Annual Report 2000 - 2001

Technology Development

Instrumentation Development Programme (IDP)

Instrumentation is one of the major areas of Science & Technology which makes a great impact on vital sectors of national activities such as education, scientific research, industry, agriculture, medicine and health etc. The Department of Science & Technology (DST) has been promoting the area of Instrumentation through its Instrumentation Development Programme (IDP) with the objective of strengthening indigenous capability for research, design and development of instruments in the country leading to their indigenous development and production, continuous updating of the technology to keep pace with technology improvements taking place globally, and innovations in the area of instrumentation. Programmes are evolved and projects are supported under IDP for research/ design/development and for innovations in different areas of instrumentation which are identified from time to time. About 60 projects are currently being implemented in identified areas of Analytical, Medical, Environment monitoring & pollution control, Test & measuring, Food processing, Geo-scientific, Agri-electronic, Textiles, Leather instrumentation and Sensors at various R&D organisations in the country.

Instruments/ Systems Under Development

Some of the major instruments/systems under development are as follows:

Dispergraph for measurement of carbon black dispersion in rubber, Rheometer, Instrumental colour matching for leather processing, PC based polarimeter, Concealed explosive detector, Glow discharge lamp-Atomic emission Spectrometer, Differential scanning calorimeter, An equipment for study of real time kinetics of ligand-ligate interaction, Computer based information module for cancer patients, Laser ultrasound tomography technique for early detection of human breast cancer, Portable analytical X-ray imaging instrument for bio-medical applications, Clinical chemistry analyser, Anasthesia ventilator, Electrofusion apparatus for immunotherapy and DNA transfusion, Online freeness tester for paper and pulp industry, Portable stack opacity monitor for chimneys and kilns, Computer controlled system for mixed juice flow stabilisation in plantations white sugar manufacturing process, Capacitive ceramic humidity sensor and associated instrumentation, Light fastness testing instrument with features of testing samples under different conditions of temperature and humidity, Dedicated system for estimation, monitoring and control of energy consumption at different stages in yarn in mills, Online fabric fault identification system using image processing, Instrument for scanning and separation of contaminants from Indian cotton.

New Projects Supported

Projects for development of the following instruments/systems were initiated/supported:

Strain gauge force transducer to measure applied force upto 1MN, Portable urea sensors and measuring system for detection of adulteration in milk, Low cost user friendly polyaniline based sensor for toxic gases, Continuous infrared heating system for food processing, drying, baking and roasting, Computer aided visualisation of shoe lasts -a bio-mechanical approach, Temperature controlled microwave histoprocessor, Microprocessor based ECG simulator, Treatment applicator for treatment of carcinoma cervix for high and medium dose rate radiation source, Sodium/potassium analyser, Optimised electrical parameters for electrically enhanced transdermal drug delivery instrument, Computer based kit for children with learning disabilities, Vascular microendoscopes of various diameters, Blood pump control and monitoring unit with disposable centrifugal pump head for extra corporal cardio pulmonary by-pass, Ground water level monitoring and recording unit, Evaporation rate monitoring unit.

Instruments/Systems Developed

Some of the major instruments/systems developed are as follows:

a) Smally Type Molecular Beam Apparatus

A Smally type molecular beam apparatus has been designed and fabricated at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Research, Bangalore. The essential components of the molecular beam apparatus are the cluster source and the Mass Spectrometer. The system consists of pulsed laser vapourisation cluster source coupled to the reflectron time-of-flight Mass Spectrometer. Such an integrated system is not commercially available. Most of the parts of the system have been fabricated indigenously. The equipment can be used effectively for cluster production of wide variety of materials. Clusters from both liquid and solid samples have been generated using different types of sample cells and have been successfully detected using the equipment. The system is working with resolution upto 5,000 amu and it has been put to use for research in many areas of cluster science.

b) Remote Afterloading System for Treatment of Carcinoma Cervix Uteri

The remote afterloading system has been developed and clinically tested at Regional Cancer Centre, Trivandrum. It is a computer controlled system with complete safety for source and patients as per I.E.C. 601-2-17. It has Cesium -137 source procured from BARC having lower dose activity of about 80 mCi. The source is meant for treatment of cancer in Cervix uteri. Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare dedicated the instrument to the Nation.

c) Deuterium Lamp

Deuterium lamp has been developed at ECIL, Hyderabad. Deuterium lamp is discharge lamp which uses an arc discharge in deuterium gas at a pressure of several Torr. These lamps have spectral range of 185 nm to 400 nm and are widely used in Spectrophotometers as light sources, emitting a continuous ultraviolet spectrum. These lamps have been tested at BARC, Mumbai. M/s. ECIL, Hyderabad will manufacture these lamps. The requirement of these lamps in the country is met through imports at present and thus will substitute the import requirements.

d) Microhardness Tester

Microhardness Tester has been developed and tested at CSIO, Chandigarh. The instrument comprises of a microscope with Filar micrometer eye piece mounted on a stand, a loading and unloading mechanism attached to a microscope for taking an indentation of a diamond indenter on a specimen surface under certain load in gms., an illumination system mounted on the microscope and a rotating table having X and Y movements. The system would be used for measuring microscopic hardness in micro Vickers of metals/alloys, various phases/micro-constituents present in metal matrix, thin wires and sheets, diffusion coatings and case depth of carburised/nitrided components etc.

Instruments/systems including Photoacoustic and Photopyroelectric spectrometers, Scanning magnetron sputtering targets, Resistivity equipment for deep electrical investigation, Ultrasonic nebulising spray system for medical applications, Laboratory freeze dryer, were also developed.

Commercialisation of Technologies

After development of the technologies, the Principal Investigator and DST make efforts to disseminate the information of the availability of the technology to industries through scientific journals, newspapers and personal interactions. Respective R&D organisations have been allowed to transfer the know-how to industries for commercial exploitation of the technologies. Know-how of the following instruments have been transferred by R&D organisations to industries for commercial production:

• Remote Afterloading System in Treatment of Carcinoma Cervix Uteri transferred to M/s. Panacea Medical Technologies, Bangalore.
• Online Energy Monitoring System transferred to M/s. Agate Instruments Pvt. Ltd., Chennai.
• Low cost Vibrating Sample Magnetometer transferred to M/s. Polytronics Corporation, Mumbai.
• Online Infragauge System has been allowed to be transferred to industries.
• Ion beam Micro-etching of materials for TEM has been allowed to be transferred to industries
  

The Government of India constituted the Technology Development Board in September 1996 under the provisions of the Technology Development Board Act, 1995. The objective is to encourage development and commercialisation of indigenous technologies and adaptation of imported technologies for wider applications. The Board provides financial assistance (equity, loans, grants) to industrial concerns and other agencies.

