Biomass utilization through gasification could be a viable alternative energy source for meeting energy demands in decentralized manner. Thermodynamic equilibrium and other models have been proposed to explain and understand the complex biomass gasification process, design, simulation, optimization, and process analysis of gasifiers. Present paper deals with a comprehensive process model developed for biomass gasification in an atmospheric fixed bed rector using the ASPEN PLUS. The experimental facility of the gasifier developed by the authors has a provision for proper cooling and filtration system to derive satisfactory performance with low emissions. Thus the model developed using ASPEN PLUS is validated with experimental data obtained with four different types of feed stocks viz; babul wood, neem wood, mango wood, and bagasse. The model has well-predicted composition of H 2 , CO, and CO 2 whereas it has under predicted the CH 4 . The gasifier conversion efficiency was observed to be higher with babul wood when compared with other three types of wood due to its high carbon and H 2 and less ash concentrations.

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A direct chill (DC) casting is a continuous casting process widely used in different industries. The aim of the work is to investigate thermal and mechanical stress formed during the direct chill casting process by a numerical method. A commercial software ANSYS mechanical APDL is used for the simulation. A moving mesh technique is employed for the development of ingot during the solidification process. An element birth and death concept is used to find out the deformation in ingot. The verification of the results is done with the results found in literature and found a good agreement. The developed model has admirable ability to predict the thermal and mechanical stress formed in direct chill casting process.

To improve productivity and profitability in Aluminium continuous casting industry the main action is to reduce losses due to defects resulting into revenue losses. Improving Rolling Ingot Recovery is possible by reducing the rejections & using the resources effectively (resources MAN, MACHINE, MATERIAL & CAPITAL) by applying TQM technique. This study presents a case about minimizing defects in aluminium continuous casting using Total Quality Management (TQM) techniques in which why-why analysis, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs),and Cause and Effect analysis is used. It can be concluded from study that rejections, shell zone & inclusion can be reduced by, Continuous monitoring the health of the moulds, quality & quantity of water, the metal casting temperature, metal head in mould, water impingement angle, use of Ceramic foam filter plates, awareness & the adherence towards the guidelines