|
| K.J.Haris, Southern Carbons Private Limited, Kalamassery, Ernakulam |
|
Download Database of featured talents. (Excel file) |
Gasifier, that converts a part of the organic fuel to calorie-rich gas in the controlled presence of air, has been around since World War 2. So why should K.J.Haris have resigned from FACT, Aluva 10 years ago and engaged himself in research and development in the field of alternate energy sources? Rather, it is his application of the Universal Gasifier to suit the resources of Kerala that has made his effort worthwhile.
3 types of Universal Gasifiers have been developed by Haris and his son Binoy at their Southern Carbons Private Limited, Kalamassery. The most unique among these is the one using coconut shell as fuel while the others are the ones with or without cooler. The advantage of using coconut shell is the availability of charcoal as byproduct in addition to high calorific value of the shells.
According to benefit-cost analysis done by them, 3.5 kg of coconut shell provides the energy equivalent of 1 litre of diesel. Considering the fact that coconut shell is available in plenty in Kerala, the scope of this method of power generation could be considerable.
Their company has so far manufactured and supplied 10 gasifiers in Kerala. Haris is so confident of the energy-saving property of the device that he has guaranteed 1½ years of trouble-free service for his product. According to Binoy, this long duration guarantee is not necessary as the client is likely to get back the cost of installing the machine within 6 months. Incidentally, the cost of a 2-lakh kilo calorie machine is Rs 10.5 lakhs.
Their gasifier can utilize dry tapioca stem, waste rubber wood, coconut shell, bamboo waste, cashew nut stem etc.
Perhaps Kerala villages could think of their own source of energy by making use of their own organic resources, he dreams.
It is a measure of the importance of his innovation that Prof. H.S.Mukunda of Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, who is an expert in gasification, visited their facility and submitted a detailed report on the achievement of the duo to the Central Energy Ministry.
Courtesy: P.Sujathan, Kalakaumudi, January 4-10, 2004
Contributed by: Administrator
