Industrial Mechanical

Trick My Truck & SUV - Chevrolet Tahoe Add Ons to Increase Horsepower and Gas Mileage

2009-06-10T02:50:00.002-07:00

Chevrolet has perfected a huge selling success with its Tahoe and Suburban SUV. With a wide array of trim packages and powertrain choices, there's a little of everything for folks of all walks of life. But as gas prices start to climb and more people looking for more fuel efficient alternatives, owners are looking for cheap ways to enhance what they've got without going to the extreme of trading or downsizing into something less favorable. The aftermarket world for performance enhancing parts is huge with the Chevrolet Tahoe and is certainly worth the research to find the right products for your SUV. Here is a brief list of inexpensive do-it-yourself items you can buy and install in an afternoon.

First, an easy to find item is a higher flowing performance air filter. Manufactured by well known companies such as K&N, airaid and AEM, these products can be purchased at any auto retailer like Wal-Mart, AutoZone and Pep Boys. What a performance filter does is replace your existing restrictive stock filter with a higher flowing unit. The better the engine can breathe, the more horsepower and better gas mileage. Tests have shown a 8-10 HP increase and a 1-3 mpg upswing in a 5.3 V8 Tahoe. Aside from the gains, maintenance will be cut down as well as these filters are cleanable and reusable too. In essence, don't leave this cheap part off your list, they only retail for $35-55!

Next, a performance exhaust system is another cheap way to free up some more of those HP's and overall gas mileage in your old or new Tahoe. Kits are available from manufacturers like flowmaster, borla, and Bassani for all engine size Tahoes from the early 1995 models to the newer 2010's. Kits come complete with all the hardware and instructions. All you have to supply are basic hand tools and an afternoon's amount of time to get it all together. Your Tahoe will thank you because the engine will dispel all of the burnt gases easier and you will get that nice deep throaty sound once made popular in muscle cars. Gain more power and a few more mpg's with this must have modification.

And lastly, no Chevrolet Tahoe or GMC Yukon will come complete without a performance chip from Hypertech or Superchips. Performance chips retail at around $80-100 and only take about 20 minutes to install using basic handtools. What a performance chip does for your ride is that it will enhance your transmission's shift points for better efficiency and less wear and tear. A good performance chip will also enhance your truck or SUV's fuel curve to gain more mpg's too. A performance chip will compliment the other performance parts and won't void any existing warranty.

And so, that is a brief list of some of the most popular and tested parts one must buy for their Tahoe or Yukon. Altogether, you should see about a 30-40 horsepower increase and about a 5-7 mpg gain with all the mods. With summer just around the corner, motorists could use more of their hard earned bucks toward more important activities. But if you want to take modifications a step further, drivers have been converting their truck and SUV into hybrid type vehicles. I've seen water/gas conversions and the popular electric/gas hybrid conversion made popular by Toyota and Honda. The IRS will even pay you tax credits for driving a clean fuel vehicle, nothing but positive money savings here. For more information on how you can convert your truck and SUV now, please feel free to visit my site below.

The Best Brands For Used Trucks

2009-06-10T02:50:00.001-07:00

The durability of trucks, depends on the specifications of each truck. In the other words, the best quality and best brand of truck, depends on its efficiency, reliability and work output. Used truck dealers, can be easily located via factories and websites (internet).

There are several used truck brands, such as Volvo trucks, Mercedes-Benz trucks, SCANIA trucks, Man trucks and IVECO trucks. Though different used trucks are available in the market, Mercedes-Benz trucks and IVECO trucks are the only trucks have a unique features related to "heavy-duty" capacity and unique service purpose.

Mercedes-Benz Trucks
Mercedes-Benz used trucks have the overall features needed for both commercial and private services. A Mercedes-Benz used truck is useful for load transportation in particular. If you are looking for a used truck for load transportation purposes you should include this brand on your shopping list. Mercedes-Benz trucks, "both flat and straight engine" are easy to drive. They also have different models and body shapes, for every specific purpose. Another feature that makes Mercedes unique among other used trucks is that they are very economical. They typically consume no more than 20litres of diesel per 500km journey. In comparison other used trucks out there consume more oil; usually 36 litres of diesel per 150km.

Furthermore, transporting with a Mercedes-Benz truck is always a blissful journey. They come with a well-built engine which makes the driving more comfortable during a long journey.

IVECO Trucks
IVECO trucks also have some spectacular features among other used truck brands. One unique feature that distinguishes IVECO from other used truck brands is it also has a 'heavy-duty' capacity. Many IVECO truck drivers can confirm the flexibility and simplicity of this vehicle. IVECO trucks not only have a price that is affordable, but are also efficient and easily maintained. IVECO trucks are well known for their carriage purposes too. They are strong enough to carry a load range from 10,000kg to 50,000kg, with ease. In addition this durable truck has low diesel consumption. You can purcase IVECO trucks through their factory centers, whereby you will can ask to be shown a wide range of quality used trucks. Additional financing and warranty options and backed up by the official IVECO network service.

In conclusion, getting the best used truck for your specific purposes can be a realistic and successful investment. It is best to ensure you consider all the realistic requirements you have versus the capabilities and specifications of each truck.

Getting Your Restaurant Supplies From Equipment Companies

2009-05-28T23:05:00.001-07:00

If this is the first time that you are starting up a food business, you should know what you need to look into to make it successful as much as possible. Aside from your staff and your managing techniques as a business owner, it is essential that you obtain the right supplies for your restaurant to be more productive in terms of food preparation as well as time management.

Since you are starting up a business, you might be thinking that you do not have enough budget for high standard supplies that are usually branded and are of high quality. The good news is that, you will still have other options aside from purchasing your equipment from restaurant supply companies, fortunately they are not the only ones available in the equipment business.

However, before you look for a supplier, what you need to consider in obtaining the supplies for your food business. First, you need to consider the quality of the supplies and equipment that the company is offering you. Then you have to make sure that the equipment is durable enough to last for years. You should also look into the proper customer care that these companies provide. You will know from there if they are capable of providing you the right service when it comes to customer relations.

One way of finding an affordable and trust worthy company, is through researching online. Usually these restaurant supply companies have their own websites where you can look into those supplies and equipment that they offer. Some will provide you with a wide variety of choices and even wholesale discounts. That is why more and more food businesses rely on getting their equipment online because they do not have to worry about the overhead expenses which may add up to the cost of the supplies and the equipment ordered.

Before purchasing your supplies, you have to make sure that you inspect the products physically. If physical inspection is not possible, make sure that the equipment store entitles you for a money back guarantee, this assures you that what they are selling you are supplies that are guaranteed to last for a longer period of time.

I've created a Wholesale Kitchen Supplies List for anyone who would like to get excellent Prices and Information of Supplies right now. This list is designed to help you start getting the products and information quicker than you ever thought possible. You'll have a good solid information in the shortest amount of time possible. You can find this list at http://www.CindyKitchen.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cindy_Hansen

Starting and Growing Business With CNC Turning Center Financing and Leasing

2009-05-28T23:02:00.000-07:00

The CNC turning machine is just the machine you need if you are into work that involves heavy machinery and requires a lot of precision. This is a special kind of machine which enables you to spin blocks of material and bring them to a desired shape and size. Although the turning and spinning bit can be achieved manually, it takes up an immense amount of resources and time. Instead, you should go for computerized CNC turning machines which will enable you get great results.

The turning process basically requires you to place the material on the lathe and then employing the cutting tool. The cutting tool has to be kept at work until you get the depth and dimension that you wanted. One among the many benefits of the turner is that it enables you to cut the material both from the inside and the outside. All you will have to do is to provide the computer with the basic instructions and numbers and then you will see great results. You can have entire control of the machine by using the computer that operates it. This tool has numerous utilities and is a great investment. However, it is quite an expensive machine and most business owners do not begin with a capital big enough to invest in CNC machines. If this is the problem, then you should go for financing.

The turning process is capable of cutting metal into different kinds of shapes. From plain surface to taper ends to contours, it can do it all. So what are the uses of metals cut into various shapes by the CNC turner? They are used to make shafts, hubs, brushes, pulleys, rods and numerous other things. Another great use of the CNC process is that it can be used to cut metals with a circular cross section. Its advanced software tool helps to cut these machines perfectly for industry use. Software tools go a long way in cost cutting but they do have another disadvantage. It puts a limit to the number of designs that you can get otherwise.

The primary reason why these turning machines are so popular is that they enable you to get perfect end product at really cost effective prices. This is why the industry places its trust in this machine.

