Dr. Satyen Kumar Das | Petroleum Refining, Sustainability and Circularity | Outstanding Scientist Award
Chief General Manager at Indian Oil Corporation Limited, India
Dr. Satyen Kumar Das is a pioneering chemical engineer and technology leader in petroleum refining, currently serving as the Chief General Manager at IndianOil’s R&D Centre. With a professional career spanning nearly three decades, Dr. Das has profoundly influenced India’s refining and petrochemical landscape through his significant contributions in process innovation, technology commercialization, and sustainability solutions. Renowned for spearheading groundbreaking technologies such as INDMAX, Ind-Coker, Needle Coke, and INDEcoP2F, Dr. Das has seamlessly blended core chemical engineering expertise with visionary leadership to solve real-world industrial challenges. His deep involvement in developing processes like crude-to-chemicals conversion, circular economy initiatives, and CO₂ valorization has not only enhanced refinery economics but also promoted environmental stewardship. A prolific inventor, he holds over 200 patents worldwide with 144 granted, including 48 Indian and 35 US patents. His authorship includes more than 90 peer-reviewed papers and conference presentations globally. His contributions have earned him national and international accolades for innovation in energy efficiency and eco-friendly processes. With a rich legacy of research, mentorship, and policy advisory, Dr. Das is widely regarded as one of the foremost technologists in petroleum refining and chemical engineering in India today.
Profile
Education
Dr. Das’s educational background is a testament to academic excellence and specialization in chemical engineering. He completed his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi—one of India’s most prestigious research institutions. His doctoral studies enabled him to develop deep scientific understanding and advanced research capabilities in catalytic and thermal processing systems, which would later underpin his industrial innovations. Prior to that, he earned his Master of Technology (M.Tech) degree in Chemical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur. At IIT Kanpur, he developed the theoretical grounding and analytical thinking required for process optimization and innovation in the refining sector. Dr. Das began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree in Chemical Engineering from Calcutta University, which laid the foundational understanding of chemical process engineering, reaction kinetics, thermodynamics, and unit operations. This solid academic training across three premier institutions equipped him with both fundamental knowledge and advanced technological skills, laying the groundwork for his successful career in industrial research, process development, and commercialization. His academic achievements are reflected in the depth of his innovations, particularly in petroleum refining and catalytic process development, making him a highly respected figure in both academic and industrial research domains.
Professional Experience
Dr. Das joined Indian Oil Corporation Limited’s R&D Centre in 1995 and steadily rose through the ranks due to his remarkable problem-solving capabilities and visionary approach to refining technology. He currently serves as Chief General Manager and leads the Refining Technology Group. Between 1995 and 2013, he played a pivotal role in developing catalytic processes such as INDMAX, INDALIN, and Fischer Tropsch technologies. He provided extensive technical services in catalyst evaluation, feedstock selection, and process troubleshooting across FCC, RFCC, and INDMAX units. From 2014 onward, he has steered transformative projects like Crude-to-Chemicals conversion, Needle Coke production, and INDEcoP2F for waste plastic valorization. Under his leadership, IndianOil has successfully commercialized numerous indigenous technologies including Octamax, AmyleMax, and MMO catalysts. He has also driven strategic programs related to CO₂ utilization, advanced carbon materials, and energy transition technologies. His leadership has not only enhanced operational excellence but also positioned IndianOil as a global innovator. With nearly 30 years of hands-on experience in R&D, scale-up, and commercial deployment, Dr. Das exemplifies how deep technical knowledge, cross-functional collaboration, and long-term vision can drive sustainable industrial transformation.
Research Interest
Dr. Satyen Kumar Das’s research interests are centered around catalytic cracking, residue upgradation, petrochemical production, and sustainable refinery operations. He is particularly passionate about advancing the science and engineering of catalytic processes for higher product yields, selectivity, and energy efficiency. His early work on FCC and RFCC catalysis led to the development of proprietary technologies like INDMAX and INDALIN, which revolutionized LPG and light olefin production in India. He has since extended his focus to the circular economy by innovating waste plastic conversion technologies (INDEcoP2F), thereby aligning industrial operations with environmental goals. His interest in CO₂ capture and valorization, Fischer Tropsch synthesis, and biomass co-processing in refineries reflects his commitment to sustainability. Dr. Das also explores next-generation fuels, needle coke manufacturing, and crude-to-chemicals pathways, recognizing the need for net-zero refinery models. He is deeply involved in process intensification, catalyst innovation, and scale-up strategies, driven by real-world performance metrics. His multidisciplinary approach—spanning thermochemical reactions, process modeling, and life-cycle assessment—has made him a thought leader in future-ready refining technologies. Dr. Das’s research not only addresses industrial challenges but also advances national energy self-reliance and environmental responsibility.
