LANXESS doubles membrane production capacity

PHOTO BY HPN. 

Mumbai, August , 2017 (HPN) :  Specialty chemicals company LANXESS – as announced previously in mid-2017 – has doubled its membrane capacities. “We have expanded the capacity of our plant in Bitterfeld so that we can continue meeting the rising demand for reverse osmosis membrane elements. This step makes us even more attractive as a supplier to major customers,” says Jean-Marc Vesselle, head of the Liquid Purification Technologies business unit at LANXESS.

The market for reverse osmosis membrane elements is currently projected to continue growing at an above-average annual rate of ten percent (CAGR 2015-2020) in the years ahead. Because the plant was already operating almost at the limit of its capacity, LANXESS decided to double it. 

Production of membrane elements for the Lewabrane line is a multi-stage process. It begins with the fabrication of a thin-film composite membrane comprising several individual layers. A polysulfone base layer and an active filter layer are applied on a nonwoven base substrate. The filter layer is made of polyamide and applied in a complex coating process. Produced as flat components, the reverse osmosis membranes are then wound by fully automated autowinders into spiral-shaped elements. This design helps to conduct untreated water towards the membrane surface and to collect the permeate (filtrate).

In addition to the membrane elements plant, LANXESS also operates the world’s largest plant for monodisperse ion exchange resins in Bitterfeld.

New Lewabrane ULP range expands membrane portfolio for water treatment

LANXESS has been continuously expanding its line of membrane elements since production began in September 2011 and the products were introduced to the market in early 2012. Today, numerous types of Lewabrane elements are available in different sizes, which can be optimized for high fouling resistance, high energy efficiency or high performance.

The new Lewabrane RO ULP line is the latest addition. These “Ultra Low Pressure” elements display higher water permeability than the standard elements, while offering the same high level of rejection of critical substances. The operating pressure required in the pressure vessel is 40 percent lower, which reduces operating costs. Furthermore, the new membranes are a good option for removing micropollutants from wastewater and drinking water.

LANXESS at Aquatech 2017

As an exhibitor at Aquatech 2017, from October 31 to November 3 in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, LANXESS will be showcasing its Lewatit-brand ion exchangers, its Lewabrane line of reverse osmosis membrane elements and its Bayoxide iron oxide adsorbers for water treatment. Exhibits will include the new Lewabrane RO ULP line of membrane elements.

“As one of the world-leading suppliers of products and solutions for water treatment and purification, we support our customers in managing scarce water resources as efficiently as possible. Our products meet the highest German and international production and quality standards. At Aquatech, we want to demonstrate our competence as an experienced, all-around supplier to a broad, international, professional public,” announced Vesselle.

The unique LewaPlus software application for integrated system design will also be available for demonstration at the LANXESS stand. It supports the simulation and design of both reverse osmosis (RO) and ion exchange (IEX) processes for water desalination. It is the only planning tool currently available that makes it possible to design highly complex water treatment systems and draw direct comparisons between calculations for RO and IEX processes.

LANXESS launches new PBT compound for battery components in electric cars

PHOTO BY HPN. 

MUMBAI,  AUGUST, 2017 (GPN)  :Specialty chemicals company LANXESS has developed a new compound called Pocan AF4130 in collaboration with HELLA KGaA Hueck & Co., based in Lippstadt, Germany. It serves as a housing material for a battery management unit (BMU) and two cell monitoring units (CMU). The blend of polybutylene terephthalate (PBT) and acrylic ester-styrene-acrylonitrile (ASA) contains 30 percent by weight glass fibers and a halogen-based flame retardance package. “The particular advantages of the material are its extremely low warpage and shrinkage, combined with its high flame retardance. We see great potential for application in precision components for vehicle battery systems,” says Marc Marbach, head of Sales Segments E&E in the LANXESS High Performance Materials (HPM) business unit. It took just two-and-a-half years to go from the initial idea to extensive testing and finally to use in full-scale production.

HELLA fabricates the BMU and CMUs for a German manufacturer of battery systems for motor vehicles. The very flat devices currently are used in the lithium-ion battery system of a German compact car.

