Chemical World - April 2012

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INDUSTRY WATCH - Chemical World

April 2012

EDITORIAL

Missing the catalytic component

T

he goal post seems to be shifting…The Union Budget 2012-13, far from taking any proactive policy measure to revitalise the Indian growth engine, turned out to more or less maintain the status quo of the current policy regime. The impact, it has left most of the industry observers wanting for more, who have been hoping to see increased economic acceleration, perhaps as a precursor to the 2nd phase of economic liberalisation that the country embarked on two decades ago.

One can choose to call it either a missed opportunity or, a cautious approach, this year’s Budget is way off target from the viewpoint of the industry’s expectations in terms of reversing the slowing pace of growth by virtue of big-ticket reform mechanisms. Rather, the government seems to have settled for a guarded approach towards shoring up weak investment sentiments and unveiling only a handful of anti-deficit measures that comprise hike in service and excise taxes.

Besides, the budgetary proposal to amend the Income Tax Act with retrospective effect has perhaps made the biggest dent on the long-term fiscal credibility of India story, not only outside but inside the country as well. It has come as a bolt from the blue when the national economy is pitted against tapering growth on one side and growing maturity of Indian manufacturing on the other and hence, rising confidence in attracting higher foreign investment into this domain.

That said, the immediate future of the country’s economy seems to be full of internal challenges, not withstanding the headwind from the West. According to Moody’s, in the absence of new policy initiatives, it will take a combination of improved economic growth, corporate profitability, lower global commodity prices and exchange rate stability to meet the government’s fiscal deficit target in 2012-13.

Editorial Advisory Board PothenP aul Former Chairman, Aker Powergas Pvt Ltd

D P Misra

From a sectoral perspective though, there have been a few budgetary proposals that would aid further growth potential of the chemical industry in India. Considering the scope of this space, the few that can be touched upon here include thrust on fortifying the agrochemicals segment; extending weighted deduction of 200 per cent for R&D expenditure in an in-house facility for an additional period of five years beyond March 31, 2012; setting up ` 5,000-crore venture fund for MSME sector; among others.

All said and done, the need of the hour is to exercise ample jurisprudence and make sure that the India growth story stays on course.

Director, TCE Consulting Engineers Ltd and Former Director General, ICC

P D Samudra Executive Director (Sales) & Member of the Board, Uhde India Pvt Ltd

Manas R Bastia manas@infomedia18.in

April 2012 | Chemical World

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Budget Special : Budget 2012-13 Budget Analysis - Chemical industry ................................ 26 Budget Impact - Oil & gas ................................................ 28 Budget Views ..................................................................... 30

48

34

52

Cover visual: Mahendra Varpe

Special Focus: IT for Chemical Process Industry Cloud computing ................................................................ 34 Cloud strategy .................................................................... 36 IT & automation ................................................................ 38

Insight & Outlook: Alternative Energy/Fuels

Data security ........................................................................ 40

Renewable energy ............................................................... 48

Interface - Dhruv Singhal, Cloud Computing Lead, Oracle India ........................................................................ 42

Biomass energy ................................................................... 50

Roundtable .......................................................................... 43

In Conversation With

Solar sector.......................................................................... 52 Coatings industry ............................................................... 54 Ammonium nitrate ............................................................. 56

Ravi Kapoor, Managing Director, Heubach Colour Pvt Ltd ............................ 22

Hydraulic system maintenance ........................................... 58

Automation Trends Wireless technology: Enhancing communication for better productivity ......................................................... 62

Facility Visit: UNP Polyvalves (India) Pvt Ltd Redefining reliability with innovative flow control solutions ........................................................ 44

Energy Management Wind power: Generating cost-competitiveness through specialty chemicals................................................ 64

Policies & Regulations Regular Sections Editorial ........................................................................ 5 News, Views & Analysis .............................................. 10 Technology & Innovation............................................ 18 Technology Transfer .................................................... 20 Projects ........................................................................ 69 Event List .................................................................... 71 Book Review ................................................................ 73 Products ...................................................................... 74 List of Products .......................................................... 85 List of Advertisers ...................................................... 86

Details on page no. 32, 71

Duty Drawback Scheme: A booster dose for chemical exports? .......................................................... 66

Strategy Collaborative policy: A win-win proposition to gain competitive edge..................................................... 67

Tips & Tricks Hazardous chemicals: Safety tips for ensuring accident-free transit............................................................. 68

y sar r e iv nn ial th A pec 8 S

Highlights of Next Edition Eight things that Indian chemical industry need to do to be globally competitive

Note: ` stands for Indian rupee, $ stands for US dollar and ÂŁ stands for UK pound, unless mentioned otherwise April 2012 | Chemical World

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Business Insights Technologies Opportunities

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April 2012 | Chemical World

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NEWS, VIEWS & ANALYSIS

EXPANSION SPREE APPLICATION LAB

Indofil Industries plans more facilities in Gujarat

GE’s new lab to help reduce turnaround time

The K K Modi Group company, Indofil chain ensuring a consistent supply Industries, which recently made an of CS2, irrespective of domestic and international supply. announcement to set up India’s first Mishra added, “The plant will be green energy carbon disulfide (CS2) production plant in Dahej, is planning the biggest CS2 production plant in the world and thereby strengthen our to build new facilities for manufacturing production capacity for years to come. agrochemicals. “The company has It would help us plan production, set acquired two more sites where it plans targets and forecast bottom line better, to set up manufacturing facilities for thus helping the company achieve its multipurpose agrochemicals synthesis $ 1 billion target by 2015.” plant in SEZ, Dahej, and specialty The state-of-the-art chemicals in GIDC, Dahej. eco-friendly manufacturing Total investment in Gujarat unit is a key strategic move will reach to over ` 500 to ensure consistent supply of crore in three to four years.

CS2, which is a raw material This will generate large for Indofil’s products such employment directly and as Mancozeb. “At present, indirectly as many vendors 80 per cent of India’s CS2 have also set up their units is imported from various around Dahej,” said Rabi parts of the world. Hence, Mishra, Executive Vice the new unit at Dahej President, Manufacturing Rabi Mishra would substitute for some & Supply Chain, Indofil of these imports. There are Industries. few domestic manufacturers, who produce The company has already entered mainly for captive use. Logistics accounts into a 51:49 joint venture ( JV ) with for about 40 per cent of CS2 cost. Hence, Shanghai Baijin Chemical Group (SBC) this move will not only help Indofil but for CS2 manufacturing. SBC, which is among the three global leaders in CS2 also other Indian players importing CS2,” technology, operates seven plants and Mishra opined.

About 50 per cent of the CS 2 have pioneered natural gas-based nonproduced at Indofil’s new eco-friendly catalytic CS2 production technology.

The JV company, Indo Baijin, will facility will be used for internal manufacture 50,000 MT CS2 annually. consumption, while it plans to sell the Through this backward integration, rest to other companies.

Rakesh Rao Indofil would strengthen its supply

GE’s Measurement & Control business recently inaugurated a validation laboratory in Bengaluru.

The new facility is the fourth-of-itskind in the world for GE and the only lab in India to support the repair and calibration of Kaye validation products.

The GE Kaye product range is designed to meet the most demanding industrial requirements for process improvement, thermal validation and reporting. The lab operations will help reduce turnaround time for customers from three months to just one week.

With this, GE has expanded its capability to support critical calibration of equipment like validators, temperature baths, ice point reference pressure sensors, temperature loggers and intelligent RTDs. “The new lab supports GE’s ‘In Country, for Country’ strategy to build on capabilities and resources within India. It reinforces Measurement & Control’s vision to improve the health and productivity of its customers’ most critical industrial assets and systems through the application of smart, differentiated and integrated technology,” said Ashish Bhandari, Regional General Manager, Measurement & Control, GE Energy India.

Mahua Roy

PRODUCT LAUNCH

Himadri Chemicals to introduce specialty products Himadri Chemicals is planning to introduce few specialty products in its portfolio, which include advanced carbon material, needle pitch coke, phenolic fractions, carbon fibre and mesophase pitch, etc. “Most of these products will be targeted for exports and there will be huge demand for some products in the domestic market also,” said Anurag Choudhary, CEO, Himadri Chemicals and Industries Ltd. Currently, it is carrying out expansion of its coal tar

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production. As of now, its capacity of coal tar production is 2,50,000 mtpa, which is expected to reach the target of 1 million mtpa by 2016. “For this total expansion, an investment of ` 1,900 crore is required, which will be generated from internal funds and external debts. This expansion will take place in a phased manner,” said Choudhary. The first phase will expand from 2,50,000 to 4,00,000 mtpa, which will be completed by December 2012. The second phase will be from 4,00,000 mtpa

Anurag Choudhary

to 5,50,000 mtpa by the next 24 months.

Himadri Chemicals already exports to the Middle East, European, South American and South East Asian countries.

Prasenjit Chakraborty

NEWS, VIEWS & ANALYSIS

EXPANSION BOOST PERFORMANCE REPORT

WACKER to invest Euro 1 billion for expansion

User-industries facilitate the growth for LANXESS in India

WACKER Chemie AG, which reported here is the construction of a new sales of Euro 4.91 billion in 2011, has polysilicon facility in the US State announced its plan to invest about Euro of Tennessee.”

1 billion for further production capacity However, WACKER is also investing expansion in 2012. “Our strategic focus is in other regions. It is building two new to continue growing organically. This year, production plants at Nanjing (China) we are investing around Euro 1 billion for both the WACKER Polymers and – with a focus on production capacity WACKER Biosolutions business division. expansion to meet rising customer Among emerging economies, India demand. Even though substantial is one of the fast growing markets for economic uncertainties WACKER. Elaborating exist and underlying on its plan for India, conditions are not easy, I Degenhart noted, am optimistic that 2012 “WACKER will continue could be a successful its growth strategy in year for WACKER,” said India. The country’s Rudolf Staudigl, CEO, industrial and economical WACKER Chemie, in a development provides press statement. excellent opportunities for In 2012, major shares all of WACKER’s products, of WACKER’s investments starting from silicones to Rudolf Staudigl will be in the business dispersible powders. Key divisions WACKER markets for WACKER in Polysilicon (64 per cent), WACKER India are the electronics, personal care, Silicones (14 per cent) and Siltronic (13 automotive, transportation & distribution per cent). All in all, WACKER plans and the construction industry.” to invest a similar volume of capital WACKER has been expanding its expenditures in 2013. business in India for last few years. In 2011, Florian Degenhart, Corporate WACKER started a new compounding Communications, Media Relations, plant for ready-to-use silicone elastomers WACKER Chemie AG, said, “The on the premises of Wacker Metroark emphasis of WACKER’s current Chemicals Pvt Ltd, near Kolkata, in order investment spending over the next two to supply the Indian market more swiftly years will be on expanding polysilicon and flexibly with high-quality WACKER production operations at WACKER silicone products.

Rakesh Rao Polysilicon. The company’s key project

In 2011, LANXESS India registered growth of around 32.3 per cent in sales. Its sales grew from ` 1,090.5 crore in 2010 to ` 1,464 crore in 2011.

Commenting on the performance, Venkatesh Sankaran, Executive Director & Chief Financial Officer, LANXESS India, said, “We have achieved a consistently healthy growth in India, despite uncertain global economic conditions. In the performance polymers segment, performance butadiene rubbers (PBR) has emerged the strongest, followed by technical rubber products (TRP). High growth was also seen for semi-crystalline products (SCP). This is a healthy indicator of the growing userindustries such as automobiles, tyres, electrical and electronics that have kept the demand buoyant.”

He added, “The performance chemicals segment, led by rubber chemicals (RUC) also grew remarkably well. This segment caters to a range of industries like leather, agro-chemicals, pharmaceuticals, paints and coatings etc.” The growth of business units PBR, SCP and RUC confirms that the automobile industry in India continues to grow and will demand better performance and technology as the focus on fuel efficiency and safety increases.

ECOFRIENDLY INGREDIENTS

Clariant launches natural ingredients and colours for home and personal care industry At the recently held HPCI Congress in Mumbai, Clariant introduced a new range of ingredients and colours focussed on boosting the performance, efficiency, safety and environmental compatibility of applications, across the broad spectrum of the home and personal care (HPC) industry. Company officials maintained that they view skincare and hard surface care applications as the biggest opportunity area in the HPC industry. The three new lines of vegetal-based biopolymers

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for skincare and haircare contain active ingredients and sensory boosters. All these are extracted from fungal sources that are non-GMO, inexhaustible, quality constant, traceable and renewable.

The Vitipure™ range finds applications in skincare. Velsan® provides a natural, vegetal replacement for silicones in skincare and haircare. Zenvivo™ is the only available vegetal Chitosan. It can be used in mouthwash and deodorant applications or boost preservation of cosmetics. “Within

the personal care market in India, there is strong growth in demand for nourishing products with a natural and biological positioning. The introduction of our new vegetal-based biopolymer lines in India, together with our recently inaugurated Consumer Care formulation laboratory in Kolshet (Thane), enhances our capability to support customers,” said Dr Alexander Snell, Head of ICS Business, Clariant Chemicals (India) Ltd. Mahua Roy

NEWS, VIEWS & ANALYSIS

LOGISTICS SOLU TION

Damco Dynamic Flow Control™ to add value to chemical logistics

STRATEGIC MOVE

Damco, one of the leading third party global organisation,” said Rolf Habbenlogistics providers in the world, recently Jansen, CEO, Damco. The product caters launched Damco Dynamic Flow Control™. to the exact requirement of customers.

The product has been configured based “As an integrated solutions provider, on the needs of retail, we constantly look lifestyle and technology to take ownership companies. “It is our clear in developing new ambition to grow in the innovations, systems chemical sector business and processes that to over $ 1 billion by 2015. keep our clients’ supply In order to achieve this, chains competitive. An we have clearly identified example of this is the the sub-segments within Damco Dynamic Flow the industry where we can Control model. To the Rolf Habben-Jansen add value to our clients’ extent that this new businesses. By offering differentiation solution can add value to the chemical into or out of key growth markets, sector, we are obviously interested in particularly emerging markets, we see exploring this further,” said Jansen.

Prasenjit Chakraborty that we have a unique proposition as a

Omkar Speciality Chemicals acquires LASA Laboratory

SEMINAR

Chlor-alkali association’s seminar discusses critical issues of power The Alkali Manufacturers’ Association of India (AMAI) organised a seminar on ‘Open access & wheeling of power: Regulations & issues’ in New Delhi, recently.

Dr Pramod Deo, Chairman, Central Electricity Regulatory Commission (CERC) inaugurated the event. The seminar highlighted matters related to power. Eminent speakers from regulatory bodies, power exchanges, power trading companies etc discussed various aspects on the issue. One of the issues discussed in the seminar was the plight of the open access consumers. “Open access consumers are expected to pay higher energy & fixed charges, as compared to only grid power users.

It is discriminatory and should be rationalised,” said the AMAI press release.

Infrastructure was another critical issue, which the seminar discussed at length.

According to the press release, “There is an urgent need to upgrade the power grid system in order to reduce the transmission losses and also ensure speedy transmission of power from the surplus areas to the areas suffering on account of power shortage.”

INDUSTRY ENDOWMENT

RCF donates ` 4 crore to ICT

Prithviraj Chavan (centre) attending the ICT function

Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd (RCF) announced collaboration with Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT),

Mumbai. RCF’s Board of Directors has donated ` 4 crore towards research of fertiliser technology, environmental engineering and other cutting-edge technologies. ICT ranks first in India and fourth globally towards chemical technology education. Prof G D Yadav, Vice Chancellor, ICT, said, “The creation of endowment is a rich tradition of ICT. My own position is that of R T Mody Distinguished Professor of ICT, which was created 1933. I believe that several such endowments and infrastructural help coming from industry will continue

Omkar Speciality Chemicals Ltd (OSCL), one of the leading manufacturers of specialty chemicals, such as selenium derivatives, iodine derivatives, molybdenum derivatives, cobalt bismuth derivatives and pharma intermediates for life-saving drugs, has recently forayed into pharmaceutical business with its acquisition of LASA Laboratory Pvt Ltd. Located at Mahad in Raigad district, south west of Maharashtra, LASA Laboratory has been one of the established players in the anthelmintic/ veterinary API segment having stateof-the-art API manufacturing facility.

“There is a colossal demand in the API manufacturing space, and with Indian drug manufacturing sector gaining international prominence, the acquisition of LASA Laboratory was the right move for our group to venture into the pharma business. It is also a part of our group’s forward integration strategy,” said Pravin S Herlekar, Chairman & Managing Director, OSCL. He added, “Our new API division is already operational and will initially focus on continuing the existing API business of LASA Laboratory, which has massive demand in India and abroad.”

Prasenjit Chakraborty

to make ICT a vibrant place.”

In the presence of the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Prithviraj Chavan; and Rajesh Tope, Minister for Higher and Technical Education, Government of Maharashtra; Professor Yadav and R G Rajan, Chairman and Managing Director, RCF, signed the Memorandum of Understanding. Chavan was appreciative of the efforts taken by Professor Yadav.

The Maharashtra Government is also considering giving a special status to ICT for its spectacular performance.

Mahua Roy

April 2012 | Chemical World

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NEWS, VIEWS & ANALYSIS

COLLABORATION CONTRACT AWARD

LANXESS signs MoU with India Rubber Expo

Steam Project in Middle East to source water technology from Aquatech

LA N X ES S has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India Rubber Expo (IRE) 2013, India’s largest rubber exhibition, organised by All India R ubber Industr ies Association (AIRIA). As Dr Joerg Strassburger (third from right), MD a part of this agreement, and Country Representative, LANXESS India, with the LANXESS will be the organising team of IRE 2013 main sponsor for IRE and will have a sizeable presence at the exhibition. It takes due note of the growth potential of the rubber sector, particularly in line with automobile and export segments, which have been witnessing a double-digit growth year-on-year (YOY ). Along with the IRE 2013, LANXESS Rubber Day would be organised on January 21, 2013, in Mumbai, with the support from AIRIA. This is the second time LANXESS is hosting Rubber Day in India – a platform for exchange and discussion on vital topics around synthetic rubber and its applications in a fast growing India.

Ashok Mittal, Chairman, IRE 2013, said, “We are glad to have LANXESS to be the main sponsor of the show. Its involvement and support to the show will make IRE 2013 reach new heights only to be witnessed and acknowledged by the global rubber industry.” LANXESS is represented in India through its five business units – performance butadiene rubber (PBR), butyl rubber (BTR), technical rubber products (TRP), rubber chemicals (RUC) and specialised rubber chemicals, release agents and additives from LANXESS owned subsidiary Rhein Chemie (RCH). The array of products from these business units offers industry applications in sealing, damping, transportation, and specifically, in tyres.

Aquatech, one of the global leaders in water purification technology, has been awarded a contract to provide water treatment services to enhance the heavy oil extraction rate in the Amal Oil Fields in the Sultanate of Oman. Aquatech will be constructing a 237 cu m/hr produced water softening plant for the facility. The facility is owned by Petroleum Development Oman, the premier hydrocarbon exploration and production company in the Sultanate of Oman.

Aquatech will be involved in the supply of ion exchange technologybased super softening plant for treating produced water, which is high in Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and temperature. The treated water will be fed to the steam generators for generating steam, and then be injected into the heavy oil wells to enhance the extraction rate of oil. The technology involved will include a nutshell filtering unit (NSK), followed by a primary strong acid cation unit & a polishing strong acid cation unit (SAC), and finally by a weak acid cation unit (WAC).

The end-product will have hardness reduced to less than 1 ppm, and will be used for process water.

“Aquatech is recognised as a leader for our experience in the oil & gas industry and our expertise in treating challenging waters. The awarding of this contract reflects our excellent track record in successfully executing projects having high specification requirements, especially in the Middle East region, in similar applications,” said Vikrant Sarin, Manager - Technical & Business Development (Industrial Solutions), Aquatech Eastern.

Mahua Roy

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Chemical World | April 2012

APPOINTMENT

R Mukundan is new Deputy Chairman of CII-Western Region R Mukundan, Managing Director, Tata stint with Tata Group, he has held various Chemicals Ltd, has been elected as the responsibilities including strategy & Deputy Chairman of the Confederation business development, corporate quality, of Indian Industry (CII), Western Region, corporate planning, projects, etc, across for 2012-13. Mukundan the chemical, automotive also headed the Global and hospitality sectors of Chemicals business of the Tata Group. He has Tata Chemicals and has been on the Executive held responsibilities as Committee of various Chief Operating Officer industry forums including - Chemicals Business Indian Chemical Council, (India) and Head of Automotive Component Mithapur Chemical Manufacturers’ Complex.

Association, Alkali Mukundan joined Manufacturers’ Tata Administrative Association of India, etc.

R Mukundan Service in 1990, after He is a member of the completing his MBA from FMS, Delhi CII National Council and has chaired the University and BE-Electrical Engineering CII National Committee on Chemicals from IIT, Roorkee. During his 18-year (2011-12).

NEWS, VIEWS & ANALYSIS

ASSET OP TIMISATION INGREDIENTS BUSINESS

AspenTech launches new software to aid process industry

Hair conditioning, skin fairness and dishcare to boost Indian HPC industry

AspenTech, one of the leading providers of software & services to the process industries, announced releases of products within the aspenONE software suite: Aspen Plus, Aspen PIMS and Aspen Petroleum Scheduler & Aspen InfoPlus.21.

Aspen Plus software significantly improves the user experience for its process simulator for the chemical industry. The completely redesigned user interface and workflow improves engineering productivity. It enables easy and intuitive access to the most comprehensive physical properties database, the industry-leading capital cost estimating product, and the most complete heat exchanger thermal and mechanical design products.

Aspen PIMS and Aspen Petroleum Scheduler improve collaboration between refining planners and schedulers. Through tighter petroleum supply chain integration,

The ` 45,000-crore domestic home & personal care (HPC) industry will see trends skewing towards hair conditioning, skin fairness and dishcare, as per insights provided by Farooq Alam, Regional Marketing Manager India, Dow Personal Care, at the recently concluded HPCI Congress, Mumbai. The haircare market is seeing differentiated products with non-ionic ingredients, which are replacing traditional silicone.

In skincare, Alam remains optimistic about fairness-based applications. “Fairness applications will not be limited to just creams,” he added. The fairness products can be categorised into three deliverables: first where rapid or immediate visible effects will be demanded, second where added properties along with fairness will be delivered, and third wherein long-term authentic effects will be assured.

In the home care segment, dishcare is seen as an upcoming field. “It is an exciting area to be in. Nowadays, as consumers shift to liquid applications, due to the convenience it provides, we at Dow are flooded with a huge traffic of requests to deliver suitable ingredients.” He opined that hard surface cleaning/kitchen cleaners will be the next big thing in homecare.

Mahua Roy

refiners can increase their profitability by optimising the accuracy and productivity of planners and schedulers. In addition, enhanced analytics provide planners and schedulers with better decision support to rapidly respond to changing market conditions, or upsets in their operations.

The new release improves collaboration by sharing operating targets between planning and scheduling functions for closer alignment of plan.

Aspen InfoPlus.21 brings enterprisescale search and high performance trending to Manufacturing Execution Systems.

Process manufacturers can improve their business performance by quickly finding and analysing their operational data for fast and easy trouble shooting. By instantly representing what is happening in the plant, engineers are better able to improve manufacturing performance.

ONLINE TOOL

Cole-Parmer relaunches its website Cole-Parmer released a new version of its website (ColeParmer.in) with reorganised menus, enhanced filtering capabilities, and time-saving user functionality to streamline the overall web experience. Thousands of additional filters allow customers to choose the product characteristic most important to them and narrow their selection within seconds. Quick views also enable shoppers to expand on product details without navigating further. Clear customer favourites – including customer-written product reviews, product ratings, Q&As, and live chat – remain on the site. In redesigning the site, Dave Trebacz, Director - Global Customer Experience and eBusiness, Cole-Parmer, said, “We listened to customers and reevaluated every page. Our greatest challenge was keeping our own biases out of the way.

Instead, we focussed on customers’ needs.”

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

CynarPlc awards $ 11-million waste-to-energy process order to Rockwell Automation CynarPlc, a leading technology company in the waste-to-energy market, has awarded a $ 11-million contract to Rockwell Automation to design and build a new end-of-life, plastic-to-fuel conversion plant in Bristol, UK, for SITA UK Ltd. Cynar has developed a technology that converts end-of-life plastics into fuel.

“Our technology represents a unique and

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profitable way to significantly decrease the amount of end-of-life plastics that are disposed of in landfills and incinerators,” said Michael Murray, CEO & Chairman, CynarPlc. He further added, “Rockwell Automation strengthens our technology by providing complete design, engineering life-cycle maintenance and local support.

We will have a process technology solution that will enable us to rapidly deploy our technology globally.”

The Rockwell Automation Global Solutions team has worked with Cynar over the past two years developing the engineering, modularisation and process improvements of Cynar’s waste end-of-life, plastic-to-fuel conversion plant.

NEWS, VIEWS & ANALYSIS

NEW FACILIT Y

Pepperl+Fuchs opens new headquarters for factory automation

Pepperl+Fuchs management team

Pepperl+Fuchs recently inaugurated the Indian headquarters for its Factory Automation (FA) division at Gurgaon.

Since more than two decades of its direct engagement with the Indian market, the company has come a long way in being part and parcel of imbibing the psyche and wares for automation in the manufacturing environment. With the opening of the new FA headquarters, it has further reinforced its commitment to the Indian market. Michael Fuchs, co-owner, and Dr Guenther Kegel, Managing Director and CEO, Pepperl+Fuchs group of companies inaugurated the new facility along with Matthias Gunkel, FA Business Head, Asia, and Ingo Jannes, Director - Finance, Asia.

