Chemical World - October 2011 by Infomedia18

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INDUSTRY WATCH - Chemical World

October 2011

EDITORIAL

Business after DEPB…

he government’s recent decision (finally) to withdraw the export incentive, popularly called Duty Entitlement Pass Book (DEPB) scheme, has come as a bolt from the blue. It is to be replaced by a transitional Duty Drawback Scheme (DDS) or Duty Exemption Entitlement Certificate (DEEC) Licence. In a way, it can be considered as phasing out the stimulus package that the government had offered in 2008-09 in a bid to strengthen Indian exports amid worldwide economic slump. While the industry’s opinion is starkly divided over the short- and long-term ramifications of this move, the timing of it assumes greater significance. With steadily deteriorating economic difficulties in the US and European Union, the outstanding performance of the country’s exports, which surged by a whopping 54.2 per cent between April and August 2011 to $ 134.5 billion, is now facing strong headwinds in sustaining such expanding pace. That said, one needs to consider the facts and figures before getting down to evaluating the impact of withdrawing DEPB scheme – that had been in existence since the mid 1990s – on the exports. With approximately $ 40-billion worth of Indian exports under the DEPB scheme, last year the government had spent more than ` 8,500 crore on DEPB refunds and the major beneficiary sectors included engineering, chemical, pharmaceutical, textile, marine products, among others. As a share of exports, the credit comes to about five per cent of total exports under DEPB. Prima facie, a marginal reduction of benefits to exporters due to lower tax incentive structures (the difference of about 2.5 per cent) may not have a huge impact on their business. However, adequate mechanism needs to be put in place to help small-scale industries, which would not be able to import duty-free raw materials (under DEEC) due to their smaller quantities.

Editorial Advisory Board Pothen Paul Executive Chairman, Aker Powergas Pvt Ltd

Also, the time has come to ascertain the most pragmatic means to ensure consistent growth of Indian exports. The industry needs to figure out whether to adopt the right mix of technology, innovation and infrastructure to pave way for the supremacy of ‘Made in India’ products on the global map or rely heavily on subsidies. The sooner it comes up with the answer, the better.

D P Misra 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

October 2011 | Chemical World

CONTENTS

LEADERS SPEAK “We envision having the full power of technology available for customers anytime and anyplace through mobile applications” ...says Sunil Chaudhari, Country Manager - South Asia, AspenTech India

ROUNDTABLE 30

Withdrawal of DEPB scheme: A boon or bane?

FACILITY VISIT 34

Praxair India Pvt Ltd: ‘Airing’ safety and eﬃciency

SECTOR WATCH 36

Heating equipment market: Turning the heat on

MARKET SCOPE 40

Cooling equipment: Paving the way for green energy

INDUSTRY UPDATE 42

Industrial coatings: Vrooming ahead in India!

COATINGS CORNER Financial turmoil in global markets: Casting dark shadows on emerging economies Dr Mosongo Moukwa, Vice President - Technology, Asian Paints Ltd

SAFETY ZONE Instrumentation techniques: Quality ﬁ rst, but safety foremost K N K Murthy, Consultant

MATERIAL CORNER Nanomaterials in lithium-ion batteries: ‘Charged up’ to explore new possibilities Vivek Patel, Consultant

TECH TRACK 54

Water treatment: Green technology for clean solution Brent Giles, Senior Analyst, Lux Research

TREND ANALYSIS Workplace safety: Embracing reliability-centered maintenance Pradeep K Gupta, Practice Head - Port, EPC, Manufacturing, IFS India

CURTAIN RAISER Q

Engineering Expo Pune 2011: Gateway to exuberant opportunities

IPVS 2011: All pumped up to tap the changing paradigm

63 65

REPORT Q

Engineering Expo Rudrapur 2011: Optimising the Northern advantage

Watertech Expo 2011: A technology forum to save the precious drop

68 70

R EGU L A R SEC T ION S Editorial ....................................................5 National News.........................................10 National News - Report .........................14 World News ............................................16 Tech Updates ..........................................22 Events Calendar ......................................66 Technology Transfer ................................72 Book Shelf...............................................74 Product Update .......................................76 Product Index ..........................................86 Advertisers’ List .......................................87

Highlights of Next Edition SPECIAL FOCUS: Pumps & Valves

Details on page no. 27-28, 66, 89

INSIGHT & OUTLOOK: Green Chemistry Note: ` stands for Indian rupee, $ stands for US dollar and £ stands for UK pound, unless mentioned otherwise

October 2011 | Chemical World

Business Insights Technologies Opportunities

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October 2011 | Chemical World

NATIONAL NEWS

ACHIEVEMENT EPC MANAGEMENT

GACL appoints Uhde India for sodium chlorate plant at Dahej Uhde India has been appointed by Gujarat Alkalies and Chemicals Ltd (GACL), one of India’s leading manufacturers of caustic soda – chlorine, to render Engineering, Procurement, Construction Management (EPCM) services for its upcoming 20,000 TPA sodium chlorate plant at its chemical complex at Dahej, Gujarat. The scope of the agreement covers project management, basic & detailed engineering, procurement services, proprietary supplies and supervision services for erection and commissioning of the plant. The sodium chlorate plant will use the ThyssenKrupp Uhde Electrolysis process. The project is due for completion in the first half of 2013. Uhde India is already associated with GACL for the manufacture of caustic soda – chlorine based on the ThyssenKrupp Uhde Electrolysis process at its facilities at Dahej and Vadodara in Gujarat. GACL is engaged in the manufacture of a number of chemicals including caustic soda, caustic potash, chloromethanes, etc. Its relationship with Uhde India began in the late 80s, when, as part of its ‘clean technology’ initiatives, it implemented the mercury-free, environment-friendly and energy-efficient ThyssenKrupp Uhde Membrane Cell technology for its caustic soda plants.

Dr G Narahari Sastry wins Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar award Dr G Narahari Sastry, a scientist at Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, won the 2011 Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar award in chemical sciences. Dr Sastry was selected for this coveted award for his contributions towards understanding the manifestation of non-bonded interactions in controlling the structure & function of molecules and computeraided drug design. Several of his theoretical predictions were verified experimentally, a release stated. Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar award is the country’s highest science prize given every year to scientists below 45 years of age for their outstanding contribution to scientific research.

INVESTMENT

GREEN CHEMISTRY

Lubrizol to invest in India

IGCW 2011 to open a green route towards sustainability

The US-based specialty chemicals maker Lubrizol Corporation, a whollyowned subsidiary of Buffett’s investment company, Berkshire Hathaway Inc, will be setting up a chlorinated polyvinyl chloride (CPVC) industrial unit, in partnership with Astral Poly Technik, at the Gujarat Industrial Development Corporation complex in Dahej. This will be the second investment by Berkshire in India and arguably the largest so far. Till now, Berkshire’s sole investment in India is Bengaluru-based tool maker TaeguTec India. Lubrizol will initially pump $ 245 million (` 1,177 crore) into the venture in Gujarat. The construction work is expected to start in January 2013 and the production from October 2014, according to the state government. Tom Frubus, Chief, Lubrizol Corporation (USA), said, “CPVC products have great demand in Southeast Asia, West Asia and Africa. Considering the investor-friendly environment, transparent policies and best infrastructure facilities in Gujarat, we have chosen the state for setting up the first unit,” said Frubus. Dahej is already a major chemical hub, with India’s largest Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region being developed there. Astral Poly Technik manufactures plumbing systems for residential and industrial applications. 10

Chemical World | October 2011

Industrial Green Chemistry World (IGCW) 2011, an industrial convention focussed on Green Chemistry, will be held from December 4-6, 2011, at Intercontinental - The Lalit, Mumbai. Organised jointly by Green ChemisTree Foundation and Newreka Green Synth Technologies Pvt Ltd, the convention will showcase technologies and products in the chemical industry that can expand the implementation and commercialisation of Green Chemistry and Green Engineering. The three-day convention consists of symposium (IGCW Sympo), exhibitions (IGCW Expo), seminars (180O Seminar Series) and an award ceremony (IGCW Awards). Commenting on the importance of implementing Green Chemistry, Prof Paul Anastas, one of the founders of the twelve principles of Green Chemistry and a speaker at the symposium, opined, “The reason Green Chemistry is being adopted so rapidly around the world is because it is a pathway to ensuring economic and environmental prosperity.” According to Nitesh Mehta, Co-founder, Newreka Green Synth Technologies Pvt Ltd and convenor of the symposium, the core idea behind this initiative is to activate work towards Green Chemistry for which involvement of academic, industrial and governmental & nongovernmental bodies is needed collectively, which will further help the designing & development of environment-friendly chemistry practices around the world. IGCW 2011 will bring together more than 20 presentations on strategic issues and industrial case studies, innovations and emerging trends by the world’s best scientific researchers & industry leaders. More than 70 exhibitors will be showcasing technologies for the implementation of Green Chemistry and engineering.

NATIONAL NEWS

APPOINTMENT

STRATEGIC DECISION

C E Fernandes elected new Chairman of PPMAI

Spic to sell Tuticorin business

L-R: V P Ramachandran, Secretary, PPMAI; A K Modi; C M Venkateshwaran, COO, Aker Powergas Subsea Pvt Ltd & Outgoing Chairman, PPMAI; R G Rajan; C E Fernandes; and V F Correa

In the recently held 47th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Process Plant and Machinery Association of India (PPMAI) in Mumbai, C E Fernandes, CMD, GEI Industrial Systems Ltd, Bhopal, was unanimously elected as the Chairman for 2011-2012. He has been Chairman of

CII Infrastructural Panel, Madhya Pradesh and Bhopal Zonal Council. Prior to this, Fernandes was Deputy Chairman of PPMAI for the past two years. Also, Anil K Modi, General Manager – Manufacturing, Heavy Engineering Division, Larsen & Toubro Ltd, and Vernon Francis Correa, Member of the Board & Director – Projects, Tecnimont ICB Pvt Ltd, were elected as Deputy Chairman for 2011-2012. R G Rajan, CMD, Rashtriya Chemicals and Fertilizers Ltd, the Chief Guest on this occasion, emphasised India’s current standing at the threshold of sustained growth and highlighted various opportunities for the process plant & machinery industry emanating from several sectors.

Southern Petrochemicals Industries Corporation (Spic) plans to sell its phosphatic (including sulphuric acid, phosphoric acid, DAP, NPK, single super phosphate and aluminium fluoride) business situated at Tuticorin, together with the business undertaking, for a consideration of not less than ` 300 crore to bring down its liabilities of ` 3,000 crore. Interestingly, the plant was revived only in October last year after three years of closure owing to huge debt and lack of working capital, among other issues. Asset Reconstruction Company of India (ARCIL) has decided to sell the Tuticorin plant business also to raise funds to bring down the overall liability.

PRODUCT LAUNCH ENDOSULFAN EXPORT

Messung Systems launches NX7 PLC

Apex court permits export of 1,100 tonne of endosulfan with riders

The Pune-based Messung Group of Companies, a leading industrial automation provider and pioneer of Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) technology in India, launched one of its most ambitious products – NX7 PLC recently. This new exclusive range of PLC is equipped with the latest state-of-the-art product that has a combination of PC & PLC. It is IEC 61131-3 compliant and consists of user-defined web pages, extremely fast I/O update, various field-bus options (Profibus/Modbus), hot swappable I/O modules, redundancy features, support up to 32 expansion racks – with international standard (CE/RoHS), flexible architecture, and wide I/O & special modules. It enables enhanced diagnosis and is designed for easy installation & maintenance. Keeping in mind the requirements of process companies, project handling companies, conveyer manufacturers, machinery & production monitoring system manufacturers and EPC contractors in the field of water, power and building automation, Messung Systems has deployed the best resources to develop a product of this calibre. The R&D team incorporated the latest technologies in the product, like the capability to handle large number of I/Os with fast update, embedded Linux-based operating system with real-time multitasking feature, multiple Ethernet ports and expansion cable redundancy. It also includes some new user-friendly features in mechanical structure like diagnostic LCD on each module, special diagnostic push button for field diagnostics, dynamically updated diagnostic Web pages, huge memory for data storage, application event logging, remote monitoring, hot plugging of all modules and roadmap towards hot-standby redundancy. Its innovative design facilitates its usage in various applications such as infrastructure, machinery automation, water management and utility sectors.

The Supreme Court permitted the export of nearly 1,100 tonne of endosulfan but retained the ban on manufacture, sale and use of the controversial pesticide. The exports are subject to conditions pertaining to safety. These include the prevention of poisoning and environmental pollution. A three judge Bench headed by the Chief Justice, S H Kapadia, said that as against the accumulated quantity of endosulfan in stock with manufacturers, 1,090.596 tonne of the pesticide can be exported to those countries from where the orders have been received. This is to help the manufacturers meet their contractual obligations, the court said, adding that each exporter will have to obtain a certificate of registration for exports from the competent authority. The packaging of the export consignment will have to be done as per the Insecticide Rules, 1971, and under the strict supervision of the officials from Customs, Excise and Environment Ministry officials, the court said. In August, the court had asked the expert panel to find out the quantity of the pesticide made in India ready for export against pending orders. The panel had recommended export of the pesticide. The court added that the Customs officers at the ports should check to ensure that the seals of the consignments are not tampered with.

October 2011 | Chemical World

NATIONAL NEWS

POLICY DECISION FERTILISER

India eyes at regular potash supply from Canada India has demanded for Canadian Government’s intervention with the aim to streamline the supply of potash fertiliser from the North American nation to the Indian buyers. The issue came to the forefront for discussion during the meeting between Anand Sharma, Commerce and Industry Minister, India, and Edward Fast, Minister of International Trade for the Asia-Pacific, Canada. Sharma has stated that Canada needs to view the matter from a strategic perspective. “Canada needs to ask its businesses to foray into long-term pacts with the Indian buyers on commercial terms,” he said. Recently, there has been a deadlock over the import price of the crop nutrient. The negotiations over potash imports by Indian firms have been stalled due to the pricing issue. As the suppliers have been quoting a rate of around $ 500 per tonne, the Indian firms had sought that the price should not cross the limit of $ 420 per tonne. Both the ministers have also deliberated on the steps to strengthen bilateral interface between the governments and the private sector. As all the issues regarding Foreign Investment Protection Agreement (FIPA) and Bilateral Social Security Agreement (SSA) have been solved, they could now be inked at an appropriate time.

Anti-dumping duty on hazardous chemical imports from China India has imposed an anti-dumping duty of up to $ 0.26 per kg on imports of a hazardous chemical, used in manufacturing of pesticides and dyes, from China to protect the domestic industry. The duty, which has been imposed for a period of five years, is in the range of $ 0.09-0.26 per kg of para nitroaniline imported into the country. According to the Department of Revenue, the anti-dumping duty imposed shall be effective for a period of five years (unless revoked, superseded or amended ear lier) f rom September 9, 2011.

EXPANSION

NEW DEAL

Balmer Lawrie plans to foray into construction chemicals

BG Group inks LNG pact with Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation for 20 years

Balmer Lawrie and Company Ltd is mulling over the diversification in its product portfolio by entering into the manufacturing of construction chemicals. While speaking at the firm’s 94th annual general meeting, S K Mukherjee, Chairman and Managing Director, Balmer Lawrie and Company said that the firm’s Performance Chemicals division would be emphasising on boosting its research and development (R&D) and also unveil value-added products to strengthen its marketshare. Moreover, the production of construction chemicals would be done at the firm’s leather chemicals manufacturing facility in Chennai. “We have added capacity at the existing plant in Chennai and the technology for the processing of construction chemicals will come from Muhu, a Chinese company. Eventually, we also want to get into a joint venture arrangement with them for marketing the product,” said Mukherjee. The leather industry in India have been facing tough times due to the inadequate availability and also rising prices of raw hides and also skin.

BG has signed an initial agreement to supply up to 2.5 million tonne a year of liquefied natural gas to state-owned Gujarat State Petroleum Corporation (GSPC) for 20 years. The two companies are likely to sign a binding agreement by early next year and start gas supply by 2014. The natural gas and LNG

BG Group will supply LNG from its global portfolio. The contract will be the secondlargest LNG procurement agreement in India. Petronet LNG imports 7.5 million tonne per annum from RasGas under a long-term contract. For its proposed Kochi terminal, Petronet has signed a

market in India has attracted global majors including BP, which is setting up a joint venture with Reliance Industries for gas marketing. The companies did not divulge the commercial aspects of the deal but industry sources said LNG prices would be linked to the National Balancing Point, a British benchmark.

20-year deal with Exxon Mobil Corp to source 1.44 million tonne a year. GSPC is aggressively scouting for LNG to supply industry, households and automobile users both in Gujarat and other regions. Earlier, GSPC signed an MoU to procure up to 2.5 mt per annum of LNG from Gazprom Global LNG.

Chemical World | October 2011

NATIONAL NEWS Report

Warehousing

Arshiya International to expand FTWZ operations

followed by Chennai, Nagpur and Haldia. The company is also planning to have five pan-India Domestic Distriparks, which will complement the FTWZ network. First of the domestic Distriparks (in Khurja near Delhi) is likely to be operational soon.

Integrated infrastructure

The company is planning to have more Free Trade and Warehousing Zones (FTWZs) with a host of regulatory and operational benefits to facilitate EXIM trade. Rakesh Rao

rshiya International Ltd, one of the leading supply chain and logistics solution providers in India, is planning to open four more FTWZs. New FTWZs will be located in Delhi, Nagpur, Chennai and Haldia. “Arshiya FTWZ can be used for warehousing, trading and value-addition of all types of goods, except Class 1 & 7 hazardous goods. India’s and Arshiya’s first FTWZ in Panvel-Navi Mumbai is a 165-acre facility, operational since October 2010 and has been servicing many chemical, pharmaceutical

companies for import, export & re-export activities. Arshiya will be launching four more FTWZs in the Northern, Central, Southern and Eastern regions of India,” said Ajay Mittal, Chairman and Managing Director, Arshiya International Ltd. Various value-added services (VAS) like packaging, re-packaging, labelling, re-labelling, blending, bagging, bottling, consolidation etc can be performed in the FTWZ. All these VAS activities along with storage, labour and primary transportation from port to FTWZ are exempted from service tax. The Delhi FTWZ is expected to go live in the second quarter of FY12,

FREEWHEELING BENEFITS Some of the regulatory, tax and operational benefits of FTWZ that chemical companies can leverage are mentioned below: R For imports: Flexibility to clear cargo in part consignments (unlike in the case in other CFS/ICDs), thus allowing flexibility towards consumption/end distribution, duty deferment benefits, thereby freeing up working capital & reduction in costs, quality control prior to duty payment, hence no duty to be paid on rejected products, exemption of SAD, VAT and CST on imports through FTWZ R For exports: Cargo entering the FTWZ are treated as deemed export, providing immediate export benefits, local tax exemption (eg, CST, Sales Tax, Excise & VAT) on all activities conducted inside the FTWZ, increased efficiency through lowered reverse logistics activities through quality control before dispatch from India R For re-exports: Income tax exemption on all profits generated through reexport activity through the FTWZ, hassle-free re-export process, ability to leverage India’s cost, skill & geographic positioning advantage as a hub for regional/global distribution post value-addition activities

Chemical World | October 2011

Arshiya FTWZ offers state-of-the-art infrastructure, skilled workforce and all essential amenities integrated with other asset and service-driven entities of Arshiya. These include Rail Infrastructure (with rail sidings, modern rakes & customised containers for consolidation and costeffective movement), Domestic Distriparks (for consolidation, value-addition and distribution of domestic cargo), Transport and Handling (for last mile transportation and handling requirements), Logistics (for ocean, air and project cargo freight management), Supply Chain Management (for managing clients’ supply and demand chain) and Technology (for cutting-edge IT solutions in the logistics domain). This enables Arshiya to offer end-to-end supply chain solutions to its clients. “Thus, FTWZ provides a truly integrated offering customised to chemical companies’ supply chain and multiple storage solutions in a worldclass facility along with skilled workforce, material handling equipment (MHE) and surpasses all safety & security standards,” said Mittal. Speaking about the incentives for chemicals manufacturers, he added, “Arshiya FTWZ is built for multiproduct warehousing, trading and value-addition activities for companies across sectors. Each company has specific storage requirements and utmost care has been taken to ensure that different requirements of companies across sectors are addressed when designing the zone. Arshiya FTWZ offers incentives like superior infrastructure and the regulatory, tax & operational benefits. These benefits when integrated with Arshiya’s other business entities offer a truly unique logistics solution to companies that is one-of-its-kind in India.”

WORLD NEWS

SUSTAINABILIT Y EFFORTS

Nalco named to Dow Jones Sustainability World Index

COLOURANTS

PolyOne to buy ColorMatrix for $ 486 million The US-based chemicals company, PolyOne Corp, will buy ColorMatrix Group, a maker of colourants and other additives for plastics, for $ 486 million. Based in Berea, Ohio, ColorMatrix is a leading specialty provider of liquid colourants and additives for diverse segments, including rigid beverage & food packaging, industrial extrusion, performance moulding, wire, cable, fibre and silicone rubber markets. The additives are used to increase product shelf-life, preserve taste and make products more easily recyclable. ‘’With the addition of ColorMatrix, more than 50 per cent of PolyOne’s operating income will now be derived from our specialty businesses, compared to only 2 per cent in 2005,’’ said Stephen Newlin, Chairman, President and CEO, PolyOne. ColorMatrix’s portfolio includes short turnaround, custom colour dispersions used in silicone processing for a broad range of medical, consumer and automotive applications. ColorMatrix holds 162 patents and 107 pending applications worldwide and nearly 70 per cent of its revenues are generated from outside North America. Ohio-based PolyOne, with 2010 revenues of $ 2.6 billion, is a leading provider of specialised polymer materials, services and solutions.

Nalco, providing essential expertise for water, energy and air, has again been named among the top sustainability companies in world. The company was named to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI) World Index for a fourth consecutive year and to the North America Index for the second straight time. The DJSI World Index captures the top 10 per cent of the world’s 2,500 largest companies based on economic, environmental and social criteria. J Erik Fyrwald, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Nalco, said, “It is especially rewarding to have the company’s efforts recognised by being named again to the Dow Jones Sustainability Index.”

