Chemical World - July 2012

INDUSTRY WATCH - Chemical World July 2012

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EDITORIAL

5July 2012 | Chemical World

EditorialAdvisory BoardPothen Paul

Former Chairman, Aker Powergas Pvt Ltd

D P Misra Director, TCE Consulting Engineers Ltd and Former

Director General, ICCP D Samudra

Executive Director (Sales) & Member of the Board,

Uhde India Pvt Ltd

Towards green and clean pastures

Manas R [email protected]

O ne of the fastest growing domestic industries, the petrochemical sector in India has played a key role in the countrys transformation over the recent years to one of the emerging economies in the world. Primarily consisting of a few large players, its critical connect with user-industries such as packaging, automotive, textiles, pharmaceuticals, construction, agriculture etc has ensured its growing significance in the economic value chain spanning both industrial and consumer utilities.

The mega trends that have significantly shaped the plastics industry over the recent months indicate that the demand patterns have been distinctly region-specific across the globe, while tremendous progress has been made in the development of new materials as well as products, thereby driving the formulations. Apart from high volatility in raw material prices and availability of some products, greenfield capacity additions for both resins & finished plastic products have been the other recent industry trends amid significant shifts in technology for resin transformation.

According to a recent report, Indias petrochemical productioon is likely to see a substantial surge in capacity expansion by 2014-15, driven byy increasing local and overseas demand. To elaborate, polypropylene (PP) prroduction capacity is projected to rise by 180 per cent from 2008 production figures, to touch 5.77 million tonne per annum (tpa), while ethylene produuction is forecast to grow by 153 per cent to 7.21 million tpa. During the ssame period, polyethylene (PE) capacity is likely to surge by 156 per centt to 5.52 million tpa. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polystyrene (PS), nnot to be left behind in this race, are forecast to reach production figurees of 1.78 million tpa and 9,20,000 tpa, respectively.

In this context, the Petroleum, Chemicals & Petrochemicall Investment Region (PCPIR) policy of the Government of India, ,rolled out with a great deal of expectations a few years ago, has not been able to take off as desired. The need of the hour is further indigenisation in its approach and implementation across the country.

So, what is the way forward? As the Asia-Pacific region, particularly India and China, clearly emerge to boost the petrochemical industry in the mid- to long-term horizon, the next phase of growth will give shape to a wider range of new-age plastics, novel end-use applications and, last but not the least, further emphasise on clean processes in line withh green legislations.


Note: ` stands for Indian rupee, $ stands for US dollar and stands for UK pound, unless mentioned otherwise

Details on page no. 70

Insight & Outlook: Petrochemicals

Special Focus: Supply Chain Management for Chemicals

IT in chemical logistics ......................................................Stringent transportation regulations ..................................Interface - Amol Mirajgaonkar, Head - Chemical Vertical, Damco India Pvt Ltd .............Interface - Marcus Smith,Vice President - International Sales, ShockWatch Inc..........c

In Conversation With

2830

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Asit Gangopadhyay,Managing Director,Praxair India Pvt Ltd .................................. 24

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Indian petrochemical industry ..........................................Emerging petrochemicals market.......................................tAcrylonitrile market ...........................................................t

Food packaging industry ....................................................yPolystyrene .........................................................................Roundtable ..........................................................................Singapores chemical hub ....................................................Human element in accidents ..............................................Mist cooling system ............................................................

424448

Automation TrendsCase study - Heubach Colour: Embracing all-in-one solution to reduce customer response time .......................

Energy ManagementRenewable resources: The eco-friendly alternative to energy security................................................................y

Policies & RegulationsFree trade agreement: A boon or bane for domestic petrochemical industry? ......................................................

StrategyCase Study - Jotun India: Designing a lean approach to manufacturing.................................................g

Tips & TricksWellhead maintenance: Practical tips to ensure optimised production ..........................................................

Cover visual: Mahendra Varpe & Sachin Pandit

Regular SectionsEditorial ........................................................................l 5News, Views & Analysis .............................................. 10Technology & Innovation............................................ 18Technology Transfer ....................................................r 22Projects ........................................................................ 67Tenders ........................................................................ 68Event List ....................................................................t 70Book Review................................................................w 72Products ...................................................................... 74List of Products .......................................................... 83List of Advertisers ...................................................... 84

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Gaining competitive edge through technology acumen .... 38

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Business InsightsTechnologies

Opportunities

NEWS, VIEWS & ANALYSIS

Chemical World | July 201210

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENTSolvay inaugurates researchcentre in IndiaSolvay has inaugurated its new Research, Development andTechnology Centre at Savli, India. The centre will focus mainly on thedevelopment of high-performancepolymers, organic chemistry, nano-composites and green chemistry. Housed in a new and high-performance sustainable building, it will employ over 200 researcherswhen fully operational. The centrewill tap the countrys huge innovationtalent potential and carry out openinnovation in collaboration withpremier institutes in India.

Prakash Raman, Managing Director, Solvay Specialities IndiaPvt Ltd, said, This will enhance thescientific and technical knowledge of students, as they will learn about thenew technologies employed by Solvay at its plant and new centre.

The centre has also establishedthree fellowships for research insustainable chemistry, nanotechnology and polymer science at the MaharajaSayajirao University in Vadodara. The collaboration between university, research institutes and businessorganisations is essential to foster breakthrough innovation, speeding upthe design process and the launch of new products in the market.

Avani Jain

To discuss key issues, challenges andbenefits of Sustainability & CorporateReporting and share best practices inreporting, BASF India conducted a paneldiscussion in association with The Energy and Resources Institutes Business Councilfor Sustainable Development (TERIBCSD). The event was held on June 29, 2012, to coincide with the Bengaluru stop

of the Indo German Urban Mela, under the German Year in India celebrations. Prasad Chandran, Chairman, BASF Companies in India & Head Asia, commented, In the private sector, new investments are increasingly dependent on conformance to environmental, social and governance factors. In this context, sustainability reporting responds to the pressing needs of improvement in corporate transparency and helps restore trust in the private sector.

At the forum, BASF also publishedits 2011 Sustainability report, based on itsperformance across three dimensions of sustainability economic, environmentaland societal.

In an open letter to European Heads of State and Government, members of the board of Cefic, the European chemical industry association, have urged Europes politicalleaders to create a stronger and more integrated Europe. This is the first time membersof the European chemical sector expressed their views in this way. The chemical sector is a fundamental part of European manufacturing industry, which is essential for sustainable growth. A stronger Europe, where stability and predictability prevail, is an essential prerequisite for a competitive European economy, said a Cefic press release.

Earlier, Cefic had announced that the EU debt crisis will weigh down European chemical sector production in 2012 more than initially forecast. The European chemicaltrade groups mid-year summary forecast of chemical sector economists predicts astandstill in EU chemicals output in 2012, after a relatively weak 1.3 per cent increase in2011. Hubert Mandery, Director General, Cefic, said, Domestic demand for chemicals will decline slightly as compared to 2011 as austerity measures in EU member states dampen business orders, and inventory build-up remains flat due to continued weak EU business sentiment. The EU economy should stabilise during the second half, partially compensated by overseas demand and a weaker Euro boosting eurozonecompetitiveness. A weaker Euro should also help increase EU chemical exports.

