Chemical World - September 2012

Also available in Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Taiwan, China & Hong Kong

INDUSTRY WATCH - Chemical World

September 2012

EDITORIAL

Reaching the next level

T

he chemical industry in India has certainly come a long way in the recent years from predominantly being a producer of basic chemicals to becoming an innovation-driven sector. It is heartening to note that the fine & specialty chemicals segment is witnessing fast growth buoyed by current lower penetration levels as well as several global macro-economic factors. Aimed at specific usages and end-user industries, this segment is being billed as the sunrise segment of today and tomorrow.

The writing is on the wall for the Indian chemical industry. It is time to take the big leap by becoming globally competitive, which can be achieved by numerous means.

Some of these include being cost-effective (price competitive) and/or offering better quality products. All these can be realised by virtue of not only having sustained efforts from the industry but also strengthened by an enabling policy mix on the part of the government.

In this context, the release in last month of EXIM Bank’s publication on ‘Indian chemical industry: Exploring global demand’ holds great significance for the chemical sector. Calling on the industry for the need to look beyond the domestic shores in a more proactive manner, this study vouches for adoption of a two-pronged approach that would entail market diversification and expansion along with mapping of international demand for chemical products in order to identify an ideal product-market strategy mix.

This study has made an attempt to design the broad contours of such a strategy based on mapping of import demand of major chemical markets vis-à-vis India’s export basket for chemicals.

Further, the study recommends market diversification by targeting the dynamic import markets while considering certain aspects of improving international competitiveness such as enhancing R&D expenditure, funding small & medium enterprises in the chemical industry and augmenting capacity to increase exports.

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

While it would have been nice had this study also included related segments such as pharmaceuticals, fertilisers, toiletries and cosmetics to have an all-encompassing perspective, the need of the hour for the Indian chemical industry is to clearly identify the right strategies that can be adopted now to further enhance the growth potential by leveraging domestic as well as global market opportunities.

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@network18publishing.com

September 2012 | Chemical World

5

Insight & Outlook: Specialty Chemicals Specialty chemicals in automotive industry ....................... 38

24 Cover photo: Joshua Navalkar; Location courtesy: MicroChem Laboratory Pvt Ltd, Mahape (Navi Mumbai)

Specialty chemical exports ................................................. 40 Performance chemicals ....................................................... 42 Increasing R&D investments ............................................. 44

Special Focus: Analytical Instruments

Case Study - London Olympics 2012................................ 46

Analytical instrumentation ................................................. 24

Interface – Dr Joerg Strassburger, Country Representative and MD, LANXESS India Pvt Ltd ........ 50

Educational institutes ......................................................... 26

Emergency response plan ................................................... 52

Interface - Addepalli Srinivas, Country Leader, PerkinElmer India .............................................................. 28 Interface - T V Shiva Rao, Vice-President, Elico Marketing Pvt Ltd ..................................................... 30 Roundtable .......................................................................... 32

Automation Trends NMR spectroscopy: A non-destructive tool to aid research .................................................................... 56

Energy Management Case study – Essar Oil: Reducing fuel cost through efficient amine regeneration unit ...................................... 58

In Conversation With Mahesh Rao, Managing Director, Nalco Water India Ltd............................... 20

Policies & Regulations Water treatment: Imperative to align with global standards .................................................................. 62

Strategy Social media campaigns: Making marketing easier for B2B enterprises ............................................................. 64

Facility Visit: Galaxy Surfactants Ltd Developing formulations with a touch of green chemistry .............................................................. 34

Tips & Tricks Cloud computing: Right steps to ensure security and data privacy in an organisation ................................... 66

Regular Sections

Event Preview

Editorial ........................................................................ 5 News, Views & Analysis .............................................. 10 Technology & Innovation ............................................ 17 Technology Transfer .................................................... 18 Projects ........................................................................ 67 Tenders ........................................................................ 68 Event List .................................................................... 70 Book Review ................................................................ 75 Products ...................................................................... 76 List of Products .......................................................... 84 List of Advertisers ...................................................... 85

Engineering Expo Ahmedabad 2012: Brimming with bright prospects .......................................................... 72

Event Report Honeywell Users Group APAC Symposium 2012: Experiencing novel technologies for unlimited possibilities ... 74

Highlights of Next Edition Special Focus: Pumps & Valves Insight & Outlook: Paints & Dyes

Details on page no. 59, 70

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

7

Business Insights Technologies Opportunities

FOUNDER & EDITOR, NETWORK 18 Raghav Bahl PRESIDENT & EDITORIAL DIRECTOR, TV 18 Senthil Chengalvarayan SENIOR EDITOR Manas R Bastia ASSISTANT EDITOR Rakesh Rao EDITORIAL TEAM Prasenjit Chakraborty, Mahua Roy, Marcilin Madathil, Avinash Pandey, Avani Jain (Ahmedabad) ASSISTANT ART DIRECTOR Varuna Naik DESIGN Mahendra Varpe CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER Mexy Xavier PHOTOGRAPHY Neha Mithbawkar, Joshua Navalkar BUSINESS CONTROLLERS Lovey Fernandes, Akshata Rane, Deepak Bhatia, Ashish Kukreti, Shwetha ME, Jayashree N, Israr Shaikh, Shefali Mahant

PRINTING EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT Ananth R. Iyer ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER - PPC Shekhar Khot

PRODUCTION TEAM Dnyaneshwar Goythale, Surekha Karmarkar, Ravikumar Potdar, Ravi Salian, Sanjay Shelar

OVERSEAS CONTACT CHINA 1001 Tower 3, Donghai Plaza, 1486 Nanjing Road, West, Shanghai 200040, China Tel: +86-21 6289 – 5533 Ext. 368, Fax: +86-21 6247 – 4855 (Craig Shibinsky) Email: craig@ringier.com.hk Ringier Trade Media Ltd HONG KONG 9/F, Cheong Sun Tower, 118 Wing Lok Street, Sheung Wan, Hong Kong Tel: +852 2369 – 8788 Ext. 21, Fax: +852 2869 – 5919 (Octavia Au-Yeung) Email: octavia@ringier.com.hk Ringier Trade Media Ltd TAIWAN Room 3, Fl. 12, No. 303, Chung Ming S. Rd., Taichung, Taiwan Tel: +886-4 2329 – 7318 Ext. 16, Fax: +886-4 2310 – 7167 (Sydney La) Email: sydneylai@ringier.com.hk Ringier Trade Media Ltd SINGAPORE Tel: +65 9625 7863; Fax: +65 6841 5273 (Annie Chin) Email: annie@janianmedia.com Ringier Trade Media Ltd GERMANY, AUSTRIA, SWITZERLAND Tel: +41-44 734 0472, Fax: +41 44 734 0680 Email: info@islerannoncen.ch USA Tel: (513) 527-8800 Fax: (513) 527-8801 Email: dhight@gardnerweb.com USA Alfredo Domador, 6505 Blue Lagoon Drive, Suite 430 Miami, FL. 33126, USA Tel: (305) 448-6875 Fax: (305) 448-9942 Ringier Trade Media Ltd

GROUP CEO, NETWORK 18 B Sai Kumar CEO-NETWORK 18 PUBLISHING Sandeep Khosla EVP-HUMAN RESOURCES Sanjeev Kumar Singh ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT Sudhanva Jategaonkar ADVERTISING SALES Shashin Bhagat (Ahmedabad) shashin.bhagat@network18publishing.com

Mahadev B (Bengaluru) mahadev.b@network18publishing.com

Hari Hara Subramaniam (Chennai) hari.s@network18publishing.com

Prakash N (Coimbatore) prakash.n@network18publishing.com

Kalyan Chakravarthy (Hyderabad) kalyan.chakravarthy@network18publishing.com

Ameya Gokhale (Indore) ameya.gokhale@network18publishing.com

Aayush Bidawat ( Jaipur) aayush.bidawat@network18publishing.com

Abhik Ghosal(Kolkata) abhik.ghosal@network18publishing.com

Inder Dhingra (Ludhiana) inder.dhingra@network18publishing.com

Surendra Kumar Agrawal (New Delhi) surendra.a@network18publishing.com

Rohit Dass (Pune) rohit.dass@network18publishing.com

Chirag Pathak (Vadodara) chirag.pathak@network18publishing.com

MARKETING TEAM Ganesh Mahale, Prachi Mutha

NEWSSTAND AND SUBSCRIPTIONS DISTRIBUTION HEAD Sunil Nair DEPUTY GENERAL MANAGER Manoj Palsay SENIOR MANAGER - SUBSCRIPTIONS Sheetal Kotawdekar CO-ORDINATORS Rahul Mankar, Anant Shirke, Sarita Quadros, Chaitali Parkar, Kamlesh Mathkar, Vaibhav Ghavale

SERVICES SUBSCRIPTION SERVICES For subscription queries, write to chaitali.parkar@network18publishing.com or call +91 22 30034631-34 or toll free 1800 200 1021 PERMISSIONS For subscription to copy or reuse material from Chemical World, Write to chemedit@network18publishing.com • Monthly Issue Price: `100 • Annual Subscription: `799

Views and opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of Network18 Media & Investments Ltd (Network18)*, its publisher and/or editors. We at Network18 do our best to verify the information published but do not take any responsibility for the absolute accuracy of the information. Network18 does not accept the responsibility for any investment or other decision taken by readers on the basis of information provided herein. Network18 does not take responsibility for returning unsolicited material sent without due postal stamps for return postage. No part of this magazine can be reproduced without the prior written permission of the publisher. Network18 reserves the right to use the information published herein in any manner whatsoever.

Printed by Mohan Gajria and published by Lakshmi Narasimhan on behalf of Network18.

Senior Editor: Manas R Bastia Printed at Infomedia 18 Ltd, Plot no.3, Sector 7, off Sion-Panvel Road, Nerul, Navi Mumbai 400 706, and published at Network18, ‘A’ Wing, Ruby House, J K Sawant Marg, Dadar (W), Mumbai - 400 028.

Chemical World is registered with the Registrar of Newspapers of India under No. 79856. Network18 does not take any responsibility for loss or damage incurred or suffered by any subscriber of this magazine as a result of his/her accepting any invitation/offer published in this edition. *Ownership of this magazine stands transferred from Infomedia18 Ltd (Infomedia18) to Network18 Media & Investments Ltd (Network18) in pursuance of the scheme of arrangement between Network18 and Infomedia18 and their respective shareholders and creditors, as approved by the Hon’ble High Court of Delhi and the necessary approval of Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is being obtained.

September 2012 | Chemical World

9

NEWS, VIEWS & ANALYSIS

MARKET FORECAST

Exim Bank releases study on Indian chemical industry

PAINTS & COATINGS

Gunjan Paints to launch two new products The Ahmedabad-based Gunjan Paints is all set to launch two new products one in industrial and other in decorative paints segment. G D Barot, Chairman & Managing Director, Gunjan Paints Ltd, said, “In the industrial paints segment, we are going to launch floor coating with longer life and inorganic zinc silicate coating in the month of December. In the decorative paints segment, we are coming up with a luxurious paint, which will be named as ‘Beauty Queen.’ This product will have an excellent surface finish, smoothness and shine.”

He added, “We are coming up with the two products keeping in mind the increasing demand for paints and coatings in the country. At present, the demand for industrial paints in the automotive segment has been increasing by 10-12 per cent since last two years. This trend is seen in Gujarat particularly as several foreign companies in automotive segment are coming in the state due to attractive schemes offered by the government.

And this has enhanced the demand for industrial paints.” The company has a flourishing business in decorative paints, construction chemicals, industrial paints, maintenance products & textile auxiliaries.

Avani Jain

L-R: Prabhakar Dalal, Executive Director, Exim Bank; Dr Arup Basu; T C A Ranganathan; Nadir Godrej; and Satish Wagh, Chairman, Chemexcil

Export-Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) recently released a study titled ‘Indian chemical industry: Exploring global demand’ highlighting the pattern of the country’s international trade in chemicals. The primary objective of this study was to assess the potential for exports of this sector by mapping it with the trends in international demand for chemical products. It was unveiled by T C A Ranganathan, CMD, Exim Bank, in the presence of several dignitaries from the Indian chemical industry. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Arup Basu, President, New Business and Innovation Centre, Tata Chemicals Ltd, said, “The Indian chemical

industry needs to take positive note of the fact that Asia is now the only region having a positive GDP growth. While we need to have a global mindset in chemical products, the chemical supply chain needs to be factored in for chemical clusters.”

Nadir B Godrej, Managing Director, Godrej Industries Ltd, commented, “Given the high cost of feedstock/energy in India, we need to increase our gas exploration to meet this challenge. It will help most of the chemical industries.”

India has traditionally been a net importer of chemicals, a situation that can be reversed with sustained efforts from the industry backed by an enabling policy mix from the government and the industry, which needs to look beyond the domestic shores in a more proactive manner, according to the study. It suggests adoption of a two-pronged approach that would entail market diversification and expansion along with mapping of international demand for chemical products to identify an ideal product-market strategy mix.

Manas Bastia

TECHNOLOGY SHOW

Eaton showcases latest offerings for oil & gas industry in Mumbai Eaton Corporation recently hosted an ‘Oil & Gas Technology Day’ in Mumbai to showcase leading solutions, technologies and innovation for oil & gas applications. It also highlighted Eaton’s comprehensive set of offerings that can help businesses in this segment to use hydraulic, electrical and mechanical power more efficiently, reliably and sustainably. Gardiner Henderson, Segment Director - Oil & Gas, Eaton Corporation, said, “Eaton is engaged in a major global sales and marketing drive to grow its business in the oil & gas segment. India is an important market globally due to its prominence in upstream technology development, innovative field production techniques, and as a strategic base for exploration and production.”

HEALTH, SAFET Y & ENVIRONMENT

ICC to organise global conference on Responsible Care in October

L-R: Dr Arup Basu, President - New Business & Innovation Centre, Tata Chemicals Ltd; R Parthasarthy, President, ICC; and Y M Kothari, VP, ICC

10

Chemical World | September 2012

Indian Chemical Council (ICC) is organising a global conference on Responsible Care on October 13, 2012, in Mumbai. H S Karangle, Director General, Indian Chemical Council, said, “Responsible Care is chemical industry’s global initiative that drives continuous improvement in health, safety, security and environmental performance, together with open and transparent communication with stakeholders. It embraces the development

and application of sustainable chemistry, helping industry to contribute to sustainable development while allowing it to meet the growing need for essential chemicals.” The delegates for the global conference will include speakers from Responsible Care companies in India, Japan, Taiwan, China, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia, Middle East, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Egypt, South Africa, Canada, Brazil, etc.

Prasenjit Chakraborty

NEWS, VIEWS & ANALYSIS

HONOURING CHEMISTRY AU TOMATION

Second edition of Best Chemistry Teacher Awards launched

Honeywell to deliver data consolidation solution for LNG project in Australia Australia Pacific LNG has selected technology developed by Honeywell Process Solutions’ (HPS) Advanced Solutions Business to deliver a data consolidation and reporting technology framework. The solution, built on Intuition Executive, will support the production, operations and asset management functions of its worldclass Coal Seam Gas (CSG) to LNG Project. Origin - the upstream operator of the Australia Pacific LNG Project - is currently the largest producer of CSG in Australia (commonly referred to as Coal Bed Methane in other parts of the world), supplying gas to power stations to produce electricity with lower greenhouse gas emissions. The Australia Pacific LNG Project will supplement domestic gas production and deliver cleaner energy to a world market.

Honeywell’s Intuition Executive is software for enterprise-wide information integration and real-time visualisation. It combines information and graphics to help users make better decisions and drive intelligent operations by managing, monitoring and optimising production and operations. HPS’ CSG operations monitoring solution is a configurable data consolidation, analysis and reporting environment built on Intuition Executive.

Tata Swach team receiving the FICCI award

On the occasion of Teachers Day, September 5, Association of Chemistry Teachers (ACT), along with Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and Tata Chemicals Ltd, set in motion the second edition of Best Chemistry Teacher Award (BCTA). This initiative has been launched to honour teachers involved in teaching chemistry. The winners will be selected by an eminent panel comprising renowned Indian scientists, professionals and academia and will be felicitated by Kapil Sibal, Union Minister for Human Resource Development; Communications

and Information Technology.

“Under the United Nation’s International Year of Chemistry 2011, we launched BCTA. A significant part of this campaign was based on social media.

Today, we are running campaigns mostly related to stakeholder engagement with an objective of creating communities,” said Sujit Patil, Head – Communications, Tata Chemicals Ltd. The last date to send the nominations is September 30, 2012.

Meanwhile, Tata Chemicals has won two silver awards at the FICCI Water Awards 2012. It bagged award for its Nanotech Water Purifier – Tata Swach in ‘Innovation’ category, and second award for the community water management projects through Tata Chemicals Society for Rural Development in ‘Community Initiatives’ category.

Mahua Roy

PROCESSING EQUIPMENT

HRS showcases innovative heat transfer solutions at Process Engineering Expo HRS Process Systems Ltd (HRS PSL), part of the UK-based HRS Group, showcased its wide range of energy-efficient heat transfer solutions at the recently held Process Engineering Expo 2012 in Hyderabad. In order to expand its presence and educate the process industry with the innovative range of products, HRS displayed various energy efficient heat exchanger solutions such as Ecoflux corrugated tube heat exchangers, Funke plate heat exchanger, HRS hot water systems, etc.

“HRS plans to reach to a much wider range of the processing sector through the expo by offering innovative and cost-effective heat transfer solutions through application engineering and design expertise for an extensive range of processing applications across industries such as chemical, pharma, steel, cement, power, metallurgy, fertiliser and paper,” said V Gokuldas, Managing Director, HRS PSL. He further added, “We are also set to take part in the 7th edition of India Chem 2012 scheduled from October 4–6, 2012, in Mumbai, where we look forward to reach customers on a wider platform.”

APPOINTMENT

Steve Hoffman to be Damco’s Global Head for industrial sector Damco has appointed Steve Hoffman as Global Head vertical in North America. “Hoffman brings a wealth of for the Industrial Vertical. Hoffman will be responsible experience in his field and I look forward to working for developing the global strategy for Damco’s with him to bring Damco’s expertise even further into customers within the areas of industrial manufacturing. the industrial segment,” said Steve Sienkiewicz, Global Damco is one of the world’s leading third party logistics Head, Strategic Sales, Damco. providers specialising in customised freight forwarding Hoffman joins Damco at a time of steady progress and supply chain solutions. Hoffman has over 30 years of and high expectations, especially in growth markets. industry experience in operations, business development “It is exciting to join Damco at this point in time.

Steve Hoffman and account management. Prior to joining Damco, he The prospects of delivering to the industrial sector was with Kuehne + Nagel in a similar role of leading the industrial are promising,” said Hoffman.

12

Chemical World | September 2012

NEWS, VIEWS & ANALYSIS

RECOGNITION JOINT TECHNOLOGY

Hikal receives the Responsible Care certification

Chemical majors join hands to develop renewable technology

Hikal Ltd has successfully completed the Responsible Care audit at all its facilities. Hikal is the first Indian life sciences custom manufacturing company to receive the Responsible Care certification governed by the International Council of Chemical Associations (ICCA).

Jai Hiremath, Chairman & Managing Director, Hikal Ltd said, “At Hikal, Responsible Care certification goes beyond our legal obligations and encompasses striving for excellence in safety, sustainability and environmental performance. We encourage our

BASF, Cargill and Novozymes have signed an agreement to develop technologies to produce acrylic acid from renewable raw materials.

Presently, acrylic acid is produced by the oxidation of propylene derived from the refining of crude oil.

Novozymes and Cargill have been working on this technology since 2008 and have developed microorganisms that can efficiently convert renewable feedstock into 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP), which is one possible chemical precursor to acrylic acid. BASF has now joined the collaboration to develop the process for conversion of 3-HP into acrylic acid. The company plans initially to use the bio-based acrylic acid to manufacture superabsorbent polymers.

“The co-operation combines BASF’s global market strength and innovation power with the excellent know-how and competencies of Novozymes and Cargill, which are global leaders in their respective industry segments. Together we are uniquely positioned to sustainably meet market and society needs,” said Michael Heinz, Member of the Board of Executive Directors of BASF SE. The three companies bring complementary knowledge to the project. Novozymes has years of experience in developing technologies for bio-based production of chemicals used in plastics, ingredients, etc. Steen Riisgaard, CEO, Novozymes, said, “By offering bio-based alternatives to fossilbased products, we will take a big step towards a more sustainable economy.”

Chris Mallett, Corporate Vice President - R&D, Cargill, stated, “Cargill is pleased to bring its global expertise in sourcing renewable feedstocks and large-scale fermentation to this collaborative project.”

14

Chemical World | September 2012

suppliers and contractors to strive for continuous improvement in safety and environmental standards. Compliance with all regulatory standards and guidelines is critical for Hikal, our customers and suppliers. This certification is a true testimony to the high standards of quality, regulatory compliance and operating standards at our company.

Responsible Care and Sustainability is a commitment and responsibility of each and every employee and our goal is to be a positive contributor to the communities we operate in.”

INFORMATION RESOURCES

Cole-Parmer releases its latest annual catalog in India Cole-Parmer, a global leader in fluid handling, life science, general laboratory products, instrumentation, and equipment, has released its 6th annual India Catalog for the scientific and process industries. The company also released another version of its annual catalog specifically for the food and beverage industry.

The new 2012 catalog underscores the company’s reputation of bringing the latest, hard-to-find products to customers. The 288-page catalog has numerous unique and new products, as well as returning favourites. Users can select highly efficient laboratory essentials, lab equipment, fluid handling, and process equipment and find exactly what they need for their application - from research and development to pilot plants to scale-up.

Rakesh Aggarwal, Director of Operations, Cole-Parmer India, said, “We are working in an arena of customisation where customers prefer to have scalable solutions tailor-made to their application needs, and we offer this choice. Apart from offering this option of customisation, we widen the horizon by giving customers-the convenience of product bundling combined with pre- and post-sales service and expert application support.”

BLOWING AGENTS

Whirlpool successfully integrates Honeywell Solstice technology Whirlpool Corporation and Honeywell have announced that all Whirlpool Corporation US-made refrigerators will begin incorporating Honeywell’s Solstice Liquid Blowing Agent (LBA).

Solstice LBA outperforms commonly used hydrocarbons such as C-Pentane, providing better low-temperature insulation performance and higher energy savings. It offers an 8-10 per

cent improvement in efficiency over refrigerator platforms tested with hydrocarbon blown foam insulation.

Ludovic Beaufils, General Manager Refrigeration And Sustainability Lead, Whirlpool North America, said, “Through this collaboration with Honeywell, we are once again leading the way with the most advanced materials that offer the greatest benefits to consumers.”

