004795   Lokhande R S;Bhave R P (University of Mumbai, Department of Chemistry, Vidyanagari, Santacruz (East), Mumbai 400 098) : Environmental monitoring of water resources for metals at Alibag. Indian J envir Prot 2003, 23(11), 1265-7.

Nearby Alibag quite a few industries are located. During the drilling operation, blasting, and crushing operation lots of dust is generated. The land is drilled out along with dust generated. It gets many metals which are very toxic for the human health. These dust particles settles down in the nearby water resources. These dust remain alongwith the metals in water bodies for longer time. So, some quantity of metals comes in water, which is very dangerous for the health of living organisms. Hence, it was thought to monitor the water at various water resources for its metal contents to understand the quality of water at those resources. The villagers and the workers working on the quarries for domestic purpose are using the water. Hence it is important to understand the water quality.

2 tables, 5 ref

004794   Kuppusami P;Murakami H (Physical Metallurgy Section, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research, Kalpakam 603 102) : Cyclic oxidation behaviour of Ir-Ta modified aluminide coatings on nickel base single crystal superalloy. Trans Indian Inst Metals 2004, 57(5), 491-9.

An investigation on microstructure, composition variation and phase distribution in Ir-Ta modified aluminides on Ni-base single crystal superalloy, TMS-75 subjected to cyclic oxidation at 1373K is reported. Ir-Ta coatings with Ta = 14.1, 23.1, 40.7 and 82.9 at % were deposited on <60>100<62> oriented nickel base single crystal superalloy, TMS-75 by DC magnetron sputtering and then subjected to aluminizing and cyclic oxidation. For Ir-rich aluminides (Ta≤40.7 at %) in the as aluminized condition, Al content in the Ir-rich base layer is about 60 at.% and the diffusion zone containing β-NiAl phase is seen distinctly from the other zones. The mass gain as a function of number of cycles data demonstrates an improved oxidation resistance with decreasing Ta content. In contrary to Ta-rich aluminides, Ir-rich aluminides show the absence of y'-Ni3Al and topologically close packed phases ahead of the diffusion zone, suggesting the fact that Ir-rich aluminide works as a diffusion barrier. Distribution of Al after the aluminizing process dominantly affects the microstructure and the oxidation resistance of the modified aluminides. and internal microstructural evolution.

8 illus, 1 table, 33 ref

004793   Kumar R;Alex T C;Srivastava J P;Kumar B R; Khan Z H;Mahapatra S P;Mishra C R (National Metallurgical Laboratory, , Jamshedpur 831 007, Jharkhand) : Mechanical activation of bauxite: on the nature of physicochemical changes and reactivity of gibbsite. Metals Mater Process 2004, 16(2-3), 171-9.

Mechanical activation of gibbsite (Al₂O₃3H₂O) during attrition milling of bauxite has been investigated. Milling is carried out in wet condition. The particle breakage dominates during early stage of milling. It is found that prolonged milling results in the structural changes in gibbsite (mechanical activation). Gibbsite does not transform into new mineral phase (s) during milling. However, it undergoes amorphisation that is reflected in extensive loss of peak intensities in the X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) patterns of the milled samples. The mechanically activated gibbsite particles showed signs of instability and deformation during examination under transmission electron microscope (TEM). Transformation temperature and enthalpy of dehydroxylation reaction (-OH H₂O) of gibbsite were determined using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The enthalpy and transformation temperature are found to decrease due to mechanical activation. Experiments involving milling and simultaneous alkali leaching of bauxite have been carried out and compared with the autoclave leaching as practised in the Bayer process of alumina production. It is found that as a result of the combined effect of particle breakage and mechanical activation, improved recovery of alumina can be achieved with significant moderation in temperature. alkali requirement and leaching time. Lime addition during leaching {as Ca(OH)₂} is found to have beneficial effect. Alumina recovery was ~91% using 2 g Ca (OH)₂ per 100 g of bauxite.

