Vortex Pneumatic Diverter Valve Handling Plastic Pellets

Customer: Automotive Equipment Manufacturer

Material: Plastic Pellets

Application: Convey plastic pellets from individual storage bins to an extruder

Challenge: Replace a cumbersome hose system and automate the process of conveying multiple materials to a common destination

Valves: Vortex Quantum Wye Line Diverters | DR2.5-2AL-MG (2-way) and DR2.5-4AL-MG (4-way)

Results:

For this plastics manufacturer, the process of conveying plastic pellets was a production and safety nightmare. Flexible hoses were utilized to convey different grades and colors of pellets from storage bins to an extruder where the pellets were heated and molded into parts for the automotive industry.

The hoses took up space on the production floor. Employees moving through the facility had to be cognizant of the ever-changing location of the hoses. Production slowed down as hoses were relocated to different source bins. On occasion, hoses were connected to the wrong source material – causing the extruded parts to be rejected. It was not a pretty situation.

The company had utilized Vortex 2-way diverter valves in other parts of their facility with great success. They were pleased with the valves' performance and the exceptional life-cycle costs they provided. A decision was made to replace the hoses with Vortex multi-port diverters.

Two 4-way and two 2-way Vortex Quantum Wye Line Diverters were installed in the ceiling – routing the conveying lines off of the production floor and freeing up the floor area. Employees are now able to remotely select a source bin for the different pellets. The diverters shift into place and conveying automatically begins. All safety, production, and reject issues were solved with this new installation. The customer had the foresight to expose one of the ports of the 2-way diverters – allowing an air intake so the system can be "purged" on occasion.

"When the diverters arrived, we were surprised to see the new design of the quantum-style body. The full flange, in-line serviceability, and improved sealing features were an added bonus to a product that has always provided quality performance!" the production superintendent noted.

Contact Adroitt Flow Control, Mumbai on enquiry@adroitt.net for more information.

Global plastics industry is more optimistic for doing business with India

With the gradual key improvement in global economic scenario, the global plastics industry has shown significant signs of recovery with latest shale gas developments in US and increasing demand for plastics in array of applications – be it household of industrial – the global plastics industry is poised to scale new heights in coming years.

Arvind Mehta, Chairman – Governing Council All India Plastics Manufacturers' Association (AIPMA) and Past President – AIPMA & Plastindia says, "Overall, the plastics industries in all the major economies are on growth path. They are now more optimistic of doing more business with India and they expect Indian plastics industry to be as good as China."

Mehta represented Indian plastics industry at the CIPAD 2014 Global Assembly, during June 22-24, 2014 in Berlin, Germany. "It was an excellent opportunity for networking at an international forum where global association leaders meet and present their country papers, exchange ideas and information and get updated specially from converters and machinery producers' point of view," adds Mehta.

Mehta shares his observations at the CIPAD 2014 Global Assembly as follows:

US: With competitive manufacturing, the current scenario of US plastics industry is very positive. The 440% increase in Shale Gas production in the world's 3rd largest plastics market has attracted new investment of $9.6 billion and the plastics industry in US is expected to create 2.1 million jobs by 2020. Moreover, gas based polymer production is helping the plastics industry to fetch impressive profit as compared to other countries.

UK: With a significant growth of 1.4% and 2.7% in manufacturing and business investment respectively, the UK GDP is expected to grow 3% this year. The major focus of UK on plastic recycling and the Shale Gas boom will be a game changer for the UK plastics industry.

Germany: One of the leaders in making plastics and rubber processing machineries, Germany accounted for 22.2% in global sales of these machineries in 2013. With around 2,640 companies operational, German plastics industry in on growth trajectory and with impressive growth rate of 3.5%, 2.1% and 2.7% in packaging, construction and medical respectively ensures further growth. Plastic recycling will be a key contributor in the growth of German plastics industry.

Japan: The Japanese economy is on a moderate recovery trend. Japan produces 10.6 million tonne of plastic raw material per annum; in which PE 24.9%, PP 21.6%, PVC 14.1%, PS 7%, PET 5%, ABS/SAN 4.3%. Packaging accounts for 37.4% of total plastics produces in Japan, followed by 24.8% in building material, 8.1% in Automotive, 6.4% in agriculture and 5.2% in houseware.

Italy: Considered as one of the most technologically advance machinery makers for the world plastics industry, Italy is expected to show robust recovery in plastics machinery export.

Canada: Despite slow but steady growth of Canadian plastics industry, the key issues such as ban on plastic shopping bags, increasing marine debris, vinyl tin stabilizers, phthalates, flexographic emissions etc. are things to be watched out. With 3,170 companies engaged in plastic processing, the country is working on diverting plastics from landfills to recycling plants.

Switzerland: With a healthy economic recovery, Switzerland's GDP grew by 1.9%. Swiss plastic machinery export is up by 3% that include injection moulding machine (2.2%), thermoforming machines (19.1%), and blow moulding machines (14.2%). Manufacturing precision machinery is the key strength of Swiss Plastic industry.

Mexico: Mexico is an important representative of the plastic industry of South America. The Mexican plastic industry grew production by 4.8% and consumption by 5.9%. With the growing consumption in automobile and packaging, the polymer consumption has reached to 6.41 million tonne in Mexico.

INVISTA develops Industry's first Nylon 6,6 polymer pipe

INVISTA, a subsidiary of Koch Industries, introduced Raptor™ nylon pipe, the industry's first nylon 6,6 homogenous single wall line pipe that withstands temperatures up to 200 degrees Fahrenheit and pressures up to 500 PSI, while also being fast to install.

Raptor™ nylon pipe comes coiled in up to 2,000-foot sections that are ready for the ditch and suitable for applications ranging from multiphase flow lines to low pressure natural gas gathering and water transportation. Its product portfolio includes 2-inch, 3-inch, 4-inch and 6-inch IPS and SDRs 7, 9 and 11. Six-inch pipe is expected to be available in fourth quarter 2014.