SUSTAINABILIT Y REPORT BASF India organises panel discussion on sustainability

MARKET FORECAST Cefic urges EU leaders to create strong Europe

International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) Inc opened a new facility in Gurgaon. It will service to the companies that provide prepared foods, sweets, beverages and dairy products to the Indian market. Our increased presence in India furthers our ongoing strategy to expand our geographic reach and create infrastructure to serve emerging markets, especially those enjoying the most dynamic growth rates and demographics, said Doug Tough,

Chairman and CEO, IFF. This investment follows announcements of the opening of a new creative centre in Shanghai, a major upgrade to the creative centre in Mumbai, and two new manufacturing plants inAsia a flavours production facility inGuangzhou and a liquid flavours andfragrances compounding site in Singapore.

This is an exciting time for our industry in India. Like a lot of working families andbusy individuals around the world, Indias

consumers are not only looking for great, authentic taste and convenience, they arealso looking for healthier options in thefoods they eat. We have extensive in-housetalent creating the best tastes for theIndian market as well as excellent R&Dcapabilities and technologies that havealready helped customers in other regionsreduce sodium, sugar, and fat in their products, said Hernan Vaisman, GroupPresident - Flavors, IFF.

FOOD INGREDIENTS IFF inaugurates facility in Gurgaon

BASF India unveils sustainability report 2011



The new R&D centre of NagarjunaAgrichem Ltd (NACL) will focus onnew formulations of pesticides anddeveloping cost-effective, eco-friendly and safe method for manufacturing off-patent insecticide, herbicide, fungicideand their intermediates. The R&Dcentre, which is located at Shadnagar (Hyderabad), was recently inagurated by K S Raju, Chairman, Nagarjuna Group. A number of products are going out of patent in the next few years. The new R&D centre will carry out researchto make these molecules. In addition, there are enquiries from multinationalcompanies for contract manufacturing of technicals and intermediates. Thecentre will develop synthetic methods for these molecules. The new formulation

development laboratory will carry out work for introduction of new environment-friendly, safe and easy toapply formulations including combinationmolecules, said Dr B Saha, Chief R&D Officer, NACL.

A portion of the R&D centre willbe carved out as an OECD accreditedGood Laboratory Practices (GLP) Lab. Dr Saha explained, For acceptance of pesticide products in the internationalmarket, data on physico-chemical, toxicological and other properties are tobe generated in a GLP certified analytical lab. Currently, we are getting most of the data from foreign laboratories. Many reputed international laboratories arebooked well in advance and there issignificant waiting period. When we have our own OECD accredited GLP lab, thesame data can be generated fast. Thiswill enable us to generate data for many products cost-effectively within a shorter period of time.

The company is presently in theprocess of identifying active ingredients(AI) and intermediates for which research can be undertaken at the centre.

Rakesh Rao

There has been a significant change in the personal care industry the world over. The demand for bio-based products is on the risein the personal care industry. According to Dr Dileep Wakankar, Head, Product Stewardship-India, Clariant Chemicals (India)Ltd, owing to the growing anxiety of the customers regarding thegreen cosmetics, many cosmetic giants have now ventured into thenatural, eco-friendly and biodegradable cosmetic segment. Suchproducts are not only safe for the environment but also prove tobe equally safe for the human skin. He further added, Ecological

and effective natural ingredients would definitely stand up to the expectations of theconsumer. Since personal care is a potential segment in India, the specialty chemicalsmanufacturers are trying to address the need of the consumers. Our Velsan R Soft is a tmodified biopolymer on vegetal base, which is ideally suited as skin-feel ingredient toreplace silicones or to reduce silicones, hair & skin conditioner and foam booster for surfactant systems. It is of vegetal origin and exhibits low ecotox. The concept for theproduct Velsan Soft has been recently introduced in the Indian market, with a positive tresponse from the customers, said Dr Wakankar.

Prasenjit Chakraborty

PROCESS DEVELOPMENTNagarjuna Agrichems R&D to focus on new eco-friendly processing methods

GREEN MANUFACTURINGBio-based products are in demand in personal care industry

AU TOMATION CONTRACTHoneywell bags mega project in NairobiHoneywell has won a $ 2.4 millionproject to deliver a full automationsolution for Petrocitys GreenfieldKonza terminal storage facility 60 km southeast of Nairobi, Kenya. Theproject is important as the new terminalfacility will cater to Nairobis growing demand for fuel, which accounts for more than 50 per cent of the countrysoil consumption. The project includescomprehensive solutions for the pipelinereceipt system, tank farm, truck loading system, and terminal automation, throughExperion Process Knowledge System(PKS) and Terminal Manager. It alsoincludes all industrial security, emergency shutdown (ESD) and fire & gas (F&G)systems. Equipped with high-accuracy measurement instruments and approvedfor custody transfer applications, thePetrocity project will also increaseavailability of petroleum products tonew entrants and independent dealers inKenya who have limited access to truck loading facilities in the area.

A new white paper from Malvern Instruments examines the different strategies open to anyone adopting on-line particle size analysis, providing guidance on its design and implementation, and highlighting the economic and practical benefits of selecting an approach best suited to the project in hand. The proven ability of on-line particle size analysis to transform process control and deliver substantial economic benefit has resulted in its widespread application across industries. Typically, the installation of on-line particle size analysis involves a number of steps, including: hardware selection, process interface design, automation and integration within an existing control platform, validation, and commissioning and control optimisation.

WHITE PAPERMalvern launches a study for on-line particle size analysis

K S Raju unveiling the plaque during the inauguration of the R&D centre

Dileep Wakankar



TITANIUM DIOXIDE MARKETSachtlebens crenox acquisition to boost productionThe acquisition of Krefeld (Germany)-based crenox GmbH is expected tohelp Sachtleben GmbH, the titaniumdioxide (TiO2) joint venture of KemiraOyj and Rockwood Holdings Inc, meet the growing demands of Sachtlebencustomers. Sachtleben GmbH recently reached an agreement to acquire theTiO2 production assets and inventory of crenox GmbH from the insolvency administrator. For most of 2010 and2011, Sachtlebens TiO2 business wascompletely sold out, with sales limitedby capacity/output. In order to grow inthe future, meeting the needs of our customers and taking advantage of thegrowing global demand for high quality TiO2, we needed to either build or acquire more capacity. The acquisitionof crenox plant was the quickest andmost economical way for us to addcapacity, said Matti Lapinleimu, VicePresident, Mergers & Acquisitions, Kemira Oyj.

The acquisition is expected to addover 1,00,000 metric tonne of TiO2production, increasing total capacity to approximately 3,40,000 metrictonne, further enhancing Sachtlebensposition as a leading global supplier of high quality TiO2 pigments, whichare mostly used in the syntheticfibre, packaging inks, cosmetics, pharmaceutical and food industries.

Speaking about the demand for TiO2, Lapinleimu said, Demand in2011 was strong with most major producers of high quality pigmentsoperating their plants at full capacity throughout the year. Demand in Q12012 was below prior year levelswhen customers were rebuilding inventories. Slower growth in Chinaand the weaker economy in Europe, inparticular Southern Europe, have alsoreduced demand in the first quarter.

Rakesh Rao

Aker Solutions has been awarded acontract by SRF Ltd to provide detailedengineering, procurement support andconstruction supervision services for the companys new HFC 134a project. Currently, SRF is the only producer of

this ozone-friendly refrigerant in India. We are proud of our first association with SRF Ltd, a globally recognised billion-dollar company. SRF is the market leader in most of its businesses in India and also enjoys a significant global presence in some of its businesses, said Sanjay Joshi, Head, Aker Solutions Engineering Operations in India.

SRFs new plant located in Dahej, Gujarat, will produce specialty chemicals and have a capacity of 12,500 MTA. The existing HFC 134a plant of SRF located at Bhiwadi in Rajasthan has a capacity of 5,000 MTA. Aker Solutions has provided similar services to several clients across different industries locally and globally.

