Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the preparation of multi-nutrient potassic fertilizer, by recovering potassium from sugarcane molasses based alcohol distillery effluent (commonly known as ‘spent wash’). The process involves pre-treatment of spent wash to clarify the aqueous phase and utilization of the treated spent wash in production of potassic fertilizer. The present invention enables utilisation of spent wash for recovery of value-added product (viz., potash fertiliser of >99% purity) and improves ease of ‘Zero Liquid Discharge’ compliance by subjecting the relatively benign process effluent to industrially practiced techniques for water recovery and salt reclamation.

Abstract: Molasses based alcohol distilleries generate highly contaminated, dark coloured and foul smelling effluent (bio-methanated spent wash, BMSW, also known as post methanated effluent). While the prevailing practices for treatment of alcohol distillery effluents operate on the premises of “liability management”, high potassium content of spent wash (ca. 2% w/v in BMSW) offers an opportunity for its utilisation in production of potash fertilizers—a major agricultural input. The present invention provides process for potash recovery from BMSW with concomitant environmental remediation of effluent. The process involves pre-treatment of BMSW followed by potash recovery through selective precipitation technique to produce potash fertilizers and activated carbon while generating a relatively benign effluent (>80% remediation). It may further be possible for the alcohol distilleries to achieve ZLD status by incorporating commercially practiced water recovery techniques (viz.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for the preparation of multi-nutrient potassic fertilizer, by recovering potassium from sugarcane molasses based alcohol distillery effluent (commonly known as ‘spent wash’). The process involves pre-treatment of spent wash to clarify the aqueous phase and utilization of the treated spent wash in production of potassic fertilizer. The present invention enables utilisation of spent wash for recovery of value-added product (viz., potash fertiliser of >99% purity) and improves ease of ‘Zero Liquid Discharge’ compliance by subjecting the relatively benign process effluent to industrially practiced techniques for water recovery and salt reclamation.

Abstract: Molasses based alcohol distilleries generate highly contaminated, dark coloured and foul smelling effluent (bio-methanated spent wash, BMSW, also known as post methanated effluent). While the prevailing practices for treatment of alcohol distillery effiuents operate on the premises of “liability management”, high potassium content of spent wash (ca. 2% w/v in BMSVV) offers an opportunity for its utilisation in production of potash fertilisers—a major agricultural input. The present invention provides process for potash recovery from BMSW with concomitant environmental remediation of effluent. The process involves pre-treatment of BMSW followed by potash recovery through selective precipitation technique to produce potash fertilisers and activated carbon while generating a relatively benign effluent (>80% remediation). It may further be possible for the alcohol distilleries to achieve ZLD status by incorporating commercially practiced water recovery techniques (viz.

Abstract: The invention discloses the design of an improved household solar still with enhanced output and high recovery. The output and recovery are enhanced by (i) aligning the top glass and basin so as to maximize the input solar radiation, (ii) using North-South reflectors in V trough configuration to further raise the incident radiation, (iii) employing metallic condensers on sides to maximize condensation efficiency, (iv) using suitably heated and cooled saline water by taking advantage of ambient temperature differential during a day and using such water as feed water and condenser water respectively. Use of detachable top glass assembly and teflon cork at the bottom allows for easy cleaning of the interior of the still and discharge of concentrate, respectively. The still is also demonstrated to be useful for other applications where, besides producing distilled water, the concentrate is a more value added product than the feed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated process for the production of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF), K2SO4, levulinic acid and formic acid from ?-carrageenan, the latter being obtained from fresh Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed biomass after expelling the juice. Mg(HSO4)2 was used in HMF synthesis, with co-production of galactose. The aqueous stream after HMF extraction was treated with the seaweed juice which process facilitated recovery of K2SO4 in pure form. The galactose may be utilised for synthesis of levulinic acid and formic acid before or after K2SO4 recovery or, alternatively, utilised for other purposes. Catalysts required in the synthetic reactions are generated in the process itself while the process energy required is met out of additional supplies of the seaweed biomass which is subjected to combustion/gasification.

Abstract: A process conducts organic reactions in a standalone laboratory scale solar photo thermo chemical reactor. For organic reactions require elevated temperature, light and mechanical agitation, all three energy forms can be simultaneously derived from solar radiation. Organic synthesis, such as bromination of toluene derivatives (benzylic bromination), bromination of cyclic acyclic hydrocarbon and oxidative cyclization of N-phenylethyl benzamide through bromination were successfully conducted in such reactors.

Abstract: The invention relates to an integrated process for the production of 5-hydroxymethyl furfural (HMF), K2SO4, levulinic acid and formic acid from ?-carrageenan, the latter being obtained from fresh Kappaphycus alvarezii seaweed biomass after expelling the juice. Mg(HSO4)2 was used in HMF synthesis, with co-production of galactose. The aqueous stream after HMF extraction was treated with the seaweed juice which process facilitated recovery of K2SO4 in pure form. The galactose may be utilised for synthesis of levulinic acid and formic acid before or after K2SO4 recovery or, alternatively, utilised for other purposes. Catalysts required in the synthetic reactions are generated in the process itself while the process energy required is met out of additional supplies of the seaweed biomass which is subjected to combustion/gasification.

Abstract: A process conducts organic reactions in a standalone laboratory scale solar photo thermo chemical reactor. For organic reactions require elevated temperature, light and mechanical agitation, all three energy forms can be simultaneously derived from solar radiation. Organic synthesis, such as bromination of toluene derivatives (benzylic bromination), bromination of cyclic acyclic hydrocarbon and oxidative cyclization of N-phenylethyl benzamide through bromination were successfully conducted in such reactors.

Abstract: The invention discloses the design of an improved household solar still with enhanced output and high recovery. The output and recovery are enhanced by (i) aligning the top glass and basin so as to maximize the input solar radiation, (ii) using North-South reflectors in V trough configuration to further raise the incident radiation, (iii) employing metallic condensers on sides to maximize condensation efficiency, (iv) using suitably heated and cooled saline water by taking advantage of ambient temperature differential during a day and using such water as feed water and condenser water respectively. Use of detachable top glass assembly and teflon cork at the bottom allow for easy cleaning of the interior of the still and discharge of concentrate, respectively. The still is also demonstrated to be useful for other applications where, besides producing distilled water, the concentrate is a more value added product than the feed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an energy efficient process for the extraction of non-polar lipids from photosynthetically grown micro-algal biomass using low boiling point solvents and utilizing solar energy for heating as well as chilling operations. The invention also relates to improve energy output to input ratio which is the main hurdle in the micro-algal lipid extraction process. The present invention also relates to the recovery of the solvents used for the above processes via solar energy.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved solar dryer with improved. The dryer consists of a solar absorber/collector (9) and a drying chamber (6). One end of the collector is connected to a forced draft fan (10) and the other end connects the drying chamber. The drying chamber has a drawer in which the material to be dried is kept on a wire mesh. The dryer further has the provision for placing color indicative silica gel under the wire mesh when operated in recirculation mode. The other end of the drying chamber has an induced draft fan (11). Both the dc fans operate using a 10 watt photovoltaic panel (3). V-trough reflectors (4,5,7,8) made from anodized aluminum are fixed on the collector and optionally on the drying chamber. A tracking circuit is incorporated to auto-track the dryer. A locking mechanism (14) is also incorporated to help the unit withstand high wind load.

Abstract: The invention teaches the obtained specifications and process of production of engine worthy marine microalgal fatty acid methyl ester (biodiesel) using naturally occurring marine microalgal mats and also marine microalgae cultivated in cost-effective manner in solar salt pans. Utility of co-product streams adds to the attractiveness of the invention.