BASF supplied molecular sieves from its Chemical Catalysts and Adsorbent’s Business to India. A first batch of molecular sieves arrived in India on May 6 and was delivered within 24 hours.
India has suffered from Covid-19 infections and the healthcare system is burdened with a shortage of life-saving equipment, such as medical oxygen. The Chemical Catalysts and Adsorbent’s Business supported the demands of the medical infrastructure with molecular sieves.
A first batch of molecular sieves arrived in India on May 6 and was delivered within 24 hours from Germany to help improve the medical emergency in India. The shipment was organized and coordinated by CC’s Sales and Supply Chain teams with the support of the Indian Government and the Indian Embassy in Germany. BASF’s global network and good relations with local authorities facilitated the quick turnaround: in addition to regular air shipment, the Indian Government sent an aircraft of the Indian Air Force to Frankfurt to pick up the molecular sieves.
Molecular sieves are being provided to several companies in India, who are ramping up their oxygen supply either by converting their nitrogen generation units to oxygen units or by setting up new units. Molecular sieves are integral to these units as they help enrich atmospheric oxygen from 21% to medical grade oxygen which ranges from 90% to 95%.
Medical equipment to supplement the healthcare infrastructure
In alignment with the Indian government and industry bodies, BASF has imported medical oxygen-related equipment to India, including cylinders and concentrators.
Additionally, BASF donated life-saving equipment to support the medical infrastructure around its sites, including ventilators and a High-Resolution Computer Tomography (HRCT) scanner, enabling chest scans for patients. In partnership with industry players, BASF installed three state-of-the-art mobile acute care units in one of the largest Covid-19 care centers in Mumbai. Each unit with five Intensive Care Unit (ICU) beds is supporting several patients each day.
BASF has continued to monitor the situation and explore additional ways to support the government’s and local organizations’ relief efforts in India.