Our R.E.G.A.L. solution will revolutionise the textile sector
In 2023, a vision took shape in Surat, Gujarat, as Valiant Entech Private Limited emerged onto the scene, backed by a core team boasting a combined 25 years of experience in water treatment technologies. With a profound legacy of accomplishments, including the founding of Asia’s largest Common Effluent Treatment Plant (CETP), and spearheading governmental delegations in initiatives such as the Indo-German Water Partnership and GIZ programmes, Valiant Entech’s journey is one of relentless pursuit towards pioneering solutions in water treatment.
At the heart of Valiant Entech’s mission lies the revolutionary R.E.G.A.L. solution (Free Radical Enhancement using Gas Assisted Liquid Dispersion). This groundbreaking innovation has disrupted industries with its diverse applications, spanning from wastewater treatment to textile processing and commercial laundries. With proven case studies validating its efficacy in water body remediation, residential use, heat transfer, agriculture, and aquaculture, the R.E.G.A.L. technology stands as a testament to Valiant Entech’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Innovation is not just a buzzword at Valiant Entech; it is ingrained in the company’s DNA. With R.E.G.A.L., Valiant Entech now introduces a transformative technology that sets new standards in environmental and industrial solutions. Notably, this marks the first time such a technology has been introduced in India, particularly in the textile processing sector and commercial laundries.
Industries across the spectrum stand to benefit from the implementation of R.E.G.A.L. technology. From achieving a 10 per cent improvement in combustion efficiency in boilers to a 25 per cent reduction in the use of surfactants and pre-treatment chemicals in textile processing, the potential impact is substantial. Additionally, the technology offers cost and environmental benefits by minimising the use of basic chemicals like caustic soda, aligning with Valiant Entech’s mission of delivering tangible returns on investment at the shortest possible time.
To delve deeper into the transformative potential of R.E.G.A.L. solution, Fibre2Fashion met with Aditya Desai, Valiant Entech Limited’s Chief Technology Officer.
A chemical engineer from the University of Leeds, England, Desai brings over six years of specialised experience in textile processing and wastewater technologies to the table. His insights shed light on how R.E.G.A.L. technology is poised to revolutionise India’s textile industry.
In the insightful discussion, it is evident that Valiant Entech’s R.E.G.A.L. solution represents a pioneering step in water treatment. As they push the boundaries of innovation, industries can anticipate transformative solutions that not only enhance operational efficiency but also prioritise environmental sustainability, which signals a promising future for sectors seeking advanced technologies to address water treatment challenges effectively.
With R.E.G.A.L., Valiant Entech is poised to revolutionise how industries approach water treatment, offering a glimpse into a future where sustainable practices and cutting-edge technology will go hand in hand to create a more eco-conscious and efficient world.
Can you provide an overview of Valiant Entech and its journey so far?
Valiant Entech was established in March last year with a core mission to promote sustainability while simultaneously reducing operational costs. Our primary focus lay in implementing innovative technologies across multiple sectors, particularly in developing online cleaning solutions.
Our solution is tailor-made for each unique application, coupled with the option for integration with remote monitoring through a Software as a Service (SaaS) model. This enables round-the-clock online support, reducing customer issues and enhancing user convenience even if the Ultrasound Activators incorporated in our R.E.G.A.L. technology is meticulously calibrated with frequencies ranging from 20 to 30 kHz, strategically optimised to suit various applications and this meticulous adjustment guarantees optimal performance across diverse industrial sectors.
In the textile industry, for instance, our objective was to enhance the quality of fresh water used in fabric processing to optimise reactivity while concurrently reducing the consumption of colours and chemicals during dyeing and printing processes. This approach not only yields environmental benefits but also aligns with our vision of becoming a leading environmental solution provider across diverse sectors along with textiles and laundries.
We conducted a successful pilot project at Le Meridian Hotel in Surat, where we managed to reduce chemical usage by 25 per cent in laundry operations, particularly in the cleaning of white linens. Moreover, our flagship firm, Varunika Prints, has seamlessly integrated the R.E.G.A.L. solution, resulting in a significant reduction in water usage, consumption of colours and chemicals. From a financial standpoint, while environmental conservation is paramount, ensuring a positive return on investment (ROI) remains crucial for sustainable business operations, whether in textiles or any other sector.
Therefore, our strategy was to ensure that the ROI from the R.E.G.A.L. technology would be achieved within a year, making it an attractive proposition for businesses while also contributing positively to environmental preservation. Over the past 14 to 15 months since our inception, we have forged partnerships with two channel partners, one each from South Africa and Italy. Collaborating with these partners, we have developed applications for the textile sector and obtained a patent for their usage in textiles and laundries.
