange and talent development.

The agreement was signed in Beijing by Ernesto Occhiello, Executive Vice President, Technology and Innovation, SABIC and Ding Zhongli, Vice President of CAS and President of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (UCAS).

The two organizations will work together to jointly sponsor an annual Scientific Forum on Frontiers of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering. The first two day Scientific Forum is being held today at the Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics (DICP).

Mohamed Al-Mady, SABIC Vice Chairman and CEO, said “as the growth engine for SABIC in Asia, we continually explore new areas of transformation for China, in China, and with China. We are supporting reform by providing customers and markets with the solutions they need as China progresses along its unique path of development. Partnering with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the linchpin of China’s drive to explore and harness high technology and natural sciences, will elevate SABIC’s efforts in helping to make the ‘China Dream’ an enduring reality.” country in the Chemical Sciences.

HBCSE (TIFR) is a national centre of the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research Mumbai and is the premier institution of the country for research and development in science, technology and mathematics education. (http://www.hbcse.tifr. res.in) Prof. Savita Ladage (HBCSE(TIFR),Mumbai) and Dr. D. V. Prabhu (Wilson College, Mumbai) are the Convenors of ICEC 2014 For further details please contact: Dr. D. V. Prabhu General Secretary - Association of Chemistry Teachers c/o Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (TIFR) V. N. Purav Marg, Mankhurd Mumbai - 400 088.

Contact No. 09870226899

L&T HYDROCARBON WINS ORDERS WORTH RS. 1,920 CR The division has secured Rs 1,340 cr offshore contract from ONGC and Rs 580 cr deal from top company hydrocarbon downstream processing firm L&T Hydrocarbon Engineering Limited (LTHE), a fully-owned

subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro Limited, has secured new orders in the offshore and onshore segments worth Rs 1,920 crore from domestic oil and gas majors.

“An offshore contract valued at Rs 1,340 crore from the Oil & Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), won against international competitive bidding, includes engineering, procurement, construction and installation of five wellhead platforms at the Mumbai High North field of ONGC. The project, part of ONGC’s strategy to re-develop Phase-III of Mumbai High North field to enhance production from existing reservoirs, is scheduled to be completed by March, 2016,” said L&T in a press release.

In the onshore segment LTHE has secured a contract valued at approximately Rs 580 crore from a leading company engaged in hydrocarbon downstream processing.

LTHE will carry out engineering, procurement and construction of a dual service cryogenic storage tank facility, suitable for liquid ethane and liquefied natural gas and engineering work for the balance of the facilities to be installed at the client’s manufacturing complex.

CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 63

ASSAM GAS CRACKER PROJECT BY JUNE 2015 Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, Shri Ananth Kumar has asked the Brahmaputra Crackers and Polymers Ltd’s (BCPL) to complete the project by June, 2015.

Your website, indianchemicalnews. com in its September 15th report had written about the latest timeline doing the rounds in the Ministry for the completion of the BCPL’s venture.

The Rs 10,000 crore petrochemical project in Assam, named as Assam Gas Cracker Project was approved by the government in April 2006 at Lepetkata, near Dibrugarh Assam, with GAIL having 70 per cent equity participation in the project and the rest equally shared by Oil India Ltd (OIL), Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) and the Government of Assam.

Kumar during the review meeting, has asked the stakeholders that project should become operational by June 2015. Sources told ICN that the Minister took serious note of delay in completion of the project and directed the concerned to adhere to the timeliness for completion of the project without any further delay so as to achieve the mechanical completion of the project by November, 2014 and commissioning by June 2015.

After the Cabinet approval in 2006, the project was scheduled to be completed in December 2013.

The review meeting was attended by the heads of implementing agencies namely GAIL, OIL, NRL, Govt of Assam,EIL and BHEL. However, sources added that so far 97.8 per cent of the project has been completed. The Assam Gas Cracker Project will be the first ever petrochemicals project in the entire North-East at Lepetkata near Dibrugarh in Assam. The feedstock for the project will be natural gas and naphtha. OIL and ONGC will supply gas and naphtha shall be supplied

by NRL. Amid delays in completion of the project, the board of BCPL has also approved to submit a proposal for enhancement of the capital cost to Rs 9,586.25 crore and this will be second time the cost of project will be enhanced.

The Assam Gas Cracker Project was initiated in pursuance of the Memorandum of Settlement signed between Central Government, All Assam Students Union (AASU) and All Assam Gana Parishad (AAGP) on 15th August 1985.