NEWS, VIEWS & ANALYSIS

SPECIALT Y CHEMICALS RECOGNITION

Aker Solutions and Statoil awarded ONS Innovation Award Aker Solutions and Statoil have been awarded the ONS Innovation Award for the Åsgard subsea gas compression system. “This technology has the potential to change offshore gas field developments worldwide.

With the forecast growth of subsea developments, subsea compression will become widespread, having even more impact as projects move into deeper waters further from shore.” said ÅsmundBøe, Chief Technology Officer, Aker Solutions.

In 2015, the world’s first subsea gas compression station will go on stream in the Åsgard field offshore Norway.

This will boost falling gas pressures from the Midgard and Mikkel satellite reservoirs, allowing stable production to continue and enabling an additional 280 million barrels of oil equivalent to be recovered. The Åsgard subsea gas compression project will be the first in the world to attain this goal.

Two state-of-the-art 11.5 MW subsea compressors will be installed on the field in 2015, avoiding the need to install a new large semi-submersible platform. The project is operated by Statoil and delivered by Aker Solutions.

WACKER launches solvent-free silicone coating for electrical application WACKER, the Munich-based chemical group, for the first time showcased a solvent-free silicone coating for electrical insulators at CIGRE (International Council on Large Electric Systems) exhibition 2012, held in Paris lately. The onecomponent emulsion called POWERSIL 570 PLUS is applied by spraying and then cures to form a waterrepellent silicone coating.

The coating considerably increases the reliability and fail-safe characteristics of insulators for overhead transmission and distribution (T&D) power lines. Porcelain and glass insulators are often used to insulate overhead power lines. However,

these kinds of insulators can quickly get dirty in coastal areas and industrial regions with high air pollution, which may have serious consequences in terms of safety.

Moist dirt, dust or salt deposits can impair the insulating capacity of such materials due to electrical discharges or even so-called pollution flashovers. To avoid this scenario, glass and porcelain insulators must be cleaned regularly, which is complex and expensive. Its POWERSIL product range for applications in the T&D industry has, for many years, included specialty silicone coatings for glass and porcelain insulators.

ANALY TICAL INSTRUMENTATION

New technology from Malvern aids polymer research studies An important launch by Malvern Instruments Ltd, Zetasizer Nano ZS measures particle and molecule size from less than one nanometer up to several microns using dynamic light scattering, zeta potential and electrophoretic mobility using electrophoretic light scattering, and molecular weight using static light scattering. “The Zetasizer Nano ZS is an integral piece of equipment in our polymer characterisation laboratory. The most important features that Zetasizer Nano ZS offers are rapidity, reproducibility, and a user-friendly interface,” said Daniel Krasznai, Department of Chemical Engineering, Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada.

“A particularly unique application of the Zetasizer Nano ZS is that we can measure the average particle size and zeta potential of some of our samples using undiluted suspensions,” said Dr Smeets Zetasizer, who has been using Nano ZS to characterise novel core-shell materials in pure water.

PERSONAL CARE CHEMICALS

Ashland Specialty Ingredients introduces innovativeness in cosmetics formulations One of the global leaders in functional polymers, esters and lamellar gels, Ashland Specialty Ingredients, recently launched Color Essentials technology and formulation-development programme to better support development of premium cosmetic formulation concepts.

Sarah Thiewes, Global Marketing Launch Leader, Skin Care and Sun Care, Ashland Specialty Ingredients, said, “From UV-protection and ease of use to wear resistance, a range of benefits are required to fulfill consumer

16

Chemical World | September 2012

expectations. The Color Essentials programme enables product formulators to effortlessly deliver products that offer these functionalities, as well as improved sensory benefits and deep, rich colour.

By developing products based on the Color Essentials sample formulations, colour cosmetics manufacturers can leverage our expertise to tap into the growing market for premium products.”

As part of the programme, Ashland’s global R&D network conducted extensive R&D to create 11 sample formulations as a starting point for

creating innovative colour cosmetic products for the latest consumer trends.

Among the sample formulations is long-lasting waterproof mascara that delivers excellent wear resistance and protection from moisture through the use of Ashland’s Ganex polymer. Other formulations, such as a gold/plum eye shadow and a shiny red lipstick boast of vibrant colours and a rich sensory experience with Ceraphyl esters. A foundation containing Ashland’s Escalol UV filters offers superb coverage while protecting skin from damaging radiation.

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION

Invensys’ new programme improves performance of ageing plant assets Invensys Operations Management has unveiled a new programme designed to help clients modernise and improve the performance of their ageing control systems and other plant assets. The programme guides clients in justifying modernisation costs, reducing risk, deploying advanced technology and approaching plant upgrades strategically and systematically.

Under the programme, Invensys will deliver full-scope consulting; project management; engineering; installation and maintenance services; and products & solutions that minimise the risk of operating obsolete technologies.

The company’s hardware and software offerings address all operational areas of the plant, including instrumentation, I/O and HMI, safety and critical control systems, turbo machinery assets, process safety lifecycle components, cyber security systems and other cross-enterprise assets. For companies that know they need to modernise existing assets, but do not know where to begin, Invensys starts with an assessment to understand the company’s business initiatives and issues. The input received is then used to develop a long-range strategic plan that meets the plant’s business and technology needs.

iMOC increases safety and compliance in industrial automation Honeywell has launched the Intelligent Management of Change (iMOC) workflow process management application. iMOC is a new solution within the DOC4000 suite that provides a unified and efficient way to manage change, security and compliance across plant control and safety systems while improving reliability through risk mitigation. It provides help for supervisory personnel with access to modify critical plant systems, including distributed control systems, safety systems, programmable logic controllers, field instrumentation database, and advanced solutions.

“The requirement for a formalised Management of Change (MOC) process is a major trend in the process automation industry. Improper changes to automation systems can negatively impact a plant’s safety, availability and compliance, and ultimately its business results. iMOC meets this need by collecting relevant data within a process plant, giving it context, and presenting the information to personnel where and when they need it. It is thus a key loss prevention tool for any company seeking to avoid future losses resulting from configuration changes to a process automation system,” said Jon Lippin, Vice President-General Manager, Lifecycle Solutions & Service, Honeywell Process Solutions.

Mettler Toledo new video series explores crystallisation benefits Mettler Toledo launched four new videos on crystallisation. Each brief video helps prospective users visualise the benefits of using Process Analytical Technology (PAT) to improve crystallisation for enhanced control of critical process parameters. The first video, ‘Understand Your Crystallisation Process’, explores the use of PVM, a particle vision and measurement tool, to identify solvent and seeding parameters to produce desired crystal morphology. The second, ‘Transfer Your Crystallisation Process’, shows how FBRM helps pharmaceutical and chemical engineers eliminate batch failure through thorough description of batch processing to enhance the scaling of experiments. In video three, ’Optimising Your Crystallisation Process’, two real-world examples reveal how combining both PVM and FBRM helped researchers produce repeatable crystallisation with faster cycle times and improved yield. Video four, ‘The Crystallisation Workstation’, shows how a robust combination of PAT technologies can powerfully characterise crystallisation processes inline.

Griswold’s new centrifugal pumps offer operational flexibility and durability Griswold Pump Company has developed 811 Series ANSI centrifugal pumps that offer standard-setting performance and reliability for a wide range of operations within the oil and gas industry. Griswold 811 Series ANSI pumps, which were among the first to meet centrifugal pump manufacturing criteria established by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) in 1977, are ideal for oil & gas applications because they offer the versatility required to complete a number of crucial oil and gas

operations. For example, 811 ANSI pumps can pump produced saltwater into trucks or pipelines, while they are also able to facilitate the complete transfer of oil from a tanker to a storage tank. They are also ideal for tank transfer and truck loading & unloading in low-temperature and low-pressure conditions.

Griswold’s 811 Series ANSI pumps satisfy these diverse needs because they have been engineered for operational flexibility, efficiency and durability.

September 2012 | Chemical World

17

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

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

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

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

Areas of application Furan polymers, sealants & cements, urea-formaldehyde, and phenolic resins

Forms of transfer Consultancy, technical technology licensing

services,

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

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

TECHNOLOGY REQUESTED Activated carbon and sodium silicate A company from Thailand requires technology for manufacturing activated carbon and sodium silicate from rice husk & rice husk ash.

Areas of application Manufacturing and construction industry Forms of transfer Others

Glyoxal An Indian company is looking to

switch the production technique for manufacturing 40 per cent glyoxal from its existing acetaldehyde-based method to the MEG-based glyoxal production.

Areas of application Pharma & textile Forms of transfer Others

Inorganic chemicals An Indian company is interested in seeking the technology and process know-how for production of potassium nitrate, chromium acetate,

and magnesium hydroxide suspension.

Areas of application Chemical industry Forms of transfer Others

Lime An Indian company seeks new costeffective technologies that can reduce carbon emissions for lime manufacturing.

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

Information courtesy: Dr Krishnan S Raghavan, In-Charge, Technology Transfer Services Group, Asian and Pacific Centre for Transfer of Technology (APCTT) of United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), APCTT Building, C-2, Qutab Institutional Area, New Delhi - 110 016, Tel: 011-3097 3758 (Direct), 3097 3710 (Board), Fax: 011-2685 6274, E-mail: srinivasaraghavan@un.org, Web: www.apctt.org, For more information on technology offers and requests, please log on to www.technology4sme.net and register with your contact details. This is a free of cost platform provided by APCTT for facilitating interaction between buyers and seekers of technologies across the globe. After submitting technology offer or request to this website, you are requested to wait for at least two weeks for receiving a response from a prospective buyer/seeker through this website, before contacting APCTT for further assistance.

Share and Solicit Technology The mission of Chemical World is to spread the technology culture. Here is an opportunity to be a part of this endeavour by sending your technology on offer or technology requirements. If you belong to any of these two categories, you are invited to furnish the techno-commercial details for publication. The write-up needs to be as per the format of this section with information about the particular technology offered or requested, its areas of application and forms of transfer. Contact us: Chemical World, Network18 Media & Investments Ltd, ‘A’ Wing, Ruby House, J K Sawant Marg, Dadar (W), Mumbai 400 028 Tel: 022-3024 5000, 3003 4672, Fax: 022-3003 4499, Email: chemedit@network18publishing.com

18

Chemical World | September 2012

IN CONVERSATION WITH Mahesh Rao

Sustainable development is all about conserving water, optimising energy usage and so on

Courtesy: Nalco Water India Ltd

...says Mahesh Rao, Managing Director, Nalco Water India Ltd. In an interaction with Avani Jain, he highlights the rising demand for sustainability in the petrochemical sector due to factors like scarce water resources and high energy prices. He also shares his future growth plans for the company in his new role.

20

Chemical World | September 2012

Mahesh Rao

What is the importance of sustainable development for any industry?

What motivates you the most in your life?

For more than 26 years, water treatment and addressing the needs of the plant have been my passion. This is what has driven my success and helped me to deliver quality results all the time. Thus, passion for the work that I am doing helps me keep going.

What was the toughest decision ever made by you?

One of the toughest decisions in my life was the career change decision because I spent 16 years as a salesperson selling Nalco solutions to various industries in Australia and then I decided to move into marketing. I came to Asia with my family and settled here. Although it was a tough decision, so far it has been the best one.

How do you deal with a tough situation?

I believe that when the going gets tough, the tough gets going. Further, in a tough situation, I count on my past experience and what I have learnt from my failures in the past. I also seek technical and management expertise.

What is the business etiquette that you value the most?

Honesty and being ethical are the two qualities that can certainly win the trust of consumers. These two principles are also key to a company’s as well as an individual’s success.

What is your message to aspiring professionals?

One should always follow one’s passion and not run after money.

It is seen that resources such as coal, oil, water etc – the basic needs of any industry be it mining, chemical or general – are depleting at a fast rate. Thus, there is a huge drive from these industries to use such valuable resources efficiently. And hence several organisations are looking at sustainable solutions to aid them in this task. Here comes the importance of companies such as Nalco, which is committed to sustainable development. For us, sustainable development is all about conserving water, optimising energy usage and so on.

How necessary is energy and water management to ensure sustainable development?

The demand for water and energy management solutions is high in the chemical industry. What is mainly driving this demand is the strong push from the Central Government. The government is taking all the possible steps to ensure that the available water is majorly used for human consumption and agricultural needs. In order to achieve this goal, they are limiting the water availability for industrial purposes. And, the industry is left with no other option but to use the available water in a judicious manner. Companies such as Nalco can provide recycling and water optimisation solutions to various industries.

What are the leading innovations in the segment?

For water conservation, we have developed innovative solutions like 3D TRASAR technology. Further, we have developed energy-efficiency solutions, smart automation systems and additives to enhance the various processes in the industry. In order to provide a boost to the R&D activities of the company, we have opened a new R&D centre in Pune.

How will the recent merger with Ecolab assist growth of the company?

Both the companies have always worked in adjacent spaces. Thus, the coming

together of the two companies will help us to serve the customer in a better way.

Moreover, both the companies have same passion for innovation. So put together, the innovation process will only be accelerated.

What are the challenges faced by the company?

The biggest challenge is to motivate companies, especially those in the private sector, to adopt sustainable measures.

We have to convince the companies to employ such solutions as many of them consider these solutions as an added cost. Despite this challenge, the demand for sustainable solutions is increasing by the day. Now, companies aim at manufacturing products at the cheapest possible cost and with the lowest possible impact on the environment.

What would be the future demand trends for sustainable solutions in petrochemical sector?

With the regulations imposed by the government getting more stringent, the petrochemical sector is looking for more opportunities in the areas of water, oil and energy conservation. When it comes to wastewater management, at present the industry is only cleaning wastewater and discharging it into the environment. But keeping in mind the lesser availability of water in future, the industry will be forced to discharge less water and recycle & reuse most of it.

Also, with the increasing energy prices, industries will move towards low energy consuming processes and technologies.

After assuming the role of Managing Director at Nalco Water India Ltd, how do you plan to take forward the growth of the company?

Accelerating the growth of the company through innovative solutions will be my main agenda. I plan to develop the company’s manpower in such a way that we can provide our services efficiently to the growing local market. I am also looking forward to address the sustainability needs of India to a large extent.

Email: avani.jain@network18publishing.com

September 2012 | Chemical World

21

SPECIAL FOCUS

ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTS ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTATION Eyeing for assured quality in ‘testing’ times ..............................................................................................24 EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTES ‘Instrument’al in paving the way for further progress ..............................................................................26 INTERFACE - Addepalli Srinivas, Country Leader, PerkinElmer India “There is a need for faster, more accurate and easy-to-use analytical techniques”...................................28 INTERFACE - T V Shiva Rao, Vice-President, Elico Marketing Pvt Ltd “Miniaturisation and automation are boosting the growth of new line of equipment” ...........................30 ROUNDTABLE Are fresh graduates well-oriented about sophisticated analytical technologies? ......................................32

September 2012 | Chemical World

23

Photo: Joshua Navalkar; Location courtesy: MicroChem Laboratory Pvt Ltd, Mahape (Navi Mumbai)

SPECIAL FOCUS Analytical instrumentation

Eyeing for assured quality in ‘testing’ times

certain tangible properties defines safety holistically, and analytical instruments delivering the suitable investigations are more in demand. “The overall Indian analytical instrumentation market including lab analytical instruments amounts to $ 1.2 billion. The market is gaining visibility in terms of environmental protection and food safety, which are key parameters for the growth of this segment. The government is focussing on and subsequently establishing stronger policies in these two areas to check contamination. As a result, both spectroscopy and chromatography will gain a stronger foothold in this segment,” opines Aravind Seshagiri, Business Unit Leader, Measurement & Instrumentation - South Asia & Middle East, Frost & Sullivan (F&S).

He adds that atomic spectroscopy is a potential instrumentation needed by environmental and food & beverage sectors, with effective enforcement of strict laws and measures being brought about in environment protection and food safety.

“Companies in this segment are making a paradigm shift towards application-specific needs by way of innovative technologies and concepts to help this market progress with a steady increase in the year-on-year growth rate,” he explains.

Direction of innovation

Two of the most sensitive product segments – food & pharmaceuticals – cannot afford to go wrong in their safety deliverables. Where quality assurance makes the product likeable, its safety makes it bankable. Analytical instruments are aiding the food & pharma industries in their quest to develop and deliver safety effectively.

Mahua Roy

R

ampant news coverage depicting the appalling stories revolving around food safety has led to tightened regulations across the globe. Contamination of sensitive products in food & pharma categories poses huge risks to international trade relations, and affects the overall repute of a country, thereby raising questions on its product integrity management protocol.

Donning the safety gear Making the product safe for human consumption is one of the most important responsibilities of the food & pharma industries; but along with that, an environmentally-sound product is equally desired. Product safety is thereby measured according to these two parameters and this is a distinct trend. Analysis on the basis of

24

Chemical World | September 2012

Offering customisation leads to a larger customer base due to the introduction of flexibilities in a certain technology. “The lab analytical instruments market in India is gaining momentum through customised applications in the food & beverage as well as the pharmaceutical segments. The pharmaceutical and drug delivery segment is catered largely by the liquid chromatography technology followed by spectroscopy. Technology advancements in each market segment and corresponding software platform development and upgradation propel the growth. Currently, automation and hyphenation technologies are the prime areas of focus for the laboratory analytical instruments. The end-users have the choice of instruments they want to customise features and avail of inter-operability based on specifications and needs,” adds Seshagiri.

He also observes that there has been a steep rise in technical infrastructure and offerings in liquid chromatography (high speed and high performance requirements), mass spectrometers (hyphenated techniques combining superior chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques). Elemental spectroscopy has also seen major acceptance due to progress in detection up to trace metal levels, micro-particle measurements and detection of contamination levels in environmental and food safety sectors.

Dr Pintoo Ganguly, General Manager – Laboratory Operations, Sigma-Aldrich India Ltd, asserts the specific demands from pharma industry. “Products that meet requirements of speed, efficiency, robustness, better data processing ability and costeffectiveness are always desired. HPLC and its variants like SFC, LC-Mass, GC, GC-Mass, Head Space GC, Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC); Polarimeter, FT-IR and particle size analyser continue to occupy the most prominent spaces in the analytical labs. Chemical process development of pharma bulk products

Analytical instrumentation

The overall analytical instruments market including life science instrumentation, laboratory automation, surface science techniques, material characterisation, and general analytical instruments is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of between 19 and 20 per cent in the next 4-5 years.

Aravind Seshagiri Business Unit Leader, Measurement & Instrumentation South Asia & Middle East, F&S

requires safety studies to be carried out at different stages to minimise scale-up hazards; as a result, DSC and Accelerated Reaction Calorimeters take the prime spot there. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) remains the instrument of choice with LC-Mass for structure elucidation of products under development and analysis of impurities,” he says.

Tapping the right markets New areas need to be explored that are turning into huge opportunity areas for analytical instruments. “Testing labs (third party testing services) are expected to gain prominence in the next few years due to more outsourcing by pharmaceutical companies apart from the already existing set-up of in-house analysis that they conduct. Defence and agricultural research are among the under-tapped markets and have huge potential in terms of generating unit shipments that will contribute to revenues. Slowly, the awareness regarding tapping these areas has started creeping in,” observes Seshagiri.

Cost optimisation is possible only if customisation supports an existing throughput, with a possibility of an upgrade upon an increase in throughput over a period.

Prantik Mukherjee Head – Lab Solutions, Merck Millipore

He adds that the strong regulatory policies in India trigger the demand from pharmaceutical and life-sciences industries. The funding for research laboratories and academic institutions from the government has been helping the segment to grow in the past and there has been slight shift towards private procurements. “Our research suggests that government funding will still continue to be the staple source for revenue contribution to the laboratory analytical instruments market,” he quips.

Automation: The way forward Emergence of food & pharma safety has led to the development of separate safety and integrity departments, over and above the traditional quality control and quality assurance units.

Sophisticated analytical instruments that ride on automation are also being heavily demanded. “Some of the attributes desired out of analytical instrumentation are high robustness in terms of lower maintenance needs, higher level of automation to deliver better productivity, as well as efficient data analyses,” adds Dr Ganguly. Adopting automation in analysis is important in order to enhance efficiency of the process by avoiding risks involved in each stage, thus providing reliable results without compromising the sensitivity of testing under varied conditions of sample throughput, and without significantly increasing the cost per test.

Catering to the demands of both small and big labs is the way to go.

Small labs have unpredictable and varied workloads whereas big labs, on the other hand, have a high sample throughput and a standardised menu of test methods. According to Prantik Mukherjee, Head – Lab Solutions, Merck Millipore, “Cost optimisation is possible only if customisation supports an existing throughput, with a possibility of an upgrade upon an increase in throughput over a period. The test menu on a system also needs to be customised so that automated systems are embraced by a larger number of laboratories.

Some of the attributes desired out of analytical instrumentation are high robustness in terms of lower maintenance needs, higher level of automation to deliver better productivity, as well as efficient data analyses.

Dr Pintoo Ganguly General Manager – Laboratory Operations, Sigma-Aldrich India Ltd

Laboratories should be able to select only those test menus on fully automated systems, which they would be utilising on a regular basis.”

However, the trick lies in offering cost-effective solutions as pricing happens to be the biggest factor deterring most companies from adopting automation in lab techniques. “Analytical methods are critically viewed by food manufacturers since they have a direct impact on the product price. Organisations are ready to invest capital in automated technologies as long as the operational expense is not exorbitant,” observes Mukherjee.

Forecasts for this industry “The overall analytical instruments market including life science instrumentation, laboratory automation, surface science techniques, material characterisation, and general analytical instruments is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate of between 19 and 20 per cent in the next 4-5 years, of which the laboratory analytical instruments will grow at a slightly higher rate of between 21 and 22 per cent,” sums up Seshagiri.

Developments in physics are continually improving the technologies available for analysis. The most recent innovations in this field are high-harmonic spectroscopy, through which reaction times of atoms can be measured on the attosecond (one quintillionth of a second) timescale.

This can spell revolutionisation in the natural products chemistry and pharmaceutical industry.

Email: mahua.roy@network18publishing.com

September 2012 | Chemical World

25

SPECIAL FOCUS Educational institutes

Positioning the products Specialised training is required to operate analytical instruments. So this would ideally mean that higher the degree of accuracy needed, the more sophisticated will be the design, thereby resulting in less ease of operation. Contrary to this, analytical instrument manufacturers are concentrating on delivering easier interfaces for the academia. Human resources-related market research findings suggest that the number of skilled

‘Instrument’al in paving the way for further progress The foundation for the future of sophistication in analytical technology is laid during the days of early education in colleges.

The academia forms a crucial marketplace for analytical instruments. With research being encouraged in post-graduate and doctoral theses, analytical instrumentation sector will see a lot of growth.