Dr Kegel said, “The new FA headquarters is a state-of-the-art facility with a well-laid out office, testing, conferencing, integrated ERP and meeting facilities. A country of the size and legacy as of India has its own dynamics and the decade of engagement with India has been a good learning experience. The manufacturing environment in India is bound to adopt appropriate automation in times to come.” With its latest acquisition of Siemens range of sensors, the company is now the single-largest owner of technology and product variants for ultrasonic range of sensors.

Ravi Agarwal, Director and Head FA Business, India, said, “The new facility is designed to land the latest technology, applications and products from the mother company of Pepperl+Fuchs in Germany and Singapore, and relay the same to all over India. It is armed with a full-fledged training facility and latest equipment to train customers and to realise appropriate application solutions.” Pepperl+Fuchs is one of the leading manufacturers of electronic sensors and components for the global market of automation.

NEW FACILIT Y

Dow Corning inaugurates technology centre in Singapore Dow Corning, one of the leading players in silicon-based technology and innovation, has inaugurated its Business and Technology Centre (BTC) in Singapore. This is a significant step towards the company’s sustained efforts to meet growing customer needs for silicone products and services Dow Corning official addressing the media in an emerging economy such as ASEAN/ANZ. The facility will provide state-of-the art research and development support for innovation and sustainability initiatives throughout the fastgrowing region.

The BTC will be staffed by scientists, engineers, marketing and sales & business support professionals whose goal is to help local industries accelerate innovation and sustainability through silicone- and silicon-based products that are unique to the region.

The ASEAN/ANZ region consists of Dow Corning’s presence in Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, The Philippines, Vietnam; and Australia & New Zealand. The increasing regional needs for sustainability through silicone innovation necessitated Dow Corning to establish a BTC.

RECOGNITION

IFC recognises Meghmani Finechem Ltd for promoting gender equality International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has honoured India’s Meghmani Finechem Ltd, a subsidiary of Meghmani Organics Ltd based in Gujarat with the annual IFC CEO Gender Award, noting the company’s pioneering work in opening up India’s chemical sector to women employees.

The award presented on International Women’s Day recognises companies for promoting gender equality in the workplace. The winners of this year’s CEO Gender Award were chosen from among 27 nominees from across the world. Anil Chandramani, Chief Investment Officer, IFC, said, “Despite the fact that the chemical sector pays higher wages, there was no women participation in this sector in India due to traditional cultural and legal restrictions. Thus, in 2008, IFC, along with Meghmani Finechem Ltd, began to look for opportunities to promote women’s employment in the sector for its developmental impact and also as a way to benefit the business.”

Deval Soparkar, Head - Corporate Communications, Meghmani Finechem Ltd, said, “Meghmani Finechem Ltd has considered the following sectors to train its women employees that include, research and development, design, administration, human resource development, store, purchase, marketing and in the process for data analysis, trouble shooting, inventory control, audit of quality, environment, safety and health management system. By hiring women in the chemical industry, there will be an increase in the talent pool leading to stronger workforce.

This will also have a positive impact on the economic conditions of women, which will further lead to improvement in their families’ livelihoods.”

Avani Jain

April 2012 | Chemical World

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TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

Ceramic fibre technology facilitates advancement in hot gas filtration Tri-Mer Corporation, a developer of advanced technologies for the control of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), fine particulate and industrial gases, has introduced UltraTemp Filtration, a hot gas filtration system that filters fine particulate to extremely low levels. The unique composition of the ceramic fibres gives these filters an exceptional ability to capture fine particulates at the fibre surface, without blinding. They are, thus, easy to clean using standard pulse-jet techniques. Being fibrous, rather than granular, the filter elements are also lightweight and robust for installation and handling.

They have high porosity with low resistance to flow, which minimises the number of elements required for a given application.

The UltraTemp Filtration system provides optimal filtration for gases between 400°F and 1000°F and, in most cases, can be applied to hot gas streams up to a maximum operating temperature of 1650°F. Typical filtration results are 0.001 grain/dscf (2 mg/Nm3); many results are a fraction of this typical value.

UltraTemp Filtration is compatible with heavy inlet loadings, often above 1 grain/dscf (2300 mg/Nm3). Certain applications involving three or four times this inlet loading still achieve outlet levels of less than 0.001 grains/ dscf. The ceramic filters are almost completely chemically inert and highly corrosion-resistant. Applications of the Tri-Mer UltraTemp Filtration system include glass production, waste incineration and biomass pyrolysis. The system is also an excellent way to achieve ICI boiler MACT compliance for coal, biomass and wood. Other applications include metal smelting, mineral processing and chemical production.

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Chemical World | April 2012

Material Transfer’s bulk bag conditioner efficiently returns hardened bulk bags to free-flowing state Material Transfer & Storage has introduced the Material Master Hazardous Location Conditioning System. Made to safely and efficiently return solidified material to a freeflowing state, the system features a rotary lift table that positions the bag for conditioning on all sides, including top and bottom.

They also feature a compact footprint and machine guarding for operator safety. A hydraulic lift table with manual rotary deck (standard) or powered rotary deck (optional) can be incorporated into the bulk bag conditioner.

This heavy-duty rotary-lift feature allows the operator to target the pivoting conditioning arms towards the most troublesome areas of the bag by adjusting the height of the lift table. The resulting benefit is a thorough conditioning of even the most problematic materials. An optional stainless steel deck cover protects the pallet contact surface, and an accordion style lifttable skirt is available to provide additional protection to the hydraulic and mechanical components of the lift table. Material Transfer custom-designs machines that cater to specific application needs. Transparent polycarbonate, acrylic, or flattened expanded metal guarding can be affixed to three sides of the unit for enhanced safety of plant personnel. Light curtains or photoelectric through-beam sensors can be installed on the load side of the conditioner unit allowing unobstructed loading and unloading access. These safety features ensure that the unit will halt operation if the beam is interrupted during an equipment cycle.

Omega Engineering’s bath series offers temperature stability and uniformity Omega Engineering has launched the FFB-8 bath series.

FFB-8 is a precision fluidised bath, with exceptional temperature stability and uniformity, which make it the ideal choice for critical temperature sensor calibration and heat treatment processes. It provides a wide operating range of 50°-700°C (122°-1292°F), PID temperature control, and built-in dust extraction and collection system. This unit is suitable for many other applications, including thermal testing of sensitive components such as semiconductor devices, wire products, delicate transducers, and also can be used as a constant temperature environment for chemical reactions. Because the fluidised bed is a fine, dry powder, it does not have surface tension effects of liquid baths and will not wet any immersed components. The FFB-8 model offers a fast, safe and clean option that is non-abrasive to devices or parts put into the bath, including those that are highly polished.

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

Meriam’s new digital transmitter provides high accuracy Meriam Process Technologies has released the MDT500 digital transmitter, a new addition to its laminar flow element line. The transmitter delivers impressive system accuracy of +/- 0.8 per cent full scale or better.

The unit offers a fast response time of less than 0.1 seconds. With longterm stability and no moving parts, the unit is maintenance-free. Laminar applications include leak detection, calibration reference standards, critical gas flow measurements, combustion air flow to engines and many more.

MDT500 provides a wide flow range, while maintaining accuracy and there is no drift over time and temperature. It delivers best repeatability and is also independent of orientation. The transmitter offers linear response, and a low head loss model is also available. Meriam products are used around the world for applications as diverse as chemical processing, oil and gas processing & transportation, respiratory therapy, automotive test cell measurements, laboratory experimentation and military & commercial aviation.

Munson’s vee-cone blender enables to get uniform blend faster A new model VB-10-316S sanitary vee-cone blender with 10 cu ft (283 litre) capacity has been introduced by Munson Machinery. A Munson veecone blender comprises two inclined cylinders that rotate, causing bulk material to fall and converge during half of the rotation, and divide during the other half. This achieves uniform blends more rapidly than standard double cone blenders, while requiring significantly less horsepower/kilowatts than ribbon blenders and other agitated machines. The smooth internal surfaces of vee-cone blender, with no internal baffles, shafts or bearings, allow unobstructed material flow, as well as complete discharge through a gate valve.

The absence of residual material, together with easy access to internal surfaces through the discharge valve and doors at the ends of the inclined cylinders, allows thorough sanitising in minutes, preventing cross-contamination between changeovers. Models are available with usable capacities ranging from 1 cup (0.5 litre) to more than 200 cu ft (5,663 litre). Uniform blends are typically achieved within 5-15 minutes with equal efficiency at fill volumes from 100 per cent to 25 per cent of rated capacity, depending on material. Suitable for dry and granular materials, vee-cone blenders provide a tumbling action that is gentler than agitated machines in which blades, paddles or plows are forced through stationary material, resulting in varying degrees of degradation, depending on material. Since the gentle action of a vee-cone blender may be insufficient to break down soft agglomerates, an intensifier bar can be utilised to impart the shear needed to reduce these materials.

It can also be equipped with a liquid dispersion intensifier bar positioned within the mixing chamber to distribute liquids throughout the batch more thoroughly and rapidly, thus reducing cycle times. The blender is widely used in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, food, chemical, plastics, ceramics and powder metal industries.

Emerson’s temperature transmitters improve processing efficiencies Emerson Process Management’s industry-first measurement validation diagnostic is now available on the Rosemount 848T FOUNDATION fieldbus temperature transmitter.

This new diagnostic detects temperature measurement and process abnormalities, which allow users to take preventative action to avoid unnecessary shutdowns, process inefficiencies as well as take care of safety issues.

Temperature sensors, such as thermocouples and RTDs, can degrade over time due to harsh process conditions, vibration and other factors. By evaluating the variation in the temperature, measurement validation can detect abnormalities related to degraded sensors, as well as electronic interference,

corroded termination points, loose electrical connections and process upsets. By alerting the user about these issues, degraded temperature sensors can be replaced before they fail or other preventative action can be taken, resulting in fewer process shutdowns, more efficient processes and increased safety. Measurement validation also calculates the process rate of change, which can detect runaway reactions before alarm conditions are met.

For over 50 years, Emerson’s Rosemount temperature portfolio has provided reliable temperature measurement to the process industry, and with over 2,00,000 temperature transmitters delivered a year, Rosemount temperature transmitter is recognised as one of the leading technologies in the process industry.

April 2012 | Chemical World

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TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

TECHNOLOGY OFFERED As part of our endeavour to spread the technology culture, this section provides a means to promote and facilitate exchange of select technologies.

We strive to bring together suppliers of such technologies with suitable users for negotiations and industrial collaboration.

Activated carbon

Phosphate esters

An Iranian firm is willing to offer activated carbon from coconut shells.

Areas of application Food processing, pharmaceuticals, etc Forms of transfer Technology licensing

An Indian firm is offering technology for manufacturing phosphate esters like tributyl phosphate.

Area of application Specialty chemicals Forms of transfer Joint venture

Ethanol An Iranian company is offering ethanol from molasses using the fermentation of sacharomyces cerevisiae. Ethyl alcohol is widely used for making many organic chemicals.

Areas of application Chemical and energy industries Forms of transfer Technology licensing

Furfuryl alcohol technology

Sodium hydrosulfite An Iranian company is willing to manufacture sodium hydrosulfite using chemical compounds. It is widely used as a stripping agent in dyes and in chemical industry.

Area of application Chemical industry Forms of transfer Technology licensing

An Indian firm offers technology for producing furfuryl alcohol from furfural by liquid hydrogenation as well as vapour hydrogenation, with a capacity of 6,000 tpa to 24,000 tpa.

Areas of application Furan polymers, sealants & cements, urea-formaldehyde, & phenolic resins and foundry cores Forms of transfer Consultancy, technical services, technology licensing

Sodium silicate recovery from rice husk ash

Precipitated calcium carbonate

Sodium sulfide

An Indian consulting company for the chemicals, minerals & food processing industries is offering precipitated calcium carbonate and turnkey projects for the same.

Areas of application Plastics, paper, paints, rubber, inks Forms of transfer Consultancy, technical services

An Iranian firm is willing to offer sodium sulfide, which is used mainly in textile industry, paper mill, artificial silk and curriery.

Areas of application Leather industry, textiles, curriery industries, paper mills, etc Forms of transfer Turnkey

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Chemical World | April 2012

An Indian firm is offering technology to recover sodium silicate from rice husk ash. The technology claims to offer better ROI than other processing methods.

Area of application Chemical industry Forms of transfer Consultancy, technical services, turnkey, etc

Synthesis routes for organic chemicals An Indian firm is offering consultancy in design of synthesis routes for organic chemicals.

Areas of application Pharma industry, specialty chemicals, plant protection chemicals, etc Forms of transfer Consultancy

Transformer oil unit An Indian company is willing to offer consultancy for making a transformer oil unit with domestic coal f rom its wastes.

Area of application Transformers Forms of transfer Consultancy, technical services

Zinc phosphatiser/rust converter (Ferphos) An Indian firm offers technology to produce Ferphos – an unique chemical formulation that acts as a zinc phosphatiser cum rust converter.

Ferphos is an innovation and improvement over existing phosphating products/technologies practised around the world. Ferphos solution does not die, ie even after prolonged use and does not require daily addition of chemicals and hence it results in zero effluence. Ferphos solution also acts as a rust converter when brushed on rusted iron products. It is an ideal substitute for sane/shot blasting.

Areas of application All iron and steel products including aluminium, SS, GI products Forms of transfer Technology licensing

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

TECHNOLOGY REQUESTED Calcium carbonate A Saudi Arabian company needs the technical know-how for producing calcium carbonate from limestone.

Areas of application Industries like chemical, textile, etc Forms of transfer Others

Glyoxal An Indian company is looking to switch the production technique for manufacturing 40 per cent glyoxal from its existing acetaldehyde-based method to the MEG-based glyoxal production.

Areas of application Pharma & textile Forms of transfer Others

Inorganic chemicals An Indian company is interested in seeking the technology & process knowhow for production of potassium nitrate, chromium acetate, and magnesium hydroxide suspension. The company already produces inorganic chemicals and wants to add several other items.

Area of application Chemical industry Forms of transfer Others

Lime An Indian company seeks to adopt new cost-effective technologies, which can

reduce carbon emissions and earn carbon credits, for manufacturing lime.

Areas of application Quick lime and hydrated lime Forms of transfer Others

Lime plant A group of businessmen in Zambia is interested in setting up an 800 t/d of quick lime and 200 t/d of hydrated lime plant.

Area of application Mining Forms of transfer Others

Manufacture of sodium hydrosulfite A company based in Pakistan is interested in establishing a joint venture for the manufacture of sodium hydrosulfite in Pakistan with either a Chinese or European manufacturer, who has the technological know-how and expertise in the field.

Areas of application Industries like textile, paper and food Forms of transfer Others

Quaternary ammonium chloride An Indonesia-based company is planning to diversify into manufacturing of quaternary ammonium chloride. It is seeking technology along with the

supply of critical plant and machinery for the manufacture of the chemical 3-chloro-2hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride that is produced from epichhlorohydrin.

Area of application Chemical industry Forms of transfer Technical know-how, consultancy

Solvent dyes An Indian company has recently installed a manufacturing capacity of 2,400 mtpa and is looking to diversify its product range by including various solvent dyes in its product portfolio. The company is seeking process consultancy for this project.

Areas of application Plastics, petroleum, solvents, etc Forms of transfer Others

Treatment of pollutants discharged during PTA production A Chinese organisation is looking for a recycling and pollution-free treatment technology to tackle the wastewater, exhaust gas, waste slag and noises generated in PTA production, thereby shifting from reduction of pollutant discharge to zero-discharge.

Areas of application Chemical industry Forms of transfer Consultancy, technical services, etc

Information courtesy: Dr Krishnan S Raghavan, In-Charge, Technology Transfer Services Group, United Nations Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT), APCTT Building , C-2, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi 110 016, Tel: 011 - 2696 6509, Fax: 011 - 2685 6274, Email: krishnan@apctt.org, Website: www.apctt.org

For more information on technology offers and requests, please log on to www.technology4sme.net and register with your contact details.

This is a free of cost platform provided by APCTT for facilitating interaction between buyers and seekers of technologies across the globe.

After submitting technology offer or request to this website, you are requested to wait for at least two weeks for receiving a response from a prospective buyer/seeker through this website, before contacting APCTT for further assistance.

Share and Solicit Technology The mission of Chemical World is to spread the technology culture. Here is an opportunity to be a part of this endeavour by sending your technology on offer or technology requirements. If you belong to any of these two categories, you are invited to furnish the techno-commercial details for publication. The write-up needs to be as per the format of this section with information about the particular technology offered or requested, its areas of application and forms of transfer. Contact us: Chemical World, Infomedia 18 Ltd, ‘A’ Wing, Ruby House, J K Sawant Marg, Dadar (W), Mumbai 400 028 Tel: 022-3024 5000, 3003 4672, Fax: 022-3003 4499, Email: chemedit@infomedia18.in

April 2012 | Chemical World

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IN CONVERSATION WITH Ravi Kapoor

Environment sustainability need not be enforced but should be a way of life …says Ravi Kapoor, Managing Director, Heubach Colour Pvt Ltd, and Chairman – Gujarat Chapter, Indian Chemical Council. In an interaction with Avani Jain, he underlines the growth opportunities for the chemical sector, and specifically, the pigment industry, with emphasis on the sustainability approach.

How is the chemical industry faring in the country, and particularly in Gujarat?

Gujarat constitutes a significant portion of India’s chemical industry, contributing more than 50 per cent to it. Key growth drivers include easy and quick availability of land, infrastructure facilities such as adequate water, power, roads, wastewater treatment and disposal systems, raw material & feedstock availability, skilled manpower and quick implementation of projects. Overall, the industry is growing, but not at the desired pace due to a number of reasons like slow expansion due to infrastructure- and environment-related issues.

How is the demand for organic pigments in India?

Photo: Sharan Goel

Pigments are universal products and as such are directly related to the growth of the economy.

Organic pigments are consumed by textile, ink, paint and plastics industries, all of which have a huge demand in India. All these segments are expected to grow in the region at a rate of 15-20 per cent per annum over the next few years. For eg, the paint industry (decorative and industrial) is expected to grow in leaps and bounds, which has a low per capita consumption at present.

Similar is the situation with the usage of plastics and inks in the packaging industry, which would see growth due to a huge push towards the retail segment.

The growth of organic pigments segment in India has been significant. Dyes and pigments came from the textile industry where the chemistries were understood and practised. In

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Chemical World | April 2012

Ravi Kapoor

the beginning, the tendency was to manufacture the commodity type of pigments where the stress was on low margins, which the Western world did not find profitable. In the last 10 years, both the Chinese and Indian producers moved towards the mid-specialties & specialties, and now this segment is no longer dominated by the Western world.

What has been the industry’s effort towards sustainability?

The chemical industry and, specifically, the pigment segment are likely to witness substantial growth, based on their emphasis on sustainability. With high levels of awareness about sustainability, the stakeholder will no longer permit the attitude seen in the past. Ecology and environmental issues will determine the growth of this industry. This fact is clearly recognised at Heubach, which has been practising sustainability and environmental management since its inception. Even at a time when the regulations were not as stringent as they are today, the company recognised the importance of this issue. For instance, the aluminium hydroxide plant set

by Heubach reduces the solid waste generated from the green plant by 85 per cent and provides a product, which is useful in the pharmaceutical industry – a true example of sustainability.

Similar is the case of the ammonia concentration plant for concentrating the ammonia from blue production to make it a sellable product. It is important to note here that this was done more than 12 years ago when the regulations were far more relaxed than today, highlighting the fact that environment and ecological sustainability need not be enforced but should be a way of life for a company.

What steps should be taken in order to boost the organic pigment industry?

The last pigment molecule discovered was more than 20 years ago, so the R&D activities need to be increased in order to address the current needs of the customers. The industry must also

What motivates you the most in your life?

Success stories of people involved in constant innovations based on their original ideas always motivate me. This is something that I also identify with.

What was the turning point in your career?

Meeting Rainer Heubach who is presently the Chairman of Heubach Group, and joining pigment business.

How do you deal with a tough situation?

The only way to deal with a tough situation is to face it without fear and not procrastinating about the decision.

What is that one thing important for the success of a deal?

The most important thing is that the deal should make sense for both the sides, otherwise no partnership can work. An apparent advantage for one side will ultimately result in the other side losing interest, and this is not good for the partnership.

What is the business etiquette that you value the most?

Say what you mean and do what you say.

What is your message for aspiring professionals?

Common sense is the most useful quality for an aspiring professional. The other important skill to be learnt is clear and lucid communication. This is more important than all other professional and academic skills.

look at an integrated approach wherein the feedstock going up the value chain to manufacture intermediates needs to be put in place in an organised manner. This should ideally come from the Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR) policy implementation and cluster development, say in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) or the new chemical zones that are coming up in Dahej, etc. Unfortunately, this approach is not yet apparently being implemented and the growth is still in fragments.

If not addressed, this issue will hamper the rightful growth of the industry in India.

What are your growth plans for Heubach Colour Pvt Ltd? Heubach has experienced a steady growth over the years. It has concentrated on a clear strategy and a business model through which the company aims to take its marketshares of 10-15 per cent to a global scale. Pigment development is extremely R&D-oriented, with Heubach spending more than 10 per cent on R&D related activities. The company is one of the top three organic pigment manufacturing companies in terms of the range and application of the products it offers. Heubach is extremely optimistic regarding its plans and foresees a bright future for its activities.

Email: avani.jain@infomedia18.in

April 2012 | Chemical World

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An invite that rewards as well...

Dear Reader, ‘Chemical World ’ solicits original, well-written, application-oriented, unpublished articles that reflect your valuable experience and expertise in the chemical process industry.

You can send us Technical Articles, Case Studies and Product Write-ups. The length of the article should not exceed 1500 words, while that of a product write-up should not exceed 100 words.

The articles should preferably reach us in soft copy (either E-mail or a CD). The text should be in MS Word format and images in 300 DPI resolution & JPG format.

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Authors whose articles are published will be sent a complimentary copy of that particular edition.

Published by Infomedia 18 Ltd, ‘Chemical World ’ is one of the leading monthly magazines exclusively meant for producers and user fraternities of the chemical process industry (CPI). Well supported by a national readership of over 80,000 and our strong network of 26 branch offices across India, this magazine reaches out to key decision makers among the Indian CPI. Moreover, it offers a broader platform facilitating effective interaction among several fraternities of these industries by enabling them in reaching out to their prospective buyers & sellers through better trade contacts and more business opportunities.

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BUDGET SPECIAL

BUDGET 2012-13 BUDGET ANALYSIS  CHEMICAL INDUSTRY Will it lead to a chain reaction for bright prospects? ....................26 BUDGET IMPACT  OIL & GAS The wait for measures to energise market continues.....................28 BUDGET VIEWS A growth catalyst or an inhibitor? .................................................30

April 2012 | Chemical World

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BUDGET ANALYSIS Chemical industry

Aashish Kasad

W

hile the economic survey released before the Union Budget 2012-2013 suggested that there will be a shift in policy priority from inflation to growth, the Budget did not appear to resonate the same. The clouds of economic slowdown continue to linger on the economy. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is estimated to have grown by 6.9 per cent, after having grown at the rate of 8.4 per cent in each of the two preceding years. Rather than propelling the growth engines through robust policies and incentivising industry to increase domestic manufacture and, consequently supply

Will it lead to a chain reaction for bright prospects Though Budget 2012-2013 brought cheer to some segments, it did not meet the expectations of many others. With major thrust given to agriculture, the fertiliser and agrochemical sectors can yield better gains. of goods/services, the focus appears to have been more on reducing the fiscal deficit by shoring up tax revenues. No dates were announced for implementing the Direct Taxes Code (DTC) and Goods and Services Tax (GST).

However, certain provisions have been introduced in this Budget relating to increase in Service Tax and Excise Duty, Advanced Pricing Agreement (APA), General Anti-Avoidance Rules (GAAR), taxation of indirect transfer of Indian assets, etc to bridge existing laws with the impending legislations. Overall, there were far higher expectations from Budget 2012 to propel growth, which have not seen the light of day.

Impact on chemical sector Though there are no significant tax proposals in the Budget 2012, which would directly benefit the chemical sector, with the thrust given to

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Chemical World | April 2012

agriculture for improving supply of food and combatting food inflation as well as enhancing infrastructure, some sectors within the chemical industry should indirectly benefit from the same. The fertiliser and agrochemical sectors would particularly benefit from certain policy announcements such as viability gap funding for the fertiliser sector, initiatives towards price and investment policies for urea, increasing overall outlay for the agriculture sector by 18 per cent to ` 20,208 crore in FY 2012-13, etc.

Moreover, certain tax incentives have been announced with regard to extension of 200 per cent weighted deduction for R&D spend for another five years, weighted deduction for employment of skilled manpower for manufacturing, investment-linked deduction of 150 per cent for fertilisers, etc. Though there are certain positives in the Budget, the sector may face challenges

Chemical industry

on account of the increase in the Excise Duty and Service Tax. It is the year for the Indian agrochemical industry. As stated by the Finance Minister in his Budget speech 2012, the agriculture sector continues to remain a priority for the government.

Various policies and outlays have been earmarked exclusively for food and fertilisers, these being core sectors that have an impact on the entire economy, which should indirectly benefit the agrochemical sub-sector.

However, there have been no significant proposals for the other subsegments and allied sectors such as pharma, petrochemicals, etc.

When it comes to Budget 2012, there have been several hits and misses that are mentioned below.