During the year 2000-01, the Board signed 10 agreements with 10 commercial enterprises. The total cost of these projects, to be implemented by the commercial enterprises located in six States / Union Territory, is Rs. 118.33 crore. The Board sanctioned a loan assistance of Rs.28.97 crore. The projects include development and manufacture of natural Beta Carotene, active pharmaceutical ingredients, starch derivatives, surface engineering through detonation coating gun, abrasive silica and papain from papaya.

The Board also signed an agreement with Unit Trust of India (UTI) in July 2000 for partnering with the UTI in floating the 'India Technology Venture Capital Unit Scheme'. The Board has agreed to invest Rs.25 crore in the scheme. To enable it to leverage the funds available under the scheme so that investments in technological innovations improve significantly.

Since its formation in September 1996, the Board has signed 76 agreements with 59 commercial enterprises and three agencies spread over 13 States and Union Territories. The total project cost is Rs.905 crore including the Board's committed assistance of Rs. 335 crore. The Board has helped 17 new enterprises in its start-up stage. The investments cover various sectors such as Health & Medical, Engineering, Chemicals, Agriculture, Transport, and Energy and Waste Utilization. The technology providers included in-house R&D units in the industry, national laboratories, academic institutions, private R&D labs and individuals. The Board's beneficiaries include largely public limited companies and private limited companies.

The Board decided, in 1998, to institute a 'National Award for successful commercialisation of indigenous technology' by an industrial concern to be given away on Technology Day, 11th May every year. Dr. Murli Manohar Joshi, Minister for Human Resource Development, Science and Technology and Ocean Development, gave away the National Award on 11th May 2000 to M/s Tata Engineering and Locomotive Company Limited, Mumbai and its Engineering Research Centre at Pune for the indigenous development and commercialisation of Tata Indica car.

The Board decided in August 2000 to introduce one more award of Rs. 2 lakhs to a SSI unit that has successfully commercialised a technology-based product.

Some of the enterprises provided with loan assistance from the Board have commenced commercial production. Those, which commenced commercial production in 2000-01, are:

• A company based in Madhya Pradesh commenced mass production of indigenously developed engines meeting India-2000 emission norms for medium and light commercial vehicles.
• A Chennai based company commenced the production of spiral type male barrier contraceptive based on a technology developed by an NRI.
• A Hyderabad based company commenced the production of ESR processed special alloy steel based on IIT technology.
• A Chennai based company commenced the production of industrial enzymes.
• A company based in Kerala commenced the production of switched reluctance drives.
• A company based in Tamil Nadu commenced the manufacture of spray dry coconut milk powder and desiccated coconut.

The Board organized and participated in a number of interactive meetings with industry, industry associations, R&D organizations and academic institutions.

Joint Technology Programme- Technology Systems

Sponsored development work progressed on projects in areas of Encoding/Decoding of FAX signals at CEERI Centre New Delhi, Aerogel Synthesis and characterization of Materials at CMET( Trisur),Biosensors for some type of pesticides at IMT Chandigarh, Reengineering and testing of 5 MVA LTSC Generator at BHEL (R&D) Hyderabad & BHEL( Haridwar), 0.5MJ LTSC UPS at IIT Khargpur, Low cost-Digitization of manuscripts etc. at NIAS Bangalore etc. Near Infrared Equipment procurement and value addition activities for some biochemical indicators for NDT based diagnoses was initiated at IIT Delhi and AIIMS New Delhi. IGCAR Kalpakam and their collaborating institutes finished a project on Intelligent Processing of Materials (IPM) and also conducted an awareness programme/meeting of many academic and industry representatives to further popularize IPM concepts and project work.

Joint Technology Programme - Inter-Sectoral Science And Technology Advisory Committees (IS-STACs)

IS-STAC in DST has evolved Joint Technology Projects which can be demonstrated on industrial scale with the participation of Science and Technology Advisory Committees (STACS) in different socioeconomic ministries. These Research Development and Demonstration (RD&D) projects are in the areas in which Ministries are ready to invest funds and take a lead role.

During the year, IS-STAC Secretariat has participated in a number of STAC and related meetings held in various Ministries/ Departments viz. Ministry of Textiles; Department of Shipping & Water Transport, Ministry of Surface Transport; Department of Mines, Ministry of Mines & Minerals, Ministry of Steel, Department of Sugar & Edible Oils, Department of Coal, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas and Department of Rural Development.

Highlights of achievements during the year

The following important projects were started and were evolved with the joint financial support from concerned ministries and industry as well :

A) De-Ironing Of Eastern Gxiat Bauxite

This project has been launched with the financial support from DST and Department of Mines. The projet is being implemented by Jawaharlal Nehru Aluminium Research Development and Design Centre (JNARDDC), Nagpur. The project has following objectives:

i) Reduce the iron content of Eastern Ghat bauxite to the level of 6-8% as FeZO3 from original content of iron in the bauxite (22-26%) and correspondingly increase alumina upto 55-60% (almost halfway to alumina) by physical techniques to produce most valuable bauxite for long transportation to feed BALCO and HINDALGO plants as well as for export purpose.

ii) Reduce Fe,O@ content to the level of 1-3% and titania < 0.5% in baux'i@e by chemical leaching for production of valuable non-metallurgical applications.
The project once complete@ will lead to the following beneficial results both physical and financial:

De-ironed of Eastern Ghats bauxite is half way to aluinina production and can be considered high grade ore suitable for value added non-metallurgical industries

Large resources of Eastern Ghats (more than 2000 million tonnes) can be gainfully utilised for feeding existing aluizina plants, set up Greenfield alumina refinery and export of ore at higher prices

India at present imports high grade bauxite from China despite being big deposits of bauxite in India. Any beneficiation technique, which can reduce iron content of Eastern Ghats bauxite can make it equivalent or better than imported one.

Calcination plants for producing bauxite for refractory and abrasive industries can be setup in Andhra Pradesh and Orissa.