Mahua Roy

I

n India, the academia and government happen to be the largest buyers of analytical equipment. “A larger section of educational institutes use basic equipment to introduce analytical techniques to students. Hence, there is a huge market for basic instruments in this sector,” says Suren Dixit, Managing Director, IKA India Ltd. Designing products for the academia becomes a challenge because the demands vary greatly from that of a pharmaceutical or process company.

“The education industry is one of the fastest developing sectors worldwide.

In India too, the education industry is growing at a good pace. New educational institutes are being developed and laboratories under Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Department of Science and Technology

26

Chemical World | September 2012

(DST) and the Ministry of Agriculture are being expanded, giving a further boost to the analytical instrument sector.

The planned increase in IITs is worth a mention here,” says C K Jyothish, Business Development Manager, ColeParmer India.

Academic users demand superior products at the lowest possible cost, where cost factor does not only entail the initial purchase cost but also cost of ownership, operation and maintenance.

“Besides, we need effortless, less expensive and hassle-free service to remain loyal to a particular vendor and all these demands seem to be conflicting. Even though vendor-switching is not easy due to regulatory and training issues, overall cost and support issues can make it easy, particularly in a challenging economic environment,” adds Prof Vilas G Gaikar, Bharat Petroleum Professor of Chemical Engineering, and Head, Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT), Mumbai.

technicians and operators in the market is steadily decreasing. As a result, most companies that have taken note of this trend are accordingly designing their products to address this issue.

“The demand for analytical instruments is increasing day-by-day in the educational institutes, as they are raising their standards of education and research, which is fundamental to our industrial growth. The affordability and availability of high-end analytical instruments have resulted in their increased demand, also giving more exposure to the students.

Major factors responsible for this are government’s increased spend on such instruments, improved alumni funds, increased industry-academia interaction & collaboration, which have encouraged many institutes to collaborate with corporate companies and PSUs to set up world-class labs and invest in projects in academia,” says Jyothish.

The dynamics of the workforce in India is undergoing change. The

Educational institutes

onus lies on the academia to train this force in the formative developmental stages. The younger generation demands simple, quick, more reliable and fully featured automated solutions.

The analytical instrumentation service providers are taking note of this and are bringing in new products to suit them. The introduction of automated instrumentation, equipment and software worldwide has had a major impact on a lab’s ability to carry out experimentation in academic scenarios. To aid testing and monitoring operations, automation in analysis is proving to be an emerging trend.

Also, the sustainability issue is gaining importance in this sphere as well. Besides the ease-of-operation positioning, energy-efficient products are gaining popularity in the academic scenario. Dixit opines that coherent efforts towards product differentiation in such manner are the need of the hour for gaining an edge in the coming years. “The aim should be to provide smaller, smarter, faster and more elegant products in the future,” he asserts.

Partnering with the academia Says Gautam Rajan, Managing Director, Marsap Services Pvt Ltd, “The government needs to create conducive programmes to assist the Indian companies in developing technologies.

Along with this, it is essential to encourage collaborations with government research institutes or higher science colleges for using their skills and facilities to assist in developing new products/technologies.” It only makes sense to propel this partnership as a win-win situation for the environment.

This will eventually help the domestic analytical equipment industry to make a mark in international brand-building of indigenous instruments. “Most of the project proposals for the development of analytical instrumentation are anyway submitted by the academia. In this scenario, if industryacademia partnership is encouraged, it could give an overall boost to the domestic industry,” says Prof Gaikar.

The government-sponsored labs or research institutes can entrust the Indian companies to develop and fabricate critical components needed by them. This will not only help the participating companies, but also offer financial benefits and enrich their expertise and skills.

Also, after the design of a required instrument, these companies can even consider outsourcing the fabrication of the same. As a result, the company will recover its investment, and the laboratories will not have to create infrastructure for the manufacturing. Creating ‘centres of excellence’ in universities and CSIR laboratories could help the industry in India to interact & partner with these institutions and develop competitive products. Encouraging R&D by increasing funding for technologies relevant to the Indian context can be a solution. Also, human resource development is the key.

Universities offering instrumentation programmes – at Masters and Doctorate level – should increase.

Email: mahua.roy@network18publishing.com

September 2012 | Chemical World

27

SPECIAL FOCUS Interface - Addepalli Srinivas

What are the growth drivers for analytical instruments in India?

at aggressive customer engagement and driving favourable brand perception.

Regulation-driven industries such as food, pharmaceuticals, environment and chemical processing as well as increased funding to the education and research institutes by government have been the main factors driving analytical instrumentation industry in India.

How are the global trends affecting Indian analytical instruments industry?

Some of the emerging global trends in analytical instruments industry include the demand for more systematic and organised service support, which is dedicated and centralised support for major and demanding manufacturers, as well as remote diagnosis and laboratory

to batch variation. Organisations want a more proactive and reliable model for quality control rather than a reactive off-line model. The philosophy now is better and continuous monitoring, controlling and taking corrective actions in process rather than depending on outcome.

How are stringent regulations helping this industry?

There has been consistent growth in the regulation-driven industries, which

There is a need for faster, more accurate and easyto-use analytical techniques ‌opines Addepalli Srinivas, Country Leader, PerkinElmer India, during an interaction with Rakesh Rao on emerging technologies in the analytical instrumentation industry to meet the changing requirements of user-industries.

How is PerkinElmer gearing up to tap this growth opportunity in India?

At PerkinElmer, we view India as a growth market and have committed resources to support our growth strategy.

We have increased our customer reach by adding resources to all crucial customer facing functions such as frontline sales, service support, application support and customer care. For demonstrating technologies, developing industryspecific applications and facilitating customer training, we have built stateof-the-art infrastructure at our Mumbai and Hyderabad facilities. To meet the growing demand for well-trained talent, we have initiated talent development and management programmes to groom the fresh talent from reputed universities across India. We are also investing in building marketing capabilities aimed

28

Chemical World | September 2012

information management system (LIMS). These changes are driving demand for new skills for the supplier organisations and better service support in terms of quality and response time.

In India, we are seeing a growing trend towards use of mass spectrometry techniques such as GCMSMS, LCMSMS and ICPMS for detection of heavy metals in pharmaceuticals, nutraceuticals, food and soil testing.

Some of the emerging trends revolve around solar energy, architectural glass and nanotechnology applications.

All process industries are seeing movement from at-line & lab-based instrumentation to in-line testing. What are the factors driving this change?

Yes, there is a shift happening towards preference for inline testing; the major reason behind this change is the need for stringent quality control on batch

in turn is benefiting the analytical instruments industry. There is a need for faster, more accurate and easy-touse analytical techniques. This demands more user-friendly software to analyse the results.

How do you see analytical instruments market shaping up in next three to four years?

The analytical industry in India has seen a steady growth from 2005 to 2009 where there was little impact of the global meltdown, but during 2012 we have seen more impact of global crisis mainly driven by Europe and the subsequent weakening of Indian Rupee. We are optimistic that the Indian analytical industry is likely to touch double-digit growth of 10-12 per cent from 2013 to 2016, but it is also closely linked to effective global crisis management and domestic government’s growth policy push.

Email: rakesh.rao@network18publishing.com

SPECIAL FOCUS Interface - T V Shiva Rao

How is the market for portable analysers?

According to Strategic Directions International’s (SDi) market research forecast in January 2012, the global analytical instrument industry (including life science segment) is expected to grow 5.5 per cent in 2012, ie close to $ 44.7 billion. In general, portable analysers account for about 15 per cent of the total market. But unlike the rest of the market, portable analysers experience a double-digit yearly growth rate. So the portable analyser market is growing faster than the rest.

for both biodiesel and bio-ethanol by 2017. While blending targets for biodiesel blending are still in discussion, ethanol blending has already been made mandatory in October 2008. Currently, the policy of the Government of India, which mandates blending 5 per cent ethanol into petrol, is being implemented throughout the country. And ethanol blending will become still more important. According to government’s plan, petrol would include a minimum of 20 per cent ethanol content by 2017.

Given the fact that petrol-run vehicles account for the majority of vehicles

flexible and portable lab instruments are hitting the market.

Manufacturers of portable equipment have to adapt to frequent and rapid changes in technology. This makes the survival of small manufacturers a difficult task. The trend we see is that large multinational corporations (MNCs) are buying out smaller companies. For customers in the petrochemical industry this is an advantage. They can get all of their up-, mid- and downstream equipment from a single MNC. As a result, smaller independent firms are gradually fading out due to fierce competition.

Miniaturisation and automation are boosting the growth of new line of equipment ...says T V Shiva Rao, Vice-President, Elico Marketing Pvt Ltd, the exclusive distributor for Grabner Instruments’ portable fuel analysers in India. During an interaction with Rakesh Rao, he discusses the market potential of portable analysers.

How has been the performance of Grabner Instruments in India?

The key business segment that continues to drive Grabner’s success is the petrochemical industry. Grabner Instruments has a large client base across the Indian downstream refining segment.

With major projects under execution, India is a growing market for manufacturers of analytical instrumentation. In the Indian chemical industry, Grabner Instruments is especially successful in the flavour and fragrance (F&F) market segment.

What are the growth drivers for your business?

One future business driver is the National Bio-fuel Policy, which proposed an indicative target of 20 per cent blending

30

Chemical World | September 2012

registered in India, it will be a major task to prepare the automotive industry for a successful implementation of this policy.

Another driver for business is the ever-growing worldwide problem of fuel adulteration, including India, which increases the demand for reliable portable analysers. On-site fuel quality monitoring by oil industry and inspection agencies in India, made possible through portable analysers, is rapidly gaining more significance.

What are the emerging trends in portable analysers’ market?

Miniaturisation and automation are boosting the growth of new line of equipment in the industry. Customers do have limited laboratory space and they also try to reduce laboratory work and costs. As the focus is now on mobility,

What are your growth plans for India?

The demand for portable analysers from the Indian bio-fuel industry is steadily increasing. Moreover, the Indian automotive manufacturers have enhanced their spending on R&D activities, where our portable devices support their analytical work with accuracy and precision. Also, we are watching a growing number of mobile laboratories being used for on-site fuel quality monitoring for fast and precise fuel quality checks in the field.

Many of them are equipped with the portable, rugged and fully automated analysers of Grabner Instruments, which just require a single person to do a detailed fuel analysis in less than 30 minutes directly on-site.

Email: rakesh.rao@network18publishing.com

SPECIAL FOCUS Roundtable

Are fresh graduates well-oriented about sophisticated analytical technologies?

The number of fresh graduates and post-graduates in the fields of specialised sciences such as chemistry, life science, biochemistry, microbiology, industrial biotechnology is increasing. But these candidates are largely inexperienced about the latest developments and operating procedures of sophisticated analytical equipment used heavily in the process industry. Mahua Roy speaks with academia and industry personnel about possible solutions to this problem.

Siddhesh Tharwal Analytical Chemist, Cipla Ltd

Prof Vilas G Gaikar Head, Department of Chemical Engineering, Institute of Chemical Technology

Dr Pintoo Ganguly General Manager – Laboratory Operations, Sigma-Aldrich India Ltd

On completing graduation or postgraduation, students of higher science degrees happen to have little or no knowledge about handling sophisticated instrumentation used in analytical characterisation. Only a lucky few who get the opportunity to get trained in the industry have a clear picture about the latest instruments used in industry, but they may not necessarily be trained to operate those instruments.

Syllabus of higher science degrees is restricted to the theory of analytical techniques and does not cover the operating procedures of these instruments. Setting up an advanced instrumentation laboratory in the institute and making it a mandatory part of syllabus will definitely help create an employable talent pool. If some institutes find this as a costly affair, they can consider tie-up with companies for tailor-made training programmes.

Companies are increasingly finding it difficult to get reasonably talented engineers, technicians and scientists for investigative functions like R&D. While quantitative availability of manpower is certainly met, the problem is at quality level. One of the most common problems faced by fresh graduates is their unemployability because of lack of training in practical aspects. It may be difficult for the chemical industry to provide training to every graduate, but if teachers are given training by the industry, with some sustenance stipend, it would help in imparting useful knowledge to the next level of students. Academic R&D labs should not be viewed as service labs to provide analytical services. PhD candidates take a major risk when they embark on a journey into the unknown. This atmosphere can be used to attract industry talent to work in academic laboratories on joint projects.

Unfortunately, students graduating out of colleges and universities have little training in operating and handling analytical instruments.

Few colleges in the country at the undergraduate level expose students to analytical instruments.

College laboratories may find it beneficial to equip themselves with the instruments and this is possible through industry-academia collaboration.

Depreciated instruments from the industry can be moved to the institutes and used to train students. Academia has to reach out to the industry; and the industry needs to effectively reciprocate. The future chemist/ analyst for the industry comes from the academia and it is in the interest of industry to nurture him/ her. Colleges/institutes may arrange lecture series on these topics and invite experts from industry to speak on the same.

EDITORIAL TAKE Evidently, it is difficult for most academic institutions to make provisions for hands-on training in the area of analytical equipment used in the industrial environments. However, tying up with industries or research institutes to provide practical knowledge can be a solution.

The education board can consider making this a mandatory part in the syllabus to boost the employability of candidates.

32

Chemical World | September 2012

FACILITY VISIT Galaxy Surfactants Ltd

Mahua Roy egged at ` 2,00,000 crore by Chemexcil and set to grow 15 per cent year-on-year in the next five years, the HPC industry is seeing unprecedented activity.

Forming an integral part of this growth is Galaxy Surfactants, which supplies its range of 66 products to over 1,000 customers in 95 countries. It stays true to its positioning of being a ‘Global supplier to global brands’.

P

HPC industry trends The demand trends in the HPC industry are continuously evolving in

Galaxy Surfactants’ factory premises

Developing formulations with a touch of green chemistry The journey of Galaxy Surfactants started out of an industrial estate shed in 1980, and in just a span of 32 years, it has become a ` 1,272-crore company. It is one of the most sought-after suppliers to the home & personal care (HPC) industry and has a giant marketshare of over 80 per cent in India. Its 20-acre facility in Taloja reflects some of the most exemplary manufacturing standards. terms of superior, economical as well as environment-friendly products. Surfactants play a major role in contributing towards product integrity and functionality.

“As most of the products of the HPC

industry such as soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, etc meet the everyday needs of the people, the demand for these products is non-cyclical. This is a unique characteristic of HPC industry, which has

The recently commissioned MED plant

34

Chemical World | September 2012

facilitated a high degree of innovation in end-products. Also, these ingredients must contain the ‘green’ factor, ie, they need to be environment-friendly and derived mainly from vegetable sources,” says U Shekhar, Managing Director, Galaxy Surfactants Ltd. Thus, Galaxy Surfactants is investing towards the development of formulations, which promise ingredients with the touch of green chemistry.

As per a recent report on the skin care industry, AC Nielsen projected the sunscreen industry to grow at 15 per cent till 2014. Galaxy Surfactants is heavily concentrating on its octyl methoxycinnamate (OMC) and octocrylene range, which are essentially ultraviolet absorbers. It is identifying new customer base for fatty alcohol sulfates that are used in oral care and detergents in Europe, Asia and Americas; and for its range of betaines in the Americas.

Galaxy Surfactants Ltd

MAJOR HIGHLIGHTS o The company recentl y commissioned two new units, one at Jhagadia and second at Suez, Egypt o Galaxy Surfactants targets revenues worth $ 1 billion in next 5 years o Largest selling product: Fatty Acid Ether Sulfate (FAES)

Unparalleled manufacturing standards The Taloja facility of Galaxy Surfactants houses two campuses – one being exclusively managed for export-oriented businesses. The facility comprises sulfonation and drying plants using continuous processing methods. The sulfonation process uses vacuum neutralisation mechanism, which was in fact, one of the first such installations in Asia, way back in 1997. Interestingly, the dioxane formed in this process is curtailed to just 15-20 ppm using advanced technology, much lower than global standards prescribing 30 ppm. The drying uses thin film drying technology for the prime product – fatty alcohol sulfates.

The other units are involved in the batch processes of ethoxylation and amides & betaines, which are completely automated to avoid contamination and maintain assured quality levels.

The most important unit, however, is the effluent treatment plant, which adopts the sophisticated membrane bioreactor (MBR) technology. “Our state-of-theart effluent treatment plant, with latest technology of MBR gives crystal clear water and is designed in-house by our own team,” says Shekhar emphatically.

In-house talent management Galaxy encourages bright talent without discrimination of hierarchy. The team at Galaxy boasts of a brilliant mix of engineering geniuses. The newest unit, called the MED plant, was commissioned within 10 months of planning. The company did not make use of a third-party consultant for engineering design or procurement management. “To serve majority of the ‘emerging market consumers’, the manufacturer needs to design products tailored as per the specific needs of the consumers. Managing efficiencies for smaller sizes, offering a range of differentiated products using the same machinery, etc constitute new trends in manufacturing technology,” says Shekhar.

The company saw business opportunity area in fatty alcohol ethoxylate, and thus was contemplating an entirely new greenfield project. However, the raw material was expensive and land availability was also an issue. With the help of in-house talent, a new plant was developed with certain de-bottlenecking technologies in the existing plant, thereby reducing raw

As most of the products of the HPC industry such as soaps, shampoos, toothpastes, etc meet the everyday needs of the people, the demand for these products is non-cyclical. This is a unique characteristic of HPC industry, which has facilitated a high degree of innovation in end-products.

U Shekhar Managing Director

material costs substantially. “Our quality system is set to global standards so as to compete globally. Total Productivity Management, which we adopted a decade ago, significantly contributed to the continuous improvement and sustainability in whatever we stand for and offer,” says Shekhar.

Driven towards mildness In the 80s and 90s, the haircare segment centred mainly on cleansing and conditioning. This evolved to focussing on ‘mildness’ and ‘natural’ ingredients in the early 2000s. Today, this segment is full of targeted products for colour/ texture-specific hair. In oral care, improved education has led to oral hygiene and economy brands have been introduced in this category. The focus has shifted from anti-cavity to whitening, and today improved versions of the same called ‘oxy’ derivatives are available. The need for mild (soft, less toxic to skin, suitable for everyday use) products is increasing. “Two to three decades back, one used to apply shampoo maybe once a week; today it is used once a day. Manufacturing technologies have to focus more on ‘concentrated’ products. It all depends on how we pack more power into a product,” says Shekhar.

The prime emphasis at Galaxy is on fundamental research and the creation of new molecules. The company spends around 1 per cent of its annual net sales on research and development. It has 18 patents in India and 10 in the US. Photo: Joshua Navalkar

Filling and packaging of Sodium Lauryl Ether Sulfate

Email: mahua.roy@network18publishing.com

September 2012 | Chemical World

35

INSIGHT & OUTLOOK

SPECIALTY CHEMICALS SPECIALTY CHEMICALS IN AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY All geared-up to explore new possibilities .......................................................... 38 SPECIALTY CHEMICAL EXPORTS Innovative solutions for customised applications ............................................... 40 PERFORMANCE CHEMICALS Blossoming with flourishing agrochemicals market ........................................... 42 INCREASING R&D INVESTMENTS A right catalyst to boost performance ............................................................... 44 CASE STUDY - LONDON OLYMPICS 2012 A ‘special’ touch of sustainability ....................................................................... 46 INTERFACE – Dr Joerg Strassburger, Country Representative and MD, LANXESS India Pvt Ltd “In the long term, there is a strong potential for the markets to grow”............. 50 EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN Armed to meet any contingency ......................................................................... 52

September 2012 | Chemical World

37

INSIGHT & OUTLOOK Specialty chemicals in automotive industry

Prasenjit Chakraborty

T

All geared-up to explore new possibilities

he automotive industry in India has been registering an impressive growth in the last few years. There are many reasons for this development. What drives a consumer to buy a car depends on three prime factors – safety, comfort and fuel efficiency. Interestingly, specialty chemicals play a significant role in addressing these issues. With the increase in car sales volume in India, automotive industry has emerged as an important segment for the specialty chemical manufacturers. According to Kumar Kandaswami, Senior Director, Deloitte, India, the Indian automotive market is the 7th largest globally and is among the fastest growing markets in the world. “Amid the market slowdown in 2011 and 2012, it is still expected to grow faster than the world average of 6 per cent during the financial year 2013 (9 per cent). Further, the fact that India will be a significant export base for all the manufacturers would add to the consumption of input material,” he says.

Growth drivers The factors that promote the use of specialty chemicals include the quest for increasing fuel efficiency, reducing the carbon footprint and dramatically improving the appearance of automobiles. “As far as fuel

ON THE DRIVER’S SEAT o India is projected to become the third-largest automotive market in the world by 2017 o Inorganic pigments are used to produce brilliant paints o Sealants made of silicones used for wind screen and rear screen sealing and gasketing applications

38

efficiency is concerned, there is a visible movement towards plastics and synthetic materials, which facilitates lesser weight.

While this contributes to reducing emissions, specialty chemicals are used in coatings, paints, additives in the exhaust management, which reduce the levels of pollution,” points out Kandaswami. In addition, specialty chemicals are used in paints for retaining appearance of the vehicle over long period, interiors for stain-resistance, etc. They are also used in tyres for improving their driveability properties.

According to the estimate of International Organisation of Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, with 7 million units, India is projected to overtake Japan, Germany and Korea by 2017, to become the third-largest automotive market. This implies that there will be an increased demand for fuel and a need to check the level of CO2 emissions as a result of increased mobility. Since transportation accounts for a chunk of energy consumption, deploying sustainable transport systems offers significant potential for fuel saving and reducing carbon emissions, thus improving traffic efficiency in the limited infrastructure.

“Here lies the role of specialty chemicals and polymers in making transportation efficient, clean and safe in the years to come. This is an incumbent need not just for India but for all markets worldwide, wherever mobility is on a rise,” says Dr Joerg Strassburger, Managing Director and Country Representative, LANXESS India.

Chemical World | September 2012

Consumers’ quest for safety, comfort, design, fuel efficiency etc in a car have opened up a myriad of opportunities for the specialty chemicals sector. Because these issues, to a large extent, are being addressed by such chemicals.

When it comes to India, it has already emerged as one of the fastest growing automotive markets in the world. This clearly amplifies the potential for specialty chemicals. However, it is imperative to augment R&D activities substantially to fully exploit the scope that the automotive industry offers to this chemical segment.

Addressing safety concerns The new generation plastics are strong and, at the same time, extremely light.

This helps cut the weight of components or panels significantly. Further, given the nature of the material, it is relatively

Specialty chemicals in automotive industry

less expensive and energy-efficient to transform them into desired shapes.

“This allows design flexibility, which is expensive if conventional material is used. Today, inorganic pigments are being used to produce brilliant paints that are not only attractive but also weatherresistant and easy to care for,” points out Kandaswami. Such paints remain stable despite the effects of light and other elements. The leather used in the interiors of a car consumes a lot of chemicals for preserving, tanning and finishing. Today, it is feasible to offer colours, thanks to these chemicals. “Further, they impart properties that contribute to appearance and safety,” he adds.