Research Skills
Dr. Das possesses a comprehensive skill set that spans conceptual research, process development, scale-up, and technology commercialization. He has deep expertise in heterogeneous catalysis, reaction engineering, and hydrocarbon cracking processes, which are essential for petroleum refining innovation. His skills include experimental design for catalytic and thermal reactors, data analysis, pilot plant operations, and industrial troubleshooting. A seasoned inventor, Dr. Das is proficient in patent drafting, intellectual property management, and process optimization techniques. His acumen in applied R&D is matched by his strategic thinking in integrating sustainability—evident in his work on CO₂ valorization, waste-to-fuel technologies, and crude-to-chemical pathways. He has an exceptional ability to translate lab-scale innovations into commercial refinery-scale technologies, supported by techno-economic evaluations and risk assessments. His technical communication, leadership, and project management skills further amplify his impact across multidisciplinary teams. Additionally, Dr. Das contributes to national committees, including the SATHI-R&D program under the Department of Science & Technology. His research skills are not confined to theory but extend deeply into industry-relevant outcomes, making him a rare blend of scientific innovator and engineering executor.
Awards and Honors
Dr. Satyen Kumar Das has received numerous prestigious awards recognizing his innovation and leadership in chemical engineering and petroleum refining. He was conferred the National Petroleum Management Program (NPMP) award twice for INDMAX and Needle Coke Technologies by the Government of India. He received the DSIR Award for successful commercialization of INDMAX and the AIMA Award in 2017 for breakthrough innovations in energy-efficient and eco-friendly coker technologies. In 2019-20 and 2022-23, he earned Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas Innovation Awards for Delayed Coker and INDEcoP2F technologies. In 2023-24 and 2025, he was awarded for his development of indigenous light naphtha isomerization technologies (IV-IZOMaxCATR). His recognition also includes the Jewel of India Award (2025) for outstanding contributions to petroleum technology, the Indian Scientist Award for Best Researcher in Chemical Engineering, and multiple international accolades for sustainable and circular refining models. These awards underscore his lifelong commitment to research excellence, innovation, and environmental stewardship. They are a testament to his contributions that bridge science, engineering, and industry for national and global benefit.
Publications
Dr. Das has an extensive portfolio of academic and industrial publications, reflecting his authority in petroleum refining and chemical engineering. He has authored over 90 papers in international journals and conferences, contributing to domains such as catalytic conversion, delayed coking, bio-crude processing, and co-processing of waste plastics. Noteworthy publications include his work on CO-hydrogenation catalysts in Applied Energy, fuel production over silica-supported catalysts in Fuel Processing Technology, and innovative insights into heavy oil upgrading and thermal decomposition in Energy & Fuels and Journal of Analytical and Applied Pyrolysis. His recent work (2023–2025) explores the co-processing of biomass and petroleum residues, refinery sustainability, and catalyst regeneration. He has co-authored international conference proceedings from AIChE, World Petroleum Congress, and ISFL, further establishing his global presence. These papers not only showcase his empirical rigor but also emphasize application-driven results. Each publication represents his commitment to innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. Through these contributions, Dr. Das has influenced both the academic community and the industrial sector, fostering innovation that meets the dual challenges of performance and sustainability.
Conclusion
Dr. Satyen Kumar Das exemplifies the highest standards of scientific innovation, industrial impact, and visionary leadership in the field of chemical engineering and petroleum refining. Over a career spanning nearly 30 years, he has seamlessly combined academic excellence, inventive skill, and managerial acumen to solve some of the most complex challenges in energy technology. With over 200 patents, numerous commercialized processes, and a host of national and international awards, Dr. Das’s contributions have transformed IndianOil’s refining operations and set global benchmarks for sustainable process development. His holistic approach, integrating waste-to-energy, crude-to-chemical, and CO₂ valorization pathways, is vital in shaping India’s future in energy security and environmental responsibility. As a mentor, author, and committee member, he continues to inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists. His career stands as a blueprint for innovation-led growth rooted in technical excellence, strategic foresight, and an unwavering commitment to societal benefit.