BAYER TO EXPAND THERMOPLASTIC POLYURETHANE CAPACITY IN CUDDALORE The company will increased the capacity from 2,500 metric tonnes to 6,000 metric tonnes Germany-based Bayer MaterialScience plans to increase thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) production capacities in Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, to meet the continued

VASAVIK FOUNDATION AWARDS ANNOUNCED 2012 VASVIK AWARD IN THE CATEGORY OF CHEMICAL SCIENCES & TECHNOLOGY – - PROFESSOR B. N. THORAT, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai 2013 VASVIK AWARD IN THE CATEGORY OF SMT. CHANDABEN MOHANBHAI PATEL INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH AWARD FOR WOMEN SCIENTISTS – - PROFESSOR VANDANA B. PATRAVALE, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai 2014 VASVIK AWARD IN THE CATEGORY OF BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES & TECHNOLOGY – - PROFESSOR PRADIP R. VAVIA, Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai.

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growth in demand for TPU. With the addition of a second TPUproduction line, which expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2015, the annual capacity of Cuddalore site will increase to 6,000 metric tonnes from its current capacity of 2,500 metric tons.

Marius Wirtz, Head of TPU Business at Bayer Materialscience, said “As the only local TPU producer, BMS has been committed to the development of the Indian TPU market for over 18 years. The planned increase of our local capacity is an important milestone to continuously support our customer’s growth with custom-made TPUs in high quality and with short lead times.”

Ajay Durrani, Managing Director and Senior Country Representative - Indian Subcontinent, Bayer MaterialScience Pvt Ltd, added, “Bayer MaterialScience continues to see strong growth opportunities in India across all business units.

There is considerable demand in the Indian market for TPUs which is driven by an increasing appetite for high-quality end products.

With this, we are convinced that the Indian market has strong fundamentals to utilise the scale of investments in TPU.” TPU is used in a wide range of industry segments and applications such as automotive, textile, shoe, castor wheel, cable sheathing, pneumatic tubing, solution coatings and adhesives. The company is the local market leader and offers a wide range of innovative TPUs from both Bayer’s local and global TPU portfolio.

The Cuddalore site supplies TPU under Bayer’s trade name Desmopan to the Indian market as well as to customers in Europe.

The company has recently received Environmental Clearance from the Ministry of Environment which is supplemented by a permit from the Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB).

building blocks along with the fertilizer industries in these reverse SEZs such as ammonia, methanol and other chemical products. India could also explore opportunities to make power based on cheaper methanol being imported instead of LNG.

MSME MINISTRY FOR CHEMICAL R&D CENTRE AT AHMEDABAD

INDIA CONSIDERS CHEMICALS & PETROCHEMICAL REVERSE SEZ IN IRAN, MYANMAR & MOZAMBIQUE The Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizer (MoCF) has taken up the long standing demand for setting up of reverse special economic zone (SEZ) in countries like Iran, Mozambique and Myanmar for augmenting the supply of feedstock for petrochemical and fertilizer industries.

As per the information shared by an official source privy to the development, your website has learnt that the MoCF has asked the officials for necessary action on the proposal.

An apex industry group the FICCI and Tata Strategic Management Group (TSMG) have proposed to set up reverse SEZs in the countries like Iran, Mozambique and Myanmar as these countries have abundant natural resources sans technical know how and macro-economic stability. The MoCF is also writing to the concerned Ministries such as External affairs and Commerce & Industries.

Meanwhile, pitching for the reverse SEZs, the FICCI-TSMG has argued that the local gas is available at $4.5 per MMBTU and they have not been able to meet the local needs of the country. India imports LNG which is available at $15 per MMBTU. On the other hand with new discovery of Shale gas in USA and recent discoveries in Africa, the gas price in these countries have been in the range of $2-3 per MMBTU. The FICCI-TSMG proposed that the Indian government should help create SEZs with the help of the local governments. It argues that number of Indian companies would be interested in such SEZs to use the cheap gas available to make chemical building blocks and bring them to India for the country’s needs.

The biggest beneficiary according to the proposal would be the fertilizer industry as they would get gas supply at 1/4th of the current price and thereby the Union government could do away with thousands of crore of rupees subsidy to the producers.

Moreover, the petrochemical industry could look at making

The Ministry for MSME (Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises) has given the nod for establishing a Common Facility Centre (CFC) for the research and Development (R&D) in the Chemical clusters. Your website has learnt that the facility will be located in Ahmedabad.

The Gujarat Chemical Association (GCA) will be the nodal agency for the project. It has been learnt that the CFC will be called ‘Centre for R&D in Chemical and Allied Industries for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Sector’ and will be at Naroda Enviro Projects Limited, Odhav. The Ministry will provide a platform to utilize and train manpower for swift progress of MSME sector.

The development assumes significance from the fact that during past decade Gujarat has become the hub for chemical, petrochemicals, rubber and plastics industries and at present the industry is worth over 4.5 lakh crore. Also the investment in the chemical sector alone has crossed 1.5 lakh crore in the state.