6 illus, 3 tables, 32 ref

004792   Kumar G R;Raman G S;Pathak S D (Presently at Materials Science and Engg Dept, N C State University, Raleigh, USA) : Generation of Kitagawa-Takahashi type plots for SA 333 grade 6 ferritic steel. Trans Indian Inst Metals 2004, 57(5), 521-4.

Based on the concept of Kitagawa-Takahashi plot, an attempt was made to generate different stress (S)-crack length (a) curves for a nuclear grade SA333 Grade 6 ferritic steel. These plots may be used for the prediction of stress levels for the material with different initial flaws to achieve the desired finite fatigue lives.

2 illus, 3 ref

004791   Koteswara Rao S R;Reddy G M;Rao K S;Rao P S; Kamaraj M;Rao K P (Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engg, , IIT Madras, Chennai 600 036) : Gas tungsten arc welded AA 2219 alloy using scandium containing fillers-mechanical and corrosion behaviour. Trans Indian Inst Metals 2004, 57(5), 451-9.

Weld metals of AA 2219 (AI-6%Cu), welded with 2319 filler, exhibit yield strength values of about 40% compared to their base metal counterparts. This study is an attempt to improve the yield strength of 2219 welds by using fillers containing scandium. Pitting corrosion behavior of the welds has also been studied. Welds were made with AI-Cu, Al-Cu-Sc, Al-Mg, and AL-Mg-Sc fillers. Manual AC-TIG process has been employed to weld 8.5mmthick 2219-T87 alloy plates. Tensile and corrosion behavior of welds was studied and results were substantiated by metallography. Metallographic studies showed extensive grain refinement in welds made of scandium containing fillers. Presence of scandium, improved the resistance to cracking in case of welds made of Al-Mg fillers. Presence of scandium, improved the resistance to cracking in case of welds made of Al-Mg fillers. Improvement in mechanical properties has been observed due to the presence of scandium and the rise in pecent elongation was significant. Crack free welds with significant improvement in mechanical properties were obtained with a weld metal composition having small amounts of Mg and Sc. Scandium addition did not alter the pitting corrosion resistance of the weld metals. Magnesium containing weld metals wee found to be inferior in terms of pitting corrosion resistance.

6 illus, 3 tables, 13 ref

004790   Kolahdoozan M;Tabatabaei Yazdi S M;Yen W T; Tabatabaer R H;Shahverdi A R;Oliazadeh M;Noaparast M;Eslami A;Manafi Z (Dept of Mining Eng, University of Tehran, Tehran, 11365, Iran) : Bioflotation of the low grade sarcheshmeh copper sulfide. Trans Indian Inst Metals 2004, 57(5), 485-90.

Application of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans bacteria in the flotation of Sarcheshmeh low-grade sulfide copper ore was studied. Sarcheshmeh low-grade ore contains pyrite that cause some problems in flotation process of copper minerals. In this study, pure strain of T. Ferrooxidans was used to bring about surface chemical changes of pyrite and sulfide copper ores, and consequently their flotation behaviour. In presence of Thiobacillus ferrooxidans and xanthate as collector, pyrite was depressed whereas chalcopyrite and other sulfide minerals were unaffected. Also the pulp pH remained unchanged. It was shown that the surface chemical properties of bacteria can be manipulated successfully to achieve desired effects in flotation process. The results showed that recovery of pyrite in the presence of bio-depressant is 50% lower than the time when no bacteria applied. At the same time recovery of chalcopyrite was not affected.

7 illus, 1 table, 8 ref

004789   Jayaprakash J;Kanmani S (Anna University, Centre for Environmental Studies, , Chennai 600 025) : Low-cost sustainable water treatment system by SODIS. Indian J envir Prot 2003, 23(11), 1217-22.