The CNC turning centers are very useful for cutting, shaping and creating machine parts. However, this kind of a perfect tool comes at a certain cost. It is quite expensive. So if you are starting your business and really need this machine, you should go for turning center financing. There are many financing companies that are ready to provide the money for buying these machines.

The CNC turning centers are controlled by a very advanced computer that gives you the accurate result that you desire. They work very well with any kind of job that you do. But since they are quite costly, you should go for CNC turning center financing. Numerous businesses have earned a lot of profit by investing in a CNC turning center or by getting hold of it through financing. So if you are starting off your business where you will require a high performance turner, you should go for the CNC turning center.

Chris Fletcher's page features more about new and used CNC Turning Center Financing and other finance topics. Visit him at: http://www.crestcapital.com/Catalog - - free instant quote & web calculator!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Mark_Fletcher
Visit more news on cnc machines at http://www.cnc-machines.org

Industrial Design as a Profession

2008-09-01T22:16:00.000-07:00

Some professions are more demanding that others. Some professions required the practitioner to be multi-disciplinary as well as multi-talented. Industrial design of one of such profession. This article is a description of Industrial Design as a profession and career path.

Industrial Design or ID as it it commonly known as, is a rather specialised profession. Contrary to popular misconception, an industrial designer does not design factory processes. Basically, industrial design is a creative profession . The scope of work deals with the innovative and aesthetic aspect of product design.

Why is it being said that Industrial designers are often required to be multi-talented? This is because, he or she have to be an artist, marketing expert and engineer all roll into one. This profession requires the fine balancing of hardcore practicality and refined sense of aesthetics.

For example, the outlook and functionality of many consumer products are dictated by the industrial designer. The Industrial Designer is at the forefront of the product development process.

Industrial design is a very passion driven profession. In another word, you will need to be passionate about the things that you do in industrial design. Without the passion, the nature of the job can be pressurizing and tedious. It can be tough going for someone who lacks the necessary drive and passion.

In the past, industrial designers rely almost entirely on manual drawing and sketching skills. However, with the advances in digital technology, industrial design now also rely on computer aided industrial design or CAID.

Well, in a nutshell, the nature of Industrial Design is as described above. Thank you for reading.

The author runs Joblense.com, a site which provides career profiles for many interesting jobs, including industrial design.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Shen_Gerald

Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Design and Drawing Services at Lowest Rates

2008-09-01T22:15:00.001-07:00

Mechanical Engineering involves the Physical usage for mechanism and functioning, design, manufacturing, installation, operation and maintenance of mechanical systems such as boilers, condensers, heat engines, air conditioners & refrigerators, machine tools, thermal power stations etc.

Kinematics, dynamics, static, Energy conversion, Mechanics, Manufacturing and production, refrigeration and air conditioning are the foundation subjects of mechanical engineering. It also Engage its attention with other Engineering disciplines like Electrical engineering in electronics, Aeronautical Engineering in Fluid Mechanics, Civil Engineering in stress & Strain analysis, Computer Engineering in hardware manufacturing etc.

Accomplishing mechanical projects has always posed serious problems for companies, whether they need computer aided design such as electrical engineering, new industrial product design, or civil engineering of a new building.

Many people are familiar with online project marketplaces that connect businesses and individuals in need of services with skilled professionals to perform the work. Companies have long struggled with the engineering required to launch new products and build customized facilities. When you discuss the actual mechanical design of your next key product, or the structural engineering of a multi million dollar building, things cannot be left to chance and "close" is never close enough. Businesses need complete control over their projects, even if they are being outsourced. Mechanical engineers use the core principles as well as other knowledge in the field to design.

A Mechanical Engineer will:

~ Know how energy gets converted to useful power (thermodynamics).
~ Examine the wear and tear of machines and systems.
~ Prepare configurations and drawings of machines or machine parts.
~ Examine strength of material for a particular application.
~ Design advanced materials (machine design).

This article has been offer consideration of Mechanical 3d Modeling in http://www.mechanical3dmodelling.com/, Mechanical 3d Modeling, in Mechanical 3D Modeling Services more than 10 years.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Harvesh_V_Modh

Mechanical Engineering Online

2008-09-01T22:15:00.000-07:00

Online Mechanical Engineering School programs are available at the bachelor level, the master's level, and the doctorate level. The discipline of Mechanical Engineering is among the oldest in the field of engineering and emphasizes an suitable mix of energy science and technology, applied mechanics, thermal sciences, and design.

Online Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering programs are designed to provide students with comprehensive backgrounds for a broad spectrum of engineering careers. Mechanical Engineering requires an academic degree in science, and they use acquired scientific knowledge in the process of design and development.

A degree in Mechanical Engineering is applicable almost anywhere. Mechanical Engineers work in manufacturing, industrial plants, laboratories, on construction sites, in private engineering firms, and government agencies. Mechanical Engineers may be responsible for preparing preliminary and detailed design drawings, product specifications, and functions of products; finding creative to practical and technological problems; and testing and evaluation of all components of product efficacy, and they ensure the safety and performance of product design.

A degree in Mechanical Engineering requires courses in calculus, biology, physics, fluid mechanics, technical writing, and computer design. Mechanical Engineering involves research, product design and development, manufacturing, testing, operation, and maintenance.

Masters and doctorate degrees in Mechanical Engineering require higher level studies in all subjects, research, and a thesis. Graduate degrees in Mechanical Engineering allow advanced duties and responsibilities in the workplace. Advanced degrees in Mechanical Engineering may also allow the move into management or sales, in which cases, the engineering background enables detailed discussion of technical aspects and aids in product design, planning, installation, and use.

You can find an Online Mechanical Engineering School by searching the many options here at www.schoolsgalore.com.

Copyright 2006 - All Rights Reserved

Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

M. Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find Mechanical Engineering Online at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Michael_Bustamante

The Advantages of Metal Rollforming Over Traditional Pipe and Tube Making

2008-08-25T22:49:00.000-07:00

Rollforming (sometimes also termed open section forming) employs a series of sets of dies in order to bend a sheet of metal little by little until the desired profile (cross section) is obtained. Rollforming is a continuous operation of bending in which a long metal strip or sheet- usually of coiled steel - is passed through sets of rolls (or stands), each of which performs only a small incremental portion of the bend until the finished cross section profile is achieved. Roll forming is especially useful in the production of parts of long length, and in large quantities. Metal rollforming is quite like traditional pipe and tube making. However, rollforming is able to create more complicated profiles. In both pipe and tube making and in roll forming metal sheets are bent with roller dies, in which each roll pair works the sheet progressively until the final shape is obtained. Rollforming differs from the older techniques in that it can be combined with prepunching, postpunching, and midpiercing inline, together with sweeping prior to cutoff.

Another advantage of rollforming is that the same rollforming machinery can be used to produce a wide variety of cross section profiles. Each different profile requires a specially designed set of rolls. The fundamental roll design resembles a flower - i.e. a sequence of profile cross sections (one for each set of rolls). Because rollforming is an exact operation and involves high machinery costs, computer simulation is used in order to validate the design of the roll stands to make sure that the metal product won't be stressed unduly, and also to minimize the total number of rolls required. Examples of rollformed applications include automobile chassis sections, window guides, and impact bars. These can be prepunched, then rollformed, midpierced inline, rollformed some more, and then welded and cut off in one continuous operation.

As in pipe and tube mills, rollforming can be used with practically all metals, nonferrous as well as ferrous. Coils of stainless steel, high strength and low alloy steel, martensitic steel, as well as aluminum can be rollformed. It is possible to emboss coils of aluminum or steel with finishes that simulate wood grain (e.g. for garage doors). When using embossed metals the roller dies must be adjusted so as not to roll out the embossment. Prepainted and vinyl laminated sheets can also be rollformed but not welded. Rollforming is a process of great versatility which permits innovative design. Setting a rollforming system up requires a skilled rollform engineer's expertise, as well as considerable collaboration between the manufacturer and the vendor in order to develop a successful product.

No matter what your particular metal rollforming application demands, Samco's experienced and highly trained staff of experienced professionals are the world leaders in state-of-the-art rollform design and installation. Choice of the correct equipment for the job, skillful design of the tooling and product, thorough training of the rollforming machinery operators, and vigilant maintenance of the rollforming system are our specialty.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Lane

Making History With a State-of-the-Art Roll Former Machine

2008-08-25T22:48:00.001-07:00

Modern roll forming dates from the post World War II era, with the introduction of rotary encoders, pneumatic presses, prepunching and in-line welding, as well as technology which allowed the roll forming of prepainted metal. In the 1970's and 1980's gagged punches made prepunching more sophisticated, and tool changeover downtime was reduced through the use of side by side rolls, rafted construction, and other innovations. By the 1990's computer assisted roll former machine design systems were introduced, and since that time many programmable controllers and computer systems have greatly increased efficiency and product quality.

