Profile Info

Chemical engineer with experience in various catalysts and additives for energy reduction, speciality chemicals, bulk drugs, API's, mineral extraction, coke making, sinter and iron making, by-products, advanced carbon materials, advanced reaction engineering, continuous synthesis, process scale-up, pilot plants, plant optimization, process improvements, decarbonization, and trouble shooting.

Academic Background

2017-2022
PhD, Chemical Engineering
Indian Institute of Technology, Hyderabad

2006-2008
M.Tech., Chemical Engineering
Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur

2002-2006
B.Tech., Chemical Engineering
Osmania University, Hyderabad

Work Experiences

September 2023-Present
Scientist
CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory, Pune

May 2008- August 2023
Principal Researcher
Tata Steel Limited, Hyderabad/Jamshedpur

Research Projects

Consultancy Project-1: Advise on Upgradation of Various Catalyst Materials and Additives for Application in Steel Industry (M/S. Abhitech Energycon Pvt. Ltd.)

Consultancy Project-2: Advise on Upgradation of Various Additives for Steel Industry: A Step Towards Decarbonization (M/S. Abhitech Energycon Pvt. Ltd.)

Sponsored Research Project: Study of Moisture Absorbing Polymer (SAP-MAC) for the Metallurgical Coke Moisture Reduction

Sponsored Research Project: Feasibility, optimization and demonstration for a continuous process for the synthesis of 1,5-DHAQ [Funding source: Atrium Innovations]

Sponsored Research Project: Development and optimization of continuous synthesis protocol for the removal of sulfur from benzol [Funding source: Kodarma Chemicals] (TRL:3-7)

Synthesis of aviation fuel from coke plant by-products [Funding source: CSIR]

Hydrogen generation by methane pyrolysis and upgradation of carbon by-product for its application as graphite electrode (TRL:3-7)

Continuous aromatic nitration of platform molecules [Funding source: NCL-CPI Consortium] (TRL:3-7)

Aspen simulations for carbon capture technologies (TRL:7)

Continuous synthesis of n-octylglycine (TRL:3-7)

Synthetic anode materials for energy storage devices (TRL:3-5)
Advanced carbon materials synthesized and demonstrated at 10 kg scale for Li-ion batteries, Na-ion batteries and supercapacitors.

Coke moisture reduction using super absorbent polymers (TRL: 5-10)
Implemented across all locations of Tata Steel with annual recurring savings of 78 crore INR. The process of using super absorbent polymers for coke moisture reduction.

Catalyst for sinter making (TRL:3-10)
An inorganic catalyst synthesized and implemented at sinter plant#3, Tata Steel, Jamshedpur for reducing fuel consumption in sinter making by 1 kg/ton of sinter. Expected annual savings 94 crore INR across Tata Steel.

Catalyst for coke making (TRL:5-10)
Implemented use of catalyst (synthesized by M/S. Abhitech Energy) at Hoogly met coke plant with audited savings of 9.8 crore INR.

Catalyst for pulverized coal combustion (TRL: 3-5)
Developed a catalyst to improve pulverized coal combustibility in blast furnace.

Coal tar sludge separation system (TRL: 7-10)
Designed, erected and integrated innovative sludge separation system at BPP#1, Tata Steel.

Demonstration of coal leaching at 500 kg scale (TRL: 3-7.1)
Process developed for reduction of coal ash level from 40% to 8% using chemical leaching technology. This work carried out at lab scale, bench scale and pilot scale. Involved in PFD, P&ID development, basic engineering, detailed engineering, equipment erection and commissioning. The pilot plant was demonstrated successfully at Visakhapatnam which includes, grinding circuit, batch reactors, agitated nutsche filters, and utilities such as steam boiler, cooling tower, air compressor and triple effect evaporator. The plant was commissioned, operated and optimized. DPR prepared for 0.1 MTPA plant with the help of M/S. Tata Consulting Engineers.