Nalco Water India Ltd has announced the appointment of Mahesh Rao as Managing Director. Alok Kumar Bhadra, the former Managing Director, will join Ecolabs Asia-Pacific Marketing Team as Heavy Industry Marketing Lead. A chemical engineer by profession, Rao has been with Nalco for 26 years. Prior to his appointment as Managing Director, Rao led marketing for Nalcos Water Business inIndia and Chemical Business unit for the Asia-Pacific region. As a product line manager, among other accomplishments, he spearheaded the successful introduction of Nalco 3D

TRASAR technology into Asia. Speaking on his new responsibility, Rao said, It hasRbeen an enriching experience being a part of the Nalco India story through the initial build-up phase, and I look forward to the challenges of my new role. India is a strategic long-term growth market for Nalco.

NEW CONTRACT Aker Solutions wins engineering contract from SRF Ltd

WATER TECHNOLOGIES Nalco appoints new India head

EPC BUSINESS ThyssenKrupp acquires Energy & Power Global LtdWith the acquisition of the UK-basedEnergy & Power Global Ltd, ThyssenKrupps chemical engineering capabilities have further strengthenedin global oil, gas and energy business. The acquisition is part of the strategicdevelopment programme adopted by ThyssenKrupp AG in May 2011 andis a further step in the systematicexpansion of the Groups technology business. The acquisition of Energy & Power further expands our portfolioin the acquisition and delivery of engineering projects for the industry

and enables us to provide our customerswith even greater advantages in themarketplace, said Dr Niclas Mller, CEO, Plant Technology Business Area, ThyssenKrupp AG.

Energy & Power provides engineering services to support project development, from screening and sanction to delivery, and will be an important addition toThyssenKrupps global network of companies serving the chemical processindustries. The Plant Technology business area is focussed on specialised and large-scale plant construction.

Mahesh Rao

L-R: Rajdeep Anand, President-Projects and R&D, SRF Ltd, and Sanjay Joshi



EPC INDUSTRY Vinayak Pai moves to KBR Technology

After a successfulstint at Aker Solutions for 25years, Vinayak Pai is now India Headand Director Operations for

KBR Technology. He succeeds JaspalSingh, who retired after leading theIndia operations of KBR Technology during the past three years. JohnDerbyshire, President, KBR Technology, said, I am pleased toannounce the appointment of Vinayak Pai. With 25 years experience in theoil and gas industry in India, he brings exceptional leadership experience inexecuting and growing business in acompetitive environment.

KBR has been operating in Indiasince 1974, delivering key grassrootsand revamp projects in ammonia, refining, petrochemicals and coalgasification. The KBR Technology operations centre was inauguratedin October 2009 in Gurgaon. Thiscentre works with other operationscentre located in Houston, Londonand Beijing to deliver the engineering design packages, proprietary equipment and services to the globalprocess industry.

Steve Pringle, Sr Vice President, KBR Technology, said, With hisvast operations experience, Vinayak Pai would be able to lead the Indiatechnology team to deliver projectsindependently and contribute toKBRs growth in this region.

Newreka Green Synth TechnologiesPvt Ltd, in partnership with the LoteParshuram Industries Association (LPIA)and with support & partnership from theMaharashtra Pollution Control Board(MPCB) and Excel Industries Pvt Ltd, recently organised one-day seminar ongreen chemistry for the companies of Lote-Parshuram region. The objectiveof the seminar was to create collectiveawareness on the urgency and importanceof implementing green chemistry andengineering-based technologies.

The seminar also intended to connect the participants to the solution providersof few emerging technologies, whichhas the potential to address some of the pressing environmental challenges

existing in their manufacturing units. The seminar was attended by 40 representatives of 15 member companies, which mainly included large-scale units such as ABMauri, Deepak Novachem, Dow AgroSciences India, Excel Industries, GhardaChemicals, Kores India Ltd, Rallis IndiaLtd, SI Group, Supriya Chemicals Ltd, Swastik Industries Ltd, USV Ltd, etc. Apart from these organisations, there wererepresentatives from MPCB, Chiplun;LPIA Secretary and Praj IndustriesLtd. During the seminar, six speakers, who actively participated in technicalinteractions, cleared participants queries.

Lote-Parshuram industrial area isestablished on both sides of Mumbai-Goa National Highway 17. This areais 12 km from Chiplun taluka (towards Mumbai) and 17 km from Khed taluka (towards Goa) and 115 km from Ratnagiridistrict. The Lote MIDC consists of 119 industry units, of which 80 per cent of thecompanies are chemical manufacturing companies.

GREEN CHEMISTRYNewreka organises seminar in Lote-Parshuram region

JBF Petrochemicals Ltd, the wholly-owned subsidiary of JBF Industries Ltd, has entered into an agreement with BP for licensing BPs latest generation Purified Terephthalic Acid (PTA) technology. JBF

said it intends to build a 1.25 million tonneper annum (tpa) unit at Mangalore SEZto produce PTA, the primary feedstock for polyesters used in textiles and packaging. The company expected the Mangalore

plant to go on stream by the end of 2014. B C Acharya, Chairman, JBF IndustriesLtd, said the investment would meet thecompanys requirements for captive PTAat the lowest possible cost.

NEW FACILIT Y JBF Petrochemicals to set up PTA unit

APPOINTMENTJeremy Hunter to head Henkels India operationsThe Germany-headquartered FMCG global major Henkel AG & Co KGaA hasappointed Jeremy Hunter as President of the Henkel Group in India. With a total experience of 20 years in the industry, Hunter relocated to India and took charge of thisposition after the company decided to divest their Indian FMCG division and focus on the adhesives & cosmetics businesses.

Hunter joined Henkel in 2002 when it acquired Sellotape, New Zealand, where he was the General Manager. Prior to his current position in India, he was the Country Manager of Australia and New Zealand for Henkel adhesives business. During histenure, he led the business through major restructuring, with focus on profitability andsustainability during the challenges of the global financial crisis.

Hunter said Within India, we are in the midst of consolidating our core efficienciesand businesses to make a constructive difference to the market. Henkels long association with India since 1987 has helped us to create a foothold for ourselves among the generalmasses. The business plan for Henkel in India is to focus on closer co-operation withour customers, enhance our service capability and achieve our full business potential.

Vinayak Pai

Seminar on green chemistry in progress



ALTERNATIVE FUELHoneywell Green Jet Fuelpowers commercial flightsUOP LLC, a Honeywell company, recently announced that Honeywell Green Jet Fuel, produced from its UOP Renewable Jet Fuel process, powered flights to the Rio+20 United Nations Conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. This conference brings together world leaders, governments and other participants to discuss worldwide sustainable development.

Honeywell Green Jet Fuel hasbeen proven repeatedly in military andcommercial flights to be a practical solution for using alternative fuel sources, as well as meeting increasingly strict emissions standards, said Jim Rekoske, Vice President and General Manager, Honeywells UOP Renewable Energy and Chemicals Business Unit.

Honeywell Green Jet Fuel canoffer a 65-85 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions relative to petroleum-based fuels. When used up to a 50 per cent blend with petroleum-based jet fuel, Honeywell Green Jet Fuel is a drop-in replacement for petroleum-based jet fuel that requires no changes to the aircraft technology and meets all critical specifications for flight.

Numbers of exhibitors and visitors remained stable for the ACHEMA 2012, which was held from June 18-22, 2012, at Messe Frankfurt. For five days, 1,67,000 participants explored the wide range of offerings by the 3,773 exhibitors, which they presented on

136,400 m of exhibition area. Fromlaboratory equipment to components, and plant-building to packaging lines, one could see products for chemistry, process technology and bio-technology requirements. For the first time, theexhibition group Pumps, Compressors, Valves and Fittings on its owncomprised more than 1,000 exhibitors.