JOINT VENTURE

INDUSTRYACADEMIA COLLABORATION

Evonik establishes joint venture in Russia to produce feed amino acid L-lysine

Dow commits $ 25 million per year to R&D in leading US universities

Evonik Industries and Russian company RusBiotech International have established the joint venture RusskieBiotechnologii for manufacturing L-lysine in Russia by means of a biotechnological process. The purpose of this joint venture, in which Evonik holds a minority shareholding with an option to increase its share significantly, is to produce the feed amino acid L-lysine in Russia. L-lysine is an amino acid for animal feed that Evonik markets under the brand name Biolys. The partner companies are planning to build a plant for Biolys production using the wheat grown in the Rostov region. The total investment of the joint venture will come to around Euro 150 million. The joint venture has already begun with the engineering. The plant is slated to go on line in 2014 and convert approximately 3,00,000 metric tonne of wheat into Biolys each year. The new facility will be operated using the fermentation technology developed by Evonik, which the company has continuously optimised in recent years in terms of efficiency as well as raw material and energy consumption. Biolys manufactured using this technology is an extremely effective lysine source for animal feed. The joint venture will concentrate on the Russian market. “Russia is an important market for us, a country in which demand for biotechnology-manufactured amino acids is growing,” said PatrikWohlhauser, Executive Board Member, Evonik, who is responsible for the consumer, health & nutrition segment.

The Dow Chemical Company has increased its investment in programmes with leading US universities with a $ 25 million per annum commitment for 10 years. The investment will be distributed among 11 institutions to strengthen Andrew N Liveris research in traditional scientific fields important to Dow as well as the nation’s future. “As a major employer of scientific and engineering talent, Dow is committed to the development of the 21st century workforce, which will work to solve society’s most pressing challenges while cultivating a more competitive US marketplace. Excellence in scientific education and the development of innovative solutions go hand-in-hand,” said Andrew N Liveris, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Dow Chemical. Dow’s investment will support faculty, students and infrastructure, enabling a critical mass of resources to address some of the world’s leading challenges. Areas of research include catalysis, process development and new materials for application in electronics, energy, transportation and consumer applications. “This unique and industry-leading investment will support breakthrough technologies and increase collaboration between Dow and key universities, while helping to develop US’ future pipeline of PhD-level talent,” said Dr William F Banholzer, Chief Technology Officer and Executive Vice President - Ventures, New Business Development and Licensing, Dow Chemical.

Chemical World | October 2011

WORLD NEWS

PRODUCT SHOWCASE

STRATEGIC DECISION

Ashland showcases specialty products at Eurocoat 2011

BASF and INEOS close Styrolution joint venture deal

Gilles Pradier

Ashland Specialty Ingredients showcased its offerings of superior biocides, dispersants, rheolog y modifiers, wood protectants and other high-performance ingredients at Eurocoat international exhibition in Paris in September 2011.

“Ashland ’s new technologies such as Fungit rol™ 940CR biocide help coatings formulators significantly to enhance outcomes compared with legacy technologies, and we are happy to have showcased these and other trusted products at Eurocoat,” said Gilles Pradier, Acting Industry Manager, EMEA, Coatings and Construction, Ashland. Visitors to Ashland’s exhibit space discovered in-depth information about various functional ingredients offered to improve product performance, stability and appearance. Ashland Specialty Ingredients offers industry-leading products, technologies and resources for solving formulation & product performance challenges in key markets including personal care, pharmaceutical, food and beverage, coatings and energy.

BASF SE and Switzerland-based INEOS AG recently announced that they have closed their deal to form a joint venture, Styrolution., which will now operate independently. In November 2010, BASF and INEOS announced plans to form the joint venture, Styrolution, with expected annual sales of more than Euro 5 billion. In June this year, European Union’s antitrust authorities cleared the creation of the 50:50 joint venture but set strict conditions on the approval. The joint venture combines the styrene monomer, polystyrene and acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS) plastics businesses of the two chemical companies. The expandable polystyrene sector is not part of the transaction, and will remain within the respective companies.

CHROMATOGRAPH Y SELL OU T

Waters empowers Advantar Laboratories for sustained growth

Clariant sells its Polysilazane Coatings Business

Waters Corporation has announced that its customer Advantar Laboratories, Inc. (San Diego, CA) has successfully completed its rollout of Waters Empower™ 3 chromatography software. The 21CFR Part 11 compliant-ready software will play a key role at Advantar and its new Method Remediation Services group will help to meet increased demand by pharmaceutical and contract manufacturing customers for converting legacy HPLC methods to Ultra Performance LC (UPLC) methods, which offer greater speed, resolution and sensitivity. Advantar selected Empower 3 software to control its expanding portfolio of gas chromatography (GC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and UPLC systems with advanced detectors including Waters’ single and tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (MS/MS), photodiode array and ultraviolet detectors. Waters Empower 3 chromatography software bridges the various technologies at Advantar and enables the company to scale its analytical lab resources efficiently. “Our decision to go with Waters was driven by several key factors including requests from customers. By adding UPLC technology to our lab and creating the Method Remediation Services group, we can support clients who need to develop a UPLC method or rapidly convert multiple methods from HPLC to UPLC simultaneously for large and small molecules alike,” said Brandon Griffin, Vice President - Sales & Marketing, Advantar. “We strongly believe UPLC is the future of chromatography because it greatly reduces run times and solvent waste while significantly improving peak resolution, sensitivity and speed. These benefits translate into tremendous environmental, time and material cost savings for laboratories,” said Dr Rohit Khanna, Vice President - Worldwide Marketing, Waters Division.

Clariant has made the sale of its Polysilazane Coatings Business including the production site in India to AZ Electronic Materials (AZ) for approximately Euro 4 million. Under the terms of the agreement, Clariant retains the exclusive right to develop and use polysilazanes for composite materials and ceramics. Clariant will continue its development in the area of ceramic precursors and fibres based on polysilazanes. Christian Kohlpaintner, Member - Executive Committee, Clariant, who is responsible for Group Technology Services (GTS), noted,“The divestiture of the Polysilazane Coatings Business is an example of how Clariant is continuously seeking to increase its operational efficiency. Though small, the transaction allows Clariant to actively manage its technology portfolio and refocus management time on core new business development activities.”

Chemical World | October 2011

WORLD NEWS

NEW FACILIT Y

Dow and K2 Pure announce start-up of chlor-alkali facility at California The Dow Chemical Company and K2 Pure Solutions (K2 Pure) recently celebrated the successful start-up of a new chlor-alkali plant at Dow’s Pittsburg, California site. The new state-of-theart manufacturing facility will produce bleach to serve municipal water treatment facilities in Northern California. In addition, the new plant will supply Dow’s Pittsburg operations with chlorine for the manufacture of crop protection products and other materials. “The Pittsburg facility aligns with Dow’s ambitious 2015 Sustainability Goals to strengthen relationships within the communities where we operate, improve product stewardship, reduce global footprint, and solve some of the world’s most pressing problems – including a more sustainable supply of food and fresh water,” said Mike Gambrell, Executive Vice President, Dow Chemical. “This new facility has the right scale, right location and right solutions to create value for our customers, while giving us the opportunity for future growth by providing secure, local, reliable and competitive supply,” he added. The project, including both facilities, has an annual capacity of 460 million pounds of chlor-alkali products. K2 Pure utilises salt-to-bleach technology, which uses salt, water and electricity as the principle raw materials necessary to produce bleach and chlor-alkali products. INVESTMENTS

SABIC looks forward to strengthening ties with China Prince Saud bin Abdullah bin Thenayan Al-Saud, Chairman of the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu, & Chairman of SABIC, received a high-level Zhang Gaoli (left) and Prince Saud Chinese delegation, bin Thenayan Al-Saud recently at the SABIC headquarters in Riyadh. The delegation was headed by Zhang Gaoli, Member of the Political Bureau, Central Committee, Communist Party of China (CPC), and Secretary of the CPC Tianjin Municipal Committee. Prince Saud lauded the strong growth of the Chinese economy, which has, in turn, boosted SABIC’s presence in the Chinese market. Experts expect the annual demand for petrochemicals in China to grow above 10 per cent over the next ten years. SABIC has announced its plans to establish a $ 1 billion hightech polycarbonate plant in Tianjin City, China with an annual capacity of 2,60,000 tonne to meet the growing demand for plastics in the country. The project will provide an opportunity to the company to grow in the market for high performance engineering thermoplastics, and meet the rising demand for high-tech polycarbonates in China.

October 2011 | Chemical World

WORLD NEWS

CAPACIT Y EXPANSION

PRICE HIKE

Eastman Chemical expands manufacturing capacity for non-phthalate plasticiser

WACKER Polymers increases prices of vinyl acetate-based dispersions

Eastman Chemical, a producer and supplier of chemicals, fibres and plastics has declared expansion of manufacturing capability of its non-phthalate plasticiser named Eastman 168 at its Kingsport, Tennessee facility. The expansion will increase the production of the plasticiser by about 6,000 tonne per year and will meet the increasing customer demand. The facility will be able to operate at expanded capacity by the end of 2011. The capacity expansion work began after successful completion of a debottlenecking process in Kingsport facility in February 2011 and within one month after Eastman Chemical acquired a manufacturing facility in Texas for Eastman 168 production. Heidi Barnes, Director - Oxo and Plasticisers business, Eastman Chemical, stated, “Eastman 168 is recognised as an excellent, general-purpose non-phthalate plasticiser existing in the current market and the demand for the product is continually growing. The company has been making significant investments to ensure reliable supply of the products to its customers now and in the future.” Manufacturers of medical devices, childcare articles, toys and other PVC plastic products have been adopting non-phthalate plasticisers due to market and regulatory pressures across the globe.

WACKER Polymers has raised the prices of its VINNAPAS® vinyl acetate-ethylene and ehtylenevinyl chloride-based copolymer dispersions in the Americas. Effective October 14, WACKER will implement a price increase of $0.03 per wet pound, or as customer contracts allow. This measure has been necessitated by the continued increase in raw material and distribution cost. Commenting on the impact of this on the Indian market, a WACKER official said, “Regarding prices in India, this surely depends on many different factors, so we cannot make a general statement. We will continue to watch the market developments and raw material prices closely, and decide as the case arises.”

MACHINE AU TOMATION

PHOSPHATE COATINGS

Rockwell Automation launches packaged solutions for turbomachinery control

Halox acquisition expands ICL-PP’s specialty phosphates product portfolio

Three new turbomachinery control (TMC) packages from Rockwell Automation incorporate standard, commercial, off-the-shelf control and visualisation technology for fast installation & troubleshooting at a lower total cost of ownership. Solutions for one- and two-valve steam turbines, and single-stage compressors are all preconfigured with proven TMC control algorithms and offer extensive communication and diagnostic capabilities for improved uptime. “These new packaged solutions offer cost-effective, advanced technology solutions for applications that were previously considered too small to warrant the investment. The solutions also feature graphical representation of machine operations via a standard human-machine interface, making configuration, startup and troubleshooting

Halox, based in Hammond, Indiana, has been acquired by ICL Performance Products (ICL-PP), one of the core operating segments of ICL. Halox is a division of the Hammond Group and a provider of specialty phosphate-based corrosion inhibitor solutions for the coating and paint industry. James Moffatt, President - Performance Products, ICL, stated that Halox is recognised as a leader in the corrosionresistant coatings market with excellent reputation for service and quality. The purchase of Hammond Group’s division will expand ICL-PP’s specialty phosphate offerings for the paints and coatings industry. In addition, it expands ICL-PP’s American operations and reinforces the company’s position in the worldwide specialty phosphates industry. ICL-PP is a producer and marketer of foodgrade phosphoric acid, specialty phosphates, technical phosphate products, phosphate salts and services, as well as several food-grade additives and hygiene products. The company serves asphalt paving, industrial cleaning, metal treatment, paper, construction, water treatment and detergent markets. ICL-PP operates manufacturing plants in China, Australia, Israel, North and South America & Europe.

Chemical World | October 2011

much easier for engineers and operators less familiar with TMC control,” explained Rick McLin, Turbomachiner y Controls Business Manager, Rockwell Automation. Rockwell is currently developing two additional TMC solutions, including the singlestage compressor controller, equipped with a dynamic compressor performance map and full graphical interface with comprehensive diagnostics and trending capabilities. It also includes engineering tool sets to simplify and standardise design and engineering. The compressor control solution is ideal for anti-surge and capacity-control applications on compressors used in the oil and gas production, transportation and refining industries, as well as fertiliser production.

WORLD NEWS

POLLU TION CONTROL

LUBRICANTS

Natronx Technologies to set up plant for sorbet production

Quaker Chemical acquires G W Smith & Sons, Inc

Church & Dwight Co Inc, FMC Corp and Tata Chemicals announced their plans to join forces to make products that remove pollutants from coalfired power generation. The company formed Natronx Technologies LLC, based in the US, to produce and sell sodiumbased chemicals that are useful in pollution control. It expects the market for those chemicals to reach $ 400 million by 2015 as coal-fired power plants comply with air quality regulations. Natronx will spend $ 60 million to build a factory that can produce 4,50,000 tonne of chemicals classified as sorbents by the fourth quarter of 2012. The sorbents are used by coal-fired utilities to remove pollutants, such as acid gases, in treatment processes. The founding partners will invest equal amounts in the project. Church & Dwight makes a variety of household products under the Arm & Hammer brand name. FMC is a chemical and agricultural company and Tata Chemicals makes soda ash for a variety of industries.

Quaker Chemical Corporation has acquired G W Smith & Sons, Inc, a leading manufacturer and supplier of die cast lubricants. The acquired business has net sales of approximately $ 14 million. G W Smith’s proprietary formulations of die cast lubricants, metalworking lubricants, and machining fluids are sold through direct sales, distributors, and agents in the US and internationally. G W Smith will operate as a stand-alone subsidiary of Quaker. Included in the transaction are G W Smith’s commercial operations and a manufacturing operation located in Dayton, Ohio. Michael F Barry, Chairman, CEO and President, Quaker Chemical Corporation, said, “G W Smith is an excellent strategic fit for Quaker as it is complementary

to our existing business. G W Smith has earned a reputation as a high quality die cast lubricant and metalworking fluid supplier. Many of our customers have die casting and related operations. We are excited at the prospect of offering G W Smith’s complementary product line to our existing customers, both in the US and globally, as well as offering our metalworking products to G W Smith’s customers. We expect the acquisition to be accretive in the first year.” Quaker Chemical Corporation is a leading global provider of process chemicals, chemical specialties, services, and technical expertise to a wide range of industries – including steel, automotive, mining, aerospace, tube and pipe, coatings, and construction materials.

October 2011 | Chemical World

TECH UPDATES

Waters develops TruView LCMS Certif ied Vials for analytical laboratories

Algae provides clue to produce eco-friendly chemicals

Waters Corporation recently introduced TruView™ LCMS Certif ied Vials, a new line of low-adsorption sample vials certified for LC/MS/MS analyses where analyte concentrations are on the order of ng/mL or pg/mL and where analytical sensitivity & accuracy are critical. “As LC/ MS/MS technology evolves and levels of detection approach or exceed the part-per-trillion range, our customers are demanding low adsorption vials that would not compromise their results. Our TruView glass vials are manufactured and certified to perform better than any commercially available glass autosampler vial,” said Mike Yelle, Senior Director, Chemistry Commercial Operations, Waters Division. TruView vials are manufactured under tight controls using a proprietary process that limits the concentration of free ions on the surface of the glass dramatically lowering analyte adsorption. The longer a vial awaits injection of its contents, the greater the analyte adsorption.

According to a UC Davis chemist, vats of blue-green algae could one day replace oil wells in producing raw materials for the chemical industry. Shota Atsumi, an Assistant Professor of Chemistry, is using ‘synthetic biology’ to create cyanobacteria or blue-green algae that convert carbon dioxide in the air into complex hydrocarbons, all powered by sunlight. Cyanobacteria are single-celled organisms that, like green plants, can use sunlight to turn carbon dioxide and water into sugars and other carbohydrates. The US Department of Energy has set a goal of obtaining a quarter of industrial chemicals from biological processes by 2025. Today 99 per cent of the raw materials used to make paint, plastics, fertilisers, pharmaceuticals and other chemical products come from petroleum or natural gas, according to Atsumi. While some chemicals, such as biofuels, can be obtained from converted plant material, plants are relatively slow to grow, and using farms to grow fuel takes arable land out of food production. Instead, Atsumi is engineering cyanobacteria to make chemicals they do not make in nature. By carefully analysing genes in these and other organisms, his team will assemble artificial synthetic pathways and put them into living cells.

Researchers find easy way to store hydrogen

Endress+Hauser launches flowmeters based on HART

Hydrogen has long been considered a promising alternative to fossil fuels, but one major obstacle has been finding lightweight, robust and inexpensive ways to store it. New research by a team from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and several other institutions analyses the performance of a class of materials considered a promising candidate for such storage: activated carbon that incorporates a platinum catalyst, so hydrogen atoms can bond directly to the surface of carbon particles and then be released when needed. The team analysed the activated carbon’s storage of hydrogen using a technique called inelastic neutron scattering, which they say is uniquely capable of determining whether the hydrogen in the sample exists as individual atoms or H2 molecules. This approach can also assess the gas’ interaction with the storage material. Using this method, they were able to provide convincing evidence, for the first time, that hydrogen moves into the material as a result of a phenomenon called the spillover effect, in which atoms — thanks to the presence of platinum particles as a catalyst — split off from their molecules and diffuse through the carbon, where they bond to its surface. Other researchers had suspected the spillover effect was involved, but had been unable to demonstrate that this was the case.

Chemical World | October 2011

Endress+Hauser has announced that the Promass E 200 coriolis flowmeters are ‘the world’s first with true two-wire 4-20 mA HART technology’. They are designed to be ‘the only two-wire type with a full 16 mA of measurement span without the need for excess adapters, power supplies, or barriers.’ The new meters simultaneously measure mass flow, fluid density, and temperature. In addition to such liquids as acids, alkalis, or solvents the instruments measure most gases, declares their manufacturer. It can measure mass flow and volume flow with 0.25 per cent accuracy, while it offers density measurement with accurate to 0.0005-g/cm3. Promass E 200 operates in process Classes 150 to 600 at up to 284°F. The flowmeters can be supplied in 3/8 to 2-in. line sizes with 904L stainless steel as a standard wetted material. Transmitter options include aluminium and stainless steels for oil, gas, chemical, and process uses.

TECH UPDATES

Blackmer designs vane pumps for chemical processing

GF Piping’s systems offer uninterrupted process installation and operation

Blackmer has designed GX Series sliding vane pumps, which have the versatility to handle a wide variety of non-corrosive solvents and industrial liquids that are used in the chemical processing industry. They are also ideal for a number of chemical processing operations, including in-line blending, mixing, packaging and loading/unloading of trucks, railcars and barges. All GX Series pumps — which are available in four different models with flow rates ranging from 40 and 528 gpm (150 and 1,998 lpm) — are equipped with integral headmounted gear-reduction drives that feature oil-lubricated, hardened helical gears. The gear shafts are supported at both ends by ball bearings for smooth operation and long life. A splined reducer, which can be rotated on the pump head to accommodate a variety of motor sizes, simplifies pump and reducer alignment. The cast iron GX pumps are ideally suited for handling numerous chemicals, thanks to their self-priming, dry-run and high suction-lift capabilities, which make them ideal for clearing lines and removing product from storage tanks, vessels, railcars and transport tankers.

GF Piping Systems has added an ultrasonic flow measurement and logging family to its extensive line of flow and analytical measurement instrumentation. Featuring advanced DSP technology, the new ultrasonic family includes two portable models, Portaflow 220 & 330, and two fixed installation models, Ultraflo 3000/4000. Both system types display instantaneous fluid flow rates or velocity and totalised values & install quickly and easily without interrupting the process stream. The systems’ data loggers can output data directly to a PC or printer or store data in the instrument’s memory for downloading at a later time. The new instruments incorporate ‘Transit-Time’ (time of flight) DSP measurement capability, which is ideal for clean media and process liquids. These devices provide a sampling resolution of 50 pico-second and continuous single level indication to the display.

Patented ultra-high shear mixer increases efficiency

Catalyst with a potential to revolutionise chemical industry discovered

Charles Ross & Son Company has developed Ross PreMax, an ultra-high shear mixer featuring the patented Delta rotor/ stator assembly. The unique geometry of the Delta rotor/ stator generator produces a double vortex that draws batch material from both the top and bottom of the mix chamber, accelerating dispersion and producing rapid turnover rates. Running at a maximum tip speed of 5,000 fpm, the PreMax handles viscosities up to 50,000 cP. Compared to other batch style mixers including high speed dispersers, traditional rotor/stator mixers and immersion mills, the PreMax delivers more superior particle size reduction. Based on side-by-side tests, it can finish viscous emulsions up to six times faster than ordinary high shear mixers. Sample applications include pigment dispersions, cosmetic creams, specialty coatings, ceramic slurries, flavour emulsions, polymer suspensions, gum solutions, etc. Many standard models are available for laboratory batches as small as 1-2 gallons and production vessels up to 1,000 gallons or larger.

Chemistry researchers from University of Alberta have discovered an active catalyst that has the potential to improve the efficiency and environmental impact of manufacturing processes used to make products such as agrochemicals and pharmaceuticals. Steven Bergens, Professor in the Department of Chemistry, led a team researching the effects of different catalysts on organic compounds known as amides, which are raw materials used by many industries to make a variety of chemical products. The catalyst is a rutheniumaminophosphine, which contains ruthenium, carbon, hydrogen, phosphorus and nitrogen. “We found that combining hydrogen with this new catalyst transforms amides into a variety of desired chemical products - namely amines and alcohols, which are ubiquitous in chemical industry - efficiently, safely and without producing potentially environmentally dangerous waste,” said Bergens. According to Bergens, the chemical reaction is considered ‘green’ because the hydrogen can be made onsite, and any excess hydrogen from the reaction can be subsequently reused, or it can be used as a fuel producing only water when burned. Even the miniscule amounts of metal from the catalyst can be recycled.

