Minutes of Core Group Meeting on October 31, 2019

Minutes of the Core Group Meeting of RuTAG IIT Delhi held on October 31, 2019, in the Mechanical Engineering Seminar Room, Block-II, Room No. 422, 3rd  Floor, IIT Delhi

January 08, 2020

A meeting of the Core Group of RuTAG IIT Delhi was held on October 31, 2019, in the Mechanical Engineering Seminar Room, IIT Delhi. Prof. R. R. Gaur, the chairman of the Core Group chaired the meeting, and following were present: 

  1. Prof. R. R. Gaur, Chairman, Core Group, RuTAG IIT Delhi
  2. Prof. Sangeeta Kohli, Co-PI, RuTAG IIT Delhi
  3. Prof. M. R. Ravi, Co-PI, RuTAG IIT Delhi
  4. Dr. Debabrata Dasgupta, ME, IIT Delhi
  5. Dr. Bahni Ray, ME, IIT Delhi
  6. Prof. Deepak Kumar, CART (ITMMEC), IIT Delhi
  7. Prof. R. Chattopadhyay, Textile Engg., IIT Delhi
  8. Prof. Satyawati Sharma, CRDT, IIT Delhi
  9. Dr. Vinay Gupta, IEC, Greater Noida, U. P.
  10. Mr. Hemant Sharma, Lupin Human Welfare & Research Foundation, Bharatpur, Rajasthan, (NGO Expert)
  11. Mr. Davinder Pal Singh, Project Associate, RuTAG IIT Delhi
  12. Mr. Raj Kumar Gupta, Senior Project Assistant, RuTAG IIT Delhi
  13. Mr. Suraj Bhat, Research Scholar, RuTAG IIT Delhi
  14. Mr. Mangal Sharma, Jr. Project Attendant, RuTAG IIT Delhi
  15. Mr. Ashish Dahiya, Jr. Project Assistant, RuTAG IIT Delhi
  16. Mr. Harsh Sharma, Assistant on Contract
  17. Dr. Mukesh Kumar, IEC, Greater Noida
  18. Dr. Balbir Singh, SMVDU Katra, Jammu
  19. Dr. Kalpana Arora, CTD-SESS Delhi
  20. Prof. S. Fatima, CART, IIT Delhi
  21. Ms. Sajja Sai Priyanka, Intern, RuTAG IIT Delhi
  22. Mr. Srijan Prabhakar, Research Scholar, Mech. Engg. IIT Delhi
  23. Dr. Anand K. Plappally, IIT Jodhpur
  24. Prof. S. P. Singh, ME, IIT Delhi

Prof. M. R. Ravi informed the members that the coordinator of RuTAG Core Group Prof. S. K. Saha was unable to attend owing to personal commitment and family health concerns. With the permission of the Chairman, he started the proceedings of the meeting.

1.Agenda item No. 1: Confirmation of the minutes of the last meeting of the Core Group

The minutes of the meeting of the Core Group of RuTAG IIT Delhi held on February 1, 2019, were already circulated to all the members/participants of the Core Group. No comment was received. Hence, the minutes of the last meeting were confirmed as circulated.

A.Status of all Projects:

a. On-going:

i. Prevention of Stone Dust Inhalation for Stone Carvers at Bharatpur, Rajasthan. PIs: Dr. Debabrata Dasgupta, Dr. Bahni Ray, ME, IIT Delhi

Prof. Debabrata Dasgupta told that for the prevention of stone dust for stone carvers at Bharatpur, initially masks and water sprays were conceptualized. The mask would get clogged due to heavy dust and would require frequent replacement. Hence, it was not useful. Also, there would be breathing problem due to the clogging of the mask. Secondly, the idea of water spray was also dumped because of a lack of water in that area. By understanding the situation, Prof. Debabrata and team came up with two solutions. One is a portable Glove Box made up of a transparent polythene sheet having an umbrella shape with two holes for the hand insertion. The box will be sprayed by the anti-static chemical which will prevent the dust from sticking to the box and obscuring visibility. Parallelly, another solution is being developed which consists a suction pump to suck the dust and collect it in a box so that the user will not be exposed directly to it.