An example is the double duplex roll forming mill, which has a duplex roll former upstream followed by a duplex roll former downstream on the same base. The upstream mill controls the leg or flange height by gliding in and out, while the downstream mill controls the width of the web in the same fashion. An example of this type of roll former is the Studmaker, which represents the latest in technological innovation: changes in the height of the flange or the width of the web can be made in less than twenty minutes. Steel studs can be produced in both English and metric sizes without roll or cut off die changes. The Studmaker is a pre-cut operation which eliminates the need for cutoff dies and diary pairs. Material sizes varying from 12 to 20 gauge, and stud sizes varying from 3-5/8 inches to 14 inches, enable the manufacturer to produce steel framing, light drywall stud and load-bearing stud, slip track and heavy 12-gauge joist, on the same machine with minimal changeover downtime. Minimizing changeover downtime is especially cost effective for relatively small orders - the Studmaker can be retooled in less than twenty minutes, where older roll former machines required up to eight hours setup time to make the same change.

New roll forming technology permits similar products - such as cee and zee profiles - to be produced on the same set of rolls. This is done by splitting the mill along its center, and setting the flange, web, and ear sizes using a control panel which can move the mill rafts to change the sizes. It is even possible to change profiles at the touch of a button. For example, the Purlinmaster can roll form cee profile purlins, and can be retooled to roll form zee profile purlins in only 7 seconds. Besides cee and zee profile purlins, this roll former can also produce lipped and u channel profiles. Web width and flange height can be changed in minutes instead of the hours required by conventional roll formers. The Purlinmaster also has an auto-gauging feature which permits the operator to change from one coil thickness to another without retooling at all - the new gauge can be selected immediately from the operator's control console. The Purlinmaster can produce prepainted purlin as well as galvanized and hot rolled black steel, at speeds up to 180 fpm and with a wide variety of hole punching options for inline flange and web hole punching of the highest accuracy.

When you are ready for the latest in roll former machine technology, let Samco's expert staff help you plan and select the ideal machinery for your needs. Our Studmaker and Purlinmaster are on the cutting edge of roll forming history.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Lane

Modern Purlinmaster and Studmaker Rollformer Technology Means Bigger Savings For You!

2008-08-25T22:48:00.000-07:00

As a manufacturer of rolled steel components such as studs, tracks, joists, cee and zee purlins, and roof trusses, you know that one of your biggest headaches is machine and technician downtime while changing product lines. Changing from one product profile to another - or even adjusting for changes in the thickness of the material used with the same profile - can cause hours of downtime in which nothing is being manufactured. But now new technological breakthroughs can reduce or entirely eliminate difficulties in adjusting the die and roll tooling set ups, reduce errors caused by operators in the changeover, and eliminate wasted coils due to trial and error in the new set up. An example of recent breakthroughs in rollforming technology minimizing downtime is the Purlinmaster rollformer, which can be switched from a cee section profile to a zee section profile at the touch of a button (in seven seconds)! Both web width and flange height can be changed quickly, and material gauge can be changed at the touch of a button. The Purlinmaster also features a high speed hydraulic punch.

Changeover of product lines when the only difference between the profiles occurs in the middle or web area is easiest on a duplex or double duplex rollforming system. Here the roll tooling is split in two: half of the tooling is mounted on the inner side of the mill, and the other half is mounted on the outer side, such that the inner and outer portions of the mill move towards or away from one another. The inner side is fixed and the outer side glides; or, it can be centerline compatible. This makes changeover from a smaller to larger stud web size possible just at the touch of a button. A state-of-the-art Studmaker rollformer can be completely changed by electro-mechanical adjustment to produce a different flange height with a different width in a different material gauge in less than twenty minutes! In line dies can be changed in three minutes. Moreover, the Studmaker rollformer can be integrated with your existing piercing and cut off equipment to minimize your investment. And speaking of minimizing your investment, consider an Ironclad rollformer for producing panels in a great variety of profiles, including customized profiles to your specifications. These inexpensive rollformers provide variable speed control as well as programmable length options, and flying shear makes continuous, non stop production possible.

When you are looking to minimize your costs from downtime, consider the Purlinmaster rollformer for manufacturing cee and zee purlins, and the unique Studmaker rollformer for studs and tracks. And if you are ready for the latest technology at the lowest price, look to a Ironclad rollformer for producing custom profile panels. Samco means the latest technology to help you save money.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Lane

Nontraditional Metal Fabrication Machining Processes

2008-03-11T22:36:00.000-07:00

Nontraditional metal fabrication machining processes are those that are new to the industry and do not always use machining forces and perishable tooling. These nontraditional processes often advance the metal fabrication industry by making it possible to cut materials that were formerly too difficult or impossible to work with. Some of these processes are becoming more widely used in the metal fabrication industry.

Abrasive Flow Machining

Abrasive flow machining is a complex process that directs a semisolid abrasive material back and forth between two opposing cylinders with block or sheet metal positioned in between. This process cuts through metals made of soft aluminum and nickel alloys.

Another form of metal fabrication processing using abrasive flow technology is abrasive jet machining. This process uses the same abrasive material, propelled at the metal at high velocities using a directed stream of compressed air or CO2. This is highly effective in deburring, cleaning and cutting parts. The abrasive materials can consist of silicon carbide, aluminum oxide, boron carbide or glass beads. The added use of compressed gas helps to keep the materials and the working environment cool during processing.

Laminated Object Manufacturing

The laminated object manufacturing metal fabrication process produces models from solid sheet materials. Solid sheet materials can be purchased in bulk and are cheaper than other types of production materials. The process uses a three dimensional electronic file and laser applications to create the machining effect. Drilling, welding, engraving and case-hardening can all be completed using these lasers. Intense pulsed beams of light created by carbon dioxide lasers are often used. Compressed air, argon, oxygen and nitrogen are also used in laminated object manufacturing.

Reverse Engineering

Reverse engineering is a metal fabrication process that utilizes lasers, CMM and other measuring devices to create a computer assisted design file from an existing part. This 'scanning' of an existing part allows the operator to precisely reproduce the existing part, repair any flaws by altering the production of the new part or to redesign an entirely new part based on the substructure of the scanned part. It is a very useful nontraditional process for companies that develop new parts and seek to improve on existing designs.

Thermal Energy Finishing

Thermal energy finishing uses thermal energy and the resulting heat to quickly and accurately burn away the unwanted flash material and burrs from around finished parts. This finishing process is ideal for use with parts that are used to conduct fluids or gases. It also consistently produces a quality product that is free of contaminates. This in turn reduces the need for wasted metal fabrication materials due to inaccurate parts and eliminates the need for extensive quality control checks.

The Custom Metal Stamping Process

2008-03-11T22:34:00.001-07:00

Today, manufacturing has embraced a wide range of advanced technologies that have enabled the reduction of turnaround time considerably. As a result, demand on the metal stamping industry has also increased as the components have to be made to be exactly suitable to the final product. This has made precision and custom metal stamping much more important in the manufacturing industry.

Custom metal stamping is the process of creating metal products according to the required sizes and shapes through a method called stamping. It involves the pressing or stamping of the metal in dies or press tools to give it the right shape. In custom metal stamping, the final products are made according to customer’s precise requirements and conditions. Custom metal stamping is used in various industries like construction, electrical, bearing, automotive, medical and janitorial, among others.

Metal stamping typically involves the normal process of metal stamping but with certain changes. These can be the change in the kind of metal to be used, changes in the size and shape of the final product, the need to produce many kinds of sizes and shapes, high quality of the tools used, the volume and the number of units to be produced, the kinds of presses required and the number of presses and dies required. Some producers are changing their processes to accommodate any volume, up to thousands of tons.

There are several challenges to be met by the custom metal stamping companies. These are producing a high quality product, designing new products or re-engineering existing products to suit customers’ needs while also meeting delivery requirements. The company has to be involved in every stage right from product design assistance to the final delivery. Additionally, the costs also have to be kept low even as the scope of offerings is increased.

