Dr. Satyen Kumar Das, Chief General Manager at IndianOil R&D Centre, is a distinguished chemical engineer with over 30 years of pioneering contributions in petroleum refining, sustainability, and circular technologies. A Ph.D. from IIT Delhi, he has led the development and commercialization of breakthrough technologies such as INDMAX, Ind-Coker, Needle Coke, INDEcoP2F, and IV-IZOMaxCAT, significantly enhancing India’s energy self-reliance. With 210 patents (144 granted globally), 10 commercialized technologies, and over 98 technical publications, his innovations span residue upgradation, light olefin production, and waste-to-fuel conversion. Dr. Das has received 13+ national awards, including honors from DST, DSIR, and MOP&NG, recognizing his excellence in applied R&D. Under his leadership, several large-scale refining projects have been successfully deployed across India and internationally. His visionary work blends scientific rigor with industrial impact, making him a leading force in advancing indigenous, eco-friendly refining technologies.

Professional Profile 

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Education 

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das has a strong academic foundation in chemical engineering from some of India’s premier institutions. He completed his Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) in Chemical Engineering from the University of Calcutta, where he gained essential knowledge in chemical processes and thermodynamics. He then pursued his Master of Technology (M.Tech) in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, enhancing his expertise in process engineering and catalysis. To further advance his academic pursuits, Dr. Das earned his Doctorate (Ph.D.) in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. During his academic journey, he built a strong foundation in research methodology, process modeling, and applied chemical engineering, which laid the groundwork for his long-standing contributions to petroleum refining and sustainable technologies. His education has been instrumental in shaping his career, enabling him to bridge the gap between scientific research and industrial innovation effectively.

Experience 

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das began his professional journey with IndianOil R&D Centre in 1995 and has since accumulated nearly 30 years of experience in the petroleum refining industry. Currently serving as Chief General Manager, he leads the Refining Technology division, steering large-scale R&D, troubleshooting, and commercial deployment of innovative technologies. From 1995 to 2013, he contributed to the development of key catalytic processes such as INDMAX, INDALIN, and Fischer Tropsch-based technologies. Between 2014 and 2025, he spearheaded the commercialization of advanced solutions including Ind-Coker, INDEcoP2F, and IV-IZOMaxCAT, transforming refinery operations across India. His leadership has resulted in the successful implementation of several commercial plants, with a cumulative licensed capacity of over 17 MMTPA. Dr. Das also initiated futuristic projects in bio-refineries, waste-to-energy, and CO₂ valorization, demonstrating a vision aligned with environmental sustainability. His broad experience reflects an exceptional blend of technical depth and strategic innovation.

Awards and Honors

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das has been widely recognized for his outstanding contributions to petroleum refining and chemical engineering through numerous national and industry awards. He has received over 13 prestigious honors, including multiple National Awards from the Government of India for the development and commercialization of INDMAX and Needle Coke Technologies. The National Petroleum Management Program (NPMP) and DST, DSIR, and MOP&NG have honored him for innovation, sustainability, and indigenous technology leadership. He received the “Innovator of the Year” award from FIPI, the CHEMTECH CEW Award for R&D excellence, and the AIMA Award for breakthrough innovation in artificial intelligence and R&D. In recent years, he was recognized for plastic circularity (INDEcoP2F), light naphtha isomerization (IV-IZOMaxCAT), and was honored with the “Jewel of India Award” and the “Indian Scientist Award” for best researcher in chemical engineering. His accolades underscore his impact on national energy innovation.

Research Focus  on Chemical Engineering

Dr. Satyen Kumar Das’s research primarily centers on the development of innovative, sustainable, and commercially viable technologies in petroleum refining. His focus includes residue upgradation, light olefin production, waste-to-fuel conversion, and plastic circularity—critical areas in the transition toward cleaner energy. He led the development of pathbreaking technologies like INDMAX, Ind-Coker, INDEcoP2F, and Octamax, targeting fuel efficiency, process optimization, and emissions reduction. His work spans catalyst development, feedstock valorization, carbon material synthesis, and CO₂ utilization, reflecting a deep commitment to sustainability and energy security. Dr. Das’s ability to move innovations from lab-scale to full-scale commercial deployment across multiple Indian and international refineries highlights his applied research excellence. He also initiated future-oriented programs in bio-refineries, advanced carbon materials, and specialty chemicals, aligning with global trends. His research philosophy blends scientific rigor with practical utility, aiming to enhance refinery economics while minimizing environmental impact.