Policy initiatives In terms of policy initiatives, with a view to boost manufacturing activities in the country, the government has announced launch of National Manufacturing Policy in 2011 to encourage the setting up of National Investment and Manufacturing Zones across the country; raise the share of manufacturing in GDP to 25 per cent, and create 10-crore jobs. The chemical sector being the backbone of the manufacturing sector would benefit from this. Moreover, there have been a plethora of incentives lined up for fertiliser sector, for instance, a mobile-based fertiliser management system has been proposed for direct transfer of subsidy on fertilisers from manufacturers to retailers and farmers, etc.

Direct tax With a view to promote certain core sectors, investment-linked deduction of capital expenditure under section 35AD incurred in certain specified businesses including that of fertilisers has been enhanced from current rate of 100 per cent to 150 per cent. Weighted deduction of 200 per cent of expenditure with respect to in-house research under

section 35(2AB) of the Act has been extended beyond March 31, 2012, for five more years. Weighted deduction of 150 per cent is proposed on expenditure incurred on notified agricultural extension projects. Further, to generate employment in manufacturing sector, weighted deduction of 150 per cent of expenditure on skill development is proposed. These incentive provisions are expected to bring a boost to the industry.

With a view to remove the cascading effect of Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in multi-tier corporate structure, holding companies will not be required to pay DDT on dividend distributed by them to the extent dividends were received from subsidiaries. Moreover, APAs are introduced to bring in more certainty on transfer pricing, one of the tax issues the industry grapples with.

The expectations f rom this Budget were high in terms of policies and single-window clearances for development of infrastructure facilities to boost chemical sector, including setting up of special duty-free zones, export promotion zones and new chemical investment regions. To be competitive in the export market, export-linked income tax incentives akin to those granted to the erstwhile export-oriented units (EOUs) would have been welcomed. Further, REACH registration is compulsory and costly for Indian companies exporting products to Europe.

Moreover, for products to be REACH compliant, it takes substantial investment to reformulate chemicals.

Government should have introduced weighted deduction on expenses incurred with respect to REACH compliance to incentivise chemical exports to European Union nations.

Further, there are numerous incometax amendments, which have been introduced with retrospective effect – some of which have reversed judicial decisions in favour of the taxpayer. This has created a sudden anxiety among the taxpayers in terms of stability of

laws and reliance that can be placed on favourable judicial precedents.

Indirect tax On the indirect tax side, peak rate of Basic Customs Duty has been retained at 10 per cent. As an initiative for agriculture and agro-processing, basic Customs Duty on water soluble fertilisers has been reduced f rom 7.5 per cent to 5 per cent and on liquid fertilisers from 5 per cent to 2.5 per cent.

Basic Customs Duty on chemicals like nickel oxide & hydroxide, ammonium metavanadate, iodine, titanium dioxide, boric acid and sintered natural uranium dioxide/sintered uranium dioxide pellets has been reduced. Further, imports of equipment for initial setting up or substantial expansion of fertiliser projects are being fully exempted from basic Customs Duty for three years.

It was expected that the rates of Central Excise Duty and Service Tax would not be subject to any hike.

However, the rate of Service Tax has been raised by 2 per cent upfront. Effective rate of Service Tax has been increased from 10.3 per cent to 12.36 per cent with effect from April 1, 2012. General Excise Duty has also been increased by 2 per cent. Concessional Excise Duty rates have been increased by 1 per cent on 130 items. Further, negative list of services is proposed to be introduced. All services would now be taxable unless included in the negative list or exempted.

Overall, it remains to be seen as to whether the proposals in the Budget will help the government in achieving its fiscal goals and steer the country towards economic growth.

Aashish Kasad is a Partner and Tax Leader - Chemical Practice at Ernst & Young Pvt Ltd. She has over 15 years of experience in advising companies on international tax, transfer pricing, Indian income tax and regulatory matters in chemicals, health sciences, automotive and consumer product industries. For details, contact Padma Chourey on email: padma.chourey@in.ey.com

April 2012 | Chemical World

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BUDGET IMPACT Oil & gas

wait

The for measures to energise market

continues...

POWER BOOSTERS o Basic Customs Duty on steam coal has been reduced from 10 per cent to nil. Additional Customs Duty has been reduced from 5 per cent to 1 per cent. This benefit is available up to March 31, 2014 o Import of dredgers is exempt from basic Customs Duty and special additional duty of customs o Natural gas/Liquefied Natural Gas imported for power generation by generation plants is exempt from basic Customs Duty o Basic Customs Duty on survey instruments, 3D modelling software for ore body simulation cum mine planning and exploration (geophysics and geochemistry) equipment required for surveying and prospecting of minerals reduced to 2.5 per cent subject to specified conditions o Import of foreign-going vessels is exempt from additional Customs Duty subject to payment of duty at the time of its conversion to coastal run, and fulfillment of prescribed conditions o Cess on production of crude oil has been increased from ` 2,500 per metric tonne to ` 4,500 per metric tonne Source: Ernst & Young

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Chemical World | April 2012

Mahua Roy

T

he oil and gas industry is regarded as one of the most significant contributors to the Indian economy.

It had great expectations out of the Union Budget; however, the industry grossly remained dissatisfied with the announcements made.

Impact on the refinery sector One of the major setbacks came in the form of no special announcements towards the development of the refinery sector. India holds the distinction of being one of the nations with the largest refining capacity.

A prime reason that had promoted major investments in this sector was a sevenyear tax holiday, which ended on March 31, 2012. The industry was optimistic of announcements to prolong this tax holiday period. Echoing this sentiment, Lalit Kumar Gupta, Managing Director & CEO, Essar Oil Ltd, says, “Non-extension of section 80-IB tax holiday benefit could affect future investments in refinery sector and, thus deprive the country from emerging as a major global hub for export of petroleum products.”

The eternal issue of pricing The Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have had this long-standing debate with the ministry regarding the realisation of fuel prices. To cut down on the massive losses being incurred by the OMCs, they had demanded complete deregulation

Announcements on diesel deregulation and emphasis on pipeline sector staying conspicuous by their absence in the Union Budget 2012 has upset the oil & gas industry in India. However, rationalisation of indirect taxes by removal of Customs Duty on LNG, coal etc are seen as a welcome move. of diesel prices and a greater freedom to decide petrol prices. “We are slightly disappointed that the government has overlooked the sector by delaying any announcement on fuel price deregulation, which could have provided a level-playing field to the private OMCs. However, we do believe that some action will take place on this front soon,” adds Gupta.

OMCs incur a loss of ` 13.55 per litre of diesel, ` 439 per LPG cylinder, ` 29.97 per litre of kerosene and ` 6 per litre of petrol. All these total to a daily loss of ` 465 crore for the OMCs.

Infrastructure focus spells good news “It is a Budget aimed at promoting investments in infrastructure and achieving the growth target. There are a slew of measures the Finance Minister has announced, which will make resource raising easier for the large industry as well as small and medium entrepreneurs,” summarised Gupta.

According to Tushar Mehendale, Managing Director, ElectroMech, allowing External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs) in sectors like road construction, coupled with increase in the tax-free infrastructure bond allocation to ` 60,000 crore, will definitely help in spurring some development in the infrastructure sector. Gupta also opines that increased allocation for roads will lead to a higher demand for bitumen, which refiners will benefit from.

Email: mahua.roy@infomedia18.in

BUDGET VIEWS

A growth catalyst or an inhibitor?

In the backdrop of the announcement of Union Budget 2012-13, Prasenjit Chakraborty, Mahua Roy and Avani Jain take stock of the sentiments the Budget evoked among industry veterans and their views on its expected outcome.

Ashish Gharpure, Director - Sales and Marketing, Aker Powergas Pvt Ltd

1 2 3 4 5 The Union Budget announcement of 2012 has largely been a balancing act, given the constraints of the ruling government. There are no specific announcements in the Budget for the chemical/petrochemicals industry.

The only welcome move that was announced was to push for

self-sufficiency in urea production. Also, there are no specific incentives in this Budget that would encourage investment in the chemical/petrochemical sector. As the Indian chemical industry grapples with some unique challenges, it would have been a welcome to see a few moves to promote investments in this sector. The idea of PCPIRs or clustered chemical parks should have been given a further budgetary push, which would have boosted the investments.

Bhupendra Patel, Chairman - Gujarat Region, Chemexcil & Managing Director, Jemby Chem Ltd

1 2 3 4 5 The Budget announced an increase in Excise Duty, which has brought the hopes of the industries down, as this should be nil for promoting the industries. Further, the small- and medium-scale industries will face more difficulties as their turnover is not huge and such an

increase will make the raw materials more costly for them. Also the industries are facing continuous competition from China; in such a scenario this increase will have ill effects on the chemical industry. Thus, the current Budget has not at all met my expectations. The consequences of increase in Excise Duty will leave a bad mark on the present and future of the chemical industry. Moreover, extending more powers to the Inspection Raj will create more hurdles for the industry.

Dr Kishore M Shah, President, Indian Speciality Chemical Manufacturers’ Association

1 2 3 4 5 The hike in Excise Duty and Service Tax may temper demand in the economy at a time when India Inc is reeling under the pressure of higher interest rates. Hike in Excise Duty will also push prices up across the board and erode margins. The Finance Minister has also budgeted for low

oil subsidies, which could mean a fuel price hike soon. An advance pricing agreement is good news for MNCs investing in India.

Besides, the Budget has announced ` 5,000 crore venture fund for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) with SIDBI to enhance availability of equity to these units. The government has approved a policy that requires ministries and Central PSUs to make a minimum of 20 per cent of their annual purchases from MSMEs. This is a welcome step for MSME.

Pravin S Herlekar, Chairman & Managing Director, Omkar Speciality Chemicals Ltd

1 2 3 4 5 The Finance Minister could have done much more for the chemicals and pharma intermediaries manufacturing sector. For an industry, which is already reeling under price controls and mounting threat of cheaper intermediaries from China, increase in Service Tax and Excise

Duty are likely to have a rub-off effect on the overall industry.

The Budget does not cover any fiscal reforms in the interest of the SME sector. The FM should have maintained a status quo in the taxation regime instead of triggering a hike.

On the other hand, meagre reduction of basic Customs Duty on iodine from 5 per cent to 2.5 per cent is something the industry can cheer about. The move will marginally give fillip to the pharmaceutical sector.

Rating scale: 1: Unsatisfactory; 2: Below expectations; 3: Satisfactory; 4: Above expectations; and 5: Significantly exceeds expectations 30

Chemical World | April 2012

BUDGET VIEWS

Rajesh Aggarwal, Managing Director, Insecticides India Ltd

1 2 3 4 5 The Union Budget 2012 has failed to fulfill the overall expectations of the chemical industry. However, there are certain promising things in this Budget, which will help give a boost to the agrochemical industry. Conversion of 10 million hectare forest land into agri-land with estimate expense of ` 46,000 crore is a good move. Providing additional support of ` 91,800 crore to enhance

agricultural productivity will boost the agrochemical industry along with the agriculture industry. Credit flow increase in agri-loans from ` 1 lakh to ` 5.75 lakh crore, besides allocation of ` 14,242 crore for accelerated irrigation benefits are positive announcements.

Rajiv Vastupal, Chairman and Managing Director, Rajiv Group

1 2 3 4 5 The Budget turned out to be a non-event one with no positive or favourable policy announcements. The Excise Duty has been increased to 12 per cent from 10 per cent, while Customs Duty has been left unchanged. But, since India has a robust economy, it will grow, albeit at a slow speed. Investments can be expected partially in dyes & dyes

intermediates to manufacture goods under environment-controlled permission, even though no special export incentives have been given. The government should have announced policies to give a boost to the chemical & petrochemical sector.

Ravi Kapoor, Managing Director, Heubach Colour Pvt Ltd

1 2 3 4 5 The Union Budget 2012 fails to meet the expectations as nothing has been done for supporting the ailing manufacturing sector during these difficult times. Also, there are no specific announcements for the positive development of the specialty chemical segment in India. There has been reduction in income levels of the corporate entities and also in the industrial output,

as compared to projected estimates.

One of the main reasons for this is that investors are wary of making fresh investments. It would have been good if some positive actions were taken in this Budget towards changing the mindset of investors.

V Gokuldas, Managing Director, HRS Process Systems Ltd

1 2 3 4 5 Proposed pricing and investment policies for urea is a positive step as it will help in reducing India’s dependence on imports.

Exemption of Customs Duty on fertiliser equipment and machinery till FY 15 will surely encourage new investments in fertiliser sector. Reduction of Customs Duty on organic, inorganic coating materials used for manufacturing electrical

steel from 10 per cent to 5 per cent will benefit the manufacturing companies of electroplating chemicals. Proposed decision to provide subsidy payments of fertiliser to farmers through retailers is an encouraging step for the farmers.

Vipul Shah, President, CEO & Chairman, Dow Chemical International Pvt Ltd

1 2 3 4 5 While there were no big, specific announcements for the chemical industry, policies announced for infrastructure and manufacturing, which have a significant impact on the chemical industry, and some tax reforms like the introduction of GST will aid in development of the chemical industry and also boost investments. However, announcements regarding zero duty on import of chemicals, which

would have facilitated easy availability and higher import of cheaper feedstock; tax holidays for small- and large-scale players; and self-assessment of imported chemicals would have gone a long way in providing a much-needed incentive to the chemical industry.

Rating scale: 1: Unsatisfactory; 2: Below expectations; 3: Satisfactory; 4: Above expectations; and 5: Significantly exceeds expectations April 2012 | Chemical World

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SPECIAL FOCUS

IT FOR CHEMICAL PROCESS INDUSTRY CLOUD COMPUTING Taking industry to a new horizon of possibilities ..........................................34 CLOUD STRATEGY A right approach for cloud selection .............................................................36 IT & AUTOMATION Smart solutions to become best-in-class.........................................................38 DATA SECURITY Protection against information breach ............................................................40 INTERFACE  Dhruv Singhal, Cloud Computing Lead, Oracle India “Cloud computing reduces both costs and complexities” ...............................42 ROUNDTABLE Can automation provide a competitive edge to SMEs? .................................43

April 2012 | Chemical World

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SPECIAL FOCUS Cloud computing

Taking industry to a new horizon of possibilities Still in the early stage of adoption, the chemical industry is realising the quantum of benefits that cloud computing can bring into an organisation. There are hosts of cloud solutions and vendors available in the market. However, to leverage the benefits, chemical manufacturers will have to understand its need and follow a wellthought-out implementation programme.

Rakesh Rao

C

loud computing is the buzzword in today’s IT world, with businesses (spanning across the sectors) looking to incorporate smarter solutions into their IT infrastructure. Cloud is a computing model that provides web-based software, middleware and computing resources on demand. “Cloud computing fundamentally changes the way IT services is delivered. Instead of both owning and managing IT services, or using an outsourcing approach built around dedicated hardware, software and support services, organisations can use cloud computing to meet their IT requirements using a flexible, ondemand, and rapidly scalable model that requires neither ownership on their part, nor provision of dedicated resources,” says Rajesh Rege, Senior

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growth through differentiation, combat downward pressures on margins, and optimise global supply chains.”

Experts believe that many clouds will emerge over time and their diversity will increase. At the same time, organisations will opt for clouds that meet their specific needs. While current providers may suit some organisations, companies that are associated with process industry such as chemicals, pharmaceuticals, etc will require different options. With cloud-based technologies catching the eyes of Chief Information Officers (CIOs) in the chemical industry, IT solution providers are gearing up to meet this demand.

Rege points out, “Regardless of how organisations want to build, deploy and use clouds, Cisco is in a great position to support them based on the network’s role in cloud infrastructure, network services, applications and solutions that involve partners. Cisco’s cloud strategy is to enable our customers to offer cloud services and applications by providing them with solutions for private, public and hybrid clouds that uniquely combine the unified data center and the cloud intelligent network.”

Vice President, Data Center and Cloud, Cisco India & SAARC.

Catalysing growth

Simplifying complex challenges

Chemical business is highly globalised; and to manage hundreds of computers and an IT department is not only demanding, but also an expensive activity. Cloud-based technology can help reduce the cost of running and managing the IT infrastructure. Dhruv Singhal, Cloud Computing Lead, Oracle India, elaborates, “With costs rising due to high and unstable commodity prices, and escalating competition, there is a need for greater operational excellence in order to reduce costs for chemical businesses. Sustainability, R&D and manufacturing challenges are also leading to the demand for newer operating models. With globalisation, consolidation and commoditisation, chemical companies must achieve

Supply chain of a chemical manufacturer often transcends the company’s boundaries with procurement of raw materials spread across the world. In such a situation, it is important for the manufacturer to harness the power of Internet for fast and easy communication with its vendors. It is here that cloud computing can play a major role.

Singhal elaborates, “Supply chain, especially within the chemical industry, is quite complicated on account of the collaboration required across networks around the globe. Massive quantities of information sharing and process automation are required between these networks every day. Cloud technology can impact supply chain management in many ways. It can help simplify

Cloud computing

business relationships between chemical companies and their worldwide vendors.

It has the power to give companies, supply chain collaboration on an international scale, which will help reduce costs and risks.”

Cloud technology can improve logistics and manufacturing operations for chemicals businesses. “It can optimise global logistics and transportation costs along with chemical production and formulation while minimising production variance,” he adds.

Considering the global nature of the chemical industry (with suppliers and operations often in different parts of the world), Rege believes that cloud has a lot to offer to the industry. He explains, “Cloud technologies can be used across all departments in an organisation.

The HR department can leverage cloud for conducting training across offices; marketing and sales department can leverage it to collaborate with customers or colleagues across various locations.

Certain important applications like ERP/ CRM on a cloud model can result in enhanced productivity for organisations.”

Are you prepared?

Every organisation needs to have clarity on the reasons for migrating to the cloud.

First, it is important to understand the applications that organisations want to move to the cloud. “Organisations can start by moving non-critical applications to the cloud in order to get a sense of the cloud environment. Also, the integration level that this application has with others, which may not be on the cloud, is also significant as it can then hamper day-today operations,” opines Singhal.

Virtualisation is a key enabler of cloud computing but managing clouds is another crucial element. He explains, “Managing all virtual machines and clusters is quite complex, especially with self-service, multi-tenancy, metering for billing/chargeback, and other requirements of cloud computing. To reap the full benefits of cloud computing, enterprises need to choose the right management solution.”

The research-driven chemical manufacturers deal with sensitive information and security of this data should be on the top-of-the-mind for

POURING BENEFITS According to Rege, some of the benefits that cloud computing brings are as follows: o Reduced cost: Cost is a clear benefit of cloud computing, both in terms of CapEx and OpEx. The reduction in CapEx is obvious because an organisation can spend in increments of required capacity and does not need to build infrastructure for maximum (or burst) capacity; and by utilising a cloud provider or adopting cloud paradigms internally, organisations can save operational and maintenance budgets. o Flexibility: This benefit can be derived from rapid provisioning of new capacity and rapid relocation or migration of workloads. In chemical industry settings, cloud computing provides agility in terms of procurement and acquisition process & timelines. o Improved automation: Cloud computing is based on the premise that services can not only be provisioned, but also de-provisioned in a highly automated fashion. This specific attribute offers significant efficiencies to enterprises as they can scale up and down as required. o Sustainability: Through leveraging economies of scale and the capacity to manage assets more efficiently, cloud computing consumes far less energy and other resources than a traditional IT data center, thus reducing the overall carbon footprint. o Simplification: Cloud promotes simplification of the underlying IT infrastructure resources to fewer standardised products, technologies and platforms.

Cloud computing fundamentally changes the way IT services is delivered. Considering the amount of scalability and flexibility required in the fast-growing chemical industry, cloud adoption is a prerequisite.

Rajesh Rege Senior Vice President, Data Center and Cloud, Cisco India & SAARC

CIOs of chemical businesses while adopting cloud technology. Singhal adds, “It is imperative for chemical enterprises embracing the cloud to take an approach where security pervades the entire architecture rather than being bolted on as an afterthought. Enterprises should not only look at products with best-of-breed security in their respective categories, but also the one where security mechanisms are well-integrated, enabling ease of deployment, ease of change, and high reliability.”

On cloud nine Traditionally, IT software was designed for providing automation solutions within a single enterprise. However, with globalisation the scope of IT services has widened to include not just information about one company, but to provide a platform for the company to communicate with its offices and vendors located across the world. And cloud computing offers a cost-effective solution to CIOs, who are under constant pressure to reduce cost and improve efficiency. As Rege rightly puts, “Considering the amount of scalability and flexibility required in the fast-growing chemical industry, cloud adoption is a prerequisite.”

The chemical industry is still in the early stages of adopting cloud computing.

Hence, it is difficult to predict the comprehensive benefits of cloud computing in the chemical industry.

However, it will surely change the way IT infrastructure functions in future.

Email: rakesh.rao@infomedia18.in

April 2012 | Chemical World

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SPECIAL FOCUS Cloud strategy

Rakesh Rao

C

loud computing has the potential to induce paradigm shift in the chemical market by ‘virtually’ changing the way IT functions. The research-driven chemical industry has been always at the forefront when it comes to adopting novel technologies and solutions to

possible into the cloud service provider’s security, with the goal of trying to identify (and secure against) variations between the two. Before deploying a cloud service, an organisation must take a close look at its existing IT security processes, practices and technologies. It is important to get as much visibility as possible into the cloud service provider’s security, with the goal of trying to identify (and secure against) variations between the two,” opines Rajesh Rege, Senior Vice President, Data Center and Cloud, Cisco India & SAARC. Organisations deploying cloud-based architecture should find out how the cloud service provider segregates and isolates multiple tenants – where will the data exactly reside, who will monitor the data etc. Adds Rege, “They should ask the cloud provider for the results of recent security testing or audits it has performed

capabilities you need and when you need them. Costs are tiered and metered to accurately reflect your requirements and usage. All applications, including legacy, run more efficiently and sustainably with greater utilisation of the underlying infrastructure.”

Private or public cloud While public cloud is one in which the services and infrastructure are provided offsite over the Internet, private cloud is one in which the services and infrastructure are maintained on a private network.

Public clouds provide the greatest level of efficiency in shared resources; however, they are also more vulnerable than private clouds. On the other hand, private clouds offer the greatest level of security and control, but they require the company to still purchase and maintain all the software

As chemical industry gears up to migrate to cloud-based technology platform, it is vital to adopt the right strategy to evaluate IT vendors.

Equally important is the decision to select the type of cloud (public or private) required for a specific task.

better its manufacturing or business processes. No wonder then that many chemical manufacturers are exploring the possibility of joining the cloud technology bandwagon. While there is no doubt that cloud can bring significant benefits, chemical manufacturers will have to evaluate the long-term costs and risks, as cloud adoption is still in the early stages.

It is equally important to partner with the right vendor and choose appropriate technology to maximise the advantage of cloud computing.

Know your vendor Before deploying a cloud service, it is important for the organisation to take a close look at its existing IT security processes, practices and technologies. “It is important to get as much visibility as

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Chemical World | April 2012

related to its own infrastructure as well as clearly understand what the service provider’s responsibilities and guarantees are as described in its service level agreement. It is imperative to get as many specifics from the cloud provider regarding the Intrusion Detection/ Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS), firewall, and other security appliances and technologies they have deployed. The service provider’s infrastructure should be protected as much as possible from threats such as Denial of Service (DoS) attacks, which can degrade the performance of a cloud service.”

If one carries out in-depth analysis of the existing IT structure and, depending upon the current and future requirements, a chemical manufacturer adopts clear implementation strategy for cloud services, then migrating to cloud does not entail restructuring of the entire existing IT system/structure. Cloud transforms the economics of IT from capital-intensive to pay-as-you-go. Rege elaborates, “Service level agreements guarantee the

and infrastructure, which reduces the cost savings. A chemical company can face the dilemma while selecting the type of cloud (public or private) that is ideal for its requirement. The right approach should depend on an enterprise’s needs and priorities, suggests Rege, as cloud is not a ‘one-size-fits-all’ proposition. Different service and deployment models can be adopted to match the requirements of applications across the business.

While enterprises may see tangible benefits in using public clouds, Cisco expects private and hybrid (a combination of public and private) cloud models to be more common. Rege opines, “Enterprises may use public clouds for burst or peak capacity and for selected services. However, these organisations often require a higher degree of control over their data, applications and systems than current public clouds allow. At scale, a private cloud offers the efficiency and agility of a public cloud without the loss of control.”

Email: rakesh.rao@infomedia18.in

SPECIAL FOCUS IT & automation

Prasenjit Chakraborty

O

ver the years, the Indian chemical industry has gained maturity and moved towards new realms of technology to explore the emerging opportunities. And for gauging the progress of adoption of IT & automation in this sector, it is imperative to first recognise that chemical industry has a wide spectrum and can be classified broadly into three sub-segments like basic, specialty and knowledge chemicals. IT adoption varies depending on different sub-segments.

For instance, in petrochemicals sector that is dominated by major players, such as Reliance Industries, Haldia

companies, many of which deal with hazardous chemicals, not only need to have complex controls but also consider the safety aspect. Consequently, chemical industry is ahead of other sectors so far as the adoption and implementation of modern technologies, such as IT, process automation & advanced process control are concerned,” opines Abanibhusan Bera, Industry Sales Manager - Oil & Gas, ISA 84 SFS (Safety Specialist), Rockwell Automation India Pvt Ltd.

Current scenario While process automation enhances product quality, improves process safety & plant availability and helps in the efficient use of resources, IT helps to increase productivity, efficiency and

Information Management Systems (LIMS), Sales Force Automation (SFA), Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES).

“Now Indian chemical industry is extensively using IT in equipment design, chemical engineering and process simulation for the purpose of reducing the product & process development time,” says Bera. In the last few years, it has been observed that medium-sized chemical plants are also inducting IT & automation. This is certainly a positive sign for the industry.