We are especially happy that the new layout of the halls was sowell-received, said Dr ThomasScheuring, CEO, DECHEMAAusstellungs-GmbH, at the end of the event. Dr Scheuring added, This

shows that precisely in our strongly globalised industries, ACHEMA is and will continue to be the leading event. Globalisation does not just mean Europeans and Americans going to Asia increasingly, Asian exhibitors and visitors are coming to Europe. This was also evident in the exhibitor statistics: more than 200 Chinese and more than 150 Indian companies presented their ranges. But numerous European and US companies once again also used the opportunity to present their innovations at the exhibition, which takes place every three years.

ExxonMobil Lubricants & Petroleum Specialties introduced Looble, a user-friendly, online industrial lubricant selector designed to help maintenance professionals make informed lubricant decisions for optimising equipment performance and minimising unplanned downtime. It allows access to lubricant recommendations and application guidance based on their specific applications and operating conditions for a wide range of industries. Besides, Looble simplifies the lubricant selection process by providing etargeted Mobil-branded product recommendations with performance ratings based llupon users specific industries, applications and equipment. With the introduction of Looble, maintenance and production professionals now have a readily accessible resource for lubricant and maintenance best practices that can help them optimise equipment performance and ultimately, enhance their companies bottom line and gain a global competitive advantage. Looble is powered by our valuable application-specific expertiseeand unique insights that we have gained during more than a century of working with customers and the worlds leading industrial equipment manufacturers, said Paul Grives, Global Industrial Marketing Advisor, ExxonMobil.

TECHNOLOGY SHOW ACHEMA registers stable growth

LUBRICATION CHEMISTRY ExxonMobil launches online lubricant selector

RECOGNITION Aquatech wins Frost & Sullivan AwardAquatech, one of the global leaders in water purification technology for industrial and infrastructure markets, received Frost & Sullivans Award for Growth Excellence in the Middle East and North Africa Desalination Plant Market in 2011. Since 2007, Aquatech has received five awards from Frost & Sullivan for its technology leadership in water treatment as well as several Global Water Awards presented by Global Water Intelligence. We are honoured to receive this prestigious award from Frost

& Sullivan. Aquatech has a strong track record in leveraging our deep technology

portfolio to offer competitive solutions to the markets we serve. Whether it is making zero liquid discharge more affordable, or increasing the economic viability of oil and gas extraction through cost-effective produced water treatment, we are focussed on finding innovative ways to deliver the optimal lifecycle cost to our

clients, said Devesh Sharma, Executive Vice President, Aquatech.

Sushil Bajaj, GM - Middle East, Aquatech

with the award

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION


The Munich-based chemical company, WACKER, presents three novel silicone lubricant pastes for the fitting of cable accessories for the transmission and distribution (T&D) industry WACKER SILICONE PASTE P 250 and 0P 300 as well as the newly formulated 0lubricant POWERSIL PASTE AP. The PPpastes are free of boron-containing additives and, therefore, environment- and user-friendly. In the past, small amounts of trimethyl borate were added

in the production of silicone pastes. This improved the stability and shelf-life of the products. However, the additive can release boric acid, which has been listed as a hazardous substance by the EU since 2009 and classified as a substance of very high concern by the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA) since 2010. The required product stability is now ensured by pyrogenic silicas and other additives that are not subject to mandatory labelling.

By modifying the formulation in this way, WACKER claims to be the first company to offer a completely boric-acid-free range of silicone pastes. The new colourless silicone pastes are used particularly for fitting cable accessories in the T&D industry. They have a medium-to-soft consistency and a certain degree of thixotropic properties. The term thixotropic means that the pastes have a somewhat lower viscosity while under mechanical shearing, and are therefore more fluid than in a stationary state, which has advantages for their storage. All grades bond to metal and ceramics.

WACKER eliminates boron-containing additives from silicone lubricant pastes

Mettler Toledo has launched its new FlowIR High Pressure (HP) sensors for Ruse with FlowIR a small, dedicated Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy R(FTIR) instrument that offers real-time flow chemistry monitoring nearly anywhere within a continuous reactor set-up. The addition of durable HP sensorsexpand the use of flow chemistry by allowing users to gain the enhanced controlof critical process parameters provided by FlowIR in high-pressure experiments. RThe benefits include faster experiment optimisation, easier lab-to-plant scaling, reduced costs, and shorter time-to-market. Interchangeable FlowIR HP sensors, Ravailable in both DiComp and SiComp models, allow chemists working with highpressure experiments to quickly and easily swap sensor types to meet the needsof the current application. The new models can be trusted under pressures up to50bar (725psi) and temperatures up to 120C.

FlowIR HP sensors cover the full spectral region with swappable diamond Rand silicon sensors. Their insensitivity to bubbles makes them ideal for continuoushydrogenations, and the inclusion of a temperature variable flow head maintainsreaction integrity. No extra equipment or set-up is required to use the new sensors. Users simply substitute the high-pressure version for the standard FlowIR sensor, Rgaining the same performance, optical window, chemical compatibility, and flow characteristics they enjoy with the standard sensor.

The heavy equipment OEM, M G Bryan, in collaboration with RockwellAutomation and Microsoft, is piloting a system that uses Windows Azure for eremote management of high-tech oil & gas equipment. Designed and integratedwith Rockwell Automation, M G Bryans new equipments control and informationsystem leverages Microsoft Corps Windows Azure cloud-computing platform toehelp provide secure remote access to real-time information, automated maintenancealerts, and service & parts delivery requests. With Rockwell Automation, M G Bryan designed a simple, user-friendly system using the cloud to improveproductivity and business intelligence. In the oil & gas industry, production has tofollow the resources and never takes a break. Fracturing vehicles operate in extreme, isolated environments. They typically require new oil filters every 200 hours andcomplete engine rebuilds after 4,000 to 5,000 hours of service. Leveraging the cloud, we can cost-effectively keep tabs on our equipment and help customers maximiseasset uptime, dramatically improving their return on investment, said Matt Bryan, President, M G Bryan.

Rockwell Automation upgraded M G Bryans fracturing equipment with a tightly integrated control and information system that brings together disparate informationsources, including historical, relational and transactional data. To fully leverage thisrich data without requiring M G Bryan or its customers to build and manage their own datacentres, Rockwell Automation turned to cloud computing. Our alliance withMicrosoft explores industrial uses for the cloud to open the door for innovations. For M G Bryan, the cloud offers a highly scalable, cost-efficient method for storing andremotely accessing real-time information that will help extend equipment lifecyclesand optimise productivity said Sujeet Chand, CTO, Rockwell Automation.

New high pressure sensors enhance FTIR spectroscopy performance under varied pressures and temperatures

M G Bryan pioneers first-of-its-kind cloud computing asset performance management system

TECHNOLOGY & INNOVATION


Hach has come out with the new model of its Luminescent Dissolved Oxygen (LDO) probe, designed to measure dissolved oxygen (DO) in wastewater applications without the need to replace membranes or replenish electrolyte solution. Hachs next generation LDO probe requires no calibration for the entire two-year life of the sensor cap, which means it is ready to start measuring DO right out of the box. LDO technology eliminates the reliability and maintenance concerns inherent in older DO membrane instruments, making it ideal for both daily operations at water and wastewater facilities as well as long-

term deployment in environmental water monitoring applications. Compared to electrochemical sensors, the total cost of ownership is reduced due to lower maintenance costs and the long-lasting sensor design.