Chemical World | October 2011

LEADERS SPEAK

“We envision having the full power of technology available for customers anytime and anyplace through mobile applications” …says a proud Sunil Chaudhari, Country Manager - South Asia, AspenTech India. With a career spanning over two decades in industrial automation, software and industrial IT, he shared the moment of glory when AspenTech recently completed thirty illustrious years of its existence. In this free-wheeling interaction with Mahua Roy, Chaudhari discusses the future of industrial IT.

The journey spanning thirty years

Photo by: Joshua Navalkar

Right since the early days, our technical capability and understanding of our customers’ businesses have helped solve complex & critical problems faced by them. This unique ability has set AspenTech apart in the marketplace and has been a key in distinguishing our products from the competition. Our software solutions are specifically tuned to process industry requirements, incorporating models of engineering, manufacturing & planning processes and reflecting the deep domain expertise we have amassed from focussing on process manufacturing for over 30 years. Trends like globalisation, specialisation and market shifts have changed the competitive landscape in the process industries. The growth centre of gravity is shifting towards Asia for most companies. Leveraging and capturing these opportunities would be the key.

Evolution of the AspenTech The PC development and technology evolutions of the mid-80s and early 90s enabled AspenTech unleash its PC-based technology & solutions. The mobility associated with our innovative solutions revolutionised our customers’ use of our products as well as the industry as a whole. We were certainly ahead in our time.

October 2011 | Chemical World

LEADERS SPEAK

The mid-90s saw development of the first graphical user interface, which led to adoption of our technologies multifold, to cater to a much larger market. It reduced barriers, enhanced ease-of-use and increased the sheer number of people that used our products. Another hallmark achievement has been AspenTechâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ability to acquire and integrate some of best of breed companies & synergistic technologies in areas such as costing, equipment design, plant automation and manufacturing solutions. This helped us to grow our capabilities beyond the core simulation & modelling business to cover a larger portfolio from engineering to manufacturing and supply chain management.

Process optimisation for the chemical industry The combination of process data and process models provides a deeper understanding of the behaviour of whole process and helps to uncover opportunities for process improvements and, therefore, improved competitiveness. This would enable chemical manufacturers to have visibility into their operations and help them make better & faster decisions at every level in their organisation, be it at the individual operator unit level, supply chain level, or at the corporate level. A number of key applications embed process models including engineering, planning, scheduling, production accounting and advanced process control. Models enable management and automation of important value-adding business processes such as: R Process simulation, de-bottlenecking, capacity and asset optimisation R Crude oil feedstock selection R Scheduling of an optimal operations plan taking account of operating constraints R Maintaining a process unit at economically optimum operating targets in the face of operation disturbances R Maximising operational performance while minimising energy costs These are just some of the many examples of process optimisation. More

Chemical World | October 2011

than 1,500 blue chip companies in the process industry optimise a wide range of manufacturing, supply chain and engineering operations every day, using AspenTech software, thereby improving competitiveness and profitability by increasing throughput & productivity, reducing operating costs, enhancing capital efficiency, and decreasing working capital requirements.

Balancing cost and energy efficiency perfectly Our technology aspenONE helps the chemical industry achieve sustainability and cost-efficiency by offering solutions for each phase of the business in an integrated environment, providing visibility, sharing and enabling reuse of data & process models. In fact, companies deploying this solution are able to generate benefits of approximately $ 28 million per year per plant, with payback in months instead of years.

Major challenges to be addressed in the chemical industry The major challenges faced by the chemical industry that need to be addressed by technology providers include: R Increasingly competitive landscape due to globalisation R Margin squeeze due to low product pricing power R Maintaining asset effectiveness at high plant utilisation rates R Increasingly stringent governmental regulations R Increased market volatility and eroding customer loyalty

Cloud computing and mobile applications Futuristically speaking, in the area of process engineering, we see significant advancements in terms of leveraging internet capability and mobile applications. The equivalent computing power of that first PC, which we built at AspenTech, has now been far surpassed by the computing power in a typical mobile device. The ability of the technology tool to run in a cloud and a range of other IT advancements is likely

UP CLOSE & PERSONAL What motivates you? The biggest motivator for me is seeing my customers achieve success using our solutions and services. I always envision myself as an entrepreneur within my organisation, and think in those lines. A person must realise that the mandate of a job should align with his personal goals. Also, you must recognise the fact that you need to do justice to the faith the organisation and colleagues have placed in you.

A business etiquette that you do not leave home without My company badge. It is a symbol of responsibility and reminds me that now it is the beginning of a new day.

Your way of spotting an industry trend I always keep track of macroeconomic industry investment outlook and sentiment. This is clubbed with listening and interacting with key customers. Besides, I frequently read about the latest in the industry and market.

to impact & change the way software engineering for process industries is going to be in future. The unprecedented ability of people to be able to access data and technologies that were in the past either unavailable to them or extremely difficult to access will greatly magnify the impact that engineers can have on their organisations. For example, we believe the focus of future development and course will be in making data & models available to our customers through the web & cloud. We envision having the full power of technology and tools available for customers anytime & anyplace through mobile applications. And I think the sheer computing power now on tap is going to allow us to visualise, analyse and solve problems & bring people together in a way that has not been possible before. These are exciting times.

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ROUNDTABLE

Withdrawal of DEPB scheme

A BOON OR BANE? Recently, the government withdrew the popular export incentive, Duty Entitlement Pass Book (DEPB) scheme that had been prevalent since the mid-1990s. A transitional Duty Drawback Scheme has replaced the existing scheme. This has evoked mixed responses as it might result in a marginal reduction of benefits to exporters due to lower tax incentive structures. Avani Jain finds out from industry veterans the rationale behind the decision to withdraw DEPB scheme and its pros & cons. A Prathap Reddy, Managing Director, Balaji Amines Ltd The governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to withdraw DEPB scheme is not a right move, especially when the global market is on a declining mode. The small-scale industries will be the most affected. According to the government, the alternative to DEPB is Duty Drawback scheme or Duty Exemption Entitlement Certificate (DEEC) License. If the drawback rate is not given as exactly as DEPB,

it will prove to be a loss to the entire export community. The government should also keep in mind the interests of small-scale industries that will not be able to import duty-free raw materials (under DEEC scheme) because of their smaller quantities. The DEPB scheme was helping the export community and even smaller industries to compete in the global market. The government should have withdrawn the DEPB benefit only after working out an alternative workable scheme, especially taking into account the interests of small and medium industries as well.

Dr Y R Singh, Executive Director, Alkali Manufacturersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Association of India The DEP B scheme was created by the government to offer tax incentive to the exporters. However, later the government realised that it was posing a few problems, and thus it was decided to withdraw this scheme. Earlier, the DEPB rate was roughly 8 per cent but now the Duty

Chemical World | October 2011

Drawback rate is around 5.5 per cent. There is even a possibility that certain items may be removed from the drawback rate schedule. Some exporters might feel that this will affect their business; but in my opinion, the difference of 2.5 per cent will not create a huge difference as at least the new rate will be able to cover the taxes. However, with the new changes, it is expected that the price of raw materials, power and infrastructure may shoot up.

ROUNDTABLE

Mukul B Malvi, Partner, TEXSPAN The termination of DEPB scheme from October 1, 2011, though delayed is a justified step taken by the government. Its demise was postponed several times but it was expected by the industry. DEPB scheme was the most preferred tax-saving scheme offered to the exporters. However, it is a known fact that it has a hidden subsidy component too. An alternative to the DEPB scheme is Duty Drawback scheme. However, depending on the commodity, sometimes the exporter gets much more under the Duty Drawback scheme. Under the Duty Drawback scheme, exporters get the reimbursement of taxes (ie customs duty, excise 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 Directorate 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 tax paid on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;deemedâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; value of the components. A study in 2007 stated that 56 per cent of the DEPB amount paid was subsidy. However, with reduction in rates over a period due to declining rates of customs duty and reduction in the built-in subsidy component, DEPB scheme lost its charm. I do not think that the industry will face any problem as it is a known fact that subsidy is not the best way to achieve export growth. In fact, it is the most expensive tool to increase exports. Previously, India achieved a real breakthrough in exports only after substantial import relaxations and Real Foreign Exchange Rate (RFER) realisation by controlled depreciation in 1990. Thus, technological advances, competition and better infrastructure rather than subsidy offering, can result in increased exports.

Narendra R Mehta, Managing Director, Fibro Organic (India) Pvt Ltd The continuation/discontinuation of DEPB will have limited effect on Ethylene Oxide Condensate (EOC) industry till Advance License policy will be in operation. The industry generally goes for advance duty-free import license/advance release order against surrender of Ethylene Oxide (EO) license, as a mode to achieve international cost competitiveness. Again, unless

the license is of substantial quantity, supplier of EO cannot practically provide assistance against smaller orders of different products. The withdrawal of DEPB scheme may not affect the specialty chemical industry, if advance license is operational and made more flexible and hassle-free including getting EO dutyfree by simplified process, which will avoid first paying excise duty on EO & then taking refund, which is time-consuming. Thus, a simplified red tape-free process to receive duty-free EO for export production needs to be made.

Satish Wagh, Chairman, Chemexcil Approximately $ 40-billion worth of Indian exports are under the DEPB scheme. The total credit granted under the scheme was around ` 8,000 crore for the period 2009-10. As a percentage of exports, the credit comes to less than 5 per cent of total exports under DEPB. The exporters are utilising DEPB mainly for its ease of operation, especially the small exporters for whom importing raw material becomes a bigger issue and are ready to settle for a smaller benefit than the actual benefit available to them under Advance Licensing Scheme.

Chemical World | October 2011

Thus, we in the industry believe that removal of DEPB would not lead to any kind of significant revenue saving for the government. When the DEPB gets discontinued, the exporters, who are at present utilising domestically produced inputs (though procured at higher prices), would be forced to import the same inputs under Advance Licensing Scheme. The measure would definitely increase the import intensity of our exports and affect the balance of trade adversely. In view of these, we would like to suggest to the government that DEPB scheme should be continued for the policy period 2009-14. In case, this is not agreeable, at least the continuation of DEPB scheme should be linked to introduction of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the country.

FACILITY VISIT

Praxair India Pvt Ltd

‘AIRING’ SAFETY and

EFFICIENCY

Prasenjit Chakraborty

he operational efficiency, safety aspects and stateof-the-art air separation technology are the salient features that set apart Praxair India’s Jamshedpur plant from its other counterparts. The plant produces oxygen, nitrogen and argon in both liquid and gaseous form, with virtually no raw material. Ninety per cent of the gases produced are sent to Tata Steel, and the rest ten per cent are consumed by its merchant customers. What are the raw materials required to produce these gases? The answer is ambient air that is freely available in nature, and power, which is a major cost factor.

Air separation technology Jamshedpur plant is a state-of-the-art air separation facility that uses cryogenic air separation process. Main processes include air compression, condensation and distillation to produce oxygen, nitrogen and argon. Air is filtered at the beginning of the process after which it is cooled and purified. What is important here is that Praxair uses dedicated online analysers at various stages of its air separation process to ensure safety and reliability of its plant functioning. This is a part of Praxair’s design safety standard, adopted to prevent any process upset that could

Chemical World | October 2011

World-class engineering and rigorous focus on safety & reliability enable Praxair India Pvt Ltd meet the evolving requirements of customers on a faster basis.

happen at any stage of operations. If impurities are allowed to pass through the heat exchanger, it could result in serious process and safety issues. “To avoid this, we have installed technically advanced equipment throughout the entire process,” says Chandan Dey, Plant Manager Jamshedpur, Praxair India Pvt Ltd. The air is then sent to heat exchangers after passing through a booster air compressor and an expansion turbine. The heat exchanger is used to cool the air before sending it to distillation for separating the components of air in the cold box. Oxygen, nitrogen and argon are separated based on their different boiling points. A part of the liquid from the cold box is stored in tanks as backup supply. Majority of the products are supplied to the onsite customer, Tata Steel in this case. Some of the key cryogenic components in the plant are air compressor, coolers, chillers, cold-end equipment, heat exchangers, distillation column, etc.

Salient features Praxair has three plants in Jamshedpur and each plant produces 900 tonne per day (tpd) of

oxygen, most of which is supplied to the onsite steel customer along with some nitrogen and argon as required from time to time. The first Praxair plant was established in 2005 while the two other plants were commissioned in July 2008. One of the important features of Praxair’s plants is that they can operate at 50 per cent turndown condition and yet meet 100 per cent customer demands by supplying liquid from backup storages. “Praxair has a liquid backup system, which can be triggered within few minutes to provide uninterrupted gas supplies to its customer during any emergencies. This enables us to meet customer demands, even if there is a breakdown in our plant. Our motto is to ensure that our supplies never affect customer’s production,” explains Dey. Besides, Praxair’s worldclass preventive maintenance plan ensures minimum breakdowns, thereby reducing the risk of customer shutdowns to the greatest possible extent. Praxair’s systems are recognised for this attribute by many of their onsite customers. There are many ‘firsts’ associated with Praxair. “We are proud to have introduced a few systems and technologies that are new in the Indian market,” notes Dey. The online backup systems ensure supply reliability and even meet customers’ additional demand when required. Software such as Model Predictive Control

FACILITY VISIT

optimises the plant’s production based on real-time customer demand; and Plant Mapping analysis helps to view plant & equipment efficiency. Similarly, real-time monitoring system enables specialists to view and support plant operations across the globe. I-Historian is another technology that records the plant’s operating data and serves as a tool for trouble shooting. “Our Real Time Optimization (RTO) system analyses customers’ demand patterns and optimises our process across various plants to produce a high level of deliverable efficiency; and the Exception Reporting system raises an instant red alert & helps plant operations team contain a situation well before an emergency could occur,” he adds.

Optimisation solutions Praxair is not just limited to supply of gases. It works with customers in increasing productivity, reducing environmental impacts and saving energy costs associated with the steel-making process. A few examples include reduction in fuel consumption and increase in the cycle time of the stoves at the steel plant. This is done by incorporating a technology in the blast furnace air pre-

ROLE OF DIFFERENT GASES IN STEEL MANUFACTURING Each gas has a distinct function in the steel manufacturing process. For example, oxygen is used for enriching the inlet air to blast furnace, thereby improving the combustion process. Also, it is blown in the steel melting converters to remove carbon, sulphur and phosphorus from the hot metal. Similarly, nitrogen is mainly used for operating the instruments; conveying coal to the blast furnace; purging of pipelines and top sealing of the blast furnace. Argon is used for shielding the product from atmospheric contacts, thus protecting steel from corrosion and other surface defects. Argon is also used for bath stirring at the steel melting shop.

heating systems and would benefit the customer in reducing costs through lowering energy consumption. Customers having gas supplied from multiple oxygen plants like to optimise their pipelines and receivers. Praxair, with its decades of experience in managing pipeline systems, has helped such customers by undertaking a study on complete dynamic simulation of the system. In this, the actual steel mill operations are simulated through software. This has resulted in optimisation of the complete pipeline network and has significantly reduced wastage of resources (like capital in constructing additional pipeline, storage receivers etc.) Praxair team has also provided a unique solution to a steel customer at Jamshedpur when it was unable to consume 100 per cent gaseous oxygen from one of the Praxair plants. “Our team of specialists studied the process and partnered with the customer in developing a unique solution that not only gave enormous cost benefits to the customer, but also helped maximise product utilisation and energy conservation,” claims Koushik Chakrabarty, Manager - Business Development, Praxair India Pvt Ltd. “We are proud to be associated with Tata Steel since 2005. Like us, they are open to adoption of new technologies and understand the benefits that technology can bring in increasing productivity, reducing costs and operating reliably. This has encouraged us in getting our global best practices and applications technologies to India. It is great working with a customer like Tata Steel,” adds Asit Gangopadhyay, Managing Director, Praxair India Pvt Ltd.

Our vision is to become the best-performing company in the world in the field of industrial gases, as determined by our customers, shareholders, suppliers, employees and the communities in which we operate. Asit Gangopadhyay

Managing Director, Praxair India Pvt Ltd

Praxair uses state-of-the-art technology and adheres to best-in-class safety practices to meet its safety demands. One of the outstanding safety systems in Praxair plants include its cold box that is designed with a unique safety equipment that prevents unprecedented mishaps caused due to flammable impurities in the main condenser. “This not just offers a safety benefit to Praxair and its customers but has also helped us to act as a reliable partner to our customers by avoiding major plant shutdowns,” explains Dey. Besides, stringent critical operating parameters ensure that the plants are operated safely, round the clock. In order to strengthen the safety culture, several training programmes are conducted on a regular basis. All new employees have to undergo mandatory safety training within the first month of joining. Even regular contract workers need to undergo safety training as per the defined matrix. “Our vision is to become the best-performing company in the world in the field of industrial gases, as determined by our customers, shareholders, suppliers, employees and the communities in which we operate,” concludes Gangopadhyay.

Safety at its best Safety is a critical aspect in the operations of an air separation plant and in this regard Praxair’s standards surpass the industry standards. “We pay utmost attention to design and operational safety, as well as employee &distribution safety,” says Dey. Globally,

October 2011 | Chemical World

SECTOR WATCH

With growing awareness on energy conservation and other issues, chemical manufacturers are opting for sophisticated heat exchangers. Interestingly, the buying pattern of process industry has also changed. Today, companies do not buy heating equipment from fabricators; more preference is given to technology providers.

Prasenjit Chakraborty

he chemical industr y has undergone dramatic changes in India in the recent past. For instance, on the supply side, the market has undergone significant consolidation and restructuring. The industry has 36

Chemical World | October 2011

also witnessed several mergers and acquisitions. Such developments certainly augur well for the industry. Another reason that boosts the confidence of entrepreneurs is that products manufactured in India are increasingly being accepted by consumers who are abroad. This clearly speaks volumes about the

enhanced quality of Indian products. Looking at the growth potential, many multinational companies have started producing their high-end technology products in India, thereby capitalising on the opportunities offered by the country. In the process industry, heating equipment plays a major role in all kinds

SECTOR WATCH

of processing. The sectors like power, oil & gas, chemical, construction etc are pushing manufacturing units towards higher production. Heat transfers being an integral requirement for most of the process industries, various types of heat transfer equipment that provide performance, energy-efficiency and reliability are in high demand f rom the end-user segments. “Heat equipment or heat exchanger is used across the chemical process industry for heating or cooling the process fluids. An efficient heat exchanger facilitates energy savings, and in turn, cost savings for the industry. Heat exchangers are instrumental in quality product manufacture since the process is controlled by the heat exchanger through an instrumentation process controller,” points out, V Gokul Das, Managing Director, HRS Process Systems Ltd. A closer look tells that shell and tube exchangers still dominate the market. In the recent past, the market has witnessed significant growth in plate and frame exchangers. Like any other equipment, heat exchangers are also at an evolving stage. They are evolving in terms of design, performance, end-user specifications, new areas of applications, etc. “Heating equipment for chemical process industry has not changed much in generic terms. Primarily, shell & tube and plate type heat exchangers are used in the industry. Majority of these heat exchangers have fluid, which has

Different processes generate large amount of heat and at the same time there is immense wastage. Till now, steam and electricity are being used as medium of heat. We should look for technology that can use the waste heat as the heating medium in the chemical process industry. Robinson Fernandez

Senior Vice-President - Applications, GEI Industrial System

fouling tendency (typically cooling water). Hence, reducing or eliminating fouling becomes one of the key challenges for any sort of heat supply to the chemical process industry,” says Gokul Das. Today, many industries face process challenges and environmental issues, & hence look for latest developments in heat exchangers, featuring ease of installation, maintenance and cleaning. In order to solve such problems, the process equipment manufacturers are offering innovative solutions. For instance, ECOFLUX, a corrugated tube heat exchanger f rom HRS Process Systems, offers energy-efficient, costeffective solutions to the chemical and petrochemical manufacturers.

Heat equipment or heat exchanger is used across the chemical process industry for heating or cooling the process fluids. An efficient heat exchanger facilitates energy savings, and in turn, cost savings for the industry. Heat exchangers are instrumental in quality product manufacture since the process is controlled by the heat exchanger through an instrumentation process controller. V Gokul Das

Managing Director, HRS Process Systems Ltd

medium in the chemical process industry,” he exhorts.

Critical issues Heat transfers being an integral requirement for most of the process industries, various types of heat transfer equipment that provide performance, energy-efficiency and reliability are in high demand from the end-user segments. “ECOFLUX has corrugated tubes, which enhance its efficiency, thereby enabling uniform thermal processing and ensuring low fouling on heat exchanger surface,” claims Gokul Das. Today, many companies have devised special heating equipment for various industries, with specialised equipment for certain applications in the same sector. According to Robinson Fernandez, Senior Vice-President - Applications, GEI Industrial System, there is a huge potential to use waste heat in chemical industry. “Different processes generate large amount of heat and at the same time there is immense wastage. Till now, steam and electricity are being used as medium of heat. We should look for technology that can use the waste heat as the heating

The heating equipment for the chemical industry needs to address two key areas. One, energy efficiency vis-à-vis cost of the equipment and, second, reducing or eliminating downtime for maintenance, which can be due to fouling or wrong selection of equipment. This is possible through effective interaction between the user and the equipment manufacturer. In the competitive scenario, every company has to act as one-stopshop solution provider for dealing with all issues pertaining to heat exchange in the process industry. Another issue that also calls for focus is educating the industry on latest developments and availability of new technology. It is essential to educate customers on evaluating their conventional design and perform a cost benefit analysis with a newly designed heat exchanger, which will help them enhance the plant efficiency and save on cost. Though this practice is not in vogue in India, if done meticulously, it will solve many challenges and make chemical process industry stronger. “We have conducted studies on various industry sectors and have found many avenues in the existing process line, for the

October 2011 | Chemical World

SECTOR WATCH

customer to add heating equipment, which offers immediate pay back on investments, thereby providing a value-addition to the customer,” opines Gokul Das. In many chemical process industries, ‘heat recovery’ is not still a common practice. There is also an immense scope for reducing the power costs (pumping costs) on heating/cooling medium by various heat recovery solutions.