INVISTA is the world's largest producer of nylon 6,6 polymer and chemical intermediates, and has a track record of 75 years of nylon innovations. INVISTA applied its polymer science and innovation capabilities to help bring the inherent benefits of nylon 6,6—superior strength, heat tolerance and wear resistance—to the oil and gas market.

"We discovered a strong market signal for a line pipe that was tough enough to handle the oil patch and perform daily under rugged conditions, but could be installed quickly, which provides E&P and midstream companies flexibility in their schedules," said Vikram Gopal, INVISTA vice president of technology, and who led the development of Raptor™ nylon pipe. "In response, INVISTA scientists and engineers collaborated to create a groundbreaking nylon 6,6 pipe system for the oilfield."

Raptor™ nylon pipe performs 2 to 5 times better than steel in abrasion resistance. It offers better resistance to static build-up and more than 25 times more abrasion resistance than HDPE pipe.

"With shale gas production increasing across North America, we expect our new line pipe offering will bring a new solution to the wellhead for the transportation of oil, gas and water for customers," added Gopal.

Six New Industrial Parks Likely to push growth of plastic sector in India

The Indian government has announced its decision to set up six new plastic parks as part of the ongoing five-year plan which runs from 2012-2017. This is in addition to the four parks which are already under construction, thus making the total number to ten.

Six new industrial parks likely to push Indian plastic sector growth

Announcing the decision during a seminar held in North India, the Joint Secretary for Petrochemicals- Neelkamal Darbari stated that the newly proposed plastic parks would be set up in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, UP, Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. The works on four parks in Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Assam are already underway and are supposed to finish within two years.

Plastic parks are aimed at bringing together plastic reprocessing units, recycling units and waste management systems under one roof. The Indian government would provide grant funding up to 50% of the project cost subject to a ceiling of Rs. 40 crore per project.

The remaining contribution in the SPV will be from the State Government or State Industrial Development Corporation or similar agencies of State Government, beneficiary industries and loan from financial Institutions.

The estimated yearly consumption of plastic including PE, PP and PVC is nearly 9 million tonne in India. Almost 25% of the total plastic is being imported from other countries, especially from Asian countries such as Taiwan and China. As per statistics, the per capita plastic consumption in the country is around 7-8 kilograms, significantly lower when compared to 95 kg in USA and 65 kg in Europe.

Nordson acquired two polymer processing companies from Germany's Kreyenborg Group for a total of 135 million euros (US$176.5 mln

Nordson acquired two polymer processing companies from Germany's Kreyenborg Group for a total of 135 million euros (US$176.5 mln), according to a July 18 regulatory filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The two German companies Nordson acquired are Munster-based Kreyenborg and BKG Bruckmann & Kreyenborg Granuliertechnik, according to the July 16 SEC filing. Material terms of the transaction are being provided in required regulatory filings. The transaction is expected to close within the next 60 days pending customary closing conditions and regulatory reviews.

"These businesses are highly complementary to our other recent acquisitions in the polymer processing space and fit our strategy of providing our customers with high value, mission-critical melt stream components that will enhance the performance of their systems." "These businesses are highly complementary to our other recent acquisitions in the polymer processing space and fit our strategy of providing our customers with high value, mission-critical melt stream components that will enhance the performance of their systems," said Nordson President and CEO Michael F. Hilton. "These businesses also immediately strengthen our relationships with key European OEM customers, deepen and expand our product offering, enhance our overall application expertise, expand our addressable market, and add recurring revenue opportunities to the portfolio. We expect to build on the current strong performance of these companies by leveraging Nordson's scale, global footprint and continuous improvement competencies.

Nordson manufactures and distributes screen chargers, valves, pumps and components for processing polymers. Both the German companies are involved in the production of special polymers. The acquisition of the German companies will extend Nordson's business into pelletizers production, a component used in polymer recycling. The deal also will extend Nordson's footprint to the Asian markets of Shanghai and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Over the past year, Nordson has strengthened its hold in the polymer market by seeking strategic add-ons. Nearly a year ago, on July 21, it purchased New Castle, Pa.-based Xaloy Superior Holdings Inc. for $200 million. Xaloy is involved in the production of melt delivery components used in plastic processing. Before that deal, Nordson on May 21, 2012, purchased Chippewa Falls, Wisc.-based EDI Holdings Inc. for $200 million. EDI is involved in the manufacture of polymers used for plastic processors and web converters.

Chinese market for medical polymer to be US$ 4 bln by 2017

The Chinese market for medical polymers was valued at US$1.7 bln in 2011 and at US$1.9 bln in 2012, as per BCC Research. The report forecasts total market value to surpass US$4 bln in 2017, after increasing at a five-year compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 16.1%. The Chinese medical polymer market is growing quickly due to its close relationship with the pharmaceutical and medical device industries in China. The medical polymer market has grown steadily over the last twenty years and BCC Research predicts that this growth will continue over the next five years.
The Chinese medical polymer market is expected to be influenced by several factors such as the fast growth of the medical products market, establishment of pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers in China, shifts by polymer manufacturers towards medical applications, production efficiency improvement, low emission standards and solutions for environmental constraints. According the report, the cardiovascular market is the fastest growing market in terms of consumption of medical polymers, although it is currently one of the smallest markets. Additionally, the report states that PLA will be the fastest-growing segment over the next five years and it will grow at a CAGR of more than 26% from 2012 through 2017. The research and development efforts for nontoxic polymers are increasing because of the high safety standards in the medical industry. The industry will also be significantly impacted by the increased environmental regulations in China. BCC Research has analyzed the impact of these new regulations and their impact on the medical polymer market specifically in this report.
The medical polymers market and production centers are concentrated in five major regions in China, including the Yangtze River Delta, the Pearl River Delta, and Northern China. This report identifies the Yangtze River Delta as both the largest and fastest growing region for medical polymers in China.

