ISSN 0409-7467

CIMFR designs First Highwall Mining in India

India's domestic energy requirement is met by coal combustion to the extent of about 60%. Currently the country produces about 500 MT of coal per year, 80% of which comes from opencast mines. There has been a great need to substantially increase the coal production in the coming decade to meet our growing economy. Unfortunately, many of Indian opencast mines are reaching their pit limits. Existence of surface dwellings in many places limits the expansion of currently running opencast mines. Also, in many cases the overburden becomes so high that coal extraction becomes uneconomical. But with the use of highwall machines, a cutter is placed on the top of a continuous miner kind of material, and taken through a conveyor inside the seam, which is almost 500-600 m deep inside. That was not possible till now, and large amounts remained untapped owing to limited means and high cost of mining of that seam. Highwall mining is a new technology which can extend the life of opencast mines without disturbing the surface dwellings, and maintaining economy and productivity. This technology is in use in United States and Australia but yet to be introduced in Indian coalfields. It is a remotely operated coal mining technology closely related to underground mining machinery. The method comprises extraction of coal from a series of parallel entries driven in the coal seam from the face of the highwall. These entries are unmanned, unsupported and unventilated. The Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CIMFR), Dhanbad, is instrumental in adapting this new technology for Indian geomining conditions by providing scientific extraction design for the first two Highwall Mining sites at Ramagundem Opencast Project-II of M/s Singareni Collieries Company Ltd (SCCL) and Quarry SEB and AB, West Bokaro of M/s Tata Steel Ltd (TSL).

15 JULY 2009 177 R&D Highlights

Plastic state Elastic shear-n shear-p shear-n shear-p tension-p shear-n tension-n shear-p tension-p shear-p shear-p tension-p tension-p

Peak strength=8.73 MPa

8.0

7.0 Pa) 6 6.0

5.0

4.0 Vertical stress (X10 3.0

2.0

x 1.0 2.0 3.0 y x Vertical strain (x10-3) Fig. 1 : Elastic model geometry of OCP-II highwall mining of SCCL Fig. 2 : Stress-strain curve and plasticity states of a Model of OCP-II, SCCL

Fig. 3 : ADDCAR Highwall Mining in operation at Miller Brothers Fig. 4 : View of 15 working benches of both Coal and OB of Quarry-SEB of Coal LLC, Kentucky, USA M/s Tata Steel Limited (TSL), West Bokaro where CIMFR-designed highwall mining would start shortly

Indian geomining conditions are Mining operations, maximum coal Mining team visited USA to gather found to be widely different from recovery and protection of surface practical experience on Highwall those existing in other parts of the and sub-surface properties. Coal Mining operation and meet world, with the existence of multiple recovery of up to 60% has been renowned experts, so that in future, seams and frequently varying designed by CIMFR at the above this type of work can be carried out geology. CIMFR had conducted a mining sites. In the process, novel at any complex rock-geologic series of numerical modelling approaches for pillar designing have condition with much ease and studies coupled with empirical also been formulated specifically for confidence, using formulations and approach and decades of experience long and slender web pillars formed base-data generated by CIMFR and in coal mine geomechanics to come during Highwall Mining operations. other Indian organizations. They up with optimum highwall mining Recently Dr John P. Loui, acquired reach experience, extraction designs. The designs also Scientist-‘EI’ and Dr P. Pal Roy, knowledge and understanding by consider safety during Highwall Scientist-‘G’ of CIMFR Highwall visiting Colowayo mine, Denver

178 CSIR NEWS R&D Highlights

9.57 MPa A

9.0 Block contour of Safety factor

0.0 to 0.5 8.0 0.5 to 1.0 XI 1.0 to 1.5 1.5 to 2.0

7.0 2.0 to 2.5 Block State None 2.5 to 3.0 shear-n shear-p 3.0 to 3.5 shear-p 6.0 > 3.0 B Stress (MPa) 5.0

4.0

XU 3.0

XL

2.0 6.0 8.0 x 10-a Strain

9.32 MPa IX

9.0

8.0

VIII

7.0

Block State None shear-n shear-p shear-n shear-p tension-p 6.0 shear-n tension-n shear-p tension-p shear-p Stress (MPa)

5.0 Fig. 6 : Closer view of safety factor contours in (A) Seam XI and (B) Seams XU, XL, IX and VIII of Quarry SEB of TSL 4.0 capability developed by CIMFR, the 3.0 coal mining companies in India and abroad can now procure the

2.0 6.0 8.0 machinery and extract the locked up x 10-a Strain coal resource safely and economically. This noteworthy work Fig. 5 : Stress-strain curves for width/height ratio of 2.5 in has been possible as a result of (a) long pillar (b) equivalent square pillar of Quarry SEB, TSL dedicated involvement of a group of scientists among which Dr John P. where multiple seam Highwall David Newman, President, Loui and Dr C. Sawmliana acted as Mining is undertaken and also Appalachian Mining & Engineering, Project Leaders at both the sites Dr witnessing Highwall Mining Inc., who is active in Highwall P. Pal Roy acted as Coordinator operation at Miller Brothers Coal Mining design in eastern USA. while Dr Amalendu Sinha, Director, LLC, Kentucky and meeting Dr With the scientific design CIMFR provided his skilful advice and guidance.