CFC will aid scientific research focusing on applications, development, design and industrial activities in the field of chemicals. It will help develop new products from existing raw materials and increase productivity by low cost technology, upgrade quality of existing products and reduce pollution by alternate process. The centre will conduct R&D for energy conservation and conduct workshops and training program for skilled and semi-skilled workers” said GCA president Jaimin Vasa. z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 65

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AARTI INDUSTRIES LTD. ADITYA BIRLA CHEMICALS INDIA LTD. ADITYA BULK CARRIERS AKZO NOBEL CHEMICALS (I) LTD. ALKYL AMINES CHEMICALS LTD. AMINES & PLASTICIZERS LTD. ANSHUL SPECIALTY MOLECULES LTD. APCOTEX INDUSTRIES LTD. ARCL ORGANICS LTD. ASCU ARCH TIMBER PROTECTION LTD. ASG BIOCHEM PVT. LTD. ASHOK CHEM-PHARMA INTERNATIONAL LTD. ASIAN PEROXIDES LTD. ASTEC LIFESCIENCES LTD. ATUL LIMITED AUCHTEL PRODUCTS LTD. BASF INDIA LTD. BAYER CROP SCIENCE LTD. BENGAL CHEMICALS & PHARM. LTD. BHARAT PETROLEUM CORPORATION LTD. BHARUCH ENVIRO INFRASTRUCTURE LTD. BILAG INDUSTRIES LTD. BRENTAG INGREDIENTS (INDIA) PVT. LTD. CENTURY RAYON CETEX PETROCHEMICALS CHEMPLAST SANMAR LTD. CHEMSTAR ORGANICS (INDIA) LTD. CHEMTURA CHEMICALS INDIA PVT. LTD. CLARIANT CHEMICALS (INDIA) LTD. COLOURTEX INDUSTRIES PVT. LTD. CONNELL BROS CO. (I) PVT. LTD. COROMANDEL INTERNATIONAL LTD. CRL TERMINALS PVT. LTD. DAI-ICHI KARKARIA LTD. DCM SHRIRAM CONSOLIDATED LTD. DEEPAK NITRITE LTD. DHARAMSI MORARJI CHEMICAL CO. LTD., THE DIAMINES & CHEMICALS LTD. DIC INDIA LTD. DISHMAN PHARMACEUTICALS & CHEMICALS LTD. DORF KETAL CHEMICALS (I) PVT LTD. DORF KETAL SPECIALITY CATALYST (P) LTD. DOW AGROSCIENCES INDIA PVT. LTD. (Lote Parshuram Unit) DOW CHEMICAL INTERNATIONAL PVT. LTD. (Kalwa Unit) EAST INDIA PHARMACEUTICAL WORKS LTD. E. I. DUPONT INDIA PVT. LTD. ELANTAS BECK INDIA LTD. ESSAR OIL LIMITED EXCEL INDUSTRIES LTD. GALAXY SURFACTANTS LTD. GANESH POLYCHEM LTD. GE BETZ INDIA PVT. LTD. GHCL LIMITED GODAVARI BIOREFINERIES LTD. GODREJ INDUSTRIES LTD. GRASIM INDUSTRIES LTD. GUJARAT ALKALIES & CHEMICALS LTD. GUJARAT ORGANICS LTD. GUJARAT STATE FERT. & CHEM. LTD.

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60. GULBRANDSEN CHEMICALS PVT. LTD. 61. GULBRANDSEN TECHNOLOGIES (INDIA) PVT. LTD. 62. HALDIA PETROCHEMICALS LTD. 63. HEUBACH COLOUR PVT. LTD. 64. HIKAL LIMITED 65. HINDUSTAN INSECTICIDES LTD. 66. HINDUSTAN ORGANIC CHEMICALS LTD. 67. HUNTSMAN INTERNATIONAL (I) PVT. LTD. 68. INDIA GLYCOLS LTD. 69. INDIAN ADDITIVES LTD. 70. INDIAN OIL CORPORATION LTD. 71. INDOFIL INDUSTRIES LTD. 72. INDUSTRIAL SOLVENTS & CHEM. PVT. LTD. 73. INSILCO LTD. 74. IOL CHEMICALS & PHARMACEUTICALS LTD. 75. JAYSHREE CHEMICALS LTD. 76. JUBILANT LIFE SCIENCES LTD. 77. K.V. FIRE CHEMICALS (I) PVT. LTD. 78. KANSAI NEROLAC PAINTS LTD. 79. LANXESS INDIA PVT. LTD. 80. LAXMI ORGANIC INDUSTRIES LTD. 81. LUBRIZOL INDIA LTD. 82. MCC PTA INDIA CORP. PVT. LTD. 83. NAGARJUNA FERTILIZERS AND CHEMICALS LTD. 84. NATIONAL PEROXIDE LTD. 85. NAVDEEP CHEMICALS PVT. LTD. 86. NAVIN FLUORINE INTERNATIONAL LTD. 87. NLC NALCO (INDIA) LTD. 88. PI INDUSTRIES LIMITED 89. RALLIS INDIA LTD. 90. RASHTRIYA CHEMICALS & FERTILIZERS LTD. 91. RELIANCE INDUSTRIES LTD. 92. RISHI KIRAN LOGISTICS PVT. LTD. 93. ROHM AND HAAS INDIA PVT. LTD. (Taloja Unit) 94. S I GROUP – INDIA LTD. 95. SAJJAN INDIA LTD. 96. SAVIORAY PETROCHEMICALS LTD. 97. SHASUN CHEMICALS & DRUGS LTD. 98. SOLARIS CHEMTECH INDUSTRIES LTD. 99. SOLVAY SPECIALITIES INDIA (PVT.) LTD. 100. SOUTHERN PETROCHEM INDS. CORPN. LTD. 101. SRF LIMITED 102. STP LIMITED 103. STYROLUTION ABS (INDIA) LTD. 104. STYROLUTION INDIA PVT. LTD. 105. SUDARSHAN CHEMICAL INDUSTRIES LTD. 106. SUD-CHEMIE INDIA PVT. LTD. 107. SUPARNA CHEMICALS LTD. 108. SUPREME PETROCHEM LTD. 109. TAGROS CHEMICALS INDIA LTD. 110. TANFAC INDUSTRIES LTD. 111. TATA CHEMICALS LTD. 112. THIRUMALAI CHEMICALS LTD. 113. TRANSPEK INDUSTRY LTD. 114. TRANSPEK SILOX INDUSTRY LTD. 115. TUTICORIN ALKALI CHEMICALS & FERT. LTD. 116. UNITED PHOSPHORUS LTD. 117. VADODARA ENVIRO CHANNEL LTD. 118. WACKER METROARK CHEMICALS LTD. Updated as on 25 September 2014