By utilising Hachs luminescent technology for measuring DO, the probe has no membranes, which need to be replaced or electrolyte solution to replenish, making it virtually maintenance-free. To ensure that routine cleaning cycles are never missed, the probe offers operators customisable diagnostic alert indicators, thereby making sure that the probe can operate at its maximum performance level. An improved body design optimises the probes temperature sensor to provide an even faster response time to process variability as well. The LDO probe comes with a three-year warranty, and the sensor cap has two-year warranty.

Hachs LDO probe increases reliability and accuracy

The online filtration capability offered by Viscotek high temperature gel permeationchromatography (HT-GPC) systems from Malvern Instruments has eliminatedthe need for dangerous and difficult manual filtration during high temperaturepolymer analysis. GPC is an integral part of Jordi Labs analytical capabilities. The Viscotek systems provide a richness of information not obtained with other instruments. The online filter for the high temperature GPC instruments workswell. We previously performed this manually and it was both dangerous anddifficult. Online high temperature filtration is a big improvement, claimedDr Mark Jordi, President, Jordi Labs LLC.

He further added, As experts in polymer characterisation, offering over 30 yearsof experience in the field, Jordi Labs use Viscotek GPC systems for routine quality kcontrol, failure analysis and product deformulation. The ability to compare polymer molecular weight, intrinsic viscosity and molecular size in a single measurement ispowerful for identifying subtle differences in a polymer system.

Flowserve Corporation, a leading provider of flow control products and servicesfor the global infrastructure markets, launched its expanded range of Durco Mark 3ISO chemical process pumps, which is fully compliant with ISO 2858 (dimensional)Oand ISO 5199 (design) criteria. The new pump offers increased reliability throughits heavy-duty casing, large radial and thrust bearings and SealSentry seal chamber. yA range of impeller options is available. The Durco signature reverse vane impeller can offer significant benefits, including ease of maintenance and repeatable pumpperformance throughout the life of the pump. Cost-effective maintenance can be achieved via its back pullout design. The product has state-of-the-art hydraulicand modelling software with knowledge gained from more than 30 years of experience with its ANSI/ASME B73.1 stablemate, the Durco Mark 3 ANSIpump. The Durco Mark 3 ISO pump is available in 45 sizes, plus many designs, configurations and material combinations.

TankLink, a division of Telular, has launched the Intrinsically Safe (I-Safe) Prophet 7000 series wireless tank level gauges. The series includes the0 I-Safe 7420 for 0chemicals and the 7450 delta pressure system for gasoline. Both are approved for use0in Class 1, Division 2, Group D hazardous locations. The company has developed the UL certified I-Safe series to meet the National Electrical Code (NEC) for eClass I Hazardous Locations where flammable gases or vapours may be present insufficient quantities to be explosive or ignitable, thereby allowing operators of suchtanks to benefit from wireless telemetry. We listened to the needs of the I-Safemarketplace and leveraged our years of experience in wireless tank monitoring todevelop a series of products to meet their specific requirements, said Pat Barron, General Manager, TankLink. He added, Now with our Intrinsically Safe Prophet 7000 series, all tank data is accessible whenever and wherever our customers need0it, regardless of the tanks location, safely and cost-effectively.

Malverns Viscotek makes HT-GPC safer

Flowserves new pump offers increased reliability due to its heavy-duty casing

TankLink introduces intrinsically safe wireless telemetry solutions for hazardous locations

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER


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.

TECHNOLOGY OFFERED

Activated carbon An Iranian firm is willing to offer activated carbon from coconut shells. Areas of application

Food processing, pharmaceuticals, etcForms of transferTechnology 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 & foundry cores Forms of transfer

Consultancy, technical services, technology licensing

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, inksForms of transfer

Consultancy, technical services

Phosphate estersAn Indian firm is offering technology for manufacturing phosphate esterslike tributyl phosphate.Areas of application

Specialty chemicalsForms of transfer

Joint venture

Sodium hydrosulfite An Iranian company is willing tomanufacture sodium hydrosulfite using chemical compounds. It is widely usedas a stripping agent in dyes and chemicalindustries.Areas of application

Chemical industry Forms of transfer


Sodium silicate recovery from rice husk ashAn Indian firm is offering technology to recover sodium silicate from ricehusk ash. The technology claims tooffer better ROI than other processing methods.Areas of application


Consultancy, technical services, turnkey, etc

Sodium sulfide An Iranian firm is willing to offer sodiumsulfide, which is used mainly in textileindustry, paper mill, artificial silk andcurriery.Areas of application

Leather industry, textiles, curriery industries, paper mills, etcForms of transfer

Turnkey

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

Pharma industry, specialty chemicals, plant protection chemicals, etcForms of transfer

Consultancy

Transformer oil unit An Indian company is willing to offer consultancy for making a transformer oil unit with domestic coal fromits wastes.Areas of application

TransformersForms of transfer

Consultancy, technical services

Zinc phosphatiser/rust converter (Ferphos)An Indian firm offers technology to produce Ferphos an uniquechemical formulation that acts as azinc phosphatiser cum rust converter. Ferphos is an innovation andimprovement over existing phosphating products/technologies practised aroundthe world. Ferphos solution doesnot die, ie even after prolonged use, and does not require daily additionof chemicals and hence it results inzero effluence. Ferphos solution alsoacts as a rust converter when brushedon rusted iron products. It is an idealsubstitute for sane/shot blasting.Areas of application

All iron and steel products including aluminium, SS, GI productsForms of transfer


TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER


Share and Solicit TechnologyThe mission of Chemical World is to spread the technology culture. Here is an opportunity to be a part of this endeavour d

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,dd 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: [email protected]

Activated carbon and sodium silicateA company from Thailand requires technology for manufacturing activated carbon and sodium silicate from rice husk & rice husk ash.Areas of application

Manufacturing and construction industryForms 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 & textileForms of transfer

Others

Inorganic chemicalsAn Indian company is interested in seeking the technology and process know-how for production of potassium nitrate, chromium acetate, and magnesium hydroxide suspension. The company already produces inorganic chemicals and wants to add several other items.Areas of application

Chemical industryForms of transfer

Others

LimeAn Indian company seeks to adopt new cost-effective technologies, whichcan reduce carbon emissions and earncarbon credits, for manufacturing lime.Areas of application

Quick lime and hydrated limeForms of transfer

Others

Quaternary ammonium chlorideAn Indonesia-based company isplanning to diversify into manufacturing of quaternary ammonium chloride. It is seeking technology along with thesupply of critical plant and machinery for the manufacture of the chemical3-chloro-2hydroxypropyl trimethylammonium chloride that is producedfrom epichhlorohydrin.Areas of application

Chemical industryForms of transfer

Technical know-how, consultancy

Silica gelAn Indian firm is looking for new technology for manufacturing silica gelin which the wastewater discharge isminimum.Areas of application

For various industries and most importantly breweriesForms of transfer

Others

Small-scale environment-friendly chemical technologyAn Indian company is looking out for an economically viable small-scale environment-friendly chemical technology useful in the textile sector as well as in pharmaceutical sector.Area of application

Textile and pharmaceutical industryForms of transfer

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

Plastics, petroleum, solvents, etcForms of transfer

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


Consultancy, technical services, etc

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: [email protected], 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.

TECHNOLOGY REQUESTED

IN CONVERSATION WITH Asit Gangopadhyay

Chemical World |24

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We see a revolution

in the hydrogen market in India

says Asit Gangopadhyay, Managing Director, Praxair India Pvt Ltd. In an interaction with Prasenjit Chakraborty, he highlights how government

regulations are tightening fuel specifications and standards. Besides crude sources and compositions are also changing. All these have

necessitated various industries to look for more efficient ways to use and manage hydrogen supplies.

