Gas pipeline technology local to Egypt

In the coming few years, Egypt, as a prominent natural gas exporter, will need to extend its pipelines by thousands of miles to cope with the growing exports of this valuable commodity.

Gas pipes made of steel were exclusively imported until a researcher called Taher Ahmed el-Bitar managed to produce steel pipes for the transfer of natural gas, according to international criteria and standards.

These pipes are now being produced by an Egyptian steel company. Researchers have also tackled the thorny issue of factory and other waste, the scourge of Egypt's environment.

Dr Mohammed Abul Fotouh Barakat is another scientist whose research has borne much fruit in this field. Dr Barakat has discovered a way of recycling dust produced during industrial processes.

To give the reader an idea of the significance of his project, Egypt's Iron & Steel Company alone produces some 650 tons of metallic dust annually. Dr Barakat's research involves reclaiming the precious zinc in the dust, which can then be used in agricultural fertilisers