As industries face stricter emissions regulations, the demand for efficient combustion systems continues to rise. Knackwell Engineers, established in 1996, with its strong engineering foundation, delivers tailored solutions to address complex industrial thermal challenges. The company has established itself as a leader in the manufacturing of furnaces and ovens, driven by a commitment to quality and exceptional customer service. Knackwell Engineers produces gas, oil, dual-fuel, and electrically heated furnaces operating at temperatures up to 1350°C, featuring precise automated temperature control and built-in safety mechanisms. Knackwell caters to all types of heating & heat treatment applications to almost all types of industries such as Heat Treatment Furnaces, Melting Furnace, Kilns and Hot air generators.
Founded by Darshan Thanawala, Proprietor, a chemical engineer, who brings over 20 years of experience in advanced heating solutions, Knackwell Engineers leverages his expertise in combustion technology to design, supply, and commission specialized equipment. In 2009, Darshan’s son, Ravi, joined the team, armed with a Master’s degree in Computer Science and experience at Motorola, USA. He has introduced automated furnace controls for enhanced precision and implemented cloud-based analytics to optimize performance, alongside developing AI-based operating and control systems.
Energy Efficiency
Knackwell Engineers' R&D department features a dedicated prototype-testing furnace, equipped with advanced gas and combustion air control and measurement systems. This setup facilitates precise testing of burners and their components, ensuring optimal fuel-air mixing for efficient combustion. The company designs burners with customized flame shapes, ranging from short and bushy to long and focused, to enhance heat distribution across various industrial applications.
At Knackwell Engineers, there is a steadfast commitment to executing projects correctly the first time, adhering to rigorous safety standards to comply with National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) requirements. For electric heaters, the company develops prototype designs that enhance both reliability and efficiency, delivering seamless, ‘install-and-forget’ solutions. This commitment is supported by lifelong service and rapid response times, even beyond warranty periods, ensuring uninterrupted client operations.
“We believe in building lasting partnerships, not short term engagements. Our team combines deep technical expertise with extensive field experience. Regular site visits enable us to understand client needs firsthand, allowing us to provide tailored solutions and continuously improve based on real-world insights. This proactive approach helps us resolve issues swiftly and integrate enhancements into future designs”, emphasizes Darshan.
Knackwell Engineers' dedication to robust thermal and mechanical designs, coupled with energy efficiency and low emissions, provides a competitive edge, enabling clients to significantly reduce operational costs. By delivering uniform temperature control and minimizing energy consumption, the company enhances customer profitability while ensuring consistent, high-quality performance. Notably, it has achieved significant milestones, including the development of the largest bogie hearth heat treatment furnace, measuring approximately 5 meters in width and height and nearly 60 meters in length, with a charge weight of around 160 metric tons. This fully automated furnace has been successfully operating in Africa, showcasing Knackwell Engineers' capability to deliver large-scale, efficient solutions.
In conclusion, the company’s long-term success is rooted in strong client relationships. By fostering a partnership approach, it ensures customer satisfaction through prompt responses and lifetime support. This commitment has resulted in a remarkable rate of repeat business, with 90 percent of clients returning for additional orders, reinforcing its reputation for reliability and quality within the industry.
"Even minor suggestions are valued, as they can lead to significant advancements. This open, customer-centric approach ensures that Knackwell's products evolve to meet real-world operational needs, enhancing efficiency and user satisfaction”, concludes Darshan.