Studies For Development of Pressure Swing Adsorption (Psa) Technology For Purification of Crude Helium

This project has been jointly funded by DST and DRDO (Ministry of Defence). The project is being implemented by Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP), Dehradun. In order to develop indigenous capability for extraction of helium froze natural gas, it is important to develop PSA technology for purification of crude helium. The studies will have the following objectives:

i) Screening of potential adsorbents on the basis adsorption isotherm and adsorption rate measurements gravimetric microbalance

ii) Column temperature and concentration breakthrough curve measurements with selected adsorbents for broad selection of adsorption and purge cycle times and conditions and estimation of mass and heat transfer and mufti-bed PSA experiments for optimisation of process parameters with respect to helium product purities and recoveries

iv) Development of simulation model to predict performance for both single and multi-bed units

PSA technology is the monopoly of a few mufti-national companies and information on their design is proprietary. It is envisaged that the expertise and knowledge base developed on completion of these studies will give a quantum boost to our capabilities to undertake development and design of indigenous PSA technology for novel applications in petroleum and chemical industries.

B) Radonihelium Monitoring in Thermal Springs

The project has been recently sanctioned by DST to Department of Physics, Guru Nana Dey University, Amritsar. The project has the following objectives:

i) To verify and cheek the concentration of helium reported by GSI in thermal springs using helium mass spectrametry, for the first time in India.

ii) To measure the radioactivity of thermal springs to assess the health hazards effects due to radon inhalation, as most of these springs have become centres of pilgrimage and tourism for general public.

ii) Gas Geo-chemistry of thermal established using Gas Chromatography.

The expected outcome of the study will be as follows:

A guidelines for economic springs will he prepared

A knowledge of radioactivity of thermal springs will lead to epidemiological studies to determine the health hazard effects to general public

Some of the thermal springs may be developed as thermal sources for generation of electricity in remote areas

Some Major Achievements Of Ongoing/Completed Projzcts During The Year 2000-2001

A. Project Title: Pilot Enrichment Plant for Helium from Hydrothermal Sources

This is an going project being implemented by Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics (SINP), Calcutta and Variable Energy Cyclotron Centre (VECC), Calcutta. The project was launched last year (September, 1999) with the joint financial support from DST and Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). On 16th June, 2000 the first Helium Enrichment Pilot Plant built in India was inaugurated by Prof. V. S. Ramamurthy, Secretary, DST and Dr. R. Chidambaram, Secretary, DAE for recovery of this noble gas from hydrothermal sources. The plant has been put up jointly by SIP, Calcutta, VECC, Calcutta in association with British Oxygen Company (BOC) India Ltd. The progress of this project is on schedule with respect of the demonstration of Helium Extraction using cryogenic technology. After successful cryogenic extraction of Helium with purity better than 90%, development work is in progress to demonstrate technology for its purification to Grade - A Helium i.e. 99.95% purity level.

B.Project Title: Advanced Process and Control Optimaization Technology for Processing Industries

support from DST and Department of Mines as well as Industry (M/S Hindustan Zinc Limited (HZL), Udaipur. The project was launched last year (June, 1999) after DST has signed an MOA with participating agencies. The implementing agencies are Tata Research Development and Demonstration Centre (TRDDC) 9 Pune; Regional Research Laboratory, Bhopal and HZL, Udaipur. The objectives of the project are as follows:

i) To provide a technology demonstration of advanced control and optimization through online implementation at a designated ore beneficiation plant in India.
ii) To quantify the benefits of implementing the technology, and thereby provide motivation for increased use of this technology

ii) To quantify the benefits of implementing the technology, and thereby provide motivation for increased use of this

ii) To quantify the benefits of implementing the technology, and thereby provide motivation for increased use of this technology in the Indian Mineral Processing Industry.

iii) To ensure maximum utilisation of installed instrumentation and control hardware in plants where such investments has been made.

This project has made good progress during the period so far and various milestones have been achieved such as Comprehensive plant campaigns on the grinding circuit, Identification of Instrumentation and control hardware for grinding circuit, development of grinding control strategy, development of grinding process model and its testing, design of Grinding Controller application, Preliminary plant campaigns on the flotation circuit and deployment of instruments and hardware. Moreover. on account of parallel work relating Advance Process Controller (APC) for both Grinding circuit as well as flotation circuit it is expected that the protect will be cow-PI ted 11 month in advance before the schedule date of completion. The project once completed will lead to the following benefits:

B. Project Title: Development Of Cost Effective And Energy Efficient Materials For Mining Industry

This project has been successfully completed by Regional Research Laboratory, Bhopal in July, 2000 as a result of sincere efforts made financial support extended by DST, Department of Mines and Sugar Technology Mission of TIFACIDST. A cost effective and energy efficient substitute material to conventional and bronzelgun metal has been developed at RRL, Bhopal. The material has been tried out at various places. They include Dhampur Sugar Mills Ltd. , Dhampur and Rampura Agucha Mines of HZL, Udaipur. The component being tried out at Dhampur Sugar Mills, Dhampur is a transmission pinion bush of a sugar mill wherein the developed component has already served for two seasons and is under trail for the third season. Normally the conventional gum metal bushes work for two seasons. More number of similar bushes are also be tried out in future. The components tested at Rampura Agucha Mines of HZL, Udaipur were bushes of feeder breakers of an ore processing plant.In this care, the developed bushes have performed twice that of the conventional bronze bearings.

R&D activities are still in progress at RRL, Bhopal for developing the substitute material bushes for trials in excavators at Bailadilla Iron Ore Project of National Mineral Development Corporation (NMDC), Hyderabad. The attractive features of the developed material system are light weight, low cost and comparable/superior performance as compared to those of the conventional materials (bronzelgun metal).

C. Project Title: Development of a Predictive Model for Spatial and Temporal Distribution of Lead Concentration in the Atmosphere of Delhi

The project has been successfully completed by School of Environmental Sciences, Jawahar Lal Nehru University, New Delhi. During the present study a model was developed for the determination of lead concentration at different traffic intersections in Delhi. For the study the model was suitable modified in order to make it compatible with local conditions prevailing in Delhi. The study shows the behaviour of lead in atmosphere and the effect of phasing out of leaded petrol on the ambient lead concentration. It is also clear from the study that the half life of lead is quite large and keeps on circulating itself in the atmosphere in various chemical forms. Because lead gets deposited in the roadside dust which forms a perpetual source of lead in the air. So in spite of the fact that unleaded fuel has been in use since October, 1998, the concentration of lead is not drastically reduced.

The Ministry wise interactions are reported below:

Ministry of Petrolcuin & Natural Gas

Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) met twice during the year on 15-16th September, 2000 and 15th December, 2000. IS-STAC secretariat participated in these meetings and provided necessary technical inputs on the proposals discussed in these meetings. The important projects approved viz. New Methodology to study Lubricant interactions in Plastic deformation by IIT, Delhi; Development of catalyst for reducing sulphur in FCC gasoline with minimum octane loss by IIP, Dehradun.