There are many such examples.

Sealants made of silicones are used for wind screen and rear screen sealing and gasketing applications. Adhesives help assemble components. The foams used in the seats need chemicals for processing and other special properties.

Fabrics and finishes in the car use chemicals for treatment to resist soiling and also to reduce noise. The engine, transmission, brakes and other parts need specialty lubricants to reduce wear and sealing compounds & rubber gaskets to prevent leaks. Electrical wiring needs rubber insulation, motors require lubrication, and electronic hardware needs chemical-based potting and encapsulation solutions for keeping them in working condition in the harsh automotive environment. Safety devices such as seat belts need specialty lubricants for reliability and airbags also require special chemical treatment/ coating to function properly.

Offerings by players Looking at the opportunities the Indian market offers, several specialty chemical manufacturers have come out with products to consolidate their position in the market. For example, Dow Corning offers silicone and non-silicone solutions for the automotive industry. It offers products across the automotive value chain, providing additives for paints, silicone adhesives and sealants, silicone

rubber, specialty lubricants under the Molykote brand, and various electrical and electronic materials for many different automotive uses.

Similarly, LANXESS produces high performance rubber. And from the total production, around 70 per cent of the high performance rubber is used for the manufacture of high performance tyres.

“These high performance tyres offer better wet grip, resulting in a shorter braking distance and thus improved on-road safety. At around 80 kmph, the braking distance can be shortened by up to 21 m by the use of a high performance tyre as compared to normal tyres,” claims Dr Strassburger. Besides tyre, LANXESS has also come out with plastic-metal hybrid technology, which is used for making front-end modules for various cars across the world. In India, Ford and Hyundai have used LANXESS technology for their cars. “Car models such as Figo from Ford, Getz from Hyundai are produced in India with Durethan (a LANXESS product)-based hybrid front-end modules. We have seen the original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) experience a cost reduction of around 20 per cent and weight reduction of around 40 per cent by using this technology,” claims Dr Strassburger.

Challenging areas Dr Strassburger strongly believes that achieving fuel efficiency, managing the challenges of climate change and urbanisation as well as finding alternatives to overcome the scarcity of raw materials are the key issues posed by the fast-growing automotive industry and transportation sector at large. “Specialty chemicals can play a significant role in overcoming some or all of these challenges by bringing in improved performance, customised benefits and several userfriendly applications,” he says. For example, the world is now serious about finding viable alternatives to supplement global oil reserves. Also, the environmental concerns that have long been associated with fossil fuels are gaining traction around the world.

In India, most listed specialty chemical firms seem to show not more than 1 per cent of cost on R&D, except for a couple where it is above this level. Investments in R&D need to be scaled up, if they aspire to get into new applications.

Kumar Kandaswami Senior Director, Deloitte, India

All these have spurred a massive undertaking to meet the challenge.

“The chemical industry has a huge stake in the current efforts to develop practical alternatives to fossil resources.

Chemical manufacturers use petroleumbased feedstock to provide almost all of the raw materials that are needed to produce countless consumer and industrial products that the world relies upon,” says Dr Strassburger. According to Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO), an overall amount of 5.7 billion barrels of oil a year go into the chemical raw materials that are used to make products right from automobiles, tyres, fabrics and plastics to cell phones, shoes and building materials. “The price of oil is a major concern for chemical companies because it accounts for 10 to 60 per cent of the cost of producing chemical products,” he points out.

Extensive research & development has the potential to address the challenges in any industry. However, in India, the R&D activity is at a low level. “In India, most listed specialty chemical firms seem to show not more than 1 per cent of cost on R&D, except for a couple where it is above this level. Investments in R&D need to be scaled up, if they aspire to get into new applications. At a time when there is a lot of uncertainty, it is difficult for companies to make this change as fast as it might have happened in the years of high growth,” says Kandaswami. The same would apply to investing in longterm product development programmes – except for those that are mandated by regulatory requirements.

Email: prasenjit.chakraborty@network18publishing.com

September 2012 | Chemical World

39

INSIGHT & OUTLOOK Specialty chemical exports

Avani Jain

I

ndia’s specialty chemical market represents around 24 per cent of the total chemicals industry.

With the paradigm shift towards developing nations such as India in terms of chemical production, the world is eagerly looking at them to define their future strategies. India is making rapid strides in segments like complex fine chemicals, specialty chemicals, imaging chemicals,

chemicals shifting its base to Asia. These specialty chemicals manufactured in Asia, including India, continue to be exported to the developed countries.”

Exports of specialty chemicals from India are poised to reach $ 13 billion in 2013, representing a CAGR of 22 per cent. Narendra R Mehta, Managing Director, Fibro Organic (India) Pvt Ltd, says, “Specialty chemicals is the fastest growing segment in the chemical industry and it earns majority of revenue from

chemicals. Mehta notes, “MNCs are viewing India as an attractive outsourcing destination due to its low-cost advantage, thanks to low labour & equipment costs and significant quality control measures.

Keeping in mind the fact that customers worldwide have their own standards and regulations, Indian manufacturers have started incorporating the right changes in their products and processes, which is helping them win the confidence of the customers overseas.” Improving and

solutions for customised applications India is becoming an export hub for specialty as well as knowledge chemicals. The quality advantage and low cost of production make the country a favourable destination for specialty chemicals. Further, in the era of customised demand, innovation by companies and industry-friendly policies from government can further boost the global demand. pharmaceuticals, active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs)/bulk drugs, pigments, commodity grade fine chemicals, etc.

Winds of change The global demand for specialty chemicals is growing in the range of 12-15 per cent.

Satish Wagh, Chairman, Chemexcil, notes, “Chemical industry traditionally flourished in the West, Europe and Japan.

However, change in market dynamics over last 10 years has resulted in global chemical production including specialty

The demand for specialty chemicals will continue to grow due to the fact that the key consumer industries, eg textiles, automotive, construction, etc, are expected to grow at rates higher than the overall GDP. Satish Wagh Chairman, Chemexcil

40

Chemical World | September 2012

exports. The major export destinations for us as well as other Indian companies are Bangladesh, Vietnam, Egypt and the US, among others. Bangladesh, in particular, is one of our major destinations mainly due to the reason that it houses many textile factories, and at present, the demand for specialty chemicals is huge in the textile industry.”

It has been observed that the use of specialty chemicals has increased considerably during the past few years in traditional segments such as textiles, dyestuff, fertilisers etc, as well as in emerging areas like construction, automotive, electronics, and water treatment industries. This positive growth is expected to continue for the next five years globally, which will be the key driver for the exports of Indian specialty chemicals.

Facilitating exports There are various factors responsible for enhanced exports of Indian specialty

upgrading the product quality through innovation and diversification of the product portfolio has also helped in increasing the exports. Also, increased focus on domestic production of specialty chemicals by technology licensing has made it easier for Indian players to market and distribute their products overseas.

Such developments certainly augur well for specialty chemicals exports.

Although the export of specialty chemicals is increasing, there are certain steps that need to be taken to provide a boost to the export scenario further.

The end-users are becoming demanding.

So, the Indian companies must master the art of innovation and adopt the best techniques & practices to become successful in the market. Wagh avers, “Employment of new technologies will bring in the required innovation.

Further, the employment of an efficient international monitoring mechanism will not only allow freedom to research and capitalise on its realisation but

Specialty chemical exports

also provide a legitimate platform for the development of specialty chemicals industry without any hindrance and will also enhance exports.

Development of Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR) with government support can also help increase production and thereby enhance exports.”

The companies need to develop their own infrastructure so as to operate efficiently and be less dependent on state-run infrastructure for logistics and transportation. “Strategic cost management is necessary for increasing exports and gaining a competitive edge. Also, continuous innovation at low cost is becoming the need of the hour,” notes Mehta.

Investing in R&D Despite the strategies adopted, there are many issues that need to be addressed to augment the export of specialty chemicals.

These include investment in R&D;

innovation; energy management; regulation compliance etc. Of these, investments in R&D and innovation hold the key to success for Indian exporters in the global market. Availability of raw materials and efficient logistics are other important issues for boosting exports of specialty chemicals.

Moreover, proper understanding about global needs is essential to manufacture goods for the international market.

Mehta avers, “The companies need infrastructural support, adequate power, water so as to augment their exports.

For this, they look for support from the government, which is not sufficient at the moment. The government keeps on changing the policies, which adds to the problems faced. There also needs to be favourable taxation policies to increase exports.” Thus, the government’s role is extremely important to facilitate, regulate, motivate and sustain the sector through various policies to allow ease of manufacturing and reduce hurdles in exports.

Strategic cost management is necessary for increasing exports and gaining a competitive edge. Also, continuous innovation at low cost is becoming the need of the hour.

Narendra R Mehta Managing Director, Fibro Organic (India) Pvt Ltd

Currently, the specialty chemicals segment is growing at 15 per cent per annum, which is faster compared to other segments within the industry. Wagh avers, “Growth in the Indian specialty chemicals industry is driven largely by robust domestic demand, with export-based growth in select segments. The demand for specialty chemicals will continue to grow due to the fact that the key consumer industries, eg textiles, automotive, construction, etc, are expected to grow at rates higher than the overall GDP.” Email: avani.jain@network18publishing.com

September 2012 | Chemical World

41

INSIGHT & OUTLOOK Performance chemicals

Blossoming with flourishing agrochemicals market

India is the fourth-largest producer of agrochemicals in the world after the US, Japan and China. Limited farmland availability; increasing population; high emphasis on achieving food grain selfsufficiency, pressure to increase yield per hectare and growth in horticulture & floriculture are expected to increase the usage of agrochemicals in the future.

This augurs well for specialty chemicals industry, since agrochemicals sector is one of its key end-users.

Factors nurturing growth

In spite of dwindling farmland, the agrochemical sector has been registering a sound growth. This is because the ever-increasing population is putting pressure to augment yield per hectare. And to make this happen, usage of agrochemicals has gone up. Besides, there has been a phenomenal growth in the areas of horticulture and floriculture, which also consume substantial amount of agrochemicals. Manufacturers of specialty chemicals, key ingredients for producing agrochemicals, are keenly observing these developments.

Prasenjit Chakraborty

T

he relevance of the Indian agrochemicals industry cannot be overstated. Pests, weeds and other infestations cause immense losses at all stages of the life of a crop – starting from the seed and

ending with storage. Despite the fact that the availability of farmland is declining year after year, the agrochemical sector is showing a continuous growth and as per the statistics by Assocham, the sector is growing at a compounded annual growth rate of 15 per cent and is expected to cross the ` 25,000-crore mark by 2015.

AGRI-FACTS o Agrochemical market to cross ` 25,000 crore by 2015 o India is the fourth-largest producer of agrochemicals in the world after the US, Japan and China o Research is on to get bio-pesticides from neem and other plants

42

Chemical World | September 2012

Growing awareness about the positive impact and benefits of agrochemicals on the agri-produce are considered to be the prime reasons for the growth of agrochemical sector. Besides, the need for crop protection, growth augmenting chemicals, shortage of farm labour, need for self-sufficiency in food grain production, growth in organised retail segment are the other factors facilitating the growth of the agrochemical sector. “Thriving domestic horticulture and floriculture industries are fuelling the growth and increased usage of agrochemicals in India. Indian floriculture industry has grown by 50 per cent in last three years. The National Horticulture Mission targets to double production by 2012,” says Dr S K Raza, Director, Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPF T). Flourishing horticulture and floriculture industries will need large amount of agrochemicals.

He strongly believes that there is a huge growth potential for India’s agrochemicals market and the companies operating in this sector can witness five to ten times more annual growth in India as compared to the other countries.

Natural products in demand Environmentalists have been raising concerns about the excessive use of chemicals, which affect the quality of food. In view of this, there is an increasing demand for natural products. But how feasible are natural products? Bio-pesticides that are derived from natural sources, such as animal or plant bacteria, and certain minerals are effective, eco-friendly and

Performance chemicals

non-toxic. A number of natural products such as Helicoverpa amigera in cotton, BPH in rice, Spodoptera litura in groundnut have been used. “Intensive research is going on at various research centres around the world, including India, to get bio-pesticides from neem and other plants. The research so far in the field of natural products as alternative to synthetic agrochemicals has not given much hope,” he notes. It contributes only 2 per cent of the total pesticide usage in the country. However, more concerted R&D efforts are required in this area. “In my opinion, the availability of natural products in large quantities to make them commercially available and economically viable for controlling a variety of pests prevalent in various crops will be an uphill task,” observes Dr Raza.

Creating awareness among farmers crucial It is imperative to educate farmers about the ill effects of usage of

excessive chemicals in their farmlands, as these chemicals affect the health of people who consume the agriproduce. Besides, these also affect the quality of food. “It is true that in our country there is a trend to use excessive amounts of agrochemicals because of lack of awareness among the farmers about the ill effects of chemicals being used by them. There is an urgent need to educate the farmers about the proper usage of agrochemicals,” points out Dr Raza. Some agrochemical companies have initiated such programmes in this direction. “India being a large country, efforts have to be taken at the grassroots level,” he exhorts. IPFT is developing user- and environment-friendly pesticide formulations such as slow release formulations, micro-encapsulation, granular formulations, floating tablets etc, so that the absorption of pesticide takes place only to the desired extent and also the soil & water bodies do

Thriving domestic hor ticulture and floriculture industries are fuelling the growth and increased usage of agrochemicals in India. Indian floriculture industry has grown by 50 per cent in last three years. The National Horticulture Mission targets to double production by 2012.

Dr S K Raza Director, IPFT

not get exposed to excessive amounts of agrochemicals. “Finally, I would like to advocate more co-ordination between various ministries of the government both at national and state levels, and would also emphasise on public-private partnership in order to make the isolated efforts being made by various stakeholders more effective and fruitful,” he concludes.

Email: prasenjit.chakraborty@network18publishing.com

September 2012 | Chemical World

43

INSIGHT & OUTLOOK Increasing R&D investments

Photo: Joshua Navalkar; Location courtesy: MicroChem Laboratory Pvt Ltd, Mahape (Navi Mumbai)

A right catalyst to boost performance

The use of specialty chemicals has increased manifold in the recent past.

Today, specialty chemicals have become an integral part of our daily lives and find applications right from cell phones to paints to cars. To leverage on the advantages of these chemicals, it is imperative to focus on R&D activities without any further delay.

Prasenjit Chakraborty

L

ooking at the growth of segments like electronics, automotive etc, the specialty chemicals industry in India has to focus more on R&D. But is the segment investing enough in R&D? As compared to global standards, the Indian chemical industry is still fragmented with a mix of large- and small-scale firms operating within the sector. Product innovations for meeting local needs rely heavily on the chemical industry for inputs and support.

“To develop products suited to Indian

conditions, specialty chemical companies must work in close collaboration with enduser industries. The areas for strengthening R&D in specialty chemical industry include improvements in catalysis, manufacturing process, reduction in cost of production, application development and design of new products relevant to the Indian market needs,” points out Jaimin Vasa, President, Gujarat Chemical Association.

Therefore, important aspects for the specialty chemicals segment are innovation, improving & upgrading the product quality and diversifying the product portfolio.

Focus R&D The areas for strengthening R&D in specialty chemical industry include improvements in catalysis, manufacturing process, reduction in cost of production, application development and design of new products relevant to the Indian market needs.

Jaimin Vasa President, Gujarat Chemical Association

44

Chemical World | September 2012

Recently, a team from Indian National Academy of Engineering (INAE) conducted a study on the R&D scenario of micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) in the Indian chemical sector. “Their number in organised sector is more than 40,000, with nearly 20 per cent of them existing in 80 chemical clusters spread over 20 Indian states. The specialty chemicals segment mainly comprises a large number of small

manufacturing units. It enjoys significant cost advantage, given that companies are small and their cost of production is low,” states Vasa.

Technology and innovation will play vital role in the growth of the specialty chemicals sector where India has natural advantage of large pool of technical manpower as well as scientists & researchers. “The Central and state governments’ assistance to and policies for the chemical MSMEs have helped this segment to progress and witness high growth in the last decade. But the investment in R&D is extremely low and not up to the mark,” points out Vasa. Hence, Indian specialty chemicals manufacturers should increase investment in R&D activities to sustain themselves in the tough global business environment.

To contribute more towards economic growth and offer high-value products, there is a need to focus on R&D without any further delay. If it is done, the industry will be able to compete with developed nations. Says Dr Kishore M Shah, President, Indian Specialty Chemicals Manufacturers’ Association, “Indian chemical companies need to ramp up R&D expenditure and facilities to offer high value-added and differentiated products to customers, which is a key contributing factor to growth.”

Japan setting an example India could take a cue from Japan, which has emerged as a major player in the global chemicals market and has been competing effectively with the US and EU chemical industries. “A comparison of the R&D spending reveals that the Japanese chemical industry has consistently focussed on higher investments in R&D activities as compared to its US and European counterparts,” notes Shah.

Indian specialty chemicals companies would need to invest in R&D activities in order to maintain a competitive edge through a diversified and enhanced product portfolio. Right steps in this direction could propel the specialty chemical industry to new heights.

Email: prasenjit.chakraborty@network18publishing.com

INSIGHT & OUTLOOK Case Study - London Olympics 2012

Courtesy: The Dow Chemical Company

A ‘special’ touch of sustainability

Dow’s Styrofoam solutions for roof and floor of the Cooper Box venue for handball

Indian contingent returned from London Olympics with the largest number of medal tally since independence. While it was a matter of pride for every Indian, there was another feature that was unique to this year’s summer games. London Olympics has been claimed to be one of the most ecofriendly Olympic Games in history, with a host of novel solutions based on the application of specialty chemicals that improved its sustainability index.

Rakesh Rao

S

porting enthusiasts from around the world gathered in London this summer for the 2012 Olympic Games, which aimed to be the most sustainable Olympic Games in history. To assist organisers in achieving this goal, The Dow Chemical Company, the ‘Official Chemistry Company’ of the Olympic Games, provided science-based solutions that improved the sustainability of the Olympic experience for the Host City, athletes and fans. In 2010, Dow became an official Worldwide Partner and the Official Chemistry Company of the Olympic Games through 2020. As a Worldwide Partner, Dow is aiming to further enhance its commitment to global sustainability, scientific excellence and addressing world challenges.

With more than 100 years of chemistry expertise, Dow produces the raw materials,

46

Chemical World | September 2012

chemistries, systems and technologies for many of the products used to enable the Olympic Games. “From the artificial turf in stadiums to insulation for buildings; from products that help power the Olympic Games broadcasts to fluids and filters for ice rinks, Dow delivers solutions for a variety of applications,” said George R Hamilton, Vice President - Dow Olympic Operations, The Dow Chemical Company.

The sustainability objective Dow’s objective behind the association with London Olympics was to deliver solutions for a more sustainable Olympic Games and a more sustainable world, said Hamilton. Dow believes that its partnership with the Olympic Games embraces the company’s strategic transformation to a technology-focussed, market-driven, customer-centric organisation. The partnership also allowed Dow to demonstrate the significant

role chemistry plays in athletics and in everyday life.

Dow produces the building blocks for the thousands of products and materials that come together to facilitate the success and competitions of the Olympic Games – from the fibres of swimsuits, to the polymers of alpine skis, to the lightweight frames of bicycles. “The objective was most definitely met. Dow provided improvements to infrastructure and the environmental legacy that made the London 2012 Olympic Games successful – both for athletes and those watching around the world,” stated Hamilton.

Dow’s various solutions were able to ensure high sustainability levels in several ways. The resin flooring system for the Eton Manor water sports facility was created from Dow epoxy products with low volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which reduce health risks and improve environmental safety. The resin flooring system will remain at Eton Manor after the Games as the centre transforms into a unique mix of sporting facilities.

Similarly, Dow adhesives in the running track at London’s Olympic Stadium provided sprinters and longdistance runners with the perfect balance of hardness and elasticity. Dow resins were used in the design and production of 3,600 litter and recycling bins that were used at more than 30 Olympic Venues throughout London. These resins helped meet LOCOG standards for strong, durable plastics needed to withstand heavy usage and exposure to sunlight during the Games.

Coca-Cola supported the development of the three-bin system that included colourful hoods (black, orange and green) making it easier for the general public to identify each category of recyclables.

Overcoming challenges Of the various solutions offered for London Olympics, many were developed for the first time. With limited time in hand, collaboration between all stakeholders was the need of the hour to meet the requirements for various solutions. This was a challenge since not every solution was easy to develop.

Case Study - London Olympics 2012

London 2012 did a wonderful job of raising the bar for sustainability in the world of sport.

The improvements created awareness as to what could be accomplished in the future Games. So, the door is now open more than ever.

George R Hamilton VP - Dow Olympic Operations, The Dow Chemical Company

“Of the various solutions offered

by Dow at London Olympics, the most difficult one to develop, without question, was the Stadium Wrap. Dow had less than nine months to develop a new formulation that met London’s stringent sustainability sourcing code (ie non-PVC material – the historical incumbent) and fire-retardant levels, while still being flexible, printable, and able to be manufactured on an industry standard press, post the withdrawal of public funding for the wrap in mid 2011,” said Hamilton. While Dow had a strong foundation in the technology based on its roofing membrane platform, Dow scientists needed to work with multiple industry partners including Spartech, Cooley, and Rainier in the lab to produce this new breakthrough solution. “Again, what normally takes three years to develop, Dow did in 9 months,” he added.

So what were the key lessons learnt from Olympics experience? Replied Hamilton, “London 2012 did a wonderful job of raising the bar for sustainability in the world of sport. The improvements created awareness as to what could be accomplished in the future Games. So, the door is now open more than ever.