Significant changes It has been observed that the chemical industry is evaluating the heating equipment in a better manner than before. “The customers are ready to evaluate new technology and are not af raid to take calculated risk. We have also observed that customers are more conscious to ensure a reduction in daily operating cost with incremental increase in capital cost,” points out Gokul Das.

Chemical World | October 2011

Today, the process industr y evaluates the total energy cost, which often includes other equipment (like pumps) that would form a part of the energy cycle. “Nowadays, companies are shifting their buying pattern from a mere fabricator to technology provider even in case of heat exchanger,” he says. Here is the important shift. Global warming has increased the pressure on process industry to reduce both energy usage and the associated CO2 emissions. Buying heat exchangers f rom reputed companies reflects that chemical process industry is attaining maturity and at the same time addressing the issues of process efficiency and environment. Another area pertains to evaluation of environmental impact while designing along with assessment on emission reduction in plants involving gases. Overall, the industry has started looking at heating equipment as key

process tool, which has the potential to make a big impact on process stability and performance.

‘Warming up’ to reach the next lap In all probability, heating equipment sector will witness healthy growth in coming years, since the application of such equipment spans various industries. The boom in infrastructure, encouraging investment growth in oil & gas, petrochemicals sectors, etc will pave the way for sophisticated heat exchangers. Besides, many new companies are being set up to address the growing demand for various chemicals and intermediates that make up for a host of consumer durables. With buoyant growth in pharma and allied sectors, demand is going to build up for chemicals, and thereby giving a boost to the heating equipment sector.

MARKET SCOPE

Cooling equipment

PAVING

THE WAY FOR

GREEN ENERGY Prasenjit Chakraborty

n technology front, the requirements of every industry are witnessing a sea-change. Same is the case with cooling equipment used in the chemical industry. With new design and technological advancements, it is finding new application areas across industrial sectors. Today, the preference across the world is for energy-efficient and environment-friendly cooling solutions. And to address such issues, absorption chillers are becoming the choice of endusers. This is because absorption chillers can be activated by industrial waste heat, exhaust gases and water heated by utilising solar energy. Due to such quality, these are readily accepted for green energy configuration.

Cooling equipment has become as indispensable to industries as heating equipment. And among the available technology options, absorption cooling equipment has become a preferred choice for chemical industry as it offers the dual benefit of energy and cost savings.

A cooling experience Day by day the power requirement of the existing plants is increasing, mainly on account of capacity expansion. Due to the rising need for energy, the grid supply has become erratic. Hence, the chemical sector is looking towards decentralised power options for meeting its power and steam requirements. Steam-based absorption systems improve the overall efficiency of captive power systems. Naturally, in the current scenario, such systems are ideal for the chemical sector. As absorption cooling equipment segment is becoming a preferred choice for chemical industry, the offering from cooling equipment manufacturers has become diverse. For example, Thermax offers an extensive range of chillers that use steam, hot 40

Chemical World | October 2011

Courtesy: Thermax Ltd

water, exhaust gases and other fuels. “Our chillers integrate well with energy-efficient configurations such as cogeneration and Combined Heating, Cooling & Power (CHPC) systems. This eco-friendly system could be the natural choice for energy planners like chemical industry. We do not use harmful ref rigerants like chlorofluoroc ar bons (CFCs), ” says Siddharth Salwan, Marketing Manager - Cooling Business, Thermax

Ltd. Today, several fertiliser plants are opting for inlet air cooling projects to boost their productivity. “They make use of custom-made chillers, most of which are supplied by us,” he claims. When asked how absorption cooling equipment facilitates energy and cost savings, Salwan replies, “Most of the chemical plants in India operate on solid fuel-fired boilers for their heat requirements. They have surplus steam

MARKET SCOPE

that can be used as prime driving energy source to activate absorption chillers. Compared to the investments in electrical compression systems that draw scarce power, this technology is viable from the rising power costs in India.” Since energy-efficiency has become a major focus area for innovations in industrial chillers, the thrust is more on green engineering. As a result, many conventional cooling devices or agents that were used for cooling purposes are getting replaced. For example, conventional electrical chillers use freons as refrigerants, but absorption systems use water, which is zero-ozone depleting, and therefore are environment-friendly. Similarly, changes are being observed in the area of water cooling. According to Robinson Fernandez, Senior Vice President - Applications, GEI Industrial System, water cooling is now being replaced by air cooling, primarily due to contamination, scarcity and higher maintenance costs associated with the water-cooled system.

“Air cooling methods are ‘fit and forget’ type, use freely available atmospheric air and eliminate fresh water and/or cooling towers. This solution is the need of the hour and aimed at water conservation in the industry,” he says.

Exploring untapped potential Industries use absorption technology in India because of the availability of waste heat or low-cost heat. The penetration level of absorption cooling is much higher in the industrial segment than the commercial sector.This is because commercial complexes generally do not have heat energy available with them. However, with the proliferation of gas, the concept of decentralised power generation is on the rise in commercial segment – an opportunity to tap the exhaust gas and hot water from gas engines. Also, in the industrial sector, the concept of biomass fired cogeneration power plants are increasing. These plants have backpressure turbines, while backpressure steam is utilised to operate

Most of the chemical plants in India operate on solid fuel-fired boilers for their heat requirements. They have surplus steam that can be used as prime driving energy source to activate absorption chillers. Compared to the investments in electrical compression systems that draw scarce power, this technology is viable from the rising power costs in India. Siddharth Salwan

Marketing Manager - Cooling Business, Thermax Ltd

vapour absorption machine. The cooling equipment industry has been traditionally a high margin business area. However, of late, margins have come under pressure due to increased competition. To stay ahead of the curve, the suppliers will have to offer customised solutions, which are ecofriendly and energy-efficient.

October 2011 | Chemical World

INDUSTRY UPDATE

Industrial coatings

VROOMING AHEAD IN INDIA! Business news updates in the past couple of months invariably had one news in common almost every week: an auto major expanding or setting up manufacturing base in India. This is one of the major factors painting opportunities for the Indian paints & coatings industry, which is adopting global standards.

Mahua Roy

population of one billion people and 40 million passenger vehicles in India. According to KPMG, it has been one of the few countries worldwide that saw growing passenger car sales during the recession. In fact, in 2009-10, the country has recorded the highest sales volumes ever. This translates into immense opportunities and potential for many ancillary industries.

cent, in value terms,” says Hardev Singh, President - Industrial Unit (IU), Nippon Paint India. Decorative paints account for the majority of the paints market in the country, in terms of volume and value. The unorganised segment plays a huge role in the decorative paints sector as sophisticated and technical know-how is not much required for the mass market. The industrial paints segment, however, is dominated by the organised sector due to its high technology orientation. It is also the more profitable segment.

Quoting the numbers The Indian paints industry contributes to about 3.9 per cent of the global coatings market. It is worth about ` 15,400 crore. “Indian paint industry has been growing at a rate of above 15 per cent for the past few years. The organised players of the industry cater to about 65 per cent of the overall demand, whereas the unorganised players take care of the remaining 35 per 42

Chemical World | October 2011

Growth drivers Industrial coatings segment constitutes 30 per cent by value and 23 per cent by volume, of the total coatings industry in India. Around 500 organised and unorganised players operate in this segment. The typical situations and dynamics of the country are leading to customisation, especially for the Indian

AUTOMOTIVE INVESTMENTS IN INDIA R Mahindra & Mahindra plans to raise production capacity at its Chakan plant to 12,000 vehicles a month from 8,000 units currently R Ford’s investment in Sanand auto cluster will be able to initially produce 2,40,000 vehicles and 2,70,000 fuel-efficient engines per year R Toyota Etios’ Bengaluru plant’s capacity is being raised from the current 80,000 units to 2,10,000 units R Nissan plans to enhance the capacity of its Orgadam facility f rom the current 2 lakh units to 4 lakh units R Peugeot recently announced that it is investing about ` 4,000 crore with initial capacity of 1,65,000 cars annually in Sanand R Maruti and Audi are contemplating setting up base in Gujarat

INDUSTRY UPDATE

The cost of production and processing will get minimised because a water-based system is a simple process with lesser steps of production and application. Also, R&D efficiency can be put in optimising the costs of production by reducing steps in process, formulation, packaging, etc. Hardev Singh

President - Industrial Unit, Nippon Paint India

industry. There is requirement of expertise by niche players, with unique ranges of products conceived and marketed in the Indian context, and supported with high-end technology. The growth drivers of the individual sub-sectors of the industrial paints segments are elaborated as follows: Auto Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM): Establishment of manufacturing bases of global and Indian auto majors coupled with easy availability of auto loans are leading to growth of this sub-segment. Auto refinish: Need for maintenance of premium vehicles, traffic conditions that cause wear & tear of vehicles, and increasing sophistication of refinish business are creating demand for aspirational products in this sub-segment. Protective coatings: Increased thrust on infrastructure, proliferation of oil & gas, downstream industries, and spurt in manufacturing growth are the primary growth drivers. Powder coatings: High penetration of consumer durables and inherently tropical climate are pushing the use of powder coatings. Coil coatings: Growth of high-end construction segment is creating opportunities for coil coatings sub-segment.

Colourful opportunities Auto industry news is not the only major investment in the country. Business news updates also informed the audience about huge investments in the oil & gas sector in India. With offshore and exploration units gaining prime importance, the concentration of the entire world is turning towards India. â&#x20AC;&#x153;High growth in the construction and automotive sectors, and investment projection of approximately $ 1 trillion in infrastructure segment by the Government of India in its 12th Five-year Plan are expected to create an increased demand in this segment in the years to come,â&#x20AC;? says Amrendra Mishra, Managing Director, Remmers India, which was a part of the ambitious Bandra-Worli Sea Link project in Mumbai. More so, opportunities for new product development are directed towards greener alternatives. Industrial coatings in India are almost exclusively solvent-borne, thus raw material-intensive. The only applications in this industry

October 2011 | Chemical World

INDUSTRY UPDATE

that are currently employing waterborne technology are certain automotive primers and high-end refinishes. Polyurethane dispersions (PUDs) hold promise for the future. Creating product differentiation by offering and promoting technology advances along with proactively developing new products in order to offer contemporary formulations to the consumer will be important factors for success. Despite the huge potential for growth, companies face quintessential problems of ever-increasing raw material and energy prices. Given the price sensitivity of the customer base, the companies need to manage costs while continuing to invest in innovation.

Coping with raw material challenges The industrial paint segment is raw material-intensive (above 70 per cent is raw material cost) and with high percentage of the raw material linked to petrochemical sources, it is quite vulnerable to global crude oil price fluctuations. Besides, there are challenges regarding the availability of other raw materials as well. “The raw materials used in paints can be divided into four categories like pigments, binders, solvents and additives. Titanium dioxide is the main pigment used in the production of paint and is facing global

If we shift our base from price-sensitive chemicals to the use of non-toxic raw materials like the ones derived from plant or mineral sources or even water-based ones, we can reduce the overall cost of production. This reduction may not be visible substantially in the beginning, but these new products have low volatile organic compounds & environmental footprint, no odour, and can be tinted with non-toxic tinters, thus we can move towards a more economical system. Amrendra Mishra

Managing Director, Remmers India

Chemical World | October 2011

supply shortage,” explains Singh. These crisis situations are being taken seriously and gradual changes are visible in this industry. R&D investments are spelling effective solutions. As Mishra elaborates further, “If we shift our base from these price-sensitive chemicals to the use of non-toxic raw materials like the ones derived from plant or mineral sources or even water-based ones, we can reduce the overall cost of production. This reduction may not be visible substantially in the beginning, but if we take a broader view, these new products have low Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) & environmental footprint, no odour, and can be tinted with non-toxic tinters (which are also produced from chemicals that are derived from plant and mineral sources), and thus we can move towards a more economical system.”

Opportunities for new product development are directed towards greener alternatives. Industrial coatings in India are almost exclusively solvent-borne, thus raw material-intensive. Creating product differentiation by promoting technology advances along with proactively developing new products will be important for success.

UPDATES FROM INDIAN INDUSTRIAL PAINTS INDUSTRY R Denmark-based Hempel Paints is exploring the possibility of setting up a manufacturing plant in Gujarat with an investment of over ` 100 crore to have 10 million litre per annum production capacity, mainly for the industrial and marine applications. R Asian Paints arm and PPG India units plan to merge with formation of APPG, a 50:50 joint venture between Asian Paints and PPG Industries, and engage in the manufacture of specialty coatings. R 3M unveiled ` 100 crore R&D centre in Bengaluru for developing products for key industry segments, such as protective coatings adhesives, polymer processing, and accelerated weathering.

are knowledgeable about their needs. Price comparison is done effectively by the customer, as this is a regular expenditure for this segment,” says Singh. Thus, offering the best product attributes in a cost-efficient format will create a win-win situation for this B2B industry.

Gradual changes Interestingly, this will also imply cost-efficiency, with minor process redevelopments. “The cost of production and processing will get minimised because a water-based system is a simple process with lesser steps of production and application. Also, R&D efficiency can be put in optimising the costs of production by reducing steps in process, formulation, packaging, etc,” says Singh. It is important to minimise the impact of price fluctuations on customers. Price is primarily the deciding factor for incorporation of technology in the Indian industry. “The industrial paints segment is a low margin, high revenue business, and buyers of these segments

Industrial paints still mainly rely on traditional solvent technology. However, in automotive refinish sub-segment, technology switch from nitrocellulose to polyurethane, and in protective coating sub-segment, technology switch from low-cost alkyds to epoxies and polyurethane is gradually being witnessed. Such shifts are the examples of how greener technologies are making inroads into the Indian industry. “Water-borne systems will be gaining momentum in future. If government regulations come into effect soon, regarding the control of emission norms, these products will find a much wider market,” concludes Singh.

COATINGS CORNER

Financial turmoil in global markets

The fear of yet another recession is making the rounds the world over. And if this financial tsunami hits again, emerging countries like India also stand to lose enormously. Growing inflation has already exerted its impact on various industries, including paints and coatings, in the country as far as labour, raw material and logistics costs are concerned. It is time to act decisively, taking cue from the lessons of the past. Dr Mosongo Moukwa

he predominant sentiment in the financial markets today is that the world is coming to an end. Some analysts actually believe that a new global recession is coming. This double dip, as seen by the markets’ fear-tinted lenses, looks ominous indeed. There is an apprehension that banks will fail, governments will not be able to cope, and the recession will deepen. In Western countries, the recovery has been slow and the financial challenges daunting, but that should not be surprising. These nations are tangled in nets of excessive public and private debt, which limit their room for economic mobility. A new recession, more accurately, a prolongation of the old one is always likely. The crashing of world market has also hit the corporate sectors of India. If the economic situation of the US and European countries does not improve, the problem of Indian economy will get aggravated. If this happens, the growth rate of India will be adversely affected, and thereby impacting the growth of the paints and coatings industry. Previously, when global recession cropped up owing 46

Chemical World | October 2011

to economic slowdown in the US and European countries, India faced the situation bravely. This time, however, the situation is different. Like all countries, India stands to lose if a slowdown hits the developed nations. An emerging market like India needs a healthy global economy to maintain its own growth. If the developed world’s economies slip, India may tumble.

Reasons for the fear There are a number of explanations to the fear of a new recession. The first one is the collapse of confidence in credit. Just recently, in August 2011, Standard & Poor (S&P) degraded the US credit rating. The Euro zone’s credit crisis and the concern that there is no money to bail out all those governments that may need help, only add to the fear contagion. This crisis of confidence can drive an even bigger sell-off in government bonds. And yet, treasury bonds have been one of the safest places to hide since S&P’s downgrade. A second explanation is that this is a continuation of the crisis that peaked after the fall of Lehman Brothers in 2008. The evidence lies in the astonishing fall in bank shares for global banks. The recession from 2008 was plainly

driven by the shock administered to the economy when the financial sector suddenly withdrew credit. The extreme fall in bank stocks reflects a fear that such an event could occur. Judged in isolation, the financial sector continues to get better, albeit slowly. This scenario is mildly positive for the economy. However, this time the problem appears to be the effect of the economy on the banks, rather than the other way round. Banks, like most businesses, are exposed to the economic cycle at the best of times. But this one is more serious than others. If the economy takes another slide, many of the loans sitting on their books will have to be written down. Renewed recession in the US could be the final straw for mortgages taken out at the peak of the US housing boom in the last decade. Greek style recession in other Euro zone countries is another case. This could have an awful effect on default rates for other large European banks, which are still in the process of steady recovery. So, the spasm for bank stocks appears to be driven by alarm at the slowing down of the world economy, which includes China, nucleus of all hopes, as well as Europe and the US. Investors think the banks are particularly exposed.

COATINGS CORNER

Coatings sector in Asia-Pacific Not too long ago, industry players were optimistic of doubledigit growth again in Asia-Pacific region. This was primarily because of the demand from end-user industries such as steel, automotive, furniture and construction. The paints and coatings sector depends heavily on the end-user industries it serves and positive growth is generally expected in many of those segments. Countries such as China, India, Vietnam and Indonesia have been identified as high-growth countries where there are more opportunities for the development of the paints and coatings market. However, the specific high-growth segments vary between countries. In India, the paints and coatings market has increased by approximately 15 per cent since 2009, reaching a market size of $ 3.8 billion in 2010. It was expected to continue to exhibit double-digit growth between 2011 and 2013. But, the current global economic situation may change this picture. Decorative and industrial coatings account for 65 per cent and 35 per cent of the total Indian paints market, respectively. Industrial coatings are generally expected to witness a higher growth rate compared to decorative coatings, owing to the increasing number of industrial facilities in India. In India, the growing middle-class population and increasing sale of premium paints (mainly in urban areas) have been driving the demand for quality products. Huge foreign investments from multinationals such as Dutch group Akzo Nobel and Japan’s Kansai have led to the expansion of facilities (due to low operating costs), boosting the industrial sector. The local government has also played an important role in increasing construction activities to accommodate the large population.

A global downturn: Setback for developing countries A severe recession in the developed world would only slow, not stop, a more rapid growth in the emerging countries. According to Deutsche Bank, a 3 per cent decline in the gross domestic product of the European Union and the US over the next year would reduce China’s economic growth rate by only 2 percentage points, to a still impressive 7 per cent. Financial analysts are projecting that the hottest markets can fall the hardest when a global correction sets in. As of August 2011, the Nasdaq has fallen 11.7 per cent, the S&P 500, 10.7 per cent. Only Canada, rich in resources, has logged a smaller decline, 10.3 per cent. India has been a big loser this year. The ‘Barclays iPath India’ exchanged traded note has plunged 26.3 per cent in 2011 through August 2011.

India in perspective India is growing fast – registered 7.7 per cent in the quarter to the end of June – but is rapidly becoming more costly. It has fast-climbing interest rates, and the highest inflation rate of any large emerging market. Food prices, in particular, look almost

October 2011 | Chemical World

COATINGS CORNER

uncontrollable. Its companies are investing abroad rather than at home. Much of India’s inflation was induced by soaring food costs, which in turn, were caused by weather damage. Surging raw material cost (54 per cent) is a major concern. The top three effects of inflation experienced by the businesses are increases in labour, logistics and raw material costs. The impact is much greater for large companies, which are experiencing a lower demand for their products & services, and increase in raw material & labour costs. Tough economic situation affect the end-user industries such as steel, automotive and furniture, and construction, which the paints and coatings industry serves and depends on heavily. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is closely monitoring all key indicators and is assessing the impact of global developments on Rupee & foreign exchange liquidity and macroeconomic stability. The RBI said its immediate priority was to ensure that adequate Rupee and forex liquidity is maintained in domestic markets to prevent excessive volatility in interest rates & exchange rates. The volatility of petroleum and raw material prices & exchange rate instability are major threats for the industry players.

A prolonged monetary tightening is having a greater effect on the economy. It squeezes investments and brings down growth to a rate that economists say will not be enough to pull millions out of poverty and spur consumption. Morgan Stanley has revised its 2012 Indian economic growth forecast from 7.8 per cent to 7.2 per cent. They have noted India’s big stock market losses and had warned those declines will hurt the economy. According to Morgan Stanley, “Reflexivity is at work – lower share prices are affecting growth and vice versa.”

Although the chemical industry has recovered strongly from the crisis, a potential double-dip recession still frightens even the greatest optimists. Further exacerbated by unstable economic conditions, emerging markets and shifting political power relations, decision makers in the chemical industry are preparing their companies for 2012. There is some good news. Judged as a reaction to the economy, August 2011 seems a gross over-reaction. Purchasing managers suggest that growth is still positive. Demands for commodities appear robust. But, there is still the volatility of petroleum, and raw material prices &

10 8 6 4 2

-2

2008

2009

-4

2010

2011

The US India

-6

Source: Asian Paints

-8

Figure 1: GDP growth rate (%) of the US and India

Chemical World | October 2011

Architectural paints are almost half the market

48%

29%

23%

Architectural Industrial Special purpose 2010 US sales = $ 21.3 billion INDIAN PAINT MARKET Architectural paints are almost 3/4th of the market

Buckling up for the future

US PAINT MARKET

65%

35%

Architectural Industrial 2010 India sales = $ 3.8 billion Source: Asian Paints

Figure 2: Paint market in the US and India

exchange rate instability remain major concerns. While growth is anaemic and fitful, history teaches that this is the best we could hope for after a major financial crisis. It is not yet clear whether the developed world has fallen into a fresh recession. It may, however, be noted that in the worst phase of the previous global financial crisis, the Indian economy grew by 6.8 per cent, suggesting high resilience emerging from domestic factors. Dr Mosongo Moukwa is Vice President (Technology), Asian Paints Ltd, Mumbai. He was Vice President (Global Technology), Reichhold, North Carolina. He holds a PhD from the Universite de Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada and an MBA from Case Western University, Cleveland, Ohio. 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

SAFETY ZONE

K N K Murthy

etection, measurement and evaluation of known hazards are imperative in any walk of life. Chemical manufacturing and allied service functions are prone to specific situations like inadvertent emissions, leakages, spillages of toxic, flammable, reactive or corrosive materials either during routine operation, maintenance, handling, conveying, transferring, loading, unloading, transportation etc. Besides, there are locations and machinery, which either by design, presence of hazardous process materials or

contamination creates an atmosphere, which is deficient in oxygen for normal breathing. In addition, there are also general hazards like high humidity, noise, static generation etc, which make the workplace prone to injuries and mishaps. Any delay in identifying a hazard can be highly detrimental as the consequential risk might have already surfaced. Accordingly, the right option would be planning and executing a proven detection system. Either portable (hand-held/ pocket-mounted type), fixed or online (to use the popular computer analogy) or a combination of both types of instruments are available today. Table 1 illustrates some of the potential hazards in a facility and applications of detection devices.