Asit Gangopadhyay


ThThThT e ee ininindududuststririalal g gasas ssegegmemementntnt ii is ss sllslowowlyly cococomimimingng o outut o of ff cacaptpptivvive e e cococoncncn epept.t. WWhah t

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gg pp pmmanufacturers in India?Our customers are focussing g momorere on their core streengngththss anandd ththeyey s seeee vvalalueue iin outsourcing their gas rerequirements (their non-core activity) from an expert industrial gas manufacturer. Praxair has responded

to this opportunity by focussing on maximising thevalue we bring to our customers in a wide variety of

industries such as steel, glass and petrochemicals, water treatment, healthcare, food, electronics, etc. Praxair has demonstrated that it can bring technology solutions to customers and

reliably supply them with their products. We have invested to optimise gas

production and also have gained a well-earned reputation for running our

plants safely, reliably and efficiently.Our focus on providing technology solutions has coincided with an interesting trend in the Indian manufacturing industry. We see

our customers more focussed onthe technologies Praxair can offer to

help them enhance productivity and


Asit Gangopadhyay

quality, reduce environmental impact and manufacturing costs. Application technology-based solutions provided by Praxair address these challenges in a smarter way and help customers in sectors such as pharmaceutical, automotive, infrastructure, metals/non-metals, chemicals, aeronautics, textile, food and beverage, healthcare & many more.

Praxair has signed the first over-the-fence hydrogen

ggsupply contract with a refinery

y gy(Indian Oil). What does it

pp ypp yaugur for the company? In the US and other mature markets, the over-the-fence supply of hydrogen has been popular since the 80s owing to the benefits it offers to the refiners. It is nice to see market leaders like IOCL setting this trend in India. Leading companies like Praxair not only ensure a reliable and hassle-free hydrogen supply but also help refineries increase productivity and reduce their environmental impact. We see a revolution in the hydrogen market in India and are geared up to meet its demands in the hydrogen and carbon monoxide space.

What are the unique features of the plants at Paradip

qqrefinery, currently under

p pp pconstruction by Praxair?

y yWe understand that dependable hydrogen supplies are critical to IOCLs operations. Hence, we are focussing on constructing the most reliable and efficient industrial gas plants on time using stringent industry safety standards. Through years of experience, our plants have been carefully designed, upgraded and de-bottlenecked to meet our customers needs. Further, our refinery applications development team is working on technologies that can help IOCL optimise hydrogen and energy requirements. This team of specialists applies its significant refining and energy industry experience to the integration of industrial gas supply systems into customer operations. The result is a highly robust system that puts supply where it is needed, more efficiently and cost-effectively. At Praxair, safety comes first,

we are glad to have completed 3.5 millionconstruction hours safely at Paradip. Thenitrogen plant construction for IOCL iscompleted while the hydrogen plant isstill under construction and we expect to commission them in near future.

What role industrial gas sector can play to infuse growth in theg p yp ypetroleum refinery

ggsector?Refineries face a number of challenges today. Government regulationsare tightening fuel specificationsand standards. Crude sources andcompositions are changing. There is astrong demand for mid-distillate dieselproducts; environmental norms are morestringent than before. Clearly, there isa growing need for additional processflexibility. These demands have intensifiedthe search for more efficient ways to useand manage hydrogen supplies.

With more than fifty years of experience in operating hydrogen supply systems around the world, Praxair delivers the expertise and innovationrequired to increase efficiency andreduce costs associated with refinery hydrogen use. Our dedicated refinery team has the technologies and thepractical experience to help refinersoptimise productivity and energy efficiency, increase Fluidised CatalyticCracking (FCC) throughput and reducetheir environmental footprint.

What are Praxair Indias growth plans?Praxair India is now seeking to widenits geographic presence and increasecustomer density in key geographies. Wehave a strong presence in Southern andEastern India, and we plan to enhanceour abilities to serve our customers inthese regions. To widen our pan-Indiafootprint, we are exploring businessopportunities in other regions as well. At the moment, to serve the highly industrialised and fastest growing areasof Gujarat and Maharashtra, we areconstructing a production facility closeto Mumbai.

To grow our packaged gases and bulk liquid gases business, we are investing in larger tankers, opening up new filling stations in growing areas across the country. We are also focussing on strategic acquisitions to reach out to customers who need value-added products of Praxair. Having set the trend for over-the-fence hydrogen supplies with IOCL, we see more opportunities unfolding in the Indian hydrogen space.

Email: [email protected]

What motivates you the most in your life?

yyMy family and thesmiling faces in thePraxair fraternity. I amalways encouraged toattain more for them.

Which is your most favourite book?

yyThere are quite a few books, several classics included. A more recent book that I read and was fascinated withthe determination and energy of theauthor was The courage to succeed by dRuben Gonzalez. Ruben made methink and believe that Most peoplecould achieve much more if they would only learn and use some simpleprinciples of success.

What is the business etiquettethat you value the most?

qIntegrity and ethics. Vision andintelligence are complementary to thebasic requirements of integrity that of character, of actions and of beliefs.

What is your message to aspiring professionals?

y ggDo not try to accomplish too many things at a time. Set your smart goaland remain focussed. With this, moreoften you could succeed in reaching seemingly unattainable target.

An invite that rewards as well...

Manas R BastiaSenior Editor

Network18 Media & Investments LtdA Wing, Ruby House,J K Sawant Marg, Dadar (W)Mumbai 400 028India

T +91 22 3024 5000F +91 22 3003 4499E [email protected] www.infomedia18.in

D +91 22 3003 4669

Dear Reader,

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

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

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

The final decision regarding the selection and publication of the articles shall rest solely with Chemical World . Authors whose articles are published will be sent a complimentary copy of that particular edition.

Published by Network18 Media & Investments Ltd, Chemical World is one of the leading monthly magazines exclusively meant for producers and user fraternities of the chemical process industry (CPI). Well supported WWby a national readership of over 80,000 and our strong network of 26 branch offices across India, this magazine reaches out to key decision makers among the Indian CPI. Moreover, it offers a broader platform facilitating effective interaction among several fraternities of these industries by enabling them in reaching out to their prospective buyers & sellers through better trade contacts and more business opportunities.

So get going and rush your articles, write-ups, etc

Thanking you,

Yours sincerely,

SPECIAL FOCUS

27| Chemical World

IT IN CHEMICAL LOGISTICSManaging supply chain maze for operational excellence ..........................................................................28

STRINGENT TRANSPORTATION REGULATIONSGreen route to safe transit ........................................................................................................................t 30

INTERFACE - Amol Mirajgaonkar, Head - Chemical Vertical, Damco India Pvt LtdWith GST coming in, warehousing will get the necessary impetus and result in quality improvement...........................................................................................................34

INTERFACE - Marcus Smith, Vice President - International Sales, ShockWatch IncLogistics organisations use indicators as a benchmark for quality ........................................................36

SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT FOR CHEMICALS


SPECIAL FOCUS IT in chemical logistics



T he chemical industry worldwide is characterisedby clustered productioncapacity and distributedconsumption points. Efficient, competitive, agile, and sustainablelogistics is, therefore, important for success in this industry. Supply chains aregetting longer and logistics complexity

is increasing. Greater emphasis on safety and regulatory compliance is also resulting in the industry seeking innovationin materials handling and logistics. The focus is shifting from commodity services for transportation execution andfreight management to performance-based contract logistics and integratedservices. Consequentially, dependenceon specialised service providers who cancustomise and deliver improved service

at reduced costs is on the rise. In thisbackdrop, IT is emerging as a key enabler of innovation, strategic transformationand operational excellence. Network expansion, process integration and risk reduction are three areas where ITcan play the role of an enabler and anaccelerator, says S Sridharan, Managing Director, TAKE Solutions.