Yet Another Important Milestone in the Service History of ICC All ICC Offices have been authorised by Government of India to issue

CERTIFICATE OF ORIGIN (No n -p r e f e r e n t ia l)

which is an invaluable document for exporters.

No n eed to w ait for lon g h ou rs!

ICC offices issu e th e Certificates across th e table.

Members and other exporters are requested to avail this facility.

For further details, please contact:

INDIAN CHEMICAL COUNCIL  Sir Vithaldas Chambers

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 Shantiniketan

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16 Mumbai Samachar Marg Mumbai - 400 001 Tel: 22047649/22048043/22846852 Fax: 22048057 E-mail: icc@iccmail.in

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CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 67

NEWS INTERNATIONAL ADVANCED PETROCHEMICAL APPROVES EQUITY INVESTMENT IN PDH PLANT WITH SK GAS IN SOUTH KOREA Advanced Petrochemical Company approved the equity investment of 35 per cent in propane dehydrogenation (PDH) Plant with SK Gas, for the production of propylene in South Korea, through its subsidiary Advanced Global Investment Company (AGIC) which is owned 95 per cent by ADVANCED and sources of AGIC equity participation will be announced later. The total cost of the project is expected to be approximately $ 1 billion and the project will be financed 40 per cent equity and 60 per cent debt. The project has commenced the construction activities and it is scheduled to start up in the first half of 2016, with a nameplate capacity of 600,000 metric tonne per annum.

The financial impact of above investment is expected after the 68 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

commencement of commercial operation of the project in 2016.

HALDOR TOPSOE AWARDED AMMONIA PLANT CONTRACT IN TURKMENISTAN In collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd, Haldor Topsoe A/S has been selected for the design of a new ammonia plant for a major fertilizer project in Turkmenistan.

The project has been awarded by State Concern Turkmenhimiya, a state-owned chemical company in Turkmenistan and also includes project partners Mitsubishi Corporation and the Turkish construction company GAP In?aat.

The fertilizer plant is scheduled to go on stream in June 2018 and will become the largest in Turkmenistan located in the city of Garabogaz on the coast of the Caspian Sea in the northwestern part of the country.

Using Turkmenistan’s abundant natural gas reserve as feedstock, the plant will have a daily capacity of 2,000 metric tonne of ammonia and 3,500 metric tonne of urea.

Haldor Topsoe will be responsible for the engineering design of the

ammonia plant with special emphasis on minimizing the environmental impact from production by featuring a Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) DeNOx unit which can treat the flue gas from the facility reducing NOx pollution. Besides engineering design and licensing, the delivery from Haldor Topsoe also includes proprietary hardware related to the ammonia process technology as well as catalysts.

The award of the contract is a continuation of a successful collaboration between Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Haldor Topsoe in the former Soviet Union area where two other ammonia plants are currently under construction.

BAYER TO FLOAT MATERIALSCIENCE AS SEPARATE COMPANY The move expected to give MaterialScience direct access to capital for its future development, as Bayer decides to focus exclusively on life sciences business has decided to float MaterialScience business, which produces high-

tech polymer materials, as a separate company on the stock market and focus entirely on the life science businesses HealthCare and CropScience - in the future. The Supervisory Board unanimously approved the Board of Management’s plans on September 19, 2014. “Our intention is to create two top global corporations: Bayer as a world-class innovation company in the Life Science businesses, and MaterialScience as a leading player in polymers,” announced Dr Marijn Dekkers, CEO, Bayer.