Echoing similar sentiment, Sunil Khanna, Vice President-Strategic Relations, India Region, Emerson Electric Co, states, “India has certainly

Adoption of IT & automation is not new for chemical companies. What is important here is the increasing use of such technologies by the mediumsized companies to achieve productivity, improve product quality and process safety, ensure efficient use of resources etc. All these ultimately bring in cost efficiency and better products.

Petrochemicals, GAIL, the adoption is at high level.

Moreover, the le vel of implementation of IT & automation within the different chemical industry sub-segments depends upon the scale as well as the requirement of the particular sub-segment. “The understanding and implementation of technology is far higher in chemical industry compared to other industry verticals. Historically,

achieve regulatory compliance. Citing an example, Bera says that IT solutions are being increasingly implemented in pharmaceutical industry in order to achieve regulatory compliance, keep pace with technological advances and to increase productivity. Some of the popular IT solutions implemented by pharmaceutical industry as well as other chemical segments include Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Laboratory

IT BYTES o o o o o

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IT adoption is encouraging in the pharmaceutical segment ERP, LIMS, SFA, CRM, MES are popular IT products Asset management is a neglected area Use of automation is more visible in hazardous chemical process Globalisation is facilitating implementation of IT & automation

Chemical World | April 2012

made significant progress in this field. Most of the medium and large chemical plants today are controlled

by Distributed Control Systems with open architecture based on standard industry protocols. In the chemical process industry, IT and software systems are used in several plants for process modelling, and IT technologies are being deployed and integrated with automation systems.”

He further adds, artificial intelligence is being used for better analysis and performance of systems. Few key examples include historical data analysis for preventive and predictive control, enabling optimum use of energy & raw materials, and shortening response time for improvement in real-time control & better performance.

IT & automation

Cost advantage Chemical companies, especially those which process hazardous chemicals, have to depend on process automation to a great extent. Automation provides many advantages like higher production rates, increased productivity, efficient use of materials, better product quality, improved safety, shorter workweeks for labour and reduced factory lead-times, among others.

Process automation that controls the different process parameters leads to less variability in the process, thereby manufacturing consistent quality product.

This ensures efficient use of materials resulting in lesser scrap, which also means reduction in product cost. Besides, automation in chemical plants helps in maintaining regulatory compliance by improving safety, which in turn reduces production downtime, prevents workplace injuries, and eliminates associated cost of litigation & damage to environment – all these help chemical companies to reduce cost in an indirect way by extensive use of automation.

“IT not only brings down cost by way of reducing product and process development time but also applications like MES provides real-time information from automation layer including information exchanged with ERP to the right people, at the right time, in the right context for better informed business decision. All these ultimately reduce cost in some way or the other,” points out Bera.

The result of globalisation is perceptible in every industry of India, and this will also impact the chemical

Asset management is a neglected area. It is key to becoming a worldclass plant; and the gamut of assets involves not just measurement instruments, but also control valves, rotary and static equipment and electrical assets.

Sunil Khanna Vice President-Strategic Relations, India Region, Emerson Electric Co

industry. The only difference is few sectors made rapid progress in adopting latest technologies and others are in the process of doing so. “It can be said without doubt that the economical, organisational and technological trends will lead chemical industry to be increasingly dependent on the implementation of IT & automation,” asserts Bera.

There are many examples where IT & automation have helped in reducing production cost. But one of the neglected areas is plant maintenance-asset management. A world-class plant in any industry always gives utmost attention to plant maintenance. “Asset management is a neglected area. It is key to becoming a world-class plant; and the gamut of assets involves not just measurement instruments, but also control valves, rotary

Process automation that controls the different process parameters leads to less variability in the process, thereby manufacturing consistent quality product. and static equipment and electrical assets.

When integrated with IT assets for work order issuance and closure, it can ensure timely maintenance of assets and prevent potential breakdowns, thereby saving a huge cost,” points out Khanna.

Emerging technologies Anticipating the demand and necessity for such products, several companies have come out with different solutions.

For example, Rockwell has come out with a concept for chemical process plant called Manufacturing Convergence. It helps enterprises meet several important aspects like productivity, globalisation, innovation and sustainability. It also helps in merging manufacturing and production systems with rest of the corporate enterprise. “We are heavily investing in such technologies and are

The understanding and implementation of technology is far higher in chemical industry compared to other industry verticals. Companies, many of which deal with hazardous chemicals, not only need to have complex controls but also consider the safety aspect.

Abanibhusan Bera Industry Sales Manager - Oil & Gas, ISA 84 SFS (Safety Specialist), Rockwell Automation India Pvt Ltd

committed to invest in convergenceready products, services, partnerships and expertise necessary in Information and Communication, Control and Power disciplines to drive convergence quickly and effectively,” claims Bera.

Similarly, Emerson’s Plantweb Architecture helps in bringing down operating cost. “Our automation solutions for the chemical process industry have met with positive response from customers. Plantweb Architecture has helped several Indian customers realise savings in operating costs. Specifically, there have been significant improvements in inventory control and early start-up after a turnaround. For instance, Emerson Process Management’s advanced controls for incoming ammonia high pressure burn tanks prevent the level from swinging.

By stabilising this process area in fertiliser plants, our technologies help customers derive great benefits downstream,” claims Khanna.

No doubt, the solution providers have come out with effective products for the chemical process sector. Now, it is time for the players (chemical processors) who are still sitting on the fence to adopt such technological solutions in their plants and reap the benefits. The solution providers must come out with easier methods to make the players who are still dragging their feet (when it comes to adopting IT & automation) understand the benefits offered by IT & automation. If this is achieved, it will change the face of the chemical industry.

Email: prasenjit.chakraborty@infomedia18.in

April 2012 | Chemical World

39

SPECIAL FOCUS Data security

Data security is vital to protect business, reputation as well as avoid disaster. Today, the trend is more of interoperable technologies rather than proprietary technology, which widens the scope of vulnerability. This necessitates companies to protect their data. Interestingly, India has made significant progress in this direction.

Prasenjit Chakraborty

C

ompared to other industries, the chemical sector is severely exposed to industrial hazards. Hence, implementation of security norm is not a choice for this sector but a mandate to ensure data security, protection against information breach, and also safety by avoiding industrial accidents & disasters.

StuxNet Computer worm could be a glaring example in this direction.

“StuxNet Computer worm was secretly launched in 2009 and uncovered in 2010. This was apparently meant to damage centrifuges at a uranium rich facility in Iran. In this digital era of internet communication, all businesses are connected to the external world, making them vulnerable to cyber attacks. It can cause disaster by way of damaging capital equipment, data and information theft, which may entail huge financial penalties, expensive law suits, loss of reputation and business,” points out Abanibhusan Bera, Industry Sales Manager - Oil & Gas, ISA 84 SFS (Safety Specialist), Rockwell Automation India Pvt Ltd.

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Chemical World | April 2012

Putting safeguards in place Apart from the importance of security in chemical plants, there are many other aspects that make data security important.

It is because businesses involve sensitive data in the form of information, especially trade secrets, research data, future plans of new product launch, etc, which are transmitted across company networks or internet leading to vulnerability of unauthorised access. “That is why protecting data is of utmost importance in chemical industry, and for that matter any other industry connected to the external world by employing modern technology. If information is unprotected and fall in wrong hands, it can bring down business and even cause severe harm to an organisation,” states Bera.

It is observed that automation suppliers have been moving away from proprietary technology to more open and interoperable technologies in their control systems.

This trend clearly increases the potential vulnerability of these systems to electronic attacks and infections (cyber attacks) via internet, and from other external and internal network intrusions. “Such attacks can include undirected automatic threats such as worms, viruses and malware as well

as deliberate internal and external attacks.

Process control and safety instrumented systems are typically used to manage and control industrial processes & critical sites.

Security breaches in a process control system can have disastrous implications for process plants. And therefore, security systems must address safety, unplanned system downtime, potential liabilities, loss of assets, brand reputation etc,” asserts Sunil Khanna, Vice President-Strategic Relations, India Region, Emerson Electric Co. Also, it is important to note that security measures utilised on office data networks do not directly translate into control or safety system networks.

Therefore, it has become increasingly important to carefully evaluate potential security vulnerabilities, verify that the process control system and external network connections are secured, and take appropriate steps to further secure the control system against potential threats.

Effective ways to data security There is no single solution for addressing this challenge. However, there can be few methods to do that. As chemical plants use both Information & Communication Technology (ICT) and Industrial Control

Data security

Systems (ICS), it is important to consider the security for both ICT and ICS. “In order to ensure data security in chemical plants, businesses need to implement rules and controls around the protection of information and the systems that store & process this information. This is commonly achieved through the implementation of information security policies, standards, guidelines and procedures,” notes Bera.

One solution could be a mandatory policy by senior management, which may state that all business information must be adequately protected when being transferred. Besides, a supporting data transfer standard should be in place, requiring that all sensitive information be encrypted using a specific encryption type where all transfers are logged. “There should be a procedure, which provides step by step instructions for performing encrypted data transfers and ensures compliance with the associated policy, standards and guidelines. In the procedure, the important stakeholder is operator. It has been found that for ensuring data security, it is required to create a reference security plan for each operator or infrastructure. The reference plan should include operational and physical security, technical issues, training & awareness, business impact measures, crisis management and security governance,” Bera explains.

He strongly believes that proven technologies like Intrusion Detection/Prevention Systems (IDS/IPS), Deep Packet Inspection (DPI), Virtual Private Network (VPN) and National Access Control (NAC) should be considered in the chemical plants. It is also important to use products from vendors who provide built-in-security functionalities in their products such as communication or password storage encryption.

According to Khanna, security compliance auditing methods and frequency, measurement of network activity, intrusion monitoring and detection tools, current system security configuration and access points can go a long way in facilitating effective data security.

On the right path Interestingly, the Indian chemical industry has made significant progress in ensuring data security. The primary reasons are the awareness and vast talent pool. “Indian customers are also aware of anticipated risks and are seeking support of automation suppliers to ensure that data integrity is maintained. Most renowned automation suppliers provide services to ensure that their customers are kept safe from attempts of security breach into their systems,” says Khanna.

The chemical industry of India realises that it is imperative to ensure data security as the whole world is looking at India and China as future manufacturing destinations. “India is mature in this respect. This has been possible because of various reasons like India having a vast pool of knowledge talent in IT, many consultants playing major role in specifying security measures in the design & specification stage and many more,” concludes Bera.

Email: prasenjit.chakraborty@infomedia18.in

April 2012 | Chemical World

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SPECIAL FOCUS Interface - Dhruv Singhal

running Oracle technology in public clouds or on-premise; and enterprise applications deployed on a shared services private cloud as well as public Software as a Service (SaaS) cloud model via Oracle On Demand. Oracle’s cloud offerings are complete, open and integrated – spanning applications, middleware, database, operating systems, virtualisation, servers, storage and management of the entire stack. In addition, Oracle has recently announced the Oracle Public Cloud, a broad set of best-in-class, integrated services that provide customers with subscription-based, self-service access to Oracle Fusion Applications, Oracle Fusion Middleware and Oracle Database, all completely managed, hosted and supported by Oracle.

How can cloud computing help in ensuring data security?

The cloud environment offers enormous advantages that vary from lower costs to massive scalability but they have also presented daunting security risks, especially as sensitive data moves beyond an organisation’s firewall. An additional challenge in the cloud scenario is related to the explosive growth in the adoption of web applications and services.

Regardless of whether applications are deployed on premise or whether they are offered by SaaS vendors, proliferation in the usage of applications increases the complexity and administrative overhead of facilitating users with the right entitlements to access various applications.

So, it is important in the cloud context that users be able to

Cloud computing reduces both costs and complexities …says Dhruv Singhal – Cloud Computing Lead, Oracle India, in conversation with Rakesh Rao on the benefits of cloud computing for chemical industry.

How can chemical companies leverage cloud computing technology?

Chemical companies are at a nascent stage in their adoption of cloud computing. However, this industry is gearing up to make use of the benefits of this technology. Because cloud computing is payper-use, operates at high scale and is highly automated, the cost and efficiency of cloud computing is compelling as well. In addition, as cloud computing allows companies to manage critical applications centrally, it further reduces both costs and complexities.

What types of services do you offer to chemical companies?

Oracle offers a comprehensive set of building blocks for developing and managing private clouds; customer options for

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Chemical World | April 2012

provision their own accounts whenever possible to facilitate better IT agility.

In addition, it is imperative for enterprises embracing the cloud to not only monitor and enforce controls such as ‘who is the user’ and ‘what is the user allowed to access in a cloud environment’ but also to ensure that such compliance is costeffective and sustainable in the long term.

Do you see increase in usage of this technology?

Chemical businesses are still in the early days of cloud computing adoption. Some of them have started evolving their current IT infrastructure to support cloud computing and leverage cloud services available in the market. One potential area where chemical manufacturers can benefit from cloud computing is in logistics and supply chain management. Cloud providers offer functionality, which can enable secure online tracking of goods, thereby increasing information visibility and collaboration between multiple organisations in the supply chain.

Email: rakesh.rao@infomedia18.in

Roundtable SPECIAL FOCUS

Can automation provide a competitive edge to SMEs? There is an increasing need for automation in chemical companies, be it big or small. The Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), of late, have started realising its importance for staying competitive in the market. Prasenjit Chakraborty finds out the progress of automation in the chemical SMEs and what restricts them from adopting it.

Amit Kapur Director, Everest Group

Omkar Herlekar Whole-Time Director, Omkar Speciality Chemicals Ltd

Rajive Shah Director, Sauradip Chemical Industries Pvt Ltd

With the global manufacturing industry successfully implementing automation in its manufacturing processes, no business venture (big or small) can afford to stay away from these technologies if it aims to be a successful multinational tomorrow. With several automation service providers offering customised solutions for SMEs, this is the right time to invest in those and leverage their benefits.

SMEs in India understand the fact that automation is of utmost importance for a successful manufacturing enterprise and ignorance on their part to adopt this technology can hamper the overall productivity. However, it also poses challenges, as far as its realisation by SMEs is concerned. This includes affordability, benefit awareness and application knowledge. Moreover, implementing automation technology also calls for additional time, effort and investment towards maintaining and updating the technology.

While automation promises improvement in efficiency and management agility, SMEs face challenges in its implementation.

They often shy away from automation as they perceive it as a major cost. It is also because SMEs produce multiple products and, hence require bigger investment to automate their manufacturing process. The SME fraternity in specialty chemical manufacturing needs to emerge from its shadow and enhance competency to establish a global footprint.

However, more than 80 per cent of SMEs are not automation-enabled and most of the operations are manual, using low-end custom built solutions, which are traditionally difficult to maintain and scale. Automation and R&D are the key enablers for our group as it has offered us the ability to quickly sense and respond to the new market imperatives.

Automation will provide chemical SMEs an edge in this highly competitive world as it will provide scale of production, which can result in significant cost reductions. Apart from cost, automation will facilitate better quality product and there will be no variation in batch processing.

By adopting automation, a processor can reduce time cycle for batches and, hence increase production. This is important against the backdrop of severe competition.

There are many benefits offered by automation that include reduction in loss of chemicals and maintaining cleanliness in chemical plants. When it comes to liquid raw materials, automation is must, as such sophisticated equipment checks the quantity of raw materials perfectly.

Even dispatch can be increased by adopting automation. Taking everything into consideration, it is time for SMEs to adopt automation and go forward.

EDITORIAL TAKE It is imperative to chalk out specific approaches for SMEs to examine automation as a strategy for increasing productivity and reliability in their manufacturing operations. At present, it is more about mindset rather than finance that is restricting SMEs from embracing automation. Automation providers also have to play greater role in convincing SMEs about the benefits of automation.

April 2012 | Chemical World

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FACILITY VISIT UNP Polyvalves (India) Pvt Ltd

Redefining reliability with innovative flow control solutions

Photo: Sharan Goel

With the Indian chemical industry making rapid growth strides, the demand for high-end valves and piping systems has increased in the recent past. Identifying this market trend, UNP Polyvalves (India) Pvt Ltd strives to offer the highest level of customer satisfaction through its quality and reliable products.

Valve components in process

Avani Jain

T

he growing chemical industry has catapulted the Indian industrial valves, pipes and pipe fittings market to new heights. Further, future investments in chemicals and petrochemical projects are likely to generate substantial revenues for the industrial valves and piping systems market, providing many avenues for industry participants to increase their marketshare. Leveraging on this growth prospect is UNP Polyvalves (India) Pvt Ltd. Headquartered in Vadodara, Gujarat, it manufactures various types of corrosion-free valves, pipes and pipe fittings made of advanced engineering plastics, ie fluoropolymer and thermoplastic.

Urmil Shah, Director, UNP Polyvalves (India) Pvt Ltd, notes, “The chemical industry is growing by leaps and bounds

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Machining and lapping of ball

in India and particularly in Gujarat.

Further, the Gujarat Government is also giving a thrust to the development of the chemical industry. All these indicate towards more demand for pipes and valves in the industry as they are inert to various chemicals, solvents and most aggressive & corrosive applications.”

He further says, “The kinds of valves manufactured by us are mainly used for corrosive applications in chemical industry. Wherever the companies cannot employ metallic valves or piping systems, they need to go for another material, such as, thermoplastic or fluoropolymer valves and piping systems.” This could be gauged from the fact that UNP Polyvalves has permanently resolved the problems for piping systems of chloralkali projects and many other chemical plants with introduction of right material of construction for their most aggressive and corrosive applications.

Gaining from strength to strength Housed in Makarpura GIDC, UNP Polyvalves had a humble beginning. Shah says, “The company was established in 1988. We started from manufacturing basic thermoplastic valves, but today we have a wide product range. In all, we have three manufacturing units. Of the three, this plant was started in 2007 and has production capacity of 3,500 units per month.”

Set up two decades ago, with manufacturing of ball valves ranging from 15 nominal bore (NB) to 50 NB, today UNP Polyvalves’ valves range comprise ball, diaphragm, butterfly, ball check, sight glass, sampling, strainers, lined valves, pipes and fittings, etc.

Shah notes, “When we started manufacturing these valves, hardly any company in India manufactured them, and they were mainly imported from

UNP Polyvalves (India) Pvt Ltd

Europe or the US. Further, we also specialise in single shot moulding capacity up to 30 kg, which is an achievement in itself as hardly any manufacturing unit in India has this facility. This gives us a competitive edge.”

The company follows a well-defined production process. Elaborating on the process, Shah says, “For manufacturing a good product, the selection of raw material assumes importance. It comes in granule form. Along with the dye, the raw materials are put into furnace for more than five to six hours depending on the size of the article, or on the volume. After that, transfer moulding happens. So far as transfer moulding of fluoropolymers is concerned, it is the most proven technology adopted by any manufacturer across the globe.”

Once transfer moulding is done, various engineering processes like machining, drilling etc are performed as per the requirement. Then the product goes to the assembly where all the parts are assembled. Shah adds, “There are more than 32 parts, which make one unit of valve. Once assembled, every product is subjected to thorough quality tests. Once that is done and the product is found to be error-free, it goes for finishing and final packaging.

After this, the products are ready for dispatch.”

Internal drilling of the valve being done

Ensuring the quality UNP Polyvalves is stringent about the quality of its products. The plant is ISO 9001:2008 certified and lined valves are CE marked. Shah says, “This could be seen through the fact that right from the stage of receipt of raw material, the quality check starts. With the raw materials, there comes the Certificate of Analysis (COA) from the suppliers.

So, as per the COA, we check the materials for their quality, hardness etc.

Then there are regular checks during the manufacturing process and this regular monitoring goes on until the products are dispatched.”

The company believes in continuous research and development. Shah details, “It is an ongoing process for us as there is no end to product development. There is always a scope for improvement. So, we keep on indulging in R&D activities.”

He adds further, “ We have introduced PFA-lined globe valves.

These are full control valves and few manufacturers in India offer this.

These valves are replacement for high-end metallic valves used in the chemical industry.”

Envisioning growth The future of the fluoropolymer and thermoplastic valves & piping systems

As there will be more and more process industries, the requirement of valves will increase.

In order to meet this growing demand, the third plant will be operational within next three months.

Urmil Shah Director

looks bright due to their increased usage in the chemical industry. Shah observes, “The usage of valves and pipes is inevitable in the chemical industry.

As there will be more and more process industries, the requirement of valves will increase. In order to meet this growing demand, the third plant will be operational within next three months.”

He adds further, “Even today, the process industry in India is dependent on manual valves. So automation will be the key in future. While 70-80 per cent of valves are automated in other countries, the case is reverse in India. So there is great scope for automation in the valve industry.” Keeping this in mind, the company aims for a steady growth in the market and wants to create good base. As Shah concludes, “Our vision statement is to be number one in thermoplastic and fluoropolymer valves.”

Email: avani.jain@infomedia18.in

The entire product range of the company

April 2012 | Chemical World

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INSIGHT & OUTLOOK

ALTERNATIVE ENERGY/FUELS RENEWABLE ENERGY Is India investing enough? ................................................................................................................ 48 BIOMASS ENERGY Achieving sustainability through second generation biofuels ........................................................... 50 SOLAR SECTOR Five ways fine chemicals can brighten the future ............................................................................. 52 COATINGS INDUSTRY Production fragmentation to open new avenues .............................................................................. 54 AMMONIUM NITRATE Traceability with secure authentication to curb misuse ................................................................... 56 HYDRAULIC SYSTEM MAINTENANCE Making the right move towards efficiency and productivity ............................................................ 58

April 2012 | Chemical World

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INSIGHT & OUTLOOK Renewable energy

Nair, Head - Business Development, Asia, LanzaTech NZ Ltd.

Bio-energy and solar fuel rural economies

According to figures released by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, FDI worth about ` 4,900 crore has been invested in India in the renewable energy sector during the last three years. As the country gradually opens up to sustainable development, it is creating opportunities for allied sectors too. For the chemical industry, this is good news.

Mahua Roy

E

rnst & Young ranks India as the third best investment destination for renewable energy sector, next only to China and the US. The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy needs to be lauded for presenting a strong case for

India by way of friendly policies and smooth execution. “India is aggressively moving towards becoming a global clean tech powerhouse. It ranks fourth among the G20 nations in terms of clean tech investment. In 2011 alone, it saw investments of $ 10.3 billion in the sector, a growth rate of 52 per cent. This greatly dwarfed the rest of the world’s significant economies,” says Prabhakar

Table 1: Status of renewable energy in India Renewable energy

Installed capacity (MW) Target for Total achievement as on August 31, 2011 2011-12 (MW) (MW) during 2011-12

Wind power

14,989.00

2,400

833.00

Small hydro power

3,153.93

350

111.30

Biomass power

1,083.60

Bagasse cogeneration

1,779.03

460

86.50 111.50

Waste to power

73.66

25

1.20

Solar power

46.16

200

8.50

21,125.38

3,435

1,152.00

Total

Courtesy: Kalpana Jain, Senior Director, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India Pvt Ltd

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The renewable energy initiative in India is driven by the requirement for power by a dispersed rural base, government policy and incentives. This initiative called ‘Power for All’ promotes sustainability and growth from a positive economic outlook.

“The target of Power for All, along with limitation due to import dependency for energy as well as commitment to the world to cut energy intensity of GDP by 25 per cent, has forced India to seriously look at renewable energy and energy efficiency market. India has been a late starter in the renewable energy space, but has recently made substantial efforts,” elaborates Kalpana Jain, Senior Director, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India Pvt Ltd. Investors and the government have traditionally shown interests in the opportunities provided in solar and bio-energy sectors. The National Solar Mission has set a target of producing 10 per cent of its energy – 20,000 MW – using solar by 2022. This is equivalent to 18 nuclear reactors. Solar energy has seen a seven-fold increase in funding, from $ 0.6 billion in 2010 to $ 4.2 billion in 2011, as per figures provided by Deloitte.

Besides, India stands fourth globally in the generation of power through biomass, puts forward Jain. She adds, “Biomass power projects with an aggregate capacity of 1,083 MW through over 100 projects have been installed in the country. For the last 15 years, biomass power has attracted annual investments of over ` 1,000 billion, generating more than 9 billion unit of electricity per year.”

Having a huge potential, India is poised to become the world leader in the utilisation of biomass.

These two sectors have transformed the rural section. As Nair puts it, “The rural electrification schemes being pursued are a clear example of localised solutions that are better enabled by use of renewable sources like solar or biomass, than by conventional grid supply.”

Renewable energy

A strong national energy policy becomes the demand driver, which companies can use in their strategic plans to define the tactics/investments to commercialise their new energy solutions.

Prabhakar Nair Head - Business Development, Asia, LanzaTech NZ Ltd

Swaying towards wind power The sector to watch out for, as analysts and industry experts put it, is wind energy. The scenario is promising and has a huge potential in India. Gunderao Manurkar, Business Manager – Energy Sector, Huntsman Advanced Materials (India) Pvt Ltd, shares few statistics. He says, “New capacity installation in wind power equalled 2,100 MW. This takes the total installed capacity to 16,200 MW. Besides, $ 9 billion is expected to be invested in India towards wind power development in next few years. Also, to help grow this sector, Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) capacity addition in India has taken place at a CAGR of 25 per cent in the last 12 years.”

So what makes wind power such an attractive sector? A perfect blend of welcoming policies and inherent financial benefits associated with power makes this sector enjoy a significant status. Jain elaborates the factors in favour of wind power as, “Tax incentives (asset-based) are plus points. Tax holiday of 10 years can be availed of in the first fifteen years. Also, attractive subsidised tariff

The target of Power for All, along with limitation due to import dependency for energy as well as commitment to the world to cut energy intensity of GDP by 25 per cent, has forced India to seriously look at renewable energy and energy efficiency market.

