Consultancy Cell

Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India, under its “Water Technology Initiative” programme sanctioned the above project to PSCST in two phases. In Phase-I, PSCST carried out water quality studies for 20 schools of the State from NABL accredited laboratory. On the basis of test results of water quality of these schools, DST assigned the Phase-II of the project to PSCST for selection, installation and assessment of appropriate Water Purification Systems (WPSs). The scope of work also includes performance evaluation of WPSs for one year for which water testing kits are to be provided to the school teachers in each school for checking the routine parameters; for which they would be provided training. Comprehensive testing including physical, chemical, microbiological parameters and pesticides is to be got done NABL accredited laboratories on quarterly basis for the scientific evaluation of WPSs.

Based on raw water quality, strength of school, water requirements etc, the capacity and technology of the Water Purification System has been finalized for each school. The capacity of the WPS varies from 50 lph to 500 lph depending upon the strength of school and availability of electricity. The tender document for inviting the financial bids has been finalized. The WPSs are likely to be installed in schools by February, 2013 followed by their performance evaluation for one year.

The recommendation/evaluation of this project would help Govt. of India in formulating policy by the Department of Drinking Water Supply for integrating scientific inputs in their major programmes such as Jalamani

Department of Science & Technology, Government of India has sanctioned a project on “Replication of Successful Model (RP) of Energy Efficient Cupola Furnace integrated with Air Pollution Control Device”. Under this project, successful model of energy efficient cupola furnace integrated with Air Pollution Control Device (APCD) is to be replicated in 10 cupola units in the State of Punjab.

The project aimed to reduce the consumption of fuel (hard coke), fluxing material (lime) and electrical energy with economic gain of Rs.2-4 lakh per annum per unit, besides control of pollution. The workmen working on the cupola platform are also not exposed to CO emissions, thereby, improving their health. Out of 10 model cupola units, 5 model units are likely to be commissioned by March, 2013 and the remaining 5 units by October, 2013.

Department of Science & Technology, Government of India has sanctioned a project on “Demonstration of Waste Heat Recovery System (Recuperator) in Steel Re-Rolling Mills in the State of Punjab”. Under this project, 3 demonstration units of waste heat recovery system (recuperator) are to be set up in steel re-rolling mills in Punjab.

The project aimed to reduce fuel consumption (pulverized coal) by 10-15% on account of installation of waste heat recovery system with economic gain of Rs.10-15 lakh per annum per unit. Demonstration unit in one unit has been commissioned at Mandi Gobindgarh whereas demonstration unit in second and third unit is likely to be commissioned by August, 2012 and December, 2012 respectively.

Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India has sanctioned a project on “Promotion of environmental Friendly Plasma Nitriding/ Nitro-carburizing for wear and corrosion resistance of industrial components” for Central Tool Room (CTR), Ludhiana.

PSCST is the Nodal Coordinator for this project. The project aims to demonstrate plasma nitriding systems facility at Central Tool Room, Ludhiana for surface hardening of industrial components to improve the wear & tear resistance. This technology is environment friendly as compared to conventional surface hardening technologies such as liquid nitriding and gas nitriding. Successful demonstration of this technology would benefit 500 industries in the State of Punjab. The demonstration unit is likely to be installed and commissioned by December, 2012.

Central Pollution Control Board has awarded through bidding, a project on "Revision of Comprehensive Industry Document (COINDS) for Brick Kilns" to PSCST with project cost as Rs.43.69 lakh in May 2010. The scope of project includes preparation of inventory of brick kilns in the country, environmental study relating to emission monitoring in 50 kilns (10 kilns each from the five zones of the country), detailed energy audit, identification of appropriate pollution control system and developing Minimal National Standards (MINAS). Inventory of brick kilns in the country alongwith environmental monitoring and energy auditing of all the project kilns have been completed. The study is likely to be completed by December 2012. PSCST has received Rs.19.52 lakh till date.

PSCST is working as Local Resource Centre (LRC) for Northern Region under the above project since October 2009. The objectives of project are to reduce energy consumption and restrict the GHGs by creating appropriate infrastructure for sustained adoption of new and approved technologies for production and use of Resource Efficient Bricks. PSCST has been actively working with Brick Kiln Owners, technology providers, architects, builders and other end users to promote the REBs. With all the efforts of the Council and UNDP-GEF, four entrepreneurs (One each in Dera Bassi, Ludhiana, Hoshiarpur and Tohana-Haryana) have already upscaled/installed new machines capable of producing both REBs and solid bricks. Details of activities undertaken under the project are available www.resourceefficientbricks.com.

PSCST and TERI (The Energy & Resources Institute, New Delhi) is working on a project "Evaluation & Improvement in Designs for Clamp Kiln" awarded by Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). TERI carried out emission monitoring and energy audit of 7 predominant types of clamp kilns in different regions. The scope of the work include study, monitoring and evaluation of existing firing practices, emissions levels, recommend modifications in design and practices, prepare specimen standards design, evolve emissions standards for different type of clamp kilns and pollution abatement options, siting criteria alongwith good practices and better house keeping.

