Guidelines for Growth of Process Control Instrumentation Industry in the Country

Abstract

The process control industry has started playing an increasingly important role in supplying instrumentation for the complex processes encountered in a host of industries and application areas like fertilizers, thermal and nuclear power stations, refineries, sugar industry etc. However, the majority of the control systems are still imported. The indigenous R&D efforts in this direction have so far, not been geared up sufficiently to catch up with the technology available in the developed countries. The process modelling need be given more attention by keeping a close liaison with the system users. Creation of component system engineering groups and strengthening of in-house R&D activity are necessary in order to consolidate the gains of imported technology. Import of electronic process control technology need be channelized through a centralised agency to avoid wasteful expenditure on duplication. Innovative work going on in various R&D organisations besides being linked up with the future plans of production in the country should be monitored more carefully. Import of various components like semi-conductor devices, sensors, critical modules etc. should be liberalised so that R&D and production base in this vital industry gets competitive and decentralised.

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Notes on contributors

K.S. Balain

Balain (KS): After doing M.Sc. in Physics in 1954 from Delhi University and teaching there for 3 years, completed his Ph.D. in Solid State Physics from Louisiana State University, USA in 1960. Thereafter, he worked for 2 years as Senior Design Engineer in Semiconductor Division of Westinghouse Electric Corporation, Youngwood, USA.

Dr. Balain joined CEERI, Pilani in 1962 and established a new Division on Solid State Devices and Materials. During his stay at Westinghouse and CEERI, Dr. Balain has contributed extensively towards development of silicon devices and associated components like semi-conductor packages and has had vast experience with industry by way of consultancy and technology transfer.

Since April 1975, Dr. Balain has been looking after the development of electronics industry in the State of Haryana as Technical Adviser and General Manager through Haryana State Industrial Development Corporation (HSIDC), Chandigarh. During this period, an excellent base for rapid growth of electronics industry in the State has been established and the annual turnover and number of units have almost doubled. Plans are underway to achieve an annual production of Rs. 50 crores in the State by the end of 6th plan.

Dr. Balain has large number of publications and patents both Indian and International to his credit and is associated with a number of professional societies and scientific bodies.