Bayer plans to float the MaterialScience business on the stock market as a separate company within the next 12 to 18 months. A major reason for this move is to give MaterialScience direct access to capital for its future development.

This access can no longer be adequately ensured within the Bayer Group due to the substantial investment needs of the Life Science businesses for both organic and external growth. Also, as a separate company, MaterialScience can align its organisational and process structures and corporate culture entirely toward its own industrial environment and business model.

Dekkers commented, “We firmly believe that MaterialScience will use its separate status to deploy its existing strength even more rapidly, effectively and flexibly in the global competitive arena.” A strategy and corporate culture aligned to technological and cost leadership, coupled with the ability to make its own investment and portfolio decisions, would give MaterialScience the best development prospects in a highly competitive market. That, said Dekkers, includes direct capital market access so that it would not have to compete with the Life Science businesses for investment funding in the future.

“MaterialScience is a very well positioned business that today operates very modern, competitive,

large-scale facilities. We have steadily invested in these facilities, even in difficult economic times,” Dekkers pointed out, citing the world-scale production facilities in Shanghai, China, and the new TDI plant in Dormagen, Germany, which is to be officially inaugurated in December. Between 2009 and 2013 alone, Bayer invested a total of over Euro 3.8 billion in property, plant and equipment and research and development for the MaterialScience business.

Following the intended flotation, MaterialScience will be Europe’s fourth-largest chemical company; it had global sales in 2013 of more than Euro 11 billion (pro forma figure). The new company is planned to have a global workforce of roughly 16,800, including about 6,500 in Germany. It will have a new name and a separate identity and be headquartered in Leverkusen.

AKZONOBEL TO ESTABLISH NEW ORGANIZATION FOR PERFORMANCE COATINGS BUSINESS

AkzoNobel will establish a new organization for its performance coatings business area in order

to drive leading performance. The simplified new structure - due to become fully operational in January 2015 - will reduce the number of global management layers. As a result, performance coatings will be managed through seven strategic market units under the leadership of Executive Committee Member Conrad Keijzer. The seven units will focus on specific customer segments and technologies. They will be: marine coatings, metal coatings, powder coatings, protective coatings, specialty coatings, vehicle refinishes and wood coatings.

The costs associated with this reorganization are included within the guidance of at least €250 million of total restructuring charges for 2014.

“Following the launch of our new strategy in 2013, we have initiated a process of change throughout the organization. This planned reduction in management layers will not only enhance decisionmaking efficiency, but we will also create an organization that is more customer focused, agile and lean. We consider these to be key elements with regard to driving leading performance. Because in addition to delivering on our organic growth and operational excellence strategy, the changes will also improve our profitability and help to deliver on our 2015 targets and

INDIA, JAPAN TO COMBAT SICKLE CELL ANAEMIA Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi discussed cooperation with Japan to combat sickle cell anaemia that is prevalent in India’s tribal regions. The discussion was held between Modi and Shinya Yamanaka, Japan’s stem cell pioneer and 2012 Nobel Prize winner, Kyoto University.

“The prime minister expressed concern over the prevalence of sickle cell anaemia, especially among tribal communities across India,” a statement by the Indian government said.

Sickling decreases the cells’ flexibility and results in a risk of various life threatening complications. It mostly occurs in regions where malaria is rampant. Yamanaka said there were currently no Indian researchers at his institute, the Centre for iPS Cell Research and Application, and ‘he would like Indian scientists to conduct research at the institute.’

CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 69

beyond,” explained Ton Buchner, CEO, AkzoNobel.

CLARIANT EXPANDS PIGMENTS PRODUCTION FACILITY IN ROHA, INDIA

Clariant, a world leader in specialty chemicals, announced the inauguration of an important new extension to its production facility in Roha, south-east of Mumbai, India.

The expansion doubles its capacity at the facility for pigments and pigment preparations. This higher output will enable the company to increase its market coverage in India and the neighboring countries of Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and to provide products better tailored to customer needs.

The increase in capacity has been made possible with the introduction of the very latest equipment for high-end pigment preparation. The improved plant, in which Clariant has invested CHF 3.2 million (INR 20 crores), forms part of a strategic programme that the company has been carrying out in recent years to support customers in emerging

markets with high quality pigments and pigment preparations that comply with local and international eco-labeling schemes.

“Clariant is investing across Asia to develop production, technical support and commercial service capabilities that will enable our customers in this rapidly growing region to be successful in growing their business. The enhanced capability in Roha complements improvements we have made and continue to make in our various operations in China, Indonesia, and elsewhere,” said Hariolf Kottmann, CEO, Clariant.