Instrumentation techniques

QUALITY FIRST, BUT SAFETY FOREMOST

Awareness, appraisal, assessment and analysis of different potential hazards pave the way for adopting appropriate prevention, protection and control measures to ensure safety at workplace. Adoption of need-based instrumentation techniques for detection of hazards have proved effective; and provide a timely warning regarding an impending risk. Once spotted, accurately evaluated and interpreted, the task of tackling the risk becomes easier.

Chemical World | October 2011

Other useful devices The following conventional instruments can as well be used for certain general hazards as highlighted above: R Thermometer: To explore the possibilities for reduction of heat and provision of additional safeguard to working personnel R Hygrometer: To assess the humidity level and render better ventilation arrangements R Lux meter: To monitor illumination levels and offer suggestions for improvement including the use of focussed lighting facilities R Radiation meter (pocket-mounted, wrist band type etc): To warn against impending radiation exposure in occupations like radiography, use of process instrumentation through ionising radiation source, working in nuclear power plants, research institutes, etc R Continuity detection and earth resistance measuring devices: To ascertain the effective functioning of electrical bonding and grounding systems fitted to machineries, process equipment, storage vessels, lightning arrestors etc R Stack and fugitive emission monitor ing (stationar y and mobile units): To ascertain and warn about pollution hazards R Dust sampling and quantification devices: To warn about, prevent and control dust emission hazards

Elements of constraints There could be a handful of cautionary factors while using any type of equipment, machinery or technical device. The range of safety relevant instrumentation as dealt with is no exception. Accordingly an indicative list of elementary attributes along with suggested corrective initiatives are described below. R Since most of the types of instruments are required to be

SAFETY ZONE

Table 1: Types of potential hazards in a facility and applications of detection devices

Hazards and type of detection instrument used Hazards: Oxygen deficiency and enrichment Detection equipment: Oxygen meter (liquid electrolyte filled, with simple gauge display, and light & replaceable dry sensor mounted type, with either conventional gauge or electronic/LCD display, audible alarm and printing facility as optional) Hazards: Exposure to toxic gases/vapours Detection equipment: Portable pump and tube unit including personal samplers (manually working on the principle of chemical colour changing characteristic); automatic pumping facility, with sensor attached at the tip of probe along with direct measurement gauge; and electronic/fully computerised sensors Hazards: Flammable gases/vapours Detection equipment: Combustible gas indicators working on the principle of catalytic combustion and applicable to any flammable chemical vapour Hazards: Noise Detection equipment: Sound level meter Hazards: Static charge Detection equipment: Static charge meter

procured from developed countries considering their proven and timetested integrity/reliability factor, tropical adaptability with reference to sensors and other delicate parts can be a significant constraint. The remedy could be discussing the problem with the suppliers and insisting on a guarantee for ‘customised’ hardware and software suited to the weather profile of the country. R Most of the ‘sensors’ have specific shelf-life and mostly one may end up with a good stock of costly but expired/non-usable consumables considering the extended time-lead for import, customs clearance etc, which are inevitable. The solution could be introduction of a specific clause in purchase order requesting staggered ‘delivery’ of those through appropriate planning and scheduling based on the consumption pattern at user side. R Other chemicals of similar characteristics can influence sensor response, thus leading to wrong

Applicability To detect oxygen deficiency, these can be used in confined space entry, and for checking of medical oxygen & quality of breathing air supplied from plant air compressors. To detect excess of oxygen, these can be used to check hydrocarbon storage tanks/road tankers (to safeguard against fires/explosions due to oxygen enrichment), oxygen content during catalyst filling of hydrocarbon refinery reactors under nitrogen blanketing, oxygen content in nitrogen cylinders, etc. The equipment can be used to monitor environment and atmospheric pollution, selection of respiratory equipment during emergency rescue operations, and for occupational health surveillance, especially when personal samplers are being used. Based on requirement, the measurement ranges from zero to threshold limit value (TLV) or higher values can be requisitioned and obtained. These can be used for welding/cutting/grinding/chipping/drilling/use of open flames and other hot jobs. They can help in environment monitoring and leakage monitoring/prevention/control. It can be used to survey/monitor ‘high noise’ sources, facilitate vibration monitoring during predictive maintenance study of equipment, etc. It can be used for the adoption of effective static control & dissipation methods, health survey of people working in static prone areas, etc.

identification. The answer could be first identifying/listing of such materials and exploring the possibility for a filtering/trapping mechanism of those substances by the supplier before samples are drawn into the instruments. R One can have specific problems on service/calibration and certification on reliability. The issue can be addressed without much hassle as now most of the branded foreign vendors have established either joint collaboration or accredited franchise for customs clearance, timely delivery, training, service, repair, calibration, supply of spares etc.

Taking the safe step Now most of the manufacturers are supplying multi-channel devices for simultaneous detection/analysis of different number of hazard indices from a single unit. This works out to be both convenient and cost-effective. All said and done, no initiative, resource, infrastructure or equipment/machine

or device is worth its name or cost unless applied/used or tried on sustainable basis. Detection instruments facilitate safety in process industries. All personnel at workplaces need to be appraised/ trained to use these instruments diligently for reaping maximum benefits and taking the next step towards achieving the ultimate business visionary goals of ‘quality first, production must, service best and safety foremost’. K N K Murthy has been in the fertilisers and petrochemicals industry for 38 years and retired as Senior Manager (Safety) from Indian Petrochemicals Corporation Ltd, Vadodara. Currently, he works as a Safety Consultant and is associated with Mahatma Gandhi Labour Institute, Ahmedabad. He has done pioneering works in various aspects like hazard identification, safety audits/ inspections/surveys, training, emergency preparedness planning, quality/environment standards (ISO), etc. He can be contacted on email: mohanaknk@yahoo.co.in

October 2011 | Chemical World

MATERIAL CORNER

Material advancements

Vivek Patel

he present energy economy based on fossil fuels is at a serious risk due to several factors, including the continuous increase in the demand for oil; exhaustion of non-renewable resources; and increasing ecological concerns â&#x20AC;&#x201C; global warming. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop renewable energy sources to reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Among the various existing technologies, nanomaterials-enabled lithium (Li)ion batteries are considered as the most competitive power source because

An emerging understanding of nanoscience and the developments in the field of nanotechnology have offered solutions to energy storage applications. Advances in electrochemistry, surface science, and materials science have stimulated the use of nanomaterials in more efficient energy storage and battery systems. Nanomaterials have the potential to significantly enhance the performance of Li-ion batteries. The prominent impact in terms of high power is envisaged due to their reduced dimensions that enable to achieve far higher surface/interface Li storage and intercalation/deintercalation

new anode materials, whereas nanosized LiCoO2, LiFePO4, LiMn2O4, carbon nanotubes and nanofibres show higher capacity and better cycle life as cathode materials for Li-ion batteries. Samsung SDI Co Ltd has developed tin-based intermetallic nanopowder capped with triazine-based monomer material for anodes having high capacity and excellent cycle lifetime. Similarly, silicon nanofibre paper is used by Inorganic Specialists Inc for anode component, which promotes cycling stability without a loss of storage capacity, resulting in good cycling and high energy storage.

Nanomaterials in lithium-ion batteries

â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;CHARGED UPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;

TO EXPLORE NEW POSSIBILITIES Lithium-ion batteries are considered to be one of the most effective ways to generate power, and research in the field of nanomaterials is aiding the growth of this market.

of their high energy density, superior power capability, design flexibility and longer lifespan. Use of Li in batteries was first reported by A V Fraioly et al in 1968, and the first rechargeable Li battery was proposed by M S Whittingham. Further, the concept of secondary Li battery was first demonstrated by D W Murphy et al in 1978. Groundbreaking cathode materials (lithium cobalt oxide) research was carried out by a team led by John B Goodenough following which Sony brought out the first commercial Liion battery in 1991. The first use of any nanomaterial was reported by Hyperion Catalysis International Inc wherein it used carbon fibril as anode material of Li battery. 52

Chemical World | October 2011

rates. Even though the first direct use of nanomaterials in the fabrication of Liion battery has been reported in 1993, the trend witnessed a significant boom in the last few years due to the significant amount of research being carried out in the area of nanomaterials as well as the increase in the demand for high performance Li-ion batteries. Various nanomaterials are being used in different components of Li-ion battery such as anode, cathode, electrolyte, and separator because of their higher reactivity and short diffusion length for Li-ions. The nanocrystalline intermetallic alloys, nanosized composite materials (eg polymer composites), carbon nanotubes/nanofibres and nanosized transition-metal oxides are all promising

Global market scenario The global market for secondary Li-ion batteries was $ 9.8 billion in 2010. Asia accounts for approximately 50.2 per cent of the global marketshare followed by North America (25.3 per cent) and Europe (24.5 per cent). Further, consumer applications account for about 75.3 per cent ($ 7.4 billion), while industrial applications account for about 24.7 per cent ($ 2.4 billion) of total revenues. The global market for nanomaterials-enabled batteries is expected to reach $ 1.6 billion by 2015 from $ 300 million in 2010 with an average annual growth rate (AAGR) of 40.2 per cent. By 2015, electric vehicles (EVs), hybrid electric vehicles (HEVs), plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs)

MATERIAL CORNER

e on Charge

Opportunities and challenges

e on Discharge V

Cathode

SEI

Anode

SEI Separator

Li+

Li+ on Charge

Li+ on Discharge

Li+

Li1-xCoO2

LixC

Source: OECD

Figure 1: Mechanism and components of Li-ion battery

Cathode capacity (mAh/g) 200 400 600 800 LixMn2O4

Cathode Positive Electrode

LixNiyCo1-yO2

LixFePO4

LixV2O5 LixV6O13 LixMnO2

Battery Potential Carbons Graphite LiC6

Tin

Anode Negative Electrode

Voltage (V vs. Li/Li+)

1000

LixCoO2

Silicon Germanium Lithium

1000 2000 3000 4000 Anode Capacity (mAh/g)

5000

Source: OECD

Figure 2: Nanomaterials mechanism and components of Li-ion battery

Nanomaterials used in Li-ion batteries: i s:: Anode materials: Nano-SnO2, Sn, SnSb, Si, Nano-particle doped carbon fibre, CNTs, Nano-Li3-xCoxN, CoO, Cu6Sn5 Cathode materials: NanoV2O5,Nano-LiNiCoO2, CNTs, NanoLiMxMn2-xO4 Electrolytes: Nano-TiO2,SiO2, powders in PEO-LiX electrolyte, Nanostructure thin film

and specialty electric vehicles will have 77.4 per cent share of the global market, which shows an AAGR of 69.2 per cent from 2010. Japan is the prominent leader in the production of nanomaterials-enabled Li-ion battery, followed by South Korea.

Use of nanomaterials in Li-ion battery electrodes is the current driving force for the global market upswing. The major driver for the market growth is the increasing acceptance of nanomaterialsenabled Li-ion battery. The market drivers include: R Demand for eco-friendly and nonpetroleum vehicles, especially in the developed countries R Higher demand for electric, hybrids and plug-in hybrids vehicles R Reduced environmental footprint In addition, some other key drivers include higher power and energy; increased energy density; improved charge/discharge capability; enhanced shelf-life; lighter weight; and enhanced safety measures with respect to the possibility of catching fire. However, nanomaterials-based Liion battery industry is also facing various challenges regarding cost and safety. The higher cost of nanomaterials; compatibility issues such as problem of agglomeration, dispersion and processing difficulties; safety issues related to nanomaterials as in the case of Li4Ti5O12 nanomaterials, commercialisation of which was regulated due to the fire hazards associated with this material, etc pose key challenges to develop high performance Liion batteries. Other problem areas are pertaining to performance (power and energy) over a wide temperature range (-30 to 52°C); calendar life, as 15-year calendar life is yet to be achieved; and environmental effects & health risks posed by constituent materials.

Nanomaterials suppliers for the Li-ion batteries In 2010, the world’s largest chemical conglomerate, BASF started the production unit for Nickel-CobaltManganese cathode materials for use in Li-ion batteries. NanoEner, Inc produces nanostructured electrodes based on LiMn2O4, LiCoO2, MnO2, C, and Si for energy storage devices such as Liion batteries for hybrid electric vehicles, handheld power tools, among others.

NanoeXa Corporation, USA, manufactures layer-to-layer NickelCobalt-Manganese (NCM) cathode materials for Li-ion batteries. The technology has been licensed from the US Argonne National Laboratory. Nexeon Ltd, a UK-based battery materials and licensing company, produces silicon anode materials for Li-ion batteries. Nexeon’s silicon anode technology overcame the previous problems of poor charging, cycle life, etc as well as provided lighter batteries with more power and charging capacities. Nanostructured & Amorphous Materials, Inc, the US-based nanomaterials company, is involved in the manufacturing of nanostructured materials and their dispersions. It supplies CNT-based electrode additives of highly conductive multi-walled carbon nanotubes for Li-ion batteries. NEI Corporation, USA, supplies cathode materials for Li-ion batteries that include Lithium Titanate (Li4Ti5O12) NanomyteTM BE-10, Lithium manganese oxide (LiMn2O4) NanomyteTM BE-30, Lithium Nickel Cobalt Aluminium Oxide (LiNixCoyAlzO2) NanomyteTM BE-40, and Lithium Manganese Nickel Oxide NanomyteTM SP-10. These materials are widely used in Li-ion batteries due to their high energy density, high power and good cycle life.

Promising potential Nanomaterials are promising for the new generation of Li-ion secondary batteries. Several nanomaterials have been identified, which have great potential to enhance the performance of Li-ion battery. Innovative approaches to material science and battery engineering are all set to open new avenues in the field of nanomaterials and Li-ion batteries. Vivek Patel is a consultant in the domain of polymers/ plastics/chemicals/composites. He has developed zero halogen flame retardant compounds and thermoplastic elastomers (TPE) compounding formulations. Email: vivepatel@gmail.com

October 2011 | Chemical World

TECH TRACK

Brent Giles

or drinking water suppliers and industries that use, and at the same time, dispose of large volumes of water, the use of bulk chemicals is both indispensable and a cause of concern. This is because, bulk chemicals are an ongoing cost; can contain unpredictable impurities; carry an inherent risk of downstream contamination of water, and thus the potential for public

their water: most are store and warehouse owners with little chemical sophistication, but with a desire to make their systems as maintenance-free as possible. A wide array of worthless products, from ‘magnetic treatment’ to ‘pipe segments’ made of exotic materials, have sold well in this market, making genuine chemical alternatives hard to differentiate for customers. Charlatans have cost the industry dearly – once a cooling tower has been out of control even briefly, corrosion

sets in that cannot be fully halted even with continuing proper chemical maintenance.

Alternatives to chemicals More sophisticated industries can safely supplement their chemical use with credible alternatives, accepting higher capital costs in return for safer and possibly more predictable processes. These alternatives work best when a process is designed around them rather than operators simply

Water treatment

GREEN TECHNOLOGY for CLEAN SOLUTION viewing them as direct substitutes harm. It is not surprising, then, that for chemicals. A large number users have been on the look-out of vendors sell alternatives for alternatives. But water, for nearly every chemical whether used for processing, process, often expanding cooling or drinking, or Water is often treated with f rom high-margin even wastewater, holds chemicals such as chlorine that fields like oil & gas unique challenges. have successfully protected public health water treatment into Source water can vary against water-borne diseases. However, chemical industrial process, dramatically in pH, disinfection produces potentially toxic by-products and finally the particulates, hardness whose presence is undesirable. To deal with such large but slow& alkalinity, and moving municipal may contain dozens issues, alternative processes such as membrane markets. of impurities. The processes or UV irradiation could in principle It is not an quality of source help by replacing, or at least reducing the use of easy target. Bulk water, even when chemicals in water treatment. chemicals are taken from a tap, can inexpensive – from vary from day to day 2004 to 2007, with storm events and when feedstock changes in treatment prices soared, even protocol. Any treatment a cost increase of 88 solution needs to be per cent for municipal flexible enough to deal water chemicals with these changes. For barely put a dent in this reason, even accepted municipalities’ or their non-chemical treatments customers’ budgets. Some are routinely supplemented industrial process chemicals with chemicals. Small cooling tower operators are more expensive, but these often opt for fraudulent ‘non-chemical’ are used because they are extremely alternatives to maintain the quality of well-suited to specialised processes, and 54

Chemical World | October 2011

TECH TRACK

Techniques deployed Non-chemical additive techniques seldom provide drop-in replacements for chemicals. While thiols and phosphonates used as metal scavengers can be replaced by ion exchange resins, electrodeionisaton or in-situ generation of oxidants followed by filtration, any of these substitutes

Company BioRemCo Biowish Crystal Clear Technologies EnvirEau Technologies Environmental Operating Solutions Globe Protect MEL Chemicals NEI Corporation SCFI Severn Trent Services Ultrawaves

5 Dominant

High-potential

BioRemCo 3

Severn Trent Services

Globe Protect

Crystal Clear Technologies

Biowish

NEI Corporation

5.0

Strong Positive

4.0-4.9

Positive

3.0-3.9

Wait and See

2.0-2.9

Caution

1.0-1.9

Strong Caution

MEL Chemicals

EnvirEau Technologies

Environmental Operating Solutions Undistinguished

Long-shot 1 1

Business Execution

Source: Lux Research, Inc.

Figure 1: Wastewater chemicals and alternatives

requires optimisation and significant process changes. Both capital costs and ongoing energy costs are deterrents for non-chemical methods. Ultrasound can sometimes replace traditional antifoams, process redesign to optimise reactor geometry, but use of high electricity makes it a dubious alternative. Likewise, the use of reverse osmosis for water softening is prohibitively expensive, while ion exchange membranes still need to be regenerated with the same chemicals that could have softened the water directly. The growing use of membranes has not proven to be a chemical replacement.

Table 1: Key players in wastewater Description Enzymatic treatment chemicals for water treatment and remediation Biocatalytic product for treatment of wastewater and many other applications Nano-coated ďŹ lter media for wastewater toxic-metal removal Mineral-based anti-microbial product for control of algae, bacteria and odour Agriculturally derived chemicals providing a biodegradable carbon source for applications to remove contaminants including nitrate, perchlorate, selenium and phosphorus Ultrasonic cavitation water treatment Zirconium based arsenic and other heavy metal adsorbents Nanomaterials for a variety of applications Supercritical water oxidation Water and wastewater equipment and services Ultrasound technology for water, wastewater and sludge treatment

Chemical World | October 2011

Lux take

Utrawaves

Source: Lux Research, Inc.

Maturity

SCFI Technical Value

thus difficult to replace. Bulk chemicals need only simple dosers or can be added by hand, something impossible for any chemical alternative. The highly controversial presence of toxic, high pressure chlorine and ammonia gas tanks in both municipal and industrial plants has resulted in companies worldwide scrambling for alternatives. Liquid hypochlorite works well but can build up carcinogenic perchlorates, if stored improperly, allowing the solution to dry along the walls of the vessel, creating the conditions for perchlorate formation. In-situ chlorine or mixed oxidant generators require higher capital costs and can also produce perchlorates, if improperly designed. For process water where a residual is not needed, ultraviolet light or ozone are options. The cheapest solution will continue to be gas cylinders, but users, especially in densely populated areas, should consider the cost of safety measures, maintenance and staff training when they balance their options.

Todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s generation of polymer membranes are susceptible to rapid fouling and are intolerant to chlorine, creating thriving markets for non-oxidising biocides, dechlorinators such as sulfites, membrane cleaning agents and polymer antiscalants. Reverse osmosis (RO) results in such pure water that companies have sprung up to replace the ions RO just filtered out, reducing pipe corrosion downstream and making the water safe to drink. Many labs around the world are working to create more robust and affordable membranes. It is expected that alternatives to RO including forward osmosis (FO) and ion selective membranes may gradually ease these issues. Coagulation may be seeing the most competition. For industrial process water, electrocoagulation is now a real option to minimise salt build-up for repeated use, with systems offered by a number of companies with strong track records. Dissolved air filtration (DAF), using micron-sized and sometimes charged bubbles, is also growing in popularity. Brent Giles is a Senior Analyst at Lux Research, which provides strategic advice and on-going intelligence for emerging technologies, and leads the Water Intelligence practice. Email: brent.giles@luxresearchinc.com

TREND ANALYSIS

Workplace safety

Embracing reliability-centered maintenance

With many workplace disasters, especially related to chemical industry, recorded in the annals of history, having controls and systems in the process itself for creating a safer workplace and protecting the personnel, equipment and the environment have increasingly gained importance. Pradeep Kumar Gupta

hemical industry faces the challenge of unexpected release of toxic, reactive or flammable liquids or gases. These hazards may arise due to improper material handling/mishandling or the process itself. Occupational diseases such as musculoskeletal, respiratory, visual, hearing disorders, etc occur among the workforce due to exposure to harmful substances or systems and adversely affect efficiency. Hazards specifically associated with the chemical industry have forced us to follow stringent safety regulations because hazardous nature of the industry has time and again led to disasters through the history; probably due to mismanagement of hazards. 58

Chemical World | October 2011

Control systems The chemical industry generally follows a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Hierarchy of Controlâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, which consists of necessary steps to protect personnel from exposure to harmful substances and systems. Control measures, in the order of priority, include: R Elimination: Avoiding usage of the toxic/harmful substance R Substitution: Substitute a hazardous substance in a system with a less dangerous one R Containment: Isolation of harmful substances R Administrative: Training, establishing policies, procedures and work practices to reduce exposure Some equipment help in detecting hazardous substances, and once they are detected, above controls can be applied. For example, access to tanks or piping

(confined spaces) is often required for maintenance tasks. Such locations have higher concentration of toxic gases. In such locations, use of some detection and measuring devices is advised for the monitoring. Such devices can also be used to monitor and detect many substances, which may be present and provide reliable warning through different kinds of alarms when limit values exceed. Maintaining safe working conditions, efficient personal protection as well as an effective and sustainable company philosophy is a priority in this industry. Regular updates, servicing and maintenance work are called for due to the high stress placed on equipment as a result of exposure to hazardous substances. Inadequate or lack of maintenance can cause serious accidents or health problems. However, maintenance itself is a high-risk activity

TREND ANALYSIS

and requires great safety, with appropriate protection of maintenance workforce and other people present in the workplace.