IT can significantly hasten the process of scaling the intermodalnetworks for eg efficiency and risk-based network design. It also helps inaccelerating the operationalisation of warehouses, integrating processes for execution and co-ordination, enabling higher productivity and throughput, lowering unit cost by optimising asset utilisation and cargo planning, enhancing operational control by generating continual visibility to consignments andtheir status.

Technology enablerAccording to Amar More, Vice President-Logistics Practice, Kale LogisticsSolutions, technology adoption can helpsupply chain entities differentiate in thecompetitive market. With globalisation, there is a need for smoother interactionswith global trade partners. Following thefootsteps of large MNCs, even domesticcompanies worldwide are gearing up todeal with the challenges. Technology hasbeen recognised as a key tool to helpcompanies improve their processes andfunctions. Better co-ordination withinthe companies will help them improveoperating margins and also ensure better utilisation of assets and personnel, hepoints out.

The use of new generation technology will give Logistics Service Providers(LSP) a lead over their competitors. This will also be essential in attracting higher outsourcing from overseas players. Usage of technology tools like GlobalPositioning System (GPS), Radio-frequency identification (RFID) willdefinitely help the company and market grow, but the stakeholders need to bemade aware of the value-addition doneby technology adoption.

Managing supply chain maze for

operational excellenceThe chemical logistics sector in India is still a slowcoach as far as implementation of Information Technology (IT) is concerned. Cost aspects seem to be the prime reason behind it. However, the perception is changing and the industry is realising the importance of overall benefits of IT in chemical logistics. Innovative solutions by various IT companies are facilitating its faster adoption.


IT in chemical logistics

Adoption of IT in IndiaAccording to More, unlike the international logistics industry, the Indian industry is confounded by proliferation of non-standard practices and processes. In this direction, Kale Logistics took up the survey titled TAILTM Technology Adoption Index in 2009, which sought to determine perceptions of IT criticality and unearth data on IT spends as these are closely related to technology adoption per se. The survey revealed that in the Indian logistics industry, only less than 10 per cent of work is outsourced by the shippers, hence there lies a huge potential for improving productivity and growth. The survey also found that less than 1 per cent of the industry is organised and there is lack of industry-wide standards, processes and established technology solutions. This is why we have high logistics cost in India (4 to 5 per cent of GDP) compared to the developed economies, observes More.

Although the scenario is fast changing due to globalisation, there has not been a drastic change in the chemical logistics sector with regard to adoption of IT. The only perceptible change is people are showing interest towards implementing IT or at least recognising its benefits. This is certainly a good development. Then what restricts them to adopt such technology? It is because, the Indian market, in any respect is price-sensitive; logistics is also no exception. To be more precise, people do not even see adoption of technology as important. Technology adoption is not perceived to be an important factor, which can

help the business grow. Most companies try to focus on their business-centric processes and leverage on the benefits of technology wherever necessary. Most large and medium companies are willing to utilise technology for scalability and improving operational efficiencies but are holding back because of costs involved, points out More.

Changing IT landscape According to Sridharan, successful companies in the Indian chemical industry have realised that freight is not a fixed cost, and there is more to logistics than haulage. He says, There are two clear trends one is towards greater integration of logistics into higher levels of corporate planning by leveraging information technology to enable greater collaboration with service providers, carriers and customers. The other is towards leveraging information technology and computer-aided operations, automation for increasing the supply chain velocity and improving safety.

Greater adoption of information technology has allowed the third party logistics (3PL) service providers to moveup the value chain and own more andmore of operations like inventory management, packaging, labelling, drop-shipping, returns processing, cargo planning, customs, safety and regulatory compliance, sustainability and green initiatives, and even contract manufacturing services, in addition to multi-modal transport. It is true that the large and reputed companies have had greater success at providing IT-enabled services to the chemical industry. Largely, this was a result of the size of investments associated with owning and operating such IT systems.

However, the advent of Software as a Service (SaaS), a modern cost-effective method for obtaining and running business software, is already changing the competitive landscape. Small and medium service providers can now afford to access the same software that these large service providers do, through their

Internet browsers thereby paving way for a level-playing field, and bringing the focus back on the service providers domain expertise and ability to innovate, points out Sridharan.

Leveraging IT prowessIndian chemical logistics sector may not be at par with the developed world as far as adoption of IT solutions is concerned. But it is gradually catching up. And the IT players are coming out with innovative solutions to provide impetus to the sector. For instance, TAKE Solutions specialises in providing solutions for supply chain. Its OneSCM a multi-tenant SaaS Mplatform provides companies affordable solutions for orchestrating collaborative business processes in real-time.

Similarly, Universal Platform for Logistics & Integrated Freight Transport (UPLIFT ) is a solution from Kale Logistics. It is a multi-modal cargo community platform that connects all service providers critical to the cargo supply chain such as importer, exporter, carrier, forwarder, custom house agent, transporter, banks and custodians. UPLIFT helps carriers in planning storage, handling & movement of hazardous goods.

Clearly, chemical logistics segment in India has also started adopting IT solutions and also getting the benefits of using it. Now, it is the time for those still sitting on the fence to go for suchtechnology.


IT is emerging as a key enabler of innovation, strategic transformation and oper at ional excellence in the area of

chemical logistics. Network expansion, process integration and risk reduction are three areas where IT can play the role of an enabler.

S Sridharan Managing Director, TAKE Solutions

There are two clear trends one is towards greater integration of logistics into higher levels of corporate

planning. The other is towards leveraging information technology and computer-aided operations, automation for increasing the supply chain velocity and improving safety.

Amar MoreVice President-Logistics Practice, Kale Logistics Solutions

SPECIAL FOCUS Stringent transportation regulations



T he chemical industry inIndia is growing as theapplication of chemicalsis widening day by day. Today, chemicals are used insegments like construction, automotive, consumer durables etc. With rapidindustrialisation, use of chemicalsis proliferating. This has led to theincrease in the proportion of hazardouschemicals in total freight traffic. Naturally, there is a growing demandto store and distribute temperature-sensitive products in potent conditions, which has led to a higher monitoring of entire supply chain in the country.

Since chemicals come under hazardouscategory, there are safety regulations inplace. However, rapid increase in thetransportation of hazardous chemicalsthat has led to rise in accident potentialduring transit, growing environmentaland related issues have made safety regulations more stringent.

In transit, the goods could be subjected to impact, vibration, compression and other adverse effectsand exposure to harmful environment. The other factors such as improper packing of the contents, poor storagemay also lead to release of chemicalsto the environment resulting inemergencies like fire, explosion, toxicrelease, etc.