15 JULY 2009 179 R&D Highlights

Indo-German Open Ocean Experiment to Test Effects of Iron Fertilization on Ecology and Carbon Uptake Potential of Southern Ocean (LOHAFEX)

he Indo-German Iron Fertiliza- Iron is highly insoluble in sea water, the iron selectively lost, then the CO2 Ttion Experiment LOHAFEX so, unlike the other nutrients, is taken up is returned to the (LOHA in Hindi for iron, FEX for quickly lost in sinking particles. atmosphere within months. Fertilization EXperiment), a Addition of trace amounts of iron to However, the organic particles in the collaborative venture between these waters, whether from natural form of phytoplankton cells and National Institute of Oceanography sources (contact with land masses zooplankton faecal material that of CSIR and Alfred- Wegener and via settling dust blown of the settle out of the surface layer

Institute – Helm Boltz Association, continents) or by artificial iron sequester CO2 for longer time scales Germany, was carried out from the fertilization (from a ship releasing depending on how deep they sink. German research vessel dissolved iron sulfate to the surface Carbon transported in particles that “Polarstern” in the southwest layer), results in rapid algal growth sink below 3,000 m is sequestered Atlantic from 7 January to 17 March leading to development of for centuries and the portion buried 2009. The interdisciplinary team of phytoplankton blooms. in the sediments for much longer. 48 scientists from India (29), Phytoplankton grow by taking up Five iron fertilization

Germany (10), Italy (3), Spain (2), UK CO2 dissolved in sea water and experiments in the Southern Ocean (2), France and Chile (1 each) on converting the carbon into biomass have created phytoplankton blooms

board “Polarstern” closely (organic matter). Because the CO2 but only in the previous experiment collaborated in monitoring the algal dissolved in the ocean’s surface layer EIFEX carried out from Polarstern, bloom expected to grow in the is in equilibrium with the was it possible to actually follow the fertilized patch of ocean and atmosphere, blooms cause a deficit, rain of particles sinking through the studying its effects on the chemistry which is compensated by uptake underlying deep water column and biology for at least 45 days. from the atmosphere. The fate of the because the experiment was carried The results of LOHAFEX will bloom biomass determines how long out in the closed core of a stationary,

be of great interest to both ocean this CO2 is retained in the ocean. If rotating eddy. LOHAFEX was also ecologists and geochemists because the organic the minute, unicellular algae matter is suspended in the sunlit surface layer recycled by known as phytoplankton not only bacteria and provide the food sustaining all zooplankton oceanic life but also play a key role - unicellular in regulating concentrations of the protozoa

greenhouse gas CO2 in the and a variety atmosphere. of small The Southern Ocean encircling animals that Antarctica is rich in the nutrients graze on nitrate, phosphate and silicon but phytoplankton the phytoplankton growth is limited - within the by the supply of iron which is a surface crucial ingredient of all organisms. layer, and German research vessel Polarstern.

180 CSIR NEWS R&D Highlights

conducted in a pre- selected eddy but the 2-Tonne Force Generating Shape Memory size of the patch was twice as large – 300 Alloy Actuator Bank km2 fertilized with 20 tonnes of iron sulfate. s part of the project titled “Deploy Advanced Composites Division of the EIFEX had to be A ment of Mousche Using Shape National Aerospace Laboratories terminated after 35 Memory Alloy” awarded by (NAL), Bangalore. The SMA actuator days while the bloom Aeronautical Development Agency bank moves a distance of 15mm while was still growing and (ADA) under the DISMAS programme generating a net actuator force of over sinking but a 2000 kg (2Tonne) force generating 2000 kg. This force is used to deploy the LOHAFEX last 10 smart Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) additional aerodynamic surface days longer and actuator bank has been developed at (referred to as ‘Mousche’) measuring quantified the amount sinking to depth more accurately. Another goal of LOHAFEX was to study the effects of iron fertilization on the zooplankton, in particular the shrimp- like krill, which is the main food of Antarctic penguins, seals and whales. Stocks of krill have declined by over 80% during the past decades and their response to the iron- Fig. 1 : Pictorial view of experimental setup fertilized bloom will indicate whether the 790 x 215 x decline is due to Output Shaft Mousche 32mm against a declining productivity Rooler Inclined tracks simulated lift of the region for which Rope and drag load there is evidence. Spring acting Thus, large-scale iron simultaneously. fertilization of the krill Front view i.e. resultant lift habitat could well help Mousche load of 331.6 kg in boosting their Inclined tracks and drag load of stocks to their former 33.16 kg acting high densities and at the C.G of facilitate long-term the Mousche. recovery of the The SMA bank decimated great whale consists of 130 populations. Fig. 2 : Schematic of lift & drag load mechanism