Maintenance philosophies Changing times have seen the evolution of different maintenance philosophies; from traditional calendar-based to risk-based inspection (RBI) and reliability-centered maintenance (RCM); from reactive mode to proactive mode of maintenance; bringing in best practices to achieve higher safety levels. Independent maintenance studies have indicated that the following average savings can be achieved by having a wellstructured programme, which includes a reasonable mix of different safety, health and maintenance strategies and an agile Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP): R ROI up to three times R Reduction in maintenance costs up to 30 per cent R Reduction in breakdowns up to 75 per cent R Reduction in downtime up to 45 per cent R Increase in production up to 25 per cent Due to increasing demands of high health and safety levels, strict adherence to safety regulations & procedures and continuous analysis of causes & effects for analysing Mean Time Between Failure (MTBF)/Mean Time to Repair (MTTR)/Mean Waiting Time (MWT); maximising overall equipment efficiency (OEE) for higher revenues, visibility; and control on equipment running costs led to the development of agile ERP applications like Industrial and Financial Systems (IFS). An agile ERP such as IFS includes an enterprise asset management (EAM) solution that has the all-round agility to provide companies with operational efficiency, as well as progressive maintenance procedures and inventory programmes. Rapid return on investment is only one of the reasons why capital-intensive companies favour IFS applications. ERP application when implemented helps companies to have deeper visibility 60

Chemical World | October 2011

on the critical information needed for quick and accurate decision-making. ERP having EAM as integral solution can also bring following benefits to a chemical industry. Asset lifecycle management (ALM) that co-exists with the business software of choice: Components such as asset data management and process automation integration really make a difference. ERP’s solution for ‘Extended’ Enterprise Asset management works especially well for asset-intensive companies with critical uptime and high maintenance budget. Reduce reaction time for unplanned breakdowns and shorten execution time for maintenance: It works on improved collaboration between maintenance and operations through process automation integration. This is done through navigation and synchronisation between SCADA/Process Portal and EAM. Both maintainers and operators benefit from plant asset management solution, which includes integration of SCADA and maintenance applications. Use of predictive maintenance, RBI and RCM to cut maintenance costs: With RCM and RBI programmes implemented, companies can focus their maintenance efforts on the critical equipment that affect production and identify the right maintenance strategy. By combining traditional calendar-based maintenance with condition-based and predictive maintenance, costs can be greatly reduced without jeopardising operations, increasing revenues by focussing on productioncritical equipment, documenting maintenance plans in a structured way to allow companies to take their next step to a total proactive maintenance strategy. Increase personnel & equipment safety and optimise asset utilisation: ERP ensures that the equipment being worked on is down when they should be. It also provides solutions for handling breakdowns with a work process that identifies the steps and measures necessary to proceed safely, and thus ensure security & safety of humans & assets. It also includes built-in establishment and re-establishment processes and capability

of running hundreds of permits for one isolation – powerful safety feature that determine how to stop and start major assets. Boost organisational competence by optimising the use of asset information: People retire, new technology is introduced, and new conditions arise in the market. This operational hazard of not being able to pass on information is tackled by ERP via competence transfer. Getting hold of the technical history – all issues, history, production events, preventive maintenance, financial history, spares, faults and causes, actions taken, time consumed – is automatically handled and added to competence management information found in the HR packages.

Optimising resource planning It is all about using the right competence for the right task, minimising transportation requirements and making certain that required spare parts are readily available. Shorter time from reported fault to performed work, shorter lead-time in procurement process/inventory levels, planning tools and facilities together with the workforce, increasing efficiency by reducing time between shutdown and startup by evaluating alternative ways of shutdowns; all these objectives are accomplished via the integration of project management, work order management, preventive maintenance, resource planning and allocation in combination with asset information and human resources. During execution, this information needs to be readily accessible throughout the company, with any tool/device (for instance, ERP), and at any location. Pradeep Kumar Gupta is the Practice Head - Ports, EPC, Manufacturing at IFS Solutions India Pvt Ltd. He has been with IFS India, since the past 10 years, and has seen his customers benefiting from ERP implementation by adopting simple and agile practices to remove complexities from their business processes. Email:pradeep.gupta@ifsworld.com

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PUNE Nov 18-21, 2011 Auto Cluster Exhibition Centre

Gateway to exuberant opportunities The industrial hub of Pune is gearing up to witness the mélange of latest technologies and innovative products at the highly awaited engineering congregation, Engineering Expo Pune. To be held from November 18-21, 2011, at Auto Cluster Exhibition Centre, Pimpri, the event will reinforce itself as a leading platform for companies to reach out to the target audience and display their manufacturing prowess. It will also enable the business fraternity to collaborate with companies and find right partners and solutions.

Swapnil Pillai

estern India is the second-largest consumer goods market after northern market. Various developmental policies and initiatives have resulted in the emergence of Pune as a preferred choice

ENGINEERING EXPO PUNE STATS

225+ Exhibitors 15,000+ Expected visitors 15,000+ Products on display Spread over more than

45,000 sq ft Expected business worth more than

` 55 crore

for the manufacturing companies to establish their base in the region. The proximity to Nhava Sheva port and the presence of huge supplier base are some of the key investment drivers for this region. The bustling industrial hub of Pimpri-Chinchwad has seen many MNCs setting up their base here to leverage on the small & medium enterprise (SME) advantage. Pune occupies an important place in production as well as export of cutting-edge engineering solutions. Satish Joshi, Director, Micro Supreme Auto Industries (I) Pvt Ltd, says, “Pune offers good transportation and logistics support, and has comparatively less union troubles. These factors have resulted in the creation of a positive environment, suitable for high growth rate and capital investment.” As per the latest figures released by the Auto Component Manufacturers Association (ACMA), Pune has 53 large companies with a collective turnover of $ 1,400

million, and exports worth $ 235 million. Additionally, there are about 7,000 auto ancillary units in and around Pune. According to S J Gijare, General Manager - Handling Equipment Division, CTR Manufacturing Industries Ltd, “Pune was home to many ‘start-up’ SMEs in the 1960s and 1970s with hi-tech products that met the requirements of defence establishments and some large private companies. The last decade has witnessed a high growth in the SME sector with thousands of such units coming up and adopting latest manufacturing and management techniques.” Engineering Expo Pune, being organised by Infomedia 18 Ltd, is a testimony to the rising significance of Pune in the Indian industrial landscape. Milan Supanekar, Proprietor, Welding Technologies India, observes, “Pune is a preferred manufacturing destination for automobile as well as engineering companies. This has a favourable

October 2011 | Chemical World

CURTAIN RAISER

repercussion on the development of the SME sector here. Therefore, the business environment for SMEs is favourable.”

Leveraging the legacy Engineering Expo enjoys wide media coverage and leaves no stone unturned in consistently meeting the expectations of both exhibitors and visitors alike. The previous edition of the event generated business worth ` 47 crore and more than 6,038 business leads. This has reinforced the faith of exhibitors in the event, which is evident from the fact that this year’s edition was fully booked two months in advance. Referring to the event as a gateway to Pune’s industrial opportunity, Prasanna Kulkarni, Business Manager - Industrial Air, Atlas Copco (India) Ltd, says, “Engineering Expo provides an excellent platform to interact and touch base with the customers. It enables us to not only showcase our products but also provide

live demonstrations. This interactive forum provides companies a chance to display their products and discuss the latest happenings in the industry. Western region is one of the important markets and companies will utilise the platform of Engineering Expo to create a brand that comes first in the mind of the customer and is synonymous with quality.” Elaborating further on the crucial role played by Engineering Expo in enhancing business prospects, Prashant Wani, Proprietor, Shende Sales Corporation, states, “The Expo has carved a niche for itself among professionals, and thereby attracts quality visitors. This enables us to reach a wide base of customers and generate high amount of business.” S Chandra Sekar, Senior Manager - Western Region, S & T Engineers (P) Ltd, feels that the event enables exhibitors to forge new relations with decision makers from the SME sector and corporate houses, who are regular visitors at the event. “It helps us to connect with our existing customers as well as meet prospective clients, besides showcasing our new range of products. Mainly, it gives us the opportunity to identify and interact with decision makers from various big and small companies,” he adds.

More in store The sixth edition of the event aims at empowering the visitors with latest technology. Companies can use this Expo to reinstall customers’ confidence and loyalty in the brand & take advantage of new opportunities. As Engineering Expo Pune continues its success saga, an ebullient Sandeep Khosla, CEO 64

Chemical World | October 2011

Publishing, Infomedia 18 Ltd, puts this in perspective, “Engineering Expo has come a long way today by becoming one of India’s largest multi-location (other places include Ahmedabad, Chennai, Indore, Rudrapur and Aurangabad) SME meeting points. Over the years, it has successfully delivered its goal of a preferred destination for SMEs and manufacturing & engineering companies to connect, transact, and leverage ideas to foster growth of individual organisations as well as that of the industry at large. As we look forward with further valueadditions for even better experience and reach to the target audience, we welcome large, medium & small industries in manufacturing and servicing sector to be a part of the Expo in this exciting journey.” Gijare, who feels that Engineering Expo plays a vital role in bridging the gap between business stakeholders, says, “The event enables manufacturers and traders f rom Maharashtra and other states to showcase their products and services, thereby gaining brand recognition & additional customers. Also, many visitors to these exhibitions, particularly in the SME segment, have gained appropriate knowledge and solutions to meet their specific requirements.” With the Indian industry poised to maintain the high growth momentum in the coming years, expectations are high about an upbeat investment environment in Pune. This spells excellent business opportunities for the manufacturing sector to scale new heights, and Engineering Expo Pune would act as a catalyst towards this end.

CURTAIN RAISER

IPVS 2011

ALL PUMPED UP TO TAP THE CHANGING PARADIGM

The growing Indian economy and its huge potential have attracted major international companies in the pumps and valves sector to invest in India. The fifth in its series, the Industrial Pumps Valves & Systems (IPVS) will offer an opportunity for the international pumps, valves and related community to showcase products and technologies to the ever-growing Indian industry. Avani Jain

he process industry’s growth graph is always dependent on that of the pumps and valves industry. The country has been home to almost all leading manufacturers of industrial pumps and valves around the world since many decades. Providing a platform for the pumps, valves and allied industries to showcase their products and technologies before the largest gathering of AsiaPacific, IPVS serves as one of the major industry gatherings for the sector. The three-day event will be organised by Orbitz Exhibitions Pvt Ltd from November 11-13, 2011, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, and is expected to act as the meeting place for industry leaders, decision makers and trade associations. According to Sanjeev Srivastava, Associate Vice President (Development), Doshion Ltd, “The pumps and valves industry has seen a phenomenal growth

WHAT TO EXPECT? R Participation from 10 countries R More 150 exhibitors R Expected 6,500+ visitors R Concurrent IPCE show for industrial pipes and compressor

and maturity over the years. This trade fair shall help us demonstrate our products to a diverse segment of visitors and will help us explain the superiority of our SUMO Pumps, Teco Valves, Sanking Valves etc.” IPVS 2010 witnessed participation from more than 150 exhibitors and 4,000 visitors.

Event at a glance Around 75 per cent of the exhibitors who will be a part of the upcoming show have opted for customised stands (custom stands start from 36 sq m) for attracting more visitor flow during the exhibition. The event will see almost 150 exhibitors comprising national as well as international companies like KSB Pumps, Hi Fab Sealing Solution, Kirloskar Brothers, Weir BDK Valves, Crompton Greaves, SPX, Roto Pumps, Fivebro, Lubi Pumps, Netzsch, Larsen & Toubro, Oswal Industries, Ebro Armaturen, Moniba Pumps etc. IPVS 2011 is organised under the patronage of the Ministry of Industries and Mines, Government of Gujarat and in association with Indian Pump Manufacturers Association (IPMA), Europe Pump Manufacturers Association (EUROPUMP) and Holland Pump Groep. This event is likely to used by companies to launch products. Rituraj Rajaji, Business Head (Institutional),

Lubi Group of Industries, says, “We will be launching vertical inline single stage pumpsets at the exhibition.” M Saravana Kumar, Manager – Business Development, Susin I-Tork India Pvt Ltd, notes, “The valves business is growing at 50-75 per cent every year. Keeping in mind the demand for valves, we will be launching electric multi-turn actuator and pneumatic heavy-duty actuator at the event.” Further, with a view to bring together the industrial piping and associated systems like gaskets, couplings, elbows and other hydraulic machineries at a common platform, Industrial Pipes and Compressor Expo (IPCE) 2011 will also take place concurrently with IPVS.

In a nutshell According to the organiser, IPVS will provide an opportunity for companies (Indian as well as MNCs) to showcase their capabilities and latest innovations in pumps, valves and plant systems. Almost 6,500 visitors are expected at the event. Vivek Norman, Managing Director, Netzsch Technologies India Pvt Ltd, observes, “I would suggest the visitors to make the best out of the event as various companies will display diverse products and services, which can help them improve their business efficiencies.”

October 2011 | Chemical World

EVENTS CALENDAR

National PUNE: Maharashtra, Nov 18-21, 2011, Auto Cluster Exhibition Centre CHENNAI : Tamil Nadu, Dec 8-11, 2011, Chennai Trade Centre INDORE: Madhya Pradesh, Jan 6-9, 2012, Poddar Plaza, Nr Gandhi Hall AURANGABAD: Maharashtra, Feb 17-20, 2012, Garware Stadium 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: +91 98195 52270 • Fax: +91 022-3003 4499 • Email: engexpo@infomedia18.in

Poly India 2011 Focussed tradeshow on advanced application of polymers and plastics; November 09-11, 2011; at HITEX, Hyderabad For details contact: FICCI Federation House, 1 Tansen Marg New Delhi 110 001 Tel: 011-2373 8760 Fax: 011-2335 9734 Email: manojmehta@ficci.com

Clean India Show Tradeshow for exhibiting cleaning and maintenance equipment; November 1012, 2011; at NSIC Exhibition Complex, New Delhi For details contact: Virtual Info Systems Pvt Ltd 231, Mastermind-1 Royal Palms, Mayur Nagar Aarey Milk Colony Goregaon (E), Mumbai 400 065 Tel: 022-2879 4695/96/97 Fax: 022-2879 2739 Email: jp@virtualinfo.in

IPVS 2011 Industrial trade fair for pumps, valves and systems; November 11-13, 2011; at the Gujarat University Hall, Ahmedabad For details contact: Orbitz Exhibitions Pvt Ltd 101, Navyug Industrial Estate Sewri (W), Mumbai 400 015 Tel: 022-2410 2801/02 66

Chemical World | October 2011

Fax: 022-2410 2805 Email: info@ipvs.in

SUGARASIA 2011 Exhibition showcasing cane sugar and downstream products such as distillation of molasses & ethanol, blending and power generation; November 21-25, 2011; at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi For details contact: Nexgen Exhibitions Pvt Ltd 1201 Pragati Tower, 26 Rajendra Place New Delhi 110 008 Tel: 011-4153 6990, Fax: 011-4153 6991 Email: nexgenservices@gmail.com

CPhI INDIA 2011 International exhibition on pharmaceutical ingredients and intermediates; December 01-03, 2011; at NSE Exhibition Complex, Mumbai For details contact: CMP India (UBM India Pvt Ltd) Sagar Tech Plaza, A, 615-617, 6th Floor SakiNaka Junction, Andheri-Kurla Road Andheri (E), Mumbai 400 072 Tel: 022-6612 2600, Fax: 022-6612 2626 Email: deepalim@ubmindia.com

For details contact: Newreka Green Synth Technologies Pvt Ltd 405, Mastermind IV Royal Palms, Aarey Colony Goregaon (East), Mumbai 400 065 Tel: 022-2879 1835, Fax: 022-2879 4790 Email: krishna.dave@newreka.co.in

Hannover India Event showcasing process automation, material handling and renewable energy technologies; December 06-09, 2011; at Bangalore International Exhibition Centre, Bengaluru For details contact: Hannover Milano Fairs India Pvt Ltd 603/604, Samarpan Complex New Link Road, Chakala Next to Mirador Hotel Andheri (E), Mumbai 400 099 Tel: 022-4005 0681/82 Fax: 022-4005 0683 Email: info@hmf-india.com

PLASTINDIA 2012 International plastics exhibition & conference; February 01-06, 2012; at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi For details contact: Plastindia Foundation 401, Landmark B, Suren Road Off Andheri Kurla Road Andheri (East), Mumbai 400 093 Tel: 022-2683 2911-14 Fax: 022-2684 5861 Email: plastindia@vsnl.com

Everything About Water 2012 International conference and trade show for wastewater management and allied industries; February 09-11, 2012; at India Exposition Centre & Mart Ltd, Greater Noida

Industrial Green Chemistry World Global platform for the chemical industry to explore and exchange emerging trends and innovations in the field of industrial Green Chemistry and Engineering; December 04-06, 2011; at Intercontinental The Lalit Resort; Mumbai

For details contact: EA WATER Pvt Ltd A1/ 152, IGNOU Road Neb Sarai, New Delhi 110 068 Tel: 011- 4310 0568 / 0500 Fax: 011-4310 0599 Email: enquiry@eawater.com

EVENTS CALENDAR

International ChemMash-Pumps 2011 A trade fair on chemical engineering and pumps; October 24-27, 2011; at Expocentre Krasnaya Presnya Fairgrounds, Moscow For details contact: ZAO Expocentr 1A Sokolnicheski Val Moscow 123100, Russia Tel: +7 (495) 255 37 23/33 Fax: +7 (495) 205 80 55 Email: centr@expocentr.ru

INCHEM Tokyo 2011 Trade fair showing latest developments in chemical engineering; November 16-18, 2011; at Tokyo International Exhibition Center, Japan For details contact: Japan Management Association ( JMA) 3-1-22, Shibakoen Minato-ku, Tokyo 105, Japan Tel: +81 (0)3 3434 0093 Fax: +81 (0)3 3434 8076 Email: convention@jma.or.jp

Saudi Petrochem 2011 International exhibition for chemicals and chemical technology industry; November 21-24, 2011; at Riyadh International Exhibition Centre, Saudi Arabia For details contact: Riyadh Exhibitions Co Ltd Olaya Road Postfach, P O Box 56010 SA - 11554 Riyadh, Saudi Arabia Tel: +966 1 454 1448 Fax: +966 1 454 4846 Email: esales@recexpo.com

CIA 2011 An event focussing on latest progress on process control and automation in chemicals,petroleum/energy etc; November 22-25, 2011; at Suntec, Singapore For details contact: Singapore Exhibition Services Pte Ltd

No. 1 Jalan Kilang Timor #09-02 Pacific Tech Centre Singapore 159303 Tel: +65 62336638 Tel: +65 62336633 Email: events@sesallworld.com

ChinaCoat 2011 Key event for global coatings industry; November 23-25, 2011; at Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC), Shanghai, China For details contact: New Expostar (SZ) Co Ltd Room 1708, 17/F, Eton Place, 69 Dongfang Road, Pudong New Area Shanghai-200120, China Tel: (86 21) 6150 4989, 5877 7680/1/2/3 Fax: (86 21) 5877 7685 Email: shg@new-expostar.com

Fax: +971 (4) 343 6115 Email: iec@emirates.net.ae

Informex USA Trade fair for fine & specialty chemicals, chemical process technology, APIs & excipients, chiral chemistry, catalysts, contract research, equipment & instrumentation, etc; February 14-17, 2012; at Morial Convention Center, New Orleans, the US For details contact: Jennifer Jessup UBM LIVE 212 Carnegie Center Suite 203, Princeton, NJ 08540, The US Tel: +1-609-759-4700 Fax: +1-201-720-2972 Email: jjessup@informex.com

Offshore Asia Digital Plant 2011 A plant lifecycle conference for the chemicals, power, oil & gas, offshore, and pharmaceuticals industries; December 05-07, 2011; at Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Convention Centre, Houston, USA For details contact: Daratech Inc 255 Bent Street Cambridge, MA 02141 The US Tel: +1 (617) 354-2339 Email: daratech@daratech.com

Chemical Process Plant and Machinery Middle East 2011 Exhibition and seminar for the chemical, petrochemical, chemical process technology and corrosion control industries; December 07-08, 2011; at Dubai World Trade Centre, UAE For details contact: International Expo-Consults LLC PO Box 50006, Dubai, UAE Tel: +971 (4) 343 5777

Tradeshow dedicated to latest advancements in offshore technology and subsea applications; February 2123, 2012; at KLCC Convention Centre, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia For details contact: 1421 S. Sheridan Road Tulsa, Oklahoma 74112 T: +65 9616 8080 F: +65 6734 0655 E: yfyee@singnet.com.sg

Middle East Coatings Show International exhibition and conference on coatings and surface treatment; March 1214, 2012; at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), UAE For details contact: Chris Hamilton Coatings Group Westgate House, 120/130 Station Road, Surrey Redhill, The UK Tel: +44-1737-85563 Fax: +(44)-(1737)-855034 Email: chrishamilton@quartzltd.co.uk

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

October 2011 | Chemical World

REPORT

RUDRAPUR Sept 23-26, 2011 Gandhi Park

OPTIMISING

The Northern

ADVANTAGE

The ‘Think Global… Act Local’ anthem got another anecdote. With major multinational manufacturing and general engineering companies participating in & visiting the maiden edition of Engineering Expo Rudrapur, this northern stronghold got a befitting partner. With many promises delivered and many made, the Expo concluded with a promise to come back next year with more offerings and opportunities for the participating & visiting companies. Arindam Ghosh

ew age realities spring some unwritten guiding principles. In the boundaryless market reality, it is critical for companies to establish a strong base in the local markets. This guiding principle takF a different dimension when the multinational corporations have to establish the local connect and client base while keeping 68

Chemical World | October 2011

their gaze fixed on the global trend. To combat such critical needs, many skillfully crafted ‘meet your customers’ or ‘showcase your innovations’ platforms are created. But when it is a veteran of a brand like Engineering Expo and an opportune location like Rudrapur, the scope and extent of such platforms multiply manifold. The latest edition of the Engineering Expo, an established trade show brand of Infomedia 18 Ltd, turned out to be

a huge success in terms of its quest towards bringing out the message to the entire Indian manufacturing fraternity of a new and emerging manufacturing hub – Rudrapur – located in the state of Uttarakhand. With the aim of highlighting India’s new manufacturing hub situated in the northern belt, it indeed helped the manufacturing fraternity to come together and created a conducive business environment for manufacturers to network, showcase and build brands & business, all under one enabling roof. Vikas G Patil, Incharge – Customer Care, Ratnaparkhi Electronics India, one of the exhibitors at the event, substantiated this fact. “We have been participating in Engineering Expo since the past 4-5 years and we are grateful that Infomedia 18 Ltd has given us this opportunity to participate and display our machines at Engineering Expo Rudrapur. Engineering Expo takes place in areas where new industries are coming up and I hope that Infomedia 18 Ltd keeps searching for new & lucrative places so that we can also reach there and showcase our machines,” he added. The inauguration function of the Expo saw the attendance of Chief Guest Tilak Raj Behar, MLA, Rudrapur; along with the Guest of Honour, Darbara Singh, President, Kumaun Garhwal Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KGCCI) – Uttarakhand; Meena Sharma, Chairman, Rudrapur Municipality, and Anil Sharma, Lawyer; in the presence of Sudhanva Jategaonkar, Associate Vice President, Infomedia 18 Ltd. The guests highlighted the need to tap the potential of this region and offer a fillip to the industries here by providing them a conducive networking environment and state-of-the-art products & services. “Rudrapur has been emerging as an industrial destination for companies, and Uttarakhand is garnering benefits from this growth. I am sure that events such as Engineering Expo will further substantiate the importance of Rudrapur as a major industrial hub. The expanse of products & technologies on display at the event will offer a whole new gamut

REPORT

of opportunities for existing companies as well as pave the way for the growth of prospective companies in the region,” Behar pointed out.

