The Hindu : Tamil Nadu News : NLC and NIT ink pact to prevent corrosion of pumps

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Monday, Dec 07, 2009
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Tamil Nadu

NLC and NIT ink pact to prevent corrosion of pumps

Special Correspondent

NEYVELI: The Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) and National Institute of Technology (NIT), Tiruchi, have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding to carry out research and development on making stormwater pumps in mines rust-proof.

The Rs.52-lakh project will run for two years and focus on evolving anti-corrosion and anti-rusting agents. The MoU was signed by R. Kandasamy, NLC Director (Planning and Projects), and M. Chidambaram, Director, NIT-Tiruchi, at a function at the NLC corporate office here on Thursday.

NLC sources, quoting statistics, said that annually the country suffered Rs.2,40,000- crore losses on account of damage to machinery and equipment by corrosion and rusting.

As far as Neyveli was concerned, there were three open cast mines that faced perennial problem of seepage and stagnation of rainwater. Pumps installed there at a huge cost get corroded because of rusting caused by chemical reaction, moisture and exposure to atmosphere and water. Replacing the pumps too involved huge expenditure.

The project would evaluate the extent of damage caused by rusting and how it could be tackled using chemical solutions.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Kandasamy said that the NLC gave utmost priority to research and development. It had set up the Centre for Applied Research and Development (CARD), which would coordinate between NLC and NIT during the project period.

Mr. Kandasamy said that since corrosion was a universal problem the outcome of the project would have a positive impact on the industry as a whole.

Mr. Chidambaram said the project would strengthen institution-industry link and be mutually beneficial.

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