15 JULY 2009 181 Seminars/Symposia

wires of about 1mm in diameter and 650mm in Seminar on Safeguarding of length. The actuation of these 130 wires is Intellectual Property Rights electronically and mechanically synchronized. ive a man a fish and you have fed him for a day, teach him fishing and The Mousche has been Gyou have fed him for a lifetime. This was exactly the message of the analyzed using standard one- day seminar on ‘Safeguarding of Intellectual Property Rights’ organized FEM codes for the combined at National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bangalore, on 1 May 2009 by NAL’s lift and drag load. Knowledge and Technology Management Division (KTMD). It was the Experimental and analysis concluding seminar of the series of conferences held as part of the Golden values have matched well. Jubilee celebrations of NAL. The electronics circuit The objective of the seminar was to spread awareness, motivate and educate assembly of Smart Actuator the scientists about the importance of intellectual property through an array Driver Electronics (SADE) of expert lectures. that powers the SMA actuator bank has been designed and developed in Symposium on the form of Mother and Daughter boards. Each Healthy Life in Platinum Years Daughter board is having six and Thereafter miniaturized DC-DC converters and the required power and control signals are national symposium on ‘Healthy Life in Platinum Years and Thereafter’ routed to the Motherboard. A was held at the North-East Institute of Science & Technology (NEIST), The SADE has been Jorhat, on 19 March 2009. NEIST organized this event in collaboration with the CSIR Pensioners Welfare Association (CPWA), NER Branch, Jorhat and integrated to carry out the All India CSIR Pensioners Welfare Association. It was attended by Prof Samir full load test. NI 6009 DAQ K Brahmachari, Director General, CSIR; Dr G. Thyagarajan, former Director card along with GUI of NEIST (then called Regional Research Laboratory, RRL-Jorhat); Dr P.G. software LabVIEW is used to Rao, Director, NEIST; Dr B.N. Dhawan, former Director, CDRI; Dr V.P. conduct the experiments. Kamboj, President, CPWA; renowned scientists and doctors from all over India, The assembly of the SMA invited dignitaries, media personnel and NEIST fraternity and CPWA bank along with Mousche is members. Dr P.G. Rao extended a warm welcome to the distinguished gathering shown in figure 1. The and mentioned about CPWA’s activities and its role in the society. schematic diagram of The symposium was inaugurated by Prof Brahmachari, Dr Thyagarajan, the drag load and lift load and other dignitaries. Prof Brahmachari also released a souvenir, symposium mechanism is shown in brochure and launched a new website of CPWA. Speaking on the occasion, he figure 2. remarked that unconditional love and happiness were the key to healthy life The NAL team and advised the retired people to take part in societal development. The keynote responsible for development address was delivered by Dr B.N. Dhawan. Dr V.P. Kamboj on behalf of All of this AMA actuator bank India CPWA, Lucknow, also delivered a lecture on the occasion. Lectures on consists of : G.N. Dayananda, ‘Management of age related degenerative disorders’, ‘Heart related disorders P.Senthilkumar, S. Jayasankar, in old age’, ‘Role of indigenous systems of medicine’, ‘Health foods for healthy Byji Varughese, B. Ramanaiah, aging’ and ‘Financial Planning and Management’ were delivered by the experts. Satisha and H.V. Ramachandra. The technical session was followed by a panel discussion and several recommendations were made.

182 CSIR NEWS Meetings/Workshops

Annual General Meeting of Workshop on IPR Awareness Indian Society for Advancement of Materials and Process Engineering ntellectual Property Rights (IPRs) play an Iimportant role in the development of he Indian Society for Advancement of Materials and Innovation-driven sectors like Drugs & TProcess Engineering (ISAMPE), dedicated to the Pharmaceuticals. There has been a recent promotion of Materials and Process Technology in this spurt in promoting various aspects of IPRs country was founded in September 1985, with the aim of during the last decade, and efforts continue to bringing together scientists, engineers, academicians, adequately expose the scientific community to industrialists and private entrepreneurs of the Materials and the complex issues involved. Processing community to a common platform to promote the The S&T knowledge Resource Centre of materials and process technology in this country. The 23rd Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Annual General Meeting (AGM), of ISAMPE was held at Lucknow, organized an IPR Awareness General the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bangalore, on Workshop on 26 April 2009—the World 12 June 2009 Intellectual Property Day declared by WIPO. Shri P.S. Subramanyam, Director, ADA, Bangalore, who The workshop was meant not only for S&T was the Chief Guest on the occasion, delivered the keynote staff of CDRI but also for all the other CSIR address, ‘On Role of Composites in the Light Combat Aircraft Labs of Lucknow, besides other S&T as well as (Tejas) Programme of ADA’. Expressing his happiness over academic institutions in town. In keeping with the composites development for the TEJAS programme he WIPO’s focus this year on promoting Green opined that the country needs to continue to forge ahead Innovation as the key to a secure future, the with newer innovations. focal theme was covered in ‘IPRs for Traditional The Vijay Zaveri Memorial Lecture was delivered by Shri Health Systems’. Pramod Rastogi, Chief Manager, CMD, HAL, Bangalore, Dr Sheela Tandon, Scientist-in-Charge, on ‘Trends in Composite Manufacturing’. He gave a bird’s S&T Knowledge Resource Centre, CDRI, in eye view on the low cost manufacturing techniques. her welcome address gave a brief introduction Presiding over the meeting, Dr A. R. Upadhya Director about the purpose of workshop. Dr T.K. complemented ISAMPE for successfully carrying forward Chakraborty, Director, CDRI, delivered the the vision of its founder President, late Prof A.K. Rao. He inaugural address and Dr R. Rajashekharan, opined that composites was on firm grounds and ISAMPE Director, CIMAP, as well as Dr K.C. Gupta, should try and foster other newer areas like nano technology, Director, IITR, presented views on the smart composites and the like. importance of commercially viable and Dr S. Sridhara Murthy chaired the technical session with important patents. the theme on Advances in processing technologies. Dr Satish Dr V.K. Gupta, Scientist G from NISTADS, V Kailas, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical delivered his lecture on IPR protection for Engineering Indian Institute of Science, gave a talk on technological development. Dr S.B. Katti, ‘Friction Stir Welding’; Shri A. Udayakumar, Scientist, Scientist G from CDRI, in his lecture, highlighted the importance of Green Materials Science Division, NAL, on ‘Monolithic and Innovations. In the context of Green Composite-based Ceramic Products for Aerospace Innovations, Dr N.N. Mehrotra of CDRI Applications’ and Mr M.S. Velpari, Chief Manager described the importance of innovations in (Development), F&F Division, Hindustan Aeronautics Traditional Medicines and Medicinal Plants Limited, Bangalore, on ‘An Overview of Advanced and an alternative framework for their IPR Manufacturing Processes in Forging, Casting and Powder protection. Dr Shashi Rana of CST-UP gave Metallurgy Components’. All the talks were followed by an overview of IPR status in UP. Dr S.R. fruitful deliberations.