Kalpana Jain Senior Director, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India Pvt Ltd

is a major advantage. Thus, policies by high wind-potential states were able to attract developers/investors for investing in projects. And finally, relatively lower risk of gestation & input, compared to other renewable energy sources like hydro, biomass and gestation is shorter.”

India’s position vis-à-vis other emerging economies As per industry watchers, China and India remain the major destinations in Asia for renewable energy investors. A noteworthy change was observed in the last decade as per a report commissioned by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). It indicates that developing countries such as Brazil, China and India invested more in renewable energy than developed countries like the US and the UK in 2010, helping worldwide investment to grow by 32 per cent and reach a record high of $ 211 billion. The report also revealed that $ 72 billion was invested in developing countries in 2010 compared to $ 70 billion in developed economies, which contrasts with 2004, when new investments in developing countries were about one quarter of those in developed countries. This trend is expected to stay, which spells good news for the renewable energy sector in India.

In Asia, there are signs of emerging investment interest in countries like Thailand, Pakistan, Malaysia and Vietnam.

“Governments in Southeast and South Asia are refining targets for renewable energy expansion, extending subsidies and dangling tax breaks. This comes at a time when developed markets, particularly Europe and the US are rolling back subsidies.

China attracted the most renewable energy investment in 2010, securing nearly $ 50 billion, or about a third of the global total.

Free land, tax breaks, generous loans and a favourable tariff regime are all boosting China’s renewable industry,” says Jain.

The Chinese business environment also provides other factors responsible for its high growth. “In absolute terms, India’s renewable energy investment for 2011 lags in comparison to China by almost five times, given the fact that China has aggressive renewable energy targets. Also, the fact

In absolute terms, India’s renewable energy investment for 2011 lags in comparison to China by almost five times, given the fact that China has aggressive renewable energy targets. Also, the fact that China’s vast manufacturing of various renewable energy products, components and equipment is a plus point for that country Amol Kotwal Deputy Director, Energy & Power Systems Practice, Frost & Sullivan – South Asia, Middle East and North Africa

that China’s vast manufacturing of various renewable energy products, components and equipment is a plus point for that country,” opines Amol Kotwal, Deputy Director, Energy & Power Systems Practice, Frost & Sullivan – South Asia, Middle East and North Africa.

Good news for the chemical industry “Investments in solar and wind energy will receive a boost. Both expect to add more than 20 GW capacity in 10 years. Wind energy would be more dominant during the 12th Five-year Plan (FY 2012-17) as around 15 GW may be added, whereas solar would be more prominent in the 13th Five-year Plan (FY 2017-2022) period,” says Kotwal.

These two sectors of renewable energy present a great deal of opportunities for the chemical industry. The specialty chemicals industry is especially expected to be part of this ‘renewed’ future. The renewable energy sector is all set to rise high in investments and India is a major destination. “National Energy Policy is an important driver for the growth of alternative energy solutions.

These policies serve to set the objectives for the implementation of new energy solutions by industry. A strong national energy policy becomes the demand driver, which companies can use in their strategic plans to define the tactics/investments to commercialise their new energy solutions. Effective energy solutions will be those that address energy needs at a local level,” says Nair.

Email: mahua.roy@infomedia18.in

April 2012 | Chemical World

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INSIGHT & OUTLOOK Biomass energy

Achieving

sustainability Worldwide, India ranks fourth in generation of power using biomass. Since the last 15 years, biomass power has become an industry, which is attracting annual investment of over ` 1,000 billion. India is poised to become a world leader in the utilisation of biomass. But the focus needs to shift from first to second generation biofuels for sustainable development in future.

3 ‘E’ BENEFIT USING SECONDGENERATION BIOFUELS o Economic impact: This sector would stimulate innovation and spur economic growth, which could generate up to $ 15-20 billion of annual revenues in India by 2020. An inclusive business model incentivising farmers to collect and provide residues would help in growth of rural economy. o Energy security: Next-generation ethanol could meet up to 59 per cent of India’s gasoline demand in 2020. This would help us move from a high dependence on foreign oil towards greater transport fuel self-sufficiency. o Environmental benefits: By 2020 next-generation ethanol consumption in India could reduce road transport greenhouse gas emissions from fossil gasoline by 47-69 per cent. Furthermore, CO2 and methane emissions would also decrease as biomass residues would no longer be burned or decompose in the field.

Courtesy: G S Krishnan, Regional President-India, Novozymes South Asia

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Chemical World | April 2012

Mahua Roy

S

econd generation biofuels seem to be the buzzwords in the renewable energy sector today.

And along with this comes the ubiquitous ‘food vs fuel’ debate. The biofuel sector in India shot up suddenly with tremendous investments. But the producers concentrated mainly on first generation biofuels, ie those produced using food sources like sugarcane, canola, soyabean. While these helped the biofuel industry get a kickstart, they posed serious challenges in terms of threat to human food chain and ecology. And especially in an emerging economy like India, food security is a critical issue.

This led to the development and promotion of second generation biofuels.

These are made from lignocellulosic biomass or woody crops, agricultural residues or waste. The industry as a whole is aiming at developing technology to increase the amount of biofuel that can be produced sustainably by using such residual non-food parts of crops (such as stems, leaves and husks), as well as other non-food crops, such as switchgrass, grass, jatropha, and also industry waste such as woodchips, skins & pulp from

fruit pressing. “Many first generation biofuels are dependent on subsidies and are not cost-competitive with existing fossil fuels such as oil. Besides, some of them produce only limited greenhouse gas emission savings. While taking emissions from production and transport into account, lifecycle assessment from first generation biofuels frequently approach those of traditional fossil fuels,” says Dinesh Shahra, Managing Director, Ruchi Soya Industries Ltd. The company is developing a rice husk-based biomass cogeneration plant in Bihar with a 4 MW capacity. Besides, Ruchi Soya also utilises wind power for captive use at its seven factory locations in four states.

Significant developments in past decade Most of the energy requirements in the country are currently satisfied using fossil fuels like coal, petroleum-based products and natural gas. “Domestic production of crude oil can only fulfill 25-30 per cent of the national consumption. In past couple of years, the global crude oil prices maintained above $ 100/barrel.

This has inherently given boost to biofuel production. Also, the government is emphasising on blending of oil, as this is

Biomass energy

More emphasis and investment is needed towards R&D of second generation biofuels. The sector is still not 100 per cent organised and needs support from the government, if not directly in the form of subsidies but probably in the form of support to bring in advanced technologies from across the globe.

Dinesh Shahra MD, Ruchi Soya Industries Ltd

one of the ways to curb the huge subsidy burden,” elaborates Shahra.

The Government of India announced the National Policy on Biofuels in December 2009. Also, an indicative target of 20 per cent blending of biofuels by 2017 has been proposed. “Currently, few states are blending using first generation ethanol. However, even 5 per cent blending has not been fully achieved and to meet the ambitious target of 20 per cent by 2017, there is a need to look at second generation biofuels. India is in a unique position with regard to the second generation biofuels due to the abundant agricultural residue availability,” opines G S Krishnan, Regional President-India, Novozymes South Asia.

Instead of sugar-based ethanol, second generation biofuel companies look forward to producing hydrocarbons.

These molecules are chemically similar to those, which fuel aircraft, trains and automobiles. Also, these ‘drop-in’ fuels do not absorb water like ethanol, and are non-corrosive. These can be put directly

Currently, few states are blending using first generation ethanol.

However, even 5 per cent blending has not been fully achieved and to meet the ambitious target of 20 per cent by 2017, there is a need to look at second generation biofuels.

G S Krishnan Regional President-India, Novozymes South Asia

into fuel tanks or pumped through pipelines, just like regular traditional oilbased fuels.

Targeting the bottlenecks In spite of the high potential and bright outlook for the industry, it faces various shortcomings. The first and foremost issue plaguing this industry is the efficiency of jatropha. “The National Biofuel Policy has envisaged using oil from non-edible sources for use as feedstock options in production of bio-diesel. Jatropha plantations are the preferred source for feedstock in the Indian bio-diesel industry.

However, oil production from one hectare of jatropha plantation is about 3 tonne a year. As a result, feedstock shortage has emerged as a key bottleneck in scaling up the capacity of bio-diesel manufacturing units,” puts forth Dr Anjan Ray, Regional Commercial Director, Renewable Energy & Chemicals, UOP – A Honeywell Company.

While first and second generation biofuels account for more than 99 per cent of current global biofuel production, a number of new technologies are on the brink of commercialisation.

‘Green diesel’ can address this issue by reducing the size of area required for feedstock development as well as providing wider options of feedstock.

Honeywell’s UOP is planning to launch its new technology for the production of green diesel in India soon. Green diesel is similar to the petroleum diesel in chemical composition and can replace the conventional bio-diesel, which has the disadvantage of limited shelf-life. Also, it is much lower in sulphur content.

Such feedstock-flexible technology would make sense economically as well. “What is required to boost second generation biofuel processing is

What is required to boost second generation biofuel processing is adoption of technology that can be easily and seamlessly integrated into the existing infrastructure of refineries.

Dr Anjan Ray Regional Commercial Director, Renewable Energy & Chemicals, UOP – A Honeywell Company

adoption of technology that can be easily and seamlessly integrated into the existing infrastructure of refineries,” opines Dr Ray. Besides, inevitably, more of government support is needed, not just on subsidies and tax-free policies, but also towards boosting R&D. “We believe that more emphasis and investment is needed towards R&D of second generation biofuels. The sector is still not 100 per cent organised and needs support from the government, if not directly in the form of subsidies but probably in the form of support to bring in advanced technologies from across the globe,” says Shahra.

Coming soon: Third and fourth generation Although still a long way to go, the future of the biofuel industry is being envisaged. While first and second generation biofuels account for more than 99 per cent of current global biofuel production, a number of new technologies are on the brink of commercialisation. Such third and fourth generation biofuels are making their presence felt in research papers.

Third generation biofuels are derived from algae and fourth generation ones are created using petroleum-like hydroprocessing, advanced bio-chemistry or other revolutionary processes. By 2022, third- and fourth-generation biofuels should account for 28 per cent of the global 88.5 billion gallons of biofuel production, as per a report published by Green Tech market research.

Email: mahua.roy@infomedia18.in

April 2012 | Chemical World

51

INSIGHT & OUTLOOK Solar sector

India expects to achieve solar grid parity as early as 2017. The specialty chemicals industry is turning this into an attainable target with significant investments in research and manufacturing. Global majors are identifying opportunities for research in this area to promote smooth functionality of solar cells.

Mahua Roy

I

t is inevitably a ‘sunny side up’ for the solar energy industry. In the past five years, the Indian solar energy sector has attracted private equity and venture capital investment totalling around ` 11.8 million, as per the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. In fact, this figure translates to about 30 per cent of the total investment made in the renewable energy sector.

“There is strong support by the National Solar Mission in India aided by the Central Government. With solar energy becoming cost-competitive and the great sunshine conditions in India, it could become one of the first countries in the world that could deploy utility-scale solar power without the requirement of huge government subsidies,” opines Eric Peeters, Vice President - Solar Solutions & Wind Energy Solutions, Dow Corning.

Special roles of specialty chemicals Truly enough, friendly measures by the government are encouraging investments in this sector. Such regulations and policies aside, the specialty chemicals industry also has a huge role to play in order to give the solar power segment a boost.

Dr Mark Morgan, Global Managing Director – Renewables, Business Advisory

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Services, IHS Chemicals, elaborates, “In order to develop the solar energy industry further, the domestic polysilicon sector needs to grow. Polysilicon facilities require a range a specialty chemicals to support their operations. Solar cells are made from feedstocks such as upgraded metallurgical grade silicon, polysilicon, thin film amorphous silicon, thin film non-silicon metal complexes (cadmium-telluride or CdTe, cadmium-indium-germaniumselenide, etc) and organo-metallic species.

Manufacturing processes also require specialty gases like silane, dichloro- and trichlorosilane.” As of today, research is being directed towards making solar energy generation affordable.

of Chemical Sciences, Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) observes, “Silicon is still the workhorse of the solar cell industry, and so are copper-indium-gallium-selenide (CIGS) and CdTe. Most of the cost of the conventional PV is predominantly due to the cost of these materials and instrumentation used to fabricate the cells. Finding cheap methods of making high-quality thin films of crystalline silicon, is what is needed, as it will transfer to lowering the cost of purchasing solar cells.”

Ongoing research activities can be divided into five categories towards which the specialty chemicals industry is devising solutions.

Managing costs of silicon The most significant opportunity for any cell or module maker is to reduce silicon costs, either through lower consumption (grams per Watt) or lower costs of procuring silicon feedstock or wafers, or higher yielding processes. Besides, advanced materials can help bring about cost reductions either through improved efficiencies, development of higher value products, or cost reductions in the form of module design improvements or improved processing times.

Dr Deepa Khushalani, Associate Professor, Materials Chemistry, Dept

1. Novel encapsulants Encapsulants present an opportunity to cut down on the costs. Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) has been used as an encapsulant since the last 30 years to protect cells, as Peeters puts forward.

“While EVA performs well, it also has some disadvantages. Thus, now more and more companies are working on alternative solutions like silicones.

Silicone encapsulation improves manufacturing efficiency, durability and cell efficiency through better UV transparency,” elaborates Peeters.

Solar sector

2. Fabrication of backsheets One of the big cost components of solar modules is the aluminium frame. “With the current size of the market, a hundred million modules are sold today. And every module has about 10 feet of aluminium frame around it. It would be a cost-saving solution to develop a frameless module that could be fixed onto the structure of an array and eliminate the frame as support,” suggests Peeters.

New avenues towards chemical bonding need to be studied to make this a possibility. Besides, certain specialty chemicals can also help combat costs. “Polymethyl methacrylate specialty films can be used in module backsheets and frontsheets,” adds Dr Morgan.

3. Metallisation Another significant target is reducing the cost that silver (Ag) contributes to c-Si cell manufacturing. With recent increases in Ag bullion costs, this area has taken on a higher priority for cell manufacturers. Products that enable lower paste consumption for the same cell performance, need to be innovated. Industry experts anticipate significant future innovations on lower Ag-content metallisation pastes and metallisation processes for advanced cell designs that use significantly lower quantities of Ag paste.

4. Processing of polysilicon In the current technology, silicon tetrachloride and other chlorosilanes are generated during the manufacture of polysilicon.

These are toxic and highly poisonous. The cost associated with the treatment and disposal almost doubles the capital investment.

“An alternative technology that eliminates purification or even production of silicon tetrachloride would be beneficial.

Additionally, optimisation of the crystallisation surface and improvements in the Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) process can ensure economics of the process,” notes David Anil Kumar, Senior Research Analyst - South Asia & Middle East, Chemicals, Materials & Food, Frost & Sullivan.

5. Newer avenues for materials chemistry “It is not only the specialty chemicals but also how they are processed to yield a proper ‘architectured’ light absorber (which is the Si/CIGS/CdTe layer), which is of importance.

If this is done effectively, then the efficiency of the solar cell increases substantially. However, the key word is how they are processed,” says Dr Khushalani.

She elaborates further that the biggest area of research is finding efficient light absorbers, ie materials that are able to absorb maximum amount of sunlight (ranging f rom wavelengths of visible to near IR).

“When the material absorbs these wavelengths, it leads to creation of excited electrons, which have the energy associated with the respective wavelength. These excited electrons then need to be ‘harvested’ with maximum efficiency,” she sums up.

Email: mahua.roy@infomedia18.in

April 2012 | Chemical World

53

INSIGHT & OUTLOOK Coatings industry

Production fragmentation to open new

avenues

Dr Mosongo Moukwa

P

roduction fragmentation refers to the activity of companies dividing the previously unified processes of product R&D, manufacturing and marketing into several relatively independent processes that are carried out in different countries and/ or regions. This organisation model has transformed the manufacturing process from a central, vertically integrated process based in a single location to a network of processes scattered across the globe. It has had a profound impact on how manufacturing companies have organised themselves and what processes take place where. It has enabled R&D, manufacturing, marketing, and other stages of production to be carried out in different countries and regions. While some segments of the manufacturing industry, for instance, the mobile phone sector, have achieved a high level of production fragmentation, the paints and coatings industry has not been able to display such a high level of fragmentation due to several constraints.

Technology and competition Production fragmentation depends upon the available technology. In other words, companies will not resort to it unless technology makes it possible to divide production in such a way that it reduces the cost per unit. Only for products

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The changing dynamics of international trade, increasing competition, growing outsourcing phenomenon that compelled every industry to revisit production processes gave rise to the concept of production fragmentation, wherein production is sliced into several processes located within a country as well as across countries. Though this manufacturing model proved a boon to several sectors, it has failed to add another hue to the paints and coatings industry. where the division of the manufacturing process is technically feasible will the production of components and the final assembly to independent companies in different countries and regions will take place. This becomes more pressing when competition intensifies.

There are essentially four basic organisational modes that a company can take (Figure 1). In the first mode, a company refuses to outsource, and confines all stages of production, including product design, R&D and manufacturing within the company. In the second, a company builds its own manufacturing facilities inside the country and outside.

In the third mode, a company outsources and collaborates within the country.

Finally, in the fourth mode, a company opts to outsource and collaborate outside the country.

Going high-tech Companies operating in industries where technology is fairly advanced opt for the first mode in product design, R&D and marketing, but they opt to outsource manufacturing. The diversity of mobile phone hardware and software has progressed to such an extent that it makes it possible for manufacturers

of mobile phones to adopt production fragmentation by means of outsourcing.

The paints industry The production of paint involves a batch process blending of a wide range of raw materials such as organic and inorganic pigments, resins (otherwise known as binders or polymers), solvents and additives (Figure 2). The manufacture of pigmented paints involves the dispersion of pigments into part of the binder and solvent components. This is performed using high-speed dispersers or other grinding mill devices such as sandmills, beadmills and ballmills. Production is conducted on a discrete batch basis in volumes anywhere between 200 and 2,00,000 litre.

Plants tend to be multi-purpose rather than specialised, with small manufacturers producing a range of paints.

This reliance on batch production, as opposed to 24-hour continuous shifts, limits the scale of economies in paint production process. Fixed costs that can be reduced by increasing volumes are hard to find. In operations, increasing large batch size has the expected advantages of reducing average manufacturing costs.

However, large manufacturers are then faced with the costs of distribution

Coatings industry

that quickly overtake the advantage of increasing batch size.

The industry is characterised by its low- to medium-level capital intensity, justified by the semi-automated production process pursued by most industry participants. This has increased in recent years as companies have been forced to adopt various efficiency improving measures in the face of a highly competitive environment. Changes in technology in the paint manufacturing industry have traditionally been slow, though the pace has picked up in recent years aided in part by environmental pressures.

The cost of goods sold is the singlelargest expense item, representing 60-70 per cent of sales. Included in these costs are the cost of pigments (including titanium dioxide pigments), which are now thought to account for one-fifth of raw material costs, epoxy and other resins (accounting for as much as one-half of raw material costs), solvents, fillers and additives. In addition, as many of these raw materials are petroleum-based, the expense will vary with changing oil prices.

Packaging costs are also included in this cost item. Therefore, the efficient use of raw materials is a critical cost component. The second-largest expense tends to be labour costs (representing more than 10 per cent of sales in some countries), reflecting the fact that the paint manufacturing process is only semiautomated. Distribution and advertising costs make up a significant proportion of overheads incurred by operators. These are included among ‘other costs’, as are environmental costs, which have also increased in recent years.

The extent of integration is generally limited to outsourcing activities, such as paint detackification, water treatment, spray booth balance, paint system cleaning, logistics and warehousing, which offer a competitive advantage by enabling the plant to focus on its core competencies, in turn, improving quality and throughput & reducing total cost.

Generally, the industry has opted for the first or second organisational mode.

Figure 1: Basic organisational modes of product fragmentation Decisions on outsourcing

No outsourcing, building own plants Building plants within the country

Outsourcing (3rd party facilities)

Building plants abroad

Outsourcing within the country

Outsourcing abroad

Figure 2: Paints manufacturing value chain Additives suppliers

Monomer suppliers

Polymer producers

Pigments suppliers

Paints producers

Solvents

Applicators

End-users

Assemblers

Oils

When it seeks to build partnerships, it is for the purpose of manufacturing for local needs. Shipping costs are prohibitive to allow shipment of large volumes of paints across the globe profitably.

Getting ready for the future In the first organisational mode, a company adopts a vertically integrated structure by manufacturing all components independently, rather than outsource. In stages with diminishing returns to scale, it can adopt an internally integrated mode, whereas in stages with increasing returns to scale, it may outsource to specialised manufacturers to increase profits.

Provided that the technology of a given manufacturing sector allows for production fragmentation, the extent of outsourcing is determined primarily by the degree of development within the industry and the intensity of market competition.

Therefore, with increasing intensity of competition, companies will first divide from the whole process, stages whose average costs decrease with the increase of output; ie stages with increasing returns to scale. They will instead purchase intermediate products from specialised manufacturers engaging

in these secondary production processes while preserving other stages of product development and manufacturing within the companies.

Product fragmentation is limited in the paints industry because of various reasons – chemical reactions can be complex, and the cost of shipping and transportation make it prohibitive to ship chemical components over long distances. What is different in the high-tech industry is that standardisation and economies of scale have created favourable conditions for vertical fragmentation and specialisation, while at the same time enhancing the competitiveness of some stages in the high-tech supply chain. This situation does not exist in the paints industry.

Maybe one day this may happen.

Dr Mosongo Moukwa is Vice President (Technology), Asian Paints Ltd, Mumbai.

He was Vice President (Global Technology), Reichhold, North Carolina. He is a member of the American Chemical Society, the Commercial Development and Management Association and the Licensing Executive Society.

Email: mosongo.moukwa@asianpaints.com

April 2012 | Chemical World

55

INSIGHT & OUTLOOK Ammonium nitrate

Meenaxee Padhy

T

calls for stringent safety norms. Some of those products could be hazardous and could be used for purposes other than those for which these were intended. This could endanger the security of people and property. Manufacturers should, therefore, be obliged to take appropriate steps to avoid such use, and in particular, to ensure the traceability of such fertilisers.

with regard to ammonium nitrate usage, transportation and storage. There is global concern about the unscrupulous use of ammonium nitrate, which was otherwise meant to be used for the betterment of society. A mere glance at the happenings in India offers a gloomy picture of the misuse and abuse of ammonium nitrate as the key ingredient for bomb making, that took heavy toll of lives. It is high time that Centre takes a bold step for releasing the draft rule for the ammonium nitrate sale (No.V 11018/5/2007-Arms: Ammonium Nitrate Rules, 2009) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, IS 窶的I DIV: Arms Section. This rule when implemented can certainly bring the radical change and put a stop to the easy accessability of ammonium nitrate for the purposes it is not meant.

The provision for the implementation of electronic bar coding on the bags by manufacturers or importers will certainly facilitate the traceability process. In order to maintain an audit trail of all the bags produced or imported, the rule stipulates that the manufacturer or importer should ensure electronic bar coding. Failing this, the consignment will be deemed as invalid and will invite penalties under the Explosives Substances Act, 1908. The rule also puts the onus of securing a consignment on the permit holder.

he concept of traceability is bigger and more complex than it is commonly recognised, yet it is simpler and easier too! With the advent of requirements management tools, the concept of traceability has become matured enough to support and enhance project management, impact analysis, change management, defect management, process improvement and team communication. Traceability is a vital aspect when it comes to dealing with ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), a salt of ammonia and nitric acid, which is used widely in fertilisers and explosives.

The commercial grade of NH4NO3 contains about 33.5 per cent nitrogen, all of which can be utilised by plants. It is the most common nitrogenous component of artificial fertilisers.

Ammonium nitrate is also employed to modify the detonation rate of other explosives, such as nitroglycerin in the socalled ammonia dynamites or as an oxidising agent in the ammonals, which are mixtures of ammonium nitrate and powdered aluminium. The substitution Traceability module of ammonium nitrate for Traceability establishes the link part of nitroglycerin offers between upstream (backward safer and less expensive product. It is also used For most industries, regardless of the nature of their processes, traceability) and downstream in solid-fuel rocket traceability is no more an option, but a necessity. This article (forward traceability) from a propellants, pyrotechnics, gives insights into the means and ways of adopting traceability given point of tracking and tracing of a product. It is all and in the production of for the widely used chemical compound, ammonium nitrate about connecting the people nitrous oxide. associated in it as it is about Being the essential that requires major attention for its criticality in applications. connecting all the items ingredient for a variety Ammonium nitrate: The together. Even though each industry type of products, ammonium nitrate requires concern areas has its own traceability requirement and utmost attention. Be it the use in fertiliser In the interest of public safety, European module, the core intention is to meet the with high nitrogen content or explosive, the Union (EU) has taken initiatives to set up objective, which attributes to different consequent requirement regarding public Commission for establishing safety norms standards and compliances. safety, health and protection of workers

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Ammonium nitrate

The demand for safety and integrity in the area of public health, pharmaceutical, food safety, adulteration, counterfeit, spurious activity has significant implications towards public concern. The government body has come out with new regulations, safety measures and regulatory compliances in order to adhere to better safety and traceability that will add more transparency to the systems involved in the process.

The need for better and effective solution with low-cost investment has given rise to the promising technology of Quick Response (QR) Code to lead the market in terms of traceability solution.

QR Code and its applications With higher data density, lower space occupancy, dirt and damage resistance up to 30 per cent, the two dimensional matrix symbology called QR Code has already carved a niche demand in Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC) solution. This code is omni-directionally readable by any 2D scanner and even with a camera enabled mobile phone. It is also known for its versatility in application.