Dow has got a tremendous opportunity to contribute to this opening and make a wonderful impact on the world. And, we won’t be able to do it alone. We will need the support and partnership of our global customers.” However, Dow believes, it is a marathon, not a sprint. The company will need to be choiceful in the areas it pursues – selecting the areas that have

48

Chemical World | September 2012

INNOVATIVE GAMES Even though Dow became a TOP (The Olympics Partner Program) partner with less than two years to go before the opening of London 2012, Dow was able to provide dozens of solutions to the Games, many formulated specifically for the Games: o A bright, new hockey pitch: The Olympic field hockey tournament at London’s Riverbank Arena played host to more than 75 matches and 380 competitors during the Games. Because of Dow’s high-performance yarns in the artificial turf (made with Octene-based DOWLEX polyethylene resins), Olympians enjoyed a faster pitch and greater playing mobility – which increased the speed of game play and enhanced the fans’ viewing experience. To ensure that the centre’s 40,000 sq m (or 430,556 sq ft) of turf stands up to intense competition, Dow issued a Lisport test. Under heavy studded rollers, the turf withstood 20,000 cycles and showed no visible signs of aging. Finally, the yarns were dyed a now iconic pink and blue, which allowed competitors and spectators to easily follow the bright yellow ball. o Olympic lanes road markings: Dow provided water-borne traffic marks for a significant portion of the temporary street patterns applied to London roads for the Olympic Games making it easier for visitors and residents to travel throughout the city. Dow used a special formulation for London that enabled quick drying when the marking was applied, given the normal rainy conditions of London. o World record-breaking running track: Mondo, a Dow customer and partner, delivered a new breakthrough in running track technology in London that led to numerous new world records. The track contained Dow’s VORAMER RF 1024, a polyurethane binder that is used in the production of the elastic underlayment of the track. o The stadium wrap: The unique chemistry of the textile wrap makes it a truly innovative solution that reflects an industry-leading technological breakthrough achievement from Dow. The wrap is made from a light-weight polyester fabric coated with Dow’s latest generation of polyolefin elastomers. The coating contains highly efficient flame retardants and high performance additives to ensure the wrap is not only safe and durable, but has the necessary processability and printability requirements. The wrap will be 100 per cent repurposed as it will be recycled into new fabrics, building materials, etc, and also reused as shade sails in several key philanthropic projects around the world including schools in Rio and Tanzania.

Courtesy: The Dow Chemical Company

the greatest impact on not only the world of sport, but on the greater world at large.

“As mentioned previously, Dow’s mission is to improve human progress and address world challenges. Therefore, we want to make sure what we are working on has greater leveragability,” Hamilton added.

Games of future Dow is an official Worldwide Olympic Partner and the Official Chemistry Company of the Olympic Games through 2020. Through the power of science and innovation, and with a strong focus on sustainability, Dow

has committed itself to deliver the key infrastructure components that can have a positive impact on the Olympic Movement for London and beyond. “For the past 30 years, Dow has supported the Olympic Games around the world.

From supplying products, such as the STYROFOAM brand insulation used to insulate ice rinks and bobsled runs, to numerous team sponsorships, Dow has established a longstanding commitment to the Games. The company will continue doing it in the future as well,” concluded Hamilton.

Email: rakesh.rao@network18publishing.com

INSIGHT & OUTLOOK Interface – Dr Joerg Strassburger

Some experts believe the Indian specialty chemicals industry has the potential to reach the $ 100-billion mark.

How realistic is this goal?

India holds a lot of promise for the chemical industry but not without some corrections that are imperative for its sustained growth. The buoyant rise of

$ 1.7 trillion. The challenges lie in the areas of infrastructure, manpower and support from the administration. The availability of and access to raw materials, availability of continuous power supply, connections to common sewage and effluent treatment plants from the sites, good connectivity to major industrial clusters by highways, ports and airports are

manufacturing sector in GDP from 16 per cent to 25 per cent by 2020 but there are no focussed efforts towards attractive investments in the chemical industry.

Enhanced commitments from the state government, public policy support and improvement of infrastructure can greatly help leverage the opportunity.

The potential of the Indian chemical

In the long term, there is a strong potential for the markets to grow ‌asserts Dr Joerg Strassburger, Countr y Representative and Managing Director, LANXESS India Pvt Ltd. In conversation with Rakesh Rao, he elucidates the impact of current global uncer tainty on the Indian specialty chemicals industry and his company.

Courtesy: LANXESS India Pvt Ltd

middle class will continue and this will support the growth of end-user industries like automotive, pharmaceuticals, tyre, paints and coatings, food processing, agrochemicals, water treatment, among others. There is a projected increase of another 70 million middle-class households propelling the end-user industries and we can bank on a strong growing economy with a base of around

50

Chemical World | September 2012

some of the quintessential infrastructure requirements for the industry. Since there are few sustainable chemical parks in India, availability of land is scarce for companies to set up plants. On the raw material front, high cost and non-availability of feedstock often create hurdle in scaling up manufacturing operations.

The new manufacturing policy will help to increase the contribution of

industry can be leveraged, if the concerns are addressed.

Of the various end-users, which ones offer maximum potential for specialty chemical manufacturers?

All end-user industries offer opportunities for specialty chemicals manufacturers owing to the potential in special purpose

Interface – Dr Joerg Strassburger

applications, meeting futuristic needs, saving energy etc.

As per the report on specialty chemicals industry in India published by McKinsey, paints and coatings industry has the highest potential for growth. It is slated to become $ 12.5-16.5 billion industry by 2020, from a $ 3.5 billion industry in 2010. This is closely followed by dyes and pigments, agrochemicals and specialty polymers in that order.

At LANXESS, we believe that all industries driven by the global megatrends of increasing mobility, urbanisation, and need for more food and water to serve a growing population will benefit our business.

Is the current uncertainty (global as well as in India) affecting the specialty chemicals industry?

Yes, there is uncertainty in the Indian market as well. However, we see this as a short- to mid-term challenge. In the long term, there is a strong potential for the markets to grow, powered by the rising middle class alone. So, the demand for specialty chemicals would also increase; but for the industry to grow adequately, the challenges we mentioned earlier need to be addressed.

How has been the performance of LANXESS India in 2012 so far?

LANXESS India has grown steadily in 2012 so far. Q1 was one of the best quarters ever – the sales grew by 19 per cent as compared to Q1 2011.

The sales for the performance chemicals segment topped the charts, having grown by 29 per cent. This was closely followed by the performance polymers segment, which grew by 22 per cent.

This was driven by the business units – performance butadiene rubbers and technical rubber products, which grew steadily in this quarter.

In Q2, though the markets were uncertain and the raw material costs were on the rise, LANXESS India achieved

sales of around ` 415 crore, registering a growth of 4 per cent as compared to Q1 2011. Amid a mixed picture in the world markets, LANXESS India is on the right path. We continue to be confident in an increasingly uncertain environment and will do whatever it takes to counter adversities and meet our goals driven by our technical expertise and focussed growth strategy for the Asian region.

Kindly share with us some of the major investments made

by LANXESS India in last few years. Also, what are your investment plans for 2012-13?

In 2012, a manufacturing plant for high performance plastics from BU High Performance Materials was commissioned. In addition, the plants for release agents and additives from BU Rhein Chemie and for biocides from BU Material protection products were relocated and upgraded to our site in Jhagadia.

In 2010, we commissioned new plants for ion exchange resins for water treatment and rubber chemicals at our site in Jhagadia. In 2009, we acquired the assets of an Indian chemical company in Nagda in Madhya Pradesh and successfully integrated with the LANXESS operations. In all, we have invested around Euro 180 million in India in the last three years.

Has exports been affected due to uncertainty in Europe and other parts of the world?

The increase in raw material and energy costs and the uncertainty in the markets did impact our sales in India.

However, our investments this year, ie the commissioning of new plants in Jhagadia helped us offset the negative impact to a certain extent. The plants for manufacturing high performance materials Durethan and Pocan, Rhenogran (release agent) from business unit (BU) Rhein Chemie and biocides from BU Material Protection Products went on stream in January 2012. So,

even though the developed markets slowed down, LANXESS India showed positive results.

Are volatile exchange rates and higher raw material costs impacting your business?

Rise in costs of raw materials like butadiene, isobutylene and cyclohexane affects us, but so far we have managed to pass the rise in costs to the customer.

We are expecting some decline in the raw material costs in the third quarter. Rising energy costs are also a matter of concern; they remained high in Q2 and will probably increase further in the second half of the year. We are not so affected by the exchange rates as we import raw materials as well as finished goods and export to markets worldwide.

How is the demand for specialty rubber and paints from the automobile sector, of late?

The chemical and auto industries closely rely on each other, and the market is bound to grow in the years to come. This will be largely driven by the growing middle class and increasing purchasing power of the consumers. The automotive sector will steadily propel the demand for specialty chemicals and advanced polymers. Prospects for vehicle manufacturing (automotive and all forms of mass transport) and greater use of these high-performance materials are on the upswing.

Presently, the auto and tyre industries are not doing so well; however, they will be high growth industries in the long term.

What is your long-term vision for LANXESS India?

LANXESS has made significant investments in the Indian market and this validates the potential of the Indian chemical industry. We are here to be a part of this growth and we expect to grow our operations in the Indian subcontinent in the coming years.

Email: rakesh.rao@network18publishing.com

September 2012 | Chemical World

51

INSIGHT & OUTLOOK Emergency response plan

K N K Murthy

F

ailures of different nature are part of life. Accidents are one among the many manifestations of failures, which have potential to cause harm/disruption, discomfort in terms of injury/illness/disease/loss of life and/or assets. The probability, frequency, severity and consequential effects of such events reflect large variances in conjunction with the hazard intensity, risk factor and accident vulnerability – larger the vulnerability greater the adversity. Since the probability of the event cannot be ruled out, one has to be more than equipped

be successful with respect to reduction, minimisation and mitigation of the consequences. Before moving deeper into the topic, it is important to understand the following basic definitions to avoid conceptual overlapping and facilitate better decision-making.

Incident: An event that may or may not lead to a ‘real accident’ situation.

Accident: Purely an unplanned/ unexpected/undesirable event, which has the potential to cause adverse consequences like injury, illness, disease, loss of life besides loss/damage/destruction to valuable assets.

In case, no adverse effect as mentioned has taken place due to any positive factor, such

development, training, building up manpower competence, etc.

Catastrophe: It can be termed the worst form of an emergency where the losses are high and totally destructive in nature such that in spite of preparedness, the response system may go haywire.

Disaster: It is a situation where the consequences are far greater than a familiar emergency and the scale of damage is serious covering a larger area much beyond the location/installation where the emergency sparked off.

Emergencies can be caused either due to nature’s fury (cyclone, earthquake) or else attributed to human intervention

Murphy’s law ‘If something can go wrong, it will’ aptly sums up the inevitability of emergency occurrences in any walk of life. Being highly hazard-intensive, chemical industry is one among the extremely sensitive and emergency-prone business groups. Here is an insight into the nuances of a reasonably satisfactory and viable preparedness-cumresponse plan and its implementation. with reference to control, mitigation and abatement of emergencies of any type, category or magnitude.

Every accident may not end up in worst-case scenarios, as often one is in a position to prevent it or control/ minimise its after-effects. Proportionately few accidents have been observed to go totally out of control. On such occasions, an adequate preparedness and a proven/ time-tested response plan has proved to

52

Chemical World | September 2012

an incident is categorised as ‘near miss’.

Based on impact potential, such cases can be considered worthy enough for thorough investigation just like a serious event.

Emergency: It is the offshoot of an accident where the transition is faster, consequences are larger and the preparedness/response plan call for better strategy with respect to decisionmaking, choice of priority, mobilisation of additional resources, infrastructure

(uncontrolled fires, explosions, improper containment of hazardous materials etc, especially in an industrial set-up).

Once the industry personnel are duly convinced of the above facts, the formulation of an appropriate response plan becomes a comparatively easier task.

Getting prepared Having known the vulnerabilities in an emergency situation, the first attempt

Emergency response plan Figure 1: An illustrative flow sheet with the incident spot as ground zero and the sequential role of concerned key personnel

Incident spot: Message conveyed through fire alarm, detection instruments, public address, etc Fire control room

Security commander

Medical centre

Unit control room: Site incident controller

Unit President: Chief incident controller

Activates task force

Executes plan

Site Safety Head: Main co-ordinator

Chemical World | September 2012

Medical centre

Telephone exchange room

Assesses situation, fastens communication, co-ordinates for resource mobilisation

Maintains documentation

must be aimed at creating the following preparedness strategy at work area, prior to the initiation of a response plan. o Identification of all hazards and specifically those, which can escalate into an emergency. Few examples with respect to any chemical manufacturing, storage, movement or transportation could be toxicity; reactivity; fire/ explosion; corrosion effects; and process and maintenance-related risks. o This must be followed by appropriate qualitative/quantitative/generic assessments. o All probable consequential effects based on the above studies (regarding the range and destructive characteristics of the identified hazard-related events should they happen at any point of time) must be estimated. Nowadays, computer modelling is available to educate concerned persons and illustrate different types of hazard zones (extreme, very high, high, medium and low) in a known emergency scenario.

This will help work out an appropriate action plan to be executed by people in charge of the unit along with the key personnel having responsibility to carry out the relevant response measures and immediate evacuation of all others. o Mobilisation and availability of additional resources according to need-based assessment should be ensured. The affected unit must ensure

54

Site Vice President: Main incident controller

Calls off emergency in consultation with site/main controller

availability of additional/back-up arrangements for personal protective equipment, first aid, fire service/ rescue appliances at easily accessible locations. o An illustrative flow sheet must be in place with the incident spot as ground zero and the sequential role of concerned key personnel. An indicative example is illustrated in the Figure.

Response plan All the above elements are required to be documented, issued by the site head and widely circulated among all concerned in the emergency response chain link. Regular training, appraisal, table top exercises and field drills are required to be carried out to ensure the translation of all the elements of response plan into action should a reallife incident occur. It is desirable to post ‘observers’ (preferably on a cross-functional basis) to monitor and report the findings of mock drills; their recommendations must be widely circulated so that corrective actions, if any, can be taken up during future drills.

The plan must be scrutinised by experts, reviewed and updated on regular periodicity. Appropriate guidelines and basic aspects/elements to be covered in formulating a recognised and country-wide acceptable plan are already available in statutes like Factories’ Act, Environmental Protection Act and relevant rules thereof.

Mission safety Emergency preparedness and response plan are key among various health, safety and environment (HSE) systems susceptible to poor or inadequate implementation considering its complexity, adaptability and application, especially in an actual scenario. The inevitable panic, which can aggravate the problems of decisionmaking, administrative compliance at various levels, disciplinary conduct among different stakeholders add to such woes. Serious thought must be given at the drafting stage so that the most user-friendly/unit focussed plan can be formulated through good technical inputs, surveys, research work, innovation, creativity, consultation, conciliation and behavioural improvement at all levels of employment.

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

AUTOMATION TRENDS NMR spectroscopy

Mahua Roy

N

on-destructive analytical technique – NMR spectroscopy – is paving the way forward for research related to medical sciences, biochemistry, and natural products chemistry. Globally, the analytical instrumentation market is going through a rapidly dynamic phase in terms of instrument design and features, technology, as well as customer service.

Molecular spectroscopy instruments are specialised for applications in various

Molecular spectroscopy techniques have a widespread range of application, so they can be found in every industry segment, right from environmental testing to polymer chemistry.

Market dynamics NMR is one of the super powerful analytical methods commercially available to research scientists. This technique also rivals high-end Mass Spectroscopy (MS) in many respects. NMR, which was traditionally used for small molecule analysis, is now being applied to

on structural analysis. Low-field instruments are designed for quality control applications, and are employed especially for moisture & fat content analysis in food & beverage industries.

NMR imaging systems are widely used in clinical and biotechnological industries for imaging combined with spectral analysis of samples. EPR is generally used for the analysis of free radicals, transition metals, thereby aiding material defect studies. High-field NMR forms by far the largest segment of the NMR market.

A non-destructive tool to aid research Natural products chemistry and pharmaceutical research depend heavily on molecular analysis. Developments in Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are aiding rapid advancements in primary research.

life science researches, which include pharmaceutical, biotechnology as also food & beverage industries. As per a Business & Markets report, these account for nearly 35 per cent of the market. Organic chemicals, academia, and government sectors account for a further 30 per cent of revenues, much of which is also life science-oriented.

Use of automated NMR systems

15%

NMR segment categorisation

10% 60%

5% 10%

Petroleum Chemicals

Other Utilities Polymers Courtesy: Business & Markets

56

proteomics and allied molecular biology research. Although it is categorised under molecular spectroscopy, NMR differs from other techniques in this category like Infra-red, UV/visible, MS, etc because it is not an optical technique. NMR uses a combination of magnetic and radio frequency radiation, thereby completely eliminating issues associated with optical techniques. Other big advantages with NMR are that it is non-destructive, and so the sample is preserved; and it paves way for continuous analysis, thus enabling automated online monitoring, which is significant for process industry.

Chemical World | September 2012

The NMR market comprises a number of related instruments: high-field NMR, hyphenated NMR, low-field (fixed magnet) NMR, imaging NMR and electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR).

High-field NMR and hyphenated NMR (mostly LC-NMR) have applications that are usually pharmaceutical- and biotechnology-oriented, as they focus

Automated processes A new trend is being observed worldwide, pushing up the demand for NMR spectrometry. Process NMR is heavily being utilised in the petroleum refining industry. “Process NMR techniques can be applied at several points within a refining process, thus providing accurate real-time data that can be used for both feedforward and feedback control,” explains an official from Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL). In recent times, as sulfur content restrictions have been duly tightened, refiners have turned increasingly conservative. “Process NMR thus enables refiners to produce more products while controlling the sulfur concentration,” adds the IOCL official. This naturally translates into larger profits.

Besides petroleum refining, other sectors are also investing heavily in NMR techniques for real-time analysis. Process NMR hugely benefits polymer industry for the monitoring of fluorinated materials whereas phosphorous monitoring can be applied to mining,

NMR spectroscopy

chemical, and power industries. As all these industries are growing at a rapid pace, NMR spectroscopy market is set for a positive outlook in future.

Aftermarket segment NMR probes form one of the most critical components towards the performance of any high-field NMR system. “The probe is the integral part of NMR equipment where the entire action takes place.

NMR probes are available in a variety of sizes and configurations designed for different applications,” says Jouni Ahtinen, Key Account Manager, Industrial Biotechnology, VTT Technical Research Centre, Finland. The aftermarket for NMR probes alone is quite a sizeable market. The probes are available in a wide range, which include microprobes, capillary probes, cryoprobes, flow probes that can leverage sample size, temperature and other sample characteristics to achieve considerably better sensitivity than standard probes. In 2010, NMR probes

Dear Reader,

accounted for more than 20 per cent of the aftermarket for the entire NMR market. As a fairly easy upgrade option for existing high-field NMR systems, demand for NMR probes is likely to see strong single-digit or low double-digit annual growth in the coming years.

The evolving market Global trend across NMR equipment is directed towards its miniaturisation. Most new launches are targeting features such as versatility and portability. Cole-Parmer recently tied up with picoSpin, which is a pioneering developer of miniature NMRs. picoSpin-45 is a revolutionary innovation that expands the availability of NMR spectroscopy. “With its ability to identify detailed structural information about chemical compounds, it can be used for far-ranging applications from identifying compounds in medicine and food to cosmetics. Yet, unlike traditional NMR spectrometers, the picoSpin-45L Spectrometer is the size of a shoebox,

weighs only 4.76 kg, and is priced at a fraction of the cost of other options available on the market. Its small size and low price make it accessible as a dedicated instrument in research labs and provide much-needed hands-on experience for university chemistry students,” says C K Jyothish, Business Development Manager, Cole-Parmer India.

In another development, JEOL Resonance, Tokyo, announced the launch of a new 0.75 mm solid state NMR probe.

The probe is capable of high resolution sample analysis by spinning the sample at 110 kHz, making it the world’s fastest spinning speed for NMR. This probe is expected to be effective in applications that are difficult for conventional NMR systems, including micro-analysis of drugs, natural products and thin films. Additionally, it will also allow for high precision analysis of samples containing paramagnetic ions, such as copper binding proteins that play an important role in living organisms.

Email: mahua.roy@network18publishing.com

A n i n v i t e t h a t r e wa r d s a s w e l l . . .

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

‘Chemical World’. Authors whose articles are published will be sent a complimentary copy You can send us Technical Articles, Case of that particular edition.

Studies and Product Write-ups. The length of the article should not exceed 1500 words, Published by Network18 Media & while that of a product write-up should not Investments Ltd, ‘Chemical World’ is one of exceed 100 words. the leading monthly magazines exclusively meant for producers and user fraternities of The articles should preferably reach the chemical process industry (CPI). Well us in soft copy (either E-mail supported by a national readership of over or a CD). The text should be in 80,000 and our strong network of 26 branch MS Word format and images in 300 DPI offices across India, this magazine reaches resolution & JPG format. out to key decision makers among the Indian CPI. Moreover, it offers a broader platform The final decision regarding the selection and facilitating effective interaction among several publication of the articles shall rest solely with 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, writeups, etc…

Thanking you, Yours sincerely,

Manas R Bastia Senior Editor Network18 Media & Investments Ltd ‘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@network18publishing.com W www.network18publishing.com

September 2012 | Chemical World

57

ENERGY MANAGEMENT Case study – Essar Oil

Reducing fuel cost through efficient amine regeneration unit The growing energy concerns have motivated several companies, especially in the chemical industry, to take the less travelled path for ensuring energy efficiency. Essar Oil is considered to be the first refinery in India to use a speciallyformulated amine, which helps achieve better efficiency in gas treating and reduces energy consumption.

Courtesy: Essar Oil

Prasenjit Chakraborty

A

mine gas treating, also known as gas sweetening and acid gas removal, refers to a group of processes that use aqueous solutions of various alkylamines (commonly referred to as amines) to remove hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and carbon dioxide (CO2) from gases. It is a process used in refineries and petrochemical plants, natural gas processing plants and other industries.

Processes within oil refineries or chemical processing plants that remove H2S and/or mercaptans are known as

REASONS FOR REMOVING CO2 AND H2S

CO2, H2S, and other contaminants are often found in natural gas streams. CO2 when combined with water creates carbonic acid, which is corrosive. It also reduces the BTU value of gas and in concentrations of more that 2-3 per cent, the gas is unmarketable. H2S is an extremely toxic gas, which is also corrosive to equipment. Amine sweetening processes remove these contaminants so that the gas is marketable and suitable for transportation.

58

Chemical World | September 2012

sweetening processes because they result in products, which no longer have the sour, foul odours of mercaptans and H2S. There are many different amines used in gas treating such as Monoethanolamine (MEA), Diethanolamine (DEA), Methyldiethanolamine (MDEA), Diisopropylamine (DIPA), Aminoethoxy ethanol (Diglycolamine) (DGA). And when it comes to amine gas treating, Essar Oil deserves a special mention for being one of the first refineries in India to use Amine Regeneration Unit (ARU) for combatting the energy concerns and ensuring better efficiency in gas treating.

Amine regeneration unit This year Essar Oil commissioned ARU at its Vadinar refinery in Gujarat.

This is one of the largest such units in the world. A specially-formulated amine UCARSOL helps achieve better efficiency in gas treating and reduces energy consumption in the ARU. Essar Oil processes various crude oils whose sulfur content ranges from 2.0 to 2.9 per cent. The end-products are diesel, kerosene and LPG. “While processing of crude oil, the impurities of sulfur are converted as H2S gas in the hydrotreating units. The hydrotreating units generate off-gases after reaction, which contains 92 per cent of H2S gas.