Low tolerances

The housings of the BMU and CMUs have large, flat surfaces as well as complex geometries along the edges and on the inside. Thanks to their innovative design, they can be injection molded cost-effectively as single components. The contact pins for the connectors must not bend when the housings are mounted on the printed circuit boards. The tolerances for the spacing between the connector mounts and the cut-outs for the pins are therefore extremely close. “This is precisely where the outstanding dimensional stability of our blend Pocan AF4130 pays off,” explains Marbach. 

UL 94 5VA- and UL f1-listed

As required for this application, the material achieves the best classification of V-0 (0.75 millimeters) in UL 94 fire testing by the U.S. testing organization Underwriters Laboratories Inc. It further is listed on the UL Yellow Card with a good classification of UL 94 5VA (1.5 millimeters). The material is destined for the injection molding of flame-retardant housing components. It additionally has been given a UL f1 listing for use in outdoor applications involving exposure to UV light and water. “Our compound thus has a good chance of also being used for electrical components such as photovoltaic plugs and sockets,” says Marbach.

Low volatile and condensable emissions

Surfaces made of this thermoplastic are very low-emission, as demonstrated by thermal desorption analyses conducted by LANXESS in accordance with VDA 278 (German Association of the Automotive Industry). “It is therefore also suitable for many motor vehicle applications requiring very low volatile and condensable emissions, such as components for the automotive interior,” says Marbach. 

Good resistance to common battery electrolytes

The blend is highly resistant to typical media used in motor vehicles, such as fuels, oils, cleansers and car care products, as proven in extensive media storage tests conducted by LANXESS for HELLA in accordance with the supply specification LV 124, used by many automotive manufacturers. It also displays good resistance to an electrolyte widely used in lithium-ion batteries. The corresponding test was additionally conducted under load in compliance with DIN EN 22088-3. “No cracks were evident in the samples even after 1,000 hours of exposure,” explains Marbach. 

Comprehensive HiAnt services

LANXESS provided HELLA with extensive support in developing the housing components. These services are part of its HiAnt customer service package. For example, HPM delivered suggestions for optimal component design, provided all the characteristic material data required for the computer-aided design of the housing parts to meet expected loads and for the mold flow analyses, and supported the initial injection molding trials. The specialty chemicals company further determined the blend’s halogenide content for HELLA by means of ion chromatography and conducted odor testing to VDA 270. ENDS

Improving Trade and Consumption - key to Doubling Farmers’ Income

Rajju Shroff – Chairman of CENTEGRO and Crop Care Federation of India (CCFI) - Pic By HPN

Mumbai, August 2 , 2017 (HPN) : India ranks second globally in agricultural production ($367 billion in 2014) whereas India’s rank in services and manufacturing sectors are way below - 11th and 12th respectively.  Agriculture’s contribution to our country’s economy extends beyond rural economy and encompasses many activities in manufacturing and services sector. Export surplus from our agricultural trade is higher than the corresponding figure achieved by manufacturing sector.

India’s agriculture is as diverse as its culture. No other country produces as many crops as we do. Indian agriculture is no more food grain centric. Horticulture and livestock sectors now account for >50% of our agricultural production- in value. India’s present agriculture is structurally different from the one that existed earlier. Our farmers have ensured country’s food security and nutritional security as well.

Indian farming is backward, un-enterprising, distressed, debt ridden and a drag on economic resources what millions tend to believe. The empirical evidence shows a delightfully different picture. The compilation of these facts was released in the form of a report by Honorable Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari in Delhi at a function organized by ASSOCHAM. Center for Environment and Agriculture (CENTEGRO), a Mumbai based not for profit organisation has prepared this comprehensive report on Myths & Realities in association with experts from Tata Strategic Management Group.

Honorable Union Minister of State (Agriculture) Shri. Purshottam Rupala & Hukumdev Yadav – Chairman Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture were both present on the occasion and appreciated the compilation of facts contained in the report.