Department of Technical Education and Industrial Training, Punjab awarded project on “Implementation of Environmental Management Framework for 8 ITI’s in Punjab”. The major components of the project proposal are:

• Energy audit of various electrical equipments in each ITI to identify the energy conservation measures and their cost benefit analysis.
• Design of rain water harvesting system for each ITI and their cost estimates. 

The project aims to harvest the rainwater with an ultimate objective to arrest the further depletion of groundwater table as well as energy savings to the tune of 15-20% in the 8 ITI’s. The project envisages replication in all the ITI’s and Government building in the State after successful demonstration. After carrying out the detailed studies, the requisite data was compiled & the detailed project reports (DPRs) for all the 8 ITI’s were prepared and submitted to the concerned department. The findings include estimated investment and saving potential in each ITI after implementation of Energy Conservation Measures and Rain Water Harvesting Schemes. Further, there is energy saving potential of 30-40% in each ITI with payback period as 2-3 years. 

Involvement of students during Energy Audit while taking readings from Power analyzer	Energy Audit of Diesel Generator Set using Power Analyzer
Measuring lighting Lux level	Measuring of Current for Electrical Devices using Multi-meter

Department of Science and Technology (DST), GOI had sanctioned a project on “Setting up of Air Pollution Control Devices in Cupola Furnaces in Bihar, Haryana and Karnataka” in 1999. Under this project, 3 demonstration units had been set up at M/s Kanhaiya Casting (P) Ltd., Patna, M/s Swastik Foundry, Kaithal and M/s Shanti Iron & Steels, Belgaum in the States of Bihar, Haryana and Karnataka. The beneficiaries reported economic gain of Rs. 2-3 lacs on account of reduction in consumption of coke besides achieving prescribed emission norms of State Pollution Control Board. This technology has been replicated in around 40 units in the State of Haryana.

Budha Nallah is a non-perennial natural drain originating near Chamkaur Sahib and finally joins river Sutlej in the outskirts of the city near village Walipur, Distt. Ludhiana. The river Sutlej is a source of potable and irrigation water for villages located downstream in the southern districts of the Punjab. The total length of Budha Nallah is 48 km out of which 13.6 km falls within the city limits of Ludhiana.

The Budha Nallah is burdened with more than 500 mld of domestic sewage, 150 mld of industrial effluents and around 1 mld of sullage / sewage from the 24 villages falling in its catchment area. The pollution levels in Budha Nallah have risen alarmingly putting the health of people to risk. The water quality of river Sutlej has deteriorated from A (Best) class to E (Poor) class. As a result it has got polluted the shallow strata all along its banks rendering the water of hand pumps unfit for drinking.

Government of Punjab had constituted a Technical Committee for evolving long term strategy for the cleaning of Budha Nallah. PSCST was the Nodal agency for providing all the technical/secretarial back up support to the Project Coordinator for the implementation of this project from September, 2006 to March, 2010. Now this project stands transferred to Punjab Pollution Control Board, Patiala. The progress achieved during the period is as under:

• Master plan of Ludhiana notified.
• The existing common effluent treatment plant at focal point, phase VIII, Ludhiana had been up-graded to achieve zero liquid discharge for the treatment of electro plating effluents.
• The capacity of existing STPs at Bhattian and Baloke has been augmented by 155 mld.
• Sites had been identified for setting up of the solid waste management facility at Ludhiana.
• De-silting of Budha Nallah was done on regular basis.
• Land of Budha Nallah has been demarcated by installing boundary pillars.
• 2 CETPs has been planned for the treatment of textile dyeing effluents at Ludhiana

The Holy Bein originates from a ‘Bouli’ in Dhanoa village near Dasuya in Hoshiarpur district and flows towards Sultanpur Lodhi in a zigzag way traversing a distance of nearly 160 km and merges into the Sangam of rivers Beas and Sutlej. With the rapid urbanization, the sewage from towns and villages started polluting the Bein.

Government of Punjab had constituted Technical Committee to restore the ecology of Holy Bein. PSCST was providing all the technical/secretarial back up support to the Project Coordinator to coordinate the various activities of the project. Now this project stands transferred to Punjab Pollution Control Board, Patiala. The progress achieved during the period is as under:

• Sewage treatment plant at Dasuya had been set up.
• 200 cusec of water had been released to Holy Bein.
• The work for the diversion of sullage / sewage of 19 villages out of total 24 villages in District Kapurthala and 5 villages out of total 14 villages in Distt. Hoshiarpur stands completed by developing ponds.
• Mini Hydel Project at Terkiana Head work on Mukerian Hydel Channel – II had been commissioned.
• Final Award for acquisition of land in 9 villages of District Hoshiarpur for development of ponds had been completed.
• Notification under section 6 for acquiring the land in 5 villages of District Kapurthala for the development of ponds had been made.
• DPRs for setting up of STPs in the towns of Dasuya, Tanda, Begowal and Bholath had been prepared.
• Pillars had been fixed to demarcate the boundary of Holy Bein

Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India had sanctioned a project on “Industrial Pollution Abatement through Preventive Strategies- Waste Minimization Studies and Air Pollution Control in Cupola Furnaces in Smalkha, Distt. Panipat (Haryana)” in 2005 to demonstrate energy efficient cupola furnace integrated with air pollution control device in one unit in the State of Haryana. The demonstration units was set up at M/s Bhart Iron Foundry, Smalkha, Haryana. The beneficiary reported increase in metal coke ratio from 9:1 to 13:1 with economic gain of Rs. 5.00 lacs per annum on account of reduction in coke consumption. The unit was able to achieve the emission norms as prescribed by State Pollution Control Board.

Department of Science and Technology, GOI had sanctioned a project on “Demonstration of energy efficient cupola furnace integrated with air pollution control device” in 2007 for setting up of 5 demonstration units of energy efficient cupola furnace integrated with air pollution control device in the State of Punjab. The demonstration units were set up at M/s R.A. Enterprises, Batala, M/s AVR Foundry & Engineering Works, Batala, M/s Challenger Machinery Company, Amritsar, M/s Santokh Singh & Sons, Phagwara and M/s Indian Agricultural Industries, Goraya. The beneficiary reported economic gain of Rs. 2-5 lacs on account of reduction in consumption of coke, lime stone and energy besides achieving pollution levels as per prescribed norms of State Pollution Control Board.

The above said project was sanctioned by DST, GOI in 2003 to design, develop and evaluate low cost technologies such as karnal technology, stabilization pond, aerated lagoon and oxidation ditch for the treatment of domestic sewage in rural areas. These technologies were demonstrated at Talwara Distt. Hosiarpur, Madhopur Distt Fatehgarh Sahib, Ulana Distt. Patiala and Alisher Distt. Sangrur.

A common effluent treatment plant having capacity of 35 m3/day was set up at Ramdaspura, Phillour, Distt. Jalandhar in 2001 for 40 small scale vegetable bag tanning units with financial assistance from Ministry of Environment and Forests, GOI and Punjab Pollution Control Board. The waste minimization measures were adopted by the individuals units by dedusting of salted hides and better soaking techniques to minimize the total dissolved solids in the effluent. The effluent from the site of individual unit was being transported to the site of CETP by small tankers. The CETP consists of Equalization Tank, Anaerobic filter, Aeration tank, Secondary clarifier & Sludge drying beds. The CETP was able to meet the discharge standards as prescribed by Punjab Pollution Control Board.

The feasibility studies for setting up of CETP based on nickel and chrome recovery had been carried out in 500 electroplating units at Ludhiana during financial year 2003-04. After detailed study, it has been recommended that waste minimization measures be implemented in each industry. The ion exchange columns would be set up in each industry to adsorb the nickel and chrome metals. The treated effluent after ion exchange would be of DM quality which would be recycled back for rinsing operations. The columns after their exhaustion would be transported to the CETP sites for the recovery of nickel sulphate and chromic acid and the fresh columns will be supplied to the industry as replacement of the exhausted columns. The effluents being generated during metal recovery would be treated conventionally.

Central Pollution Control Board, Govt. of India had awarded a project on “Comprehensive Industry Document: Development of Emission Standards and Good Practices for Electric Arc Furnaces and Induction Furnaces in SSI Sector: NIT” in 2003. During the study, the process details as well as the details of existing pollution control measures in around 100 induction furnaces and 16 electric arc furnaces located in various regions of the country were studied. The emission monitoring studies of induction and arc furnaces located in different regions having the best containment-cum-pollution control system were carried out to establish the design data and to evaluate the performance of existing pollution control technologies. After detailed study of process and emission monitoring, workable emission standards which can be economically achievable has been drafted for electric arc and induction furnaces. The draft emission standards were approved by Central Pollution Control Board and are under notification by the Ministry of Environment and Forests, Govt. of India.

Punjab Pollution Control Board, Patiala had awarded a project on “Techno-Economic Feasibility Study for examining the necessity of providing a covered shed / enclosure around mechanical drier in dry rice shellers for abatement of pollution” in 2011. During study, rice shellers located in various clusters of the State were visited and interaction was made with consultants / machinery manufacturer. After detailed study, it was recommended that rice shellers after taking the suction from dust generating sources such as unloading area, elevators, pre-cleaner should provide cyclones followed by bag filter for the cleaning section to control the air pollution. Further, bag filter is recommended for driers (tray type as well LSU type). It was recommended that two demonstration units, each for LSU drier and Tray drier be set up to establish the technology before its replication at a wider scale.