Generally, ammonium nitrate is packaged in 50 kg polypropylene bags and 500 kg, 1,000 or 1,250 kg bags. It is transported in bags or in bulk by all transportation

WHY QR CODE? The benefits of QR Code are as follows: o High data density o Multilingual capability & best readability o Facilitates track and trace o Improves production management and productivity o Efficient shop-floor and warehousing management o Efficient distribution and supply chain management o Eliminates recall cost o Meets regulatory and customer requirements o Accelerates product planning and development cycle o Combats counterfeit

Figure 1: A typical traceability system Regulatory compliance

Chain of custodian documentation

Regulatory need

Production practice documentation Business need

TRACEABILITY SYSTEM

Customer need

Claim authentication Safety & quality assurance Customer satisfaction Validation certification

Industry standards

Personnel

means (except air) in accordance with hazardous cargo transportation rules.

Printing of QR Code on the packaging substrate of ammonium nitrate is a tough task. On one hand, the printing of QR Code is required to facilitate the traceability from a warehouse or manufacturing unit till it reaches the end-user. On the other, it is important to take care of the printing with proper scannable output so that traceability can be facilitated. Looking at the criticality of printing aspects on the woven bags wherein the print image durability is a major concern, the cuttingedge printing technology do provide such printing systems, where the printing image not only stays for longer time but also facilitates all the required criteria of traceability.

The concept of traceability with secure authentication is a new dimension to the existing solution. The Secure QR Code (SQRC) is the answer to the question

The road never ends Today, applying requirements traceability offers a high level of project control and assured quality that is difficult to achieve by any other means. Depending on the use of traceability information, organisations benefit differently. In case of a small project, development and test managers can check whether all customer requirements are implemented and tested, ensuring quality, reliable system capabilities and characteristics. Applying requirements traceability to the fullest gives

Procedure

IT organisations even more substantial advantages: increased quality, reduced cost and time-to-market, and improved risk and project management – for both present and future projects.

Advantage at its best For the government and regulatory authorities, traceability is certainly a boon. The regulatory authorities can enforce obligatory specific safety features like private data in every package of the product, along with unique product identification code – Global Trade Item Number (GTIN) – batch number, expiry date and serial number of different stages of packaging.

This will facilitate obligatory audit by the manufacturer in order to ensure reliability in supply chain, besides facilitating internal restructure for efficient and effective solution. It can open newer avenues for challenging the counterfeiters, preventing the revenue leakage and provide 100 per cent accurate supervisory control with existing manpower inputs, which will surely rewrite the supply chain management system.

Meenaxee Padhy is the Business Head at M&M Technologies Pvt Ltd, which offers solutions such as traceability, supply chain management and system integration for various industries such as chemical, food & beverages, logistics etc. For details, contact on email: mp@mmtechnologiesindia.com

April 2012 | Chemical World

57

INSIGHT & OUTLOOK Hydraulic system maintenance

Today’s hydraulic units are far more sophisticated than their predecessors. And hence, new, compact, high-pressure hydraulic systems must be protected with fundamental best practices – such as using a high-performance hydraulic lubricant and implementing a proactive oil analysis programme.

The right lubricant and maintenance programme can help improve productivity through efficiency benefits, reliable equipment performance and increased machine availability.

the right move towards efficiency and productivity Dr Ian Davidson

H

ydraulic systems are used in nearly all industrial and commercial market sectors, such as machine shops, chemical plants, general manufacturing, power plants, and construction, among others. And, compared to their predecessors, today’s hydraulic units are far more sophisticated. The need to improve productivity and lower costs has led to significant changes in hydraulic component technology and system design, creating systems that are more compact, yet more powerful than ever.

In fact, modern hydraulic systems feature reservoirs that are 60 to 80 per cent smaller than those of older systems, and operate with sophisticated computer controlled valves as well as use everincreasing system pressures. These smaller,

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more power-dense systems have limited residence time to reject contaminants, such as solid particles and air, and operate at higher temperatures, both of which stress the fluid and system components.

Precision hydraulic components, especially servo and proportional valves, are also sensitive to contamination.

So how can plant managers and equipment maintenance professionals ensure that they properly protect their company’s investment in a modern hydraulic system? Two important ways to help enhance the performance and durability of a company’s hydraulic systems are to use a high performance hydraulic fluid and institute a proactive maintenance and oil analysis plan.

Hydraulic fluid selection By following the tips below, plant managers, equipment maintenance

professionals or purchasing agents can make informed decisions when it comes to selecting the right hydraulic oil and developing the right hydraulic system maintenance plan to ensure that their operations remain competitive and productive.

Right specifications: One starting point for selecting a hydraulic lubricant is the original equipment manufacturers’ (OEMs’) recommendation. This may be specific to the machine manufacturer or the hydraulic component manufacturer.

Right viscosity: Above all, viscosity is the most critical factor when selecting a hydraulic fluid. It is important to match the appropriate viscosity grade to operating temperatures and load conditions that a hydraulic system may undergo on a daily basis. Without the proper viscosity, the system will never reach peak efficiency.

For equipment that is used outside and subjected to both hot and cold extremes, a high viscosity, multigrade lubricant that features a balanced formulation may be recommended.

Right performance attributes: Given the higher pressures, higher temperatures and smaller sizes of modern hydraulic systems, hydraulic fluids must do more than simply satisfy the correct viscosity and OEM specification. High

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Hydraulic system maintenance

temperatures and pressures require fluids that deliver oxidative and thermal stability, while preventing system deposits and providing a high degree of anti-wear protection under these extreme conditions. The fluids must also possess excellent air release properties, filterability and seal compatibility.

Hydraulic efficiency benefits can translate to increased machine productivity or reduced energy consumption. Hence, some of the best practices for hydraulic system maintenance are elaborated below.

Keep it clean: Keeping hydraulic systems clean is a must for all environments. The combination of high pressures, small reservoir size and tight tolerance control systems make the exclusion of contaminants crucial in all systems. Hydraulic lubricants should be stored in a closed container in a controlled temperature environment with adequate spill containment. Transferring hydraulic lubricants should be done through the

use of a filter cart and dedicated, sealed clean oil dispensing equipment.

Oil analysis: As part of routine maintenance, one should be rigorous in checking the ‘health’ of the hydraulic oil and the hydraulic system itself. Typically, it is advised that maintenance professionals perform quarterly oil analysis and annual system inspections. The oil analysis should include a measurement of fluid viscosity, water content, particle count and dissolved metals to determine how well the system is operating. Examining changes in the oil analysis data over time, also known as ‘trending’, is necessary to assess the condition of the hydraulic fluid. By trending oil analysis data, it is possible to proactively address undesirable conditions before they become problems.

Visual inspections Beyond oil analysis, visual system inspections should be conducted regularly to check and document the condition of the hydraulic systems. Inspection data

can be used to establish the optimum time to perform maintenance on critical hydraulic components such as filters, breathers, valves, heat exchangers and pumps. Comprehensive leak detection should also be performed, especially if excessive hydraulic oil usage is noted during a routine system inspection.

Pumping efficiency By incorporating these key best practices, plant managers, equipment maintenance professionals and purchasing agents can make informed decisions that will help maximise the performance and life of their company’s critical hydraulic systems, besides giving a boost to their efficiency.

Dr Ian Davidson is the Global Industrial Marketing Manager at ExxonMobil Lubricants & Specialties Company, Fairfax (Virginia).

For details, contact Karen Matusic on email: karen.p.matusic@exxonmobil.com

April 2012 | Chemical World

61

AUTOMATION TRENDS Wireless technology

Wireless technology plays an important role in ensuring chemical plant safety and profits. In this direction, WirelessHART – the first open and interoperable wireless communication standard designed to address the critical needs of the process industry – offers reliable, robust and secure wireless communication in the industrial plant applications.

Prasenjit Chakraborty

T

he chemical industry is highly capital- as well as resource-intensive. And there are many dangers involved while processing or manufacturing chemicals. By and large, the methods for producing chemicals are well-established and widely known. Then what is the USP of a manufacturer? How he or she makes profits in the business? How safety is ensured in a plant? One of the most effective ways to address all the issues is to maximise efficiency and continuity, while paying close attention to safety.

Safety is a key attribute in the chemical industry. Plants that are unsafe are unlikely to make profits. In this regard, wireless communication can make a valuable contribution in these areas.

Technology at its best As the need for additional process measurements increases, users seek a simple, reliable, secure and cost-effective method to deliver new measurement values to control systems without the need to install more wires. With process improvements, plant expansions, regulatory requirements and safety level demands,

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users are looking at wireless technology to address various issues.

Realising the need and potential of wireless technology, several organisations have come out with solutions. For instance, WirelessHART is a wireless mesh network communication protocol for process automation applications. It adds wireless capabilities to the HART Protocol while maintaining compatibility with existing HART devices, commands and tools.

With approximately 30 million HART devices in service worldwide, HART technology is a widely used field communication protocol for intelligent process instrumentation. With the additional capability of wireless communication, the legacy of benefits provided by this powerful technology continues to deliver the operational insight that users need to remain competitive.

The WirelessHART architecture is designed to be an easy to use, reliable and interoperable wireless mesh sensor protocol.

It specifies mandatory requirements that compatible equipment must support for interoperability such that wireless device types of different manufacturers can be exchanged without compromising system operation. The technology is popular and on the line of customers’ expectation. “Our

experience is that with WirelessHART devices, customers can easily monitor their critical plant assets and gain access to information from all areas of the plant.

With the predictive diagnostics that are available as part of implementing Asset Management solutions with wireless devices, one can increase process uptime, improve consistency and lower the risk of abnormal situations,” explains Dr A S Prasad, Director - Solutions Group, Emerson Process Management (India) Pvt Ltd - which offers a wide range of wireless field instrumentation & plant operations equipment and Smart Wireless products & solutions.

Applications of the wireless technology are growing on a daily basis, fired by the imaginations of innovators, who see this as a means of adding to operators’ awareness of their surroundings for the overall improvement of the plant safety, productivity and efficiency. “The more control one has over the process, physical assets, and overall operations of a plant, the safer and more profitable one’s business can become. And, more information means more opportunities for reducing operational costs and improving quality, throughput and availability,” points out Dr Prasad.

Wireless technology

In addition, plants are often struggling to get the measurement and diagnostic information that could ease compliance to new environmental and safety requirements. “All these questions are now being answered by the WirelessHART technology,” he claims.

Safety parameters On-site wireless communication facilitates quicker response to disturbances that can harm people, property and the environment.

Designated personnel, wherever they are, get clear, unambiguous information and alarms on what has happened and where. Staff can communicate with safety systems and processes. They can talk one-on-one or in conference calls – throughout the plant through concrete walls and in noisy environments. They can nip many problems in the bud, and reduce the risk of accidents.

In case an accident occurs, quicker response helps minimise the consequences

of the accident. For example, in the event of an accidental discharge of cleaning agent, the company can alert the sewage treatment plant, so they can take action and minimise the damage. In the event of a serious accident, safety personnel can get information about the number of staff in the risk zone and also the exact location of the mishap. With wireless system, they can quickly set up conference calls with management, outside specialists and emergency services and can take necessary action depending on the gravity of the situation.

Even an engineer on the factory floor is far more likely to identify faults faster and put them right in a controlled way. With wireless communication, an engineer who notices something wrong with a particular piece of equipment can immediately check quality and performance data on his handset, and can take necessary actions at that point of time. If required, adjustments to feedstock levels or a controlled shut down can be

requested from the device, instead of using the ‘emergency stop’ button. Today, in any sector, where the focus is permanently on manufacturing products faster and cheaper than the competitors, optimised production on a daily basis counts. Smart integration of wireless communications can make a significant contribution to quicker response for changing conditions, enhanced efficiency and continuity, and safety of chemical plants.

According to Dr Prasad, adoption of wireless technology in India is high.

“Several process plants are active users of this technology. Even though the focus is to win confidence of customers in monitoring applications at this point in time, we have absolutely no doubt that this ‘disruptive technology’ can change the way measurements are made and process parameters are monitored & controlled in the times to come,” he says. Sooner the chemical plants adopt wireless technology, better are the prospects for them.

Email: prasenjit.chakraborty@infomedia18.in

April 2012 | Chemical World

63

ENERGY MANAGEMENT Wind power

that too in a cost-effective manner. Specialty chemicals have a significant contribution in making wind power available at an affordable price and also maintaining the functionality of turbines.

Growing emphasis on wind power Kevin Lambrych, Global Wind Energy Program Manager, Ashland Performance Materials, while providing a steady comparison of the various renewable energy measures available to us, says, “If you look at power generation from wind, solar, hydro, geothermal, and biomass, all except biomass have the advantage of generating power without CO2 emission.

Advantage of wind over solar is that the sun only shines half the time and, today the cost of energy (COE) for solar is around twice that of wind. Hydropower

Solutions & Wind Energy Solutions, Dow Corning. “The main advantages of wind energy are that it is utility scale, available 24 hours a day and relatively predictable, especially for offshore. This has made it attractive from an electricity generation perspective, as wind turbine arrays can be connected directly into the grid. The other factor that makes wind attractive is that this technology is relatively mature,” he adds.

India ranks fifth in the world when it comes to cumulative installed capacity for wind power. As per Gunderao Manurkar, Business Manager – Energy Sector, Huntsman Advanced Materials (India) Pvt Ltd, “Wind Turbine Generator (WTG) capacity addition in India has taken place at a CAGR of 25 per cent in the last 12 years. Multi-megawatt turbines (1.5 to 2.1 MW) are being used increasingly with greater hub height installations. Larger diameter rotors are

Generating cost-competitiveness through specialty chemicals Mahua Roy

A

ccording to the study by LBNL, the cost of power generated through wind is now comparable to that from imported coal and natural gas-based plants.

As a result, wind power can play a noteworthy part in addressing the challenges of energy security & environmental pollution, and

To d ay ’ s resins, adhesives and coatings need to meet the challenge of a 20-year life span requirement; this means they must have acceptable fatigue performance.

Kevin Lambrych Global Wind Energy Program Manager, Ashland Performance Materials

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Chemical World | April 2012

As per a recent study by Lawrence-Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), 3,000 GW is the potential for wind power generation in India. This massive figure spells good news for the chemical industry too. Read on to find out more… affects the ecosystem, requires substantial upfront investment and, typically, projects must be completed in a single phase.

On the other hand, wind farms can be established incrementally and easily expanded for future needs. Geothermal energy sources are not accessible in all regions and there have been occurrences of the geothermal steam source shifting or running out, significantly degrading the power plant’s performance.”

As its popularity has grown, wind power has become increasingly costcompetitive with traditional energy sources like coal. The market for wind is about five times larger than that for solar, as per Eric Peeters, Vice President - Solar

also an upcoming trend. The shift towards larger WTGs is the result of improved infrastructure available to handle bigger turbines and improved economics of the sector.” These trends can be transformed into further opportunities for the specialty chemicals sector.

Longevity of the turbines The estimated life span of an individual wind turbine is 20-25 years. Specialty chemical manufacturers are complementing the research of power generation industry to address this critical issue. “Wind farm operators estimate that a wind turbine will have a life span of more than 20 years.

Solutions need to be developed so that

Wind power

Choosing materials that support the scalability of larger drivetrain turbines, and those which protect against harsh environments and operate in sub-zero temperatures is critical to the power generators.

Eric Peeters VP - Solar Solutions & Wind Energy Solutions, Dow Corning

a turbine actually lasts as long as this. It needs to be manufactured more efficiently and, thus will operate more economically.

The longevity of wind energy plants and their efficient production are key factors in improving the economic efficiency of wind power,” elaborates Chris Titmarsh, Regional Head Asia-Pacific, Amine Solutions, Regional Business Unit Intermediates, BASF. He adds that BASF’s broad range of hardeners, accelerators and additives for the professional processing of epoxy resins can reduce the manufacturing process of rotor blades by up to 30 per cent.

Also, 30 per cent of a wind blade’s mass is resin. Therefore, the resin plays a significant role in the blade cost and performance. Says Lambrych, “Today’s resins, adhesives and coatings need to meet the challenge of a 20-year life span requirement; this means they must have acceptable fatigue performance. Today, Ashland is actively involved in innovating the next generation of resin technologies that will offer improved performance, while maintaining the advantage of cost and productivity compared to other materials.”

Wind turbine generator capacity addition in India has taken place at a CAGR of 25 per cent in the last 12 years. Multimegawatt turbines (1.5 to 2.1 MW) are being used increasingly with greater hub height installations.

Gunderao Manurkar Business Manager – Energy Sector, Huntsman Advanced Materials (India) Pvt Ltd

However, as technology continues to mature, the 20-year span will eventually elongate. Hence, companies would need to concentrate on increasing the rotor size for more efficient, lower cost of energy turbines. Another issue is the operation of turbines in extreme climatic conditions.

As Peeters puts it, “Turbines are getting bigger and are moving into more harsh operating conditions, such as offshore and colder climates. Thus, choosing materials that support the scalability of larger drivetrain turbines, and those which protect against harsh environments and operate in sub-zero temperatures is critical to the power generators.”

Dow Corning provides solutions by way of industrial lubricants and silicones, which are effective over wide temperature ranges.

Adhesives play a vital role in developing new structures & designs for wind blades, stress & forces applied during service are critical. “Several epoxy & polyurethane adhesives are formulated to bond the inner reinforcement material as well as for the shells. There is an increasing demand from customers for adhesives with high flexural strength, high toughness and a service temperature from -40° to +80° C,” says Manurkar.

Bringing down cost of wind power generation If lowering the cost of power production is the question, then specialty chemicals is the answer! Combined efforts of the power generation industry and specialty chemicals have helped make wind power generation extremely cost-effective. In these days where prices of non-renewable as also renewable energy sources keep soaring, specialty chemicals are helping ensure that wind power generation does not join the ‘expensive’ league. “A wind turbine’s COE is related to its upfront installed cost, durability and efficiency of converting wind energy into electrical power. Also, a material supplier is not only able to help control quality, but also improve productivity through solutions that reduce blade production cycle time and minimise cost, thereby providing a

Wind farm operators estimate that a wind turbine will have a life span of more than 20 years. Solutions need to be developed so that a turbine actually lasts as long as this.

Chris Titmarsh Regional Head Asia-Pacific, Amine Solutions, Regional Business Unit Intermediates, BASF

competitive advantage to the fabricator and ultimately advancing the entire industry. At the end of the day, it is all about reducing the cost of energy produced by wind turbines compared to alternatives,” adds Lambrych.

Companies are rapidly aligning their business models to address this key issue of bringing down the overall cost.

Peeters also echoes the same sentiment, “Our innovation model is focussed on developing materials that help the industry lower the COE. Cost of energy production in this industry is largely a factor of turbine reliability. This is either because of operation and maintenance cycles or because of replacement costs.”

Specialty chemicals can address these issues efficiently.

This also translates into good news for India as the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy estimates that wind energy is the fastest growing renewable energy sector in the country. With a cumulative deployment of over 13,000 MW capacity, it accounts for nearly 70 per cent of the installed capacity in the renewable energy sector in the country. “With plants increasing in size and performance, the requirements to be met are becoming more demanding.

Moreover, customers expect the plants to be more durable even when conditions are as harsh as in offshore wind farms. The demands on the systems and materials being used keep increasing accordingly.

Innovative chemical system solutions are gaining importance in this area because they can be customised to suit specific requirements,” adds Titmarsh.

Email: mahua.roy@infomedia18.in

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POLICIES & REGULATIONS Duty Drawback Scheme

Avani Jain

T

he exports industry saw major changes towards the end of last year with the popular export incentive, DEPB scheme, which had been prevalent since the mid1990s, replaced by the DDS. The shift to the new scheme has made the export incentive structure more compliant with international best practices.

Under the DDS, exporters can avail of the reimbursement of taxes, ie Customs Duty, Excise Duty and Service Tax after the actual export has taken place, while under the DEPB scheme, exporters get immediate benefit at the time of export as per the rates notified from time to time for each commodity by Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on the Free On Board (FOB) value of the exports. This is not the actual tax paid by the importers but paid on ‘deemed’ value of the components.

Satish Wagh, Chairman, Chemexcil, notes, “The DEPB scheme was withdrawn primarily due to financial constraints and also due to so-called non-conformity with WTO provisions. However, in the presence of complicated Indirect Tax structure and other State levies, it was not the appropriate time for discontinuance of the DEPB scheme.

It must also be noted that while framing the Drawback rates, the DEPB rates were reduced substantially and the reduction was almost to the extent of 3 per cent. And in today’s competitive world, 3 per cent of FOB value means a lot for the exporter.”

Critical analysis DDS is facing criticism from across industries as it imposes a cash flow burden

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The replacement of Duty Entitlement Pass Book (DEPB) scheme by Duty Drawback Scheme (DDS) has sparked a debate among the industry regarding its impact.

The majority believe that it would bring a setback for the export prospects of the chemical industry. on exporters. So, an efficient disbursal of the drawback amount without delays is essential for its proper working. Another disadvantage is that the scheme does not include the indirect taxes paid on capital goods and state taxes.

Further, the rates offered under DDS are less when compared to DEPB rates.

Wagh says, “It must also be noted that the rates fixed under All Industry Rates of Drawback are normally valid for a period of one year (this year, new rates may be revised in June after the Budget is passed) and, hence they do not take into account the adverse changes subsequently noticed/experienced.”

Despite the disadvantages, DDS does offer benefits. The scheme ensures the rebate of the duty chargeable on materials components and packaging materials used in exports and, thus, neutralises the incidence of both Customs and Excise duties on exports. This is ensured by fixing the rate of drawback for different export products in the form of a schedule through a statistical survey.

Impact on chemical exports DDS has affected the exports of all the industries including that of the chemical. Wagh notes, “The exports have decelerated post-September 2011, though it cannot be directly attributed to shifting from DEPB to Drawback scheme.”

He adds further, “If All Industry Rates of Drawback are suitably amended

after taking into account the impact of Central as well as State levy, Drawback would be beneficial in the long run. However, a small percentage of Drawback like 1 per cent of FOB value does not serve the cause of export. The minimum rate of Drawback, therefore, should be revised to 2 to 2.5 per cent of FOB value, keeping in mind the turbulence in international markets.”

Long way to go Chemical industry is already facing stiff competition from China and any reduction in incentives will harm it.

Chemical exports require better support as the cost for manufacturing has increased due to overall rise in cost on account of increase in Excise Duty, Service Tax, oil price, interest cost, freight cost, etc. The SME sector is also badly hit and deserves better encouragement as there is potential to increase chemical exports from the SME sector. Wagh notes, “Thus, for the companies to remain competitive in the global market, the Drawback rates should be revised upward and the rates must take into account the impact of high taxation in general, as India is still one of those countries, which charge high tariffs.”

He concludes, “Simply put, the rates should be revised upward and there should be a guaranteed system to process the drawback claim by direct credit within maximum seven days from the date of export. Besides, Drawback is post-export instrument and, hence any delay of whatever nature adds to the cost of exporter.”

Email: avani.jain@infomedia18.in

Collaborative policy STRATEGY

proposition to

competitive edge With increasing competition and soaring prices, companies are adopting innovative ways to deal with the two issues.

One such way is going for mergers and joint ventures. These days, companies are adopting collaboration as a strategy to explore new business and research opportunities not only within the country but also abroad.

Avani Jain

T

oday, the pace of business is so rapid that companies need to continuously review their growth strategies so as to remain competitive. Of the different strategies adopted by companies, collaboration seems to be the buzzword in the industry these days.

Narendra R Mehta, Managing Director, Fibro Organic (India) Pvt Ltd, says, “Collaboration often enables businesses to pursue a common goal. It is more common among complementary businesses and not direct competitors.

However, it is possible to negotiate business collaboration even with competitors so as to avoid damaging conflicts such as price wars etc. These days, it is often seen that two smaller businesses collaborate so as to get a larger marketshare and earn good reputation in the market. This is because, if they operate individually, they would not be able to sustain themselves for long.

But if they tie-up with other companies having the same scale of operations, they are likely to succeed in the long run as this will make them big enough to survive competition from the multinationals.”

He adds further, “Not only the Indian companies are entering into collaborations

with foreign companies but also the multinationals are increasingly shifting their base to India by entering into collaboration with Indian companies as a result of availability of motivated and creative work force & low labour and equipment costs.”

Extending benefits Through collaboration, companies can boost their R&D activities. By sourcing and acquiring knowledge from dispersed geographic locations, companies can go for more innovations of higher value at lower costs. Mehta notes, “Collaboration helps companies in carrying out extensive research projects that are not otherwise possible for a company. This is due to the reason that often research activities require high expenditure, technical know-how etc, which a company might not have. In such a scenario, collaborating with a counterpart may offer great help.”

Collaboration often helps companies in taking up larger projects, ie a single company might not be able to handle a project, which requires multiple permissions from the government and huge investments. But when two companies come together, their resources increase and this can help them in handling prestigious and good projects.

Despite the aforesaid benefits, the success of collaboration and the

frequency of collaborative agreements depend on the type of collaboration.

Ravi Kapoor, Managing Director, Heubach Colour Pvt Ltd, says, “There have been a few collaborations in the dyes segment, which are significant.

But the overall mergers and acquisition activity in the area of colorants has been limited. The main reason for this is the scale of operations as well as the low technologies coupled with low stress on safety, health and responsible care related issues. These issues are being addressed, but more needs to be done on this front to have a vibrant atmosphere for these kinds of activities.”

The joy of togetherness Evidently, the age of collaborative business is dawning. Small and midsize businesses that have got themselves into collaboration agreements by way of mergers and joint ventures are seeing startling results. Further, the companies collaborating with multinationals can also foresee a good future for themselves.