Rudrapur shining The latest edition of Engineering Expo turned out to be an eye opener of sorts. It highlighted the potential that new manufacturer-friendly regions like Rudrapur in northern India have to offer to manufacturers. Elaborating further on the same, Singh opined, “There are many reasons why big manufacturing companies are setting up their plants in Rudrapur. Apart from the fact that the region is highly adaptable, the State Government is supportive and offers manufacturers a slew of industry-friendly policies. Companies wanting to set up base here can have access to skilled manpower and resources. In addition, proximity to Delhi is one of the biggest advantages that this region offers investors.” Commenting from the organiser’s perspective on the choice of a new location for organising Engineering Expo, Jategaonkar explained, “Going by the customers’ feedback, we selected Rudrapur as our next destination. We are committed to work closely with the Government of Uttarakhand in furthering industrial growth of the state and that is the intent of launching the Rudrapur Edition of Engineering Expo.” Setting up manufacturing facilities in the tier II and tier III cities is the new mantra for all big manufacturing companies in India. Cities like Pune, Nagpur and Indore are slowly and steadily finding space in the investment and expansion plans of the big companies as

they provide easy access to land, labour & logistics expertise, strategic geographical locations, etc. Led by manufacturing biggies, Rudrapur is fast emerging as a leading investment destination in the northern belt of the country.

Exhibitors positive on the new edition Held during September 23-26, 2011, Engineering Expo Rudrapur boasted of profuse industry participation from diversified manufacturing spaces, which included machine tools & accessories, process machinery and equipment, material handling equipment, hydraulics & pneumatics, automation and instrumentation, electrical & electronics, light and medium engineering, safety & security, packaging machinery, etc, from all over the country. Substantiating this, Patil stated, “The business generated has been quite good. A lot of potential customers had visited our stall. Based on the enquiries I received, if things work out, around 30-40 per cent of my business will come from Rudrapur.” On how he plans to cash in on the lucrative opportunities that Rudrapur offers, T N Gopinath, Director – Technical & Marketing, Suyog Rubber India, one of the exhibitors at the event, explained, “There are a number of auto companies as well as engineering companies in Rudrapur. We are located in Hardwar as we are suppliers to Mahindra, who are our primary customers in Uttarakhand. Having said that we would like to develop business in Rudrapur as it offers a potentially bigger business opportunity in comparison to Hardwar.” Highlighting the healthy relationship, which Infomedia 18 Ltd shares with the exhibitors, Arun Nene, Manager – Channel Support, Jyoti CNC Automation, one of the exhibitors at the event, averred, “Our relationship with Infomedia 18 has brought us to Rudrapur.” Responding to the question as to whether Engineering Expo Rudrapur fulfilled its promises, Michael A Martyr, Sr General Manager, Trident Precision International, said, “The event has

ENGINEERING EXPO RUDRAPUR AT A GLANCE

223 Exhibitors 5,260 Visitors 15,000+ Products displayed ` 11.25 crore Business generated

1,25,000 sq ft Exhibition area 77,000 kg Machinery moved 50 Cities participated certainly exceeded my expectations. I see a huge potential in Rudrapur.”

Satisfied visitors The responses from visitors were quite encouraging as well. They highlighted that such events should be organised more often in future. “The Expo was highly informative. More events like these should be organised here,” opined Joginder Singh, Managing Partner, J K Industries, and further added, “The event met my expectations and it has been able to meet some of my business requirements as well.” Another visitor, Papu Prasad Sharma, Manager – Electrical, Teracom, averred, “The event was well organised and the product spread was good.” Commenting on the potential that events like Engineering Expo hold, Martyr said, “Such exhibitions provide food for thought and opportunities to learn besides offering the opportunity to become a service provider to companies looking out for vendors or suppliers. I find a lot of potential in Expos such as this.” Taking a step ahead and carrying this growth momentum forward, the next edition of the Engineering Expo will be organised in Ahmedabad this month.

October 2011 | Chemical World

REPORT

Watertech Expo 2011

A TECHNOLOGY FORUM TO SAVE THE PRECIOUS DROP Wastewater and waste management has become the need of the hour. Offering solutions to these concerns, Watertech Expo 2011 showcased some of the latest innovations as well as best practices for waste and wastewater management that can be employed across sectors.

National Summit on PPP in progress

Avani Jain

aste and wastewater management has emerged as one of the biggest environmental issues faced by the metros and highly industrialised cities of India. Sustainable development with proper waste management is the need of the hour. In view of these environmental concerns, Exhiference Media Pvt Ltd organised waste, wastewater and recycling industry event – Watertech 2011 from September 28–30, 2011, in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The three-day event saw a series of concurrent events like Wastetech Expo 2011, REenergy 2011 and Cleaningtech show. Wastetech 2011 Expo provided the exhibitors an opportunity to interact with customers and exhibit the latest equipment and technology in the waste & recycling industry. The event saw almost 100 exhibitors and attracted more than 1,000 visitors. Arnab Paul, National Sales Manager, Bioremediation Sanzyme Ltd, said, “Pollution is the matter of concern 70

Chemical World | October 2011

Exhibitor addressing visitors’ queries

with all the industries that are looking forward to employ the best methods for wastewater treatment, so that the water can be reused. We have come here to interact with people, understand their problems and accordingly provide solutions to them.”

Imparting knowledge The exhibition programme was extensive and diverse. There were paper presentations by industry’s leading water quality experts who exchanged latest research and technical information. Conference topics included monitoring and detection techniques, organic and inorganic methods of recycling waste & wastewater, among others. One of the major highlights of the event was a National Summit on Public Private Partnership (PPP) opportunities in waste and wastewater sector, which was organised on the second day of the event. This provided a platform for the public and private sectors to come together and discuss opportunities to develop higher level of synergies in PPP projects. This summit focussed on the importance of

L-R: Winnifred Heap, Group Executive VP - Capital Market, Hyflux Ltd, Singapore; Sujit Doshi, MD, Doshion Veolia Water Solutions Pvt Ltd; and Anil Trivedi, MD, Hydro Purification Technologies Pvt Ltd, inaugurating the expo

the 4 R’s – reduce, reuse, recycle and recovery. Designed to give exhibitors the opportunity to network with decision makers and the top brass, the Expo was supported by all major product and service providers for the water, wastewater, and environmental monitoring industries. The European Business & Technology Center also took part at the Expo and Trade Commissioner of Canada in India hosted a country pavilion at the event. Drew Evans, Business Development Manager, Real Tech Inc, said, “We have sold few products in India but this was the first opportunity to come here and actually talk to the people. We want to understand the Indian market. Certainly, there are opportunities in plenty, and we received several enquiries. People in India are friendly and welcoming.” In an era of industrial and infrastructure development, it is high time to treat environment as an industry. And, Watertech 2011 was an attempt to help protect the environment by focussing on waste treatment, wastewater recycling, water treatment and renewable energy.

ns on

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 An Iranian firm is willing to offer activated carbon from coconut shells. Areas of application Food processing, pharmaceuticals, etc Forms of transfer Technology licensing

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

Phosphate esters

Cresyl phosphate / tri phenyl An Indian firm is offering consultancy for manufacturing plasticisers. Area of application Photo films, chemicals, plastic industry, etc Forms of transfer Consultancy

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 industry, energy industry Forms of transfer Technology licensing

Furfuryl alcohol technology 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.

An Indian firm is offering technology for manufacturing phosphate esters like tri butyl phosphate. Area of application Specialty chemicals Forms of transfer Joint venture

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. Areas of application Chemical industry Forms of transfer Technology licensing

Sodium sulfide 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

Synthesis routes for organic chemicals An Indian firm is offering consultancy in design of synthesis routes for organic chemicals. Areas of application Pharma industry, speciality 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 from its wastes. Area of application Transformers Forms of transfer Consultancy, technical services

Wasteless processing techniques An Indian company is willing to offer consultancy for waste-less processing techniques for the chemical & packaging industries. Area of Application Packaging industry, transformer oil manufacturing industry, chlor alkali projects Forms of transfer Consultancy, technical services

Share Your Technology Propositions The mission of Chemical World is to spread the technology culture. We offer you an opportunity to participate in this endeavour by publishing the best technology ideas. Technology developers/sellers are invited to furnish the techno-commercial details (with environmental benefits, if any) for publication in the Technology Transfer column of Chemical World. R&D organisations, technical consultancy organisations and individuals assisting small and medium enterprises may send the relevant literature, indicating the scope & services and the areas of specification. Contact: Chemical World Infomedia 18 Ltd, â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Aâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 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

Chemical World | October 2011

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER

TECHNOLOGY REQUESTED Calcium carbonate

Lime plant

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

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. Areas of application Mining Forms of transfer Others

Glyoxal

Manufacture of sodium hydrosulfite

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. Area of application Pharma & textile Forms of transfer Others

Inorganic chemicals An Indian company is interested in seeking the technology & process know-how for production of potassium nitrate, chromium acetate, and magnesium hydroxide suspension. The company already produces inorganic chemicals and wants to add several other items. Areas 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. Area of applications Quick lime and hydrated lime Forms of transfer Others

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. Areas of application Chemical industry Forms of transfer Technical knowhow, consultancy

Small-scale environmentfriendly chemical technology An Indian company is looking out for an economically viable smallscale environment-friendly chemical

technology useful in the textile sector as well as in pharmaceutical sector. Area of application Textile and pharmaceutical industry Forms of transfer Others

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

Sodium silicate and activated carbon A company from Thailand requires technology for manufacturing sodium silicate and activated carbon from rice husk & rice husk ash. Areas of application Manufacturing and construction industry 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.

October 2011 | Chemical World

BOOK SHELF

Greeneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s protective groups in organic synthesis Authors: Peter G M Wuts and Theodora W Greene Price: ` 2,195

The fourth edition of this book includes significant developments in protective group chemistry since 1998. In addition to incorporating new protective groups now available to the synthetic organic chemist, such as the uniquely removable 2-methoxybenzenesulfonyl group for the protection of amines, the book also covers new techniques for the formation and cleavage of existing protective groups. The content is organised around the functional group to be protected, and ranges from the simplest to the most complex highly specialised protective groups. New features of this edition include, addition of numerous new protective groups such as the fluorous family; new methods for the cleavage and introduction of many classic protective groups highlighting selectivity issues when reported in the literature, expanded coverage of the unexpected side reactions that occur with protective groups, etc. Besides, there is a new chart covering the selective deprotection of silyl ethers. Hence, this book is quite helpful for both synthetic organic and medicinal chemists who want to control the reactivity of the most common functional groups during a synthetic sequence.

Process engineering for a small planet The focus on eco-friendly environment is everywhere. Keeping this in mind, the book highlights what professionals in the hydrocarbon process industry can do to retard environmental degradation. Rather than looking to exotic technology for solution, this book details ready-at-hand methods that the process engineer can employ to help combat the environmental crisis. This book explains how to operate and retrofit process facilities to reuse existing process equipment, save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, expand plant capacity without installing new equipment and reduce corrosion & equipment failures. It covers topics from expanding fractionator and compressor capacity & vacuum tower heater expansion to minimising process water consumption & increasing centrifugal pump capacity. The beauty of this book is that it includes good chemical engineering practices that pave the way for protecting earth. On the other hand, it also details how poor engineering and wasteful engineering practices pose major hazards to our planet.

Author: Norman P Lieberman Price: ` 3,800

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

Chemical World | October 2011

PRODUCT UPDATE

Fluid bed dryers

Pallet washing machines

Alpha Process Engineers offers fluid bed dryers that satisfy the industrial needs to effectively and economically dry wet powders, which can be fluidised down to very low moisture levels. Operating in a batch mode, the fluid bed dryers consist of a product chamber, laden with wet product for drying, mounted on a distribution base-chamber, called the shoe. Over the product chamber is an intermediate zone for accommodating the flying mass, when fluidised from below, which also houses a battery of filter bags that filters the exiting blast of wet air as it leaves the dryer. Air is filtered at the inlet mouth of the fluid bed dryers and is made to pass through a duct that is fitted with the heating system, before entering the shoe at the bottom of the product chamber. These fluid bed dryers find applications in pharmaceuticals, food, mineral-grade chemical powders, etc. The units come in two modes, one to suit batch operations and the other continuous. Continuous mode fluid bed dryers find applications in industries that work with coal, coke, cellulose, compost and saw-dust.

Flow Control Industries offers pallet washing machines (type PalWash) that are especially made for cleaning of standard plastic pallets. The pallet washers clean up to 100 pallets per hour and contain a separate pre-wash zone and a final rinse-zone. Soiled pallets to be washed are manually placed on the machines and conveyed by a chain conveyor into the wash chamber. The pallets pass through high-pressure waterjet spray generated by nozzles having accurate spray angles for washing the pallets both externally and internally. This ensures optimum cleaning in the shortest possible timing. If desired the pallets can be washed by detergent solution or hot water. Finally the residue liquid on the pallets can be dried using hot air blow-off system. The wastewater is collected into a sump, which can be connected either a sewage system or can be recycled after passing through a special filtration system. By means of this procedure minimal water, energy and chemicals consumption is guaranteed. The entire machine is fabricated in stainless steel and all piping, control valves and pumps are also in stainless steel. A separate electrical panel is provided for ease-of-operation. The flexible plantconstruction allows tailoring the equipment of the machine including supplies according to users’ requirements.

Alpha Process Engineers Chennai - Tamil Nadu Tel: 044-2811 1351, Fax: 044-2811 2371 Email: apeepa@vsnl.com

Chemical process pumps Taha Pumps & Valves manufactures and offers horizontal centrifugal-type chemical process pumps (PCX series) in BPO design. These centrifugal pumps are useful for handling of corrosive chemicals, acids, effluents, inks, dyes, solvents, etc, in various industries ranging from chemical, petrochemical, steel plants, power plants to pharmaceutical industries. The pumps are offered in standard construction of polypropylene and optionally in PVDF also for highly corrosive liquid and temperature up to 110°C. Versatile features of these pumps are wide models available from 1 HP to 10 HP in different capacities, wide range of sealing combinations of mechanical seal & gland packing. The pumps are designed and manufactured with latest technology to give better performance, reliability and lower power consumption. Other pumps offered are sealless magnetic drive (in PP, PVDF & SS-316) mechanical seal type SS-316 monoblock pumps and rotary vane pumps for handling corrosive & viscous liquids. Taha Pumps & Valves Surendranagar - Gujarat Tel: 02752-240233, Fax: 02752-240908, Mob: 09825599415 Email: tahapv@yahoo.co.in 76

Chemical World | October 2011

Flow Control Industries Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-3222 7296, Fax: 022-2678 7870 Mob: 09833889965 Email: ludwig_vaz@rediffmail.com

Water treatment systems Concepts India offers a complete range of water treatment systems and standalone equipment that are available as per diverse requirements. These systems can be 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. Also offered are sewage treatment and recycle plants as well as effluent treatment disposal & recycle plants. While smaller units are available in standard range, the large systems are tailor-made to meet specific requirements. Concepts India Pvt Ltd Navi Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022- 2775 8873 Fax: 022 – 2775 9632 Email: conceptsindia@vsnl.com

PRODUCT UPDATE

Refrigerated air dryers Gem Equipments has introduced refrigerated air dryers with advanced technology. Here the 7x heat exchanges the combination of pre-cooler, evaporator and built-in moisture separator. This process not only improves the effectiveness of heat transfer, but the loss of refrigerated air is also reduced. As the air directly enters from the pre-cooler to the evaporator, pressure drop is low. The reduced velocity in cross direction of heat exchanger fluid enhances higher heat transfer. Hermetic scroll/reciprocating compressor used in SLK model has fewer moving parts, efficient heat dissipation & provision for cylinder jacket cooling. R404A & R407C are used in all SLK dryer models. Sleek series utilise a truly unique zero air loss drain integrated with heat exchanger. The condensate is collected in a chamber is segregated from the air flow. Drain cycle continually adjusts itself to working condition. The condenser sleek series dryers have been designed to allow operating temperature up to 60째C air inlet and 50째C high ambient temperature. Condensers are made up of copper tubes and aluminium fins to increase the heat transfer. These are also designed to work under high pressure up to 500 psi. Gem Equipments Ltd Coimbatore - Tamil Nadu Tel: 0422-2363800, Fax: 0422-2360523 Email: sales@gemindia.com

Reflective photoelectric sensors Lubi Electronics offers Sunx EQ34W dual output adjustable range of reflective photoelectric sensors. These are special sensors for detecting two different levels or surface for up to 2 meter sensing range. The sensors contains two individual outputs for two sensing distances, ie, far (main) and near (sub). The detectability of the sensors is very stable even if the lens is contaminated by dirt, dust, mist or smoke under an unclear environment. Housed in IP67 protection, the sensors can be used in places splashed with water. The main benefits of the sensors are noncontact type detection of the object with two different level outputs, which is most suitable for packaging, pharma and food processing industries. Typical applications include detection of level (upper & lower) in hoppers, etc. Lubi Electronics Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-2220 5471, Fax: 079-2220 0660, Mob: 09327497006 Email: info@lubielectronics.com

October 2011 | Chemical World

PRODUCT UPDATE

Temperature & relative humidity sensors

Chemical process pumps

Banner Engineering India offers temperature and relative humidity sensors pair with SureCross wireless network. The SureCross sensors are factory-calibrated to determine relative humidity to ±2 per cent or ±3.5 per cent (depending on the model) and deliver temperature accuracy to ±0.3°C for simple critical data monitoring. Manufactured with a rugged metal housing and IP67 electronics, these sensors provide maintenance-free operation in a wide variety of environmental monitoring applications. The company designed a proprietary serial sensor interface that enables the temperature and humidity sensors and the wireless Node to operate on a FlexPower battery supply for up to 20 years. Fixed & remote-mount Node and sensor models enable a wide range of installation scenarios, including in-duct and freestanding applications. Applications are in large-scale refrigeration & cold chain storage systems, greenhouses, warehouse areas, pharmaceutical, HVAC, textiles, energy management, IT resources and data centers.

PVDF and polypropylene have a crucial role as reliable materials of construction in chemical industries for various hard-to-handle and notorious corrosive and hazardous chemicals in various process applications. Polyquip offers polypropylene and PVDF moulded process pumps. These horizontal pumps are manufactured of moulded constructions in PVDF or polypropylene for HCL, HF, H2SO4, etc. Impellers are fixed on the shaft threading and are provided with suitable sleeve/extensions in Hastelloy-C, glass-filled Teflon, Alloy20, etc, suiting the chemical. A positive and reliable shaft sealing is provided to ensure that the liquid does not enter in between the shaft and the sleeve and corrode the non-wetted parts easily. The pumps are with Grafoil gland packing or an appropriate mechanical seal, of generally Salol Hindustan make. Bearing block adaptor is a separate piece and is made of glassfilled polypropylene to avoid effect of the corrosion due to liquid leakage through the glands or atmospheric corrosion. The pumps are available up to 50 m³/hr capacities with maximum heads up to 45 meters.

Banner Engineering India Pvt Ltd Pune - Maharashtra Tel: 020-6640 5624, Fax: 020-6640 5623, Mob: 9322339208 Email: salesindia@bannerengineering.com

Polyquip Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-2411 5957, Fax: 022-2416 5447 Email: polyquip@vsnl.com

Filter modules

Industrial EquipWash Inc offers drum and barrel washing units for chemical, pesticides, food, cosmetics and pharma industries. These machines are used for cleaning and sanitising the internal & external surfaces of drums and barrels. The drums to be washed are loaded manually onto the machine frame. The door is then closed to prevent the wash fluid from spraying outside. Specially designed cleaning nozzles are then are inserted into the drums. The drums are then washed internally and externally with high-pressure water jet. Drain water is then drained through drain ports in the machines and can be collected in a sump to be recycled. The drums can be cleaned with kerosene or solvents to suit the requirements. As an optional feature steam sterilisation can be done for validation of the drums after CIP is carried out. After the CIP cycles are over the nozzles are lowered the outer door is opened and the drum is then removed manually.