Ministry of Textiles

Ministry of Textiles convened the following meetings during the year:

• Screening Committee meeting of Cotton Textile Research Associations (CTRAs), SASMIRA and Mantra on 14.2.2000
• Quarterly Review meeting of CTRAs on 17th July, 2000
• Meeting of TRAs to discuss new Textile Policy - 2000 and their on going programmes.

In these meetings IS-STAC secretariat participated and provided various technical inputs. In addition several projects were received from TRAs for evaluation and comments and the same were evaluated and comments were forwarded to Ministry of Textiles.

Ministry of Steel

Empowered Committee (EC) of the Ministry of Steel convened its fourth meeting on 25th July, 2000 and IS-STAC secretariat participated in this meeting. In the meeting the progress of all the ongoing projects was reviewed including the Joint Technology Project on COREX Technology as well as several other new proposals were discussed. In this meeting IS-STAC secretariat put forward its views on several issues as well as new projects. A new projects Development of ultra high strength steel in as rolled condition through therno-mechanical controlled processing was approved which will be implemented by Bengal Engg. College, Howrah.

In addition IS-STAC secretariat also participated in the meeting of the Empowered Board constituted by Kin. of Steel on 20-21 January, 2000 for the Joint Technology Project on COREX Technology and it was followed by the visit of JVSL Plant at Torrangulu where in the performance and technological improvements and use of coal with ash higher than recommended by the technology supplier in plant during its last 5 months operation were explained to the members of the Empowered Board.

Department of Mines/Ministry of Mines & Minerals

The Standing Scientific Advisory Group (SSAG) convened its three meetings (27th, 28th and 29th) on 27.1.2000, 29.6.2000 and 20th Feb., 2001. IS-STAC secretariat participated in these meetings besides several other Project Monitoring Committee (PMC) relating to the joint technology projects viz. Advance Process Control & Optimization Technology for Mineral Processing Industries, Studies on Production of Alloyed Pig Iron and Low Alloyed Steel/Stainless Steel Using Chromite Overburden, Development of Bio-reactor Technology, for extraction of Zn metal from tailings/concentratee. In addition Secretary, Department of Mines convened a special meeting on 17th August, 2000 an Need based Industry Oriented research - Identification of Projects. IS-STAC secretariat took part in this meeting and provided required technical inputs. The major highlight of this meeting was that four thrust areas were identified on which a few Mission Mode Projects can be evolved viz. Information Technology (IT) applications in Mining Induatty, Mining and Exploration (Indigenous Technology Development), Bio-leaching and Waste Management in Mining Industry.

Ministry of Coal

The Standing Scientific Research Committee (SSRC) convened its three meetings (31st and 32nd) on 8.5.2000 and 1.11.2000. IS-STAC secretariat participated in these meetings and provided its views/suggestions on the various issues/projects discussed in these meetings.

Ministry of Rural Developiment

Science and Technology Adviso'ry Committee (STAC) convened its one meeting on 27th April, 2000. The major highlights of this meeting were as follows:

i) It was decided that all the members of STAC will forward the literature and proposals to the Ministry of Rural Development for integrated technology and rural development.

iii) Ministry of Rural Development would provide a list of key activities identified in various States under Swranjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojna (SGSY) for introduction/promotion of appropriate technology. This list has been obtained from the Ministry of Rural Development and has been handed over to Science and Society Division of DST for their programmes.

iii) The National Informaties Centre (NIC) in collaboration with National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD) will develop a Web Site and establish a Data Bank where all organisations concerned with technology and rural development could place their information/data base for the benefit of the users. In this connection IS-STAC secretariat had provided detailed inputs pertaining to the projects on Rural Technologies, Science and Technology for Women and Centre for Excellence in Rural Development which are part of Science and Society Division programmes. In addition list of State Councils was also provided to MORD. All these inputs are now being utilised by NIRD, Hyderabad in the development of Directory cum Data Base (DCDB).

In addition IS-STAC also participated in two special meetings convened by Joint Secretary (Poverty Alleviation), MORD on Watershed Development on 12.6.2000 and another an Food Preservation on 31.5.2000. In these meetings IS-STAC secretariat participated and provided valuable technical inputs. The major achievement out of the second meeting on Food Preservation a Joint Technology Project entitled Development, Demonstration and Dissemination of Protective Technologies: Bio-degradable emulsions for Food Security and Preservation of Waste of Perishable Items by Extending their Shelf Life has been approved in principle and will be jointly funded by DST and MORD.

Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

Sub Committee of Science and Technology Advisory Committee (STAC) (Road & Road Transport) convened its fourth and fifth meetings on 21.1.2000 and 5.1.2001 in which IS- STAC secretariat participat0ed and put forward its suggestions/comments on various proposals relating to Road, Bridges and Traffic and Transportation sectors. Various suggestions were made to the Ministry to evolve a few joint technology projects of common interest.

Ministry of Shi-pping

@esearch Committee of Ministry of Shipping convened its Igth meeting on 8th December, 2000. IS-STAC secretariat participated in this meeting and provided its various technical inputs an various ongoing projects as well as new projects. In this meeting the progress of the Joint Technology Project entitled Ship Design for Efficiency and Economy was critically reviewed and IS-STAC secretariat made suggestions on timely completion of this important project.

De-ptt. of Fertilizer

Secretary (fertilizers) took a special meeting on 13.1.2000 to consider the Possibilities of Use of Coal as Feedstock for the fertiliser industry. IS-STAC secretariat participated in this meeting and provided its valuable inputs on this topic. Subsequently a Task Force was constituted on the subject having representation of DST which held several meetings during the year. IS-STAG also prepared an approach paper on the subject which was discussed in a seminar held at Nagpur on and this Task Force will be submitting its report by 28.2.2001.

Department of Food & Public Distribution

Screening Committee of the Department convened two meetings on 2.2.2000 and 22.8.2000. IS-STAC secretariat participated in these meetings and provided various technical inputs/suggestions on the ongoing projects and new proposals. In addition the 4th meeting of STAC of the Department was convened on 30th January, 2001 and IS-STAC secretariat attended this meeting.

The Mission mode project under Sugar Production Technologies aims towards sharper and focussed technological upgradation in selected sugar factories to accomplish, interalia, the cost effectiveness of sugar production through improvement in plant efficiency, energy saving etc. In addition to the above the focus is also on improving the capital output ratio through optimisation and identification of user friendly technologies.