BAYER TO SPLIT OFF POLYMER DIVISION German-based chemical and pharmaceutical company Bayer said that it plans to spin off its polymer division on the stock market as a separate company. The company also announced of focus entirely on the Life Science businesses in future. “Our intention is to create two top global corporations: Bayer as a world-class innovation company in the Life Science businesses, and MaterialScience as a leading player in polymers,” Bayer CEO Dr. Marijn

ECHA CALLS FOR A NEW ROUND OF COMMENTS ON THE REPRODUCTIVE TOXICITY OF ACETOCHLOR ECHA is launching an additional public consultation on the harmonised classification and labelling (CLH) for reproductive toxicity of acetochlor (EC No 251-899-3, CAS No 34256-82-1). New comments on this hazard class are welcome.

The proposal for harmonised classification and labelling (CLH) of acetochlor was submitted by Spain in September 2013 and was subject to a public consultation, which ended on 20 January 2014.

Subsequently, the Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) has raised the possibility that the data from the repeated dose toxicity studies as well as from the reproductive toxicity studies could indicate that classification for reproductive toxicity may be warranted for acetochlor. As the dossier submitter initially did not propose classification for reproductive toxicity, and in order to strengthen the information base, ECHA would like to provide the parties concerned with a second opportunity to comment on this hazard class. The basis for this additional public consultation is the same CLH report which was previously subject to public consultation on acetochlor.

New comments on this hazard class – reproductive toxicity – are invited in writing by 6 October 2014 to the following mailbox: clh-expert-meetings (at)echa.europa.eu. The comments will be published on ECHA’s website.

70 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

Dekkers announced. He said both companies have excellent prospects for success in their respective industries. Employment levels are expected to remain stable over the next few years, both globally and in Germany.

MaterialScience to gain direct access to the capital market In recent years, Bayer’s center of gravity has greatly shifted toward its Life Science activities with the successful launch of novel pharmaceutical products, the pending acquisition of the over-thecounter products business of Merck & Co., Inc., United States, and the very successful development of the CropScience business. The aim is to continue the positive development of these activities in the future through further investment in growth.

Following its regular evaluation of the business portfolio, the Board of Management has therefore decided to focus the company on these areas. The Life Sciences currently already account for about 70 percent of Bayer’s sales and 88 percent of EBITDA before special items.

It is planned to float the MaterialScience business on the stock market as a separate company within the next 12 to 18 months. A major reason for this move is to give MaterialScience direct access to

capital for its future development.

This access can no longer be adequately ensured within the Bayer Group due to the substantial investment needs of the Life Science businesses for both organic and external growth. Also, as a separate company, MaterialScience can align its organizational and process structures and corporate culture entirely toward its own industrial environment and business model.

Bayer to retain a balanced portfolio The companies of the future Bayer Group had pro forma sales of approx.

EUR 29 billion in 2013. They will employ nearly 99,000 people, including about 29,500 in Germany.

Corporate headquarters will remain in Leverkusen.

“Bayer will continue as an enterprise with an attractive and balanced portfolio and a primary focus on organic growth,” Dekkers explained. To this end, the company intends to raise its research and development spending, selectively strengthen early research at the interface between HealthCare and CropScience, and continue driving the successful commercialization of the recently launched pharmaceutical products.

Bayer expects these products – the anticoagulant Xarelto™, the eye medicine Eylea™, the cancer

drugs Stivarga™ and Xofigo™, and the pulmonary hypertension drug Adempas™ – to have a combined peak annual sales potential of at least EUR 7.5 billion.

Separate MaterialScience business more flexible in the face of global competition “We firmly believe that MaterialScience will use its separate status to deploy its existing strength even more rapidly, effectively and flexibly in the global competitive arena,” Dekkers commented. A strategy and corporate culture aligned to technological and cost leadership, coupled with the ability to make its own investment and portfolio decisions, would give MaterialScience the best development prospects in a highly competitive market. That, said Dekkers, includes direct capital market access so that it would not have to compete with the Life Science businesses for investment funding in the future.

“MaterialScience is a very well positioned business that today operates very modern, competitive, large-scale facilities. We have steadily invested in these facilities, even in difficult economic times,” Dekkers pointed out, citing the world-scale production facilities in Shanghai, China, and the new TDI plant in Dormagen, Germany, which is to be officially inaugurated in December. Between 2009 and 2013 alone, Bayer invested a total of over EUR 3.8 billion in property, plant and equipment and research and development for the MaterialScience business.

Following the intended flotation, MaterialScience will be Europe’s fourth-largest chemical company; it had global sales in 2013 of more than EUR 11 billion (pro forma figure). The new company is planned to have a global workforce of roughly 16,800, including about 6,500 in Germany. It will have a new name and a separate identity and be headquartered in Leverkusen.

ECHA - COMMITTEE FOR RISK ASSESSMENT The Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) prepares the opinions of ECHA related to the risks of substances to human health and the environment in the following REACH and CLP processes. The final decisions are taken by the European Commission.