Off-gases can be utilised as fuel for refinery heaters after removal of H2S,”

observed C Manoharan, Head-Refinery, Essar Oil. Hydrotreators have off-gas scrubbers in which H2S is scrubbed with amine solvent and after that it becomes rich of H2S. “The purpose of ARU unit is to regenerate amine and supply it to hydrotreating units. Amine is a solvent used to absorb H2S in refinery, oil and gas industries. H2S absorbed amine is called rich amine and it can be regenerated by steam reboiling,” opined Manoharan.

Energy consumption Technology involved in ARU is steam reboiling with tray tower, pumps, fin fan and heat exchangers. According to Manoharan, hydrotreating units generate 15,000 nm3/hr off-gases. The same will be treated with amine to remove H2S. Now off-gases (without H2S) can be used as fuel for heaters. It means 15,000 nm3/hr of fuel gas cost saving approximately and also H2S gas recovered will be converted as elemental sulfur of 675 tonne per day.

This is certainly a substantial saving both in terms of fuel and money. “Energy conservation consists of many steps like optimisation of heater efficiency, rotating equipment power conservation, utilities conservation optimisation of fuel and loss. We are continuously practising energy conservation steps,” said Manoharan.

Email: prasenjit.chakraborty@ network18publishing.com

CUT HERE

Invites You To India’s Largest

SME Gathering

225+ participants | 15,000+ business visitors expected | 15,000+ products on display Business transactions worth ` 80 crore expected | Spread over 4312 sq mtr Showcasing more than 30 diverse industry categories.

5 - 8 October 2012 Gujarat University Exhibition Hall 10 am - 7 pm

Auto & Auto Components | Chemicals & Allied Products | Testing & Measuring Instruments Electrical & Electronics | Hydraulics & Pneumatics | IT Products & Services | Automation Instrumentation | Material Handling Equipment | Packaging Machinery | Wires & Cables Machine Tools & Accessories | Pipes & Fitting | Plastics & Polymers | Safety & Security Process Machinery & Equipment | Light & Medium Engineering

CUT HERE

Exhibitor Profile

POLICIES & REGULATIONS Water treatment

Imperative to align with Water scarcity has become one of the most pressing environmental problems in the country. This prompted the government to formulate policies and regulations related to water treatment for conserving this scarce resource. These stringent water treatment policies are not only important to make the various industries realise its duty towards the environment but also to meet the global standards for water treatment.

standards

Avani Jain

E

ffective water management is the buzzword all over the world and India is no exception. To lead the country on the path of sustainability, the government has imposed stringent regulations for wastewater treatment to meet the global standards.

do so and many small-scale industries continue with conventional technologies, which generate more wastes.”

Thus, keeping in mind these difficulties, the government should, no doubt, formulate stringent regulations but at the same time see to it that these environmental standards are achievable, technically feasible and economically viable.

Taking proactive steps Complexities involved Although the regulations imposed by the government are adequate enough, there are a lot of weak points in the policies and several challenges are faced by industries in meeting these regulations. K R Desai, CEO, Narmada Clean Tech Ltd, notes, “First, there exists a considerable gap between stipulated standards and actual pollution experienced. Thus, standards need to be made more stringent to fill this gap. Second, industrial estates are widespread and regulatory bodies are not resourceful enough to indulge in continuous monitoring of industries.

Third, compliance with growing number of stringent environmental standards call for changes in production and process methodology, and this triggers additional cost, which is often perceived to be beyond the capacity of individual companies, particularly belonging to small- and medium-scale industries.

Fourth, efforts made by the industry and the results thereafter do not match.

Lastly, Western and developed countries have banned certain products and processes, but India cannot afford to

62

Chemical World | September 2012

Despite the various challenges faced by industries, there are certain remarkable examples of companies and industrial associations, which have successfully adhered to stringent regulations imposed by the government and set an example for the others. Desai notes, “In Gujarat, particularly in Ankleshwar, Panoli and Jhagadia industrial estates, admirable steps have been taken by the industrial associations. Industries have installed electronic flow meters on final effluent discharge line for quantity accountability.

The industry association operating in those areas provide outside fare and transparent sampling arrangement for regulatory bodies to take random and surprise samples without prior intimation. MNCs, medium- and large-scale enterprises have full-fledged Effluent Treatment Plants (ETPs) and also adopt Advanced Oxidation Processes (AOP). Multiple effect evaporators, reverse osmosis and incinerators are also installed by various companies in their plants. Even small-scale industries have become members of Common Effluent Treatment Plants (CETPs). The

industrial associations have also set up environmental cells for the region.”

Meeting the global standards No doubt that the government has formulated stringent water treatment policies in the country, yet the industry experts believe that the developed economies have stringent environmental guidelines and India is yet to formulate a similar set of key criteria for water treatment and management. Even though the government has formulated stringent policies, they are unable to encourage the small-scale industries in adopting such measures. Thus, there is no even growth for wastewater treatment industry. Desai concludes, “This is not the case with global standards for water treatment as they are more rational and follow a balanced approach among effluent standards (monitor at the end of pipe) and ambient standards (monitor at recipient body). Thus, in order to meet global standards, the government should adopt a holistic approach and there should be a rational blending of treatment technologies as well as discharged technologies.”

Moreover, water has already become a scarce resource in different parts of India.

Intense competition with human needs makes this a sensitive social factor and there is no question that industry will be a third priority in any allocation, after community and farming needs. Hence, chemical industry will have to take a lead in offering solutions to water scarcity problem, and also find ways and means to efficiently use the world’s most precious liquid.

Email: avani.jain@network18publishing.com

STRATEGY Social media campaigns

Mahua Roy

S

ocial media has the biggest publicity tool: Word of mouth.

So whether a company publicises its products & services or work culture & vendor relations, it really does not matter whether the company is involved in B2B or B2C

based. Social media allows more people in an organisation to engage with stakeholders,” observes Sujit Patil, Head – Communications, Tata Chemicals Ltd. This comes with a prerequisite of regular updation of the social media account with something innovative to engage the audience. The first step in any B2B social media campaign is to clearly figure

If products need to be highlighted, it only makes sense that the Marketing Team handles social media. However, if a cause or company beliefs are to be emphasised, the Communications Team should interface the audience. In simple words, Bijoor defines a B2B social media campaign as, “A campaign that speaks level and 1:1; a campaign that softens

Making marketing easier for B2B enterprises The numbers tell the story. A recent survey by the Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) concluded that India Inc is increasing its marketing spend on social media amounting to ` 1,200 crore. So if social media is missing from your marketing mix, you might want to reconsider. As B2C companies come up with innovative campaigns, how effective is this strategy for B2B companies? operations. While few B2B companies shy away from using social media, terming it as frivolous, there are few which in fact have an entire team dedicated solely to manage social media campaigns. “B2B enterprises can deliver the business story seamlessly on social media, without the daunting walls of physical organisations and what they represent as behemoths in the B2B space.

Further, social media space is unintrusive to the extent that it works at its own pace and its consumption is voluntary and not forced,” opines Harish Bijoor, CEO, Harish Bijoor Consults Inc. So what exactly can a social media campaign deliver to a B2B enterprise?

Here are the top five gains:

1

Engagement

Social media is not about press announcements but all about engagement of the target group. “B2B relationships and transactions are typically high-touch, interface-oriented and relationship-

64

Chemical World | September 2012

the stance of the business giant; a campaign that offers a window to the heart of the business, instead of a door to the commercial bank of the enterprise.”

Adds Patil, “Thought leadership is another thing that can be built effectively on this platform by sustained engagement and involving the partners to create solutions. It is not just a cost-effective solution; in tight economic times like these, social media can be effectively utilised to gain competitive advantage.”

2 out the purpose of being present via this channel. A company may want to promote its products, or may be policies or even a social cause or message. Once this is finalised, a social media team needs to be briefed about targeted approach.

Reputation management

This is one of the most important and sensitive issues that can be dealt with using social media. The underlying message or the cause that your brand carries can be effectively communicated using this platform. Whether you endorse clean air or water conservation,

Social media campaigns

promotion of green chemistry, or even corporate governance, social media can spread your message (free of cost).

“Communication has undergone significant change over the past decade.

Traditional marketing channels like TV, print media, and outdoor advertising no longer deliver the return on investment (ROI) they once could, simply because of changing media preferences of consumers.

Web 2.0 has changed the face of all forms of communication. Everybody today is living both an online and offline life.

Your stakeholders (customers, employees, shareholders, etc) are all on the web platform,” says Patil.

So it only makes sense to adopt a full-fledged social media campaign.

More figures from ViziSense analyses that around 2 crore of the estimated 4.8 crore mobile internet users in India have shifted 50 per cent of their newspaper and TV time to mobile internet.

Reputation management also involves addressing negative publicity, if at all, around your brand. The web is a free platform where lashing out on brands and companies is a common phenomenon.

Maturity and crises management of a company becomes evident by the manner it deals with such issues. “Web 2.0 platforms, if used smartly, have the potential to be a robust PR tool. My best advice on this topic is to respond to any negative publicity honestly and upfront,” says Patil.

Tata Chemicals has a policy of not deleting any of its past posts, which may have garnered negative comments from mass users. This is one way of showcasing the integrity a company believes in. “The most cost-effective way to engage with

B2B enterprises can deliver the business story seamlessly on social media, without the daunting walls of physical organisations and what they represent as behemoths in the B2B space.

Harish Bijoor CEO, Harish Bijoor Consults Inc

a set of global stakeholders would be an effective usage of social media tools.

We are a global chemicals company now and with that comes the aspect of a global media watch and perceptions about the industry itself leading to a reputational risk even for a small mishap.

A meaningful and proactive engagement with our stakeholders has helped in these scenarios,” adds Patil.

3

Recruitments

With active engagement and reputation management, your organisation as a whole garners positivity. You become a sought-after company, with top talent wanting to associate with you. With social media, employees can be encouraged to share their workplace moments by way of blog entries or photo posts.

“We started with coming out with an overall social media strategy that covered B2C, B2B and most importantly B2E (Employees). Our key to implementation has been ‘R.E.A.D’ – Reach out, Engage, Assimilate and Deliver. One risk that we took was to open up our IT infrastructure for enabling social media usage in our offices. Contrary to the belief that employees would misuse the facility, our experience has been that these platforms are helping us engage more and more with our employees and other stakeholders,” says Patil. While there may be negative outcomes of opening up social media channels at workplaces, the positives also exist. It reinstills the fact that your company trusts you as an employee and that you will not misuse the platform.

Also, top management can interact with the customers and users using webcasts or simple interactive quotes.

4

Community building

Another advantage that B2B enterprises can leverage on is building of communities comprising like-minded individuals, supporting a similar cause.

Technology advancements in the form of social media tools make it possible to gauge the online popularity of a brand or company. This community will consequently end up endorsing your

Communication has undergone significant change over the past decade. Traditional marketing channels like TV, print media, and outdoor advertising no longer deliver the return on investment (ROI) they once could, simply because of changing media preferences of consumers.

Sujit Patil Head – Communications, Tata Chemicals Ltd

cause and brand name, thereby acting as testimonials. “The remarkable thing about the B2B arena is how people in it can actively network online to share knowledge and build their network of industry contacts. Professional communities that are formed online for sharing insights and address challenges further help enhance the brand, reputation and image,” says Patil.

5

Lead generation

While this would be the first advantage for a B2C company, lead generation via social media for a B2B enterprise is not a priority. But yes, it is an advantage indeed. “Lead generation is highly effective and gleaning of the trends and emerging opportunities has never been easy with the expanded networking opportunities available because of this new media. In a B2B scenario, purchase decisions are based on positive recommendations by other users and this is yet another feature that social media provides,” adds Patil. The cumulative effect of the four other advantages greatly affects lead generation. Two competing companies might be working towards the same technology, but if the brand value of one is slightly higher, it is a plus point and social media is a channel to achieve that. These days, social media plays a key role in maintaining brand equity. Bijoor sums up saying that, “In an effective social media campaign, do not talk topdown. Be soft. Be human. Be real.”

Email: mahua.roy@network18publishing.com

September 2012 | Chemical World

65

TIPS & TRICKS Cloud computing

Right steps to ensure security and data privacy in an organisation Most chemical companies are still at an early stage in their adoption and usage of cloud computing. The cloud environment offers enormous advantages that vary from lower costs to massive scalability, but it has also presented daunting security risks, especially as sensitive data moves beyond an organisation’s firewall.

V

arious surveys tell us that security and data privacy remain prime concerns for cloud implementers in all industries. The fear of their data being ‘in the cloud’ is often the greatest hurdle that leaders must overcome to build trust and gain the benefits from cloud computing.

Chief Information Officers (CIOs) are concerned that their data could be stolen or compromised by hackers; mixed with data from their cloud providers’ other customers; or released by mistake. Any of the above could expose companies to compensation claims, public embarrassment, lawsuits and ‘brand damage’. Given below are some useful guidelines to follow when implementing cloud computing in an organisation.

Many companies have s p e c i fi c challenges in areas of security and data privacy. Their existing IT estates consist of highly fragmented landscapes of security and data privacy approaches and policies taken across different departments. This in turn involves a lot of risk and cost. The move to cloud computing (to drive more consistency and automation in security and data privacy) may actually provide a catalyst for driving greater security and reduced costs.

Fo r chemical organisations, the major secur it y concern is usually around their R&D and the distinctive intellectual property that they create, effectively the ‘crown jewels’ of their

1

2

66

Chemical World | September 2012

businesses. Other industries have different concern areas, such as customer financial data in financial services. It is also important that as companies choose cloud service providers, they include security and data privacy capabilities as a major part of the selection criteria.

The key to understanding security in cloud computing is to realise that the technology is not a break with the past. Instead it represents the logical next step in the outsourcing of commodity services to many of the same trusted IT providers that have been leaders in the field for years.

It is essential to work with your provider to determine its attention to security, privacy and compliance with data laws in all relevant jurisdictions. Make sure the provider can achieve parity with or better levels of security, privacy and compliance with laws than you have today.

Remember that the security of the cloud should be equal to the most risky client that is serviced by the provider.

R i g o ro u s risk assessment is a complex undertaking that represents the key to effective security in the cloud. It is essential that your cloud computing partner provides you with its risk assessment and how it intends to mitigate any issues found.

3

4

5 6

If the cloud provider does not have a seasoned privacy officer and a clientfacing chief information security officer or equivalent security role, be careful. It is a sign that the provider may not take security seriously enough.

S c h e d u l e mandatory monthly discussions with the cloud provider’s top privacy and security people. This discussion should flow both ways with no hidden items.

The cloud provider should have the ability to map its policy and procedures to any security mandate or security/privacy/compliance-driven contractual obligation you face. Pay attention to your cloud provider’s adherence to secure coding practices.

It is imperative for enterprises embracing cloud computing to not only monitor and enforce controls such as ‘who is the user’ and ‘what is the user allowed to access in a cloud environment’ but also to ensure that such compliance is cost-effective and sustainable in the long term.

7 8 9

10

* This article is based on the excerpts of the report ‘Six questions every executive in the chemicals industry should ask about cloud computing’ by Accenture Courtesy: Accenture Email: rakesh.rao@network18publishing.com

PROJECTS

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

Bulk chemicals

Atul Ltd Project type Expansion Project News Atul Ltd is a leading chemicals manufacturer in western India. It has adopted a strategy to transform into a global market leader for a few select products while retaining a smaller portfolio of commodity products where the company can sustain its low-cost advantages. The proposed $15-million corporate loan will help finance its expansion plans and efforts to diversify into new products.

Project location Ankleshwar, Gujarat Project cost $ 15 million Implementation stage Ongoing Contact details: Atul Ltd Valsad district, Gujarat 396020 Tel: 02632- 233261/5 Telefax: 02632- 233375, 233024 Email: ho@atul.co.in ---------------------------------------Dyes

Philoden Agrochem Pvt Ltd Project Type Capacity expansion Project news Philoden Agrochem plans expansion of its dyes manufacturing unit from 20 TPM to 225 TPM at Karkhadi village, Gujarat.

Project location Vadodara district, Gujarat Project cost NA Implementation stage Planning Contact details: Philoden Agrochem Pvt Ltd

66, Sundram Naara Near Vasna Jakatnaka Vasna Road Vadodara 390015 Gujarat Tel: 0265-2251529 Fax: 0265-2251560 Email: mktg@philodenagro.com ---------------------------------------Dyes & dyes intermediates

Bodal Chemicals Ltd Project type Capacity expansion Project news Bodal Chemicals Ltd (Unit VII) plans expansion of its dyes and dyes intermediates from 2,200 MTPM to 6,000 MTPM along with a 5 MW lignite-based captive power plant, at Dudhvada village, Gujarat.

Project location Vadodara district, Gujarat Project cost NA Implementation stage Planning Contact details: Bodal Chemicals Ltd Plot No. 123-124, Phase - I GIDC, Vatva Ahmedabad 382445,Gujarat Tel: 079-25835437, 25834223 Fax: 079-25835245, 25836052 Email: info@bodal.com ---------------------------------------Marine chemical terminal

BPCL Project type New facility Project news BPCL is planning to set up marine chemical terminal that will include construction of additional 1,000 m of container quay line for handling containers, chemical terminal of 600 m quay line for handling A, B, C class liquid cargo. It includes development of 100

hectare of land for yards, dredging, road and rail connectivity, etc. Construction of berths and acquisition of equipment will be made on BOT basis. Container handling capacity is estimated at 26.4 million tonne (ie 2.2 million TEUs) and liquid handling capacity at 9 million tonne. The estimated cost of phase-II development is ` 2,134 crore.

Project location Not known Project cost ` 2,134 crore Implementation stage Ongoing Contact details: BPCL, Bharat Bhavan 4 and 6 Currimbhoy Road Ballard Estate Mumbai 400001 Tel: 022-22713000 Email: ssc@bharatpetroleum.in ---------------------------------------Organic chemicals

Vedev Chemicals Pvt Ltd Project type New facility Project news Vedev Chemicals plans to set up an organic chemical production unit having capacity of 1,400 TPM at Karkhadi village, Gujarat.

Project location Vadodara district, Gujarat Project cost NA Implementation stage Planning Contact details: Vedev Chemicals Pvt Ltd 709/710, Harikrupa Tower Ellisbridge Ahmedabad 380006, Gujarat Tel: 079-26447470 Fax: 079-26564419 Email: pcplad1@vsnl.in

Information courtesy: Tendersinfo.com 1, Arch Gold, Next to MTNL Exchange, Poisar, S V Road, Kandivali (W), Mumbai - 400 067, Maharashtra, India Tel: 022 28666134 • Fax: 022 28013817 • Email: parmeet.d@tendersinfo.com September 2012 | Chemical World

67

TENDERS

Latest Popular Tenders brought to you by www.tendersinfo.com Electro-chlorination plants Org : South Eastern Railway TRN : 12101949 Desc : Provision of complete operation and annual maintenance contract for electro-chlorination plants under the jurisdiction of ADEN/JGM, ADEN/East/KGP BOD : September 20, 2012 Loc : Kharagpur, West Bengal BT : Domestic _______________________________________________

Flue gas analysers Org

: Jp Bh Dd Sarajevo-Branch Thermal Power Plant ‘Kakanj’ TRN : 12161069 Desc : Supply and installation of flue gas analysers BOD : September 20, 2012 Loc : Bosnia and Herzegovina BT : ICB _______________________________________________

Synthesis gas compressor & natural gas booster compressor Org : Brahmaputra Valley Fertilizer Corporation Ltd TRN : 12213304 Desc : Supply of spare parts for synthesis gas compressor and natural gas booster compressor BOD : September 21, 2012 Loc : Dibrugarh, Assam BT : Domestic _______________________________________________

Chlorination plant Org : Central Railway TRN : 12121354 Desc : Maintenance of 14 fully automatic chlorination plants at Solapur, Kurduwadi, Daund, Visapur, Ahmednagar, Belapur, Kopargaon and Yeola stations BOD : September 21, 2012 Loc : Solapur, Maharashtra BT : Domestic (NCB) _______________________________________________

Distillation apparatus Org : Defence Institute of Bio-Energy Research TRN : 11872305 Desc : Supply of double distillation apparatus, 3 litre per hour capacity BOD : September 21, 2012 Loc : Nainital, Uttaranchal BT : Domestic _______________________________________________

Carbon sulphur analyser Org

68

: Steel Authority of India Ltd

Chemical World | September 2012

TRN : 12162783 Desc : Supply, installation & commissioning of carbon sulphur analyser BOD : September 21, 2012 Loc : Ranchi, Jharkhand BT : ICB _______________________________________________

Heat exchangers Org : Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Ltd TRN : 12192761 Desc : Retubing of heat exchangers E-107, E-507 & E-112 at LPG plant in Uran BOD : September 24, 2012 Loc : Uran, Maharashtra BT : Domestic _______________________________________________

DMDS dosing system Org : Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd TRN : 12203238 Desc : Supply of DMDS dosing system BOD : September 24, 2012 Loc : Kochi, Ernakulam, Kerala BT : Domestic _______________________________________________

Dosing skid Org : Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd TRN : 12206002 Desc : Supply of dosing skid BOD : September 24, 2012 Loc : Kochi, Kerala BT : Domestic _______________________________________________

Neutralising amine dosing skid Org : Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd TRN : 12206001 Desc : Supply of neutralising amine dosing skid BOD : September 24, 2012 Loc : Kochi, Kerala BT : Domestic _______________________________________________

Chlorination plant Org

: Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (UPRVUNL) TRN : 12202662 Desc : Round the clock operation, routing maintenance servicing and B/D maintenance of chlorination plant BOD : September 24, 2012 Loc : Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh BT : Domestic

TENDERS

Latest Popular Tenders brought to you by www.tendersinfo.com Chlorination plant Org

: Uttar Pradesh Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Ltd (UPRVUNL) TRN : 12202478 Desc : Routine/preventive/breakdown maintenance of C& 1 field instruments of DM plant, FO pump house, CW treatment plant, chlorination plant, cooling tower, ash handling plant, H2 generation plant, PT plant, raw water, ET plant, including electrical & pneumatic actuators of offside plant BOD : September 24, 2012 Loc : Jhansi, Uttar Pradesh BT : Domestic _______________________________________________

Nitrogen charging kit Org : Northern Coalfields Ltd (NCL) TRN : 12203080 Desc : Supply of nitrogen charging kit BOD : September 25, 2012 Loc : Singrauli, Madhya Pradesh BT : Domestic _______________________________________________

Ribbon blade mixer Org : Karnataka Soaps and Detergents Ltd TRN : 12222912 Desc : Supply of 300 kg batch capacity 600 kg – volume (approx) ribbon blade mixer BOD : September 25, 2012 Loc : Bengaluru, Karnataka BT : Domestic _______________________________________________

