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Dr. Nagendra Kumar

Project Principal Investigator

Combustion experiments to understand the by-products of the Agnihotra Process

Scheme Cycle RFP-01
Project Grants Rs. 10,00,000/-
Duration 2022 - 2024
Thematic Areas रस-धातु विभाग / Chemical, Metallurgical & Material Sciences
Institution IIT Bombay

Outcomes

Milestones from projects

Dṛṣṭi:

The emissions were collected while adding each ingredient. The emissions were found to consist of partially burnt hydrocarbons, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and a small quantity of sulfur dioxide. The formation of a few nitrogen oxides was also observed.

Jñāna:
  • Upon analyzing the sensor lifespans, it was observed that there is a decline in longevity ranging from 60% to 70% across all sensors.
  • The attached filter on the flue gas analyzer, as depicted in the figure, illustrates the difference between a used and unused filter.
  • The used filter incurred damage due to the accumulation of trapped particulate matter
Laukika-prayojana:
  • A novel experimental setup to determine the combustion products has been designed and fabricated.
  • The composition of the ingredients used in the Agnohotra was determined.
  • The characterization of different types of ghee was carried out. • The characterization of mango wood and cow dung cake was carried out.
  • The combustion products due to the burning of individual ingredients and a mix of ingredients were characterized.
  • The combustion products of completer Agnihotra were measured.

Research Capabilities

Specialized focus areas guiding the Project

Objectives
  1. Systematically characterize the chemical composition and the residence time of the measurable gaseous byproducts, in the atmosphere, of the agnihotra process.
  2. It is felt that knowledge of the chemical composition/characteristics of the agnihotra byproducts could be utilized to study/estimate their characteristics.