Regeneration of spent solvents (TRL: 3-7)
Lab scale study followed by pilot scale demonstration of spent acid regeneration processes carried out for sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid

Autogenous grinding of coals (TRL: 3-5)

Coal water slurry from coal rejects (TRL: 3-5)

Meso-porous activated carbon from coal rejects (TRL: 3-5)

Chemical conversion of non-coking coal to coking grade coal by hydrogenation (TRL: 3-5)

Material and energy balance calculation of coke oven battery #9 (TRL: 5-10)

Predictive tool development for continuous stirred tank reactors in series (TRL: 3-5)

Pilot scale demonstration of catalytic pyrolysis of methane to hydrogen (TRL: 5-7)

Publications

  1. S.K. Sriramoju, A. Suresh, T. Ray, P.S. Dash, Integrated process for coal chemical demineralization and spent caustic regeneration-A pilot scale study, Journal of Cleaner Production 327 (2021), 129497.

  2. S.K. Sriramoju, S. Majumdar, P.S. Dash, Extraction of clean coal from washery rejects and its effect on coking properties: an approach toward sustainable development, International Journal of Coal Preparation and Utilization, 42(2022) 3325-3347.

  3. S.K. Sriramoju, R. Singh, M. Sengupta, S. Akhter, P.S. Dash, Selective screening of coal to improve the washability characteristics at different levels of size reduction, International Journal of Coal Preparation and Utilization, 42(2022) 3070-3089.

  4. D. Nag, B. Das, R. Singh, S.K. Sriramoju, A. Meshram, P.S. Dash, Effect of Grinding Behavior on Liberation of Coal Macerals, ISIJ International 62 (2022), 99-103.

  5. S.K. Sriramoju, V. Babu, S. Majumdar, P.S. Dash, D. Shee, Effective Utilization of Coal Processing Waste: Separation of Low Ash Clean Coal from Washery Rejects by Hydrothermal Treatment, Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy Review 43(2022) 165-181.

  6. S.K. Sriramoju, D. Kumar, S. Majumdar, P.S. Dash, D. Shee, R. Banerjee, Sustainability of coal mines: Separation of clean coal from the fine-coal rejects by ultra-fine grinding and density-gradient-centrifugation, Powder Technology 383(2021), 356-370.

  7. S.K. Sriramoju, P.S. Dash, S. Majumdar, Meso-porous activated carbon from lignite waste and its application in methylene Blue adsorption and coke plant effluent treatment, Journal of Environmental Chemical Engineering 9 (2021), 104784.

  8. S.K. Sriramoju, P.S. Dash, Study on Regeneration of Spent Hydrochloric Acid in Chemical Coal Leaching Process, International Journal of Environment and Waste Management 23 (2019) 16-26.

  9. S.K. Sriramoju, A Suresh, P.S. Dash, Generation of low ash fine clean coal powder by autogenous grinding process powder technology, Powder Technology 342(2019) 67-72.

  10. A. Aditya, A. Suresh, S.K. Sriramoju, P.S. Dash, S. Pati, N.P.H. Padmanabhan, Optimization study of sodium hydroxide consumption in the coal demineralization process, Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy Review 39(2018) 250-257.

  11. H.P. Tiwari, U. Shankar, R. Gupta, S.K. Sriramoju, S. Dutta, P. Mishra, Assessment of Thermal Efficiency of Recovery Stamp Charge Coke making, Energy & Fuels 32 (2018) 7017-7024.

  12. D. Nag, S.K. Sriramoju, A.K. Lahiri, Challenges in extractive metallurgy and mineral dressing, Materials Today: Proceedings 5 (2018) 17041-17045.

  13. S.K. Sriramoju, A. Suresh, R.K. Lingam, T. Ray and P.S. Dash, Optimization of Process Conditions for Leaching of Middling Coal, International Journal of Coal Preparation and Utilization 38 (2018) 88-97.

  14. H.P. Tiwari, S.K. Haldar, V.K. Saxena, S.K. Sriramoju, Assessment of Thermal Efficiency of Heat Recovery Coke Making, Heat and Mass Transfer, 53 (2017) 2517-2529.

