JOIN USThe Combustion, Gasification and Propulsion Laboratory (CGPL) at IISc in Bangalore and Singapore-based Filtrex have come together for finding emission free production of activated carbon in India.
Coconut shell-based activated carbon is extensively used for the refining and bleaching of vegetable oils and chemical solutions, water purification, recovery of solvents and gold. It is also used in gas masks and a wide range of filters.
“The production of char from coconut shells for activated carbon generates methane and other greenhouse gases. To keep away from these problems, we approached the CGPL to come up with innovative green technology to reduce emission,” said CEO of Filtrex Technologies Govind Bommi.
The unique pyrolysis and gasification technology evolved by CGPL reduces greenhouse gas production and also gives greater quality for activated carbon. “Based on the new technology, we erected a Rs 10 crore plant at Tiptur. The new technology has improved our production capacity. Our company is going to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with CGPL to commercialise this technology,” he adds.
When contacted by Deccan Herald, S Dasappa, Research Scientist who heads CGPL, said their division has been working in the field of Bio-resource in addition to frontier work in Aerospace propulsion. “This laboratory has developed techniques of gasifying a wide range of biomass including agro-residues. Our fuel efficient biomass cooking stoves have become an instant hit which could serve thermal or electricity needs of industry or rural society,” said Dasappa.
While welcoming greater
cooperation between industry and IISc for evolving cutting edge technologies, Dasappa also pointed his finger towards the apathy of policy makers and people at large for not using their findings to the fullest level.