Thus, collaboration can offer competitive advantage, provided companies develop distinct organisational capabilities and the right framework to facilitate mutually beneficial collaborative activities.

Email: avani.jain@infomedia18.in

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TIPS & TRICKS Hazardous chemicals

Safety tips for ensuring accident-free transit The rapid growth of chemical industry has necessitated adequate and efficient logistics support. In fact, logistical challenges are applicable for all commodities, but more critical to chemical sector considering the nature of the cargo. To mitigate such impediments, logistics providers need to take several measures for the welfare of human beings as well as environment.

Prasenjit Chakraborty

T

he growth of the chemical industry coupled with new product developments has led to an increase in the proportion of hazardous chemicals in total freight traffic. There is a rising demand to store and distribute such products in most conducive environment. Hazardous materials transportation risk management involves establishing, organising, planning, executing and monitoring a set of operations that aim to decrease the probability of accidents and reduce the relevant potential consequences.

Given below is the safety checklist for storing and transportation of hazardous chemicals.

It is important to check the labels on containers and follow handling 1 instructions. Use protective clothing and equipment such as masks and gloves. One must not drink or smoke when handling chemicals.

It is essential to keep hazardous substances away from children, food, animal 2 feed, seeds, fertiliser or flammable materials such as petrol or oil.

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Chemical World | April 2012

any container is damaged or leaking, it needs to be placed inside another secure container. It is mandatory to put a label on the outside of the container describing the contents.

For storing of hazardous substances, it is imperative that the storage areas are 4 kept dry, well-ventilated and securely locked. Storing of chemicals should be done in labelled containers (ideally their original containers), with lids tightly closed.

In case of any warning signals regarding accidents on account of 5 hazardous chemicals, instructions must be given to concerned department to eliminate any potential hazards immediately or within a definite period.

Every goods carriage carrying dangerous or hazardous goods should 6 display a distinct mark of the class label appropriate to the type of dangerous or hazardous goods. Every package containing such goods shall display the distinct class labels appropriate to the type of dangerous or hazardous goods.

7

In the case of packages, which represent more than one hazard, such packages

shall display distinct labels to indicate the hazards.

Every vehicle carrying chemicals, which are dangerous or hazardous 8 in nature, should be fitted with a tachograph, an instrument to record the lapse of running time of the motor vehicle; time speed maintained, acceleration and deceleration etc, and a spark arrester. The vehicle should have valid registration and permit.

The vehicle should be safe for the transportation of the said goods and 9 equipped with necessary first-aid, safety equipment, tool box and antidotes as may be necessary in any accident scenario.

The owner or transporter should ensure that the 10 information given by the consigner is full and accurate and that the driver being deputed for transportation is trained to handle & transport such hazardous materials.

The owner of the vehicle carrying dangerous chemicals and the consigner 11 of such goods should lay down the route for each trip.

Email: prasenjit.chakraborty@infomedia18.in

PROJECTS

New projects and expansion activities are the barometers of industrial growth. These also present business opportunities to service providers like consultants, contractors, plant & equipment suppliers and others down the value chain. This feature will keep you updated with vital information regarding new projects and capacity expansions being planned by companies in the chemical and allied industries.

Chlorinated polyvinyl chloride

Trience Specialty Chemicals Pvt Ltd Project type New facility Project news Trience Specialty Chemicals Pvt Ltd, a joint venture between Meghmani Organics Ltd and Japanese Mitsui & Company Ltd and Kaneka Corporation, will invest over ` 240 crore for setting up a chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) manufacturing facility at Dahej in Bharuch district. The plant is expected to commence production in 2014 and will initially manufacture 20,000 tonne of CPVC annually, which can be increased up to 40,000 tonne per annum later.

Project location Dahej, Gujarat Project cost ` 240 crore Implementation stage Planning Contact details: Meghmani House Shree Nivas Society Paldi, Ahmedabad 380 007 Tel: 079-26640668/669 Email: helpdesk@meghmani.com --------------------------------------------Coal tar

Himadri Chemicals and Industries Ltd Project type Capacity expansion Project news Himadri Chemicals is mulling ` 1,900crore investment in the next four years for coal tar capacity expansion and also for foraying into new by-products such as pitch coke. This expansion will be implemented in phases and funded through a mix of internal accruals and debt. The company will invest ` 1,200 crore to expand coal tar capacity to one million tonne by 2015, from the present 2.5 lakh tonne.

Project location West Bengal

Project cost ` 1,200 crore Implementation stage Planning Contact details: Himadri Chemicals and Industries Ltd Fortuna Tower 23-A, Netaji Subhas Road 8th Floor, Kolkata 700 001 Tel: 033-22304363, Fax: 033-22309051 Email: info@himadri.com --------------------------------------------Di-ammonium phosphate

Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals Project type Capacity expansion Project news Gujarat State Fertilizers and Chemicals (GSFC) has announced its plans to expand the capacity of its Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) unit at Sikka in Jamnagar district. GSFC will invest ` 250 crore to expand capacity by 0.4 MT to produce complex fertilisers (blend of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium). The expansion is to be completed by 2014-15.

Project location Sikka, Gujarat Project cost ` 250 crore Implementation stage Planning Contact details: Gujarat State Fertilizers & Chemicals Ltd P O Fertilizernagar 391 750 District Vadodara, Gujarat Tel: 0265-2242051, Fax: 0265-2240966 Email: info@gsfcltd.com --------------------------------------------Liquefied natural gas

Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Project type New facility Project news Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC) plans to commission the

liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal with a capacity of five million tonne per annum at Mundra by 2015-16.

The entire project cost is estimated at ` 3,500 crore. GSPC is now looking at preparing detailed project report of the proposed LNG terminal, which will be third such project in the state. The EPC contract will be floated in six months to one year’s time.

Project location Mundra, Gujarat Project cost ` 3,500 crore Implementation stage Planning Contact details: Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation Ltd GSPC Bhavan Behind Udyog Bhavan, Sector - 11 Gandhinagar 382 010, Gujarat Tel: 079- 66701001, Fax: 079-23236375 Email: info@gspc.in --------------------------------------------Oil & gas

Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Project type Capacity expansion Project news State-owned Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) will invest about ` 2,600 crore in the third phase of development of C-series natural gas fields off the west coast. The company board has approved advancement of development of C-26 cluster (consisting of C-23, C-26 and B-12-1) fields of phase-III development of C-series fields, to pre-monsoon 2014 instead of 2018 envisaged earlier.

Project location Not known Project cost ` 2,600 crore Implementation stage Planning Contact details: ONGC

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PROJECTS

Basement, Old Secretariat Building Tel Bhawan, Dehradun Tel: 0135-2793959 Fax: 0135-2793415 Email: ongcdelhicc@gmail.com --------------------------------------------Pharmaceuticals

Shasun Pharmaceuticals Ltd Project type New facility Project news The Chennai-based Shasun Pharmaceuticals is planning to invest around ` 250 crore in the next fiscal for setting up a greenfield facility and other capital expenditure. The company has commenced construction of its greenfield facility in Visakhapatnam. The project entails an investment of ` 100 crore and is expected to be commissioned by October 2012.

Project location Visakhapatnam Project cost ` 100 crore Implementation stage Work in progress Contact details: Shasun Pharmaceuticals 3rd & 4th Floor, ‘Batra Centre’ 28, Sardar Patel Road Guindy, Chennai 600 032 Tamil Nadu Tel: 044-43446700, Fax: 044-22350278 Email: shasun@shasun.com --------------------------------------------Phosphoric Acid

Punjab Chemicals & Crop Protection Ltd Project type New facility Project news Punjab Chemicals & Crop Protection Ltd plans to set up a phosphoric acid unit with a capacity of 1,800 tpa at Tarapur, Maharashtra. The company has different business units like agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals etc.

Project location Tarapur, Maharashtra Project cost Not known Implementation stage Planning

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Contact details: Punjab Chemicals & Crop Protection Ltd Oberoi Chambers II, 5th Floor 645/646, New Link Road Andheri (West), Mumbai 400 053 Tel: 022-26747900, Fax: 022-26736193/78 E-mail: enquiry@punjabchemicals.com --------------------------------------------Purified terephthalic acid

Indo Rama Synthetics (India) Ltd Project type New facility Project news Indo Rama Synthetics (India) Ltd and Indorama Ventures Public Company Ltd (IVL) of Thailand have signed an MoU to set up a state-of-the-art integrated facility in India to manufacture Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA), Polyethylene Terepthalate (PET) and Polye Staple Fibre (PSP) plants. The MoU signed is the single-largest Thai investment in India. The project would involve an investment of $ 700 million and is likely to commence production in three years.

Project location Not known Project cost $ 700 million Implementation stage Planning Contact details: Indo Rama Synthetics (India) Ltd 20th Floor, DLF Square DLF Phase II, NH 8 Gurgaon 122002, Haryana Tel: 0124-4997000, Fax: 0124-4997070 Email: corp@indorama-ind.com --------------------------------------------Super Phosphate

Liberty Phosphate Ltd Project type Capacity expansion Project news Liberty Phosphate Ltd, the largest producer and supplier of single super phosphate (powder & granulated), plans to boost its production capacity from 5,62,000 mtpa to 9,24,000 mtpa. Currently, the unit at Udaipur in Rajasthan is operating at existing capacity of 2,64,000 mtpa of SSP/GSSP.

The company has applied for capacity expansion at its unit in Kota in Rajasthan from 1,32,000 mtpa to 1,98,000 mtpa of SSP/GSSP. Environment clearance is under process. Besides, the company plans to expand capacity at its Pali unit in Maharashtra from 66,000 mtpa to 1,32,000 mtpa and to install SSP plant of 1,32,000 mtpa capacity at its Rae Bareilly unit at Uttar Pradesh.

Project locations Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh Project cost Not known Implementation stage Planning Contact details: Liberty Phosphate Ltd 5, Readymoney Terrace, 3rd floor 167, Dr Annie Besant Road Worli, Mumbai 400 034 Tel: 022-24900103/4 Fax: 022-24900106 Email: rehanuma@libertyphosphate.com --------------------------------------------Refinery-cum-petrochemicals complex

GMR Holdings Project type New facility Project news The GMR Holdings Pvt Ltd will invest ` 30,000 crore to set up a 15-million tonne per annum greenfield refinery-cum-petrochemicals complex, including an integrated investment park at Kakinada. GMR Infrastructure would invest an additional ` 3,000 crore in a multi-product Special Economic Zone in the PCPIR. Project location Kakinada, Andhra Pradesh Project cost ` 30,000 crore Implementation stage Planning Contact details: GMR Group IBC Knowledge Park, Phase 2, ‘D’ Block 9th Floor, 4/1, Bannerghatta Road Bengaluru 560 029 Tel: 080-40432000 Email: info@gmrgroup.in

EVENT LIST

NATIONAL AHMEDABAD

PUNE

CHENNAI

LUDHIANA

Gujarat, Oct 5-8, 2012

Maharashtra, Nov 2-5, 2012

Tamil Nadu, Nov 22-25, 2012

Punjab, Dec 21-24, 2012

INDORE

AURANGABAD

RUDRAPUR

Madhya Pradesh, Jan 11-14, 2013

Maharashtra, Feb 1-4, 2013

Uttarakhand, Feb 23-26, 2013

India’s premier industrial trade fair on products and technologies related to Machine Tools, Hydraulics & Pneumatics, Process Machinery & Equipment, Automation Instrumentation, Packaging & Auxiliaries, IT Products, Electrical & Electronics, Material Handling and Safety Equipment.

For details Infomedia 18 Ltd

Ruby House, 1st Floor, J K Sawant Marg, Dadar (W), Mumbai 400 028.

• Tel: 022 3003 4651 • Fax: 022 3003 4499 • Email: engexpo@infomedia18.in

Lab Expo & Conferences Pune Industrial fair for lab equipment, technology and instrumentation; April 20-22, 2012; at Auto Cluster Development & Research Institute Ltd, Pune For details contact: Harish Arora, Paramount Exhibitors 679, Phase 7, S A S Nagar, Mohali 140 110 Tel: 0172-2274801 Fax: 0172-2274803 Email: contact@labexposindia.com

Aquatech India Focussed trade show on advanced technologies for wastewater management; April 25-27, 2012; at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi

Tel: 022-2871 5207, Fax: 022-2871 5222 Email: k.goda@koelnmesse-india.com

India Oil & Gas Review Summit 2012 International conference and exhibition showcasing latest trends in oil & gas industry; September 06-07, 2012; at Hotel Taj Lands, Mumbai For details contact: Oil Asia Publications Pvt Ltd 530, Laxmi Plaza, Laxmi Industrial Estate New Link Road Andheri (W), Mumbai 400 053 Tel: 022-6681 4900, Fax: 022-2636 7676 Email: oilasia@vsnl.com

Automation 2012 For details contact: Sunil Chhibber Inter Ads-Brooks Exhibitions (India) Plot No 859, Phase-V Udyog Vihar Gurgaon 122 001 Tel: 0124-4524105, Fax: 0124-4381162 Email: info@interadsindia.com

Conference and exhibition showcasing latest technologies in the fields of factory automation, process automation and control systems, robotics & drives, field instrumentation & smart sensors bus technologies, software solutions, wireless technologies, etc; September 07-10, 2012; at NSE Complex, Mumbai

ChemProTech India 2012 International exhibition on chemical processing technology and equipment to be held concurrently with Chemspec India 2012; April 26-27, 2012; at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai For details contact: Krunal Goda Koelnmesse YA Tradefair Pvt Ltd #1102, 11th Floor, DLH Park, Near MTNL Office, S V Road, Goregaon (W) Mumbai 400 062

For details contact: IED Communications Ltd 64, Empire Building D N Road, Fort, Mumbai 400 001 Tel: 022-22079567, Fax: 022-22074516 Email:arokiaswamy@iedcommunications.com

Informex India 2012 A tradeshow for bringing together buyers and sellers of chemicals, chemical technologies and related services; September 12-14, 2012; at Nehru Centre, Mumbai

For details contact: UBM India Pvt Ltd Sagar Tech Plaza A 615-617, 6th Floor Andheri-Kurla Road Saki Naka Junction, Andheri (E) Mumbai 400 072 Tel: 022-6612 2600, Fax: 022-6612 2626/27 Email: info.india@ubm.com

India Chem 2012 Premier tradeshow for the chemical industry in India; October 04-06, 2012; at NSE Exhibition Complex, Mumbai For details contact: Mehul Tyagi, FICCI Federation House, 1 Tansen Marg New Delhi 110 001 Tel: 011-2376 5081/2373 8760 Fax: 011-2335 9734 Email: mehul@ficci.com

Watertech Expo & Conference An event to be held concurrently with Wastetech, Cleantech and Pollutech focussing on technologies for waste, wastewater and recycling; November 02-04; at Ahmedabad For details contact: Exhiference Media Pvt Ltd B-2 Basement, Kalyan Tower Near Vastrapur Lake, Ahmedabad 380 015 Tel: 079-4003 9444/9431 Fax: 079-4003 9431 Email: marketing@exhiferencemedia.com

CPhI India 2012 International exhibition on pharmaceutical ingredients, machinery, equipment, outsourcing and bio-solutions; November 21-23, 2012; at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai For details contact: UBM India Pvt Ltd Sagar Tech Plaza A 615-617, 6th Floor Andheri-Kurla Road, Saki Naka Junction Andheri (E), Mumbai 400 072 Tel: 022-6612 2600 Fax: 022-6612 2626 Email: info.india@ubm.com

April 2012 | Chemical World

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EVENT LIST

INTERNATIONAL

Analytica Event to showcase technologies for analysis, quality control, laboratory technology; April 17-20, 2012; at New Munich Trade Fair Centre, Munich, Germany

400 Interstate North Parkway, Suite 710 Atlanta, The US Tel: +1 (202) 462-6272 Fax: +1 (202) 462-1924 Email: info@american-coatings-show.com

Chemistry Oil & Gas 2012 For details contact: IMAG AM Messesee-2, Munich, Germany Tel: +(49)-(89)-9492 2121 Fax: +(49)-(89)-9492 2350 Email: info@analytica.de

ICIS World Surfactants Conference Conference focussing on current global surfactant markets, trends and feedstock economics, emerging technologies, etc; April 25-26, 2012; Hyatt Regency Jersey City, New York, USA For details contact: Nazan Ali, ICIS Conferences Quadrant House, The Quadrant Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5AS, The UK Tel:+(44) 208 652 8350 Email:nazan.ali@icis.com

Coatech Mexico Focussed event showcasing technological advancements in the coatings industry; May 02-04, 2012; at Expo Banamex, Mexico For details contact: Mauricio Cadena, Giprex Mexico S.A. de C.V., Daniel Zambrano No. 525 Col., Monterrey, Mexico Tel: +(52)-(81)-8347 8560 Fax: +(52)-(81)-8346 2597 Email: mauricio.cadena@tsfactory.com.mx

American Coatings Show Symposium and technology showcase on coatings; May 08-12, 2012; at Indiana Convention Center, the US For details contact: Nuernberg Messe North America, Inc

Specialised exhibition on cutting-edge products and technologies, equipment and materials for the chemical, oil and gas industries; May 15-18, 2012; at the Roofer Soccer Arena, Belarus For details contact: Olga Akulinina Manager - Chemistry Oil & Gas ZAO Technics and Communications Post Box 34, Minsk, 220004 Rebublic of Belarus Tel: (+375 17) 306 06 06 Fax: (+375 17) 203 33 86 Email: chemistry@tc.by

Dye+Chem Indonesia 2012 Trade show for dyes and fine & specialty chemicals; May 31-June 3, 2012, at Jakarta International Expo, Jakarta For details contact: PT CEMS Indonesia 2608, Grand Kartini 57 Jalan Kartini Raya Jakarta, Indonesia Tel: +(62)–(21) 7003 3233 Fax: +(62)–(21) 3042 5226 Email: contact@cems-dyechem.com

World Gas Conference & Exhibition Event showcasing the latest in exploration, safety, refining, subsea production systems, drilling, transportation, etc; June 04-08, 2012; at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia For details contact: The CWC Group Ltd Regent House, Oyster Wharf 16-18 Lombard Road, London, The UK

Tel: +(44)-(20)-7978 0037 Fax: +(44)-(20)-7978 0099 Email: exhibition@wgc2012.com

Chemspec Europe An event dedicated to the fine and specialty chemicals industry; June 13-14, 2012; at Gran Via Exhibition Centre, Barcelona, Spain For details contact: Quartz Business Media Ltd Westgate House 120/130 Station Road, Redhill, Surrey The UK Tel: +44-1737-855000 Fax: +44-1737-855034 Email: michellebaalham@quartzltd.co.uk

ACHEMA One of the leading international events on chemical engineering, environmental protection and biotechnology; June 18-22, 2012; at Messe Frankfurt, Germany For details contact: Messe Frankfurt Exhibition GmbH Ludwig-Erhard-Anlage 1, Frankfurt, Germany Tel: +(49)-(69)-7575000 Fax: +(49)-(69)-7575643 Email: rentalinquiries@dechema.de

TOG Expo 2012 Event focussing on latest technologies in the oil and gas industry; October 16-18, 2012; at Pavilion 58, Tripoli International Fair, Tripoli For details contact: WAHAexpo Company Ben Ashour Road PO Box 83433 Tripoli, Libya Tel: (00) (218)-(21) 7269417 Fax: (00) (218)- (21) 362 2360 Email: hanan@wahaexpo.com

The information published in this section is as per the details furnished by the respective organiser.

In any case, it does not represent the views of Chemical World

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BOOK REVIEW

Analytical pyrolysis of synthetic organic polymers Author: Serban Moldoveanu Price: ` 5,995

This edition primarily focusses on practical applications of analytical pyrolysis in synthetic organic polymers towards their identification and characterisation. Elaborate discussions on physico-chemistry of thermal degradation of synthetic polymers and instrumentation used in analytical pyrolysis, as well as chapter dedicated to what type of information can be obtained from analytical pyrolysis are well-explained. Besides, there is also a section for analysis and characterisation of synthetic polymers. The second part of this book systematically covers the analytical pyrolysis of various classes of synthetic polymers. Some theoretical background for the understanding of polymer structure using analytical pyrolysis is also discussed.

The USP of this book is that it includes a broad coverage of organic synthetic macromolecules. This book should be used by both researchers and chemists working in analytical chemistry or in synthetic polymers branches.

Besides, industry personnel can also gain enough expertise with this book.

Reviewer: Tejas Padte, Lecturer, Department of Chemistry, Ramnarain Ruia College, Mumbai

Polymers are the building blocks of a vast number of natural and synthetic raw materials, which when mixed together and with other materials lead to a variety of products such as plastic- and resin-based articles, adhesives and many other coating formulations. The polymers and additives are selected to confer specific characteristics to the basic polymer. This book discusses at length subjects such as use of paints, additives like anti-oxidants, surfactants, anti-foams, fungicides, curing catalysts, etc. Even the environmental effects are briefly covered.

Three basic mechanisms, either separately or in combination can be present in mixing processes. The book also briefly talks about the mixing equipment and the process where the mixing, which is mostly distributive, is achieved by a combination of shear and circulation. In addition, it also covers the factors that determine the mechanical behaviour of fibre-reinforced composites with all the commonly used polymers. Going beyond the plastics as substrates, there is a good coverage of plastics used for metal coating to protect them from corrosion. The PVC coating by processes such as fluidised bed coating, flame spraying, electrostatic spraying, and flock coating is covered with reasonable depth. This book offers general information on plastics and resins compositions and hence, will prove beneficial for researchers and students in the chemical, petrochemical and plastics industry.

Plastics and resin compositions Editor: W Gordon Simpson Price: ` 6,900

Reviewer: Arvind S Athalye, Founder & CEO, Arvind Athalye Technology Transfer Pvt Ltd

Available at: Wisdom Book Distributors, Hornby Building, 1st floor, 174, D N Road, Mumbai 400 001 Tel: 022-2207 4484/6631 8958, Telefax: 022-2203 4058, Email: thadam@vsnl.com

April 2012 | Chemical World

73

PRODUCTS This section provides information about the national and international products available in the market

Gear pumps

Basket and pot strainers

The V-series gear pumps are used for handling high viscosity media in chemical and industrial applications. These are discharge pumps with special inlet geometry and can be used at temperatures up to 350°C. The inlet geometry ensures even filling of the gears at low pressure to safeguard continuous production flow.

These strainers are flexible, reliable, durable and user-friendly. The filters are fabricated as per users’ requirements, like 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 mesh. Sizes range from ½” to 10”. MOCs are ASTMA 216 Gr WCB, CI to IS 210 Gr FG 220, AISI 304, AISI-316, AISI 316 L, gun-metal, etc.

Maag Pump Systems India Navi Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-27893645 Email: satyagarinapally@maag.com

M Kumar Technocrates Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-27540287 Mob: 09898114242 Email: info@amtechvalves.net

Acoustic cleaning systems These systems generate sound waves by pneumatically vibrating a diaphragm inside the sound generator. The acoustic horn bell directs the sound waves onto the equipment surfaces where deposition of soot/ash/dust and other particulate materials accumulate.

Low frequency and high energy sound waves dislodge the deposits from the equipment surfaces.

Centrifugal blowers These are robust and welded, available in MS sheets and plates that are reinforced with angle iron frame. Any type of outlet direction of rotation, and discharge specifications are made as per users’ requirements. The clearance between casing and impellers to reduce air slippages and increase volumetric efficiency are maintained.

F Harley & Company Pvt Ltd Kolkata - West Bengal Tel: 033-22897676 Email: cal@harleygrp.com

NBE Motors Pvt Ltd Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-22740546 Email: info@newbharat.com

Digital flow meters

Gas detector strips

These paddle wheel insertion-type digital flow meters are unique 2-in-1 combination, wherein the rotameter measures flow rate vertically. The water meter counts total horizontally and measures both the aspects.

It is economical and used to match up with international standards.

No external power supply is required.

These are paper strips impregnated with specific gas sensing chemicals by a special process. Gas is detected with the change of colour of the strip. The gas detector strips are designed specially after keeping in mind the requirements of diverse industries. These are used for H2S, HCN, PH3, AsH3 and mercaptan.

MTS Engineers Pvt Ltd Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-26400063, Mob: 09879495924 Email: sales@mtsengrs.com

Uniphos Envirotronic Pvt Ltd Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-40371646 Email: cel@uniphos.com

Looking For A Specific Product?

Searching and sourcing products were never so easy.

Just type CW (space) Product Name and send it to 51818

eg. CW Pump and send it to 51818 74

Chemical World | April 2012

PRODUCTS

Knife gate valves These valves are available in various ranges. The rising gate clean sundries on the seal surface automatically.

Stainless steel prevents leaking, which is caused by corrosion. Short face-to-face saves raw materials and installation room & supports intensity of the pipe effectively. Triangular yoke saves raw materials and ensures mechanical performance.

Zhejiang Gaochuang Pump Valve Co Ltd Wenzhou - China Tel: +86-577-67988958 Email: trade@chinagaochuang.com

Radar transmitter systems These are full-line reliable, solid-state radar transmitter systems to drive Klystrons, TWTs, IOTs and magnetrons operating from UHF to W band. The systems incorporate switching power supplies, solid-state pulse modulators, and controls that provide from 10 to 50 per cent greater power efficiency and higher reliability than vacuum tube-based systems.

Diversif ied Technologies Inc Bedford - USA Tel: +781-275-9444 Email: kempkes@divtecs.com

Air handling units These IClean modular units are designed to highest engineering standards for indoor air quality requirements according to ASHRAE standard 62, and meet the requirements of cooling, heating, ventilation, dehumidification and air distribution to a conditioned space. The supporting frame Penta-Post is made of extruded aluminium profiles having excellent mechanical characteristics.

