CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, organised the prestigious Dr LK Doraiswamy Memorial Lecture. Prof. Man Mohan Sharma, Emeritus Professor of Eminence, ICT Mumbai, and a Padma Vibhushan Awardee, delivered the lecture on the topic “Advances in Separation Technologies.”
Dr Ashish Lele, Director, CSIR-NCL, in his introductory remarks, spoke about the importance of this lecture in remembering the legacy of Dr LK Doraiswamy, a pioneer in chemical engineering. He introduced the Chief Guest, Prof. Man Mohan Sharma, to the audience. He elaborated on the seminal role played by Prof. MM Sharma in guiding the Indian chemical industry for the past six decades and also mentoring thousands of young chemical engineers who have graduated from ICT.
Prof. Man Mohan Sharma initiated his talk focusing on the continuous advancements in chemical engineering, with particular emphasis on separation technologies. He highlighted the momentous progress in distillation, particularly in areas like reactive distillation and the use of divided wall columns, which have drastically improved energy efficiency and capital expenditures. Prof. Sharma stressed that while distillation is a core process in the chemical industry, new techniques, such as using heat pumps and ion-exchange resins as catalysts, have significantly transformed the sector, leading to more sustainable and efficient operations.
Prof. Sharma elaborated on the ongoing evolution of extraction and adsorption technologies. He discussed how reactive extraction has made significant strides, particularly in the recovery of high-value chemicals in the petrochemical industry. He also explored the advancements in adsorptive separation technologies, such as the use of zeolites and Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs). These materials, with their immense surface areas and selective adsorption properties, are revolutionising processes like alkene-alkane separation and catalytic reactions. Prof. Sharma’s enthusiasm for these developments reflected the immense potential they hold for reducing energy consumption and improving process efficiency.
Prof. Sharma also highlighted recent breakthroughs in membrane separation and crystallisation technologies. He highlighted how advances in nano-filtration and the development of membranes that can withstand extreme conditions have made a significant impact on industries like pharmaceuticals and organic chemicals. He discussed the role of crystallisation in producing high-quality chemical products, emphasising the need for precise control over factors like particle size, polymorphism and solubility. Prof. Sharma talked about the importance of innovation in improving both the efficiency and sustainability of chemical processes and urged the scientific community to continue exploring novel solutions to meet the challenges of the future.
The event saw the presence of esteemed scientists, researchers, academicians, and industry professionals. The lecture was also streamed live, allowing a wider audience to benefit from the insights shared by Prof. Sharma. CSIR-NCL continues to remain at the forefront of scientific excellence, organising such distinguished lectures to inspire and educate the next generation of researchers and professionals.