Rajju Shroff – Chairman of CENTEGRO andCrop Care Federation of India (CCFI)addressing the press stated “Traditionally used - Yield per acre for crops is an unfair measure of Indian farm productivity. Globally India is the largest producer of milk, second largest in fruits + vegetables & fish. Third largest in Egg production in the world. This is all due small and marginal farmers who deploy family labour and engage in intensive multi cropping all year round. They also manage livestock & poultry efficiently using agriculture waste as animal feed and to produce manure.”

                                          

India has 91 million hectares of irrigated land for agriculture(highest in the world). Thanks to multi product and multi seasonal and mixed farming (crops and livestock) there is negligible impact of deficit rainfall on agriculture now.  In 2010 -11 with a 20% deficit in rainfall Agri-output stood steady at US$203 Billion registering NIL decline across most segments.

S Ganesan – Advisor (CCFI) observed that in order to double farmers income, our focus should shift from production to increasing consumption within and outside the country. In order to bring price stability in domestic market, we must access foreign markets. Global exports in agricultural products is over$1500 billion annually as per the latest data from WTO. Of this, India’s share is less than $35 billion. One of the ways to double farmers income is to increase our agricultural exports to over $100 billion by 2022. Increasing our international presence is a key to mitigating problems arising from production glut. He also debunked many myths about Indian agriculture such as farmer’s suicides, increased rate of cancers linked to agriculture etc. Globally8 lakh people commit suicide each year (WHO). In 2015 133,623 suicides were reported in India of which less than 10% (12603) were of farmers.  Incidence of cancer in India- a global leader in agriculture-  is way below the world average. Singapore with no agriculture has higher incidence of cancer than India.

CENTEGRO’S study also debunked popular notions about farmers injecting hormones, coloring chemicals into fruits and vegetables improve color and size(Watermelons, pomegranate etc.).Organic farming is not sustainable because of low yield and need for huge amount of unavailable manure. Farmers spend on crop protection chemicals is just 1% of the value off total agriculture production. The health scare about pesticide residues in food is a malafide campaign propagated by foreign funded NGO’s in order to tarnish Indian agriculture, a spokesperson of CENTEGRO said.

With the introduction of GST, there will be sooth movement of many agricultural commodities enhancing inter- state trade.

On lines of the MAKE IN INDIA campaign, the report urged the union government to launch GROW IN INDIA campaign aiming for substantial gains in agri-exports with a single authority to monitor India’s international agricultural trade-both exports and imports.

As India has several Agro-climatic zones and required labor with multi-tasking skills, India can produce and supply to the world a variety of crops. India has sunlight round the year. Countries that have scarce labour and lands, harsh weathercan consider outsourcing agriculture to India.

The Tata Group to be title sponsor of Asia’s most prestigious marathon for 10 years 'Tata Mumbai Marathon 2018''

At the Launch of the 15th TATA Mumbai Marathon 2018 (L to R), Greatest sporting icons, ‘King’ Haile Gebrselassie and N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons.- Photo By Sachin Murdeshwar / HPN

Mumbai, 2nd August 2017 (HPN) :  Procam International, which has pioneered the running movement across India more than a decade ago announced today that the Tata group, the global enterprise with over 100 independent operating companies, will be the title sponsor of oneof the world’s top 10 marathons – the Mumbai Marathon. India’s most prestigious long distance race will be called the ‘Tata Mumbai Marathon’ with its 15th edition scheduled on 21st January 2018.

The Tata Mumbai Marathon will be jointly sponsored by the Tata Group and Tata Consultancy Services, one of the world’s leading IT and consulting organisations for a period of ten years.

The Tata group hasserved as an instrumental force in propelling India towards sports and has shown immense dedication to helping grow and develop the sporting fabric of India. The group has forged a strong bond with society through the various academies that they run at the grassroots level, the sporting legends they support, and their associations across a multitude of sporting disciplines including marathons, the epitome of participative sports.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman, Tata Sons, said, “We are delighted to become the title sponsor of the Tata Mumbai Marathon from 2018. Events like the marathon promote values like grit, tenacity, excellence, perseverance, belief, commitment, and passion that have been a key part of the Tata Group’s ethos since its inception, almost 150 years ago. Partnering with India’s premier long-distance running event is a great way for the Tata group to increase our engagement with the community, raise funds for charity as well as create societal awareness about the necessity of good health and fitness. As a marathoner, I’m personally proud to support this partnership.”

