A History of Many Firsts
CCAL has a number of ‘firsts’ to its credit, and has received numerous patents and worldwide
recognition for the viability of its innovative technologies. Some of these are listed below:
1985
CCAL introduced Membrane Technology for the first time in the Indian chlor-alkali
industry, significantly improving energy efficiency and completely eliminating the use
of mercury in the process. The monopolar electrolysers which were installed in 1985
were upgraded subsequently to the latest bipolar state-of-the-art BiTAC®
electrolysers.
1989
Another first in the Indian industry was the patent for the process that recovers
barium sulphate from solid waste. This resulted in the reduction of solid waste to the
tune of 30 percent.
2003
CCAL became the first chlor-alkali plant in the world to introduce an Ultrafiltration
membrane system for brine clarification. This process has eradicated precoat
filter thereby eliminated the usage of alpha cellulose to avoid felling of trees to the
extent of 28 MT and an effective carbon offset of 50 MT per annum.
2004
Implemented Ultrafiltration technology for recycling of wastewater, resulting in reduced quantum of effluent generated.
2005
For the first time in India, CCAL brought in a green technology for the separation of sodium sulphate from brine to reduce the use of toxic barium chloride.
2007
A new hydrochloric synthesis plant was installed, with a heat recovery unit that
converted waste heat into steam. This earned 4,600 carbon credits for the organisation, as well as saving precious water.
2011
CCAL designed a patented technology for the containment of accidental release of
chlorine gas viz., Fully Enclosed Negative Pressure System (FENPS). This composite
system is the first of its kind in the world.
2012
For the first time in the world, CCAL developed a patented process for the
manufacture of soda ash from flue gas. This resulted in the reduction of greenhouse
gas to an extent of 250 tCO2 per annum.
2013
CCAL is the first Chlor-Alkali Plant to conduct the Carbon footprint study in India to
assess the environmental performance of their campus and with sustained efforts
achieved the lowest carbon footprint value of 1.93 tCO2/MT in the year 2021-22.
2015
Introduced enclosed solar evaporation system for the evaporation of the wastewater
generated from the ETP-RO.
2017
With an objective of Sustainability and Generating Wealth out of Waste, CCAL has
developed a patented process for converting the brine sludge to bricks or blocks,
eliminating the disposal of solid waste.
2018
CCAL is the first Chlor-Alkali industry to conduct a biodiversity assessment in India to assess the plantation activities and the carbon sequestration potential at CCAL
campus to maintain life-supporting systems and essential ecological processes.
2021
CCAL in line with their passion to become a water positive industry commissioned a
Membrane based Seawater Desalination plant at a capacity of 2 MLD to provide a
sustainable source of water for the plant operation. This will be the first Seawater
Desalination Plant in the Union Territory of Puducherry being operated with Secondary
treated Effluent Water (STEW) for industrial consumption to phase out the extraction
of ground water.
2023
CCAL R&D has developed a Patented process & system for the reduction of trace
concentration of iodide in brine stream and stood first among the chloro-alkali
Industries.
1985
CCAL introduced Membrane Technology for the first time in the Indian chloralkali industry, significantly improving energy efficiency and completely eliminating the use of mercury in the process. The monopolar electrolysers which were installed in 1985 were upgraded subsequently to the latest bipolar state-of-the-art BiTAC® electrolysers.
1989
Another first in the Indian industry was the patent for the process that recovers barium sulphate from solid waste. This resulted in the reduction of solid waste to the tune of 30 percent.
2003
CCAL became the first chloralkali plant in the world to introduce an Ultrafiltration membrane system for brine clarification. Full capacity was achieved in 2011-12. This process eliminated precoat filter and alpha cellulose as well as felling of trees to the extent of 28 MT and an effective carbon offset of 50 MT per annum.
2004
Ultrafiltration technology for recycling of wastewater was implemented, resulting in reduced quantum of effluent generated.
2005
For the first time in India, CCAL brought in a green technology for the separation of sodium sulphate from brine to reduce the use of toxic barium chloride.
2007
A new hydrochloric plant was installed, with a heat recovery unit that converted waste heat into steam. This earned 4,600 carbon credits for the organisation, as well as saving precious water.
2011
CCAL designed, installed and commissioned a fully enclosed, negative pressure system for containment of accidental release of chlorine gas. This composite system is the first of its kind in the world.
2012
For the first time in the world, CCAL developed a patented process for the manufacture of soda ash from flue gas. This resulted in the reduction of greenhouse gases and eliminated the purchase of soda ash for the brine treatment.
2015
Introduced enclosed solar evaporation system for the evaporation of the wastewater generated from the ETP-RO.
2017
With an objective of Sustainability and Generating Wealth out of Waste, CCAL has developed a process for converting the brine sludge to bricks or blocks. Patent application has been filed for this process.
2018
CCAL is in the process of installing a Membrane based Seawater Desalination plant with a capacity of 2 MLD to provide a sustainable source of water for the plant operations. This will be the first Seawater Desalination Plant in the Union Territory of Puducherry.