Global PP demand expected grow CAGR 4.5% to 62.4 million tons by 2020

According to a recently published research report, the global polypropylene demand is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.5% from 42.3 million tons in 2011 to 62.4 million tons by 2020.

Worldwide PP consumption likely to reach 62.4 million tonnes by 2020

According to the report released by US based GBI research, the PP demand from Asian countries are poised to rise significantly. Asian countries-especially China, South Korea, Japan and India will see increased PP demand. The North American polypropylene demand will see recovery during the period. On the other hand, the demand from Europe will further weaken due to the ongoing Euro zone crisis situation.

The packaging industry demand for PP is estimated to reach 20.1 million tons by 2020, the report says.

GBI Research publishes in-depth strategic intelligence reports in a broad range of professional industries, including, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, alternative energy, power, clean technology, oil and gas and chemicals. The reports draw on in-depth primary and secondary research, proprietary databases and high quality analysis from thier in house and external expert teams.

BASF develops Ultracom thermoplastic composites for the automotive sector

BASF is introducing Ultracom™, a package combining continuous fibre reinforced semi-finished thermoplastic products, compounds and engineering support.

The core of this new approach are laminates based on woven fabrics and unidirectional (UD) tapes that are impregnated with BASF's Ultramid® polyamide (PA) or Ultradur® PBT thermoplastic resins. These thermoplastic composites are being developed in cooperation with TenCate and Owens Corning. (See: Owens Corning joins TenCate / BASF alliance for thermoplastic automotive composites.)

The second component of the Ultracom package are the overmoulding materials that have been developed for use with these laminates. These are compounds from the Ultramid and Ultradur range. BASF says that by using them in combination with the laminates and tapes, it is possible to injection mould complex parts with very high mechanical reinforcement (using continuous fibres at precisely defined locations) while simultaneously incorporating specific functions as the result of overmoulding.

At the K 2013 exhibition in Düsseldorf in October, BASF intends to offer the first commercial Ultracom product packages:

• for parts requiring high stiffness, an Ultralaminate™ based on polyamide 6 (or an Ultratape™ if highly directed reinforcements are needed) in combination with Ultramid G12 COM with 60% glass fibre reinforcement as overmoulding compound; and
• for crash loaded applications with a need for impact strength, Ultralaminate and Ultramid ZG7 COM. 

The first pre-production Ultracom parts will be displayed at K 2013.The third component of the Ultracom package is engineering support, based on BASF's Ultrasim® simulation tool.

Working with customers in the automotive sector, BASF wants to develop production concepts for thermoplastic composites with continuous fibre reinforcement for body and chassis parts in 3 years.

BASF intends to spend a "high two-digit million euro sum" on composites R&D in the next 3 years.

Some customer projects have already started.

Punjab will soon have a plastics park for polypropylene-based downstream industries

With a new industrial policy in place and an aggressive government plan to create a land bank for industry, Punjab will soon have a plastics park for polypropylene-based downstream industries, especially in the SME sector, near the Guru Gobind Singh Refinery, a nHPCL-Mittal Energy Limited (HMEL) project in Bathinda, as per Business Standard. According to HMEL officials, Punjab has the potential to attract an investment of Rs 3,000-4,000 crore in polypropylene-based downstream industries.
The state-of-the-art refinery in Punjab - a joint venture between Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) and Mittal Energy, a subsidiary of ArcelorMittal - has the capacity to produce 400,000 tpa of polypropylene. 
Yashvir Mahajan, managing director of Punjab Small Industries & Export Corporation Ltd. (PSIEC), told Business Standard, "We are keen to promote polypropylene-based industries in the state. We have identified locations near the refinery and very soon a decision will be taken on the park. We already have 50 acres of land in our possession in the Industrial Focal Point at Bathinda. We have also identified 100 acres at a different site, which need to be acquired. Once the location is finalised, we will start work on setting up the plastics park to attract SMEs."
Mahajan added that that the new industrial policy, which is lucrative for SMEs, will act as a catalyst in attracting industry. Under the policy, new manufacturing units with a fixed capital investment (FCI) of Rs 1-10 crore will be eligible for retaining 50% of their value added tax (VAT) liability and 75% of their Central sales tax (CST) liability for seven years; for units having a FCI of Rs 10-25 crore these benefits would last for eight years.
Units with a FCI of Rs 25-100 crore will be eligible for retaining 60% of their VAT liability and 75% of CST liability, subject to a ceiling of 60% of FCI, for 10 years. This applies to new industry located in Zone I (less industrialised areas). Companies in Zone II (industrialised areas) with FCI of Rs 10-25 crore will be eligible for retaining 25% of their VAT liability and 50% of their CST liability for eight years, subject to a ceiling of 25% of their FCI; units with FCI of Rs 25-100 crore will be eligible for retaining 30% of their VAT liability and 50% of their CST liability, subject to a ceiling of 30% of their FCI, for 10 years.

China and India to Lead Global Polypropylene Demand Growth

Research and Markets: China and India to Lead Global Polypropylene Demand Growth

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Research and Markets(http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/rbx8wn/polypropylene) has announced the addition of the "Polypropylene Global Market to 2020 - Developing Regions of Asia-Pacific and Middle East and Africa to Drive Polypropylene Market Growth" report to their offering.

"Polypropylene Global Market to 2020 - Developing Regions of Asia-Pacific and Middle East and Africa to Drive Polypropylene Market Growth"

Global Polypropylene Market Expected to Grow at a Healthy Compound Annual Growth Rate of 4.5% during the Forecast Period

Global demand for polypropylene in 2000 amounted to 25,107,534 tons, increasing to 42,302,126 in 2011. Global demand for polypropylene has increased over the last decade due to increased consumption by end-use industries worldwide. The packaging industry was the largest end-use segment in 2011, when it accounted for around 30% of global polypropylene demand.