Effective microbial purification of drinking water is an important consideration in the prevention of water borne diseases and its transmision. The rural areas in developing countries have no access to safe and reliable drinking water supplies. Conventional methods for disinfecting drinking water, including boiling and adding chlorine compounds can be time consuming and expensive. Hence a reliable, low cost and sustainable water treatment is much required especially for the domestic purpose in rural areas. The solar disinfection of water (SODIS) is a simple and low cost treatment process based on locally available resources (sunlight and plastic bottles). The feasibility studies on `SODIS' were carried out at Centre for Environmental Studies, Anna University, Chennai. Total coliform counts before and after disinfection of water samples were determined using the membrane filter technique as detailed in APHA (1995). Aluminium foil reflector and agitation improved disinfection efficiency. Total inactivation of coliforms was achieved within 8 hr, when the turbidity was up to 100 NTU. No regrowth of coliform colonies was observed in SODIS storage water after 24 and 48 hr for all water samples having turbidity less than 50 NTU. This feasibility study has proved that SODIS could be a practical and sustainable technology for rural communities living in tropical countries, like India.

5 tables, 23 ref

004788   Hussain J;Hussain I (M D S University, Department of Pure and Applied Chemistry, Ajmer 305 009) : Study on the impact of textile wastewater on the groundwater quality of villages close to river Banas, Rajasthan. Indian J envir Prot 2003, 23(9), 1038-44.

Bhilwara the `textile city' have majority of textile processing units, which outlets wastewater either untreated or improperly treated into Guwardi nallah which joins Banas river and flows up to a distance of 15-18 km. 11 groundwater samples were collected from 8 villages situated in the downstream of industrial area to evaluate impact of textile wastewater on quality of groundwater. The quality of groundwater in the study area was recorded in a big variation. The stiff diagram was used for presentation of groundwater quality of the study area.

3 illus, 3 tables, 9 ref

004787   Hirekhan K N;Patil M R (Department of Chemistry, Institute of Science, Nagpur 440 001) : Ground water quality for irrigation purposes around iron ore mining area, Goa. Indian J envir Prot 2003, 23(11), 1239-43.

The mining industry has to discharge million of gallons of water every day to the adjacent water courses, thereby may cause water pollution problem in and around mining areas. The common water pollution problems caused by mining and ore beneficiation processes are the deposition of suspended solids and dissolution of heavy metals in adjacent water bodies. Day to day demand for fresh water is tremendously increasing due to population growth, advanced agricultural practices and industrial requirements. Goa is taken up for the study and evaluation of its suitability for irrigation purpose. The water quality analysis is made through the estimation of calcium, magnesium, chloride, bicarbonate, total dissolved solids, electrical conductivity, pH, sodium adsorption ratio, % sodium, residual sodium carbonate, magnesium ratio and permeability index. From the evaluation, it is found that the water quality is suitable for irrigation purposes.

6 tables, 12 ref

004786   Dutta S K;Lele A B;Pancholi N K (Metallurgical Engg Deptt, Faculty of Tech & Engg, M S University of Baroda, Kalabhavan, Vadodara 390 001) : Studies on direct reduced iron melting in induction furnace. Trans Indian Inst Metals 2004, 57(5), 467-73.

Of late, main problems faced by steelmakers are short supply, fluctuating prices together with extremely heterogeneous nature and presence of tramp elements of steel scrap. Use of direct reduced iron (DRI) as a partial replacement to scrap, to some extent does help in overcoming this hurdle. However, unlike scrap and even pig iron, DRI is characterized by high porosity, low thermal and electrical conductivities which, in turn, poses problems in its melting. Attempts were made to study melting of DRI in a laboratory size induction furnace using molten steel bath as hot heel. The induction stirring accelerates the transfer of heat and promotes the melting of DRI. The effect of partial replacement of scrap by DRI on various melting parameters has been studied. Also kinetic studies were made to evaluate net melting rate. It was revealed that since melting and refining are taking place simultaneously, the increasing proportion of DRI in the input charge increases net melting rate and metallic yield. It was concluded that higher proportion of DRI, as a replacement to scrap, contributes to improve mechanical properties with no segregation of carbon content and the decrease in sulphur and tramp elements in the product that improves steel quality.

7 illus, 4 tables, 14 ref

004785   Das S K;Godiwalla K M (Mathematical Modelling & Simulation Division, National Metallurgical Laboratory (CSIR), Jamshedpur 831 007) : Mathematical modelling of carbonisation in metallurgical coke making process. Metals Mater Process 2004, 16(2-3), 327-38.