Harmonised Classification and Labelling: RAC examines the proposals for harmonised classification and labelling and gives an opinion on the proposed harmonised classification of substances as carcinogenic, mutagenic, toxic for reproduction or as a respiratory sensitiser, as well as other effects on a case-by-case basis.

Restriction.

The Committee evaluates whether the proposed restriction on manufacture, placing on the market or use of a substance is appropriate in reducing the risk to human health and the environment. This includes the assessment of comments submitted by third parties.

Authorisation RAC assesses the risk of a substance arising from the uses of a substance when an application for authorisation is submitted. This includes an assessment of the appropriateness and effectiveness of the risk management measures as described in the authorisation application, and if relevant, of the risks of possible alternatives. Third party contributions linked to the application will also be assessed.

ECHA’s Executive Director’s requests RAC gives an opinion on request from the Executive Director of ECHA relating to risks to human health and the environment on any other aspects concerning the safety of substances on their own, in preparations or in articles.

The Committee also provides scientific support to improve the cooperation between the Community, CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 71

its Member States, international organisations and third countries relating to the safety of substances, as well as active participation in technical assistance and capacity building activities on the sound management of chemicals in developing countries.

INDUSTRIES QATAR PUTS ‘AL-SEJEEL PETROCHEMICAL COMPLEX PROJECT’ ON HOLD Industries Qatar, the Gulf’s second-largest petrochemicals firm, has put its multi billion dollar Al-Sejeel petrochemical complex project on hold and was studying a new scheme instead that would yield better returns.

The company ‘confirmed that the Al Sejeel Petrochemical Complex project has been put on hold, and that a new downstream petrochemical project that is expected to yield better economic returns is instead under study,’ it said on a bourse statement.

Qatar Petroleum (QP) and Qatar Petrochemical Company (QAPCO) signed an agreement in February 2012 to jointly develop the Al Sajeel mega-petrochemical complex in Ras Laffan, with QP holding an 80 per cent stake and QAPCO owning the rest. Industries Qatar owns 80 per cent of QAPCO. The Al Sejeel petrochemical project, one of the world’s largest mixed-feed steam crackers, was scheduled for completion in 2018 as part of Qatar’s large-scale expansion of the petrochemicals sector.

RAC CONCLUDES ON SCIENTIFIC OPINIONS FOR CLH The Committee for Risk Assessment (RAC) adopted five opinions for harmonised classification and labelling (CLH).

RAC opinions, all agreed by consensus, are as follows: 72 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

METHANOL: Methanol is used in a variety of industrial applications, in waste water treatment, and as a fuel. Other uses include the production of formaldehyde, acetic acid, chloromethanes, methyl methacrylate, methylamines, dimethyl terephthalate, and as a solvent or antifreeze in paint strippers, aerosol spray paints, wall paints, carburettor cleaners, and car windshield washer fluids.

The substance currently has a harmonised classification in Annex VI to the CLP Regulation as a flammable liquid, as a substance causing specific target organ toxicity after single exposure and as toxic if swallowed, inhaled or in contact with skin.

The dossier submitter, Italy, proposed to classify methanol as a substance which may damage the unborn child (Repr. 1B; H360D).

RAC disagreed with the proposal to classify methanol for developmental toxicity, instead concluding that classification for this hazard class is not warranted, based on the available data.

CHLORALOSE (INN): Chloralose is used as a rodenticide in ready-to-use bait form, at a concentration of ca. 4 % w/w.

Chloralose is placed on the market as a mixture of α- and β-isomers. The β-isomer is considered as a nonactive component.

The substance currently has a harmonised classification in Annex VI to the CLP Regulation as harmful if swallowed or inhaled.

The dossier submitter, Portugal, proposed to classify chloralose in addition to the existing classification in Annex VI to the CLP Regulation as a substance causing specific target organ toxicity after single exposure, causing drowsiness and dizziness, and as very toxic to aquatic life with long lasting effects, assigning an M-factor of 10 both to the acute and chronic aquatic classifications (Aquatic Acute 1 and Aquatic Chronic 1; H410).

RAC agreed with the proposal of the dossier submitter, but due to lack of data did not provide a recommendation on whether or not to confirm the existing classification as harmful if inhaled. In addition RAC

agreed to classify chloralose as toxic if swallowed (Acute Tox. 3, H301).

N,N DIMETHYLACETAMIDE (DMAC): N,N dimethylacetamide (DMAC), an aprotic solvent is mainly used as a combined solvent and reaction catalyst in the production of agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals.

The substance currently has a harmonised classification in Annex VI to the CLP Regulation as harmful if inhaled and in contact with skin and as a substance which may damage the unborn child (presumed human reproductive toxicant) with a specific concentration limit (SCL) of 5%.

RAC agreed to the proposal by the Netherlands to remove the SCL relating to the classification as presumed reproductive toxicant (Repr. 1B; H360) so that the generic concentration limit (GCL) of 0.3% applies.