Decision: Prof. Gaur suggested to make sure that there is no inhibition for the worker to work using the glove box. He also suggested that the testing and dissemination should be supported by Lupin Foundation actively. 

ii.Bangle Making Furnace (Phase-II) PIs: Prof. S. Kohli, Prof. M. R. Ravi, ME, IIT Delhi

Prof. Ravi told that the inner core of the furnace which was made using clay had been replaced with the refractory castable cement. A mild steel mould was fabricated. The casting of the inner core of the furnace using mould and refractory material was completed successfully at IIT Delhi. Furnace will be assembled with higher temperature industrial insulation and stainless-steel baffle in-situ at the identified location in village Unch of Rajasthan. Lupin Foundation will undertake the required civil and mechanical work for the installation of the furnace at the said site. Lupin will also identify the cluster (preferably in Hasela village in UP) for the second furnace and undertake the required work for the installation of the same. To complete the above-said work, an extension up to March 31, 2020 was sought.

Decision: The core group agreed to the proposed extension of the project up to March 31, 2020. 

iii.Design Improvement of Tulsi Mala Making Device. PI: Prof. S. K. Saha, ME, IIT Delhi

Mr. Yashwant Prasad mentioned that the device to produce bigger beads of Tulsi Mala, i.e., above 12mm diameter, was in demand. Hence, a new device was designed and fabricated which can cut beads up to 25 mm diameter. Arrangement to avoid the contact of hands with the heat-dissipating motor and to reduce noise was introduced. A linear bearing was used. A 100W AC motor alongwith a clutch that replaces the requirement of speed controller of the previous version was used. The modified device was fabricated and tested at Jait village. Several testings were conducted at Jait Village and in Lupin Foundation, Bharatpur. An extension of the project was sought up to December 31, 2019 during which a stopper and casing will be added to the machine.

Decision: The core group appreciated the work and extension was approved upto December 31, 2019. Prof. Ravi requested Lupin Foundation to identify an alternative organization in areas where Lupin does not have a reach so that Tulsi Mala Making Device can be disseminated further. 

iv.Multi-layer Facility for Vermi-composting at Katra, Jammu. PIs: Prof. S.K. Saha, ME, Prof. Satyawati Sharma, CRDT, IIT Delhi, Dr. Kalpana Arora, CTD- SESS, Delhi, Dr. Balbir Singh, SMVDU, Katra

Dr. Kalpana Arora told me that the proposal for Designing of Vertical Vermicomposting Unit for Mata Vaishno Devi Katra by RuTAG IIT Delhi is an initiative of Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and was recommended by the Office of the PSA to GOI. She told that mule dung of almost 1000 mules which are used for pilgrimage and transportation of materials have polluted Banganga and other water resources. Dumping of dung along the path to the shrine spreads bad odor in the area. Path to shrine becomes slippery due to the mixture of dung, urine, and rainwater. NGT has ordered the Shrine board to use effective and sustainable technologies for the management of mule dung waste.

 
During a visit to the Shrine Board on July 30, 2019, by Dr. Arora, it was observed that the Shrine Board has taken various initiatives such as collection and dumping of the mule dung at a dedicated site named Natali. Traditional composting by the pit method was also initiated. Trials of mule dung vermicomposting had been conducted but could not materialize. Digging and filling of pits size of 12ft. x 12ft. with mule dung is practiced for traditional composting. But the composting process takes 150-180 days and the quality of the compost is not that good.
 
Therefore, Prof. Satyawati, Dr. Kalpana and Prof. Balbir Singh proposed a Vertical system (drawer based) for the vermicomposting of mule dung. This system is under development. It will have proper aeration and water circulation needed for good vermicomposting. Prof. Balbir Singh mentioned that the Shrine Board has taken the responsibility for the dissemination of the developed mule dung vermicomposting technology and the portable stacking system for the same which in future can also be installed along the tracks for easy collection.
 
Decision: Prof. Gaur asked to design the system considering all the necessary factors such as the feasibility, composting quality, stacking and loading requirement of the system and the dung quantity available in a site/area. 

v.Improvement in the Design of Coconut Tree Climber for Muthalamada, Palakkad, Kerala. PI: Prof. S. P. Singh, ME, IIT Delhi

Prof. S. P. Singh explained that coconut harvesting in Kerala and neighboring states is becoming a major problem due to a shortage of persons with the skill to climb the tree. Secondly, people are reluctant to use available climbing devices as most of them have flaws associated with safety, functionality, and reliability. Persons associated with harvesting coconut have used the climber developed by RuTAG IIT Delhi and tested in Palakkad in association with Maitri, an NGO. Climbers have expressed confidence in usage, reliability, and safety of the device. However, problems were identified in the functionality of the device while testing. It was observed that during climbing, one leg moves freely but the other one (with the bigger link) needs to be lifted using support such as the hand. Currently, students are working on the analysis of the device and are trying to simulate the functionality for better understanding. The modified design will be fabricated soon.