The carbonisation mechanism in the coke oven chamber is quite complex and, although much useful information has been generated by empirical studies on both industrial batteries and pilot ovens, attempts to mathematically model the coke oven phenomena met with only limited success. In this study mathematical models of coal carbonisation in the coke oven have been developed. Models for thermo-physical properties (e.g. specific heat, density, and thermal conductivity) and heat of carbonisation reaction of coal during thermal decomposition to coke have been constructed in terms of the changes in the chemical composition and structure. To have sufficient generality for the applications to coke oven practices, the model describes the kinetics of release of main volatile matter constituents, thereby, permitting the changes in the mass and composition of solid residue to be estimated by element balances. Correlations for the parameters of the models are derived so that prediction of volatile matter evolution can be made from coal ultimate analysis and heating profile. The computer based model predictions are in reasonable agreement with the experimental data generated by conducting pertinent experiments and literature information. The models of thermo-physical properties will be used to develop further models of heat and mass transfer in a coke oven charge during carbonisation.

10 illus, 15 ref

004784   Chaudhury S K;Singh A K;Srivaramakrishnan C S S;Panigrahi S C (NO, , ) : Preparation and thermomechanical properties of stir cast Al-2Mg-11TiO₂ (rutile) composite. Bull Mater Sci 2004, 27(6), 517-21.

Al-2mG-11TiO₂ composite was successfully prepared by the conventional vortex method. The macrostructural observation revealed columnar structure with rutile particles being distributed throughout the matrix in the form of agglomerates. Microstructural observation showed the presence of micro viods in the particle-enriched zone. Electical resistivity measurement showed a phase transformation at 360°C, which was consistent during DSC studies due to the precipitation of TiAl₃ phase. As-cast composite was both hot rolled and cold rolled successfully to 50 and 40% reduction, respectiely. The mechanical properties of the thermomechanically-worked composite were studied. From fractographic analysis, it was clear that the crack had nucleated at the particle/matrix interface and propagated through the matrix by microvoid coalescence. Ultimate tensile strength of cold worked composite was found to be better than the hot worked material.

9 illus, 2 tables, 8 ref

004783   Chaudhary P N;Mini R K;Krishna R;Goel R P (National Metallurgical Laboratory, , Jamshedpur 831 007) : Selective removal of phosphorus from high carbon ferrommanganese-an improved process. Metals Mater Process 2004, 16(2-3), 217-26.

The presence of phosphorus is known to deteriorate the mechanical properties of cast steel and other metallic products. Ferromanganese used as the last additive during steel making, is one of the main sources of phosphorus contamination. Therefore, phosphorus has to be removed from the ferromanganese before it is used as a deoxidizing and alloying agent. The bulk of high carbon ferromanganese produced in India continues to have more than 0.35% phosphorus since they are produced by carbothermic reduction process. A systematic study at NML showed that it was possible to remove phosphorus from high carbon liquid ferromanganese successfully from 0.56% to 0.18% using BaCO₃ based fluxes at the rate of 16-wt% of the ferromanganese charged. However, the Mn loss varied in the range of 2-5%. Optimizes the flux consumption as well as minimize the Mn loss with effective dephosphorization by using BaO based calcined pellets instead of BaCO₃ based powders. It is easier to handle pelets under plant conditions and eliminate the loss of flux as a dust, which occurs when powder is added. These pellets can be forced towards the bottom of the melt by a plunging device, for better efficiency. Another advantage of using pellets is that is utilizes manganese ore fines, which is a wase material in the ferromanganese industry. The results have shown that the addition of moderate amount of MnO into the pellets reduces the Mn loss while it helps dephosphorization. The results achieved indicate that it is possible to achieve more than 60% phosphorus removal using flux addition at 5% by weight of the ferromanganese charged.

3 illus, 4 tables, 11 ref

004782   Chattoraj I;Kumar A;Das S K;Tarafder S (National Metallurgical Laboratory, , Jamshedpur 831 007) : Different stages in the hydrogen embrittlement of a high strength steel. Metals Mater Process 2004, 16(2-3), 307-12.

