Page 147 - CW E-Magazine (18-2-2025)

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COLLABORATION

NCL helps Indian Air Force solve oxygen generation

system issue in MiG-29

Pune-based CSIR-National Chemi- The NCL team led by Dr. Vijay the indigenised zeolite with the concur-
cal Laboratory (NCL) and the Indian Bokade, Head, Catalysis and Inorganic rence of the Centre for Military Airwor-
Air Force’s 11 Base Repair Depot Chemistry Division, rejuvenated the thiness and Certifi cation.”
(BRD) have resolved a critical problem zeolite material used in the OBOGS
affecting the onboard oxygen genera- units. The collaboration, initiated by He noted that the qualifi cation and
tion system (OBOGS) of MiG-29 fi ghter NCL Director Prof. Ashish Lele, was certifi cation of these indigenised zeo-
aircraft. started in June 2023 at the request of lites for use in MiG-29 aircraft would
the BRD. mark a signifi cant milestone in India’s
The OBOGS is crucial for provid- journey toward self-reliance in defence
ing a steady oxygen supply to pilots Porf. Lele said, “In April 2024, technology.
during high-altitude operations. Over NCL played a pivotal role in establish-
time, however, the zeolite material used ing a rejuvenation facility at 11 BRD to “This breakthrough reinforces the
in OBOGS loses effi ciency because of ensure sustainable and in-house main- commitment of CSIR-NCL and the Indian
moisture absorption, leading to sub- tenance of OBOGS units. Joint efforts Air Force to fostering innovation and
optimal oxygen generation and risking between NCL and 11 BRD are now technological advancements to meet
the aircraft’s performance. focused on completing ground trials of national defence requirements,” he added.

TOWARDS NET ZERO
IOC targets 5-6 GW renewable energy projects

Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is a mix of organic route to achieve that. of wind capacity and 79.34-MW of
looking to acquire 5-6 gigawatts (GW) We will be doing this with our joint solar photovoltaic (PV) capacity.
of solar and wind power projects to venture (JV) partners also. We will
expand its green energy portfolio. This also be achieving this target through In FY24, the OMC produced 401.50
is part of the oil marketing company’s mergers and acquisitions (M&As),” million units (MU) of renewable elec-
(OMC’s) strategy to become a net zero IOC’s management said in a recent tricity, which mitigated 368,980-tonnes
carbon dioxide emitter by 2046. investor call. of CO equivalent emissions. In 2023,
2
IOC’s carbon footprint was around
“IOC has multiple strategies to As of March 2024, IOC’s renewables 22.76-mt of CO equivalent (MTCO e),
2
2
achieve the target. We have a target of portfolio stands at 246.94 megawatts while the total water footprint was
31-GW to be added by 2031. We have (MW), which consists of 167.60-MW about 149.6-bn litres.
Thermax Group registers revenue growth of 8% in Q3 FY25

Thermax, a leading provider of profi t after tax of Q3 FY24 included an changes in the Chemicals segment,”
energy and environment solutions, has exceptional gain of Rs. 126-crore from the company said in a statement. Dur-
recorded a consolidated operating reve- the sale of a vacant plot of land. The ing the quarter, Thermax completed
nue of Rs. 2,508-crore in Q3 FY25, profi t before tax and exceptional item the acquisition of 100% of the equity
an 8% increase as compared to is Rs. 156-crore (Rs. 183-crore), down share capital of Buildtech Products
Rs. 2,324-crore in the corresponding 15%. India Pvt. Ltd., a company manufacturing
quarter of the previous fi scal year. admixtures, accelerators and capsules
“The current quarter’s results are used in tunnels, infrastructure and rail-
The company’s consolidated profi t affected by lower margins in certain way projects. This acquisition adds to
after tax (PAT) is Rs. 114-crore (Rs. orders within the Industrial Infra seg- Thermax’s presence in the construction
237-crore), a decrease of 52%. The ment and the impact of product mix chemicals sector.

Chemical Weekly February 18, 2025 147

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