The Custom Metal Stamping Process

2008-03-11T22:34:00.000-07:00

Air Purifier & Air Cleaner OEM Production

2008-03-02T21:15:00.001-08:00

Finding an OEM solution for air purifier & air cleaner, there are many companies out there who are committed to finding the right solution for you and your business. Most of them will develop a solution meeting your needs. Below are examples of solutions you may need to consider if you are seeking for air purifier OEM solutions. In developing new OEM products, your vendor will work with you through four phases:

Please note that There are two common types of air purifiers that can remove some or all of the particles in the air: mechanical filters—the most effective are classified as High Efficiency Particulate Air filters (HEPA filters)—and electrostatic precipitators. The Production procedures might be various depending on projects. HEPA filters are made out of very fine glass threads with a diameter of less than 1 micron. Electrostatic precipitators rely on electrostatic forces to remove particles from the air.

Phase 1: EVALUATION vendor and the OEM customers develop a detailed understanding of the product requirements. vendor then evaluates the business opportunity and technical feasibility.

Phase 2: DEVELOPMENT AND PROTOTYPE vendor works to achieve the required performance goals and to demonstrate and deliver a small number of prototype products in a relative short time.

Phase 3: PILOT PRODUCTION vendor resolves manufacturing issues, pursues opportunities for cost reduction, and scales up for production. Final qualification of the product design will occur. Additional testing protocols will be developed to address the quality and reliability as well during this phase.

Phase 4: FULL PRODUCTION vendor establishes the final manufacturing process and brings the new product into full volume production.

Choosing Quality Industrial Steel Shelving

2008-03-02T21:12:00.000-08:00

There are many different manufacturers of Industrial Steel Shelving in the market today. The trouble is picking quality shelving at a reasonable price. The Prices of a shelf depending on the manufacturer can vary greatly and so can the quality. Your cheapest product is currently coming out of China where this type of shelving is mass produced in great quantities. You will also see some cheaper versions of Industrial type shelf's at places like Wal-Mart.

The problem with cheap Shelf's is that they may look industrial but they are not able to handle the weight of a true quality shelf. Generally the life expectancy of the shelf is greatly reduced because the cheap versions tend to twist up much easier when put under heavy weight. Therefore if you are going to put out some money to put some shelving in your warehouse or office space you want to find cheap or reasonably priced steel shelving that is made from quality materials and is truly made to be used in industrial applications.

Quality Industrial Steel Shelving is generally made from 18 gauge or 20 gauge cold rolled steel. What you will find is that some of the cheap versions you will run in to are made from steel that is not thick enough to handle the weight. For a durable paint job shelf's of this type are usually phosphated and then painted with a baked on enamel to ensure a lasting finish. Weight capacity of a quality unit is generally in between 450 to 2000 pounds. The heavier the load requirement the more reinforced the unit has to be. Usually 12 gauge angle bars are used to reinforce the shelving so it can handle heavier weights.

Industrial Steel Shelving is available in a large variety of sizes. Also their are open and closed units depending on your needs. The open units are accessible from both sides where the closed units are made with a back plate and can only be accessed from one side, however closed industrial steel shelving units are more durable and can also be separated in to bins for storing smaller items like screws or such. Generally shelf's of this type come in 5 to 10 shelf units depending on your storage needs.

Wide span Industrial Steel Shelving is made to storing large items in warehouses and can also be used for making tire racks. Tire racks are generally just widespan shelving units without any decking. The shelving is made in a width to accommodate a tire. Wide span shelving is quite sturdy and is perfect for storing heavier load like car parts and such. Widespan Shelving usually comes in anywhere from 3 to 6 levels. Sizes range from 36X12X84 to 96X48X84. Since this type of a shelving unit is used to hold heavier loads it is usually decked with 5/8" particle board but it can also be decked with a wire mesh or any other material that can be cut to size. Tire racks of course do not require decking. A good quality Wide span Shelf is made from cold rolled steel which is then phosphated and then painted with a baked on enamel.

Be weary of Industrial steel shelving that is so cheap that it beats the going market price. Usually when the units are so cheap the quality of the materials used are reflected in that discounted price. Remember that this type of shelving is made from steel and steel prices tend to fluctuate so prices may also vary. However if you find a unit that is made from good quality heavy gauge steel that is cold rolled you are on the right track to getting a quality shelf at a reasonable price

Innovative Industrial Name Plates For Your Brand Establishment

2008-02-26T02:53:00.001-08:00

Industrial name plate is a vital industrial product identification tool. Each product needs to be identified, for this name plates are attached or printed directly on it. The design of industrial name plate is very important as the nameplate mirrors the image of an industry and its products. It should have a unique quality, sustainability, finishing and character to stand apart; it should not be a run of the mill product. The brand should be portrayed in such a way that it should enhance the quality of a product; it should become a household name.

Nameplates and their vast utility:

Name plates are useful for customer information as well as for the service technicians. The nameplates can be affixed to give warranty instructions, warnings, "how to use" instructions or important data and contact numbers. Custom name plates help in maintenance also as equipment setting information, specifications and troubleshooting instructions etc are engraved on the custom nameplates.

There are various nameplate companies dealing in custom tags, FAA tags, control panels, dials and gauges. For vehicle industries like truck, tanker and trailer manufacturers, Vehicle Identification tags and assembly information, dial indicators for temperature, oil, liquid and vapor, emergency and prevention custom labels with vehicle maintenance and warranty information, nameplates are used on front panels of electronics, motherboards, and other equipments, which have to bear electrostatic discharge and heat dissipation, custom name plates for inspection and certification, safety tags, repair information tags, attention and caution plates, logos for compressor, conveyer, gearbox etc; multi-language operating information for oilfield equipment manufacturers etc.

Materials to bear toughest environments:

Nameplates can be of different materials according to the conditions, which they have to withstand. The industrial name plates need to survive industrial solvents, chemicals and many other physical abrasions like rain water, corrosion, heat or sun exposure etc. Therefore, durability of nametags should be the first thing to be considered while selecting the material. One can use metals, non-metals, plastics, and alloys like stainless steel, brass, and bronze as per industrial specifications. Silver anodized aluminum is considered best; brands sign or logos engraved in it last for long. Polycarbonate and lexan nameplates also have a good market. For the printing purposes any of the processes like die-cast, chemical etching, screen printing etc can be used.

Industrial Ink Jet Printers

2008-02-26T02:46:00.000-08:00

Industrial inkjet printers are used for different types of industries such as packaging, decorative material production, graphic arts, point of sale, and other industries in which the company specializes in providing complete solutions for digital printing onto a wide range of substrates. Ink used in these printers is cured with ultra violet rays, which make them suitable for outdoor applications such as posters.

Most industrial inkjet printers do not require PCs to operate. A CD-ROM drive is preinstalled in these printers for loading print files (PRN) onto the internal hard drive. Other features include ink detection system, which is used to check exactly how much ink is left in black and color ink cartridges. This information is displayed on a LCD screen. The detection system can also be programmed to automatically shut down printing operations if ink levels fall below a certain point. This utility helps in reducing wastage of printing substrate due to dried up ink cartridges.

Some industrial inkjet printers are connected to a single computer or a network of computers. In large organizations, they are used as central printing devices and processes printing orders received from any device present in the network. This helps in reducing costs as a single printer takes care of all the printing needs of the organization.

These printers are used in conjunction with print software that enables users to import and edit images from different sources and create a variety of text and graphics. Printed substrate material is passed through warm air chambers to enable quick drying and prevent smudging of printed images.

Industrial inkjet printers provide the economical benefits of printing in bulk. They have enabled many small and large-scale companies to reduce printing costs and improve profitability. Increasing demand for printing activities has forced copier companies to increase printing capacity. This has created the demand for industrial inkjet printers, which is expected to increase in the coming years.

Getting Industrial Buildings Cleaned

2008-02-25T03:43:00.001-08:00

Correct cleaning of industrial buildings can be vital to your business. Having premises that look clean and impressive is an excellent way of attracting new customers and retaining existing clients.

The problem with cleaning industrial buildings is often one of size. By their very nature, industrial structures tend to be large, making them awkward to clean.

They may also be made from varying materials, from stone and concrete through to glass or plastic. The task of cleaning industrial premises is something that needs to be undertaken by someone with the necessary expertise.

It's important that the cleaning process should produce more than simply a clean finish. The techniques used need to be safe, for the benefit of your premises, your customers and for those carrying out the cleaning work.

Attempting to clean a large structure without having the necessary equipment or skills can lead to disaster.

There's no point trying to clean the exterior of your premises yourself unless you are confident that you have the necessary equipment to reach all areas of the building structure. Similarly, you need to make sure that you have the expertise to clean the building successfully, without doing any damage.

Many commercial operations decide to ask qualified building cleaning contractors to carry out the work. Though such specialists do come at a price, they would be expected to have the latest tools available.

With cleaning methods having moved on considerably in recent years, leading building cleaning firms should be familiar with the methods needed to clean a range of materials.