The initiation and prpagation of cracks in a high strength (HSLA-100) steel subjected to hydrogen embrittling condition was studies through interrupted tests on notched tensile specimens. The need of superficial hydrogen for brittle crack initiation was established by controlled dehydrogenation from hydrogen precharged specimens. It was observed that in notched specimens, multiple crack initiation was possible; but for high hydrogen fugacity a single dominat crack was evident within a short time. While the initial stages of cracking were essentially brittle and could, therefore, be respresented by a K₁ controlled kinetics modified by hydrogen concentration, later stages of cracking was significantly influenced by ductile fracture modes. Crack branching was observed in the intermediate time periods of the cracking sequence. Ductile void formation and void coalescence were observed prior to rupture indicating that truly britle cracking can not be obtained even under severe hydrogen embrittling conditions for the studied material. Examines these various stages of hydrogen embrittlement through fractographic and microgaphic analysis.

7 illus, 1 tables, 12 ref

004781   Chattopadhyay P;Kushari D P (The University of Burdwan, Ecology Laboratory, Department of Botany, Burdwan 713 104) : Study of some physico-chemical characteristics of 5 water bodies enriched with runoff from different sources in a laterite zone of West Bengal. Indian J envir Prot 2003, 23(11), 1230-8.

Physico-chemical properties of 5 types of lentic water bodies receiving runoff from different sources (namely urban, rural, agricultural, rice mill and forest) in Birbhum district, West Bengal were analysed seasonally. All the waterbodies were found to be nutrient enriched particularly in rainy season (July-September) as evidenced by high electrical conductivity, NO₃-N, PO₄-P, potassium and iron. The waterbody receiving washing from a rice mill was found to be the highest enriched while the waterbody enriched with runoff from a newly developed forest to be the lowest regardless of season. Proper management and monitoring of all these waterbodies are of utmost importance.

6 illus, 8 ref

004780   Chakraborty D;Ranganathan S;Sinha S N (National Metallurgical Laboratory, , Jamshedpur 831 007) : The kinetics of reduction of iron in Indian chromite ores by carbon. Metals Mater Process 2004, 16(2-3), 199-208.

The chromite ore is a spinel which can be represented, approximately, by the formula FeO.Cr₂O₃. Various experimental studies have shown that chromium in the ore gets reduced only after almost all the iron has been reduced. The reduction of iron facilitates the reduction of chromium. Therefore, the kinetics of reduction of iron plays an important role in controlling the reduction of the ore in the submerged are furnace as well as in the rotary-kiln where the pre-reduction of the ore is carried out. The kinetics of reduction depends on various parameters including the nature of the ore. Experimental studies showed that the rate-controlling mechanism depended on the nature of the ore. The kinetics of reduction of two ores with different reducing agents are reported.

7 illus, 5 tables, 19 ref

004779   Buddhi D;Sawhney R L;Kothari R (Devi Ahilya University, School of Energy and Environmental Studies, Khandwa Road, Indore-450 017) : A correlation among physico-chemical parameters of ground water in and around Pithampur industrial area. Indian J envir Prot 2003, 23(11), 1276-82.

A systematic study of correlations among water quality parameters (pH, electrical conductivity, total dissolved solids, calcium, magnesium, total hardness, sodium, potassium, bicarbonates, chloride, sulphate, etc.) of Pithampur industrial area of M.P. India in various seasons of the year 2000-2001 has been caried out. The study revealed that EC shows strong positive correlation with TS, TDS, major cations and anions and calcium, magnesium, sodium highly correlated with chloride. The study would be helpful to assess the hydrochemistry of ground water in the study area.

2 tables, 16 ref

004778   Biswas P K;Godiwalla K M;Dev S C;Sanyal D (National Metallurgical Laboratory, , Jamshedpur 831 007) : Physical modelling for mixing of solid-liquid slurry. Metals Mater Process 2004, 16(2-3), 181-97.

