How to take care of Sophisticated Analytical Instruments
Sophisticated analytical instruments are gaining entry into all laboratories at an unbelievable pace. The reasons are many but the prominent ones are the availability of advanced applications software requiring little or no operator intervention once the operating conditions are set. Advanced statistical treatment of data and calculations are carried out in seconds and results along with graphics get displayed on the screen or display panel. Such features make the life of the analyst easy and permit availability of spare time for other routine activities. The operator need not be present all the time as auto-sampling capabilities permit unattended operation even overnight.
Sophisticated Analytical instrument
Sophisticated Analytical instrument
Sophistication, however, comes with a price in terms of higher maintenance costs. Such systems are more sensitive to environmental conditions in the laboratory as well as changes in power supply. These days all instrument manufacturers provide power stabilization features, self- correction and safety interlocks. However, breakdowns often lead to a stoppage of work and associated frustrations. In contrast, less sophisticated instruments such as pH meters, weighing balances, sonicators, centrifuges, magnetic stirrers, hot air ovens and even UV-Vis spectrophotometers are more rugged in comparison and breakdowns are generally rare.
Sophisticated instruments, though more delicate, can give long service life if handling and care are not compromised. The article covers some of the relevant aspects and offers some useful suggestions.
Handling and Care
Handling is a critical issue and proper guidelines should be followed during packing and transportation. Such instruments need to be placed on wooden or plastic pellets appropriately secured to the bottom and packed in wooden or hard cardboard boxes with shock-proof thermocol packing to prevent damage to delicate parts during transportation. On reaching the laboratory the boxes should be unpacked in presence of supplier representative and any damages should be recorded for the purpose of replacements. On unpacking the instrument should be carefully lifted and gently placed on the workbench.
Environmental controls
All sophisticated instruments require regulated environmental controls such as dust free air conditioning, temperature and humidity control, power stabilization and protection from voltage surges.This necessitates installation of dehumidifiers, proper ventilation and air conditioning systems, UPS systems, etc. Such infrastructure should be made available even before installation and commissioning are carried out.
Periodic Maintenance
Adherence to prescribed maintenance schedules in spite of heavy workloads and other pre-occupations contribute significantly to a smooth and trouble-free operation of analytical instruments. Such schedules should also include replacement of worn out components, seals, and valves, replacement of lamps depending on their useful life, inspection of cables and tubings for any damage caused by rodents and condition of oil in oil sumps, etc. At times maintenance schedules require services of experts from suppliers of such instruments.
Expert handling
Highly sophisticated instruments should be handled by specially trained and authorized persons only. This is essential so that expensive repairs and loss of productivities can be avoided. Even trained persons require skills upgradation when new accessories are added or new software versions are introduced.
Sophisticated analytical instruments require heavy initial capital investments. In addition getting the installation sites ready involves additional expenses on utility requirements. Further repairs and service maintenance contracts prove to be expensive in comparison with routine general purpose instruments. It must be kept in mind that repairs can get held up due to the need for critical component parts which can be procured only from original manufacturers through lengthy import procedures.
It can be summarized that the benefits offered by sophisticated analytical instruments far outweigh the operational and maintenance costs provided maintenance schedules are followed and care is exercised in their handling and operation. The initial investments and maintenance costs are paid back in due course of time when the instruments are looked after with required care over their lifespan.
Dr. Deepak
Dr Deepak Bhanot is a seasoned professional having nearly 30 years expertise beginning from sales and product support of analytical instruments.
The Interstate Transmission System (ISTS) in India is undergoing significant expansion to facilitate the integration of renewable energy sources. Currently, a large number of ISTS schemes are under implementation or planned, with a focus on strengthening the grid to evacuate power from renewable energy projects, particularly solar and wind. These schemes include both transmission line additions and increased substation capacity.
ReplyDeleteKey aspects of the current ISTS development:
Renewable Energy Integration:
A major driver for ISTS development is the need to evacuate power from the growing capacity of renewable energy projects.