All our core equipment is imported from South Africa and Switzerland, while we hold exclusivity to market R.E.G.A.L. solution in India. The initial phase focused on developing the application, which was successfully accomplished last year.
Given the substantial water requirements in textile processing, our primary objective was to transition the technology from its nascent stage to a scalable solution. After rigorous testing to ensure equipment operability and performance, we have been successfully treating almost one million litres of water daily with our technology since November.
Within just 7 to 8 months of operation, we achieved our ROI, validating the effectiveness of our systems. R.E.G.A.L. is PLC controlled, ensuring seamless operation without the need for frequent human intervention. Now, with confidence in our system’s autonomy, we have initiated marketing efforts to drive wider adoption of this technology.
Can you explain how the R.E.G.A.L. solution works?
The R.E.G.A.L. solution, which stands for Free Radical Enhancement using Gas Assisted Liquid Dispersion, is a groundbreaking technology with versatile applications across various industries. At its core, R.E.G.A.L. employs a combination of ultrasound and nanobubble technologies to achieve remarkable results in diverse fields such as wastewater treatment, water body remediation, residential water use, heat transfer, agriculture, aquaculture, industrial boilers, textile processing, and commercial laundries.
In industrial boilers, for instance, R.E.G.A.L. realises a 10 per cent improvement in combustion efficiency by optimising scaling thus enhancing heat transfer efficiency while also reducing maintenance costs. Similarly, in textile processing, our technology facilitates a 25 per cent reduction in the use of surfactants and pre-treatment chemicals during dyeing and printing processes.
The chemistry behind the R.E.G.A.L. process revolves around free radicals, highly reactive molecules crucial for various chemical reactions. These free radicals are generated through the controlled breakdown of gas within nanobubbles, which play a pivotal role in the process. Nanobubbles, characterised by their small size and stability, function as carriers for the controlled release of gases, thereby enhancing the efficiency of chemical reactions.
Nanobubbles, with their stability in water for extended periods, facilitate over 92 per cent mass-transfer of gases into solutions, surpassing conventional aeration technologies by at least five-fold. This feature allows us to customise solutions tailored to specific needs, addressing various problem statements effectively.
The catalytic component of the R.E.G.A.L. technology is ultrasound, which triggers the implosion of nanobubbles, generating extreme localised heat, energy, and free radicals. Ultrasound ensures the effective collapse and dispersion of nanobubbles, maximising their interaction with the surrounding liquid. This is evidenced by the higher than normal Oxidation Reduction Potential (ORP) of water within the R.E.G.A.L. system.
Currently, we are in the process of deploying our technology in several key areas. We are in discussions with a cotton knit processing unit in Tiruppur, and we are close to finalising a deal with one of the top four units in Surat, a major textile hub in India.
We are also actively engaged in lake cleaning initiatives. Our technology’s high oxidising power, as evidenced by its elevated ORP, makes it ideal for eliminating algae, both living and dead, in lakes. We see this as a promising application for our technology.
Our next target is river cleaning, particularly focusing on the Ganga and Tapi rivers. However, before we can proceed with these ambitious projects, we need to obtain approval from the government. Since our solution is relatively new in India, we must first conduct pilot projects to demonstrate its effectiveness.
Currently, we have an ongoing pilot project at SVNIT (Surat National Institute of Technology), a prestigious institution ranked among the top 50 technology institutes in the country. Endorsement from the SVNIT will sort of serve as validation of our technology’s efficacy, facilitating our collaboration with governmental bodies.
Ultimately, my father’s vision is to extend our technology’s reach to large-scale river cleaning projects. However, at present, our primary focus remains on the textile industry, including laundries. We believe that by starting with these sectors, we can establish a solid foundation for future expansion into other areas, such as river cleaning, in line with our long-term goals.
How is R.E.G.A.L. solution priced, considering the innovation quotient?
Our product pricing reflects the unique value proposition and the unparalleled benefits it offers to various industries. Currently, we hold exclusive rights to mechanical ultrasound technology in India, and our partnership with the South African company provides us access to cutting-edge nanobubble technology.
The integration of these technologies in textiles, especially in the context of reducing colours and chemicals, is a niche that we uniquely occupy in the Indian market.
The investment required varies depending on the specific needs of each unit. On average, for a dyeing unit, the investment ranges from approximately ₹4 to ₹5 million per one million litres of water. However, for printing units, this cost can go up to ₹8.5 million to ₹9.5 million, considering the additional requirements.
Speaking from our own experience, our unit (Varunika) has invested around ₹8 million, resulting in significant monthly savings of approximately ₹1.3 million in colours, chemicals, and fuels. Moreover, our ultrasound technology has proven beneficial for steam boilers by effectively eliminating scaling, thereby enhancing heat transfer efficiency, and resulting in substantial cost savings in boiler maintenance and operation.