15 JULY 2009 183 Foundation Day Celebrations

Kulkarni of CDRI described various NEIST celebrates Foundation Day methodologies for patent searches and information sources in he North-East Institute of Hyderabad and Central Leather patents. Mr Aditya Science & Technology (NEIST), Research Institute, Chennai, presided T th Kant, an Attorney on Jorhat, celebrated its 48 Foundation over the function. The function was Patents from Delhi, Day on 18 March 2009. Prof. Samir K. attended by scientists, invited explained in details the Brahmachari, Director General, CSIR, dignitaries, prominent citizens of the importance of the graced the occasion as Chief Guest and town, students, teachers and members clause 3 (d) in the delivered the Foundation Day lecture. Dr of NEIST fraternity, CSIR Pensioners context of non- G. Thyagarajan, a former Director of Welfare Association members coming patentable inventions. NEIST [then called Regional Research from all over the country and media. Besides these Laboratory (RRL-Jorhat)], Indian Welcoming the gathering, Dr P.G. lectures a panel Institute of Chemical Technology, Rao, Director, NEIST, briefly spoke discussion on the about the activities of the institute in the theme was organized NE region. and a special In the Foundation Day lecture, Prof. supplement of ‘Drugs & Brahmachari mentioned about the Pharmaceuticals – performance of CSIR in the past and Industry Highlights’ present and projections for the future. was also published on He pointed out that the CSIR’s future this occasion. The technology development programmes issue has some articles would have emphasis on improving the from the experts, quality of life of 800 million people of besides the lists of India, particularly the poorest of the poor. patents filed and He said that there is no parallel granted to the four Prof Samir K Brahmachari, Director General, CSIR, competitor of CSIR in India in matters CSIR Labs in delivering the NEIST Foundation Day lecture of filing of patents or in the number of Lucknow. Some basic facts on various aspects of IPR have also been provided for awareness generation. More than 150 scientists, research fellows and postgraduate students of pharmacy colleges and law faculty attended the workshop. Mr W.F. Rahman summed up the function and proposed the vote of thanks on behalf of the organizing committee. Students visiting NEIST during ‘Open Day’

184 CSIR NEWS Foundation Day Celebrations/Lectures

patents granted as well as publication of research papers with high impact factors. He also said Energy R&D for Rural Development that producing Ph. D. students still has a long Prof. Tilak Memorial Lecture by way to go to set its own standards. He also mentioned about the immense scope of NEIST Dr A.K. Rajvanshi in scientific research in NE region. He advised retired CSIR staff to take the responsibility of educating at least one child of a poor family and thus be a part of societal development. Prof Brahmachari also released the newly published NEIST Annual Report for 2007-08 and NEIST Highlights 2008-09. He also felicitated the 16 NEIST personnel who had retired during 2008-09 for their services rendered towards the growth and development of the institute, and also the staff members who had achieved excellence and rendered exemplary performances in their respective fields, by presenting them silver plaques. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to staff members for high impact factor research papers, patents granted in India and abroad, developing novel Dr Ani K. Rajvanshi delivering Prof. Tilak Memorial Lecture technology, generating highest external cash flow, exemplary R&D support, to the best SRF, r Anil K. Rajvanshi, Director, Nimbkar Agricul- JRF and women scientist and for best tural Research Institute (NARI), Phaltan near Pune, performance in sports, etc. D delivered the National Technology Day Lecture and the In the Presidential remark, Dr Thyagarajan sixth Professor B.D. Tilak Memorial Lecture at National talked about the scope and role of retired person Chemical Laboratory (NCL), Pune, on 22 May 2009. A in societal development and said that pioneer in establishing a close relationship between NCL Foundation Day provides an opportunity to assess the performances and plan for the future. and chemical industries, Prof. Tilak was Director of NCL On this occasion, four new infra facilities from 1966 to 1978. Prof. Tilak contributed significantly to were also inaugurated by Prof Brahmachari, the country’s march towards self-reliance in chemical namely the Param Gem High Performance technology. Under his dynamic leadership NCL Computing Center in Geoscience, Single Crystal contributed to the establishment of several industries based X–ray Diffractrometry in Analytical Chemistry on NCL know-how. He also contributed immensely to the Division, Polymer Laboratory in Petroleum & preparation of science and technology plan of chemical Natural Gas Division and North East industry. Exploration of Pharmaceuticals in Natural Dr Rajvanshi spoke on ‘Energy R&D for Rural Products Chemistry Division. The laboratory Development’. Dr Rajvanshi remembered his association also observed ‘Open Day’ for the students, with Prof. Tilak, informing that Prof. Tilak was on Advisory teachers and others in the morning hours Board of NARI from 1981 till his death. In his talk, Dr between 10.00 am to 12.00 noon. Nearly 200 Rajvanshi focused on rural energy scenario and problems, students visited and interacted with NEIST possible high tech solutions, energy from agriculture, and scientists. The celebration concluded with a how laboratories like NCL and NARI can collaborate in brief cultural programme in the evening. solving some of them.

