Development and performance evaluation of a producer gas based system for hardening of steels

A producer gas (PG) based system for steel hardening, had been developed by the Institute. This developed PG based system consists of a batch type updraft gasifier, an air swirling type PG burner and a hardening furnace. In this developmental work, a local industry engaged in steel hardening was involved. At present, the industry is using a traditional coal based system. In addition to the dependence on conventional fuel, the existing process is labor intensive and creates environmental pollution. On the contrary, the PG based system offers better efficiency, process controllability and environmental acceptability. It accepts wide variety of dry biomass like wood/woody agricultural residues (Ipomoea) and woody saw mill wastes as feedstocks.