The equipment and facilities industry demonstrated the second highest growth rate in terms of polypropylene demand during this period. Geographically, the Asia-Pacific region dominated demand growth in the global market, while the highest growth rate was demonstrated by the Middle East and Africa region, where demand for polypropylene increased exponentially between 2000 and 2011. North America was the only region where polypropylene demand registered a net decline.

During the forecast period, polypropylene demand in North America is expected to recover, whereas the Eurozone crisis is expected to restrict the future growth of the market in European countries. The increasing trend of polypropylene demand in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East and Africa is expected to continue in future, with the Asia-Pacific region expected to account for a 62.2% share of global demand in 2020, which is expected to have reached a total of 62,412,550 tons.

Companies Mentioned

- Advanced Petrochemical Company

- Braskem SA

- China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation

- Daelim Industrial Company, Limited

- Exxon Mobil Corporation

- Formosa Plastics Group

- Government Of West Bengal

- Honam Petrochemical Corporation

- Idemitsu Kosan Company, Limited

- Jam Petrochemical Company

- Korea Petrochemical Ind. Company, Limited

- LCY Chemical Corporation

- Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation

- National Industrialization Company

- OAO "Nizhnekamskneftekhim"

- Petrochemiran Company

- QPI and Shell Petrochemicals (Singapore) Pte Limited

- Regal Petrochemical Company

- SABIC

- Tata Group

- Zhejiang Shaoxing Sanyuan Petrochemical Company, Limited

and many more....

For more information visithttp://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/rbx8wn/polypropylene

About Research and Markets

Research and Markets is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

Regards,

Anup Shah

Adroitt Flow Control Pvt Ltd

Sent from my iPhone 

www.linkedin.com/company/adroitt-flow-control-pvt.-ltd.

https://twitter.com/AdroittFlowCont

http://adroittflowcontrol.blogspot.in/

Borealis acquires DEXPlastomers

Borealis, a leading provider of innovative solutions in the fields of polyolefins, base chemicals and fertilizers, announced today that it has acquired DEXPlastomers VOF in Geleen, The Netherlands, from DSM Nederland BV and ExxonMobil Benelux Holdings BV. Until today, DEXPlastomers was a 50/50 joint venture ultimately owned by Royal DSM and ExxonMobil Chemical Company. The site is located in the Chemelot industrial park, 50 kilometres away from the nearest Borealis site in Beringen, Belgium. Approximately 100 employees will be transferred to Borealis Plastomers 1 BV (formerly DSM Plastomers BV) and other Borealis group companies outside The Netherlands. The products manufactured in Geleen are specialty products, complementary to Borealis' current innovative plastic solutions. The acquisition underpins Borealis' commitment to its Value Creation through Innovation strategy as Borealis believes there is significant potential for the complementary technology.  "We are happy to welcome our new colleagues in Geleen to the Borealis Group and look forward to a successful integration," says Mark Garrett, Borealis Chief Executive. "Both companies develop innovative solutions with added value for our customers; our products are complementary and will broaden our current product portfolio." Borealis has started the integration of the new site and its activities, a process in which safety and business continuity are key, to ensure continued punctual supply to customers.