15 JULY 2009 185 Lectures

Regarding rural scenario, Dr survive on such norms. He informed Dr Rajvanshi also recommen- Rajvanshi said that even in 21st that India produces approx. 600 ded the need of decentralized century and sixty year after million tonnes of agricultural energy production at Taluka level in independence nearly 20,000 villages residues every year. The agricultural the form of biomass or coal based have not seen electricity and about residue is mostly burnt in fields plants (10-20 MW capacity), small 60% of rural population has nearly creating environmental pollution scale plants (10-500 kWe range), and non-existent electricity. Most of our and loss of energy. Dr Rajvanshi said micro scale power units that can villagers use kerosene for lighting that the residue can be used to produce 40-50 W power. and consume 180-200 million tonnes/ produce three types of fuel such as Dr Rajvanshi said that nearly yr of biomass per annum for cooking liquid fuels like ethanol, gaseous fuel half of India’s population is below in inefficient and smoky stoves. like methane (biogas) and electricity the age of twenty-five and mass Because of indoor pollution from via biomass-based power plants. communication has raised their these ineffective devices around Residues can give an extra income level of expectations. Scientists, 300,000 deaths take place every year. of Rs 2000-4000 per acre per year to technologists, corporate world and Energy is the basis of life. the farmers and can work as GOI should work together in solving Human Development Index is insurance against distress sale. the rural energy problems. To make directly linked to electricity Increased agriculture will result in India superpower, the rural poor consumption, but energy situation increased residues. Farms and should be brought into mainstream in India is alarmingly low. Our farmers are the backbone of any of development. average per capita consumption is nation since they can produce food, Earlier, Dr S. Sivaram, Director, 5%(18 GJ/annum) compared to US fuel and wealth from the land. High NCL ,in his welcome remarks (350 GJ/yr.) and our rural per capita tech innovations are needed for described Prof. Tilak as a strong electricity consumption is just 60 them. Dr Rajvanshi emphasized on proponent of technology for kWh/annum, the lowest in the the need of R&D in the areas such development and self-reliance. Prof world. as, cellulosic conversion of residues Tilak, after his retirement, was Energy from agriculture can into ethanol, conversion of plant saps active in many forums that dealt solve the twin problem of electricity into useful fuel, chemical additives with rural development. Introducing and liquid fuel shortage and will for biodiesel and ethanol, increasing Dr Rajvanshi to the audience, Dr provide rural wealth and create stability of pyrolysis oil, high tech Sivaram said that he is a true social employment. Adequate liquid or biogas reactor to run on residues, entrepreneur who after education gaseous fuels which are environment and residues into fertilizer. from IIT-Kanpur and a doctoral friendly and locally produced can Dr Rajvanshi said that size degree from USA in chemical solve the cooking and lighting reduction, sustainability, increased engineering, chose to direct his problems. Dr Rajvanshi efficiency, equilibrium with energy to applying appropriate S&T recommended the development of to the needy of the rural population. high technology for rural surroundings and robustness are hallmark of evolution. Most of the He further said that Dr Rajvanshi development as it will allow has a passion for delivering energy maximum extraction of materials research and development in to rural areas based on two and energy from dilute distributed agriculture, renewable energy, and abundantly available resources, resources available. sustainable development that are sunlight and biomass. People like In any agriculture, 25-40% of being carried out at NARI follow him can open-up our eyes to new produce is food and rest is residue these routes. He also listed few opportunities to apply S&T to those since there is no remunerations examples of NARI’s contribution to at the bottom of the economic from residues, farming is energy production, lighting and pyramid. uneconomical. No industry can cooking.

186 CSIR NEWS Lectures

Liquid Transportation Fuel Options Dr L. K. Doraiswamy Honour Lecture by Prof. J. R. Katzer

rof. J. R. Katzer, Depart- electricity sold to the grid at a cost ment of Chemical and P of avoided CO2 that is about one- Biological Engineering, Iowa half that for a power plant. Prof. State University, USA, brought Katzer said, almost all routes out the common dependability involve many chemical and factor of liquid fuels between the biochemical engineering United States and India while challenges at both, the delivering a lecture on 5 June fundamental science and the 2009 at the National Chemical engineering levels. The potential Laboratory (NCL), Pune, as part offered by advances in both of the Dr L. K. Doraiswamy conventional and new power Honour Lecture series. This trains to impact fuel consumption lecture was held as a part of the Prof. Katzer delivering his lecture on was considered. ‘Liquid Transportation Fuel Options’ symposium organized by NCL on Dr S. Sivaram, Director, ‘Advances in Chemical Engineering dioxide. He discussed in detail the NCL, welcomed the audience and and Process Technology’ conversion of coal and biomass to invited them to participate in the (ACEPT’09). While delivering the liquid fuels by gasification followed ACEPT’09 symposium. Dr Sivaram lecture on “Liquid Transportation by Fischer- Tropsch synthesis. He summarized the series of national Fuel Options”, he pointed out that also gave optional processes of symposia held earlier this year that the world is almost entirely methanol synthesis and methanol to focussed on catalysis, national dependent on petroleum for gasoline and presented an analysis meeting of the Chemical Research transportation fuels. Stressing that of the cost and performance. Society (CRSI) of India and over 90% of U.S. transportation fuel Biomass conversion by biochemical announcement of an upcoming comes from petroleum, he said that routes focused on cellulosic ethanol. symposium in September on out of it two-third is imported. A He said, coal to liquids can produce Advances in Newer Materials. Dr high dependence on petroleum liquid transportation fuels with life- Sivaram then briefed the audience therefore engenders security, cycle greenhouse gas emissions on the objectives of ACEPT and stability, risks availability, and equivalent to those of crude oil- stated that it aimed at exploring increasing demand growth resulting derived fuels. Prof. Katzer gave the recent developments and trends in in supply restriction. Prof. Katzer benefits of geological storage of plant chemical engineering science and said unfortunately there was still no process technology. Dr Sivaram said CO2 emissions over venting plant real substitute for crude oil in it would also provide an excellent CO2 and said that geological storage fueling the transportation sector. opportunity for post-graduate of plant CO2 was cost effective. With Prof. Katzer highlighted the students and young researchers to geological storage of plant CO2 available options and technologies emissions, combining coal and interact with eminent scholars involved with product costs and biomass (60%/40%) can produce working in this area. In his welcome their environmental impacts with simultaneously carbon-free remarks he stated that ACEPT was regard to particularly carbon transportation fuels and carbon-free coinciding with L. K. Doraiswamy