Decision: Prof. Gaur pointed out that the NGOs must be reminded of their responsibility in taking up RuTAG’s efforts to the field and sensitizing people about the developed technology. He also agreed to consider the request of Prof. Singh to hire a full-time person to support the said project as the students are unable to devote the time required for taking the work to completion. 

vi.Design of an LPG-fired Pottery Kiln for the Pottery Cluster at Khurrampur, Haryana. PIs: Prof. M. R. Ravi, Prof. S. Kohli, ME, IIT Delhi

Prof. Ravi told that the furnace fabricated at Khurrampur was tested and the first firing was successful. Although during the second and third firing in which the furnace was kept under full loading of the diyas, it was found that the furnace baked the diyas partially. In-between some vandalism happened at the site, and the furnace was found totally broken. Prof. Ravi immediately informed the Sarpanch and asked him to file an FIR in this regard. The furnace needs certain modifications and repair work which will be done only on assurance of the users and the Sarpanch of the village that it would be maintained safely and used by the community.

 
Decision: Mr. Hemant from Lupin Foundation suggested a village near Bharatpur where potters are exporting studio pottery. He asked Prof. Ravi to explore the possibility of installing such a furnace. Prof. Ravi assured that the site will be explored and if such requirement emerges then a furnace can be installed. 

vii.Truncated Unglazed Percolative Clay Ceramic Ware as a Modified Picher Irrigation System, Jodhpur, Rajasthan. PI: Dr. Anand Plappally, IIT Jodhpur

Dr. Plappally elaborated about the picher irrigation system and its significance like it is good for preparing transplants or direct seeding. It enhances seed germination and establishment in very hot, dry conditions. It is more reliable than drip irrigation system, which is more likely to be clogged by soil, salt, insects, or damaged by animals, and require flat fields. He told that the main objectives of this project was to re-introduce the Pitcher irrigation or Matka Irrigation in arid Western Rajasthan and to propose modified sub-surface irrigation by changing shape and production mechanism. The system is currently under testing at Gelabaas Village, Rudiya Village, Banad Village, IIT Jodhpur Experimental campus, and Salawas village in Jodhpur. The field test results are satisfying.

Decision: Prof. Gaur asked about the results of the system and the impact of change in the shape of the system from Potter’s Pot to Flowerpot. It was still unclear whether Dr. Plappally would like RuTAG funding for his activities. It was decided to discuss the matter with the coordinator. 

viii.Development of More Ergonomic and Efficient Street Sizing System for Chirala Handloom Cluster, Andhra Pradesh. PI: Dr. Samrat Mukhopadhyay, Textile, IIT Delhi

Mr. Raj Kumar Gupta explained that a better and compact mechanism for street sizing was designed and the CAD models were prepared. The fabrication work would start soon. The extension of the project was requested until March 2020.

Decision: The core group approved the extension of the project upto March 31, 2020. 

ix.Design, Improvement, and Fabrication of New Model Charkha. PI: Prof. R. Chatopadhyay, Textile, IIT Delhi

Prof. Chatopadhyay told that new model charkha needs further improvements and frame redesigning is required to adjust the gears and the chain pulleys for a smoother experience.

Decision: Prof. Gaur advised that we should focus on the possible demand of the modified charkha. 

x.Dissemination of Improved Metallic Carpet Looms Developed by IIT Delhi for Carpet Weavers at Jaipur, Rajasthan. PI: Prof. S. K. Saha, ME, IIT Delhi

Mr. Raj Kumar Gupta told that three looms were fabricated. Two looms were installed and tested at Jaipur and Pithoragarh, respectively. The third loom is planned to be installed at Warangal.

Decision: The core group recommended frequent follow-ups regarding the feedback on the installed looms.

b)Completed Projects:

i. Adaptation of Sheep-hair Shearing Machine Developed by IIT Delhi, Phase-III. PI: Prof. S. K. Saha

Mr. Ashish Dahiya told that most of the objectives of the said project have been achieved. Testing and demonstration of the complete device have been conducted at places such as Palampur in Himachal Pradesh, Bhuj in Gujrat, and Avikanagar in Rajasthan. Testing and demonstration at Karnataka and Uttarakhand are pending. Various vendors and suppliers fabricated different components of the device but none of them has shown interest to mass-produce the same. Production standards for manufacturing have been developed. He told that Prof. Saha has recommended to close this project. However, it was clarified that the project will not be considered closed until all the objectives of the project are completed.