Industrial Aerospace Greases - Understanding Lubricants

2008-02-25T03:37:00.000-08:00

There are a variety of industrial aerospace greases available on the market that provide good lubrication, are thermally stable, non-flammable and have low toxicity and low volatility.

The European Space Agency has met the challenges of industrial aerospace greases and the changing needs in the industry. As further, more, colder and warmer planets are explored in our solar system, the basics of industrial aerospace greases are challenged for lubrication and hydraulic systems in machines used in space. These challenges were met with an increasing awareness for the need for industrial aerospace greases that could out-perform those that came before them.

Not only do engineers and manufacturers have to worry about temperature increases but also decreases. The industrial aerospace greases have to be able to withstand a wide variety of temperatures, from well below zero to well above 600 degrees and higher. The temperature fluctuations in space and on earth can be different by hundreds of degrees—and the grease that the engineers use on the machinery has to be able to withstand the changes in environment. Not only is temperature an issue, but vacuum conditions that range in the high end as well as high speed and heavy loads also impact the performance of the industrial aerospace greases.

The European Space Agency is located at the European Space and Technology Center, or ESTEC in the Netherlands. This broad organization is responsible for space missions from start to finish, from research and feasibility planning of an idea and then working it out with the space industry. Within this process, the ESTEC and ESA put their heads together regarding the aerospace grease that will be required for the mission. There are many industrial aerospace greases available on the market already that have been proven to withstand the temperature, vacuum and weight issues that deal with space and air travel and ESTEC looks deeply at each of them to find out which one will best suit their needs for any particular mission.

In the aerospace industry that deals with ‘earth-travel’, for example airplanes and helicopters, industrial aerospace greases are also used within the planes and helicopters. Airplanes also have similar issues with heat build up and temperature change from warm to cold as well as friction and weight liabilities. The engineers in the aerospace industry for world travel also have to look at the effect the industrial aerospace grease has in applications for commercial, passenger and military flights around the world.

The temperature in an airplane engine can reach staggering proportions. The engines are left to heat slowly, but really, the temperature change in the engines is quite rapid compared to what we would consider ‘slow’. As the temperature in an engine and throughout the mechanics of an airplane heat up, the industrial aerospace grease must react accordingly so that it maintains its protective barrier in the mechanics as well as viscosity. The industry for industrial aerospace greases is wide and the application for the products broad ranged. Creating the greases to withstand all the elements known and unknown is a difficult task.

HOME::Business/Careers-Employment RSS

2008-02-19T02:18:00.001-08:00

Engineering has developed from observations of the ways natural and constructed systems react and from the development of empirical equations that provide bases for design. It is a very frequent term that is used in our daily life. The developments and advancements that we observe in the world is only possible due to the engineering and scientific jobs that are carried out in different fields. The technology advancement in today’s world has increased the employment in the field of engineering. There are various streams in engineering. Some of the important streams are listed below.

I. Civil Engineering Jobs

It is the broadest of the engineering fields because it is the oldest of all streams. Civil Engineering deals with the planning, construction, and maintenance of fixed structures or public works. Today, most of the civil engineering jobs are associated with bridges, railways, roads, power plants, structures, irrigation, water supply, flood control, traffic, etc.

II. Mechanical Engineering Jobs

It is an engineering discipline that engrosses the application of principle of physics for analysis, design, production and maintenance of mechanical systems. The stream requires a strong knowledge of mechanics, kinematics, thermodynamics and energy. Most of the mechanical engineering jobs include design and analysis of automobiles, aircraft, buildings and bridges, industrial equipments and machinery, etc.

III. Electrical Engineering Jobs

This stream deals with the study and application of electricity, electronics and electromagnetism. Professionals in this field deal with problems associated with heavy electrical systems such as power transmission, motor control, and control systems. Electrical engineering includes sub disciplines like Electrical & Electronics engineering, Instrumentation engineering.

IV. Electronic Engineering Jobs

It’s a professional discipline that deals with the behavior and effects of electron and with electronic devices, systems or equipment. As electricity is regarded as father of electronics, electronic engineering in some parts of the world is considered as electrical engineering. Jobs in this field include digital electronics, analogue electronics, signal processing, control systems and many more. It includes sub disciplines like Applied Electronics engineering, Electronics & Telecommunication engineering, Mechatronics.

V. Textile Engineering Jobs

Textile engineering deals with the application of scientific and engineering principles to the design and control of all facets of fiber, textile, and apparel processes, products, and machinery including natural and man-made materials, interaction of materials with machines, safety and health, energy conservation, and waste and pollution control. A textile engineer works with fibers, yarns, fabrics, finishes and carry out research and development for improving and creating new textile based products.

VI. Computer Science Engineering Jobs

The discipline deals with the study of performance and function of computers. The job includes applications of computer science into the filed of electronics, electrical, mechanical, education and even civil. Computer science is also related to software engineering which involves designing of complex software systems.

KoreOne is a specialist for providing jobs in the above mentioned fields. KoreOne communicates with talented engineers and recruit them in well known reputed firms with higher remuneration and bright future prospects.

A Look at Industrial Fasteners

2008-02-19T02:17:00.000-08:00

Industrial fasteners are used in aerospace, military, construction, and other industrial applications. These are extremely strong, extremely weather resistant, and almost completely corrosion- and rust-proof. They are made from a variety of metals, including stainless steel, chromium, and carbon.

Industrial fasteners can take many forms, for many different purposes. Here is a partial list of available industrial fasteners: anchors, bent bolts, cap screws, captive panel fasteners, drywall and deck screws, eye bolts, machine screws, nuts, cotter pins, retaining rings, rivets, screw driver insert bits, self clinching fasteners, self drilling screws, self tapping screws, sems, sockets, spring nuts, thread cutting screws, thread rolling screws, thumb-and-wing screws, washers, weld screws, and wood screws.

The sheer variety of industrial fasteners is overwhelming. Chances are, however, if you are in the market for a certain type of fastener, you know what you are looking for. Workers generally learn which screws to use for which jobs on their own, or with the assistance of their supervisors, peers, and training manuals. For a complete inventory on types and sizes, you can visit the commercial industrial fastener company American Fastener at their website. Even though it is a private, for-profit company, the website makes for a wonderful, general-knowledge store for the serious industrial fastener researcher. There you will find all fastener types and specifications, along with other helpful charts and diagrams. You can also find information on proper drill bit sizes and formats, heat-treated allow fasteners, a glossary of thread terminology, and more.

Industrial fasteners come in three main sizing standards: ASTM, SAE, and ISO (the American Society for Testing and Materials, the Society of Automotive Engineers, and the International Organization for Standards). Each of these standardization organizations recommends its own method of measuring and manufacturing fasteners. None are better than any of the others, but have varying applications and purposes, depending on what job you are working on.

Top Reasons Industrial Cylinder Vacuum Cleaners Work Best

2008-02-18T03:46:00.000-08:00

When deciding on any industrial equipment, the concerns are varied. When it comes to the considerations involved with industrial cylinder vacuum cleaners, you will find that there is really nothing better. Here are a few reasons why that is true.

Save Money

Industrial cylinder vacuum cleaners will save you money in the long run. A vacuum bag is a consumable product that you have to buy constantly. When cleaning in an industrial environment you will undoubtedly fill a number of bags up without even trying. With a cylinder cleaner, you simply empty and keep working; there is nothing new to buy every time you fill up.

Save Time

Vacuums with cylinders are, by and large, easier to empty than those with a bag. Cylinder vacuums cleaners need only be opened and emptied into the garbage. With a bag, you will likely have to remove the bag, carry it somewhere to throw away, and then put a new bag in. The replacement may involve making sure all parts are where they should be and tucked in properly. With a canister, it is connect and disconnect and you are ready.

Mostly More Power

Bag vacuum cleaners, even industrial ones, generally will lose power as the bag fills up. That is because the bag also acts as the filter and so there is more for the air to go through as the bag fills. Industrial cylinder vacuum cleaners usually have a HEPA filter to pull through but the canister only acts to catch dust and dirt. That means that most will maintain their power no matter how full they get.

Industrial cylinder vacuum cleaners are, for most, the best choice in industry. They generally have more capacity, power, and even save you money in the long run. You can see how eliminating one more consumable purchase, maintaining power, and saving time can be useful in industry. Additionally, you may even want to consider industrial cylinder vacuum cleaners for your home for the same reasons. Whatever you decide in the end, being armed with the above information will help you make the proper decision for your home or business.

