High Energy Materials Research Laboratory
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| Established | 1960 |
|---|---|
| Field of Research | Explosives |
| Director | Dr. A. Subhananda Rao |
| Staff | 1200 Scientists[1] |
| Location | Pune, Maharashtra |
| Address | Sutarwadi, Pune- 411021 |
| Operating Agency | DRDO |
| Website | HEMRL Home Page |
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High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) is a laboratory of the Defence Research & Development Organization (DRDO). Located in Pune, its main function is the research and development of technologies and products in the area of High Energy Materials and Explosive materials. HEMRL is organized under the Armaments Directorate of DRDO. The present director of HEMRL is Dr. A. Subhananda Rao.[2]
HEMRL has a core strength of 1200 personnel, comprising chemists, physicists, mathematicians, chemical, mechanical and electronic engineers. It is recognised as a postgraduate centre for basic and applied research and is an ISO-9001:2000 certified laboratory.
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[edit] History
The precursor to HEMRL was the Chemical Examiner's Office which was established in 1908 at Nainital.[3] In 1960, it was renamed as Explosives Research & Development Laboratory (ERDL) and was located in Pashan, Pune. In 1963, it was placed under DRDO control as a full fledged R&D laboratory.[1] ERDL was renamed as HEMRL in March 1995 in order to emphasise its work in all aspects of high energy materials research.
[edit] Areas of work
HEMRL is the main DRDO laboratory and one of the few labs in India that is involved in basic and applied research in all areas of high energy materials.[4] Under this mandate, it conducts R&D in formulation, design and development of propellants, high explosives, pyrotechnics, polymeric materials, liners/insulators, and other materials. These include studies on the physiochemical and combustion characteristics of materials, the study of detonation phenomena and the development of new systems. HEMRL also carries out the synthesis of new explosive materials and compounds of importance in the field of HEMs.
Design and development of pilot plants for synthesis of high energy materials and related non-explosive chemicals is also carried out. After the development of technologies and products, HEMRL is involved in the successful productionization and transfer of technology of these products to to appropriate agencies.
[edit] Facilities
In addition to a number of laboratory analytical instruments, HEMRL has state-of-the-art research and production facilities for the study of explosive, propellant and pyrotechnic phenomena.[5] These include facilities for Measurement of flame intensity and temperature, study of detonation phenomenon, determination of mechanical properties of propellants & polymers and facilities for static Rocket testing and Non destructive testing of materials. HEMRL also has labs and pilot production plants for synthesizing high energy materials and their allied chemicals.
[edit] Projects and Products
HEMRL handles different projects for the Indian Armed Forces and other organizations like BARC and the Indian Space Research Organization.
[edit] Technologies for Civilian use
In common with other DRDO labs, HEMRL also develops spin-off products for civilian use.[6]
[edit] Air Regenerating Composition
This composition is used for maintaining breathable air within a closed space. It regenerates air inside confined space by liberating oxygen and simultaneously absorbing carbon dioxide. It can be used in civil applications like rescue work in mines, fire/ toxic environments, toxic gas/chemical plant operation, mountaineering expeditions, complete air regeneration inside a spacecraft, under sea exploration and mining etc.
[edit] Chemical Kit for Detection of Explosives (CKDE)
A compact, low-cost and handy explosive detection kit has been designed and perfected for field detection of traces of explosives. The kit yields a colour reaction, based on which explosives can be detected in minutes. It is used for identification of all common military, civil and home-made explosive compositions, and is being used by Police and BSF for the detection of explosives.
[edit] Trivia
- On April 25, 2002, an explosion at a solid propellant processing unit[7] and its resulting fire killed six HEMRL personnel, including two scientists. A court of inquiry was ordered.[8] The explosion was due to sudden reaction between sensitive chemicals.[9]
[edit] References
- ^ a b V.K. Abdullah. "Strengthen Network of R&D Labs: Dr Aatre", Sainik Samachar, 15 January 2004. Retrieved on 2007-11-14.
- ^ Director's Profile- Dr. A. Subhananda Rao, Director, HEMRL
- ^ History of HEMRL
- ^ HEMRL Areas of work
- ^ HEMRL Facilities
- ^ HEMRL Products and Technologies available for the civilian sector
- ^ "Explosion in DRDO Laboratory, Pune", Sainik Samachar, 1 July 2002. Retrieved on 2007-11-14. "Six personnel were killed in the incident including two technical officers of HEMRL and four workers of contractor. The DRDO has paid Rs 50,000 each from the benevolent fund to the deceased contract workers of the company and Rs 1 lakh to each of the HEMRL employees."
- ^ "Accidental fire in HEMRL, Pune. Court of inquiry constituted", Government of India Press Information Bureau, 26 April 2002. Retrieved on 2007-11-14.
- ^ "Six die in DRDO lab fire in Pune", Times of India, 26 April 2002. Retrieved on 2007-11-14.
[edit] External links
- HEMRL Home Page
- V.K. Abdullah. "Strengthen Network of R&D Labs: Dr Aatre", Sainik Samachar, 15 January 2004. Retrieved on 2007-11-14.
