High Energy Materials Research Laboratory

{{DRDO Laboratories}} '''High Energy Materials Research Laboratory''' ('''HEMRL''') is a laboratory of the [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO). Located in [[Pune]], its main function is the research and development of technologies and products in the area of High Energy Materials and [[Explosive material]]s. HEMRL is organized under the Armaments Directorate of DRDO. The present director of HEMRL is Dr. A. Subhananda Rao. HEMRL has a core strength of 1200 personnel, comprising chemists, physicists, mathematicians, chemical, mechanical and electronic engineers. It is recognised as a postgraduate centre for basic and applied research and is an [[ISO]]-9001:2000 certified laboratory. == History == The precursor to HEMRL was the Chemical Examiner's Office which was established in 1908 at [[Nainital]]. In 1960, it was renamed as Explosives Research & Development Laboratory (ERDL) and was located in Pashan, [[Pune]]. In 1963, it was placed under [[DRDO]] control as a full fledged R&D laboratory. ERDL was renamed as HEMRL in March 1995 in order to emphasise its work in all aspects of high energy materials research. == Areas of work == HEMRL is the main DRDO laboratory and one of the few labs in India that is involved in basic and applied research in all areas of high energy materials. Under this mandate, it conducts R&D in formulation, design and development of propellants, high explosives, pyrotechnics, polymeric materials, liners/insulators, and other materials. These include studies on the physiochemical and combustion characteristics of materials, the study of detonation phenomena and the development of new systems. HEMRL also carries out the synthesis of new explosive materials and compounds of importance in the field of HEMs. Design and development of pilot plants for synthesis of high energy materials and related non-explosive chemicals is also carried out. After the development of technologies and products, HEMRL is involved in the successful productionization and transfer of technology of these products to appropriate agencies. === Facilities === In addition to a number of laboratory analytical instruments, HEMRL has state-of-the-art research and production facilities for the study of explosive, propellant and pyrotechnic phenomena. These include facilities for Measurement of flame intensity and temperature, study of detonation phenomenon, determination of mechanical properties of propellants & polymers and facilities for static Rocket testing and Non destructive testing of materials. HEMRL also has labs and pilot production plants for synthesizing high energy materials and their allied chemicals. In HEMRL,there was heavy explosion on Sept 30th 2009 and building roofs blown off and with many casuelty. == Projects and Products == HEMRL handles different projects for the [[Indian Armed Forces]] and other organizations like [[Bhabha Atomic Research Centre|BARC]] and the [[Indian Space Research Organization]]. === Technologies for Civilian use === In common with other DRDO labs, HEMRL also develops spin-off products for civilian use. ==== Air Regenerating Composition ==== This composition is used for maintaining breathable air within a closed space. It regenerates air inside confined space by liberating [[oxygen]] and simultaneously absorbing [[carbon dioxide]]. It can be used in civil applications like rescue work in mines, fire/ toxic environments, toxic gas/chemical plant operation, mountaineering expeditions, complete air regeneration inside a spacecraft, under sea exploration and mining etc. ==== Chemical Kit for Detection of Explosives (CKDE) ==== A compact, low-cost and handy explosive detection kit has been designed and perfected for field detection of traces of explosives. The kit yields a colour reaction, based on which explosives can be detected in minutes. It is used for identification of all common military, civil and home-made explosive compositions, and is being used by Police and [[Border Security Force|BSF]] for the detection of explosives. '''Indian CL-20''' A new high explosive is in the making at a DRDO lab here that could replace other standard explosives of the armed forces such as RDX, HMX, FOX-7 and Amorphous Boron. Scientists at the Pune-based High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) have already synthesised adequate quantity of CL-20, the new explosive, in their laboratory. "It is the most powerful non-nuclear explosive yet known to man," according to Dr.A K Sikder, HEMRL's Joint Director, who heads the High Energy Materials Division. The powerful explosive can substantially reduce the weight and size of the warhead while packing much more punch. In fact, the RDX is not the standard explosive in use with the Indian Armed Forces, but the warheads are mostly packed with HMX, FOX-7 or Amorphous Boron. The compound, 'Indian CL-20' or 'ICL-20', was indigenously developed in HEMRL using inverse technology. "The HEMRL has taken India to an elite club of countries with advanced capabilities in the field of Energetic Materials," according to Manish Bhardwaj, a senior Scientist with the DRDO lab. In fact, CL-20 is such a fascination for the HEMRL that a larger-than-life size model of the compound occupies the pride of place as one enters the portals of the main building of the DRDO's premier lab in Pune. CL-20, so named after the China Lake facility of the Naval Air Weapons Station in California, US, was first synthesised by Dr Arnold Nielson in 1987. CL-20 or Octa-Nitro-Cubane is a Nitramine class of explosive 15 times as powerful as HMX, His/Her Majesty Explosive or High Melting Explosive or Octogen, a Defence ministry spokesperson said. The HMX itself is more than four times as potent as the Research Developed Explosive or Royal Demolition Explosive or Cyclonite or Hexogen, commonly known as RDX. "CL-20 offers the only option within the next 10-15 years to meet the requirements of the Indian armed forces for futuristic weapons," Sikder said. "CL-20-based Shaped Charges significantly improve the penetration over armours," he said, adding that it could be used in the bomb for the 120-mm main gun mounted on the MBT Arjun tanks. "But the costs of mass production of ICL-20 are still prohibitive," he said. Compared to Rs 750 per kilogram it takes to produce RDX in the factory, the HMX is worth about Rs 6,000 per kg, while a kilogram of CL-20 costs a whopping Rs 70,000 per kg. "We have a tie up with industry partner for intermediate commercial exploitation of ICL-20," said Dr A Subhananda Rao, Director of HEMRL. About 100 kg of ICL-20 has been produced by HEMRL in collaboration with the Premier Explosives Limited (PEL). The CL-20, which looks like limestone or grainy talcum powder, is being manufactured by the PEL factory at Peddakanlukur village in Nalgonda district of Andhra Pradesh. "The advantage with the CL-20 is its reduced sensitivity," Sikder said, noting that it enabled easy handling and transportation of the lethal weaponry. The HEMRL is now concentrating on the Reduced Shock Sensitivity (RSS) explosives, such as RSS-RDX, which costs about Rs 1,500 to Rs 2,000 per kg, and RSS-HMX. "There is a whole array of low sensitivity material or Insensitive Munitions we are working on," said Rao. "The world around there is a lot of R&D being pumped into what are called the Green Explosives, as also the advanced Insensitive Munitions (IM) and RSS explosives," Sikder said, adding that it reduced the chances of mishap and loss to men, money, materials and machines. == Trivia == * On April 25, 2002, an explosion at a solid propellant processing unit and its resulting fire killed six HEMRL personnel, including two scientists. A court of inquiry was ordered. The explosion was due to sudden reaction between sensitive chemicals. == External links == * [http://www.drdo.gov.in/drdo/labs/HEMRL/English/index.jsp?pg=homebody.jsp HEMRL Home Page] {{coord missing|India}}