15 JULY 2009 187 Lectures/N TD Celebrations

Honour Lectureship series and the felicitation ceremony of Dr B.D. National Technology Day Kulkarni, Deputy Director, NCL. Dr Sivaram briefly spoke about of Dr Celebrations at NAL Doraiswamy in whose honour the lecture was organized. Dr Doraiswamy, he he National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), stated, was the first non-chemist Director Bangalore, celebrated National Technology Day on 11 at NCL who is presently the Anson T May 2009. The programme started with a welcome address Marston Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Iowa State University. by NAL Director Dr A. R. Upadhya. Dr Upadhya stated During his long service in CSIR he that Technology Day symbolizes India’s technology prowess established an internationally reputed - conducting a nuclear test at Pokhran, the successful test research group in chemical engineering firing of the Trishul Missile and the maiden flight of the science which has continued the tradition indigenous two-seater Hansa-3. These achievements in of scholarships reputation till date. He Science and Technology have given our country enviable then welcomed Prof. James Katzer. Once strength and self-confidence to stand on our own. He a year, representatives from Iowa State introduced the Chief Guest Shri H. N. L. N. Simha, Vice University’s Chemical and Biological President (Strategic Electronics Center), Larsen & Toubro Engineering Department, the National Limited, Bangalore, as a young, dynamic, next generation Chemical Laboratory in Pune, India, and leader. the Department of Chemical Technology Shri H. N. L. N. Simha, in his address shared his thoughts at the University of Bombay (UDCT) on Technology Innovation: Keystone to Self-reliance. At L&T select an internationally recognized Mr Simha is involved in Defense Electronics- Warfare, scientist or engineer to present lectures Avionics, UAVs and Military Communications and design at Iowa State and NCL. and manufacture of AVIONICS Subsystems. He spoke about Dr Amol Kulkarni, Scientist, Chemical Engineering and Process why self-reliance is important, what is innovation, why is Development introduced Prof. Katzer to innovation important, why is it important in India, journey the audience with details on his academic in innovation, innovation to cash tool, hurdles to innovation and professional career and ended the in India and barriers to successful innovation. He gave a function with a vote of thanks. detailed account of innovation at L&T adding that Technology The lecture was attended by a galaxy innovation is all about Imagineering. He said L&T harbours of distinguished persons including Prof. and fosters innovation environment. He also mentioned that M. M. Sharma, Prof. Rajendra Kumar, Dr L&T has filed over 100 patents for electrical & electronic Paul Ratnasamy, Dr B. D. Kulkarni, Dr products in successive years. Stating he expressed that we Ajit Sapre, (President, Technology need to build a powerful India not necessarily rich India, Reliance Industries Ltd.), Prof. K. S. there are huge opportunities for innovation at NAL, DRDO Gandhi and Dr V. M. Naik, (former Head and other such organizations. He concluded his lecture (R&D), Hindustan Unilever). In addition, saying he is proud of being part of L&T - a self reliant about 150 delegates from ACEPT company founded on innovation. symposium including several distinguished The programme coordinated by Knowledge and chemical engineering faculties from various Technology Management Division, ended with a vote of institutions in India were present. thanks pro-posed by Dr M. R. Nayak, Adviser, (M&A).

188 CSIR NEWS Appointments

Dr Anil K. Gupta takes over as Director, AMPRI

r Anil K Gupta has taken over Professor at Department of Material Das Director of Advanced Science & Metallurgy, IIT, Materials and Processes Research Kharagpur (2005-08) and AICTE- Institute (AMPRI), Bhopal, with INAE Distinguished Visiting effect from 9 April 2009. Professor at Institute of Technology, Dr Gupta (born on 2 April 1951) Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi obtauned his Bachelor’s Degree in (2007-2008), Dr Gupta is currently Engineering in 1973 from National Research Council Member of Institute of Technology (NIT), Central Glass & Ceramic Research Warangal, (A.P.) in First Division Institute (CGCRI), Kolkata and with Distinction. He did his Ph.D Management Council Member at industrial applications. (Engg) in 1987 from Delhi College NPL and NISCAIR, New Delhi; Dr Gupta has interacted of Engineering, University of Delhi. AMPRI, Bhopal, CEERI, Pilani; effectively with Indian industries He started his career as and NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram. and provided an important link Management Trainee with M/s J.K. Dr Gupta is on the Editorial between CSIR Laboratories and Industries Ltd, and rose to Advisory Board of Indian Institute industry. His collaborations with Development Engineer. After of Metals (IIM-Universities Press) industry extended from those in nearly four years of industrial book series in Metallurgy and India to overseas, such as Hero experience, he moved to National Materials Science. He is also Honda and General Motors. He Physical laboratory (NPL), New reviewer for various international was responsible for setting up a cold Delhi, in February 1977 as Scientist and national journals. Dr Gupta is and warm forging plant for B. He was Scientist G and Head, Chairman, Alloy Steel & Forging transmission components of two- Division of Engineering Materials Sectional Committee (MTDC-16) – wheelers for Hero Group of since 1999. During his 32 years of BIS. He is also Member, Industries in 1998. This unit has tenure at NPL, he was actively Metallurgical Engineering since been expanded to two engaged in the R&D and R&D Divisional Council (MTDC) – BIS, separate plants as M/s Shivam management. Dr Gupta also served Member, Mechanical & Production Autotech Ltd, amounting to Rs 100 as Acting Director, NPL on a Engineering Divisional Council crore each at Hardwar and number of occasions. (MPDC)- BIS. Gurgaon. Under a General Motors Dr Gupta established an Dr Gupta’s collaborative efforts sponsored project, an important excellent Metals and Materials have taken him to both National and development using Mg alloy Science lab in NPL and built-up an International partners. On the resulted in improvement of ductility excellent team of scientists in the International Scene, he collaborated from 9% to 30%. This innovation field working on a variety of metals, with MITI, Japan in the area of would play an important role in the alloys and composite materials for multi-axes forging; Fraunhoffer’s replacement of conventional materials development, fabrication Institute, Germany; University of aluminium alloys with novel technology, study of structure and Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA in the magnesium alloys in near future. properties, metal deformation etc. area of Metal Matrix Composites; Dr Gupta has been AICTE- and developed deformation University of California, Davies, INAE Distinguished Visiting procedures for various materials for USA, in the area of Spray