While our solution may require some initial investment, the substantial returns in terms of cost savings, efficiency improvements, and environmental benefits makes R.E.G.A.L. a highly attractive and financially viable option for small, mid-sized and as well as bigger units that are looking to enhance their sustainability while maximising the ROI.
What is the kind of response you are observing towards R.E.G.A.L. solution?
We have recently embarked on a focused marketing campaign for the textile industry for R.E.G.A.L., commencing just about a month ago. It is still premature to draw definitive conclusions, but we have garnered notable interest with around 5 to 6 active inquiries within this short period, which is encouraging.
Considering the cost aspect as you previously mentioned, prospective clients understandably conduct thorough evaluations before committing to any such investments. To address this, we have implemented the R.E.G.A.L. solution within our own facility, serving as a live demonstration of its efficacy. This firsthand experience aids in showcasing the tangible benefits to the potential investors.
However, to further bolster confidence, there is a need to highlight the success stories beyond our own premises. Seeing our technology in action elsewhere not only reinforces its credibility but also instils greater confidence in its potential.
However, we anticipate that forward-thinking individuals with a nuanced understanding of technology will be the primary adopters of R.E.G.A.L solution in India.
We have encountered particularly enthusiastic responses from certain quarters, such as Tiruppur, where stakeholders have swiftly embraced the opportunity. In fact, within just three days of initial discussions, one unit eagerly requested a trial, which we promptly facilitated. Their positive feedback post-trial underscores the practical value our technology offers, setting a precedent for future engagements.
How do you plan to enhance awareness and foster acceptance for R.E.G.A.L., especially considering the varying levels of technological understanding among the stakeholders?
Our approach revolves around strategic avenues for outreach and collaboration. Firstly, we prioritise participation in industry exhibitions (such as IFAT or ITMA), which would attract a diverse array of stakeholders. Earlier in February this year, we showcased our innovations (R.E.G.A.L. solution) at Bharat Tex also.
Additionally, we are keen on engaging with local organisations/trade bodies like the Southern Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and the South Gujarat Textile Processors Association. These partnerships offer direct access to a vast network of industry professionals, facilitating targeted awareness campaigns and fostering trust in our solutions.
We have also implemented hands-on demonstrations to illustrate the practical benefits of our technology. For instance, in Surat, we have collaborated with four textile mills, inviting them to send their fabrics for processing at our facility (Varunika Prints). By showcasing tangible results, such as reduced chemical usage and enhanced efficiency throughout the production cycle, we have effectively instilled confidence in R.E.G.A.L.
Nevertheless, navigating the transition from conceptualisation to implementation poses a significant challenge for many industry players. But, by providing concrete examples of cost-saving measures and operational improvements, we aim to bridge this gap and empower stakeholders to embrace technological innovation with greater confidence.
Which textile manufacturing hubs are you targeting for R.E.G.A.L?
To start with, we are focusing on the key manufacturing hubs of Tiruppur and Surat. In Tiruppur, we have initiated discussions with one processing unit and conducted a successful pilot as well, which resulted in enquiries from two more units.
Surat, renowned for its textile industry, presents a significant market opportunity. Combined, these two hubs host approximately 1,600 processing houses, providing a substantial market for the R.E.G.A.L. solution.
We are also eyeing commercial laundries in the hospitality and healthcare sectors.
Any challenge you anticipate in implementing R.E.G.A.L. solution in the industry?
The primary challenge lies in overcoming the so-called technological inertia within the industry.
The limited understanding of technical knowhow and reluctance to embrace innovation hinder technology adoption to a great extent. Moreover, the volatile nature of the textile industry, particularly in places like Surat, also poses challenges as periods of prosperity can quickly give way to downturns, thereby complicating the investment decisions.
Additionally, while there is eagerness to expand production capacity, hesitancy to invest in cost-saving measures presents a hurdle as well.
What kind of after-sales services is required for R.E.G.A.L?
Our after-sales services primarily involve ozone cleaning of the equipment, which can be conducted at the client’s premises without extensive setup requirements. Additionally, we offer standby equipment also if needed to ensure uninterrupted production.
Can R.E.G.A.L. be customised to suit specific needs?
Yes, customisation is possible based on factors such as flow rate and peak water consumption. Adjustments may be required based on water parameters, with particular emphasis on pump design.
Moreover, R.E.G.A.L.’s compatibility with digital printing has been demonstrated to enhance colour depth by 15 to 20 per cent, making it an ideal solution for digital printing houses seeking to command premium rates in the market.
