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Atul Ltd | Annual Report 2014-15
1.
Conservation of energy, technology absorption and foreign exchange earnings and outgo
1.1 Conservation of energy
1.1.1 Measures taken
i)
Assembly of 6 membrane cells with zero gap cathode in caustic plant
ii) Replacement of converter of sulphuric acid plant by single tower design to reduce pressure drop
iii) Conversion of double effect evaporator to triple effect evaporator
1.1.2 Additional investments being made and proposals being implemented
i)
Replacement of caustic plant from mercury technology to membrane technology
ii) Recovery of heat from oleum cooling in sulphuric acid plant
iii) Installation of 2 MW wind turbine
1.1.3 Impact of 1.1.1 and 1.1.2 on conservation of energy and its impact on the finished products
Consumption of energy has been contained significantly thereby reducing cost of goods sold and increasing competitive
advantage.
1.2 Technology absorption
1.2.1 Research and Development
i)
Specific areas in which Research and Development (R&D) was carried out by the Company:
The Company focused its R&D efforts on process improvement of its 75 existing products, recovery of products
from pollutants and process development of new products and formulations. The R&D Departments also helped in
trouble-shooting in manufacturing Departments.
ii) Benefits derived from R&D:
The Company was able to increase yields, decrease consumption of other raw materials and solvents, recover
products from pollutants and introduce new products and formulations.
iii) Future plan:
The Company is investing further in people and equipments so as to strengthen its R&D and thereby enhance its
capability to face the future.
iv) R&D expenditure:
(
`
cr)
Capital
Recurring
Total
Total R&D expenditure as a percentage of total sales
1.59
17.94
19.53
0.78
1.2.2 Technology absorption, adaptation and innovation
i)
Efforts, in brief, made towards technology absorption, adaptation and innovation:
The Company upgraded many of its processes and operations imbibing new technology using more efficient
equipment and incorporating automation.
ii) Benefits derived as a result of the above efforts, for example, product improvement, cost reduction, product
development, import substitution:
The above efforts have resulted in quality improvement, enhanced yields, high throughput, and reduction in
manpower.
iii) In case of imported technology (imported during the last 3 years reckoned from the beginning of the financial year)
the following information may be furnished:
The Company did not import any technology.