15 JULY 2009 189 Appointments

Forming;University of Sheffield, UK, in the area of Metal Deformation by Dr S. Gangopadhyay takes over as Extrusion. Dr Gupta has extensively travelled abroad. He has visited USA, Director of CRRI Canada, UK, France, Belgium, Germany, Austria, Singapore, South r Subhamay Gangopadhyay, Korea, Japan etc. On the National DScientist G, has taken over Scene, he has collaborated with as Director of Central Road DMRL, Hyderabad; IISc, and HAL, Research Institute (CRRI), New Bangalore; NIIST and VSSC, Delhi, with effect from 29 May Thiruvananthapuram. 2009. Prior to the present Dr Gupta is a Fellow of the Indian assignment, he had been serving National Academy of Engineering, as Acting Director of the (FNAE), Fellow of Institution of Institute since 2 September Engineers (India), (FIE), and Fellow 2008. of Metrology Society of India (FMSI). Dr Gangopadhyay is a B.E. He is currently on the Board of in Civil Engineering from University of Calcutta and M.Tech. in Directors, M/s Shivam Autotech Ltd Transportation System Engineering from IIT, Kanpur. He obtained (A Hero Group of Company), at his M.Sc. and Ph.D from the University of New Brunswick, Canada, Gurgaon and Hardwar. He is Hony. under Commonwealth Scholarship Plan. Joint Secretary and Council Member Dr Gangopadhyay joined CRRI as Scientist B in 1979 and rose to of Indian Institute of Metals, and was become Scientist G and Head of Traffic & Transportation Planning at Chairman, Materials Research Society CRRI. He has more than 29 years of experience in the area of Traffic of India, MRSI, Chapter Delhi (2004- Engineering & Transport Planning, Traffic Engineering & Safety, 2009). He is also Life Members of Regional and Urban Travel Demand Modeling Traffic Flow Theory and Capacity Analysis, Road Traffic Safety, Urban Traffic Congestion Aeronautical Society of India (MAeSI), and Environmental Impact of Road Transport. He has coordinated a Indian Society for Advancement of wide range of traffic and transportation studies covering many cities Metals & Process Engineering in India. (ISAMPE), Materials Research Dr Gangopadhyay has successfully carried out a number of Society of India (MRSI), and significant projects, i.e. Comprehensive Traffic and Transportation Metrology Society of India (MSI). Study for Mumbai, Surat, Amaravati, Nagpur and Aizwal; Urban Road Dr Gupta has authored/presented Traffic and Air Pollution in Major Metropolitan Cities in India; large number of scientific and Evaluation of Benefits after Implementation of Delhi Metro and technical papers, and has delivered Application of Intelligent Transport System in Delhi. more than 50 invited talks at national Dr Gangopadhyay is a member of Traffic Safety and Management and international forums. Dr Gupta Committee of the Government of India; member of Technical has supervised Ph.D. (Engg.) and Advisory Group - Sky Bus Metro of Konkan Railway; member of the M.Tech. students and was External Technical sub-group of Delhi Development Authority and of several Examiner for more than 10 Ph.D. other committees of Delhi and Central Government. He is also a life (Engg.) thesis from IISc, IITs etc and member of Institute of Urban Transport (India), Indian Roads M.Tech thesis. He was awarded Congress (IRC) and Institution of Engineers (India). Dr Gangopadhyay British Colombo Plan Fellowship in has published more than 55 research papers and about 50 technical 1978, Indo-US Fellowship in 1992 and reports. He has guided a number of Ph.D and M.E. students and has MRSI Medal was conferred in 1995. visited Canada, USA, Australia and Italy.

190 CSIR NEWS Honours & Awards/Announcements

Dr G. Parthasarathy elected Indo-US Research Fellowship FRSC- 2009 to CSIR Scientists