Powertech Pollution Controls manufactures and offers filter modules that are high efficiency, two-stage electrostatic filters. These filter modules are placed in large volume air stream to control fine particulates in cleanroom areas or where large volume pollutants are to be removed. Each filter module can handle airflow rates as specified. The filter modules are used for custom-built applications and can be added module by module to suit various airflow rates. They are used as primary filters for class 100,000 clean rooms and as pre-filters for higher-class levels of cleanrooms. As pre-filters for higher-class levels, they can increase the life of the main filters and also reduce the total pressure drop as compared to conventional pre-filters. The filter modules can also be used for a centralised system for removal of fumes, smoke, oil mist, coolant mist, dust and fine powders from many in plant industrial process, which generate pollutants rendering the shop floor unhealthy. Features include: no replacement of the electrostatic modules for the life time of the equipment; low running cost, higher filter efficiency and low pressure drop; can be incorporated into existing airflow systems with minimal effect on the overall pressure or airflow capacity of the system.

Industrial EquipWash Inc Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-2679 7941, Fax: 022-2679 2936, Mob: 09869231815 Email: iewi@mtnl.net.in, Website: www.iewi.net

Powertech Pollution Controls Pvt Ltd Bengaluru - Karnataka Tel: 080-2345 2156, Fax: 080-2345 2445 Email: powertech@airtelmail.in

Barrel & drum washing units

Chemical World | October 2011

` `

PRODUCT UPDATE

Salt spray corrosion testing systems Micro Supreme Auto Industries offers salt spray corrosion testing systems that are proven systems to make comparative or absolute study of corrosion resistance for different materials, surface coatings viz, plating, painting, etc. Various components and assemblies of automotive, electrical, electronic, engineering and durable consumable products (like TVs, freezers, washing machines, computers, etc) are subject to salt spray corrosion test to evaluate the effect of corrosive atmosphere on their aesthetic and performance parameters. Based on these corrosion effects one can take corrosion inhibiting measures. Various corrosion tests mentioned in National & International Standards, viz, IS:9000 pt Xi, ASTM B 117, etc, can be carried out in this system. Various standard models are available, like 125 LG, 200 LS/LSX, 400 LS/LSX, 800 LS/LSX. Salient features include: robust double-walled test chamber made in corrosion resistant special FRP; superb aesthetics with customised dual colour system; double-walled chamber for better thermal insulation; main solution tank, an integral part of the system; special angular stand for test panels; and hydrostatic sealing between hood & fog chamber. Micro Supreme Auto Industries (I) Pvt Ltd Pune - Maharashtra Tel: 020-2693 2669, Fax: 020-2693 2590 Email: bageshri.bhagwat@microsupreme.co.in

Miniaturised sensor systems Lamtec manufactures and offers state-of-the-art miniaturised sensor systems (model CarboSen) for detection of flammable gases, such as CO, H2 or CxHy, for example. These gases are also referred to as CO equivalent (COe). These systems consist of the sensor unit, sensor housing and sensor electronics in the head. The sensor electronics enable temperature compensation during operation, flexible control the sensor and the acquisition of all sensor signals. The Ă&#x2DC;8 mm dip pipe can be produced in customised lengths of up to 1 m. Technology used for this method is well known and widely used in the form of the lambda sensor. These have some unique and advantageous features, like highresolution, rapid response behaviour, mechanically robust, resistant to chemicals & high temperatures, compact, electronic evaluation unit in sensor head, wide range of application, low-maintenance, etc. Lamtec GmbH & Co KG Walldorn - Germany Tel: +49-6227-605240, Fax: +49-6227-605257 Email: info@lamtec.de

October 2011 | Chemical World

PRODUCT UPDATE

Flue gas analysers

Hose reels

Afriso offers Multilyzer NG flue gas analysers that are ideal solutions for checking and servicing small and mediumsized heating systems, according to the German BlmSchV guidelines. These can be used for CO concentration safety checks on gas-fired systems. The instruments can also be used for measurements and adjustments of solid fuel systems, in particular for pellets, as well as bivalent, modulating combined heating and power plants. The compact design allows the instruments to be equipped with any combination of up to six electrochemical cells. Large LCD display allows one to display either 5 or 10 measured values. The measured values can be printed either directly from the measuring programme or from the memory via an infrared printer. These instruments feature a USB connection for data transmission to a PC. They are also equipped with a device monitoring function, limit value monitoring (flushing pump, can also be operated manually), graphic evaluation of the measured values with combustion charts for small gas and fuel oil systems and a core search function.

Cris Engineering Works offers stainless steel hose reels that are designed for heavy-duty use with a canvas reinforced rubber/Teflon braided stainless steel water hose. Using a heavyduty internal spring, the reels quickly and easily rewind the hose. These hose reels are provided with a ratchet assembly, which locks the reel when the desired length of hose has been pulled out. All hose reels are preset with enough force to fully retract the hose. Hose reels can be conveniently installed on the pillar, wall or ceiling, for easy access & maintenance and are offered in fixed or swivel designs. Each hose reel includes a hose stop to prevent damage to the hose reel rollers and water saver nozzles. These self-rewind hose reels are manufactured for pharma, food, chemicals, dairy, beverage and allied industries. These are available in 5, 10 or 15 m long hose with ½” or ¾” diameter, having a maximum working pressure of 10 bar and maximum working temperature of 100°C.

Afriso India Pvt Ltd Pune - Maharashtra Tel: 020-2551 4336, Fax: 020-2551 4336 Email: nilkanth.jatar@afriso.de

Cris Engineering Works Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-2685 9440, Fax: 022-2685 9440, Mob: 09892273314 Email: roque_ferns@rediffmail.com

Digital indicators

Lensel Optics manufactures and offers video zoom instruments and measurement systems that provide a crisp and bright image in true colours showing minute details of the object under view. The precise X-Y movements of platforms scan a large object with ease and accuracy. These instruments come with a parfocal optics, which eliminates the need for refocussing every time the magnification is changed. The ergonomic design enables users to work for hours without experiencing visual or physical fatigue. The video zoom instruments and measurement systems are available in various models with 10 micron least count to automatic X-Y scanning. Models are also available with increase magnification up to 100x and working distance up to 225 mm, with PC connectivity and special software packages.

Micon Automation Systems offers digital indicators (model AI-501) that are available with programmable and modular inputs, supporting multiple input types of thermocouples, RTDs, voltage/ current and two-wire transmitters. These digital indicators are suitable for measuring and displaying temperature, pressure, flow, level, humidity, etc, with measurement accuracy of 0.3 per cent full scale. The dual display windows are convenient to set parameters and alarm points. Various dimensions are selectable. These indicators support up to 4 loops of alarms including 2 loops of high limit alarms plus 2 loops of low limit alarms. Alarms can be outputted to different relays or share one. With functions of digital calibrating, digital filtering, and thermocouple cold junction auto compensating, the instruments are free of maintenance and are easily operated. These indicators supports RS485 communication interface, and are able to communicate with computers.

Lensel Optics Pvt Ltd Pune - Maharashtra Tel: 020-2747 4340, Fax: 020-2747 0212 Email: lensel@vsnl.com

Micon Automation Systems Pvt Ltd Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-3290 0400, Fax: 02717-241598, Mob: 09328006299 Email: sales@miconindia.com

Video zoom instruments

Chemical World | October 2011

PRODUCT UPDATE

Gas detectors Simtronics Group offers Simtronics GD1 sophisticated gas and flame detection systems that set a new standard for toxic gas detection. Using a tuneable laser diode these gas detectors deliver enhanced coverage and failsafe detection. The performance improvement marks a genuine step change for safety systems and life cycle cost savings. The gas detectors have been designed with features that provide an effective response to the detection of gas hazards in a wide range of industrial environments from offshore production facilities to wastewater treatment plants. At the heart of the detector is a tuneable laser diode that eliminates environmental effects from the sun, rain and fog. The laser scans single absorption lines where there is no interference from other gases. Unlike traditional methods for detection H2S (MOS or EC cell), the gas detectors need no recalibration and can replace multiple standard detectors to cover the same risk. The complete opto-mechanical design and construction is so stable that an ultra fast speed of response can be achieved whilst providing unparalleled service life and detector stability, thus saving on maintenance and service costs. Simtronics ASA Oslo - Norway Tel: +47-2264-5055, Fax: +47-2266-6001 Email: mail@simtronics.no

PTFE lined valves-MT Supremo Line & Control manufactures and offers fluoropolymer FEP, PFA, PTFE, lined SGI/WCB/ SS/MS pipes, valves and fittings using Dupontâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s technical know-how and raw materials for appropriate application of the resin for successful results with international quality for chemical industry. Salient features of these products include: low co-efficient of friction, chemical inertness, non-toxic approved by international food & drugs regulatory authorities, non-inflammable, self-sealant, excellent weathering resistant, zero water absorption. Supremo Line & Control Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-2220 5282, Fax: 079-2220 5181, Mob: 09724505282 Email: supremoproduct@gmail.com

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

October 2011 | Chemical World

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 3000 words, while that of a product write-up should not exceed 200 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. The final decision regarding the selection and publication of the articles shall rest solely with ‘Chemical World’. Authors whose articles are published will receive a complimentary copy of that particular issue and an honorarium cheque. Published by Infomedia 18 Ltd, ‘Chemical World’ is the leading monthly magazine 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. So get going and rush your articles, write-ups, etc… Thanking you, Yours sincerely,

Manas R Bastia Senior Editor Infomedia 18 Limited ‘A’ Wing, Ruby House, J K Sawant Marg, Dadar (W) Mumbai 400 028 India

D +91 22 3003 4669 T +91 22 3024 5000 F +91 22 3003 4499 E manas@infomedia18.in W www.infomedia18.in

PRODUCT INDEX

Sl. No. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 63 64 65

Product

Pg. No.

AC motors ........................................... 23 Acoustic hoods ...........................................45 Actuated 2-way/3-way valves.....................77 Actuated butterfly valves ............................77 Agitators.....................................................13 Air & gas purification systems ..................43 Air blowers .................................................45 Air cooled heat exchangers ........................17 Air pollution control equipment ................39 Air receivers ...............................................39 Air treatments ............................................49 Air-cooled steam condensers .....................17 Analytical instrumentation .........................31 Aqua gas chlorinators ................................83 Automatic & contained discharges ............19 Axial flow fans ...........................................77 Bag filters ............................................. 21 Ball valves.............................................. 4, 77 Barrel & drum washing units ....................78 Batch dispersers .........................................13 Bellows & dip-pipes ................................... 4 Blending systems........................................15 Blowers .......................................................45 Boilers ................................................. 71, 81 Brake motors ..............................................23 Burners .......................................................81 Butterfly valves ............................................ 4 Cake pressing machines ........................ 19 Calorifers ....................................................71 Calorimeters ...............................................13 Centrifugal air blowers...............................77 Check valves................................................ 4 Chemical process pumps..................... 76, 78 Chemical tanks ..........................................83 Chlorine valves ...........................................77 COD analysers ...........................................47 Columns & chemistries .............................31 Condensers .................................................39 Cone screw mixtures ..................................39 Containers ..................................................83 Continuous/batch filtration systems ..........19 Cooling pads ..............................................71 Cooling towers .............................. 17, 49, 71 CS ball valves .............................................77 Custom mouldings .....................................83 Cyclones .....................................................59 Dairy equipment................................... 39 Dampers .....................................................39 DC motors .................................................23 Dehumidifiers ............................................43 Digital indicators .......................................82 Dispersers ...................................................13 Drip irrigation ............................................71 Drums & carboys .......................................83 Duel fuel burners .......................................77 Dust collectors ...........................................21 Electrical operating & discharge rods ...... 6 Empower ....................................................31 EngineeringExpo exhibitons ............ 27, BIC E-safe fiber glass ladders ............................ 6 Exhibitions .....................27, 75, 85, 88, BIC Extended stem 2-way ball valves ...............77 Filter modules ...................................... 78 Filter presses...............................................41 Fire tube-type packages .............................81

Sl. No. 66 67 68 69 70 71 72 73 74 75 76 77 78 79 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 88 89 90 91 92 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100 101 102 103 104 105 106 107 108 109 110 111 112 113 114 115 116 117 118 119 120 121 122 123 124 125 126 127 128 129 130

Product

Pg. No.

Flameproof motors.....................................23 Flange mounting motors............................23 Flue gas analysers .......................................82 Fluid bed dryers .................................. 76, 77 Fluids........................................................... 8 Flush bottom ball/plug & ram valves ........77 Forged steel valves .....................................77 FRP underground fuel tanks .....................83 Gas detectors........................................ 83 Gate/globe & check valves ........................77 Gear motors .........................................8, BC Gearboxes .............................................8, BC Geared & flexible couplings ....................... 8 Gears ........................................................... 8 Globe-type chlorine valves .........................77 Heat exchangers ................ FIC, 15, 39, 57 Heating baths.............................................13 High pressure homogenisers ......................13 Hose reels...................................................82 Hot air & water generators .......................81 Hot air generators ......................................21 Hot plates...................................................13 Hot water generators .......................... 21, 77 HPLC systems ...........................................31 Hydraulics accessories ................................55 IBR steam boilers ............................21, 81 IGCW-2011 exhibition .............................85 IndiaChem Gujarat-2011 exhibition .........75 Indirect air heaters .....................................77 Industrial coolers ........................................49 Industrial ovens ..........................................77 Informatics .................................................31 Injection moulding machines.....................71 Inline dispersers .........................................13 Insulated boxes ...........................................83 Jacked ball valves .................................. 77 Kneading machines .............................. 13 Laboratory reactors ............................... 13 Laboratory software ...................................13 Large diameter welded pipes .....................81 Lined valves & pipe fittings ....................... 4 Magnetic stirrers .................................. 13 Material handling containers .....................83 Mild steel & stainless steels tanks .............59 Mills ...........................................................13 Miniaturised sensor systems ......................81 Mixers ........................................................15 Motor driven dosing pump........................83 Motors........................................................23 Multi-fuel fired IBR steam boilers ............81 Multi-postion stirrers .................................. 3 Multi-stage cake washing ..........................19 Non-IBR steam boilers ......................... 21 Non-return valves ....................................... 4 Non-slam check valves ...............................77 Online b2b marketplace ...................29, 87 Overhead stirrers ........................................13 Pallet washing machines ....................... 76 Pallets .........................................................83 PBEGL geared motors ..............................23 Pilot plants .................................................13 Pipe fittings ................................................. 4 Pipelines .....................................................71 Plug valves..................................................77 Pneumatic accessories ................................55

Sl. No.

Product

Pg. No.

131 Pneumatically actuated/gear operated knife gate valves .........................................77 132 Polypropylene filter plates ..........................41 133 Polypropylene recess plates ........................41 134 PP-recess chamber-type filter presses ........41 135 PP-recess chamber-type fully automatic filter presses................................................41 136 Pressure & vacuum filtration .....................19 137 Pressure vessels...........................................59 138 PTFE lined valves & pipe fittings.............. 4 139 PTFE lined valves......................................83 140 Pumps ........................................................15 141 PVC pipes ..................................................71 142 Ram valves ........................................... 77 143 Reactors ............................................... 39, 57 144 Reflective photoelectric sensors .................77 145 Refrigerated air dryers................................77 146 Rotary evaporators .....................................13 147 Salt spray corrosion testing systems ....... 81 148 Sampling valves ........................................... 4 149 Seamless pipes ............................................81 150 Shakers .......................................................13 151 Silos ............................................................59 152 Slipring crane-duty motors ........................23 153 Solenoid-driven metering pumps...............83 154 Solid-liquid mixers .....................................13 155 Spiral cum helical gearboxes ....................... 8 156 Spray dryer project .....................................39 157 Sprinkler systems .......................................71 158 SS ball valves ..............................................77 159 Stainless steel pipes ....................................81 160 Steam boilers ....................................... 77, 81 161 Storage tanks ....................................... 57, 59 162 Strainers ...................................................... 4 163 String hot plates .......................................... 3 164 Surface Technology-2011 exhibition .........88 165 Teflon-lined ball valves .......................... 4 166 Teflon-lined butterfly valves ....................... 4 167 Teflon-lined check valves............................ 4 168 Teflon-lined sampling valves ...................... 4 169 Teflon-lined strainers .................................. 4 170 Teflon-lined valves ...................................... 4 171 Temperature & relative humidity sensors .78 172 Thermic fluid heaters.................... 21, 81, 77 173 Thermostats & vacuum dryers/mixers .......13 174 Totally integrated automation ...................33 175 Tray dryers .................................................77 176 Tubes..........................................................81 177 UPLC systems ...................................... 31 178 U-tubes.......................................................81 179 Vacuum controls................................... 83 180 Vacuum/hot gas drying systems ................19 181 Vertical non IBR oil fired steam boilers....81 182 Video zoom instruments ............................82 183 Wafer type check valves ........................ 77 184 Water treatment plants ..............................38 185 Water treatment systems ...........................76 186 Water wall membrane panel IBR steam boilers...............................................81 187 Welded pipes .............................................81 188 Welding guns .............................................71 189 Wood fire four-pass thermic fluid heaters 81 190 Wood fire thermic fluid heaters ................81 191 Worm gears................................................. 8

BC - Back Cover, BIC - Back Inside Cover, FIC - Front Inside Cover

Chemical World | October 2011

ADVERTISERS’ LIST

Advertiser’s Name & Contact Details

Pg No

AB Diachem Systems Pvt Ltd T: +91-11-25155456 E: sales@scalewatcher.in W: www.scalewatcher.in

Aerotherm Systems Pvt Ltd T: +91-79-25890158 E: contact@aerothermsystems.com W: www.aerothermsystems.com

Aqua Services T: +91-265-2331748 E: aqua@aquaservices.co.in W: www.aquaservicesindia.com

Balkrishna Boilers Pvt Ltd T: +91-79-25894701 E: info@balkrishn.com W: www.balkrishn.com

Advertiser’s Name & Contact Details

Pg No

Advertiser’s Name & Contact Details

Pg No

FICCI T: +91-11-23765081 E: mehul@ficci.com W: www.indiachemgujarat.com

Kwality Process Equipments Pvt Ltd T: +91-22-2453438 E: pdmakwana@vsnl.net W: www.chemicalequipments.com

Fluidtech Boilers Pvt Ltd T: +91-79-25840105 E: info@fluidltd.com W: www.fluidltd.com

Paharpur Cooling Towers Ltd T: +91-33-24792050 E: pctccu@paharpur.com W: www.paharpur.com

Gem Equipments Ltd T: +91-422-3267800 E: sales@gemindia.com W: www.gemindia.com

BHS-Sonthofen (India) Pvt. Ltd. T: +91-40-23315341 / 45 E: neelesh@bhs-sonthofen.in W: www.bhs-sonthofen.in

General Engineering Consortium T: +91-80-23541808 E: gec1@vsnl.com W: www.gecvalves.com

Bry Air (Asia) Pvt Ltd T: +91-11-23906777 E: bryairmarketing@pahwa.com W: www.bryair.com

Green Chemistree Foundation T: +91-22-2879 1835 E: Krishna.dave@newreka.co.in W: www.IndustrialGreenChem.com Hannover Milano Fairs India Pvt Ltd T: +91-22-40050681 E: unmesh.mandpe@hmf-india.com W: www.surface-india.com

Heattrans Equipments Pvt.Ltd. T: +91-79-25840105 E: info@heattrans.com W: www.heattrans.com

Cole Parmer T: +91-22-67162222 E: response@coleparmer.in W: coleparmer.in/3125

Concepts India Pvt Ltd T: +91-22-27758873 E: conceptsindia@vsnl.com W: www.conceptsindia.org

Elecon Engineering Company Ltd T: +91-2692-236469 E: infogear@elecon.com W: www.elecon.com Engineering Expo T: +91-9819552270 E: engexpo@infomedia18.in W: www.engg-expo.com Ercon Composites T: +91-291-2741263 E: ercon@ercon-india.com W: www.ercon-india.com Everest Blower Systems T: +91-11-45457777 E: info@everestblowers.com W: www.everestblowers.com

BIC; 27

Hi-Tech Applicator T: +91-79-25833040 E: hitech@ptfeindia.com W: www.ptfeindia.com

Premium Transmission Ltd T: +91-20-66314100 W: www.premiumtransmission.com

Raj Process Eqpts & Systems(P) Ltd T: +91-20-40710010 E: sales@rajprocessequipment.com W: www.rajprocessequipment.com

Siemens Ltd W: www.seimens.com/chemicals

Simcon Industries T: +91-20-46768974 E: sales@simconindustries.in W: www.simconindustries.in

Sintex Industries Ltd T: +91-2764-253500 E: icontainers@sintex.co.in W: www.sintex-plastics.com

SPX W: www.spx.com/india

15 81

Suraj Limited T: +91-79-27540720 E: suraj@surajgroup.com W: www.surajgroup.com The Indian Electric Co T: +91-20-24474303 E: icemktg@indianelectric.com W: www.indianelectric.com

Uniphos Envirotronic Pvt Ltd T: +91-22-6123500 E: singhrv@unipos.com W: www,uniphos-she.com

Universal Corporation T: +91-22-23422238 E: samson7@vsnl.com W: www.samson-grp.com

Waters (India) Private Limited T: +91-80-28371900 E: waters_india@waters.com W: www.waters.com

HRS Process Systems Ltd T: +91-20-66047894 E: info@hrsasia.co.in W: www.hrsasia.co.in

FIC

IKA India Private Limited T: +91-80-26253900 E: process@ika.in W: www.ika.in

IndiaMART InterMESH Limited 29; 87 T: +1800-200-4444 / 91-120-3911000 E: pr@indiamart.com W: www.indiamart.com

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October 2011 | Chemical World