In the absence of adequate data for metallurgical slurry system such as rheocastable slurries, water modelling study has been used to understand particle suspension status during processing under varying conditons. For this, sand-water system and sand-aqueous CaCl₂ slurry systems representing molten Al/Mg alloy-SiC particulate slurry systems, agitated by propeller type of stirrer were studied under varying conditions of design variables viz. type of stirrer, shape, angle and number of stages of blades and process parameters like rps, location and direction of rotation of stirrer, concentration of slurries etc. The apparent viscosity of the slurry was found to be strongly dependent upon particle suspension conditions.

7 illus, 3 tables, 40 ref

004777   Bhattacharya D K;Palit Sagar S;Mitra A (National Metallurgical Laboratory, , Jamshedpur 831 007) : Microstructural characteristion by magnetic nondestructive techniques. Metals Mater Process 2004, 16(2-3), 279-94.

Various possibilities of the characterisation of microstructure by suitable magnetic parameters are described. The parameters have the following sources: (i) those derived from magnetic hydteresis loop (ii) those based on magnetic Barkhausen effect (MBE) signal which is generated due mainly to the motion of 180° domain walls with the maximum intensity at the point of coercivity in the hysteresis loop, and (iii) output from fluxgate sensor. Grain size is an important microstructural parameter affecting magnetic parameters and also having important relevance in steels. This is discussed in the paper through examples from iron and 9Cr-1Mo steel. Two important manifestations of dislocations are considered. First-variations of properties in heat treated micro-alloyed steels through the generation of internal strains. Second-in the progression of high cycle fatigue damage in a low carbon steel through the changes in dislocation density and morphology. The use of fluxgate sensor is explained on studies in AISI 304SS in which cold working introduces ferromagnetic martensite phase.

20 illus, 2 tables, 41 ref

004776   Babu M N;Sahu K K;Pandey B D (MEF Division, National Metallurgical Laboratory, , Jamshedpur 831 007) : Kinetics of simultaneous extraction of zinc and manganese from sphalerite and pyrolusite in sulphuric acid media. Metals Mater Process 2004, 16(2-3), 204-16.

The dissolution of zinc from sphalerite in the presence of pyrolusite in acid media was studied. Results showed that natural pyrolusite mineral was an effective oxidant for the leaching of zinc from its sulphide concentrate. Extraction of about 95% zinc and 93.5% Mn was achieved with the particle size of 70-53 μm of the concentrate at 363 K in leaching time of 4 h, sulphuric acid concentration of 5 vol%, and pulp density of 10.5%.Increase in temperature from 333 to 363 K led to enhances galvanic interaction between MnO₂ and ZnS with simultaneous increase in Fe³⁺ level resulting in higher zinc dissolution. The kinetic study indicated that the leaching of zinc and manganese followed difusion controlled model and the rate was governed by the diffusion of the lixiviant through the porous sulphur layer formed as a reaction product. The leach residue was characterised with the help of XRD and SEM studies which corroborated the diffusion controlled leaching mechanism.

11 illus, 3 tables, 15 ref

004775   Aman; (Ceramic Engineering Dep, Institute of Teachnology, Banaras Hindu Univeristy, Varanasi-221 005) : Role of tin as a reducing agent in iron containing heat absorbing soda-magnesia-lime-silica glass. Bull Mater Sci 2004, 27(6), 537-41.

The role of tin as a reducing agent in a 18Na₂O.2MgO.8CaO.72SiO₂ glass containing a definite amount of total, ΣFe = [Fe²⁺] + [Fe³⁺], was investigated with different concentrations of total tin, ΣSn = [Sn²⁺] + [Sn⁴⁺], by absorption spectra of iron ions in the optical range 300-1200 nm recorded on a JASCO-7800 spectrophotometer. The single broad absorption bad for Fe²⁺ ion was marked at 1055 nm in the near infrared region and a narrow weak band for Fe³⁺ ion at its λ_mas at around 380 nm was observed in the silicate glass. The proportion of ferrous iron was found to increase in the glass in the beginning with the addition of tin up to 0.788% ΣSn and then it approached a maxima with 1.182% ΣSn. Further addition of tin was found to be futile for the constant iron concentration of 0.875% for achieving higher [FDe²⁺]/[Fe³⁺] ratio for maximum heat absorption due to Fe²⁺ ion in the glass. The mechanism of the process was discussed on the basis of Sn²⁺/Sn⁴⁺ and Fe²⁺/Fe³⁺ mutual redox interaction in the molten glass at 1400°C. The suitable limit of tin was suggested to be 0.788 ≤ x ≤ 1.182% by wt for 0.875% of total iron for getting maximum ferrous ion in the glass.