Transmission Line Expansion:
Thousands of circuit kilometers (ckm) of transmission lines are under construction, with a significant portion being developed under the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) mechanism.
Substation Capacity Augmentation:
Simultaneously, substantial increases in substation transformation capacity (MVA) are being planned and implemented to handle the power flow.
Green Energy Corridors:
The Green Energy Corridor (GEC) projects, both at the inter-state (ISTS) and intra-state (InSTS) levels, are crucial for strengthening the transmission network in renewable energy-rich states.
HVDC Transmission:
High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) corridors are being planned for the evacuation of power from large renewable energy zones.
Transmission Charge Waivers:
To incentivize the development of energy storage, particularly Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and Pumped Hydro Storage (PHS), the Ministry of Power has extended ISTS transmission charge waivers.
National Grid Integration:
ISTS aims to create a unified energy market by eliminating state-wise transmission restrictions and facilitating power transfer based on demand.
Specific Initiatives:
Green Energy Corridor Phase-II:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the Green Energy Corridor (GEC) Phase-II – Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) for 13 GW Renewable Energy Project in Ladakh.
InSTS GEC:
The InSTS GEC scheme is under implementation in several states for evacuating renewable energy.
ISTS-TBCB:
A large number of ISTS projects are being awarded under the Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) mechanism, with significant transmission line and substation capacity additions.
Inter-Regional Transmission Capacity:
The planned and ongoing ISTS projects aim to increase the inter-regional transmission capacity to about 150,000 MW by 2030.
Challenges:
Land Acquisition and Right-of-Way:
Delays in land acquisition and Right-of-Way (RoW) issues continue to be a challenge in some projects.
Forest Clearances:
Obtaining forest clearances for transmission line construction can also cause delays.
In 2025, India's Interstate Transmission System (ISTS) is seeing significant expansion to accommodate renewable energy growth, with a focus on both large-scale transmission projects and green energy corridors. A key development is the extension of ISTS charge waivers for storage projects, encouraging further investment in Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS).
ReplyDeleteKey Developments:
Expansion of ISTS Capacity:
India has installed 48 GW of ISTS capacity for renewable energy evacuation and has 159 GW under construction, with a total planned capacity of 340 GW to evacuate 230 GW of renewable energy.
Green Energy Corridors:
Intra-state transmission systems (InSTS) are being strengthened through Green Energy Corridor (GEC) schemes to facilitate renewable energy integration at the state level.
ISTS Charge Waivers:
The Ministry of Power extended the waiver of ISTS charges for storage projects, including PSPs and BESS, until June 2028.
Private Sector Participation:
Private companies are increasingly involved in ISTS projects through Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB), with many projects expected to be commissioned by the end of FY27.
Land Acquisition:
The government increased compensation for land used in transmission line construction to address Right of Way (RoW) issues.
Renewable Energy Integration:
ISTS facilitates the integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind into the national grid, contributing to India's decarbonization goals.
Increased Power Availability:
These efforts have contributed to increased power availability, with average power availability reaching 22.5 hours in rural areas and 23.5 hours in urban areas.
Specific ISTS Projects:
Eastern Region: Schemes include the "Eastern Region Generation Scheme – I (ERGS-I)" in Odisha, where H.G. Infra Engineering Ltd. was declared the L1 bidder, according to T&D India.
North Eastern Region: Schemes include "NER Expansion Transmission Ltd".
Western Region: Schemes include "Raghanesda RE Transmission Ltd".
Northern Region: Schemes include "Transmission scheme for integration of Bijapur REZ in Karnataka".
PGCIL: Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) is commissioning several ISTS-TBCB schemes.
Future Outlook:
The ISTS network is expected to continue expanding to meet the growing demand for electricity and the increasing share of renewable energy in India's energy mix.
The government's focus on strengthening both ISTS and InSTS will be crucial for achieving India's ambitious renewable energy targets.
The extension of ISTS charge waivers for storage projects will further incentivize investment in these crucial technologies.
