The announcement came at a workshop titled 'Eco-nephron system: A new technology from Japan' at Cirdap auditorium in the city.

"Nephron always keeps lubricating oil clean as the kidney of an animal keeps the blood clean," said Prof Morio Sumimoto, president of Sumimoto Scientific Institute.

Eco-friendly nephron system was invented by Dr Sumimoto Seiji in 1965 and got wide acceptance in Japan. The system saves the consumption of both fuel and money.

Terming eco-nephron a 'Dialysis system for automobiles, generator, marine engine and other heavy engines', he said there would virtually be no waste of oil and the user would get increased engine reliability and engine life from it.

Prof Sumimoto apprised the participants at the workshop of eco-nephron, which he claimed would protect engine, save resources and money and protect environment.

The eco-nephron made its way in running the industrial machinery, generator, automobiles, commercial vehicles and water transport, brick kilns, dyeing, dry cell, tannery, pharmaceuticals, sugar mill, cement, fertiliser, crude oil and gas refinery.

"The conventional filters could only catch large sludge particles from contaminated lubricating oil, whereas eco-nephron system can remove even the .001 micron sludge. This filtering system keeps engines remain intact for long," Prof Sumimoto said.

Through this system the emission of carbon dioxide and other acids can be reduced to the level of zero, which in turn would ensure clean environment, he added.

Dhaka Chamber President Hossain Khaled lauded the 'hazard free technology' and said prior to adopting any technology, one must evaluate it from two perspectives - environment and cost.

Speaking as the chief guest, AHM Rejaul Kabir NDC, environment and forest secretary, said, "We are treading on a new millennium which is full of new challenges as well as new potentials; any action, any initiative to save environment would be encouraged from our part."

Sumimoto Scientific Institute, SHEE and Bannichi Enterprise Ltd jointly organised the workshop.

Mohammad Golam Murtoza, chairman and Nilufar Karim, consultant, SHEE, were also present at the workshop while Rakibul Hasan, chairman, Bannichi, presented a paper on behalf of Dr Ainun Nishat.