2 illus, 1 table, 21 ref

004774   Ahmad;Chakraborty M K;Tiwary R K;Gupta A (Central Mining Research Institute, , Barwa Road, Dhanbad 826 001) : Impact of mining and other industries on the major rivers with special reference to river Damodar. Indian J envir Prot 2003, 23(11), 1208-16.

India is cris-crossed by 14 major rivers that share 83% of total drainage basin and constitute 85% of the total surface flow and house 80% of total population. These river systems are under constant threat of industrial effluents discharged into it. Municipal solid waste, agriculture run off, chemical effluents are leading to the pollution of rivers. Some are also affected by coal mining and coal based industries effluents, which gradually turning into industrial sink. Illustrates the physico-chemical characteristics of major rivers comprising the sedimentation load, flow rate, DO, BOD, COD and bacterial contamination in terms of MPN. Suspended solid, MPN are found in increasing trend, which indicates that industrial and municipal waste discharge should be checked to restore the river ecosystem. Damodar river's water quality is specially illustrated and comparison have shortly been made with reference to the other Indian rivers and major world rivers.

2 illus, 6 tables, 26 ref

004773   Acharya C;Kar R N;Sukla L B;Misra V N (Regional Research Laboratory, , Bhubaneswar 751 013) : Fungal leaching of manganese ore. Trans Indian Inst Metals 2004, 57(5), 501-8.

Bioleaching is technologically fesible for extraction of manganese from low grade ores (containing manganese less than 35% by weight). The principle involves the non-enzymatic reduction of pyrolusite {Mn(IV) oxides} to + 2 oxidation state by fungi with the production of metabolites such as oxalic acid and citric acid. In the investigation, a fungal strain, Penicillium citrinum was isolated from top soil of Joda East manganese mine area, Tata Iron and Steel Company (TISCO), Orissa. Growth of the fungus was determined in terms of the final pH of the growth medium, biomass dry weight and total acid produced by the fungus. These data were used to evaluate the growth kinetics. Finally, it was used for bioleaching of low grade manganese ore. Effect of various parameters on in-situ leaching of manganese ore with P.cirinum such as (a) particle size (b) pulp density (c) sucrose concentration (d) inoculum size and (e) duration of leaching were studied. The maximum solubilisation of manganese (64.6%) was obtained with particle size of -45μm of the ore at pulp density of 2% (w/v), sucrose concentration 10% (w/v) and inoculum size of 10% (v/v) in a period of 30 days.