Technology Upgradation of Sugar Factories

The Sugar Technology Mission has so far taken up site survey of 27 sugar factories for their technological upgradation, and completed preparation of detailed technology upgradation schemes in respect of 25 factories including two which have been completed during the year. Of the above, loans for 10 factories have been sanctioned by Sugar Development Fund (SDF) and Financial Institutions. The implementation of schemes are in progress in these factories and in some cases it is nearing completion. 11 no. of factories are awaiting sanction of loan to start implementation of the schemes already prepared. In respect of balance 4 no. of factories, the project implementation has been kept in abeyance by the respective factories due to administrative and other reasons, associated with the factory.

Trial of New Technologies

The Sugar Technology Mission has already taken up assessment of about 19 new technologies and systems for the purpose of evaluation in commercial sugar factories. The majority of new technologies are being evaluated on plant scale.

Commercialisation of the following seven technologies have been completed and these are under replication. These technologies are:

• Separate Clarification of Vacuum Filtrate to avoid re-circulation.
  
• Thin Film Sulphur Burner for continuous generation of SO2 to achieve satisfactory juice clarification parameters.
  
• PLC based Integrated Clarification Control System for juice purification and better removal of non-sugars.
  
• Syrup treatment system for production of superior quality sugar.
  
• Low Pressure Extraction (LPE) system for efficient extraction of juice, power saving and reduced maintenance cost.
  
• Automation of pan boiling process to achieve higher throughput and reduce sugar losses in molasses.
  
• NIR technique for online analysis of sugarcane and sugarhouse products.

Follow up activities continue in respect of performance evaluation of following technologies in various sugar factories:

• Use of membranes for cane juice purification.
  
• Short Retention Clarifier to reduce juice retention time during clarification.
  
• Massecuite Filter for separation of sugar crystals from mother liquor.
  
• Development of Cost and Energy Effective Alternate Material for sugar industry.
  
• Enterprises Resource Planning (ERP) for use of information technology for better plant control management.

In addition to the above, implementation and evaluation of the following new technologies have been taken up during the year. These technologies are:

• Juice Extractor for efficient extraction of juice from prepared cane with significant saving of power.
  
• Use of Planetary Gear Box in mill drives to achieve power saving and reduced maintenance cost.
  
• PLC based automation of Cooling & Condensing System to achieve steady vacuum at evaporator and pan station with minimum use of electric power.
• DC Motor Drive with Planetary Gear Box

Advanced Composites Mission

The Advanced Composites Mission (ACM) was launched with a focus to enhance the utilization and application of composites as important performance materials in various sectors. The Mission aims at developing certain critical strategic inputs in terms of raw materials, design capability, skilled manpower and testing devices. It attempts to bring together the research institutions & industries towards development and commercialization of composite technologies. Towards its objectives, the Advanced Composites Mission focuses on:

• Development and commercialization of select composite products
  
• Promotion of composite applications (process equipment, transportation sector, bio-medical devices, marine operations, sports goods…)
  
• Improving industry-laboratory linkages for technology development and transfer
  
• Providing soft financial assistance to industries on repayable basis for projects on composites technology

The Mission initiatives encompass a wide gamut of developmental projects ranging from hi-tech brake-discs for aircraft to down-to-earth societal applications such as artificial limbs to alleviate human suffering by launching projects in active collaboration with the research institutes and composite industries in India. Apart from enhancing design capabilities in composites technology & human resource development, the Mission has diversified in key economic & industrial sectors such as railways, automobiles, bio-medical & rehabilitation, industrial products, chemical processes, building & construction, telecom etc. The Mission has played the leading role in improving the technology absorption ability of industries by consolidating the linkage between the industries and research laboratories.

The attributes such as attractive scheme of financial assistance, an effective programme management and knowledge-based project monitoring by experts coupled with the market intervention by reaching to the user agencies have all helped the Mission to record has made a visible impact on Indian Railways by launching eight projects having direct relevance to railways. A few products have gone in a big way towards commercialization.

Projects Completed: Achievements during 2000-2001

The following projects have been completed with salient achievements mentioned therein:

FRP Sleepers for Railway Girder Bridges

FRP Sleepers have been designed & developed to replace the existing wooden & steel channel sleepers on girder bridges by R&DE (Engineers)-Pune. Full-length sleepers have been successfully tested as per RDSO-specifications for Load test, Pulsating test, Fatigue test and Dynamic Panel test at RDSO & SERC-Chennai. RDSO now plans to transfer the technology of FRP sleepers to various entrepreneurs for productionisation & field trials. FRP sleepers offer certain critical advantages like good rail holding, electrical resistivity & anti corrosive properties, bearing toughness & vibration absorption characteristics and offer material qualities superior to that of any conventional materials used so far.

Jute-Coir Composite Boards

The Natura Division of M/s. Duroflex Ltd., Bangalore has successfully developed 'Jute-coir composite boards', being positioned as plywood & MDF substitutes with oriented jute face veneer and coir/rubber wood waste inside. The performance of jute-coir boards has been proven superior to plywood & MDF boards. Against an order from Indian Railways, 500 nos boards (6 X 4 ft) have been supplied to ICF, Chennai for induction of these boards for sleeper berth backing & partitions in railway coaches. Panel & flush doors using jute-coir composite boards have also been developed for low-cost housing applications.

Carbon Fibre Composites for Orthopaedics

'Carbon fibre composite external fixator rings', as lightweight substitute to steel rings for repairing & realignment of bones have been developed. These external fixators, made of vinyl ester/polyethersulphone reinforced with carbon fibre, have high strength-to-weight ratio, X-ray transparency etc. Various types of fixator rings such as baby rings, foot rings and others like osteotomes, gauges etc. have been developed and are now being marketed in India & abroad.

Energy Efficient FRP Axial Flow Fans

The project was launched at M/s. Parag Fans & Cooling Systems Ltd., Dewas with technology support from IIT-Mumbai. Five types of fans for poolong towers, mine ventilation, textile humidification, radiator cooling for diesel locomotives & air heat-exchangers have been developed & tested successfully. An efficiency differential of around 20-30% with commensurate energy saving has been achieved over conventional fans with aluminium impellers. The FRP fans would offer a pay-back period of around 3-6 months at current energy rates. Development order for inducting mine ventilation fans for Western Coalfields Ltd. has been received and the fans have been installed. Another order for radiator cooling fans for DLW, Varanasi is expected shortly from Indian Railways.