Gauging the impactWhat is the impact of implementation of such stringent regulations? Does it meanchemical logistics business has comedown drastically or cost of chemicaltransportation has gone up significantly?The answer is emphatically no. Thebenefits of such regulations are myriad, not just for the companies that adhereto it but for the entire industry. Today, chemical logistics industry has adoptedmany steps like providing proper training to drivers and workforce, monitoring vehicles movement, etc. A closer look saysthat road segment, ie chemicals being transported by road, benefit the most. Or there is ample scope to give a facelift tothis mode of transportation. P A Murali,

Green route to safe transitStSttSt iriririictctctctct ssssafafafaffeteeteteetyyyy reregugugugulalalalalalalalalattititititittititioonononoono ss s ininin ttttttttt tthhhhehehehehehe cccchemical logistics hah ve ushereree ede in chhanananangegegegeg s sss s whwhwhwhhenennenenene iiiii i itttttttt cococooccc memememesss s tototto c c cccheheeeheh mmmimimimimim cacacacac lllll Strict safety regulations in the chemical logistics have ushered in changes when it comes to chemicaltrtrraannnsspsppooororrtataaatat tititit onoo by road. ToT day, loggiistics providers have innitititiaiateed d d iininnnnononooovavavvatitiit vevevev p p pprororooror ggggrgrgrraamamammmemememememess s s tototototo tttttt t rarararararaararar inininnnnn t tt thehehehehee d dd dd ririrririririvvveveveveeverrsrsss t t too otransportation by road. Today, logistics providers have initiated innovative programmes to train the drivers toavavavavererere tttt acaccacacacc icicicicicicicic ddedededededededentnttntntntntntntntn sssssss ss ananannananaa dd d dd oto her eventualities like spill, fire etccc. Routute ee susus rvrvveyeyeyey i is s s s aananana ootototthheheheheerrr inininni ititittititiaiaiaiai tititititititivevevevevev uuuu ndndndndn eeerererererrtatatatattakekekekeeenn n n whwhhhhwhwhwhwhww ilililili eeee eavert accidents and other eventualities like spill, fire etc. Route survey is another initiative undertaken whiletrttrtrtranananannspspspspspsporororororrtitititititingngngngngngngg ccc c chheheheheheemmimimimicacacacacall l ll cococoococococ ntntntntntnn aiaaa ners by rorr ad. The concept of green logisstititicscscscs ii iisss allsosososososo t t tthehehehe rr r rresesesesesesesuulululululu ttt t ooofoff s ssstttrtrrriininnnnngegegegegeggg ntntnttt rrrrreegegegulululatatattiooioioonsnsnsnsns.. transporting chemical containers by road. The concept of green logistics is also the result of stringent regulations.

Photo: Joshua Navalkar


Stringent transportation regulations

Head-Environment Safety Health Affairs (ESHA), Clariant Chemicals (India) Ltd, observes, While marine transportation and air transportation are highly regulated and followed universally by all the countries, road transportation is governed by regional and national regulations, and there are several gaps observed in its implementation in the Indian scenario.

Clearly, the scope is more for road transportation. In this context, providing training to drivers is essential and it is a kind of investment. This is because chances of mishap under a trained driver are less and the effort ultimately saves cost of a transporter, which they are likely to pay in terms of damage of goods, accident fatalities, etc. In this regard, the logistics industry in India has to traverse a long distance. There is a need for indepth and large-scale training of vehicle drivers to reduce the gap in the availability of qualified drivers for transporting hazardous chemicals, points out Murali.

Against the backdrop of stringent regulations, the dynamics of road transportation is changing. Today, the

logistics industry is taking steps to ensurethat all aspects of distribution management are well-planned to make sure that theentire operation is carried out in a safe andreliable manner. Route survey is one of theinitiatives in this direction. The purposeof route survey is to assess risks associatedwith the routing of vehicles and theconsequences of potential spills or releasesthat can occur during the transport.

Now the question is, do all these steps ultimately increase the cost? Inthe Indian context, cost is an important factor. Says Pradyumn Sharma, GeneralManager, Operation, DBC Port LogisticsLtd, As far as regulations are concerned, it is for the betterment of the chemical logistics. Most of the reputed chemicalmanufacturers have realised that themeasures on safety regulations are good. There is marginal cost difference whileimplementing the regulation. In the long run, cost is recovered as such steps areminimising accidents or mishaps. Today, due to such regulations, accidents havecome down to a large extent. This meanslogistics companies are paying lesser amount towards the reimbursement costs or medical costs or expenses incase of accidents. So, the accidental losshas come down.

Promoting green logisticsAnother impact of the regulation is thepromotion of green logistics in India. Because of these regulations, logisticsservice providers have taken initiativesin this regard, though currently it is at an embryonic stage. What is important here is that logistics companies areoffering propositions aimed at reducing carbon footprints. The concept is slowly catching up. To effectively promote greenlogistics in India, the service providersmust be able to communicate the valueproposition that the client will derivefrom implementing green logistics.

A detailed cost-benefit analysis can prove to be an effective tool for promoting green logistics. Today, the Indian chemicalindustry is focussing more on increasing innovations to produce environment-friendly technologies and products. The

logistics services in India, thus, can play a significant role to address the specificneeds of the chemical industry and helpin promoting exports. Today, the chemical exporters and importers are increasingly demanding that their logistics partner not only be able to provide specialised as wellas customised services but also adhereto better health, safety and environment standards. All these developments are the results of stringent regulations.

Besides regulations, there is a need to educate people associated with thechemical and logistics industries. Only regulation will not help, there is an urgent need to educate people in this regard. People associated with the industries haveto understand the dynamics of supply chain, only then the objectives of suchregulations will be materialised. Majority of chemical manufacturers in India fall under SME category, so we do not expect them to change their attitude towardstransportation over night. They needto understand the benefits of stringent regulations, both in terms of money andenvironment. There has to be an effort from the logistics industry to educatethem, explains Sharma.

It is clear that the impact of stringent regulations is slowly being felt in thechemical supply chain. But it has to bemore from what it is now. Looking at the growth of the chemical industry, the implementation process of suchregulations has to be expedited.


BRIGHTER SIDE OF REGULATION

Reducing accidents Conserving environment Aiding companies to save money Facilitating healthy ways of

chemical transportation

As far as regulations are concerned, it is for the betterment of the chemical logistics. Most of the reputed chemical

manufacturers have realised that the measures on safety regulations are good. There is marginal cost difference while implementing the regulation. In the long run, cost is recovered as such steps are minimising accidents or mishaps.

Pradyumn SharmaGeneral Manager, Operation,DBC Port Logistics Ltd

W h i l e m a r i n e transportation and air transportation are highly regulated and followed universally by all the

countries, road transportation is governed by regional and national regulations, and there are several gaps observed in its implementation in the Indian scenario.

P A MuraliHead ESHA, Clariant Chemicals (India) Ltd

SPECIAL FOCUS Interface - Amol Mirajgaonkar


How is the chemical logistics sector in India shaping up? The chemical logistics sector in India is witnessing a remarkable focus from all major manufacturers and sellers of chemicals, both multinationals & Indian companies, on effective domestic distribution in India. Given the continued slowdown in the

Western markets, the sustained demand from consumers within India is turning it into a competitive turf. To manage this demand, there is a need to provide logistics services to producers/manufacturers to deliver their products to their end-customers. This has resulted into an increased focus on inland transportation both road and rail, cabotage activities, ie using sea for domestic shipments and also potentially using inland waterways for domestic transportation. Moreover, the warehousing scenario is also expected to transform significantly once GST comes into effect. To summarise, there is an increased

focus on outsourcing the local chemical logistics services toprofessional logistics service providers with adequate expertise.

What types of services you offer to the chemical companies as far as transportation of chemicalsis concerned?Damco India provides complete logistical solutions right from ocean and air freight forwarding, trucking, end-to-end supply chain management and consulting through our Supply ChainDevelopment service portfolio. Chemicals being a focussedindustry vertical globally, to cater to its needs, we offer completerange of services for transportation of chemical commodities. For solids, we offer complete containerised end-to-end logisticsmanagement for EXIM and trucking in domestic sectors. For liquid chemicals, we offer solutions ranging from handling of drums, Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs), ISO tanks andliquid ta

Chemical World - July 2012

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Transcript of Chemical World - July 2012