Polymers in Photovoltaic

The photovoltaic power industry is well established in many regions and despite the sometime negative perception the end user demand in 2011 was strong and the total market for new installations passed the 26 GW mark according to IHS iSuppli. Italy nearly doubled its capacity in 2011 to 6900 MW, Germany led with 7500 MW, the USA was third with 2551 MW and China is coming up fast in 4th place with 1856 MW. The company expects around 23.6 GW to be installed in 2012. The US, China and Japan are all expanding markets. There has been overcapacity leading to a fall in price: crystalline silicone modules are expected to drop to below 0.6 Euros/W (0.80$/W). Manufacturers have to adapt to survive. The up side is that there is no longer always a need for feed in tariffs. Overall the PV industry is "still in the cowboy stage – it can grow and decline very fast as happened in Spain and the Czech Republic". Henning Wicht delivered this talk at the start of AMI's Polymers in Photovoltaics 2012 conference in Germany. A survey by Photon showed that the polymer industry has grown with the photovoltaic industry, for example the number of backsheet manufacturers has risen from 4 in 2005 to 22 in 2011.
As PV is a relatively young industry, durability is a constant topic of discussion. In terms of bankability, the insurers want a 25 year lifetime and warranty. Oerlikon Solar is involved with setting standards for modules and sees faults from aspects such as poor design, off-spec materials and faulty process controls. There are regional differences in causes of module failure and other factors include the mounting, which can generate a microclimate. Dr Ronald Lange is focused on innovation in module manufacturing, which has been limited by use of the same production machines and processes in each plant. Innovations include cutting lamination time, and the use of polymers as alternatives to other materials. For example a module with plastics for the frame, seal and mount and only 2mm glass from TULiPPS Solar System Solutions. It is also possible that the tray could be outsourced to injection moulders. It may be easier to trial innovations in ground applications rather than in building and construction where the regulations are much tighter. The first generation of backsheets for crystalline silicon PV modules were TPT i.e. Tedlar (PVF from DuPont )-PET-Tedlar. The PET layer provides electrical insulation and mechanical strength while the PVF offers weatherability and opacity. The market moved away from this structure initially due to the limited availability of fluoropolymer and more recently due to cost. The Japanese pioneered all-PET backsheets with two layers of PET and an inner layer of EVA. The outer layer must be hydrolysis and UV resistant. The next generation of PV will be flexible cells and this will push the limits of plastics materials. DuPont Teijin Films is the top global manufacturer of polyester films with sales of US$1.1 billion and production capacity of over 280,000 tpa. The company is leading research in PET films for PV looking at raising properties by orienting films, using planariser coatings to improve barrier properties and other aspects. The Weather-O-meter has been used for weathering testing: 10,000 hours is equivalent to 5 years in Florida, 11 years in Northern Europe and the Scottish speaker joked that this would be about 30 years in Scotland. PET can be subject to hydrolysis so new materials are being developed using capping agents to mop up the carboxyl end groups. There is industry demand for higher performance PET films beyond the standard 1,000 hour damp heat test to 2 or even 3,000 hours. PET is regarded as a cheap option and it is being pushed to its performance limits. 
Feron received the Intersolar 2011 award for its new backsheet design. There is an interlayer adhesive in most backsheets, which can be the weakest link and cause delamination. HelioX PV is designed to overcome this problem. The company entered the market when the limited supply of PVF opened up the market. It is part of the group discussing IEC 61215, 61646 and 61730 backsheet standards. The Italian backsheet producer Coveme, has reviewed the types of backsheet materials and the move away from PVF, which was first used 50 years ago. There are now 112 different types of backsheets. In 2007 more than 90% were based on PVF and that dropped to 40% in 2011. Other fluoroplastics are taking market share including PVDF, PTFE, ETFE and ECTFE. Module manufacturers want a plentiful supply of material and this has driven new backsheet developments. In Japan PET backsheets have been in use for over 25 years. Coveme predicts that with the price pressures on the market the backsheets will drop to around US$ 5 per square metre in 2013 from US$6.5 in 2012. Waterproof membranes are roof mounted and exposed to weathering just like many PV panels, so when the manufacturer Renolit entered the PV backsheet market it had full understanding of the operating conditions. Its latest product is based on flexible polypropylene and has integrated adhesive and is weldable to attach the junction box, mounting hooks and frame. This sheet is produced by coextrusion-lamination and a non-peroxide cured polyolefin encapsulant can be added by lamination. One special advantage is the permeability to by-products like acetic acid, which can migrate out of modules. New front sheets with a relief textured cover have been developed for PV panels by SolarExcel in the Netherlands. This innovation came as a response to the issue of reflection of much of the sunlight that hits PV panels, particularly with shallow angles of incidence. Anti-reflection technologies are widely used at the component level such as coatings on wafers. The new sheet from SolarExcel is applied to the glass front as a foil or topcoat and is claimed to eliminate all individual component reflection losses over all wavelengths. The materials used are acrylic and an anti-fouling fluoropolymer coating. The frames of most modules are metal, but BASF has an alternative light-stable polyurethane. The production process can be standard reaction injection moulding (RIM) or a new window spray technology (WST) developed for the automotive industry. In RIM the panel is positioned in the mould for a 30 second reaction time and then demoulded. In WST a PUR sealing is applied around a solar panel using a spray gun after priming the glass: there is no trimming and there are low tool costs. The system gives much greater design freedom such as roof integrated shapes and coloured, flexible frames. 
Weathering and ageing are critical factors in PV life. The University of Savoie has been carrying out research with the energy company EDF and has used infrared and Raman microscopy to examine the accelerated ageing of polymers in PV by heating at 2000h at 80C and 85% relative humidity (RH). After this procedure the material was examined for chemical degradation, UV-visible light absorption and degradation by layers. The technique was able to see changes in the material and monitor additive levels, for example in the fluoropolymer layer there was an increase in oxygen (C-O and C=O). The overall goal is a 30 year lifetime for a module. Similar work has been carried out at the EPFL IMT photovoltaics laboratory in Switzerland to find the best encapsulant material for thin film silicon modules. These devices use around 100 times less silicon and are much cheaper to produce at less than 60 Euros per square metre compared to conventional modules at 170-300 Euros. The researchers point out that the operating environment should be considered when selecting the polymer type. Temperature cycling is the commonest cause of failure at around 24%, damp heat 17%, with humidity freeze at 11% and load at 9% (source TUV 2009). Encapsulant is the protection against many environmental factors: EVA, PVB, ionomer and silicone polymers were evaluates for a series of performance properties such as wet leakage current. In the course of this study a new compressive shear test has been developed for adhesion. There are issues with fake modules in the marketplace estimated at 7-10% by TUV Rheinland, which has reviewed techniques for identifying genuine components. Serial numbers help as they identify when and where a module was made, so materials can be checked against the production schedule (it is common for manufacturers to list alternative materials suppliers so that they are not limited by supply). In India RFID is mandatory to identify modules: there are plans to install around 20GW of solar power by 2022. Scannable laser marking, ingot marking, isotope marking and material identification through optical methods are all options and TUV has developed its own PACS system. 
Momentive Performance Materials is supplying silicone for encapsulation. In tests it was better than EVA at light transmission, had lower moisture levels and better dielectric strength. In tests with a white silicone back encapsulant and a transparent front encapsulant, energy production was up by 5%. The material has lower curing temperature and modulus, thus reducing the mechanical stress levels in a module. Performance in damp heat conditions is much better than with EVA. A company set up to develop coatings for aerospace, MAP in France, has developed a liquid-applied silicone encapsulant for PV specifically for low concentration PV where Fresnel mirrors are used to concentrate light. The module operates at a much higher temperature of around 150C and therefore more degradation can occur, so silicone offers advantages over EVA in this setting. MAP has produced a thermally transmitting silicone adhesive too. Axiosun has produced modules using these materials. The standard EVA in use is around 32-34% VA content with crosslinking from peroxides, silanes for improved adhesion, antioxidants and UV stabilisers. The crosslinking process is vital for long-term thermal performance and hydrolysis resistance and takes place during vacuum lamination: it needs to be fast to reduce the chance of bubble formation from the decomposition gases. EVA encapsulant is produced by extrusion with a thickness of 0.3-0.8 mm using equipment from companies like AMUT SpA. This involves inline gravimetric feeders for EVA granules, liquid and dry additives, and a screw which ensures quick mixing at low shear and temperatures below 98C. The Scottish Institute for Solar Energy Research (SISER) at Heriot Watt University in Edinburgh has experimented with luminescent materials to improve energy production. Current modules make poor use of low wavelength light, so the idea is to add a spectral conversion layer that shifts the short wavelengths so that the light can be used productively (luminescent down shifting (LDS)). Fluorescent organic dyes like perylene can be incorporated in a top PMMA layer on the module, or in the upper encapsulant EVA. The colours can add to building design aesthetics. 
There are prospects for printable photovoltaics in the future using organic photoactive polymers produced by companies like Merck. These offer flexibility, low cost and low weight, once the technology is fully developed. The latest polymer is royal blue with absorption onset at 750 nm. A new organisation Innovation Lab GmbH has been set up with partners including Merck, Roche and BASF to develop organic electronics including printing and coating methods. Dr. Moazzam Ali at Chemnitz University is working on cheap, printable instant photovoltaics, much like plant leaves, which are 3-7% efficient and last less than a year. There are three roll-to-roll steps in the production process, the substrate is paper and the active component is polymer-fullerene. The technology for solar photovoltaic power is continuing to develop to reduce costs and enhance long-term performance, with the evidence indicating that it may be optimal to select specific materials for different environmental conditions. Design is becoming a feature too, with colours, shapes and flexibility all coming into the marketplace as options, which will encourage integration in buildings and other structures. AMI is organising a forum to debate the next generation developments in Polymers in Photovoltaics from 16-18 April 2013 in Cologne and all are welcome to contribute to the debate.