Industrial Asset Management

2008-02-18T03:41:00.000-08:00

Industrial asset management is the modern day mantra for optimizing profits by exploiting assets to the fullest. Industrial asset management takes into consideration not only the measurement of assets and resources but also analyzing data, current market trends and quickly taking business decisions based on information collected. Industrial asset management, as the name suggests, takes into consideration all the assets needed for production and distribution of goods and services.

First, the management team identifies the resources the client has, be they capital investments or the plant and the requisite infrastructure. Once these are identified, IAM focuses on the next step, which is to devise a policy to preserve valuable capital resources. One way to do this can be through the implementation of asset management software that ensures that an automated centralized data is easily accessible to the concerned departments through the company’s intranet.

Centralized data also ensures that the client's assets are well listed. This, in turn, ensures that there is no duplication of resources and they are able to utilize them when the need so arises. This is because the timings, in any business set-up, play a crucial role in ensuring the success of any venture.

Another benefit of industrial asset management is that people can exploit their non-productive assets such as process units and real estate for maximum returns. Industrial asset management can prove to be of great value to financial institutions such as banks. This is because it can provide assistance with appraisals for lending institutions and insurance companies.

Consider a situation in which a company finds that it has surplus assets that it wants to sell off. Industrial management can provide services ranging from inspection of assets, their appraisal, and their advertisement for marketing and their subsequent sale.

Industrial asset management also provides services to the buyers of these surplus goods. These can include a third-party inspection of the assets, contract reviews, search and comparisons for alternatives, as also their procurement and shipping.

A variety of trading strategies are available to make the currency investment a successful venture. Which strategy is to be adopted by you while you t

2008-02-14T01:59:00.000-08:00

Admit it; you probably have loads of stuff that you hardly ever use. Some say that we use a mere 20% of what we own! The remaining 80? We keep them around the house for various reasons, sentimental or otherwise. In reality, clutter is all about indecisions. So, ask yourself, Am I going to use it? Why am I keeping it? Is it worth keeping? Basically, what we have at home goes the same with what businesses have in their offices. If clutter is a problem at home, it is doubly worse at the office.

Industrial shelving is one type of archival storage that comes in a great array of sizes, shapes, and different installation processes. Industrial shelving provides the modern world a new way of organizing things especially for warehouses where limited space can become a problem. Unlike most storage spaces, industrial shelving comes in a build-it-yourself kit. This, in turn, provides flexibility on how you want to put up the industrial shelving and allows you to more easily place it inside tight spaces.

1. Uprights

In industrial shelving, the panels that are enclosed on each part of a bay are called uprights. These are equipped with a chain of pre-punched holes. The uprights are the ones responsible in providing flexibility to the user because it lets the user to opt for a different position of each shelf once they start building their industrial shelving.

2. Bays.

These are the basic units of industrial shelving. Other types of shelving also utilize them.

Bays are comprised of a single back panel that is jointly linked together with two uprights on each side. It can either be double-sided or single-sided.

When you use a double-sided bay in industrial shelving, you will get two single-sided bays that are attached together partaking a shared back panel. This, in turn, provides firmness in your industrial shelving.

3. Shelves

These are the most important parts of an industrial shelving. They are the different horizontal parts that are attached to uprights at either end. Here, you can put the records or different materials that you need to store. In most industrial shelving, shelves are fastened in place with four clips, one on each corner.

4. Backs

These are the enclosing panel on the rear of a bay in an industrial shelving. Backs are the ones that provide the bays with the needed strength and stiffness.

5. Rows

This is where the bays are located. It can either be double-sided or single-sided. The standard measurement of a row is five to six bays long. However, there are instances wherein you may find rows that are seven bays wide. In fact, there are rows that are even longer and wider.

6. Demand Reasoning

- Easy installation
- Highly visible
- Waterproof and easy to clean
- Resistant to chemicals
- Can easily be removed for cleaning
- Available in a range of sizes

Breaking Down The Forex Mechanical System Trading

2008-02-14T01:58:00.000-08:00

A variety of trading strategies are available to make the currency investment a successful venture. Which strategy is to be adopted by you while you trade with currency is totally dependent on the particular currency that you trade with and the recent price pattern in the currency market. A particular strategy that seems to be ideal to trade with a particular pair of currency need not be so for another pair of currency. For this reason one has to be very careful while choosing a particular strategy to trade with currencies.

Whatever be the nature of the currency trading that you are engaged in you should have at least one mechanical trading system with you if you want to make fortunes out of your forex trading.

Until recently forex mechanical system trading was found to be very expensive and unaffordable for individuals. As only a few brokers were there to provide forex mechanical system trading, one had to invest a fortune to get the assistance of a mechanical trading system for his currency trading.

With the development in software technology forex mechanical system trading also has become cheaper and affordable for all traders. A number of brokers are now offering free automated trading platforms for the investors to experiment with. By using the free service offered by the brokers you will get a chance to evaluate the different system before you actually invest in one.

If you are thinking of developing a system for your trading purpose, you will have to disclose your trading strategy including trade entry and exit to the programmer of the system. A concrete idea of your strategy narrating the proper currency marketing condition for entry, trade set up and final confirmation should be communicated to the programmer before you purchase a forex mechanical system trading for your use. Trade exit also muse be defined in the same way while programming a system to regulate your currency trading activities.

Back testing is some thing that you should not avoid to get the maximum from your system. You can avoid the troubles of back testing by hand by availing the service of the brokers who offer free trading system platforms. Frequent back testing will enable the trader to understand the performance of the system in a better way and he will start to learn the randomness of a particular currency trade through this exercise. It will also ensure the consisting execution of the trading strategy of the person using the system without fail.

Forex Mechanical Trading Systems That Make Money

2008-02-13T02:14:00.001-08:00

In essence forex mechanical trading systems are designed to make trading decisions for you. However is letting a software program that runs on auto pilot a good place to put your fiscal responsibilities as an investor?

Obviously the idea of having trading software is irresistible to most people as it is very appealing to think of your decisions being made for you while you are asleep. This is because the forex market is open twenty-four hours a day and seven days a week. Also they are seduced by the lavish hype used to sell forex mechanical trading systems, which often promise huge profits.

Of course many forex mechanical trading systems simply do not live up to their promises. People find them hard to operate or find themselves confused during a stock market crisis of some kind when the program continues to invest in ways that may no longer be appropriate.

Another drawback of forex mechanical trading systems is that they need historical data inputted into them in order to calculate what might happen in the future. Of course what has happened in the past is not always an accurate predictor of how any kind of stock will behave in the future. If this was true then we would all be rich!

Another element missing from mechanical trading systems is the human element of intuition. No machine can replace that gut feeling that some traders have after watching something on the news that affects their futures trading.

The best forex mechanical trading systems are not optimized in any way and are simple in design. They are user friendly and easy for you to stop if it starts trading in a manner that you dislike. This means not having to uninstall the program in order to stop it from investing your money!

Book Review - The Difference Engine

2008-02-13T02:13:00.000-08:00

This is an interesting novel, written by two authors, William Gibson and Bruce Sterling, principally known for their work in the cyberpunk genre. The Difference Engine however is an alternate history story based on steampunk ideas.

The basic premise of the novel is that Charles Babbage's general purpose mechanical computer (which in reality was called the "Analytic Engine" - the real-life Difference Engine was a mechanical calculator) was not only successfully created, but widely adopted. Thus Victorian England, experiences something akin to the late 20th century's information technology revolution. Furthermore, Britain is ruled by the "Industrial Radical Party", which places a great emphasis on industry, science and technology, leading to an even more powerful British Empire than experienced in our timeline.

The plot, such as it is, basically concerns the hunt for some extremely powerful punched cards (used to program Babbage's computers). While it would be incorrect to say that there isn't a story - there clearly is - the real joy of the novel comes more from the wealth of detail and the well-realized alternate world, than the plot.

I am sure that William Gibson's and Bruce Sterling's many fans will snap up the book regardless of anything that I might say. That said, my own personal view, is that while I enjoyed reading the novel (and would recommend it to others), I didn't enjoy quite as much as some other steampunk novels that I have read - the reason is, for me, the plot was not interesting enough, even though the background of the world was beautifully portrayed.

Which is Better: Quartz or Mechanical Watch?

2008-02-11T02:58:00.000-08:00

Traditional mechanical watches had their origins in the 14th century. The mechanical watch is powered by a wound spring and the balance wheel regulates the time. The invention of the quartz watch in the 70's has however dominated the watch market . Today , 90% of all watches manufactured are quartz watches. Quartz watches are cheaper, more accurate, reliable and require less maintenance. Quartz watches are 60 times more accurate than mechanical watches. A quartz watch loses or gains 1 second a week while a mechanical watch may lose 1 minute a week. This translates to bigger inaccuracies for longer periods of time. In a month you would lose 4 seconds for a quartz watch while a mechanical watch loses up to 4 minutes in a month. The quartz crystal is accurate because of its extremely high oscillations of up to 32,768 cycles per second.