Integrated Cleanroom Technologies Ltd Hyderabad - Andhra Pradesh Tel: 040-3213478, Mob: 09989212162 Email: srinivas@cleantech.com

April 2012 | Chemical World

75

PRODUCTS

Programmable logic controllers

Filter presses

The AC500-eCo is a compact and easy-to-use programmable logic controller, which reduces engineering and commissioning time, keeps maintenance costs under control, and has high performance. Important features include: investment-saving solution due to hardware and software compatibility with the AC500 family; cost-saving; and simple-to-position applications with configurable interrupts.

These are sparkler-type filter presses (model BPSF–8) that consist of stainless steel shell and top cover, which use bolts to give pressure-tight enclosure. The filter cartridge assembly inside the shell consists of several horizontally arranged disc-type filter plates with perforated supporting screens, filter media and interlocking cups.

ABB Ltd Bengaluru - Karnataka Tel: 080-22949554 Email: amit.a.sharma@in.abb.com

CFI systems These are fully prefabricated systems. Each storage tank has one or more independent systems depending on size of the tank. Each storage vessel is provided with a contents level and a pressure switch. These are immune to lightning effects, having no re-ignition due to cooling effect from the released gas.

CTR Manufacturing India Ltd Pune - Maharashtra Tel: 020-26633402 Email: handlingequipments@ctr.in

Liquid chromatography systems These systems are rugged in design that facilitate high uptime delivering consistent results for low operating and maintenance costs. The systems provide modular design for future-proof, upgrade path to quaternary system and combination with many 1200 Infinity series modules.

These systems have wide power range and system pressure up to 600 bar.

Agilent Technologies India Pvt Ltd New Delhi Tel: 011-51496664 Email: cag_india@agilent.com

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Chemical World | April 2012

Bombay Pharma Equipments Pvt Ltd Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-28594877 Email: bombaypharma@vsnl.net

Screening machines These high-performance specialised machines (type VTS & Vibrall) are available as per GMP and FDAregulations.The hygienic design includes solutions for WIP-cleaning devices and ATEX certification.Three-dimensional tumbling movement creates exceptional fine cuts for bulk solids. Modular design allows production of additional fractions through additional screening desks in one machine.

Allgaier Werke GmbH Uhingen - Germany Tel: +49-7161-301353 Email: siebtechnik@allgaier.de

Reverse osmosis desalination system The PW series reverse osmosis desalination system is provided with the Aqua Pro 3 or 5-plunger high-pressure pump, titanium head for maximum corrosion resistance, balanced drive for lowest noise and pulsation, ceramic plungers and nylon valves. The boost pump provides up to 50 psi of boost pressure to the filtration system. The system is equipped with easy-to-operate SS-316 high-pressure bypass valve, which controls the operating mode from cleaning/rinsing to water production and allows high pressure bypass for start-up and low pressure flushing without readjustment of regulating valve.

Parker Hannif in India Pvt Ltd Navi Mumbai – Maharashtra Tel: 022-65137081 Email: parkerind@parker.com

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PRODUCTS

Full body opening centrifuges

Automobile care cleaning chemicals

These machines are used where cleaning process is of prime importance and in places where there is frequent product changeover. Top body of the centrifuge is hinged and body flange provided with square gasket to ensure leak proof ability with LBD. Hydraulic cylinder is provided to open top body of the centrifuge.

These chemicals are gentle and capable of effectively removing spots and stains from the painted vehicle’s body. Furthermore, the chemicals are also utilised for effectively cleaning the floors, wall panels, glasses and paint surfaces. The range of the chemicals is gentle on the car’s paints and does not hamper the shine and look of the vehicle.

Lester & Dynamiks (India) Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 0250-2454735 Email: l_n_d@vsnl.com

Altret Performance Chemicals Gujarat Pvt Ltd Surat - Gujarat Tel: 0261-2451807 Email: info@altret.com

Industrial panel PCs

These are ferrous and nonferrous components by investment casting under lost wax process. Components from few grams up to 70 kg in single piece are offered.

Materials used are of any metal/alloy, such as stainless steel, alloy steel, carbon steel, nickel-based steels, super alloys, Hastelloy, aluminium alloys, copper-based alloys, bronze alloys, etc.

The IPPC-8151S 15” XGA TFT LCD Celeron M fanless industrial panel PC is designed with 316L stainless steel, food-safe sealing materials and an anticorrosive and chemical resistant touchscreen.

The fanless design and NEMA4X/IP66 waterproof and dustproof protection can ensure reliable operation in most hazardous environments. The IPPC-8151S can provide a fully-enclosed IP66 protection for all sides.

B K Tech Enterprise Inc Rajkot - Gujarat Tel: 0281-2388614; Mob: 09662861959 Email: bktechenterprise@rediffmail.com

Advantech India Bengaluru - Karnataka Tel: 080-23374567 Email: info.in@advantech.com

Investment castings

Variable inlet vane dampers Industrial plastic components A wide range of industrial plastic components is available in ABS, polycarbonate, EVA, polyacetal, nylon, HDPE, PP, HIPS, PVC and PET. Also offered are rings, closures, spacers, bushings, gears, lids, clamps, housings, handles, brackets, caps, connector brackets, electrical switch boxes, pumps and valve components, etc.

These vane dampers give accurate modulation and power saving over other styles of dampers at reduced airflow. For every inlet vane position, there is different capacity versus static pressure curve and capacity versus brake horsepower curve generated by the fan. Inlet guide vanes are synchronously adjustable in the same angular positioning by connecting elements.

A S Engineering Works Mumbai - Maharashtra Mob: 09833617762 Email: moulds.plastic@gmail.com

Vacunair Engineering Co Pvt Ltd Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-22910771; Mob: 09824036375 Email: info@vacunair.com

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Chemical World | April 2012

PRODUCTS

Electric chain hoist

Tube cleaning system

The streamlined, compact electric chain hoist comes in capacity ranging from 125 kg to 250 kg. This chain hoist is offered with conical rotor motor. The conical rotor motor is one hour rated and eliminates additionally mounted conventional EM brake. Specialised conical rotor motor makes the hoist compact, lightweight, and eliminates brake problems. The chain hoist is also offered with dual speed as optional. This load chain ensures safe lifting and longer life. Specially designed safety clutch protects hoist from overloading, over-hoisting and over-lowering. The hoist is suitable for production applications and offers trouble-free performance.

Brackett Green automatic tube cleaning system (ATCS) is a permanent and a cost-effective solution for reducing the efficiency loss of condensers and heat exchangers due to microfouling and scaling issues. This ATCS injects elastomer rubber balls slightly larger than the tube diameter into the water supply line. Cooling water flow forces them through the condenser tubes. As they pass through the tubes, the balls wipe the tubes clean of deposits and continually remove silt, scale and biological fouling.

Hafa Hoists Pvt Ltd Navi Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-27694586 Email: hafa@vsnl.net

Ball valve The ball valve is offered in three-piece, two-piece and one-piece design with full bore and reduced bore with ends threaded, socket weld or butt weld, flanged to ANSI or DIN Std. It comes with a PTFE seat, which eliminates the need for periodic maintenance. The mirror finish ball ensures perfect matching with seats and gives long life. Blowout-proof stem and GFT packing eliminates gland leakages and reduces operating torque. The three-piece wafer-type design facilitates easy installation and inline maintenance at site of seals without dismantling the valve. The valve is provided with heating/cooling jackets to suit service conditions.

Diamond Engineering Works Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-26853317 Email: diamondengg@rediffmail.com

Eimco Water Technologies Surat - Gujarat Tel: 0261-2465972 Email: hiren.trivedi@glv.com

Magnetic coupling This magnetic coupling is mainly used in providing solutions of leak proofing pumps and agitators handling hazardous and difficult-to-use chemicals.

The technology involves use of permanent magnets to transmit motor torque to the pump without contact.

This enables sealing of the pump shaft hermetically, thus preventing leakage of fluid medium from the pump seals. It finds applications in isocyanate and polyol pumps in polyurethane machines, pharma and chemical process industries, food applications, biotechnology, industrial ovens and batching machines, bottom-mounted agitators for blenders and mixing vessels, etc.

BEDA Flow Systems Pvt Ltd Noida - Uttar Pradesh Tel: 0120-4329990, Mob: 09212289411 Email: info@bedaflow.com

Rotary evaporator

The super conductive carbon black (CL-08) enables users to obtain a wide range of conductivity levels in their products at lower loadings. Low loading allows easier processing and good dispersion for compounds that are sensitive to filler addition. These help to avoid losses in mechanical and rheological properties and improve the performance & efficiency of customers’ products.

The RV10 rotary evaporator is used for distilling a wide range of liquids. This has an attractive appearance backed by innovative features in the areas of safety, functionality and ergonomics. The evaporator automatically lifts the receiving flask out of the heating bath if the power cuts off. This means that the ongoing test and any distillate already produced are unaffected by the stoppage. The patented geometry of the IKA distillation condenser also provides a larger cooling surface area for distillation. The associated heating bath is ergonomic and safe.

Continental Carbon India Ltd Noida - Uttar Pradesh Tel: 0120-2840505 Email: sales@continentalcarbonindia.com

IKA India Pvt Ltd Bengaluru - Karnataka Tel: 080-26253925, Mob: 09845387684 Email: usha@ika.in

Carbon black

April 2012 | Chemical World

81

PRODUCTS

Centrifugal pump

Corrugated tube heat exchangers

The multi-stage horizontal centrifugal pump is a non-self-priming pump. All wetted parts, ie, impellers, diffusers, stage casings, etc, are made of corrosionresistant stainless steel. The pump is axial suction and vertical radial delivery-type with threaded ports. It has enclosed fan-cooled AC induction motor. Dynamically balanced rotors ensure vibration-free and noiseless operation. Salient features are: proven performance & durability, reliability & rugged in construction, stainless impellers & stage casings, energy-efficient motors, sturdy & compact, noiseless & smooth operation, and ease in maintenance/zero maintenance.

Ecoflux corrugated tube heat exchangers use corrugated tubes instead of plain tubes.

The tubes are corrugated to induce turbulence in both flows at lower velocities.

This not only increases thermal efficiency but also eliminates product channeling. Product fluid channel is surrounded on both sides by the service fluid used for high viscous material.

Aquasub Engineering Coimbatore - Tamil Nadu Tel: 0422-2642484, Mob: 09884326195 Email: atxcbe@eth.net

Nutsche filter This nutsche filter is a simple batch-type filter.

It is a dish end type of tank with a filter plate fitted or bolted inside with flanges having a cloth as filter media. Filter plate is perforated to allow the filtrate. The slurry fed into the filter vessel is separated into filtrate and the residue in the form of cake on the filter cloth, which can be removed manually. The filter can be offered up to operating vacuum of 720 mm of Hg.

HRS Process Systems Pvt Ltd Pune - Maharashtra Tel: 020-25663581 Email: mktcom@hrsasia.co.in

Swing check valve The swing check valve comes in sizes ranging from 65 to 300 mm. This valve meets the design requirements as per BS 1868/API 6D/ASME B16.34 and testing requirements as per API 598/EN 12266-1. Face-to-face and end-to-end dimensions (Dim A) conform to ASME B16.10; and drilling & flange dimensions conform to ASME B16.5, while butt weld end dimensions conform to ASME B16.25.

To ensure long and trouble-free valve performance, seating surface is accurately machined, precisely aligned and perfectly lapped. Materials of construction are carbon steel and stainless steel.

EPP Composites Pvt Ltd Rajkot - Gujarat Tel: 0281-2361623, Mob: 09099072550 Email: marketing@epp.co.in

Met-Flow Controls Pvt Ltd Hubli - Karnataka Tel: 0836-2332599, Mob: 09345886999 Email: info@metflowindia.com

Digital magnahelic gauge

High-pressure piston pump

This digital magnahelic gauge is used for pressure/vacuum measurement in the magnahelic pressure range. The instrument is capable of measuring differential pressure (two ports), gauge and vacuum measurement for all ranges. Also available is the standard pressure measuring range of 0 to 1, 2, 4, 5, 10, 40, 100, 400, 700 bar gauge pressure indicator and 0.0 to -760.0 mm hg vacuum range indicator. It finds applications in cleanroom pressure measurement, HVAC equipment, Hepa filters, boiler equipment, air handling units, etc.

The high-pressure piston pump and packages are ideal for transfer and supply of medium-to-high viscosity materials. This line of extrusion ram/pump packages includes single-post and two-post extrusion pump rams and complete ram/pump packages for 5gallon containers. Featuring superior down-force in a compact footprint, the new ARO ram/pump packages are especially suited to high-viscosity material applications including inks, caulks, mastics, lubricants and more in market segments such as automotive, automotive tier suppliers, printing, packaging and more.

Ace Instruments Hyderabad - Andhra Pradesh Tel: 040-23078848, Mob: 09394030848 Email: sales@aceinstrumentshyd.com

Ingersoll Rand Industrial Products Pvt Ltd Ghaziabad – Uttar Pradesh Tel: 0120-4389200 Email: brijesh_mulik@irco.com

82

Chemical World | April 2012

PRODUCTS

Pallet washing machines

Gas monitors

Type PalWash pallet washing systems are especially made for cleaning of standard plastic pallets. These systems clean up to 100 pallets per hour and contain a separate pre-wash zone and a final rinsezone. Soiled pallets to be washed are manually placed on the machines and conveyed by a chain conveyor into the wash chamber.

These are reliable for onthe-spot measurement of toxic gases at workplaces or for monitoring in different application areas.

The instruments can be used with over 20 different gases. These are microprocessor-based and come with alphanumeric LCD. The instruments come with data logger & RTC and have inbuilt pump for remote sampling.

Flow Control Industries Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-32227296 Mob: 09833889965 Email: ludwig_vaz@rediffmail.com

In-line colloid mills Supraton from BWS Technologies GmbH, Germany is an energy saving machine that can grind, disperse, mix, dissolve, emulsify, homogenise solids & liquids, liquids & gases or even different liquids. It consists of a set of stator and rotor rings running at a high-speed and with extremely fine & accurate clearances.

Machinomatic Engineers Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-22044766 Mob: 09820035943 Email: praveer@symachgroup.com

Uniphos Envirotronic Pvt Ltd Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-40371646 Email: cel@uniphos.com

Thermic fluid heaters These have capacities ranging from 30,000 kcal/hr to 20,00,000 kcal/hr. The thermic fluid heaters have maximum operating temperature of 300째C for thermic fluid and 130째C for hot water.

Concentric coil is made from MS seamless tube of ASTMA 106 GRB. The units are equipped with high efficiency oil/gas burners and air preheater arrangement.

Aero Therm Systems Pvt Ltd Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-25890158; Mob: 09825008720 Email: contact@aerothermsystem.com

Static mixers Miniaturised sensor systems The CarboSen miniaturised sensor systems are used for detection of flammable gases, such as CO, H2 or CxHy, for example. These systems consist of a sensor unit, sensor housing and sensor electronics. The sensor electronics enable temperature compensation during operation. This design can be used at temperatures up to 450째C. Lamtec GmbH & Co KG Walldorf - Germany Tel: +49-6227-605240 Email: info@lamtec.de

These static mixers are used for liquid-liquid mixing wherever it is difficult by conventional operation.

Fluid components to be mixed are pumped at the inlet of the mixing unit containing static mixing elements.

Due to special construction of the mixing elements, fluids are directed radially outwards and inwards while the forward flow continues.

Fenix Process Technologies Pvt Ltd Pune - Maharashtra Tel: 020-65008772 Mob: 09860723222 Email: info@fenix.in

April 2012 | Chemical World

83

PRODUCTS

Hydraulic test pump

Diesel and gasoline nozzles

The motorised hydraulic test pump comes in sturdy crankcase, completely sealed and made from graded cast iron. Heavyduty bearings are used to provide support to the alloy steel, hardened and ground crankshaft at both ends. The lubrication of power-end parts and bearings are done by splash lubrication system from reservoir oil in the crankcase. Hardened stainless steel and ground plunger offer corrosion- and abrasion-resistance for longer life.

The FuelMaster and Big Mouth diesel and gasoline nozzles are designed for use on farm and consumer pumps. The lightweight Tensalloy aluminium FuelMaster diesel nozzle provides high flow capacity required by truck stops and terminal operations.

Micro-touch valve provides smooth operation and exceptional flow control. Super tough nylon hose guard and hold-open clip and easy-to-change lockout style spout assembly are other important features. The lightweight Big Mouth diesel nozzle offers efficient refuelling.

Dev Engineers Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-26403839 Mob: 09824012742 Email: info@devpumps.com

Laser particle size and shape analyser The laser particle size and shape analyser is available in wet and dry mode feeding. Low-cost particle sizers for small-scale industry and colleges, mid-range models for quality control, and top-of-the-line models for large-scale industry and research institutes are available.

These analysers find applications in pharmaceuticals, cement, pesticides, battery material, graphite, petrochemicals, metallic powders, catalysts, etc.

MeasureTest Corporation Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-22027982 Mob: 09869012701 Email: measuretest@yahoo.com

Water treatment systems A complete range of water treatment systems and standalone equipment is available as per diverse requirements. These systems are used for clarification and filtration to remove suspended particles, turbidity, organics, iron & manganese; softening to remove hardness; demineralisation to remove salts from low salinity water, and desalination systems to remove salinity from high salinity water.

Concepts India Pvt Ltd Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-27758873 Email: conceptsindia@vsnl.com

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Chemical World | April 2012

Dixon Asia Pacif ic Pvt Ltd Mumbai – Maharashtra Tel: 022-40931555 Email: salesindia@dixonvalve.com.au

Screw pumps The KX series industrial and chemical screw pumps is offered in the capacity of 200 m³/hr, pressure at 48 bar, temperature of 200°C and viscosity at 1,00,000 CST. KDX pumps are of cast iron construction with various metallurgy of rotating parts, like alloy steel, tool steel, SS 304 and SS 316, while KHX pumps are available in SS 304 and SS 316 material of construction.

Hydro Prokav Pumps (India) Pvt Ltd Coimbatore - Tamil Nadu Tel: 0422-3242220 Email: hydroprokav@vsnl.net

Pultruded cooling towers The cooling towers are lightweight and take less construction/installation time.

These offer much longevity and resist corrosion. The pultruded FRP cooling towers are suited for seawater application as a replacement for old and large wooden cooling towers or fresh installation of new cooling towers in place of conventional ones.

Paltech Cooling Towers & Equipments Ltd Gurgaon - Haryana Tel: 0124-4222483 Email: paltech@paltech.in The information published in this section is as per the details furnished by the respective manufacturer/distributor. In any case, it does not represent the views of Chemical World

LIST OF PRODUCTS

Looking For A Specific Product?

Searching and sourcing products were never so easy.

Just type CW (space) Product Name and send it to 51818

eg. CW Pump and send it to 51818 Sl. No.

Product

Pg. No.

Sl. No.

Product

To know more about the products featured in this magazine, fax us on 022-3003 4499 or tear and post to us the ‘Product Inquiry Card’ by following the 5 easy steps given there. Alternatively, you may also write to us at michael@infomedia18.in or call us on 022-3003 4684, and we will send your inquiries to the advertisers/ companies directly to help you source better.

Pg. No.

Sl. No.

Product

Pg. No.

1

Accelerated ageing test ........................ 29

51

Exhibition - Engineering Expo .............. 32

101 Pharma temperature control ..................... 8

2

Acoustic cleaning systems ....................... 74

52

Failure analysis ................................... 29

102 Pilot plant................................................ 11

3

Acoustic hood ......................................... 79

53

Filler compositional analysis ................... 29

103 Piping system from polypropylene ............ 6

4

Agitator ................................................... 11

54

Filter presses ............................................ 76

104 Polymer characterisation ......................... 29

5

Air blower ............................................... 79

55

Fire tube type package IBR steam boiler ....75

105 Pressure and vacuum filtration ................ 41

6

Air freight ................................................. 8

56

Flash dryer ............................................... 37

106 Programmable logic controllers............... 76

7

Air handling units ................................... 75

57

Fuels - diesel ........................................... 29

107 PTFE-lined valve & pipe fitting .............. 4

8

Air pollution control equipment ...........FIC

58

Full body opening centrifuges ................. 80

108 Pultruded cooling towers ........................ 84

9

Air receiver ............................................FIC

59

Gas .................................................... 29

109 Pumping solution ................................. BIC

10

Allied services ............................................ 8

60

Gas detector strips................................... 74

110 Radar transmitter systems ................... 75

11

Analytical instrumentation .....................BC

61

Gas monitors ........................................... 83

111 Reactor ..................................... 15, 61, FIC

12

Aqua gas chlorinator ............................... 63

62

Gear oil ................................................... 29

112 Reverse osmosis desalination system ....... 76

13

Automatic and contained discharge ........ 41

63

Gear pumps ............................................. 74

113 Rotary atomiser ....................................... 37

14

Automobile care cleaning chemicals ....... 80

64

Heat exchangers................................FIC

114 Rotary evaporator .............................. 11, 81

15

Ball valve ............................................ 81

65

Heating bath ........................................... 11

115 Sampling valve teflon-lined................... 4

16

Ball valve teflon-lined ............................... 4

66

High pressure homogeniser .................... 11

116 Screening machines ................................. 76

17

Basket and pot strainers .......................... 74

67

High-pressure piston pump .................... 82

117 Screw pumps ........................................... 84

18

Batch disperser ........................................ 11

68

Hot air & water generator ...................... 75

118 Seamless pipe .......................................... 75

19

Bellow & dip-pipe .................................... 4

69

Hot plate ................................................. 11

119 Shaker ...................................................... 11

20

Biodiesel .................................................. 29

70

HPLC ....................................................BC

120 Solenoid-driven metering pumps ............ 63

21

Blower ..................................................... 79

71

Hydraulic test pump................................ 84

22

Boiler ....................................................... 75

72

Industrial panel PCs ........................... 80

23

Burner...................................................... 75

73

Industrial plastic components ................. 80

24

Butterfly valves teflon-lined ...................... 4

74

Informatic ...............................................BC

25

Cage mill dryer ................................... 37

75

In-line colloid mills ................................. 83

26

Cake pressing .......................................... 41

76

Inline disperser ........................................ 11

27

Calorimeter.............................................. 11

77

Investment castings ................................. 80

28

Carbon black ........................................... 81

78

Kneading machine .............................. 11

29

Centrifugal blowers ................................. 74

79

Knife gate valves...................................... 75

30

Centrifugal pump .................................... 82

80

Laboratory reactor .............................. 11

31

CFI systems............................................. 76

81

Laboratory software................................. 11

32

Check valve teflon-lined ........................... 4

82

Large diameter welded pipe .................... 75

33

COD analyser ......................................... 53

83

Laser particle size and shape analyser ..... 84

34

Column & chemistries ...........................BC

84

Lined valve & pipe fitting......................... 4

35

Compositional & trace metal analysis .... 29

85

Liquid chromatography systems ............. 76

36

Condensers ............................................FIC

86

Lubes - engine oil ................................... 29

137 Tube ........................................................ 75

37

Cone screw mixer ..................................FIC

87

Magnetic coupling .............................. 81

138 Tube cleaning system .............................. 81

38

Continuous or batch filtration ................ 41

88

Magnetic stirrer ....................................... 11

139 ‘U’ tube ............................................... 75

39

Corrugated tube heat exchangers ............ 82

89

Material identification ............................. 29

140 Uncertified packaging ............................... 8

40

Counter current spray dryer .................... 37

90

Metallography ......................................... 29

141 UPLC .....................................................BC

41

Dairy equipment ...............................FIC

91

Mills ........................................................ 11

142 Vacuum control .................................. 63

42

Dampers ................................................FIC

92

Miniaturised sensor systems .................... 83

143 Vacuum or hot gas drying....................... 41

43

Dangerous goods/hazardous cargo chemicals ... 8

93

Motor-driven dosing pump..................... 63

144 Variable inlet vane dampers .................... 80

44

Diesel and gasoline nozzles ..................... 84

94

Multi-fuel fired IBR steam boiler........... 75

145 Vertical non-IBR oil-fired steam boiler.. 75

45

Digital flow meters.................................. 74

95

Multi-stage cake washing........................ 41

46

Digital magnahelic gauge ........................ 82

96

Non-return valve .................................. 4

146 Water treatment systems ..................... 84 147 Water wall membrane panel IBR steam boiler ... 75

47

Disperser.................................................. 11

97

Nutsche filter........................................... 82

148 Welded pipe ............................................ 75

48

Electric chain hoist ............................. 81

98

Overhead stirrer.................................. 11

149 Wood fire four pass thermic fluid heater 75

49

Empower software..................................BC

99

Pallet washing machines ..................... 83

150 Wood fire thermic fluid heater ............... 75

50

Evaporator ............................................... 37

100 Petrol & fuel oil ...................................... 29

151 Zircoat ................................................. 3

121 Solid-liquid mixer ................................... 11 122 Spin flash dryer ....................................... 37 123 Spray dryer .............................................. 37 124 Spray dryer project ................................FIC 125 Stainless steel pipe................................... 75 126 Static mixers ............................................ 83 127 Steam boiler ............................................ 75 128 Strainer teflon-lined .................................. 4 129 Swing check valve ................................... 82 130 Teflon-lined valve & pipe fitting........... 4 131 Tefzel hhs Isotactic PP material ............... 6 132 Testing .................................................... 29 133 Thermic fluid heater ......................... 75, 83 134 Thermoplastic valves ................................. 6 135 Thermostat & vacuum dryer/mixer ........ 11 136 Transmission fluid................................... 29

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Infomedia18 75

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29

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Balkrishna Boilers Pvt Ltd

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Chemical World | April 2012

BC

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