LPG Equipment Research Centre (LERC) is an Indian research, testing and certification organization specializing in equipment used for the storage, distribution and utilization of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka, the organization conducts testing, quality assurance, product evaluation, standardization and applied research related to LPG cylinders, pressure regulators, valves, rubber hoses, cooking appliances and associated equipment . Dr. T. D. Sabu serves as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the LPG Equipment Research Centre (LERC), Bengaluru. LERC was established in 1990 as a joint initiative of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) to support safety, quality control and technical standardization within India's LPG industry.
History The growth of LPG consumption in India during the late twentieth century led to increased demand for standardized testing and evaluation of LPG equipment. LERC was established in Bengaluru in 1990 under the aegis of the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas to provide specialized testing and certification services for LPG -related products used across the country. According to the World Liquid Gas Association, LERC serves as a central technical institution for LPG equipment research, testing and standards-related activities in India.
Organization LERC is jointly promoted by Indian Oil Corporation Limited, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited and Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited. The centre undertakes testing, certification and technical evaluation activities in the energy sector with a primary focus on LPG-related equipment and applications. The organization provides laboratory-based testing and quality assessment services for LPG cylinders, pressure regulators, hoses, valves, burners and cooking appliances intended for domestic, commercial and industrial use.
Research and development LERC has been associated with research and testing activities involving alternative fuels and LPG-compatible technologies. Several reports on research conducted by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL) noted that prototype burners capable of operating on liquefied petroleum gas, dimethyl ether(DME), and blended fuels were tested for efficiency at the LPG Equipment Research Centre in Bengaluru. The centre was also referenced in reports concerning the development of indigenous DME technology intended to reduce India's dependence on imported LPG. Research articles published by The Indian Express, The Economic Times, Hindustan Times, Mathrubhumi, LatestLY and other publications described testing activities conducted at LERC as part of evaluating flex-fuel burner systems and alternative cooking-fuel technologies. Additional reports described LERC's role in testing burner prototypes capable of operating across a range of fuel compositions, from 100 percent LPG to 100 percent DME, including intermediate blends.
Technical contributions LERC has participated in the testing and approval of LPG accessories and safety-related products used within India's LPG distribution system. Reports published by Indian Oil Corporation have stated that certain LPG products and accessories distributed through its network were tested and approved by the LPG Equipment Research Centre in Bengaluru. Media reports have also referenced LERC in connection with the evaluation of high-pressure variable regulators and commercial LPG hoses intended for market introduction by oil marketing companies. The centre has additionally been cited in reports relating to ethanol-compatible cooking stoves and other alternative-fuel technologies under development in India.
Products Among the products associated with LERC is the Suraksha LPG Hose, which has been reported as being manufactured under quality-control procedures and certified in accordance with applicable Indian standards for LPG hose applications. LERC has also been referenced in testing reports related to radiant-heat cooking stoves and thermal-efficiency assessments of LPG appliances.
See also Liquefied petroleum gas Indian Oil Corporation Bharat Petroleum Hindustan Petroleum Dimethyl ether Energy in India
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