As a large number of Indian OEMs join forces to tackle the Covid-19 outbreak, the Pune-based Praj Industries has developed a unique process technology in its government approved (Department of Scientific and Industrial Research) state-of-the-art research centre that helps formulate alcohol into high-quality sanitisers.

Following the guidelines issued by the World Health Organization and Ministry of Health, the sanitiser market is experiencing exponential demand and has created a huge requirement of sanitisers and disinfectants in India and across the world. The formulation in sanitisers has at least 80% alcohol that neutralises the virus and thus prevents its spread. Sanitisers can be produced from value added processing of alcohol made in distilleries and bottling plants.

According to company officials, free access is available on its  website for designing, engineering, and formulation of mixture packages to produce sanitisers for standardised plant capacity of 2KLPD (20,000 bottles of 100 ml each) and 5KLPD (50,000 bottles of 100 ml each). In addition, the company has also assured of providing remote engineering and commissioning assistance for the same.

Praj is also geared up to manufacture and supply specialised reactors required for production of sanitisers on a fast-track basis.

In a statement Atul Mulay, president, Bioenergy Business said, "We are pleased to offer Praj's know-how and engineering package that adheres to WHO guidelines for the production of sanitisers. We are sure our sincere contribution of providing a plug and play package will boost production at this critical juncture and help combat the spread of the virus."

With over 750 references across the world including more than 450 in India, Praj claims that it is well positioned to facilitate the production of sanitisers leveraging on its captive process plant customer base.

Government eases regulations to boost sanitizer production
The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution in its March 19 notification came out with several steps for  boosting the production of sanitisers in the country. The directions to State governments and Union Territories are related to granting of all necessary permissions for licensing and storage of ethyl alcohol/ extra neutral alcohol/ ethanol to the sanitizer industries up to their installed capacity without any quota restrictions. Further, the sanitiser manufactures are being encouraged to increase their installed capacity and work in three shifts to make use of their existing capacity.

READ MORE
OEMs and suppliers join forces to fight Covid-19 on a global scale​

How coronavirus has hit the global auto industry: up-to-date timeline

Mahindra to manufacture Ford-designed face shield at Mumbai plant​

Maruti Suzuki joins forces with AgVa to produce ventilators to fight Covid-19

Mercedes-Benz offers its 3D printing expertise for production of medical equipment

Ford works with 3M, GE to ramp up production of respirators, ventilators and face shields

ACMA creates task force as industry faces Rs 1,000-1,200 crore loss each day