29th National Course on
Low Vacuum Science and Technology

29th National Course on Low Vacuum Science and Technology was held in D. G. Ruparel College, Mahim Mumbai 400 016, from 9th – 11th October 2002 followed by one day Seminar “Problems of Vacuum Systems in Industries” on 12th October 2002 at the Multipurpose Hall, BARC, Anushakti Nagar. About 39 participants from various Industries and Research Institutes from all over the country attended this course. Dr. Sudhir Panse Director, Board of College and University Development, University of Mumbai inaugurated the course. Some highlights of the course were:

The first session was by Dr. A. K. Gupta of IBP Co. Ltd. who discussed vacuum fundamentals in detail. Shri. P. M. Varghese covered the basics of vacuum pumps. Then different types of Vacuum Gauges: electronic as well as mercury based were introduced by Shri. S. K. Gupta. Demonstration of mercury based vacuum gauges was given by Shri. R. Belare. On the second day Vacuum Materials were introduced by Shri. A. V. Korgoankar followed by the lecture on Vacuum Components. Shri S.R. Halbe described various Vacuum Components and their fabrication processes. Shri. H. E. Merchant presented various case studies to explain the fabrication techniques used for Vacuum Systems. Leak detection techniques were introduced by Shri. Anis Ahmad. On the third day various industrial applications of Vacuum systems were discussed thoroughly by Dr. D. R. Bongirwar, Dr. A. K. Ray and Dr. P. A. Mahanwar. The course ended with feed back session and Valedictory function. Chief Guest for valedictory function was Dr. P. M. Sule Principal, D. G. Ruparel College.

The one day Seminar was inaugurated by Dr. V. C. Sahni Director, Physics Group, B.A.R.C., Mumbai. The panelists Shri. H. E. Merchant of H. K. Industries, Shri Azad of Gharda Chemicals Ltd. and Dr. D. R. Bongirwar of B.A.R.C presented their views about the use of Vacuum Systems in Industries. In the post lunch session the participants were told to write about the problems encountered in the Vacuum Systems they use. All these problems were thoroughly discussed and solutions were presented in majority of cases. The seminar ended with vote of thanks to the panelists.

Dr. Tushar Desai
Course Director, CLVST - 2002.