IODOMETHANE: Iodomethane is used in the EU as an industrial and pharmaceutical methylating agent and as an intermediate in pharmaceutical and pesticide manufacture. It is also imported into the EU and stored for despatching

outside of the EU for the same uses.

The substance currently has a harmonised classification in Annex VI to the CLP Regulation as suspected of causing cancer, toxic if swallowed or inhaled, harmful in contact with skin, a substance which may cause respiratory irritation and which causes skin irritation.

The dossier submitter, the United Kingdom, proposed to remove the classification as suspected of causing cancer.

RAC agreed to retain the classification of iodomethane as suspected of causing cancer (Carc.

2; H351).

HEPTADECAFLUORONONANOIC ACID AND ITS SODIUM AND AMMONIUM SALTS (PFNA): PFNA is primarily used as a processing aid for fluoropolymer manufacture, most notably for polyvinylidene fluoride. PFNA is also used as a lubricating oil additive, surfactant for fire extinguishers, cleaning agent, textile antifouling finishing agent, polishing surfactant, and in liquid crystal display panels.

The substance has currently no entry in Annex VI to CLP. RAC agreed to classify PFNA as harmful if swallowed and if inhaled, as causing serious eye damage, as a substance which is suspected of causing cancer (Carc. 2; H351) and harm to breast-fed children (Lact.; H362). RAC also agreed to classify the substance as causing damage to liver through prolonged or repeated exposure, but added thymus and spleen to the list of affected target organs. As to reproductive toxicity, RAC shared the view of the dossier submitter to classify PFNA as a substance which may damage the unborn child (Repr. 1B; H360D).

In addition, RAC agreed to classify PFNA as Repr. 2 for fertility effects.

Therefore an overall reproductive toxicity classification as Repr. 1B (H360Df) was concluded.

The opinions will be available at the following link in the near future: http://www.echa.europa. eu/opinions-of-the-committee-forrisk-assessment-on-proposals-forharmonised-classification-andlabelling

BASF, CARGILL, NOVOZYMES REACH NEW MILESTONE IN BIO ACRYLIC ACID PRODUCTION BASF, Cargill and Novozymes announced the achievement of another milestone in their joint development of technologies to produce acrylic acid from renewable raw materials. The team has demonstrated the successful conversion of 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP), to glacial acrylic acid and superabsorbent polymers. Moreover they have selected the process for further scale-up.

In August 2012, BASF, Cargill and Novozymes announced their joint agreement to develop a process for the conversion of renewable raw materials into bio-based acrylic acid. In July 2013, the partners successfully demonstrated the production of 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP), one possible precursor to acrylic acid, at pilot scale.

BASF initially plans to use the bio-based acrylic acid to manufacture superabsorbent polymers. Currently, acrylic acid is produced by the oxidation of propylene derived mainly from the refining of crude oil.

“Cargill came together with BASF and Novozymes to do what had not been done ever before. We have been working together for less than two years and we have made great progress toward our common goal. It’s a great example of what can be accomplished when industry leaders with unique expertise in biotechnology and chemistry come together to create new innovations,” said Jack Staloch, Vice President, Research and Development, Cargill.

CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 73

QUOTABLE & LAUGHABLE

REMEMBERING DR. HOMI BHABHA ON HIS 105TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY YEAR: Bhabha is a great lover of music, a gifted artist, a brilliant engineer and an outstanding scientist. ..He is the modern equivalent of Leonardo da Vinci.

Sir C. V. Raman Bhabha is a perfect example of the opposite of what C. P. snow refers to as the alienation of scientists and humanists. He represented the best in the modern educated world, the best of science, of the arts.

Bhabha not only understood the language of modern science but was thrilled with a recital of Bharat Natyam or a beautiful bronze from a temple.

Vikram Sarabhai.

74 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014

Published by Mr. R. R. Gokhale at Mumbai on behalf of the owners Indian Chemical Council (ICC), Sir Vithaldas Chambers, 16 Mumbai Samachar Marg, Mumbai-400 001 and printed by him at Sevak Printers, 308 Shri Hanuman Indl. Est., G. D. Ambekar Road, Wadala, Mumbai-400 031, Tel.: 24114890, Telefax: 24116484, E-mail: sevak308@gmail.com Editor: Dr. Prakash Trivedi CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014 z 75

 R.N.I. REGN. NO. MAHENG/2004/13760  POSTAL REGN. NO. MH/MR/SOUTH-23/2012-14  PubLIShEd ON 28/29 dAy Of EvERy PREvIOuS mONTh.  POSTEd AT PATRIKA ChANNEL SORTING OffICE, mumbAI GPO, mumbAI-400001 ON 28/29 dAy Of EvERy PREvIOuS mONTh.

Let us grow together

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Our products are widely accepted in the domestic and international market. 'Competitiveness, quality, reliability and customer care' are the foremost objectives of our business.

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Email: ed_ipd@rcfltd.com Website: www.rcfltd.com 76 z CHEMICAL NEWS OCTOBER 2014