Test set-up for rare metal from phosphoric acid Org : Department of Atomic Energy TRN : 11958389 Desc : Supply & installation of test set-up for super critical extraction of rare metal from phosphoric acid sources at heavy water plant, Tuticorin BOD : September 25, 2012 Loc : Mumbai, Maharashtra BT : Domestic (NCB) _______________________________________________

Chemical mixer Org

: Tanga Urban Water Supply and Sewerage Authority

TRN : 11840563 Desc : Supply of chemical mixer BOD : September 26, 2012 Loc : Tanzania BT : ICB _______________________________________________

Reactor pressure vessel Org

: Helmholtz-Zentrum Geesthacht Centre for Materials and Coastal Research TRN : 12091512 Desc : Implementation of a concept and preliminary design for the degradation of the reactor pressure vessel with a shield tank BOD : September 27, 2012 Loc : Germany BT : ICB _______________________________________________

Nitroglycerine manufacturing plant Org : Ordnance Factory Board TRN : 12013351 Desc : Design, construction, supply, erection & commissioning of nitroglycerine manufacturing plant at CFA BOD : September 28, 2012 Loc : Aruvankadu, Tamil Nadu BT : Domestic _______________________________________________

Condensing (generator) of liquid nitrogen Org : University of Warsaw TRN : 12188156 Desc : Supply of brand new set condensing (generator) of liquid nitrogen BOD : October 04, 2012 Loc : Poland BT : ICB _______________________________________________

Chlorination system Org : Public Authority for Electricity and Water TRN : 12096581 Desc : Supply parts required to repair chlorination system BOD : October 09, 2012 Loc : Oman BT : ICB

Org: Organisation’s name, TRN: Tendersinfo Ref No, Desc: Description, BOD: Bid Opening Date, Loc: Location, BT: Bidding Type Information courtesy: Tendersinfo.com 1, Arch Gold, Next to MTNL Exchange, Poisar, S V Road, Kandivali (W), Mumbai - 400 067, Maharashtra, India Tel: 022 28666134 • Fax: 022 28013817 • Email: parmeet.d@tendersinfo.com

September 2012 | Chemical World

69

EVENT LIST

NATIONAL AHMEDABAD

PUNE

CHENNAI

LUDHIANA

Gujarat, Oct 5-8, 2012

Maharashtra, Nov 2-5, 2012

Tamil Nadu, Nov 22-25, 2012

Punjab, Dec 21-24, 2012

INDORE

AURANGABAD

RUDRAPUR

HYDERABAD

Madhya Pradesh, Jan 11-14, 2013

Maharashtra, Feb 1-4, 2013

Uttarakhand, Feb 23-26, 2013

Andhra Pradesh, May 31- June 3, 2013

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

For details Network18 Media & Investments Ltd

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

• Tel: 022 3003 4651 • Fax: 022 3003 4499 • Email: engexpo@network18publishing.com

India Chem 2012

Indian Petrochem 2012

Premier tradeshow for the chemical industry in India; October 04-06, 2012; at NSE Exhibition Complex, Mumbai

An interactive knowledge forum for manufacturers, traders, buyers, technology licensors, consultants, strategists, financial intermediaries and investors; November 08-09, 2012; in Mumbai

For details contact: Mehul Tyagi, FICCI, Federation House 1 Tansen Marg, New Delhi 110 001 Tel: 011-2376 5081/2373 8760 Fax: 011-2335 9734 Email: mehul@ficci.com

Petrotech 2012 Conference focussing on latest technologies for oil & gas industry; October 14-17, 2012; at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi For details contact: Petrotech-2012 Secretariat Indian Oil Corporation Ltd Scope Complex, Core – 2, R No 423 7, Institutional Area, Lodhi Road New Delhi 110 003 Tel: 011-2436 2095, Fax: 011-2436 0978 Email: convenorpetrotech@indianoil.in

Watertech Expo & Conference An event to be held concurrently with Wastetech, Cleantech and Pollutech focussing on technologies for waste, wastewater and recycling; November 02-04; at Ahmedabad

For details contact: Sahil Shah, Elite Conferences Pvt Ltd 606, Bhagyalaxmi Kennedy Bridge, Mumbai 400 004 Tel: 022-2385 1430 Fax: 022-2385 1431 Email: sahil@eliteconferences.com

70

Chemical World | September 2012

EverythingAboutWater Expo 2013 An international exhibition and conference on water & wastewater management; February 28-March 2, 2013; at Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam, Chennai For details contact: EA Water Pvt Ltd A1/152, Neb Sarai IGNOU Road, New Delhi 110 068 Tel: 011-4310 0568/0572 Fax: 011-4310 0599 Email: enquiry@eawater.com

ChemProTech 2013 An international event on chemical processing technology and equipment to be held concurrently with fine and specialty chemicals trade fair, Chemspec; April 11-12, 2013; at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai

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

IPVS 2012 For details contact: Exhiference Media Pvt Ltd B-2 Basement, Kalyan Tower Near Vastrapur Lake Ahmedabad 380 015 Tel: 079-4003 9444, Fax: 079-4003 9431 Email: marketing@exhiferencemedia.com

T J Road, Sewri (W) Mumbai 400 015 Tel: 022-2410 2801 Fax: 022-2410 2805 Email: shital@orbitz-world.com

A trade show for industrial pumps, valves and systems; December 14-16, 2012; at Auto Cluster Exhibition Centre, Pune For details contact: Orbitz Exhibitions Pvt Ltd 202, Navyug Industrial Estate

For details contact: Krunal Goda Koelnmesse YA Tradefair Pvt Ltd 1102, 11th Floor, DLH Park S V Road, Near MTNL Office Goregoan(W), Mumbai 400062 Tel: 022-2871 5207 Fax: 022-2871 5222 Email: k.goda@koelnmesse-india.com

analytica Anacon India 2013 International trade fair for laboratory technology, analysis, biotechnology and diagnostics; November 12-14, 2013; at Bombay Exhibition Centre, Mumbai For details contact: Avisha Desai Project Manager MMI India Pvt Ltd Lalani Aura, 3rd Floor, 34th Road Khar (West), Mumbai 400 052 Tel: 022-4255 4710 Email: avisha.desai@mmi-india.in

INTERNATIONAL Gastech 2012 Focussed event showcasing the latest innovations, technologies and developments across the gas value chain; October 8-11, 2012; in London, the UK For details contact: Paul Sinclair, Sales Director DMG Events, Northcliffe House 2 Derry Street, London, W8 5TT, The UK Tel: +44 203 180 6576 Fax: +44 203 180 6550 Email: paulsinclair@dmgevents.com

For details contact: ProMedia Post Box 1242 , Dasman 15463 , Kuwait Tel: (+965) 2531 7601 Fax: (+965) 2531 7604 Email: info@promediakw.com

1 Jalan Kilang Timor #09-02 Pacific Tech Centre Singapore 159303 Tel: +65 6233 6638 Fax: +65 6233 6633 Email: new@sesallworld.com

Central and Eastern European Refining and Petrochemicals 2012

Dye+Chem Asia 2012

An event providing strategic insights and invaluable intelligence on the latest regional developments and tips to capitalise on opportunities; October 23-25, 2012; at Bucharest, Romania

TOG Expo 2012 Event focussing on latest technologies in the oil and gas industry; October 16-18, 2012; at Pavilion 58, Tripoli International Fair, Tripoli For details contact: WAHAexpo Company Ben Ashour Road PO Box 83433, Tripoli, Libya Tel: (00) (218)-(21) 7269417 Fax: (00) (218)-(21) 3622360 Email: hanan@wahaexpo.com

Analytica China 2012 A trade fair for laboratory technology, analysis, biotechnology and diagnostics; October 16-18, 2012; at Shanghai New International Expo Centre, Shanghai For details contact: Susanne GrĂśdl, Exhibition Director Messe MĂźnchen GmbH, Munich, Germany Tel: (+49 89) 949 20 380 Fax: (+49 89) 949 20 389 Email: info@analyticachina.com

Environmental Management in Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Industries Conference and exhibition focussing on the future of environmental engineering technologies, environmental management practices, instruments and solutions for challenges facing the petroleum industry; October 17-18, 2012; at Radisson Blu Hotel, Kuwait

For details contact: Elodie Huiban, Conference Director The World Refining Association Fulham Green, Bedford House 69-79 Fulham High Street London, SW6 3JW, The UK Tel: +44 (0)207 384 8028 Email: e.huiban@theenergyexchange.co.uk

VIETWATER 2012 An event dedicated to water, wastewater and industrial wastewater treatment & purification; November 06-08, 2012; at Vietnam Exhibition & Fair Centre, Hanoi, Vietnam For details contact: United Business Media (M) SDN BHD Suite 1701 17th Floor Plaza Permata (IGB Plaza) 6, Jalan Kampar, Off Jalan Tun Razak 50400 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: (603) 4045 4993 Fax: (603) 4045 4989 Email: airin.rushdi@ubm.com

OSEA 2012 An event showcasing innovations in oil & gas exploration and production; November 27-30, 2012; at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore For details contact: Singapore Exhibition Services Pte Ltd

EVENT LIST

A trade fair for dyes and fine & specialty chemicals industry; December 08-10, 2012; at Sands Expo & Convention Center, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore For details contact: CEMS-Global Asia Pacific Pte Ltd 8 Temasek Boulevard, # 42-00 Suntec Tower Three, Singapore 038988 Tel: + (65) - 6829 - 2144 Fax: + (65) - 6829 - 2145 Email: contact@cems-dyechem.com

InformexUSA 2013 Exhibition and conference bringing together buyers and sellers of chemicals, chemical technologies and related services; February 19-22, 2013; at Anaheim Convention Centre, Anaheim, California, USA For details contact: Informex Holdings, LLC 300 American Metro Blvd Suite 125 Hamilton, NJ 08619, USA Tel: +1 609 759-4700 Email: informex@informex.com

Chemspec Europe 2013 An event dedicated to the fine and specialty chemicals industry; June 05-06, 2013, at MOC, Munich, Germany For details contact: Quartz Business Media Ltd Quartz House 20 Clarendon Road Redhill, Surrey, The UK Tel: + 44- 1737-855000 Fax: + 44- 1737-855033 Email: johnlane@quartzltd.com

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

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

September 2012 | Chemical World

71

EVENT PREVIEW Engineering Expo Ahmedabad 2012

AHMEDABAD October 5-8, 2012 Gujarat University Exhibition Hall

Brimming with bright prospects Gujarat has been making rapid strides on the industrial front due to proactive policies of the State Government. It achieved sound economic growth in last few years with the quantum of investment increasing manifold. Today, the state has gained recognition for its manufacturing prowess. Against this backdrop, there are ample opportunities to leverage trade benefits and develop a rewarding business platform. Providing precisely this is Engineering Expo Ahmedabad, organised by Network 18 Publishing. Slated to be held in October 2012, it will enlighten the manufacturing community about a plethora of products and act as a nodal point to generate fruitful business leads.

Prasenjit Chakraborty and Avani Jain

G

ujarat has witnessed winds of change in the recent past. Today, the state offers a model for economic progress for the developing nations. Its significant contribution to the Indian economy has made the country visible in a competitive market, despite slump in the world economy.

The industry in Gujarat has evoked new models of development. Commenting on the merits of doing business in Gujarat, Bijal Shah, Director, Sharad Industrial Products Pvt Ltd (authorised distributor of SKF), states, “The industry has really

Glimpses of previous edition 180+ exhibitors 11,789+ visitors 15,000+ products displayed ` 74 crore business generated 4,312 sq m exhibition area 87,000 kg machinery moved 20 cities participated

72

Chemical World | September 2012

changed in Gujarat and the focus has changed from the typical ‘product sell’ to ‘saleable products’ manufacturing. Even global competition has not deterred the growth of manufacturing sector; rather it has only risen.”

Sharing similar sentiments, Snehal Mehta, Director, Marketing, Energy Mission Machineries (India) Pvt Ltd, observes, “In the last few years, the manufacturing industry in Gujarat has developed immensely. Today, the brands from Gujarat are regarded as trusted names across India and abroad. The overall atmosphere of Gujarat has inspired entrepreneurs to start new ventures.”

Flourishing market scenario Gujarat’s core competence can be attributed to factors like political stability, industrial peace in labour relations, policy-driven reforms, uninterrupted power supply, adequate infrastructure, transparency in governance and clear land acquisition rules. Besides, the industryfriendly government policies, availability of skilled manpower and large network of sea ports are added advantages for the state.

All these have enabled it to emerge as an investment-friendly state and also change the landscape of manufacturing.

In the words of Nilesh Shukla, Senior Vice President, Vadodara Chambers of Commerce & Industry (VCCI), “The manufacturing sector has witnessed unprecedented growth in the last decade.

The industry has been able to make the best use of initiatives of various chambers of commerce & industry that have contributed in spreading awareness regarding the incentives that the government offers.”

Ahmedabad has emerged as a preferred destination for many companies.

The reasons are many. Mehta says, “The supportive government policies, availability of adequate infrastructure and overall development of support industries are some of the reasons for the continuing

Highlights of this edition 225+ participants 15,000+ business visitors expected Business transactions worth `80

crore expected

15,000+ products on display Spread over an area of more than

4,312 sq m Showcasing more than 30 diverse industry categories Supported by major industry associations like National Small Industries Corporation, Rajkot Engineering Association, Vadodara Chambers of Commerce & Industry, etc

Engineering Expo Ahmedabad 2012

prosperity of Ahmedabad. Besides, Ahmedabad is conveniently located on the industrial corridor, which has attracted many big players to invest in and around the city.”

According to S J Gijare, General Manager-Handling Equipment Division, CTR Manufacturing Industries Ltd, “Gujarat has always been a base for SME sector, with most people preferring own businesses. However, in the past 6-7 years, several large Indian companies and overseas corporations have set up their manufacturing facility in different regions of Gujarat. Ahmedabad as a major industrial region obviously becomes a preferred destination for any player, and more so, to showcase one’s strengths in products & services in a popular exhibition.”

With the growth of manufacturing sector in Gujarat, there is huge potential to gain trade benefits and develop a rewarding business platform. Providing precisely this is Engineering Expo Ahmedabad, which is to be held from October 5-8, 2012. It will provide a fillip to the manufacturing community by displaying products that will help enhance production efficiency and will also act as an ideal platform to generate fruitful business leads.

Enterprising Engineering Expo For over a decade, Engineering Expo Ahmedabad has been serving as a platform to foster business and trade. “We have been participating since the start of the show. It has given us a proper platform to build our brand name by displaying and demonstrating our products and offering good exposure to buyers,” says Mehta.

Sharing a similar view, Gijare adds, “Since 2007, we have been participating in several editions of Engineering Expo – Pune, Ahmedabad, Aurangabad, Chennai, Rudrapur and Indore. The reason is that their organising ability is good and the people associated with it are professional.”

Fostering business ties The Expo has emerged as a perfect platform for companies to showcase their products and services, interact with

potential buyers, generate new business leads and forge new partnerships. Over the years, the exhibition has grown from strength to strength in terms of adding new companies and expanding product varieties. “I have been regularly attending this exhibition for the past three years.

Engineering Expo has always helped me meet prospective clients for my business. With time, it has grown bigger.

Every year, it adds new companies to its portfolio – an indicator of growth. This also inspires visitors, like us, to be a part of it every year,” observes Abhinav Srivastava, Technical & Marketing Consultant, Asteam Consultants.

The Expo will help exhibitors to reach their target audience. Says Kalpesh Shah, Manager, Sales, AC Tech Control Systems Pvt Ltd, “The main benefit of the event is that we get an opportunity to meet our customers face to face. We manufacture automation equipment and have a good market presence in Gujarat. We have participated before and generated good business. We expect the same this year as well.”

Commenting on the Expo, Sandeep Khosla, CEO, Network 18 Publishing, says, “After 10 successful years of service to the industry, Engineering Expo today has established itself as India’s largest multilocation trade show on manufacturing. The Expo is a preferred destination for small and medium enterprises as well as manufacturing & engineering organisations to further their growth and that of the industry at large. For the 2012-13 season, we have eight editions spread across an equal number of locations of a rising India. Keeping our esteemed exhibitors and valued customers in mind, we have made elaborate provisions to offer a never before experience. These, we reckon, will add substantial traction to the industrial growth of the nation.”

A platform for innovation New product launches is another highlight of this Expo. Says Gijare, “We plan to introduce Articulated Boom Lift Aerial Platform; Electric Puller of 1.5 T capacity; Counterbalance Electric Stacker and Electric Reach Stacker.”

New attractions in this edition o Panel discussion aims at providing a roadmap to infuse growth in the region o Institutional Buyer Involvement Plan to attract delegations from large corporate and major institutions o Improvised visitor profiling – profile, scan, filter and bring in visitors as per exhibitors’ requirements o Providing business networking support to exhibitors by leveraging Network 18 Publishing’s industry connect o Credit rating facilities for the benefit of exhibitors o Providing complete travel solutions for exhibitors o Offering logistics services to ensure smooth cargo handling, custom clearing, transport compliance, etc Sharad Industrial Products Pvt Ltd plans to display products that are in demand globally. “We plan to showcase certain range of products, which are in focus globally at SKF,” says B Shah.

Pankaj Pandya, Manager - Purchase, Metso Minerals (India) Pvt Ltd, who visited the Expo last year, opines, “Engineering Expo provides a common networking platform for leaders in the industry to showcase their products. This has helped potential customers to take better business decisions. I usually visit exhibitions such as this with the objective of finding new potential suppliers.”

Engineering Expo Ahmedabad is an excellent example of starting humble and achieving an enviable feat over the years.

Year-on-year, it has gained the confidence and trust of the Indian manufacturing industry. The 2011 edition witnessed overwhelming response from the industry with over 180+ exhibitors. It generated business worth about ` 74 crore. No wonder, the 2012 edition is expected to spin magic with 225+ exhibitors and 15,000 visitors.

Email: prasenjit.chakraborty@network18publishing.com & avani.jain@network18publishing.com

September 2012 | Chemical World

73

EVENT REPORT Honeywell Users Group APAC Symposium 2012

Experiencing novel technologies for unlimited possibilities The recently concluded Honeywell Users Group Asia-Pacific Symposium provided a glimpse of possibilities for improving efficiency and profitability in various businesses with latest Honeywell offerings.

Jason Urso addressing the conference on day one

Rakesh Rao

W

ith a theme ‘Sustain.

Ability.’, the Honeywell Users Group (HUG) Asia-Pacific (APAC) Symposium 2012 held in Gold Coast, Australia, showcased some of the latest advancements in process automation and controls that could enable manufacturers sustain their performance and lifecycles to maximise plant safety, reliability and efficiency. In his presentation, Mark Zyskowski, VP - Global Sales, Honeywell Process Solutions (HPS), highlighted upon four major mega-trends – globalisation, mobilisation, integration and collaboration. The changing energy landscape is having profound effect on the businesses globally. Zyskowski emphasised on the need to renew focus on streamlining supply chains and how Honeywell can help manufacturers optimise their business with stateof-the-art solutions for supply chain management.

As a result of globalisation, there have been changes with regard to skilled

74

Chemical World | September 2012

manpower requirements in the workforce.

“Today, an operator’s role is changing.

Issues before him are reliability, efficiency and sustainability,” said Zyskowski.

Although workflow is distributed globally, the distribution of the workforce does not always match up. And it is here that Honeywell’s collaboration tools, such as Intuition, and the move towards remote operations are coming in, he added.

Innovative solutions HUG highlighted Honeywell’s new products including the next-generation Experion Orion Process Knowledge System (PKS) and the new collaboration software Intuition Executive. The new Experion Orion PKS is the first industrial process system to use Universal Channel Technology to remotely configure process and safety systems without the need for additional hardware. “It has three main features: Universal IO, virtualisation and collaboration,” said Jason Urso, VP and Chief Technology Officer, HPS. With Universal IO, any channel, digital or analogue, input or output, can now be satisfied by just one field-mountable IO

module. After launching Universal Safety IO at last year’s HUG, Urso introduced its counterpart – Universal Process IO. Participants also had a first-hand look at Honeywell’s recently launched Intuition Executive collaboration software, which allows manufacturers to analyse and visualise data across their entire enterprises to better respond to volatile energy costs, complex regulatory changes and real-world safety challenges.

The HUG APAC 2012 programme had customer-driven sessions and presentations, as well as demonstrations of the latest Honeywell technologies designed for the process industries.

Industry-specific tracks included oil & gas, refining, chemicals, mining and pulp & paper, and covered topics such as plant modernisation, control system migration, oil & gas measurement and simulation.

New offerings The event also saw host of new launches. Honeywell introduced the Intelligent Management of Change (iMOC) workflow process management application. Honeywell also announced a fully certified application control and whitelisting solution to help combat viruses and malware from attacking its Experion PKS control system platform.

“Experion PKS users want increased cyber security besides spending less time in managing the control system. Application control and whitelisting is another tool to help them balance the need for security with available resources,” said Mike Baldi, Chief Cyber Security Architect, HPS. The demo room at HUG provided practical application of virtualisation, an emerging phenomenon in the manufacturing world. Paul Hodge, Experion Infrastructure and HMI Product Manager, HPS, explained the benefits of Honeywell’s virtualisation offering as companies across industries aim to reduce cost and increase processing efficiency using virtualised machines. It is anticipated that more than three quarters of servers will be virtualised by 2014 on current trends.

Email: rakesh.rao@network18publishing.com

BOOK REVIEW

Discovering chemistry with natural bond orbitals Authors: Frank Weinhold, Clark R Landis Price: ` 4,450

Natural bond orbitals (NBO) are by far one of the toughest areas of studying higher chemistry. However, this book makes it so much easier. It explores chemical bonds, their intrinsic energies and the corresponding dissociation energies, which are relevant in reactivity problems. Each chapter comes with problems and exercises, thus enabling readers to apply NBO methods to investigate chemical bond studies. It offers lucid explanation about conceptual quantum chemistry, a key area for understanding chemical principles and predicting chemical properties.

One of the unique features of this book is that it presents NBO mathematical algorithms embedded in a well-tested and widely used computer program (currently, NBO 5.9). The appendices are well-written to tackle all doubts that can arise out of studying conceptual data. Appendix D solely deals with an interesting concept of ‘What if something goes wrong’, which will help readers solve common problems in NMB investigations.

The clear text and simple language will help readers, with even limited knowledge of quantum mechanics to understand sophisticated theories of modern bonding and valency concepts. This book is ideal for students & academicians dealing with physical chemistry and applied chemistry subjects such as biochemistry, pharmaceutical science and food science.

New strategies in chemical synthesis and catalysis

Synthesis and catalysis are the two main pillars of reaction engineering.

These tools are the backbone of chemical engineering studies. Providing a comprehensive overview of the essential topics, this book covers the core areas of organic, inorganic, organo-metallic, biochemical synthesis and catalysis.

