Centre for High Technology (CHT)

Source:http://www.cht.in/activities_cht.php

Centre for High Technology (CHT) is a satellite organisation under administrative control of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Government of India.

CHT works in the field of Petroleum Refining and Storage, Handling, and transportation of crude oil and Petroleum products and Gas. 

ABOUT CHT - PROFILE

Formation

The Government Technology Policy Statement and Declaration aiming at development of our own capabilities to attain technological competence and self reliance in strategic and critical areas needed the following for achieving excellence and progress in petroleum refining:

• Create an environment for technological improvement and to identify areas / missions where technological improvements is needed
• Establish Scientific Advisory Committees for interaction and firm linkages with R&D and Academic Institutions
• Draw action plans for technology up-gradation through collaborative projects
• Project proposal evaluation and appraisal
• Simplify procedures for according various clearances / approvals for mission status projects
• Create Advance Technology Cells

Priority for pursuing the above decisions and objectives necessitated creation of a dedicated technology cell - Centre for High Technology by Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas on 27th May 1987.


Functioning
CHT functions under the overall guidance and supervision of the Governing Council. The Governing Council is headed by the Secretary, Government of India, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoP&NG) as the Chairman and all Joint Secretaries and Advisers in the MoP&NG and Chief Executives of IOCL, BPCL, HPCL, CPCL, NRL, MRPL, GAIL, EIL, IIP, OIDB as members. The Executive Director of CHT is the Member Secretary of the Governing Council. The expenditure of CHT is funded through grants from OIDB.

Members of the Governing Council / General Body of CHT 

Shri G.C. Chaturvedi,

Secretary,
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas,
Shastri Bhavan,
New Delhi - 110 001.

Shri Sudhir Bhargava,

Additional Secretary,
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas,
Shastri Bhavan,
New Delhi - 110 001.

Shri L.N. Gupta,,

Joint Secretary (Refineries),
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas,
Shastri Bhavan,
New Delhi - 110 001.

Dr. Neeraj Mittal,

Joint Secretary (Marketing),
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas,
Shastri Bhavan,
New Delhi - 110 001.

Shri A. Giridhar

Joint Secretary (E),
Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas,
Shastri Bhavan,
New Delhi - 110 001.

Shri Arun Kumar

Secretary,
Oil Industry Development Board,
Plot No. 2, Sector 73,
Noida - 201 301.

Shri R.S. Butola,

Chairman,
Indian Oil Corporation Limited,
3079/3, Sadiq Nagar,
J.B. Tito Marg,
New Delhi - 110 049.

Shri S. Roy Choudhury,

Chairman & Managing Director,
Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited,
Petroleum House,
17, Jamshedji Tata Road,
Mumbai - 400 020.

Shri R.K. Singh

Chairman & Managing Director,
Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited,
Bharat Bhawan,
4 & 5, Currimbhoy Road,
P.O. Box No. 688,
Ballard Estate, Mumbai - 400 038.

Shri S. Venkataramana,

Managing Director,
Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited,
536, Anna Salai,
Teynampet,
Chennai - 600 068.

Shri B.C. Tripathi,

Chairman & Managing Director,
GAIL (India) Limited,
16, Bhikaiji Cama Place,
R.K. Puram,
New Delhi - 110 066.

Shri A.K. Purwaha,

Chairman & Managing Director,
Engineers India Limited,
EIL Bhawan,
1, Bhikaiji Cama Place,
New Delhi - 110 066.

Shri Dipak Chakravarty,

Managing Director,
Numaligarh Refinery Limited,
6th Floor, Tolstoy House,
15-16, Tolstoy Marg,
New Delhi - 110 001.

Shri Upadhya,

Managing Director,
Mangalore Refinery & Petrochemicals Limited,
Regd. Office: Kuthethoor,
P.O. Via : Katipalla,
Mangalore - 575 030.

Dr. M. O. Garg,

Director,
Indian Institute of Petroleum
P.O. Mohkampur,
Dehradun - 248 005.

Shri B.D. Ghosh,

Executive Director, Member – Secretary, Governing Council,
9th Floor, Tower A, OIDB Bhawan,
Plot No. 2, Sector - 73, NOIDA,
Gautam Buddha Nagar,
Uttar Pradesh, 201307

Member Organisation

• Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited
• Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited
• Engineers India Limited
• GAIL ( India) Limited
• Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited
• Indian Institute of Petroleum
• Indian Oil Corporation Limited
• Mangalore Refinery and Petrochemicals Limited
• Numaligarh Refinery Limited
• Oil Industry Development Board
• ESSAR Oil Limited

ACTIVITIES OF CHT

1. Review of Physical Performance of Refineries for QPR meeting at MOP & NG: 

CHT compiles quarterly data of all PSU refineries w.r.t following Physical Parameters for Quarterly Performance Review (QPR) meeting:

1. Energy Performance:
   • Specific Energy Consumption (MBTU/BBL/NRGF)
   • Fuel & Loss (% wt. on crude)
   • Hydrocarbon Loss (% wt. on crude)
2. Crude throughput & Capacity utilisation:
   • Quantity & type of crude processed
   • Capacity utilisation of major process units based on ratio of UECC to ECC
3. Product Pattern:
   • LPG make
   • Distillate yield (Light, Middle & Heavy)
   • Production figures for major products like MS, HSD, LOBS, etc.

