The quality of a finished product is dependent on the quality of the input products. We are making incinerators for a little more than 2 decades. In order to zero in on our final output, i.e. the finished incinerator, we have to evaluate and decide what raw materials and bought-outs and from whom to get these. How do we ensure that these products meet our requirements because the end product needs to meet not only our requirements, but also the customer’s expectations?

When we started operations, we considered two or three options for each product. The choice was based on quality, delivery and price, in that order. Unfortunately there is no way we could confirm the quality immediately because quality depends on usage of the material and one’s experience. There were, of course, delivery and price issues which we resolved.

We set about sending the raw materials for testing by recognized test houses. In the case of items like refractory, there were no real standards available for testing, except to check the `cold crushing strength` at 110 °C (when the incinerator’s operating temperature is in the region of 1000°C+)!  The result was that the product did not perform as expected.

One other supplier who was also offering this material understood our problem and  offered to develop a customized product that would have a good strength at 1000°C+. We tried it a few times and found that this was what we were looking for. We have had no problem with the refractory ever since and practically all our customers have stopped re-lining the chambers every 2 years or so!  The `cause and effect` was analysed thoroughly and we were able to resolve the problem once and for all.  The refractory supplier is our trusted ally for more than 18 years!

Now we come to the other raw materials like steel and stainless steel. Based on our initial experience, we stopped using mild steel anchors for the refractory as they oxidise, rust and enlarge during usage, causing the refractory to crack. We now use only stainless steel anchors of a grade which withstands high temperature. Stainless steel does not oxidise like ordinary steel. Moreover there is a coating given on our anchors which evaporates when the chamber is heated, making room for the enlarged anchor, without causing cracks in the refractory. The coating returns to sit on the anchors, once the system cools down.

We use steels and stainless of various grades including IS 2062 Gr.A, ASTM 516 Gr 70, A 36, ASTM A 588 Gr.A, AISI 304, 309, 310, 316, 904L etc. Inspite of the fact that we get these from reputed manufacturers and through their recognized agents, who deliver to us test certificates each time a delivery is made, we still get the chemical analysis done through laboratories and even mechanical properties are tested in some cases. Not only this, the traceability of the steel is established through continuation of the heat numbers when the bulky material is apportioned.  Even though we have suppliers for these items for over a decade who can be trusted, we still do our own testing as we do not want any human error resulting in failure.

Instruments required are always from reputed international makes.

Electrical items such as control panels, cables etc. are again from established manufacturers through their system integrators.  Special items like flame proof ones are procured from long-established reputed makes.

Hydraulics are obtained from established manufacturers.

Our tall chimneys are always designed after considering the wind speed and soil test report to withstand the local conditions.

All these efforts have resulted in a long term relationship with our suppliers who know what we want and our customers who can  trust us to deliver the best.

This is because both we and our suppliers believe CUSTOMER SATISFACTION IS THE MOST IMPORTANT aspect of doing continued business.