In 2025, the Interstate Transmission System (ISTS) in India is seeing significant development, particularly for the evacuation of renewable energy. AM Green India Pvt Ltd is involved in projects that leverage this infrastructure, including integrating with energy storage to provide firm and dispatchable green energy to their facilities.
ReplyDeleteHere's a breakdown of the current stage of ISTS and AM Green India's involvement:
General ISTS Development:
Large-scale expansion:
India has planned a 340 GW ISTS network to evacuate 230 GW of solar and wind power connected to ISTS.
Significant progress:
48 GW of this network has been completed, with 159 GW under construction and 21 GW under bidding, according to The Economic Times.
New schemes:
The government is approving new ISTS schemes to evacuate renewable energy from states like Rajasthan and Karnataka, using Tariff Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB).
Green Energy Corridors:
The Green Energy Corridor (GEC) projects are under implementation in various states to strengthen the intra-state transmission system for renewable energy integration.
ISTS Charges:
Waivers and concessional charges for ISTS are being offered to promote renewable energy projects, including offshore wind and green hydrogen/ammonia.
AM Green India's Role:
Integration with Renewable Energy:
AM Green India is actively involved in projects that connect to the ISTS network to deliver green energy to their facilities.
One-of-a-kind project:
They are working on a project that integrates solar and wind projects, with energy storage, to provide firm and dispatchable green energy.
Collaboration with CIL:
AM Green India is collaborating with CIL on a renewable energy partnership for green ammonia production.
Focus on Green Hydrogen:
The company is focused on green hydrogen production, which relies on renewable energy sources and requires significant transmission infrastructure.
Transmission upgrades:
AM Green is working on transmission infrastructure upgrades to support their green ammonia production.
Challenges and Future:
Grid Stability:
Ensuring grid stability is crucial with the increasing integration of renewable energy, and ISTS plays a vital role.
Regulatory Clarity:
Regulatory frameworks, including ISTS charge waivers and connectivity regulations, are essential for smooth project development.
Great Indian Bustard (GIB) case:
Some projects are facing delays due to the GIB case and the need for approvals under Section 68 of the Electricity Act for transmission lines.
In summary, the ISTS is undergoing significant expansion in India to support the growing renewable energy sector. AM Green India is actively participating in this development, focusing on integrating renewable energy sources and developing green hydrogen production, which requires robust transmission infrastructure.
In July 2025, AM Green Ammonia India Pvt Ltd is actively working with the Indian government on Inter-State Transmission System (ISTS) schemes to facilitate the supply of renewable electricity to its green hydrogen and ammonia production facility in Kakinada. The company has secured approval for infrastructure upgrades, including a new substation, to connect to the grid and transmit renewable energy, with plans for further expansion. These upgrades are crucial for AM Green Ammonia's project to meet its renewable energy targets and contribute to India's green hydrogen and ammonia production goals.
ReplyDeleteHere's a more detailed look:
ISTS Scheme Approval:
AM Green Ammonia has received approval from India's National Committee on Transmission (NCT) for access to the ISTS to transmit renewable energy.
Infrastructure Upgrades:
The NCT recommended upgrades to the transmission infrastructure, including a new 765/400 kV substation near Kakinada, to support AM Green Ammonia's operations.
Renewable Energy Source:
The renewable electricity will be supplied by Gentari and used for the production of green hydrogen and ammonia.
Capacity and Timelines:
AM Green Ammonia is planning to transmit 700 MW of renewable electricity starting in July 2026, and 1300 MW by January 2027.
Financial Incentives:
The Indian government is also providing financial incentives, including Production Linked Incentives (PLI), to support green hydrogen and ammonia production.
Project Milestones:
The transmission infrastructure upgrades are subject to the ammonia project meeting key milestones for its second phase, such as land acquisition.
Green Ammonia Production:
Green ammonia production involves using hydrogen from water electrolysis and nitrogen separated from the air, creating a zero-carbon process.
Strategic Importance:
The project is part of India's broader strategy to decarbonize its energy sector and promote green hydrogen and ammonia production.