The Hindu Business Line : IICT consortium develops synthetic aviation lubricant

AN Indian consortium has indigenously developed synthetic aviation lubrication oil, which can potentially save Rs 100 crore of foreign exchange annually.

The lubrication oil, a strategic material, would be tested by the IAF on two of its aircraft engines soon.

After all tests, the product is expected to be available for commercial production by the end of 2007, according to Dr J.S. Yadav, Director of the Hyderabad-based Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT).

The IICT is leading the consortium, which includes public sector oil companies and Defence laboratories.

The development would put India in a select group of advanced nations with the capability, Dr Yadav told newspersons today.

The IICT is planning to set up a pilot plant with a capacity of 100 kg in early 2006 to undertake all the relevant tests to establish the lubrication oil.

IOC is expected to finally take up the commercial production.

The lubrication oil can withstand tough weather and temperature conditions ranging from 200 degrees Celsius to 45 degrees Celsius.

The consortium project was started a couple of years ago.

Giving an overview of the achievements of the IICT on the eve of the lab completing 61 years, Dr Yadav said that in 2004-05, it had obtained 15 Indian and 46 overseas patents.

The lab also transferred technology to several industries.

The IICT has designed and installed a reverse osmosis pilot plant for generation of drinking water from groundwater source in Mylaram village in Nalgonda district, Andhra Pradesh where drinking water is severely affected by the presence of fluoride.

The Rs 3.5-lakh pilot plant produces 600 litres an hour of fluoride-free drinking water.

It is expected to provide safe drinking water to 1,035 people in 207 hamlets.

The plant was inaugurated on July 7. If it is successfully operated for a year, it could serve as a model to be replicated in adjoining villages.

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