Delighted with this new association,Vivek Singh, Joint MD, Procam International said, “It is a pleasure to welcome aboard the Tatas as title sponsors, as we celebrate a landmark 15^thedition of the Mumbai Marathon. With a 10-year commitment to the event, the Tatas have shown us yet again their commitment to give back to the society through sport. We are honoured with their visionary approach and, as partners, we look forward to building a marathon legacy by providing participants across the world an extraordinary experience.”

He further added, “The Mumbai Marathon today is a phenomenonthat has sparked a health and fitness revolution across the country and has become a springboard for Indian long & middle distance runners. At the same time, it has become a beacon of humanity and compassion as the largest platform for charity fundraising. In the Tatas, we couldn’t have found a better partner to take this journey ahead!”

The new logo and colours for the Tata Mumbai Marathon were unveiled at an august gathering of eminent guests. The inspiration for the new logo of the Tata Mumbai Marathon is the Mumbai city and its seven islands,embracing the true spirit of the host city.From around ‘seven islands of Mumbai’, emerges the shape of a runner, energetically moving forward like the bustling city itself. The logo’s vibrant colours represent a celebration of the diversity – the true spirit of a cosmopolitan Mumbai.

With USD 405,000 as prize money, theevent will witness in action over 46,000 participants across six different race categories on 21^st January 2018. ENDS

Kokuyo Camlin Partners with La Martiniere Girl’s College to host inter-school fest `Entente 2017’

2016 EVENT FILE PHOTO-HPN

Lucknow, August, 1 2017 (HPN) :  Kokuyo Camlin Ltd; premier stationery brand has partnered with La Martiniere Girls’ College, Lucknow, for their third edition `Entente 2017’,  an Annual Inter School Festival being held from August 2^nd to August 4^th2017 while the registration is on 1^st August.  ‘Entente 2017’ will have   school and college kids from across Lucknow vying across several categories competing to showcase their talent and skills.

Kokuyo Camlin partnering with La Martiniere Girl’s college in the inter-school festival is just another step forward in encouraging and engaging school children in Lucknow to showcase their creativity and skill.  In the past, Kokuyo Camlin organized many activities with school children – including World’s largest Canvas on the theme of “Clean India” created in Mumbai, Massive tree plantation drives and many others.  The company also organised Camel Art Contest which happens to be the world’s largest art competition as per Guinness book of records.

Saumitra Prasad, Chief Marketing Officer, Kokuyo Camlin said, “It is a great opportunity to partner with a prestigious event like `Entente 2017’. Our company philosophy is to make learning fun for school children and we would like school children from across Lucknow to participate in the inter-school fest.  We hope the festival is a grand success and we wish them the very best.”

School and College kids participating in `Entente 2017’ will vie in different competitions – they include —  Bee jewel, Scientofab, Ataraxis, Gandhi Corner Exhibition cum skit and Cybus.  The Bee Jewel category includes The Today Show (Report writing), Two and a half minutes (Ice Breaker), Once Upon a Line (Story Writing), Whose Ryhme is it Anyway (Poetry Slam) and much more. Ataraxis, is designed for each and every grade, like a fancy dress competition for class LP and UP, group elocution for Class I and II, singing competition for Class III and IV.

That’s not it, for all the science enthusiast, Scientofab has an interesting bunch of activities lined up from class 1^st to 12^th. Students will be participating in collage and model making, doodling, group elocution on different topics from fascinating world of Science. Gandhi Corner Exhibition cum skit is for the students who have acting in their blood and Cybus, for the young technology lovers, is being held on the last day of ‘Entente 2017’.

About 40 schools and 1000 students are expected to participate in this annual school event.ENDS.