Decision: The project extension is considered till March 31, 2020 to complete the remaining testing at Karnataka and Uttarakhand, and in parallell vendors for mass production will be explored.

B.New Projects under consideration:

i. Decentralized Affordable Carding Machine, Bhuj, Gujarat 
Mr. Yashwant Prasad explained that the requirement of the carding machine was raised by Khamir, an NGO at Bhuj, Gujarat, during the regional workshop in Khamir. The project is under consideration for its feasibility and viability. Accordingly, proposal will be submitted.
 
Decision: Due to the undefined problem statement from the field agency, the project is
still not in a position to be considered by the committee at the moment. 

ii.Desi Sheep Wool Application as Thermal and Acoustic Insulation, Bhuj, Gujarat

Dr. S. Fatima told that desi wool samples sent by Hunarshala an NGO, were studied by her team for the possibility of acoustic applications. For that, a blanket of desi wool is required which has the appropriate density for thermal and acoustics applications. Prof. R. Chatopadhyay will help in producing the said blanket and Prof. M. R. Ravi will help in understanding the thermal aspects.

Decision: Due to the undefined problem statement from the field agency, the project is still not in a position to be considered by the committee at the moment.

iii.Bhilawa Decortication Machine, Betul district, Madhya Pradesh

Dr. Vinay Gupta told that the seeds had been procured and tested. The objective of the project will be to avoid the hand usage and splashing of juice which burns skin once in contact. The concept note was submitted for approval. The study of various decortication machines is going on.

Decision: Prof. Gaur asked Dr. Gupta to identify the particular requirements for the Bhilawa seed decortication. After a discussion in the monthly meeting with Prof. Saha, the committee would approve the project.

iv.Batasha Making Process (Phase-II). PI: Dr. Vinay Gupta, IEC, Greater Noida

Dr. Gupta explained the previously modified Batasha Making Process. The device set was fabricated and tested. The feedback of the finalized process was very satisfying. However, Dr. Gupta is facing some troubles in the dissemination of the device/process. He said in Phase II, the stove will be incorporated in the design as currently it is not attached to the process and the user still has to use the old stove.

Decision: After discussion in the monthly meeting with Prof. Saha, the committee would approve the project.

v.Design Improvement of Yamunotri Palki for Uttarakhand

Mr. Suraj told that a visit to Yamunotri, Uttarakhand was undertaken by RuTAG IIT Delhi as a part of the Yamunotri Palki improvement project. Interactions were held with the porters, passengers and the local administration. Administration and potters were not satisfied with the palkies sent by RuTAG IIT Bombay. Some modifications are required in the design of Palki as it is troublesome while turning on the track/way upto the temple in Yamunotri. Mr. Suraj has done a stress analysis of the design. The administration wished that the palki be used not just for ferrying devotees but also to carry patients and pregnant women from remote hilly areas to nearby health centres.

Decision: Prof. Gaur suggested that RuTAG IIT Bombay should take the project, and RuTAG IIT Delhi should assist in doing the stress analysis. 

2.Reporting:

Regional Workshop:

  1. RuTAG Management Development Programme was held during October 02 – 04, 2019 at IIT Delhi (In association with IIT Kharagpur).
  2. RuTAG IIT Delhi conducted RuTAG Regional Workshop at Bhuj in collaboration with KHAMIR on June 03, 2019, and field visit to Nana Reha Village, Cluster for making decorative Knives and swords on June 4, 2019, to understand and to have hands-on experience.
  1. A one-day Workshop on Rural Technology: Need of Sundarbans Area was conducted at Samsernagar High School, Samsernagar, North 24 Parganas, West Bengal on March 7, 2019.

Publications:

  1. Mr. Suraj Bhat presented a paper entitled “Design Analysis of the Wooden Palanquin Used in Yamunotri Dham” in the IEEE Global Humanitarian Technology Conference held in Seattle, WA during October 17- 20, 2019.
  2. RuTAG IIT Delhi published its 12th Newsletter (Vol. 7, No. 2) about all RuTAG centres activities in July 2019.
  3. RuTAG IIT Delhi published its Compendium consisting 52 rural technologies from all RuTAG Centres.