  15. S.K. Sriramoju, A. Suresh, R.K. Lingam, P.S. Dash, Mechanism of coal chemical leaching process and recovery of spent chemicals: Pilot scale study, International Journal of Coal Preparation and Utilization, 37 (2017) 293-302.

  16. R.K. Lingam, A. Suresh, P. S. Dash, S.K. Sriramoju, T. Ray, Upgrading coal washery rejects through caustic-acid leaching”, Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy Review 37 (2016) 69-72.

  17. A. Suresh, R.K. Lingam, S.K. Sriramoju, A. Bodewar, T. Ray, P.S. Dash, Pilot scale demineralization study on coal flotation tailings and optimization of the operational parameters with modeling, International Journal of Mineral Processing 145(2015) 23-31.

  18. P.S. Dash, D.N. Prasad, S.K. Sriramoju, R.K. Lingam, A. Suresh, P.K. Banerjee, S. Ganguly, Maximizing Demineralization during Chemical Leaching of Coal through Optimal Reagent Addition Policy”, Chemical Product and Process Modeling 10(2015) 1-9.

  19. P.S. Dash, R.K. Lingam, S.S. Kumar, A. Suresh, P.K. Banerjee, S. Ganguly, Effect of elevated temperature and pressure on the leaching characteristics of Indian coals, Fuel 140 (2015) 302-308.

  20. P.S. Dash, S.K. Sriramoju, K. Kargupta, P.K. Banerjee, S. Ganguly, Characterization of Chemically Beneficiated Indian Coals, International Journal of Coal Preparation and Utilization 35(2015) 257-272.

  21. S.K. Sriramoju, A. Suresh, P.S. Dash, P.K. Banerjee, Parameter Estimation of Kinetic Model Equations for Chemical Leaching of Coal, Chemical Product and Process Modeling 9 (2014) 133-141.

  22. P.S. Dash, S.K. Sriramoju, D.N. Prasad, P.K. Banerjee, S. Ganguly, K. Kargupta, Formation of Carbon Nanostructures During Chemical Demineralization of Indian Coals, International Journal of Coal Preparation and Utilization, 34(2014) 276–283.

  23. P.S. Dash, S.S. Kumar, P.K. Banerjee, S. Ganguly, Chemical Leaching of High-Ash Indian Coals for Production of Low-Ash Clean Coal, Mineral Processing and Extractive Metallurgy Review 34(2013) 223-239.

Patents

  1. Coal tar pitch derived graphite, process of preparation and application thereof, Indian Patent (Application No. 202231076805 dated 29/12/2022).

  2. Process for Reduction in Coke Moisture using Powdered Polymer Spray, Indian Patent (Application No. 202231074324 dated 21/12/2022).

  3. Method of preparing synthetic anode materials using demineralized coal, Indian Patent (Application No. 202231004700 dated 28/01/2022).

  4. Process of Preparing Synthetic Anode Material from Coal Tar, Indian Patent (Granted patent No. 539846 dated 29/05/2024).

  5. Interlayer for battery and method of preparing interlayer using coal tar pitch, Indian Patent (Granted patent No. 532744 dated 12/04/2024).

  6. A system and process for segregation of low ash clean coal from coal tailing, Indian Patent (Granted patent No. 429768 dated 24/04/2023).

  7. A Crushing and Grinding Unit of a Coal Preparation Plant for Coal Screening, Indian Patent (Granted patent No. 401041 dated 08/07/2022).

  8. Process for Production of Activated Carbon from Lignite Coal after Humic acid Separation, Indian Patent (Appl. No. 1198/KOL/08 dated: 21/06/2017).

  9. Process for Production of Low Ash Clean Coal from Lignite Coal after Humic acid Separation, Indian Patent (Granted patent No. 333100 dated 26/02/2020).

  10. High Pressure Reactor System for Coal Demineralization Process with in-line High Temperature Pressure Filtration System, Indian Patent (Granted patent No. 412529 dated 25/11/2022).