5 illus, 15 ref

003682   William A Cook Australia Pty Ltd (NO, , 12 Electronics Street, Brisbane Technology Park, Eight Mile Plains, Qld 4113, An Australian Company, Australia) : An endoluminal prosthesis. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003681   Wago Verwaltungsegellschaft Mbh (NO, , Hansastrasse 27, 32423, Manden, Germany) : Conecting clamp for electrical conductor. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003680   Vijay Electricals Ltd (NO, , Industrial development area, Balanagar, Hyderabad-500 037) : An apparatus for multiply winding of amorphous alloy ribbon. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003679   Uster Technologies Ag (NO, , Wilstrasse 11, CH-8610 Uster A Swiss Company, Switzerland) : A yarn sensor. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003678   Steel Authority of India Limited (NO, , Ispat Bhawan, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-110 003) : A protective mounting system for printhead used for on-line printing of information on rapidly moving steel strip. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003677   Spraying Systems Co (NO, , North Avenue at Schmale Road, P O Box 7900, Wheaton, Illinois 60189-7900, USA) : A fluidised catalytic cracking apparatus. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003676   SMS Schloemann-Seimag Aktiengesellschaft (NO, , Eduard-Schloemann-Strasse 4, 40237 Dusseldorf Germany) : Billet guiding unit of a continuous casting plant for thin slabs. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003675   Siemens Aktiengesellschaft (NO, , Wittelsbacherplatz 2, 80333 Munchen, Germany) : Subscriber - terminal cricuit. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003674   Shell Internationale Research (NO, , Carel Van Bylandtalaan 30, 2596 HR the Hague, The Netherlands) : Method of producing a casing in a borehole. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003673   Shell International Research Maatschappij B V (NO, , Carcl Van Bylandthaan 30, 2596 Hr The Hague) : A method and a drilling assembly for producing a borehole in an earth formation. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003672   Schlumberger Industries (NO, , 50 Avenue Jean-Jaures 92120 Montrouge, France) : Protection device. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003671   Sanyo Chemical Industries Ltd (NO, , 11-1, Ichinohashi-Nomoto-Cho, Higashiyama-Ku, Kyoto, Japan) : Method of producing polymer for using as a charge controller of a toner. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003670   Sansung Electronics Co. Ltd (NO, , 416, Maetan-Dong, Paldal-Gu, Suwon-city, Kyungki-Do, Korea) : A device for packaging an optical fiber amplifier. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003669   Robert Gelson Depenning (NO, , 31, south Bank Road, Chennai-600 028) : Plant for obtaining methane gas from organic waste. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003668   Robert Bosch Gmbh (NO, , Postfach 30 02 20, 70442 Stuttgart, Federal republic of Germany) : A fuel-injection device for internal combustion engines. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003667   Qualcomm Invorporated (NO, , 6455 Lusk Boulevard San Diego, California, 92121, USA) : System for directing communication between a user of a mobile station and base stations of different cellular systems. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003666   Qualcomm Incorporated (NO, , Delware Corporation, 5775, Morehouse Drive, San Diego, California 92121-1714, USA) : Sectored antenna arrangement for providing redundant coverage within a cellular communication system. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003665   Qualcomm Incorporated (NO, , 6455 Lusk Boulevard, San Diego, California 92121) : A multiple frequency radio for transmitting and receiving multiple frequency signals simultaneously. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003664   Qualcomm Incorporated (NO, , 6455 Lusk Boulevard, San Diego, California 92121, USA) : Apparatus for receiving broadcast message from a transmitter in a communication network. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003663   NV Raychem Sa (NO, , Diestsesteenweg 692, B-3010 Kessel-LO, Belgium) : A retention strip for winding around an elongate object and a cable splice closure incorporating the same. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003662   NSK - Warner K K (NO, , 6-3, Ohsaki I-Chome, Shinagawa-Ku, Tokyo, Japan) : A sprang type one-way clutch. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003661   Norton Company (NO, , 1 New Bond Street, Box Number 15138, Worcester, Massachusetts 0165-0138 USA) : Coated abrasive belt for use in hot grinding applications. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003660   Netlon Limited (NO, , Kelly Street, Mill Hill, Blackburn, Lancashire, BB24 PJ, UK) : A method of producing a biaxially - stretched plastics material mesh and the mesh produced thereby. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003659   Molex Incorporated (NO, , 2222 Wellington Court, Lisle, Illinois 60532, USA) : An improved surface mounted electrical connector with increased retention characteristics. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003658   Molex Incorporated (NO, , 2222 Wellington Court< Lisle, Illinois 60532, USA) : Electrical connector having terminals with improved retention means. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003657   Mitsui Chemicals, Inc (NO, , 2-5 Kasumigaseki 3-Chome, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo Japan) : A control apparatus for a polyolefine resin production plant. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).

003656   Mitsubishi Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha (NO, , 5-1, Marunouchi 2-Chome, Chiyoda-Ku, Tokyo, Japan) : Gas-liquid contacting device for flue-gas desulfurization. 0000, (NULL), (NULL).