FRP Pultruded Profiles

The project was launched in collaboration with M/s. Sucro Filters Pvt. Ltd., Pune and technology support from NCL, Pune. 'FRP Pultruded profiles' (industrial gratings, solid rods for electrical insulation, cable-trays, ladders etc.) with excellent surface finish and flame retardancy as per international standards have been developed. Orders have been received from various industries for supplying cable trays, fittings & other accessories. An order has also been executed for supplying cable trays, fittings & other accessories to M/s Dabhol Power Project as per the specifications of M/s Bechtel International Inc.

Composites Design Centre, Bangalore

RV-TIFAC CDC has successfully developed the technology for FRP doors and other products for building & construction sector. More than 180 composite products for building & construction applications have been developed successfully by the Centre. The technology for the fabrication of doors & frames transferred to 22 Industries for large-scale commercialization. The Centre is working closely with Rajiv Gandhi Rural Housing Corporation Ltd., Government of Karnataka for disseminating composite building material technology for low-cost housing. The Centre is now fully geared up for taking up in-house & sponsored product development activities. An MOU has been signed among RV-TIFAC CDC, NSIC & BMTPC to promote & market the glass-fikre tomposite technologies for the housing sector.

On-going Projects : Achievements Highlights

Carbon-Carbon Composites for Frictional Materials

Defence R&D Laboratory (DRDL), Hyderabad, in collaboration with M/s Graphite India Ltd., Bangalore, has indigenised the technology of refurbishment of brake discs for both commercial (Airbus A 320) and Mirage 2000 (VAJRA). The product performance has already been established on 'disc-on-disc' and actual dynamometer tests at DRDL & HAL respectively. The refurbished brake discs for Mirage 2000 would soon be taken up for taxying & flight trials. The final milestone of the project on product qualification by CEMILAC and DGCA is in progress.

Non-Destructive Evaluation Techniques for Composites

The project was launched with DRDL, and M/s Vivace Sonics Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad to develop a comprehensive NDE facility for ultrasonic scanning and evaluation of composite & metallic structures. A portable ultrasonic C-scan equipment with the real time imaging and advanced defect analysis capabilities that is required for field inspection of over-heads structures has been made operational. An advanced signal/image processing software has been developed for ply-by-ply imaging of raw data and also for enhancing image quality & resolution of the defect. DRDL has p[laced an order on the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad to incorporate the aesthetic & ergonomic aspects. TIFAC & DRDL have initiated efforts for patenting the technology and also for design registration of the portable scanner. The indigenously developed C-scanner as import substitute is expected to be ready for induction by actual users in the market by March 2001.

FRP Gear-Case

'FRP gear-case for diesel locomotives' has been developed successfully by M/s Permali Wallace Ltd., Bhopal with technology support from RRL, Bhopal. Against a development order received from Railway Board, 60 FRP gear-cases certified by RDSO, have been fitted to the diesel locomotives at Jhansi loco-shed and these are now fully operational. Another order has been received from BHEL for the induction of 108 nos. FRP gear-cases in diesel locos. A prototype FRP gear-case for electric locomotives has also been developed & a development order from CLW, West Bengal is expected shortly for the induction of FRP gear-case for electric loco.

Composite Technology Centre (COMPTEC) at IIT, Chennai

The project was launched with a focus to help industries provide expertise in material research & development, product design, manufacturing technology, prototype development and quality assurance in industrial production. The Centre focuses on design and development of select composite products having high-value and also, high-volume requirements in the country. The Centre is providing various services such as technical guidance, design consultancy, prototype product development, general technical consultancy to the industries, supporting continuing education programmes etc. The credibility of the centre has been established amongst various composites industries in the country. About 50 composite study reports, 50 composite design modules & related software have been developed for the design of the composite products. These reports & modules are being disseminated to the industries on payment basis. An M.Tech Programme on Composite Structures Technology has also been instituted at IIT-Madras under the aegis of COMPTEC, Chennai.

Vacuum Forming Press for Composites

The project was launched in partnership with M/s. Tecnico Engineering Pvt. Ltd. and technology support from HAL, Bangalore. The project aims at developing a low cost vacuum forming press against the development order by HAL. The drawings and other technical parameters of the press have been finalized and the product would soon be delivered to HAL.

Jute-Glass Composite Components for Railway Coaches

The project was launched in partnership with M/s. Fabtech Industries, Calcutta with the technology support from CGCRI, Calcutta. The project aims at developing jute-glass fibre composite components such as glass & louvre shutters for windows in railway coaches. Jute-glass SMC laminates have been fabricated and tested at CGCRI conforming to railways' requirements. These SMC laminates have also been tested and approved by RDSO. Development of prototype glass & louvre shutters for passenger coaches is at an advanced stage; prototypes are soon expected to be delivered to railways for field trials. Partial replacement of glass by jute fibres has established lighter product weight & cheaper product cost.

Development of Composite Artificial Limbs for Physically Handicapped

The project was launched in partnership with M/s. Mohana Orthotic & Prosthetics Centre, Chennai with the technology support from MIT, Chennai. The project aims at developing endoskeleton type artificial limb (below the knee) by filament winding process. The artificial limbs developed under the project are light-weight and better in control & appearance with improved gait for the patients. Field trials have already started for the composite artificial limbs and twenty patients have been fitted with these limbs. Results from these trials have been quite encouraging and a few changes in design were incorporated based on the feedback from such trials. The composite artificial limb costs Rs.6,000/- only as against Rs.45,000/- of imported ones. These should find wider acceptance among neighboring states & other developing countries.

Development of Composite CNG Cylinders for Automobiles

The project has been launched with M/s. Strategic Engineering Pvt. Ltd. (SEPL), Chennai in technical collaboration with MIT, Chennai. The project aims at design & development of high-pressure composite cylinders for storage of compressed natural gas. The CNG cylinders with thin steel liners inside wrapped with epoxy resin impregnated glass fibre would be fabricated by an advanced technique of three-axis polar winding device. CNG cylinders made of composites for automobiles applications presumes importance in view of the factors like light-weight, utilization of alternate energy & enviro-friendly emissions. The prototype cylinder has been developed using two-axis filament winding facility. The evaluation of the cylinders and their qualification by international certification agencies would be completed soon.

Development of FRP Armoured Optical Fibre Cables

The project was launched with M/s. Indore Composites Pvt. Ltd., for developing FRP armoured optical fibre cables for communication purposes. The designs for premise cable, duct cables for BSNL, railways and for Bharti Telenet have been completed Few cable samples have been tested satisfactory for rodent resistance at CAZRI, Jodhpur. A minimum bend radius of 22 D & 30 D for premise cables and 36 D for duct cables with some improvements in resin system have been achieved against the user's requirement of 20 D. These cables would have added features like rodent & termite resistance, bullet resistance and long span length (300 metres) for aerial cables. The aerial cable would be completely dielectric, which will protect the cable against any danger from lightening.