  11. Process for Purification of Impurities from Spent Hydrochloric Acid by Oxidation, Indian Patent (Granted patent No. 300656 dated 03/02/2015).

  12. Process for Separation of Silicon/Aluminum based Compounds from Spent Hydrochloric Acid (Granted patent No. 308350 dated 08/03/2019).

  13. Integrated Process for Iron Ore Slime Leaching (Granted patent No. 378363 dated 08/10/2021).

  14. Autogenous grinding of coal for producing clean coal from raw coal, Indian Patent (Granted patent No. 293529 dated 27/02/2018).

  15. Design of a Pressure Reactor for Chemical Leaching of Minerals at high temperature, (Granted patent No. 406024 dated 07/09/2022).

  16. Improving causticizing efficiency of carbonated spent caustic liquor (Provisional), (Granted patent No. 310468 dated 29/03/2019).

  17. A novel integrated chemical process flow sheet for demineralization of high ash coals, Indian Patent (Granted patent No. 308595 dated 17/03/2019).

  18. Supervisory (Level- 2) System Application Software for chemical leaching pilot plant for coal (Diary No. 13786/2010-COL Dated 27.12.10).

  19. An improved carbonation reactor system and a process for regenerating spent alkali in an alkali based coal leaching process, Indian Patent (Granted patent No. 301122 dated 19/01/2018).

  20. Process for removing silica by Friedel’s Salt from Spent liquor generated during alkali coal leaching, Indian Patent (Application No. 645/KOL/2010 dated 16/06/2010).

  21. Process for recovery of spent acid and by-products separation during chemical leaching of coal, Indian Patent (Granted patent No. 309931 dated 26/03/2019).

  22. A new bench scale reactor with data acquisition and control system for chemical leaching of minerals at high pressure, Indian Patent (Granted patent No. 254741 dated 14/12/2012).

  23. A Bench Scale Pressure Reactor unit with Data acquisition and control system for Chemical Leaching of Minerals, Indian Patent (Granted patent No. 265710 dated 13/03/2015).

  24. A bench scale pressure reactor unit with data acquisition and control system for chemical leaching of minerals, International Patent (International PCT: AU2009288803A, CN2009801416844A, EP09811200.6A, BRPI0918457.0A, WO2010026599A1, NZ591673A)

International Conferences

  1. Leaching of High Ash Indian Coals for Producing Low Ash Coal by Maintaining Yield, CHEMCON 2009, Vishakapatnam, India.

  2. Optimal Reagent Addition Policy for Maximizing Demineralization during Chemical Leaching of coal, CHEMCON 2009, Vishakapatnam, India.

  3. Determination of Diffusion Coefficient for coal Leaching Process, International Seminar on Mineral Processing Technology (MPT), 2010, Jamshedpur, India.

  4. Production of Low Ash Clean Coal from High Ash Indian Coals through Chemical Leaching at Elevated Temperature, XXV International Mineral Processing Congress (IMPC) 2010, Brisbane, Australia.

  5. A Laboratory Scale Study on the Effect of Elevated Temperature and Pressure on Leaching Characteristics of West Bokaro Coal, International Seminar on Mineral Processing Technology (MPT), 2011, Udaipur, India.

  6. Application of Solvent Extraction Method for Purification of Coal Leaching Waste, International Seminar on Mineral Processing Technology (MPT), 2011, Udaipur, India.

  7. Pressure Leaching of Indian Coals at Elevated Temperature for Producing Low Ash Clean Coal, XXVI International Mineral Processing Congress (IMPC 2012), New Delhi, India.

  8. Production of low ash clean coal from Middling coal; Chemical leaching route, International Conference & Expo on Coal Beneficiation, 2013, New Delhi, India.

  9. Producing Low Ash Clean Coal from the High Ash Flotation Tailings of an Indian Washery through Leaching, XV Balkan Mineral Processing Congress (BMPC 2013), Sozopol, Bulgaria.

  10. Leaching Study of High Ash Indian Coals at Pilot Scale, XXVII International Mineral Processing Congress (IMPC 2014), Santiago, Chile.