Natural RX-G RX Gas Generator Unit / Endothermic Gas Generator Plant
Exothermic-endothermic gas generators produce atmosphere gas for furnace heat treatment by the
reaction of exothermic gas and natural gas in a retort which is heated by the combustion reaction which forms the exothermic gas. Because the exothermic gas can vary in composition, depending on the
air/natural gas combustion ratio and the cooling water temperature, the carbon potential of the product
gas is a function of these variables as well as the ratio of exothermic gas and natural gas supplied to
the retort.
The overall efficiency of the process is a function of the same variables and of the thermal efficiency as
well. A mathematical model was developed and a computer program was written to analyze the
performance of this type of generator. From this analysis, relationships between carbon potential
and dew point, CO2 content and oxygen potential of the atmosphere gas were found.
The effect of all operating variables on the overall efficiency of the process was determined. It is shown
that this type of generator, as it is usually operated, is 5–10 percent more efficient in the production
of atmosphere gas than an endothermic gas generator. Modifications of the generator design to
enhance the overall efficiency by an additional 20 percent appear to be feasible