New Projects Initiated (2000-01)

Development of Double-Wall FRP Vessels

This project launched in collaboration with M/s. Chemical Process Equipments Ltd., Mumbai aims at developing double-wall FRP vessels for storing chemicals with in-built alarm system for early warning the leakage by differential pressure. The system would minimize the risk of storage of hazardous fluids thereby reducing product liability insurance. The design approach for FRP double-wall vessel has been finalized jointly by EIL & CPE. The development of prototype vessel is currently underway.

FRP Modular Toilet Unit for Railway Coaches

The project was launched in partnership with M/s Hindustan Fibre Glass Works, Vadodara with technology support from IIT, Mumbai. IIT-B have been helping in concept development, design drawing of final concept, fabrication of full-scale mock-up of modular toilet blocks for improved aesthetics & ergonomics. On considering the space envelope as available in AC-II tier coaches as provided by ICF-Chennai, the dimensions & the design drawings for FRP toilet have been finalized. The full-scale mock-up of FRP modular toilet unit has been developed by hand-lay up technique by IIT-B/HFG. Two prototypes for FRP modular toilet units would be fitted to an AC II-tier coach at the Carriage Repair Workshop, Lower Parel of Western Railway for field trials by end-January 2001.

Composite Main Doors for Passenger & EMU Coaches for Railways

The project has been launched with Urbane Industries, Chennai with the technology support from IIT-Mumbai. The project aims at developing cost effective & corrosion resistant FRP main doors for passenger & EMU coaches as replacement of heavy steel doors. The composite doors are of immediate requirement for Indian railways and an early induction of these doors would avoid pilferage of aluminium components. The design approach has been finalized and the approval of design drawings by the railways is underway. The prototype doors with FRP skin outside and PU foam inside, to be fabricated by RTM technique, would be ready by mid-January 2001 for field trials.

Jute Composite Components for Footwear

The project proposal has been launched in partnership with M/s. APL Polyfab Pvt. Ltd., Calcutta and technology support from IJIRA, Calcutta. The project aims to develop jute composite components such as toe puff, counter stiffener, insoles etc. for footwear. It is to replace shoe components made in leather, leather board, man made synthetic non- woven, cellulose paper pulp etc. with jute fabric or jute mixed with other fabrics. The main target is to reduce the cost of components, simultaneously provide good strength, better shape retention, mouldability, flexibility etc. A few trial runs for jute-thermoplastic components have been completed; detailed product evaluation is underway at IJIRA.

Fly Ash Mission

Government of India approved Fly Ash Mission (FAM), a Technology Project in Mission Mode (TPMM) during August 1994 for a duration of 4 years. The duration of the mission has been subsequently extended upto March 2001. The RCE for extended project duration & scope is in process.

The broad objective of Fly Ash Mission is to build confidence in Fly Ash Disposal / Utilisation Technologies through "Technology Demonstration Projects" towards large-scale utilisation & safe disposal.

Impact made by the TPMM

• During 1993-94 before the TPMM had started only about 3-4
  
• %of the total flyash generated (in 40 million tonnes) in the country was being used. Today as per the latest estimates about 13% of the fly ash generated is being utilised. The annual utilisation has crossed 12 million tonnes.
  
• Many institutes like IIT's, TERI, American Embassy and Government agencies like CPWD, HUDCO and some of private agencies have started to use of flyash bricks in their construction.
  
• "Specification of Fly Ash for Use in Pozzolana and Admixture (IS 3812 - part 1) prepared by Fly Ash Mission have been discussed with BIS towards finalisation and issuance of standards by BIS. IS 3812 part II "Specification of Fly Ash for its use in Lime Based Products" has also been submitted to BIS for further processing. In addition the draft of standard for fly ash-cement bricks has been reviewed and inputs provided to BIS and the use of fly ash in ready mix concrete has been incorporated in the draft standard and the same is under consideration with BIS.
  
• Design guidelines for use of fly ash in roads & embankments have been prepared, the specifications and schedule of practices under approval with IRC. Construction of Railway embankments with flyash have started. The use of flyash as structural fill material/ for reclaiming low lying areas has also started getting acceptance.
  
• Use of flyash in agricultural applications has been well demonstrated and has been accepted by a large number of farmers.
  
• The area of 'flyash' as a raw material in various engineering applications is being included as a part of the curriculum at some colleges.

To summarise, the intrinsic worth of flyash for various gainful applications has started getting recognition. Its slowly being taken as a friendly and useful resource. Fiscal and policy measures need to be strengthened and the efforts need to be intensified.

Status

Technology Demonstration Projects have been undertaken in 10 thrust areas. The number of sub-projects in each Thrust Area & their status is given below in Table I. Practically all the sub-projects have either been completed or are in the advanced stages of completion, including the additional sub-projects undertaken.

Thrust Area-Wise Projects Under taken

* Includes 2 short-closed projects
** The ongoing projects are at advanced stages of completion

Thrust Area wise highlights of some of the major achievements are:

Characterisation

• Eight volumes of Fly Ash testing protocols for civil engineering applications have been prepared.
• Networking with 20 laboratories in different parts of the country has also been done.

Hydraulic Structures

• Technical preparatory study & design details have been completed for construction of two dams near Nasik, using Roller Compacted Concrete Technology (replacing 60-70% cement by Fly Ash).

Handling and Transportation

• The first fully mechanized plant for bagging of dry fly ash both in small and large (jumbo) bags at Badarpur Thermal Power Station has been taken up.

Ash Ponds and Dams

• Densification of the Ash Ponds by using Vibrofloatation Technology' and blasting techniques have been demonstrated successfully.
• A detailed design manual has been prepared for construction of ash dykes.

Agriculture Related Studies and Applications

• 15 Technology Demonstration Projects under different agro climatic conditions covering a number of soil -crop combinations have been undertaken of these thirteen have been completed.
  
• The analyses of soil and plant produce f crops grown on flyash treated soil (at project sites) has been stressed upon.
  
• Nutritional quality aspects testing of agricultural produce is being done for the produce grown on flyash treated soils.

Reclamation of Ash Pond for the Human Settlement

• Construction of six dwelling units at abandoned Ash Pond of NFL - Panipat has been completed.
  
• No settlement or any other kind of damage has been observed.

Roads & Embankments

• Three projects : "1 km road near Raichur", "Road at Dadri" and "Okhla flyover bridge embankment using fly ash" have been completed successfully.
  
• These experiments have resulted in the several multiplier effects.