Dalmia Cement Plans Rs 1800 Cr Expansion

To strengthen its presence both nationally and in the North-East, cement maker Dalmia Cement (Bharat) Ltd (DCBL) plans to invest Rs 1,800 crore for capacity expansion over the next two years.

While the company would invest Rs 1,300 crore for its upcoming 2.5-million tonnes greenfield project at Belgaum, Karnataka, its plants in North-East would entail an estimated investment of Rs 500 crore, Puneet Yadu Dalmia, Managing Director, told reporters here on Friday.

According to Dalmia, the company currently has a total capacity of 17 mt and wants to add nearly four mt by 2014-15.

The company has recently acquired Meghalaya-based Adhunik Cement with an investment of nearly Rs 560 crore and increased its stake in Calcom Cement in Assam.

Meanwhile, OCL India Ltd would invest nearly Rs 500 crore for a 1.5-mt grinding plant near Salboni in West Bengal. DCBL holds 45.4 per cent stake in OCL India.

According to Dalmia, the project should be commissioned by the end of 2013.

Gerresheimer AG acquires stake in Triveni Polymers

Gerresheimer AG, a leading German packaging company, has acquired 75% stake in Triveni Polymers Private Limited which is a producer of plastic containers and closures for the pharma industry. The amount for the deal is yet to be disclosed.

Triveni Polymers is a manufacturer of pharmaceutical plastic packaging in India with over 300 employees. The office is headquartered in New Delhi and with a plant in the nearby city of Kundli, Haryana. The firm has an installation capacity of 5700 MTPA and generates an annual revenue of approximately Rs 130 crore.

"This acquisition is well aligned to our strategy of enhancing our footprint in the emerging markets. Triveni is a leading and fast-growing company with excellent profitability that provides a high value for us. Our global expertise, combined with the excellent local manufacturing capabilities of Triveni, will speed up our growth in the emerging countries," said Hans-Jürgen Wiecha, CFO of Gerresheimer AG.



Gerresheimer AG was established in the year 1864 and it boasts of manufacturing specialty products that are made of glass and plastic for the global pharma and healthcare industry. The company operates in four divisions, Tubular Glass, Moulded Glass, Plastic Systems and Life Science Research. The global player is headquatered in Düsseldorf. It employs over 10,000 employees at 46 locations in Europe, North and South America and Asia.



Earlier this year, the German company had acquired 70% stake in Gujarat-based Neutral Glass & Allied Industries.

Art of Leadership

Just as great Generals can inspire soldiers to make great sacrifices on the battlefield, compassionate leaders can take their teams to great heights. — KAMAL NARANG

Genuine leadership is of only one type - supportive. It leads people, it doesn't drive them. It involves them, and doesn't coerce them. It never loses sight of the most important principle governing any project involving human beings - that people are more important than things.

Consider a situation in which none of the above statements might seem valid — the battlefield. To a General, the most important thing, obviously, is victory. In the cause of victory he must commit men to possible, and sometimes even to certain, death. Is not victory, then - an abstraction, a thing - more important to him than the people he leads?

Yet, the difference between great Generals and mediocre ones may be attributed to the zeal great Generals have been able to inspire in their men. Some excellent Generals have been master strategists, and have won wars on this strength alone. Greatness, however, by very definition implies a great and expanded view. It transcends intelligence and merely technical competence. It implies an ability to see the lesser in relation to the greater; the immediate in relation to the long term; the need for victory in relation to needs that will arise once victory has been achieved.

Lead from the front

Leadership implies running at the head of the pack, and not driving it from behind. This is true also in military matters. Those who serve under a great General know well that he asks nothing of them that he would not first do himself. Such a General feels himself at one with his men, not superior to them. He knows that he and they are simply doing a job together.

A great general is a man of vision — necessarily so, for only with vision can he inspire his men to heroic action; only with vision can he make them desire victory as ardently as he does. He persuades them not by angry commands, but by the power of his own conviction. He involves others in his vision, and inspires them also to be visionaries.

People, even in warfare, are more important than things. Yet, there are circumstances in which people can fulfil themselves perfectly only by total self-offering to whatever they believe in. There are times when, for the welfare of the greater number, individual lives must be sacrificed. The great General inspires his soldiers because he believes it also for himself, the realisation that whatever may be demanded by the exigencies of war, death in a great cause is a life lived victoriously.

A great General is also loyal to his soldiers. Only in that spirit of loyalty does he demand loyalty of them in return. Thus, we see that even in critical times when stern command is necessary for proper leadership, the essence of genius in leadership is supportive, not dictatorial. An example of a great General, though not always a great tactician, was George Washington. Rather than billet his tired and hungry soldiers on civilian homes, and rather than feed them by foraging, he chose — for himself as much as for his army — discomfort, cold, and hunger. Historians who have concentrated only on his need to win the war have criticised him as impractical, if not even indecisive, but Washington understood that the need of the hour was as much to draw people to the concept of revolution as it was to win the revolution itself. It was his breadth of vision, and his concern for human values, as well as his greatness as a man of honour that made him one of the great Generals of history.