Quartz watches have few moving parts. Moving parts cause friction and wear and tear and as a result they are more prone to breakdown. By having less moving parts quartz watches do not have breakdown as often as mechanical watches. Also , the gear train of a mechanical watch is under constant load from the mainspring whereas the gear train in a quartz watch is not under any load.

Mechanical watches also require servicing every three years to keep the watch working in good condition and tell the time accurately.

Mechanical watches require winding up which provide reserve power of 40 hours. An automatic watch relies on the movement of the wrist to power itself. But still, if you do not wear it all the time and just wear occasionally, you will find the time on the watch has stopped and you need to adjust the time . A quartz watch powered by a battery is constantly powered and tells accurate time all the time and do not need time adjustment. Of course you do need the change the battery after two to three years.

Mechanical watches have longer lifespans than that of quartz watches. A mechanical watch can last indefinitely with proper care and servicing. Should it break down , parts are always available for repair. A mechanical watch can become a collectible and it can fetch high resale value due to its rarity. A quartz watch on the other hand features electronic circuitry that has a limited lifespan. You cannot repair it because the electronic components for it would be obsolete by then.

Lastly, a mechanical watch is not as sensitive to extreme cold temperature as quartz watches. In extreme cold, the mechanical watch still keeps working while the cold will temporarily shut down the battery of the quartz watch.

Engineering Sales Leads For Mechanical, Structural, Instrumentation, Civil, and Chemical Engineers

2008-02-08T02:39:00.001-08:00

Engineers are no different than any other profession; they need engineering leads to generate new business and new customers. No matter if you are a mechanical engineer, instrumentation engineer, civil engineer, or chemical engineer, this article will teach you how to generate engineering leads via the internet. And, it's quite easy and inexpensive too. Just follow the step-by-step instructions.

1. Create a website describing what you do and what you specialize in. For example, if you are a mechanical engineer, you can show that you specialize in the planning and design of mechanical building systems, including ductwork, plumbing, piping, and HVAC. Include your contact info on the website – phone number, email, fax – so that clients can reach you.
2. Choose a list of keywords that you think customers looking for your services are searching on internet search engines. This could be anything. Example keywords can include: Chicago chemical engineer, Dallas structural engineer, Seattle engineering consultant, or even New York professional engineer. You can even be more specific with technical keywords.
3. Sign up for a pay-per-click (PPC) campaign on an internet search engine with your chosen keywords. The most popular PPC is Google’s AdSense program. The way it works is when someone uses the keyword that you’ve chosen in a search, a link to your website will show alongside "sponsored results" where, if someone clicks on your link, you pay for that click. But don’t worry, it costs just pennies per click. It really is quite inexpensive.

Flying Mechanical Insects in Swarms Near Power Lines

2008-02-08T02:35:00.000-08:00

There is a tremendous amount of electromagnetic energy coming off of high-tension power lines. Generally this energy is not good for very much in that form, but for a very small lightweight MAV Micro-mechanical Autonomous Vehicle it is perfect. Using ultra thin wings and tiny polymer muscles to flap those wings it will be a perfect scenario for flying such a unit without its own power. It will use the leakage of energy from the power lines and the energy that these long lines pickup from the atmosphere.

I propose we use some of the small MAV simulated mechanical bugs as our model. At the University of California at Berkeley, gentleman named Ron Fearing has designed such a flying bug. In my proposal I wish to use his design with a polymer muscle to flap the wings and that the wings pick up the energy leakage as it flies thru the electro-magnetic energy. As the wing goes thru the air it will pick up the static electricity until it sparks. Similar to when you drag our feet against the carpet. Once it is built up it will spark and move the polymer muscle and then flap the material memory wings and like a rubber band the wings will flap back. Thus you have propulsion.

Creation Of New Machines - Machine Design

2008-02-06T03:52:00.000-08:00

A machine is a mechanical device that transmits or modifies energy to an output. Usually, machines are restricted to devices having an unbending or inflexible moving part that helps in performing the valuable work. Tools, or simply devices, not machines having no rigid moving parts.

A machine design is the creation of new and ameliorates machines. A better machine is one which is more economical in the overall cost of production and performance. The process of design is a long and time consuming one. In designing a machine component, it is essential to have a good knowledge of many subjects such as mathematics, engineering mechanics, strength of materials, and most important is engineering drawing.

Classification of machine design

The machine design may be classified as follows:
1. Adaptive design
2. Development design
3. New design

Adaptive design, in this case there is no need of information or knowledge and can be created by designers of ordinary technical training. Only minor modifications or change in the existing designs of the products has to be made by the designer.

Development design, this type of designing needs extensive scientific training and design talent in order to modify the existing designs into a new idea by adopting a new material or different method of manufacture.

New design, this type of design is totally different as this design needs lot of research, technical ability and creative thinking, designers having personal qualities of sufficiently high order can take the work of new design.

The designs depending upon the methods used may be classified as follows:
a) Rational design: depend upon mathematical formulae of principle of mechanics.
b) Empirical design: depend upon empirical formulae.
c) Industrial design: depends upon the production aspects
d) System design: it is a design if any complex mechanical system like a motor car
e) Computer aided design: depends upon the use of computer systems to help in creation. Modification and optimization of a design.

A Prologue to Mechanical Patents

2008-02-06T03:48:00.000-08:00

Mechanical engineering perhaps has the oldest known inventions and patents. In fact, the word engineering is derived from a mechanical component. Mechanical engineering is a field that was conceived from natural laws of physics, where one engineers or manipulates these laws to his/her advantage. Mechanical patents non exhaustively and generally encompass utility tools invented constituting force, motion, mass, etc. It specifically encompasses all mechanical devices, contraption and interactions resulting in utilitarian instruments and apparatus, and where such interactions produce a action-reaction component that depends on the mechanism and nature of interaction. Further, all manufacturing processes, for example, metal working and treatment, printing, textile manufacturing, etc, are regarded under mechanical patents. Automobiles fall under mechanical patenting category, although one cannot be sure where a time travel machine, if invented, will be categorized. Of course, most mechanical engineering fields involve extensive use of computational and mathematical tools, physical laws and equations, but these fall under a different patenting category altogether.

Mechanical inventions have no constraints as they range from a simple yet effective patented invention of a four year old from Texas for An aid for grasping round knobs to researched and focused inventions in all areas of mechanical expertise. Few of the well known companies that have a good mechanical patent portfolio include Canon Kabushiki Kaisha with 6798 US patents, General Electric company with 6649 US patents, Xerox Corporation with 2736 US patents and Ford Motor Company, which currently has about 2671 US patents. Some inspiring patented mechanical inventions include legacy devices such as typewriters, Xerox machines to modern inventions such as biomorphic robots, everting heart valves, etc.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office currently specifies 248 major classes for mechanical patents. Each class is given a class definition, and inventions are further categorized into subclasses, where each patent application may be classified under more than one class/subclass. As exemplifications few class definitions are provided here. One class definition encompasses apparatuses that produce compressive force, another encompasses apparatuses for transferring fluent materials through enclosed structures, yet another encompasses apparatuses for supplying air to, circulating air in and removing air from enclosed spaces.Then there are subclasses defined for each mechanical unit or component of a larger entity. This demonstrates the extent of classification accomplished by the USPTO.

The future of mechanical innovations is considerably bright, not just in the automobile industry but also in sectors like robotics, printing technology, and many more. Mechanics is used to manufacture machines; it is used by the machines, and for enabling the machines. Mechanical innovations gifted us the ease and flexibility of transportation in all forms including inland, air and sea; will aid us in rebuilding the WTC using huge construction equipment and intricate structural frameworks, to relish life with little things like toys, amusement rides, etc.

Aquarium Maintenance- How to Clean Your Aquarium Filters

2008-02-05T02:45:00.002-08:00

A dirty fish tank is not only an eyesore – it is also a health hazard to your fish, to yourself, or to your family. It is important to clean your fish tank regularly and keep water conditions perfect for your pet fish. Cleaning your aquarium filter is one of the critical steps. The three types of filters – mechanical, biological, and chemical—require different maintenance regimens.

Mechanical filters

Mechanical filters, which usually include pads or sponges, can be maintained by rinsing the pads every so often, depending on the level of nitrates and stocking system of the aquarium. The higher the levels, the more often the sponges need to be cleaned. Generally, you can rinse the pad or sponge every other week. It is beneficial to rinse the sponge with aquarium water so that beneficial bacteria are not lost.