Visits:

  1. Mr. Davinder Pal Singh and Mr. Suraj Bhat visited Purdue University and attended the IEEE Conference, USA during October 22-25, 2019.
  2. Mr. Ashish Dahiya and Mr. Mangal Sharma from RuTAG IIT Delhi visited CSWRI, Avikanagar, Rajasthan for demonstration of Sheep Hair Shearing Device developed by RuTAG IIT Delhi during September 22 – 24, 2019.
  3. Mr. Raj Kumar Gupta and Mr. Mangal Sharma from RuTAG IIT Delhi visited Jaipur, Rajasthan, during September 11 – 13, 2019, for installation, demonstration, and training of weavers/artisan on metallic carpet loom developed by RuTAG IIT Delhi.
  4. Mr. Raj Kumar Gupta and Mr. Mangal Sharma from RuTAG IIT Delhi visited Pithoragarh, Uttarakhand, during July 5-9, 2019, for installation, demonstration/training of weavers/artisan on a metallic carpet loom developed by RuTAG IIT Delhi.
  5. Mr. Suraj Bhat, Mr. Davinder Pal Singh, and Mr. Yashwant Prasad from RuTAG IIT Delhi visited Yamunotri for design interventions required in Palki during June 24-28, 2019.
  6. Mr. Mangal Sharma from RuTAG IIT Delhi visited Deoria for the installation of Treadle Pump during May 16-20, 2019.
  7. Mr. Ashish Dahiya and Mr. Davinder Pal Singh from RuTAG IIT Delhi visited Bhuj, Gujarat for demonstration of Sheep Hair Shearing Device developed by RuTAG IIT Delhi during March 14-17, 2019.
  8. Mr. Davinder Pal Singh from RuTAG IIT Delhi visited Sundarbans (West Bengal) during February 21-26, 2019 for installation of Treadle pumps.
  9. Mr. Raj Kumar Gupta and Mr. Mangal Sharma from RuTAG IIT Delhi visited Mathura on February 07, 2019, for demonstration of Tulsi Mala Making Device.
  10. Mr. Suraj Bhat from RuTAG IIT Delhi visited IIT Bombay during February 06 – 14, 2019 to have an interaction with Industrial Design Centre, IIT Bombay regarding design interventions required in the optimization of Palki being used at Yamunotri.

Exhibitions:

  1. RuTAG IIT Delhi presented posters of its technologies on Industry Day at the IIT Delhi (September 21, 2019).
  2. RuTAG Club Orientation and Felicitation programme was held at LHC, IIT Delhi on August 30, 2019.
  3. RuTAG IIT Delhi demonstrated some of its technologies in Tech4Seva at LHC, IIT Delhi campus during August 10 – 12, 2019.
  4. RuTAG Club IIT Delhi participated in ‘Tour of Stalls’ during orientation of new students in IIT Delhi on July 27 – 28, 2019. The aim was to sensitize the new students joining IIT Delhi about the activities of RuTAG Club, IIT Delhi.
  5. RuTAG IIT Delhi demonstrated its technologies in Open House at the IIT Delhi campus on April 20, 2019.
  6. Mr. Raj Kumar Gupta and Mr. Davinder Pal Singh and Prof. S. K. Saha from RuTAG IIT Delhi visited the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR), Hyderabad during April 20 – 25, 2019 for the exhibition of RuTAG Technologies.

3.Any other item with the permission of the chair:

Mr. Suraj Bhat and Mr. Davinder Pal Singh reported about their visit to EPICS Programme at Purdue University in Indianapolis, USA during October 22-25, 2019. EPICS program solves community problems globally. Since September 2017 EPICS has introduced students to RuTAG program and ever since students have taken up three different problems and have tried to provide solutions with a different perspective. The objective of the visit was to have the personal experience of the EPICS program by meeting their students, staff, faculty, and visit their labs. Also, EPICS and Shaw Foundation have expressed their willingness to jointly solve community problems.

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks to the chair and participants. 

 

 

 (Prof. M. R. Ravi)

Co-coordinator, RuTAG IIT Delhi

 

 

Note: The minutes were drafted by Mr. Ashish Dahiya and Mr. Davinder Pal Singh.

 

         

 

 

 

 

More Information can be found from here: 
Minutes of Core Group RuTAG IIT Delhi Oct 31 2019.pdf