QPR Meetings for PSU refineries every quarter of 2007-is being held, wherein performance of the refineries for the quarter is compared vis-à-vis previous quarter, and annual performance is compared with previous year. CHT prepares the consolidated report on the analysis of refineries performance and submitted to MOP & NG.

2. Integrated Refinery Business Improvement Program (IRBIP) 

Integrated Refinery Business Improvement Programme (IRBIP) Phase-I is being executed at the 4 refineries by Shell GSI i.e. 

BPCL Kochi, 

IOCL Mathura, 

CPCL Manali and 

HPCL Visakh. 

The Assessment Phase has been completed at all the 4 sites with the Approval of the Projects for Improvement (PFIs). Implementation of the approved Projects is going on with a target to complete the activity by mid 2010 except for Operation & Asset Management (OAM) PFIs that require refinery shutdown, which would go up-to end 2010.

3. Development of energy factor for new process units and Revalidation of factors for the existing units in refineries 

The Energy Factors for new Process Units and revalidation of existing factors is one of the ongoing activities of CHT and is regularly carried out to enable realistic evaluation of energy performance of refineries.

CHT evaluate the energy performance of all the refineries after assigning suitable energy factors for their different process units on Annual Basis.

4. Coal to Liquid (CTL) Fuels Technology Development by EIL-R & D and BPCL-R & D 

EIL (R&D) and BPCL (R&D) prepared the Coal to Liquid (CTL) project proposal and put it up for consideration of the SAC first during 62nd meeting in November 2007 and then the modified proposal during the 63rd meeting in April 2008.

The objective of this project was syn gas cleaning and development of FT process. Development of gasification technology is, however, not a part of this project. 

MOU between CHT, BPCL (R&D) and EIL (R&D) has been signed in March 2009. 

5. Participation in joint studies under the Asia-Pacific-Partnership (APP6) on “ Carbon Capture & Storage and IGCC technology ” 

CHT had been part of the “ Cleaner Fossil Energy ” task force of APP6 on ‘ Clean Development and Climate ’ as the representative of MOP & NG. This task force has already identified 13 projects for development of appropriate / efficient technologies that would help in addressing world concern in minimising impact on climate while sustaining growth and energy security. 

In view of critical emission concerns and stakes involved, CHT proposal for associating in the two identified APP6 projects viz. carbon capture & storage and IGCC technology on behalf of the country and coordinate with various oil companies, academic institutions, for joint participation is under progress. 

Ministry of Power is the nodal agency for the above APP6 projects for which MOE&F has advised to take-up with them. In view of formalities involved, CHT proposes to join the activities under International Sustainable Energy Exchange (ISEE), International Fuel Quality Centre (IFQC) as well UNECE Committees on sustainable energy. 

6. Performance Audit of Refineries 

Need for evaluating Refinery performance in various areas like energy, operations, maintenance etc. were expressed during the Activity Committee Meetings of CHT. 

In accordance with the above, CHT undertakes audit of PSU refineries. The modalities includes formation of Joint Performance Audit teams comprising members from oil companies and EIL under the convenor-ship of CHT; formulating methodology including development of data formats, data collection and validation, program finalisation and audit. 

7. REVIEW OF AUTO FUEL POLICY BY THE COMMITTEE CONSTITUTED BY MOP & NG: 

As per the Auto Fuel Policy approved in October 2003, schedules for introduction of Euro-III equivalent norms in the entire country together with Euro-IV equivalent emission norms in the 11 major cities from 1st April 2010 are to be reviewed.

Accordingly, MOP & NG issued an Office Memorandum (O.M.) constituting a three member Committee with 

Chairman, Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) as the Chairman

Executive Director, CHT and 

Executive Director, IOC-R&D

as members for review of Auto Fuel Policy. 

As per the terms of reference, the review of Auto Fuel Policy targets for 1.04.2010 is to be based on the Source Apportionment studies undertaken by various agencies in six cities and monitored by Ministry of Environment & Forests (MOEF) and other relevant material. Further, CHT would act as the nodal agency to provide technical and secretarial services to the Committee and the Committee would submit its report within a period of six months. 

The Committee met several times and interacted with various stakeholders from oil industry and Petrofed, Automobile Association (SIAM) as well as ARAI, Government agencies viz. CPCB, PPAC etc who provided invaluable inputs to the Committee.

Subsequently MOP&NG has expanded the mandate of the Committee to include LPG / CNG / H2-CNG as an auto fuel in its final report. The Committee will examine all aspects (inter-alia emission reduction, economics and roadmap considering the availability of gas in the country) of using LPG / CNG / H2-CNG as auto fuel.

The Committee had six meetings with all the stake holders’ viz. IOC (R&D), BPCL, HPCL, GAIL, PPAC, SIAM, ARAI, NEERI, CPCB, MOE&F, MOSRT&H. The final report is under preparation. 