The chapters are elucidated in-depth to make the readers understand concepts like surface catalysis, applications of macrocycles, combinatorial biology and drug chemistry. The unique features of this book are its emphasis on DNA catalysts for synthetic applications in biomolecular chemistry and discussing properties of amidinoureas for synthesising bioactive compounds.

This book will be useful for students of organic/inorganic chemistry as well as biochemistry, pharmacy, organo-metallics as well as professionals and R&D experts in these fields.

Edited by: Bruno Pignataro Price: ` 8,200

Reviewer: Nita Mehta, Associate Professor, Chemical Engg Dept, Thadomal Shahani Engg College

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

September 2012 | Chemical World

75

PRODUCTS

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

Wastewater treatment system This wastewater treatment system employs pulsed electric field processing. The operations of a pulsed electric field (PEF) wastewater treatment system are based on the process of electroporation in cells to accelerate pre-digestion. This results in up to 80 per cent less solid waste output. The wastewater treatment PEF system destroys cell membranes by applying 1-20 microsecond, 35-50 kV/cm high voltage pulses at a frequency of up to 2 kHz to the wastewater stream. This system facilitates the anaerobic digestion process of cells and is available in sizes beginning from 10,000 lph and reduces the solid waste by up to 80 per cent.

through vials and then collected into the sample vials for on-line HPLC injection. The replacement media is then replaced into the flow cells.

This helps to keep the cell volume constant throughout the test. The report of the test results and data are performed automatically. Moreover, the entire test is controlled by Logan ATLC software package.

Logan Instruments (I) Pvt Ltd Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-2416 1544 Email: info@anmonline.com, Website: www.anmalliance.com

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

Diversif ied Technologies Inc Massachusetts - USA Tel: +1-781-2759444 Email: kempkes@divtecs.com

Steatite ceramic balls Steatite ceramic C 221 body grinding balls can be used for ball mill grinding application.

Ceramic balls have good strength and are used for size reduction process in ball mills for minerals, dyes, pigments, cements, cement paints, printing inks, ceramics, etc. The process is contamination-free and, hence, preferred to other grinding media. Sizes offered are 10, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 37, 40, 50 and 60 mm. Other sizes of regular requirements can be supplied.

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

Digital magnahelic gauge

Transdermal diffusion cell

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

The Logan System 902 is designed to perform fully automated transdermal diffusion cell HPLC system. Up to 12 bobble-free Franz cells (six per console) are linked by the peristaltic pumps to corresponding flow through vials. The flow-through vials are installed in the auto sampler. Samples are transferred from the transdermal cells to flow

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

Mangalam Industrial Products Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-27545912, Mob: 09825468324 Email: mangalamceramics@gmail.com Website: www.mangalamceramics.com

Looking For A Specific Product?

Searching and sourcing products were never so easy.

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

eg. CW Pump and send it to 51818 76

Chemical c World | September 2012

http://eshop.network18publishing.com

You Pay ` 2199/` Get 39% off on cover Price ` 3600/`

You Pay ` 899/` Get 25% off on cover Price ` 1200/`

` 2199/-

`

` 899/-

favouring Network18 Media & Investment Ltd payable at Mumbai.

Terms & Conditions: Your Subscription will start from the next available issue. Network18 Media & Investments Ltd. will take utmost care to dispatch the copies safely. Network18 Media & Investments Ltd. does not take the responsibility of any postal delays and damaged copies dispatched. For more information contact Network18 Media & Investments Ltd. subscription department. Above rates are valid in India only.

Subscription Department, Network18 Media & Investments Ltd, A Wing, Ruby House, JK Sawant Marg, Dadar (West), Mumbai 400 028. customercare@network18publishing.com

PRODUCTS

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

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

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

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

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

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

September 2012 | Chemical World

79

PRODUCTS

Electric chain hoist

Pultruded cooling towers

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

The cooling towers are lightweight and take less construction/installation time.

These offer much longevity and resist corrosion. The pultruded FRP cooling towers are suited for seawater application as a replacement for old and large wooden cooling towers or fresh installation of new cooling towers in place of conventional ones.

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

Corrugated tube heat exchangers Ecoflux corrugated tube heat exchangers use corrugated tubes instead of plain tubes. The tubes are corrugated to induce turbulence in both flows at lower velocities. This not only increases thermal efficiency but also eliminates product channeling. Product fluid channel is surrounded on both sides by the service fluid used for high viscous material.

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

Paltech Cooling Towers & Equipments Ltd Gurgaon - Haryana Tel: 0124-4222483 Email: paltech@paltech.in

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

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

Gas monitors Screw pumps The KX series industrial and chemical screw pumps is offered in the capacity of 200 m³/hr, pressure at 48 bar, temperature of 200°C and viscosity at 1,00,000 CST. KDX pumps are of cast iron construction with various metallurgy of rotating parts, like alloy steel, tool steel, SS 304 and SS 316, while KHX pumps are available in SS 304 and SS 316 material of construction.

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

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

Hydro Prokav Pumps (India) Pvt Ltd Coimbatore - Tamil Nadu Tel: 0422-3242220 Email: hydroprokav@vsnl.net

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

80

Chemical World | September 2012

PRODUCTS

Dry cooling tower The dry cooling tower maintains the temperature of process hot water at a particular level. This operates on the principle of heat transfer by a heat exchanger with extended fins. The fan is driven by an electric motor. Tubes are staggered in the path of airflow for better heat transfer efficiency. The return bends are die-formed from thick walled tubing, which is heavier than the standard tubing and is used in the rest of the coils. This provides toughness and durability, which is required in the most vital parts of the coils. The inlet and outlet headers are constructed of heavy wall steel pipes. Tubes are mechanically expanded for an optimum bond between tube and fin. A die-formed galvanised steel frame provides stacking and shipping support and protection against tube damage during expansion and installation.

Gem Equipments Ltd Coimbatore - Tamil Nadu Tel: 0422-2363800 Mob: 09366631697 Email: sales@gemindia.com Website: www.gemindia.com

Liquid ring vacuum pump The liquid ring vacuum pump is available in both single and double stages with capacity that ranges from 10 to 4000 cfm and ultimate vacuum is up to 720 mm Hg. It is silent in operation due to which silencer is totally eliminated. Its mechanical shaft seals design ensures adequate protection to the expensive shaft and provides for ease of maintenance. This leads to minimal time required for servicing, cutting down time to the barest minimum.

This pump is rugged in design, reliable in performance and easy to maintain. It finds applications in vacuum distillation, drying, concentration, degassing, crystallisation, gas evacuation, gas conveying & compression etc in chemicals, drugs, food, beverage, sugar, fertiliser, paper, metallurgy and allied process industries.

Acmevac Sales Pvt Ltd Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-28375837 Email: acmevac@vsnl.com Website: www.acmevac.com

September 2012 | Chemical World

81

PRODUCTS

Facemask respirator

Polypropylene and PVDF process pump

The facemask respirator is used for dust filtration. It is convenient to carry in the pocket. The facemask respirator has a durable elastic band, which is soft and safe when it comes in contact with the skin. This mask is easy to wear, comfortable while talking and has breathing resistance. The product finds applications in various industries, like cable, battery, PVC processing, heavy electrical, power & cement plants, ceramic, silica and glass. It is also used while laying cables, spraying paints, grinding, dusting, soldering and electroplating.

The horizontal chemical process pump is made of polypropylene (PP). All contact parts are made of virgin copolymer PP with high wall thickness for better impact resistance and stability. The pump is centrifugal type. Rotating parts are dynamically balanced. The pump is available with ceramic, SS-316 or FRP shaft sleeve. Sealing arrangement is of PTFE gland packing or mechanical seal or as per the requirement. This pump is suitable for effluent treatment plants, filter press application, acid transfer, boiler de-scaling, pickling in steel plants, electroplating, etc.

Empire Trades Coimbatore - Maharashtra Tel: 0422-537 7228, Mob: 09894232828 Email: ynajmi@indiatimes.com

Moniba Anand Electricals Pvt Ltd Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-28573156, Mob: 09820046500 Email: mail@moniba.net

Knife gate valves

Tray dryer

These valves are available in various ranges.

The rising gate clean sundries on the seal surface automatically. Stainless steel prevents leaking, which is caused by corrosion.

Short face-to-face saves raw materials and installation room & supports intensity of the pipe effectively. Triangular yoke saves raw materials and ensures mechanical performance.

This tray dryer is fabricated out of rigid angle iron frame with double walled panels insulated with compressed fiber glass and with a rigid door fitted with strong hinges. A control panel is fixed in front of the dryer to facilitate the operation easily. It has a large working space and is available, from mild steel and in good finishing outside with synthetic enamel colour and inside painted with heat resistant paint to resist temperature up to 300ÂşC. A highly effective recalculating air system is provided in the tray dryer. The heated air is recalculated with fresh air in selected proportions for optimum drying. The system is designed so that the materials at the top and the bottom dry simultaneously.

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

External shunt The MECO-V external shunt is used for DC ammeters. End blocks are made from electrolytic copper extruded sections ensuring high electrical conductivity and perfect contacts. The resistance element is made from manganin, which has low PPM, thus ensuring highly reliable and stable readings. A unique soldering system ensures that the shunt does not get over heated. The external shunt has current rating from few mA to 6,000 A and a voltage drop of 50/60/75 mV. It conforms to IS:1248, DIN:43703 and BS:89 standards.

Goliya Electricals Pvt Ltd Mumbai - Maharashtra Tel: 022-24149657 Email: geplmumbai@mtnl.net.in Website: www.goliya.com

82

Chemical World | September 2012

Jas Enterprises Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: 079-22743454 E mail: info@jasenterprise.com

Level control switches These are RF admittance-type solid & liquid single-point level control switches. The RF admittance absorption measurement principle use sensing probe employing driven shield, coat guard circuit and corresponding three–element probe. Three-element coat guard technology ignores material build-up on the probe. These are suitable for high dusty environment.

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

PRODUCTS

Digital indicator The model AI-501 digital indicator is available with programmable and modular inputs, supporting multiple input types of thermocouples, RTDs, voltage/current and two-wire transmitters. This indicator is 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.

The indicator supports 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.

Micon Automation Systems Pvt Ltd Ahmedabad – Gujarat Tel: 079-30900400 Mob: 09723462390 Email: info@miconindia.com

Air classifiers These are screenless machines for grading offline powder into distinct coarse and fine grades from 60 mesh down to 40 microns. The conventional vibrating screens have choking problems along with low capacity when used for fine powder separation. Also separation efficiency is reduced.

The machines can be operated in closed circuit.

Premium Vijimech Pvt Ltd Ahmedabad - Gujarat Tel: +079-40083450 Mob: 09712987467 Email: sales@vijimech.com

Dust filtration systems The Dustkiller DK 500 captures fine particulates before they settle down on precision equipment.

Dust is sucked by the centrifugal blower through the inlets on the top. Capacity is 500 cm³/hr,input voltage is 230 V ±10 per cent,with low noise and wall mounting with fixtures.

Powertech Pollution Controls Pvt Ltd Bengaluru - Karnataka Tel: 080-23452156 Email: powertech@airtelmail.in The information published in this section is as per the details furnished by the respective manufacturer/distributor. In any case, it does not represent the views of Chemical World

September 2012 | Chemical World

83

LIST OF PRODUCTS

Sl. No.

Product

Pg. No.

Accelerated ageing test .......................................... 45 Acoustic enclosures .................................................. FIC Agitator ..............................................................19, BIC Agitator tank ............................................................... 43 Air classifiers ............................................................... 83 Air-cooled heat exchanger .......................................... 29 Air-cooled steam condenser ........................................ 29 Amino acid analyser .................................................... 86 Analytical instrumentation .........................................BC Anesthetic rotameter ................................................... 83 Angle slurry valve ........................................................ 33 Atomic absorption spectrophotometer........................ 86 Automatic and contained discharge ............................ 27 Ball valve .........................................................13, 79 Ball valve-teflon lined ................................................... 4 Batch disperser ............................................................ 19 Bellow & dip-pipe ........................................................ 4 Biospec-nano ............................................................... 61 Blow down valve ......................................................... 33 Bulk bag fillers ............................................................ 79 Butterfly valve .......................................................13, 33 Butterfly valves-teflon lined .......................................... 4 Buying & selling used industrial machinery ............... 83 Buying & selling used plants & equipment................ 83 Cake pressing ....................................................... 27 Calorimeter ................................................................. 19 Centrifugal fan ........................................................... 55 Centrifugal pump ........................................................ 79 Check valve ...........................................................13, 33 Check valve-teflon lined ............................................... 4 Chemicals & pharmaceuticals .................................... 83 Chemical pump ........................................................... 79 Chemical tank ............................................................. 81 Column & chemistries ...............................................BC Compositional & trace metal analysis ........................ 45 Continuous or batch filtration .................................... 27 Cooling tower ............................................................. 29 Corrugated tube heat exchanger ................................. 80 Diaphragm valve ................................................... 33 Differential scanning calorimeter ................................ 31 Digital indicator .......................................................... 83 Digital magnahelic gauge ............................................ 76 Dilatometry ................................................................. 31 Disperser ..................................................................... 19 Distillation column ..................................................... 43 Dry cooling tower ....................................................... 81 Dry van pump .......................................................... FIC Dust filtration systems ................................................ 83 Electric chain hoist ............................................... 80 Empower ....................................................................BC EPC partner ................................................................ 53 Etallography ................................................................ 45 Evaporators .............................................................. BIC Exhibition - Engineering Expo .................................. 59 Exhibition - Informex India 2012 .............................. 63 External shunt ............................................................. 82 Facemask respirator .............................................. 82 Failure analysis ............................................................ 45 Filler compositional analysis ....................................... 45 Flexible screw conveyor ............................................... 79 Flush bottom valve ...................................................... 33

Sl. No.

Product

Pg. No.

Fogged steel valve .................................................13, 33 Fuel storage ................................................................. 22 Fuels - diesel ............................................................... 45 Gas chromatography ............................................. 86 Gas monitor ................................................................ 80 Gate valve ..............................................................13, 33 Gear box ...................................................................... 49 Gear motor .................................................................. 49 Gear oil ....................................................................... 45 General purpose grade ................................................ 41 Globe valve ............................................................13, 33 Hast alloy ............................................................. 13 Heat exchanger ..............................................8, 43, BIC Heat transfer equipment ............................................. 55 Heating bath ............................................................... 19 Helical inline geared motor/reducer ........................... 49 High pressure blowers ................................................. 55 High pressure homogeniser ........................................ 19 Hot plate ..................................................................... 19 HPLC ........................................................................BC Informatic ...........................................................BC Ink quality ................................................................... 41 In-line colloid mills ..................................................... 79 Inline disperser ............................................................ 19 Inline shaft mounted helical geared motor/reducer .... 49 Inorganic ceramic adhesive ........................................... 3 Jet black grade ...................................................... 41 Kneading machine ................................................ 19 Knife gate valve ........................................................... 82 Knift edge gate valve ................................................... 33 Laboratory reactor ................................................ 19 Laboratory software..................................................... 19 Large diameter welded pipe ........................................ 81 Laser particle size analyser .......................................... 86 Level control switches ................................................. 82 Lighting system ........................................................... 22 Lined valve .................................................................. 13 Lined valve & pipe fitting ............................................ 4 Liquid ring vacuum pump .......................................... 81 Lubes - engine oil ....................................................... 45 Magnetic stirrer .................................................... 19 Material identification................................................. 45 Mills .......................................................................... 19 Modern Pharma magazine .......................................... 36 Monel .......................................................................... 13 Monoblock pumps ...................................................... 79 Multi-stage cake washing ........................................... 27 Multiple mode calorimeter.......................................... 31 Nickel aluminium bronze ...................................... 13 Non-metallic pumps ................................................... 79 Non-return valve ........................................................... 4 Overhead stirrer.................................................... 19 Pallet washing machine ......................................... 76 Petrol .......................................................................... 45 Pigments quality.......................................................... 41 Pilot plant.................................................................... 19 Piping system from polypropylene ................................ 6 Plug valve .................................................................... 13 Pneumatic control valve .............................................. 33 Pollution control equipment .................................... BIC Polymer characterisation ............................................. 45 Polypropylene and PVDF process pump .................... 82

Sl. No.

Product

Pg. No.

Polypropylene process pump ....................................... 79 Power distribution ....................................................... 22 Power rental ................................................................ 22 Pressure and vacuum filtration.................................... 27 Pressure vessel ............................................................. 43 Process gas blowers ..................................................... 55 Production HPCL ...................................................... 86 PTFE lined valve ........................................................ 33 PTFE lined valve & pipe fitting................................... 4 Pultruded cooling tower .............................................. 80 Pump for chemical equipment .................................... 11 Pumps................................................................. 79, FIC PVDF pumps .............................................................. 79 Reverse osmosis desalination system ..................... 80 Right angled helical bevel geared motor/reducer ....... 49 Right angled helical worm geared motor/reducer ...... 49 Roots blower ............................................................ FIC Rotameters .................................................................. 83 Rotary air lock valve .................................................... 33 Rotary dry vacuum pump............................................ 55 Rotary evaporator ........................................................ 19 Rotary gear pumps ...................................................... 79 Sampling valve-teflon lined ..................................... 4 Screw pumps ............................................................... 80 Seamless pipe .............................................................. 81 Self-priming mud pump ............................................. 79 Self-priming sewage pump.......................................... 79 Sight glass ................................................................... 33 Silence flow packages ................................................. 55 Simultaneous thermal analysis .................................... 31 Specialised storage & transport................................... 15 Spray dryers .............................................................. BIC Stainless steel pipe....................................................... 81 Steatite ceramic balls ................................................... 76 Storage tank ................................................................ 43 Strainer .......................................................................... 4 Super duplex................................................................ 13 Teflon-lined valve & pipe fitting ............................. 4 Tefzel HHS isotactic PP material ................................ 6 Testing ........................................................................ 45 Thermal conductivity .................................................. 31 Thermo gravimetric analysis ....................................... 31 Thermoplastic valves ..................................................... 6 Titanium ..................................................................... 13 Transdermal diffusion cell .......................................... 76 Transmission fluid....................................................... 45 Tray dryer.................................................................... 82 Truck blowers.............................................................. 55 Tube .......................................................................... 81 Tubular drag conveyor ................................................ 79 ‘U’ tube ................................................................. 81 UPLC .........................................................................BC Vacuum booster pump ....................................... FIC Vacuum conveyor ........................................................ 79 Vacuum or hot gas drying........................................... 27 Vacuum system ........................................................ FIC Variable area flowmeters ............................................. 83 Vertical glandless pumps ............................................. 79 Wastewater treatment system ................................ 76 Water-based paint ....................................................... 47 Water soluble grade .................................................... 41 Welded pipe ................................................................ 81

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

Looking For A Specific Product?

Searching and sourcing products were never so easy.

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

eg. CW Pump and send it to 51818 84

Chemical al W World | September 2012

LIST OF ADVERTISERS

Advertiser’s Name & Contact Details

Analytical Technologies Limited

Pg No

G M Engineering T: +91-2827-287658 E: valve@gmengg.com W: www.gmengg.com

13

83

Hapman India T: +91-265-2517505 E: info@hapman.in W: www.hapman.in

79

47

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

4

HRS Process Systems Ltd T: +91-20-66047894 E: info@hrsasia.co.in W: www.hrsasia.co.in IKA India Private Limited T: +91-80-26253900 E: process@ika.in W: www.ika.in

E: info@ais-india.com W: www.ais-india.com T: +91-2646-250025 E: sales@megamachineryindia.com W: www.megamachineryindia.com BASF India Ltd T: +91-22-66618000 E: contact-us-india@basf.com W: www.basf.com BHS-Sonthofen (India) Pvt. Ltd.

27

T: +91-40-23315341/45 E: neelesh@bhs-sonthofen.in W: www.bhs-sonthofen.in Carbon India

41

T: +91-11-23236666 E: carbonindia@eth.net CM Flowmeters India Pvt Ltd

83

T: +91-33-24421456 E: cmflowmeters@vsnl.net W: www.cmflowmeters.com Damco India Pvt Ltd

15

T: +91-22-33088249 E: Commercial.India@damco.com W: www.damco.com Dev Engineers

79

T: +91-79-26403839 E: info@devpumps.com W: www.devpumps.com Engineering Expo

Pg No

86

T: +91-265-2253620

Anup Engineering

Advertiser’s Name & Contact Details

59

Jyoti Ceramic Industries Pvt Ltd T: +91-253-2350120 E: info@jyoticeramics.com W: www.jyoticeramics.com

43

8

45

19

Shiva Analyticals (India) Limited T: +91-80-27971322 E: gupta@shivatec-india.com W: www.shivatec-india.com Suraj Limited T: +91-79-27540720 E: suraj@surajgroup.com W: www.surajgroup.com

81

Swam Pneumatics Pvt Ltd T: +91-120-4696222 E: swamatic@airtelmail.com W: www.swamatics.com

55

Toshvin Analytical Pvt Ltd T: +91-22-23015096 E: info@toshvin.com W: www.toshvin.com

61

UBM India Private Limited T: +91-22-67692415 E: axeena.alex@ubm.com W: www.informexindia.in

63

UHDE India Private Ltd T: +91-22-40478308 E: uhdein@thyssenkrupp.com W: www.uhdeindia.com

53

UNP Polyvalves India Pvt Ltd T: +91-265-2649248 E: mktg@polyvalve.com W: www.polyvalve.com

6

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

BC

3

Network 18 Media & Investments Ltd 36 T: +91-22-30034650 E: b2b@network18publishing.com W: www.mphonline.in Netzsch Technologies India Pvt. Ltd. 31 T: +91-44-42965111 E: yasotha.palanisamy@netzsch.com W: www.netzsch.com

11

22

E: sales@flosteer.com

Perennial Technologies Pvt Ltd T: +91-20-22953511 E: sales@perennial.co.in

W: www.flosteer.com

W: www.powerrental.co.in

Everest Transmission

FIC

T: +91-11-45457777 E: info@everestblowers.com W: www.everestblowers.com Flosteer Engineers Pvt Ltd T: +91-79-65435676

33

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

Satyam Industries T: +91-09881204322 E: satyaminds@yahoo.co.in W: www.satyamindustries.com

Pentair Water India Pvt Ltd T: +91-120-4199444 E: marketing.india@pentair.com W: www.pentair.com

W: www.engg-expo.com

49

81

29

E: engexpo@infomedia18.in

Power Build Ltd T: +91-2692-231070 E: infopbl@elecon.com W: www.pbl.co.in

Pg No

Satjyot Enterprises T: +91-09810403546 E: satjyotenterprises@yahoo.co.in W: www.satjyot-enterprises.com

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

T: +91-09819552270

Advertiser’s Name & Contact Details

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

Our consistent advertisers

September 2012 | Chemical World

85