Innovation

URJA Cakes, Growithus

By Sunaina Sehgal & Akhil Bery

Photograph by Subhojit Paul

India produces about 5 million tonnes of pig iron waste every year—almost 25 per cent of our entire industrial waste. With 250 pig iron industries, there is little hope of drastic reductions. But, Dr A. K. Singh, an environmental scientist, has dug some good news out. Dr. Singh has found a way to recycle this sludge or waste to provide clean fuel by combining it with clay and agro-wastes such as husk. Called URJA Cakes – a modern take on cow dung cakes – his innovation can be used by villagers as efficient fuel, for cooking or warming their houses. These perforated discs, available in different sizes and weight, save 40 per cent fuel, and ensure a clean, smoke free environment. Plus, they are easy to handle, store and ignite. Recognised by the DST-Lockheed Martin India Innovation Growth Program, each cake burns up to four hours with temperature reaching nearly 700 degree Celsius. They emit 237 per cent less carbon dioxide than fuel-wood. Dr. Singh has already sold more than a lakh cakes in two years – which he patented in 2008-2009.

As a matter of fact
   • A body movement sensor
   • Each 400 gm disc costs Rs 5
   • Cakes weigh from 400 grams (domestic use) to 2 kilograms (industrial use).
   • The perforations help the cakes burn faster
   • 35 per cent cheaper than the available subsidised LPG cylinder.
   • Mixed with 20 per cent clay; helps to bind and ignite cakes faster on

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