If it is true even in the military that leadership means leading others, and involving them, not driving and coercing them, then how much more is it true in matters where total self-sacrifice is not the issue. More can be accomplished by working with people than over them.

Handle with care

Leadership is an art. Bad leadership is usually due more to clumsiness than to ill will. Leaving aside the natural bullies - most of whom, except in circumstances where bullying has been imposed as the norm, have neither the intelligence nor the perceptivity to earn positions of real authority - people who fail as leaders usually do so simply because they are ill at ease in positions of leadership. They are like the untrained singer who bellows loudly to conceal his inability to produce a pure tone; and like the actor who bludgeons his audience with bombast because he hasn't learned how to win them with subtlety.

Any tailor knows you can't merely jam a thread through the eye of a needle. The strands must be brought carefully to a point, then inserted cautiously into it, allowing not a single one of them to escape.

The same is true of any art. One cannot bluster. One must attune himself sensitively to the requirements of the medium he is using. To paint fine lines, an artist must use a thin brush, not a thick one. To depict loneliness, a composer may well limit himself to a simple melodic line; certainly he won't use crashing chords.

Bluster, unfortunately, is the response of many people in positions of leadership to even sensitive issues, issues where finesse and patience are essential if the support of one's subordinates is to be won. At such times, especially, the temptation often arises to consider things more important than people. Often, indeed, in such situations, one hears the justification, "But it's a matter of principle!" Is it? Sometimes, perhaps. But even then, is not kindness also a principle?

People in positions of leadership need to see their roles not as 'big shots', but as artists whose medium is the dynamics of human cooperation.

Because the suggestions offered in these pages are people-oriented rather than job-oriented, they will prove helpful as well to anyone whose lot it is to work with others, whether in a position of leadership or not - for example parents, teachers, store salesmen or anyone wanting to win others to a point of view.

Even people who live and work alone may find suggestions in these pages for drawing the best out of themselves.

(The author is a spiritual teacher and founder of the Ananda World Brotherhood Community.)

Global High Temp Plastics Market to reach $1.8bln

The global market for High Temperature Plastics (HTPs) is projected to reach 1.2 bln lbs by the year 2018, primarily driven by rising consumption of HTPs in various industries such as medical and aerospace, particularly in emerging countries such as China and India, as per Global Industry Analysts, Inc. Other factors, particularly those related to the product, such as savings in production costs, superior performance and improved shelf life are driving adoption of HTPs across various industrial applications.

Global High Temperature Plastics (HTPs) market took the brunt of the global economic crisis that surfaced in the year 2008. Regionally, developed markets such as the US, Japan, and Europe were the worst hit, witnessing decline in volume and value sales during the 2008-2010 period. The recession brought the steady growth witnessed in the market up until 2007 to a grinding halt in the year 2008. Demand, however, showed partial recovery in 2011 with value and volume sales lagging substantially behind 2008 levels. With expected restoration of normalcy in the economic environment, demand for high temperature plastics worldwide is projected to increase through 2018, albeit at a pace way slower than the pre-crisis period. The global market for high temperature plastics (HTPs) experienced severe impact of the recent economic slowdown. The key factor responsible for decline was slump in demand from major end-use industries such as automobile, electronics, and chemical amidst the slowdown. These industries were considerably affected by the slowdown, while some industries such as electrical and food packaging were moderately impacted. The other major factor contributing towards slump in the global high temperature plastics market was considerable destocking owing to fall in cost of raw materials along with credit crunch. The destocking was also due to anticipation of lower prices by customers in the midst of falling oil prices and slowdown in Europe and North America. However, demand began to recover in the market as end-use industries began emerging from the fallout of the economic crisis, driving volume and value demands up. Overall market is expected to surpass pre-recession levels in 2012 in value as well as volume terms. The market for HTPs witnessed significant changes driven by market consolidation, pricing pressure, technology developments, and capacity expansion. Advanced Computer Aided Design (CAD) tools are being used to enhance the performance of HTPs in plastic gears sector. Compared to metals, plastic gears reduce noise, and enhance quality and working life of parts. Due to technological developments, HTPs have begun to find their place in various high performance applications such as Formula-1 cars. HTPs are also expanding into new applications by replacing various metals in areas such as motor and gear, bearings, plastic bumpers and body panels, oil screens, pistons, pumps, ignition modules in automobiles sector; connectors, coatings, wire and cable and packaging in electronics sector; semiconductor, medical packaging; and structural components, housings, adhesives, engine components and matrix resins in aerospace sector. Major factors that are driving uptake of HTPs include production savings of about one-fourth per unit to manufacturers of high temperature plastic products, longer life and enhanced quality of performance in several industrial applications. Further, they lower power consumption, enhance physical durability, flexibility and chemical resistance. Growing trend toward lower emissions, improved fuel efficiency as well as low vehicle weight, is driving growth of Fluoropolymers consumption worldwide, given the fact that the transportation and automotive industry is the largest end use application markets for fluoropolymers. In addition, increase in the sales of passenger cars in emerging markets such as India and China is also accelerating growth of the market. The electronics and electrical industry, which is another major application area for fluoropolymers, is also spurring market demand, as it is witnessing growing use of the fluoropolymers in wire and cable insulation, jacketing, lithium-ion batteries, and semiconductor fabrication applications. In the fluoropolymers market, PTFE constitutes the largest segment in terms of volume. However, due to its presence in the market for over 60 years, opportunities in the conventional end-use application areas such as construction, automotive, semiconductor and cookware have become saturated.