Underground Mine Fills

• Two Technology Demonstration Projects regarding use of fly Ash as mine fill are being taken up for implementation at Talcher, Orissa and Chandrapur, WCL Maharashtra.

Building Components

• Economical - medium capacity fly ash brick press has been developed & supplied to a brick manufacturer.
  
• Two projects, for large-scale utilisation of fly ash in fly ash aerated concrete the production of pre fabrications have been completed.
  
• Studies on durability of fly ash bricks at four centres have been commissioned.

R&D

• Projects undertaken pertaining to manufacture of flyash aggregates for roads/ building components/ cement applications; development of field inspection facilities of flyash dumps, use of fly ash for effluent treatment, use of fly ash in ceramic applications.

Zero Base Studies on Fly Ash Generation and Utilisation in the Country

To arrive at reliable data and information regarding fly ash generation, disposal and utilisation in the country, five zero based zonal studies were commissioned to collect the data/information directly from power producers, users as well as potential users. Final reports from all the North & Central zones have been received.

The scheme on Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Research was initiated by DST in 1994- 95 for promoting R&D in drugs and pharmaceuticals sector. This Programme aims at enhancing capabilities of the Indian Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Industry towards development of New Drugs by synergising the strength of National Institutions and Drug Industry.Under the Programme R & D in all Systems of medicine will be promoted including Ayurvedic, Unani & Siddha.

Objective

This main Objectives of this scheme are to :

1. Bring together the scientific expertise existing in the country in research institutions and industry on a joint platform in a project mode

2.Establish mechanisms and linkages so as to facilitate the development of new drugs by the Indian Industry and the research institutions .

3. Create state-of-the-art infrastructure facilities on par with international standards for the benefit of the Indian Industry and other users.

Achievements

Five collaborative research projects have been considered for financial support under the " Drugs & Pharmaceuticals Research" Programme during the current financial year, out of which three proposals were approved and are in the process of being sanctioned. The various new project proposals which have been sanctioned so far during 2000- 2001 for an amount of Rs 247 lakhs are in the area of Design Synthesis and Bioactivity determination of antagonist analogs and mimetics of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) for Cancer Therapy, New anti cancer compounds:design, synthesis, screening and optimization through QSAR, Rational design, synthesis and screening of new anti-microbial macrolides and Design, synthesis & biological evaluation of new anti-tubercular compounds .

The various collaborative project proposals likely to be sanctioned in the near future (in 2000-2001) are related to Synthesis of selective Adrenergic receptor agonists as a novel therapy for obesity, Development of indigenous diagnostic ELISA kits for HIV-1& HIV-2, Bioefficacy and analytical evaluation of herbal active molecules and Screening , standardization and formulation of traditional Siddha drugs for arthritis . A National Facility on " Transgenic and Knockout Mice" is also likely to be sanctioned during 2000-2001. The various new project proposals which are likely to be sanctioned during current financial year (2000-2001) are envisaged to involve an additional amount of DST's contribution of the order of Rs.3.50 crores towards ist release of grants towards new proposals and a National Facility and Rs.100 lakhs towards ongoing projects funded under this programme.

Agreements Signed

Seven MOU's were signed between DST, Industry and collaborating research institutions during the current year and three more are likely to be signed in the near future .

Industries like DABUR RESEARCH FOUNDATION, ALEMBIC LTD., CADILA PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, GLENMARK PHARMACEUTICALS LTD, LUPIN LABORATORIES LTD AND ARYA VAIDYASALA are the select industries along with the institutions like IICT, Hyderabad,IICB ,Calcutta , Hyderabad University, Hyderabad, CDRI, Lucknow, NCL, Pune and CCMB, Hyderabad involved in the various collaborative Projects for which MOU's were signed between the collaborating partners during the current year .

Monitoring of Projects

Out of the various ongoing projects, 22 have been monitored while the progress of the rest of the 8 ongoing projects which are of less than one years duration are yet to be monitored. 9 projects have been completed successfully.Out of the 9 completed projects sanctioned under this scheme five projects have yielded significant results

Some of the significant results obtained out of these completed projects are as follows:-

1. In a two year collaborative project between Reddy's Research Lab. Hyderabad and Osmania University, Hyderabad a routine protocol for screening inhibitor molecules for COX II has been developed - this proposal may form basis for development of new anti-inflammatory drugs with lesser side effects.

2. In another two year collaborative project between Dabur Research Foundation (DRF) and Centre for Biochemical Technology (CBT), Delhi, a peptide synthesis facility has been set up at CBT. Out of this programme a peptide based anticancer drug, DRF 7295 for the treatment of colorectal cancer has been developed which has been found to be non-toxic. The pharmacokinetic studies have also been completed and DRF 7295 is poised for human trials.

3. In another project inhibitors for the enzyme DNA Gyrase were synthesized and tested. This may lead to development of new anti-tubercular drugs. This completed project has resulted in a standard screening system for NCE's against Tuberculosis
based on DNA-Gyrase Enzyme inhibition .

4. In a project proposal related to "Herbal Drugs", a novel process for the preparation of 'Asavas' and 'Arishtas' range of ayurvedic formulation has been developed. A marked reduction in the time needed for producing 'Asavas' and 'Arishtas' was recorded using yeast strains over flower buds, used in the traditional process.

5. In another project related to traditional herbal drugs, plant extracts of Asparagus racemosus and Terminalia chebula showed significant immunopotentiating effect while plant extract of Centella asiatica possessed significant memory enhancing activity.

Thus with regard to development of "herbal drugs ", the programmes supported under the umbrella of this programme on standardization of traditional medicines so far, have concluded sucessfully .

Patents Filed

Seven patents have been filed by the Project Investigators of Industry and Institutions out of the various projects supported under this programme. These are as follows :

1. A product patent entitled "A new drug for the treatment of Cancer" has been filed in INDIA, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, EUROPE, ISRAEL and JAPAN.

2. A Product patent application for "Novel peptide analogs for the treatment of Cancer" has also been filed in India.

3. A product patent entitled "A standardized immunomodulatory fraction of plant origin." ( in India )

4.A product patent entitled "A novel oligospirostaroside from Asparagus racemosus." ( in India )

5.A process patent entitled " A Process for the isolation of an antioxidant and free radical scavenging fraction of Terminalia chebula." ( in India )

6.A process patent entitled "A process for the isolation of immunoside-an oligospirostaroside, an immunomodulatory agent from Asparagus racemosus ( in India )

7.A process patent entitled " A Stereospecific process for the preparation of substituted piperidines. ( in India )