8. CHT Publications : 

With a view to keep abreast with the latest developments / trends that are taking place worldwide in the field of Petroleum Refining, CHT publishes “Technology Scan” and “CHT Bulletin”. 

Technology Scan:

This quarterly publication of CHT covers topics related to various areas of general interest to the petroleum industry. Various technical publications which are scanned and reference is made in these bulletins.

CHT Bulletin:

CHT is publishing the CHT bulletin on quarterly basis. It was started in September 2003 on monthly basis to bring out information on the activities of CHT, which also covers articles / news of interest to the petroleum industry. Publication of CHT technical journals was subsequently reviewed and it was decided that it would also be brought out on quarterly basis. 

Technical support to MOP & NG 

Review of Applications for Foreign Technology Collaboration:

CHT examines applications for Foreign Technology Collaboration, prepares the comments and sends to MOP&NG for further action. 

Comments for Issuance of Essentiality Certificates for various Refinery and pipeline Projects:

As a part of extending technical support to MOP&NG, CHT issues essentiality certificates for import of various project items after examination of the proposal and comments / recommendations are being sent to MOP&NG for further action. 

10. Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) on Hydrocarbons 

MoP & NG created Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) on Hydrocarbons in 1981, to advise Govt. of India on policies to ensure optimum processing of Hydrocarbon raw material as Fuel and Chemical.

Objectives

• To examine and comprehensively deliberate R&D project proposals submitted by various R&D organizations / Academic institutions, for suitable recommendations to MOP&NG for funding by CHT/OIDB
• To play a supportive role for identifying and formulating long range technology plans and working out suitable mechanism for adoption of indigenous processes
• To support new ideas and changes for effecting improvements in Hydrocarbon industry.

SAC on Hydrocarbons is the only such Committee functioning without any break since its inception in 1981, out of the several SACs constituted by the Govt. of India in early 1980s under the various economic ministries. 

CHT, in its capacity of technical support wing of MOP&NG, has been coordinating for : 

• Functioning of SAC
• Obtaining approval of EC/GC of CHT for proposals recommended by SAC
• Arranging OIDB funds,
• Monitoring of Projects and Follow-up

SAC played crucial role in consolidation of R&D in Hydrocarbon Sector, for instance: 

• Setting up of EIL - R&D Centre to support National Laboratories
• Modernization of research facilities and pilot plants at IIP
• Setting up in-house R&D Centres in CPCL and KRL

SAC and CHT, since their establishment, have contributed significantly in development of technologies for the hydrocarbon sector :

• Guided refineries to upgrade for production of petroleum products of improved quality
• Value addition to improve refinery margin
• Measures to be adopted to meet the stringent environmental protection regulations

11. Hydrogen Corpus Fund (HCF) 

Formation 

MoP & NG created a HCF with the contribution from OIDB and oil PSUs in June 2003. 

Objectives:

1. Develop hydrogen as an alternative energy source through indigenisation of technology
2. Facilitate R&D activities
3. Synergies hydrogen development activities between Oil COs / Institutions
4. Facilitate training and capability building

Initial corpus of HCF:

1. Rs. 100 crores with the contribution of
   • Rs.40 crores by OIDB
   • Rs.16 crores each by IOC, ONGC & GAIL
   • Rs.6 crores each by BPCL & HPCL
2. Fund will be managed by OIDB
   Project Approval as per New Guidelines
   New Guidelines issued in Jun 2009 to streamline procedure & approval for funding under HCF:
   • CHT is the nodal agency for taking up H2 projects and related activities
   • Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) will act as Technical Committee for HCF
   • All proposals under HCF will be received by CHT and put to SAC for approval
   • Financial concurrence from OIDB to be obtained after recommendation of SAC
   • Proposals recommended by SAC and concurred by OIDB, shall be placed before Steering Committee headed by Secretary, P & NG for approval.

Steering Committee:-

• Chairman : Secretary, P&NG
• Members
• Additional Secretary, P&NG
• AS / JS & Financial Advisor, MoP&NG
• Joint Secretary (Refineries), MoP&NG
• Secretary OIDB
• ED, CHT
• CEO of sponsoring company
• R&D heads of IOC, BPCL & HPC

Director (R&A), MoP&NG will act as the Convener of the Steering Committee

Broad Areas of H2 Research (identified)

1. Hydrogen Production

- Steam Reforming 

- Electrolysis

- High Temp Electrolysis

- Photo electro-chemical water splitting 

- Coal gasification

- Photo Biological

- Thermo-chemical

2. Hydrogen Storage

- Metal Hydrides

- Chemical storage

- Carbon materials

- Compressed gas or liquid hydrogen tanks

3. Hydrogen Delivery

- Hydrogen infrastructure option analysis 

- Material and cost of hydrogen pipelines

- Hydrogen compression and liquefaction

- Gas or liquid road or rail transport options

- Carrying capacity and cost of carriers

4. Hydrogen Applications

- Use of H2 -CNG mixtures in CNG engines ( with / without modifications)

- Development of neat hydrogen engines

- Development of fuel cell