r G. Parthasarathy, he Indo-US Science & Technology Forum (IUSSTF) has DScientist, National Tawarded the Indo-US Research Fellowship to seven CSIR Geophysical Research scientists (below 40 years) for the year 2009 for conducting Institute (NGRI), advanced research in their prospective fields. The awardees Hyderabad, has been include: elected Fellow of the Dr Satyajit Shukla, Scientist C, National Institute for Royal Society of Interdisciplinary Science and Technology (NIIST), Chemistry, Cambridge, UK, for 2009. Thiruvananthapuram and CSIR Young Scientist Award-winner in Dr Gopalakrishna Rao Engineering Sciences (2008), has been awarded for out advanced Parthasarathy, a Ph.D. from Indian research in the area of Engineering Sciences for a duration of 12 Institute of Science (IISc), Bangalore, has months at the Argonne National Laboratory, Illinois, USA. been working in the domain of physics Dr Shashank K. Singh, Scientist C, Indian Institute of and chemistry of materials for the last Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, has been awarded the two and a half decades. He joined NGRI Fellowship for the year 2009, for conducting advanced research in in 1990 and started Mineral Physics the area of Life Sciences for a duration of 12 months at the Ohio research, studying high-pressure and - State University, USA. Dr Singh will be working with Prof. Altaf temperature behaviour of minerals at Wani at Ohio State University, Columbus, OH USA. mantle pressure and temperature Dr Rajkumar Banerjee, Scientist, Division of Lipid Science & conditions. He has also contributed to Technology,Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT), the understanding of origin of natural Hyderabad, to perform research work in the area of development fullerenes, and mineralogy of several of targeted cancer therapeutics under the mentorship of Prof. Indian meteorites. His current interests Debabrata Mukhopadhyay, Director, Angiogenesis and Vascular include thermodynamic and Biology Center & Nanotechnology and Nano Science Center, Mayo spectroscopic properties of Lunar Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA. minerals. Dr M. Ghosh, Scientist, National Metallurgical Laboratory He has published about 160 papers (NML), Jamshedpur, Jharkhand and Dr Nirmalya Karar, Scientist in peer-reviewed SCI journals of high- C, National Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi, also figure impact factor, and presented about among the awardees.of this fellowship. 150 papers in international and national The fellowship should commence within FY 2009-10. conferences. He has seven international patents and one Indian patent to Fossil Economy to Biomass Economy: his credit. He is a recipient of National Opportunities & Challenges Mineral Award, PRL Award, MRSI Medal, AP Scientist Award of APCOST, n the series of events during its Golden Jubilee Year, the Indian M.R. Srinivasa Rao Award of Geological IInstitute of Petroleum (IIP), Dehra Dun, will be holding a Society of India. He is Life Fellow of Symposium on “Fossil Economy to Biomass Economy: Geological Society of India, Opportunities & Challenges” during 19-21 August 2009. The Andhra Pradesh Akademy of Sciences, symposium will have seven technical sessions covering: Energy Indian Geophysical Union, Indian scenario, Biomass resources, Conversion technologies to gaseous Society of Applied Geochemists, and liquid fuels, Lubricants, additives and other value-added Mineralogical Society of India, and products, Analytical procedures, and Compatibility for engines. Lunar Exploration and Utilization Group Further information regarding the symposium is available (India). on symposium URL http://www.iip.res.in/iipnew/febcoc

15 JULY 2009 191 A Tribute

Prof. Ajit Ram Verma

SIR News records with profound one each at Volumes, published more than 100 Csorrow the sad demise of Prof. Ajit University of Delhi, research papers in refereed journals Ram Verma, on 4 March 2009. An BHU, and NPL. 1n and contributed numerous invited internationally renowned Physicist in 1951, using Phase papers and book chapters. His two Crystallography and an excellent S&T Contrast books on Crystal Growth have been Administrator, Prof. Verma served as Microscopy, Dr translated into Russian. Director of the National Physical Verma provided the Prof. Verma was recipient of Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi, from first unequivocal several honours and awards. Notable 1964 to 1982. experimental evidence in support of among these are: British Council Born on 20 September 1921 at screw dislocation theory of crystal Scholar (University of London) 1950- Dalmau near Lucknow, Prof. Verma growth of millimetre sizes. 52; I.C.I. Fellow (University of had done his B.Sc. (1940) and M.Sc. Prof. Verma also made valuable London) 1952-1955; Fellow of Indian (1942, Gold Medalist) in Physics from contributions to the pioneering work Academy of Sciences, Bangalore; Allahabad University. After a short stint on direct measurement of metric Fellow, National Academy of Sciences’ as Research Scholar at Allahabad, he thicknesses of Blodgett-Langmuir India, Allahabad; Member, Board of became a Lecturer in Physics at molecular films. At NPL, in Editors – Solid State Comm., University of Delhi in 1947. During collaboration with Dr Krishan Lal, Pergamong Press (Charter Member 1950-55, he worked at University of since 1966, he made several original since inception, Retd in 1990); Elected London and made well-known contributions to the field of crystal Member of International Committee contributions to the observation and growth and study of lattice on Weights and Measures (CIPM) Paris study of unimolecular growth spirals imperfections. 1966-1982; Member of Commission on the surfaces of silicon carbide As NPL Director, Dr Verma’s on Symbols, Units and Nomenclature crystals. He was awarded Ph.D. in 1952, efforts were focused on bringing of International Union of Pure & and D.Sc. in 1969 by the University of Indian National Standards of Physical Applied Physics (IUPAP); Shanti London. After serving as Reader in Measurement to International level. Swarup Bhatnagar Prize-winner in Physics for four years (1955-1959) at Also, in place of artefact standards, work Physics 1964; Padma Bhushan 1982, University of Delhi, he moved to BHU, was taken up on quantum standards. and Atma Ram Puraskar in Hindi by Varanasi ,as Professor and Head of Dr Verma laid the foundation of several Kendriya Sansthan Agra 1984. Department in 1959. He was new areas which include: Quantum Prof. Verma was a person with appointed Director of NPL in 1964 and Metrology; Materials Science many extraordinary qualities. He tried served as the leader of this prestigious including work on electronic materials to practice what he preached. A most CSIR establishment till 1982. like silicon and advanced materials like remarkable manifestation of this was the Thereafter he served as Visiting carbon fibers; high pressure and high superb mental balance he exhibited Professor, IIT, Delhi; Jawaharlal Nehru temperature synthesis of materials, during the last phase of his life, while Fellow and as Emeritus Scientist of phosphorous and piezoelectric battling the dreadful pancreatic cancer. CSIR and INSA Senior. Scientist at materials and consolidation of He established strong human bonds NPL. advanced materials characterization with numerous persons, from the Among the major scientific activities. Under his leadership, NPL highest to the modest. As a result he contribution of Prof. Verma was the made strong impact at the national and headed a very big family of persons from establishment of three very active international level. diverse fields. Schools of research in Crystallography, Prof. Verma authored six Books/

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