The US represents the largest market worldwide in volume as well as volume terms, followed by Europe. The US is expected to continue as the leading market for HTPs and attract significant portion of demand for fluoropolymers. The sovereign debt crisis that has created an environment of uncertainty across Europe poses a major threat to the prospects of several end-use industries within the region, also casting a cloud of uncertainty over potential demand for HTPs. Rest of the World market, comprising Asia-Pacific, Canada, Latin America and Africa, is projected to emerge as the fastest growing regional market for HTPs during the period 2010-2018, trailing a compounded annual growth rate of 5.2% during the analysis period. Going forward, Asian markets including China and India are expected to be the major drivers of demand for HTPs. Segment wise, Fluoropolymers represent the largest product segment in value and volume sales, while Polyketones are projected to emerge as the fastest growing product segment during the analysis period 2010-2018. Major players in the marketplace include Celanese Corporation, Chevron Philips Chemical Company, China Lumena New Materials Corp., Daikin Industries Ltd., DSM Engineering Plastics B.V, DuPont Engineering Polymers, Dyneon LLC, Evonik Degussa, Kuraray Co., Ltd., Rhodia Engineering Plastics, and Solvay Group, among others.

KraussMaffei reshapes PUR technology business

KraussMaffei, the German machinery group, has reorganised its reactive process technology business, which makes systems, mixing heads and other equipment for PUR processing.

From August, KraussMaffei's reactive technology division has adopted a business unit structure covering key markets such as automotive, white appliances and construction, said Nicolas Beyl, head of the division.

Speaking at the group's press conference at the Fakuma exhibition in Friedrichshafen, Germany, last week, Beyl said the move is designed to better manage the wide range of applications that the division deals with.

"With this new structure, we hope to serve customers even better in the future," he said.

Beyl said the division has experienced "two-digit" sales growth, but he did not reveal its sales figures.

Prospects for the division are "very good", he said. Growth drivers include sales of soft foams for seating and other applications.

The division's sales volumes in Asia are now almost the same as in Europe, and North America is also a good market, he said.

PolyOne Buying Spartech for $393m

Polymer compounder and distributor PolyOne plans to expand its product portfolio by acquiring Spartech, the firms have announced.

US-based Spartech brings a leading North American market position in sheet, rigid barrier packaging, compounds and specialty cast acrylic technologies to PolyOne.

PolyOne said the deal would be a bolt-on acquisition with opportunity for global expansion and allow the firm to align capacity and cost structure with customers. It would help Spartech shift away from high-volume products toward more value-added technologies.

The transaction is valued at about $393m (€302.9m), including assumption of Spartech's net debt of $142m (€109.5m). The companies expect to complete the deal in the first quarter of 2013.

Earlier this year, at an investory day event in New York, PolyOne said its goal is to have sales of $5bn (€3.9bn) and adjusted earnings per share of at least $2.50 (€1.93) by 2015. The sales goal is more than 70% higher than the $2.9bn (€2.2bn) total posted by PolyOne last year. The adjusted earnings-per-share target is more than double last year's $1.02 (€0.79).

PolyOne is the largest compounder in North America, according to Plastics News estimates, with an estimated market share in the region of 10-11%. Plastics News estimated the regional market in 2010 at $9.7bn (€7.5bn).

Spartech is the ninth largest film & sheet manufacturer in North America, according to Plastics News' most recent survey, with estimated relevant sales of $750m (€578.6m).

In the nine months that ended 4 August, Spartech reported earnings of nearly $3.3m (€2.5m) on sales of $862.6m (€665.6m).

"Spartech expands PolyOne's specialty portfolio with adjacent technologies in attractive end markets where we already participate as well as new ones like aerospace and security," said Stephen Newlin, chairman, president and CEO of PolyOne, in a statement.

"By combining Spartech's leading market positions in sheet, rigid barrier packaging and specialty cast acrylics with PolyOne's capabilities, we can accelerate growth for both companies," Newlin said. "We believe this is a very compelling transaction for our shareholders, customers and employees."

Separately, PolyOne reported that its net income in the third quarter rose 11%, to $24m (€18.5m) from $21.6m (€16.7m) in the third quarter of 2011.

Revenue edged up less than 1%, to $740.2m (€571.2m) from $735.8m (€567.8m).

Polymer demand in India to jump to 14.32MTPA

The polymer demand in India will jump to 14.315 million metric tonnes per annum (mmtpa) during 2016 as it will be driven by the packaging and automotive sectors. With the aim to meet the rising demand, India may raise its polymer output to 11.575 mmtpa during 2016. The polymer demand in India rose from 3.459 mmtpa in 2000 to 9.013 mmtpa in 2011 at 9.1% CGAR. This information was revealed in a study carried out by GlobalData.



The study further revealed that India's processed plastics exports have jumped in the past five years to $2.323 billion during the fiscal year ended 2011. As the investment in the processed plastics industry is rising consistently, the operation scale will also go up. It will lead to a more efficient processed plastics industry which will complement the upstream polymers industry.



This study carries an analysis of the Indian polymer industry. It throws light on the key features of the industry and explains the reasons for its impressive growth in the past decade.



The Indian polymer industry took off in 1957 but its actual growth commenced after economic liberalisation which facilitated the growth of the key polymer end-use sectors. The Indian polymer industry has emerged as the world's third largest consumer of polymers after China and the US.



As the spending power of the Indian middle class is steadily rising, the packaging sector may grow further and develop demand for polymers. It has been found that government's support has been important for polymer industry growth.

L&T to start ESP Manufacturing

Larsen & Toubro Ltd is planning to set up a new Industrial Products Project at Surat in Gujarat . The project involves Manufacture of Parts And Components Of Electronic Precipitator. As of 1/13/2012 , the company received Industrial License from Secretariat of Industrial Assistance (SIA), Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Government of India for setting up the project.

Contact :

Larsen & Toubro Ltd , (Electrostatic Precipitator Business Unit) Hazira, Choryasi Surat, Gujarat – 394510