Chemical Filters

The most common aquarium filter is activated carbon. It removes odors and aquarium coloration and absorbs dissolved medication and organics. You'll know when to replace activated carbon when the clarity of the water begins to diminish or when odor is becoming evident. Activated carbon is usually effective from one to two months.

Biological filters

Biological filters usually have limited maintenance so that the beneficial bacteria can be preserved. The important thing about maintaining biological filters is to make sure that the mechanical and chemical filters are working properly so that the water is filtered of debris that may clog the biological filters. This is why the biological filter is placed after the mechanical and chemical filters. Should the biological filters acquire debris, it should be carefully rinsed with aquarium water.

A Brief Introduction To Industrial Refrigeration

2008-02-05T02:45:00.001-08:00

When people hear the word refrigeration they immediately think of the refrigerator in their kitchen. However there are actually quite a few different kinds of refrigeration out there and they each have their own methods of functioning. One particular type of refrigeration is industrial refrigeration. This type of refrigeration is typically used for cold storage, food processing, and chemical processing.

The equipment is very large and made of industrial stainless steel. These refrigerators don’t look anything like the refrigerator in your kitchen! These refrigerators are 25kW to 40MW making them more powerful than even commercial refrigerators. There are quite a few different items that need industrial refrigeration and these items are perishable if not kept at a particular temperature. That is why industrial refrigerators are so important and why these refrigerators must maintain specific temperatures at all time.

Industrial refrigeration, which frequently uses ammonia refrigeration to maintain temperatures, is necessary for computers, foodstuffs, blood, vaccines, and quite a few other goods that must maintain a constant and steady temperature at all times. Temperatures that are too high or too low may spoil certain goods or ruin them. As a result industrial refrigeration is especially important and maintaining temperatures is as well. Since temperature is so important to industrial refrigeration companies offering this service must pay attention at all times to the temperature of the industrial refrigerators.

If at any time the temperature begins to vary immediate action must be taken in order to ensure the goods are not negatively impacted. It is also very important for these companies to have generators or backup energy sources to keep the industrial refrigerators running at all times. Too much is riding on the refrigerators maintaining their temperatures and if they do not losses will be considerable.

Of course, these industrial refrigeration companies also need insurance to cover any losses in any case that the refrigeration systems go out. This is imperative for the industrial refrigeration company because they are responsible for the goods in their refrigerators. Big losses occur when computers, blood, vaccines, and the like go bad so these companies must protect themselves.

As long as the proper temperatures are maintained there is little loss or waste and the refrigeration company keeps its customers. Overall the basics of industrial refrigeration is to maintain correct temperatures and keep goods at the right temperature at all times.

Industrial Blowers

2008-02-04T02:29:00.000-08:00

Industrial blowers are mainly used to circulate the movement of air and gas in ventilation applications. Their main function is to replace impure or contaminated air with fresh air by swirling it around. Almost every industry, including agricultural, chemical, medical, oil and gas, automotive, food processing, mining and construction use blowers for different purposes such as drying, reducing heat levels, reducing smoke and odors, processing and controlling gaseous fumes.

Industrial blowers are manufactured using a range of durable plastics and metals, or a combination of both materials. For example, industrial blowers operating in corrosive environments are usually made of polypropylene because it provides greater structural integrity and corrosion resistance, and will never de-laminate. Typical recommendations in the construction of industrial blowers are - fiberglass for temperatures above 220 degrees, and metal if pressure is above 10 w.g. (water gage).

The size of the blower may be regulated by the size of the environment in which it is to be operated. For instance, some units are big enough to house both the fan and its power supply. Smaller, portable blowers are mainly used for cleanups and in spaces that require temporary circulation or air transfer.

The air movement and control association recognizes three classes of industrial blowers, classified with numerical designation that is based on how the fan is constructed. The United States' specifications for industrial blowers depend on the airflow in CFM (cubic feet per minute), static pressure in inches, water gage, altitude and approximate air temperature. Here's an example:

An industrial blower application with 20,000 CFM at 6" wg of pressure needs 12 industrial fans ranging from 30 to 60hp. While the recommended or optimal is a 36 wheel, with a 30 hp (horsepower) motor, this is achievable with a 24" diameter wheel, or up to a 6" wheel. The outlet velocity for the 36"" is 2611 ft. per minute. So, if it's a 6" diameter wheel, the velocity outlet will be 653"" per minute.

Mechanical Engineering Schools

2008-02-02T02:30:00.000-08:00

Professions in mechanical engineering are challenging and rewarding, and Mechanical Engineering Schools can provide the education needed to succeed in the field. Offering a full spectrum of education in modern technology, Mechanical Engineering Schools teach the design and production of mechanical systems vital to modern societal needs. They help undergraduate and graduate students develop vital skills to meet the design and production challenges of mechanical engineering professions.

The mechanical engineering discipline is among the oldest in the engineering field. Mechanical Engineer in Schools prepare students for the responsibilities of developing product specifications and preparing detailed drawings; for ensuring the safety and performance of product design; for finding creative solutions to practical and technological problems; and for testing and evaluation of all product components and product efficacy.

Students in Mechanical Engineering Schools will study calculus, biology, physics, fluid mechanics, technical writing, and computer aided design (CAD) using computer software products. Mechanical Engineering Schools also instruct in performing research, product design and development, manufacturing, testing, operation, and maintenance.

Mechanical Engineering Schools provide programs of study for Associate of Science (AS), Bachelor of Science (BS), Master of Science (MS), and Doctorate (PhD), degrees in mechanical engineering. The curriculum emphasizes energy sciences and technologies, applied mechanics, thermal sciences, and design in their curriculums.

Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees from Mechanical Engineering Schools are designed to give students comprehensive backgrounds for occupations in various areas of engineering. Degree programs require academic courses in liberal arts and sciences, acquired scientific knowledge, and product design and development. Undergraduate programs require four years of preparation in academic programs to fulfill requirements of degree curriculums. Length of graduate programs can vary somewhat, depending on the specific school and students' goals.

MS and PhD degrees from Mechanical Engineering Schools require advanced levels of study in research and a thesis. Graduate degrees from Mechanical Engineering Schools provide high levels of preparation for performing responsibilities in advance positions in the workplace. MS and PhD degrees from Mechanical Engineering Schools will prepare graduates for positions in management and sales, where engineering backgrounds facilitate detailed dialogue of technical aspects of product design, use, planning, implementation, and installation.

Degrees from Mechanical Engineering Schools apply to almost any type of occupational field. Mechanical engineers work in manufacturing, in private engineering firms, in industrial plants, for government agencies, in architectural design, in laboratories, and on construction sites.

Mechanical Design And Drawing—the Cad Wonderland

2008-02-02T02:29:00.000-08:00

Mechanical design and drafting has significantly benefited today's refined mechanical and engineering designers. Although. Some of the generally cited benefits include improved accuracy, efficiency along with easy interference inspection, better layout, labeling and dimensioning. No matter how CAD system is used, it is very much capable of handling the varied requirements of mechanical and electrical designers.

Mechanical design and drawing is a growing field and reaps the maximum benefits nowadays. The software used in the mechanical drawings range from autoCAD (DWG, DXF) to microStation (DGN) from adobe illustrator (AI) to coreldraw (CDR) and vectorworks, etc. The applications include assembly drawings for all types of mechanical assemblies, architectural schematics, structural designs, and auto components designs.

Amongst the various applications of mechanical design, the vital consumers are: 1. Mechanical Drawings for Architects: Architects use mechanical design for 3-D still images, Photo realistic renderings, Animations, 3-D Walk-through/Fly-through and 360 degrees view of building

2. Mechanical Drawings for Engineers: The mechanical drawings in the engineering hold a crucial place. Communicating design ideas become better and effective, exhibiting perception becomes easy with combination of color schemes and lighting.

3. Mechanical Drawings for all fields: Building management systems, electrical circuit design, lighting calculations, HV/Transformer cabling & Installation, plant layouts, electrical circuit calculations, invisible heating solutions, PA & Voice alarm installations, intelligent building systems, IT installations, maintenance and PAT testing and CCTV and security systems

Industrial Air Compressor

2008-02-01T02:04:00.001-08:00

ndustrial air compressors are actually used in a variety of settings and for many different reasons. These types of air compressors are essentially large pieces of machinery that are designed to deliver an energy source for an industrial use. Many manufacturing plants use air compressors as their main power source, but automobile shops routinely use industrial air compressors as well in order to deliver the power that is required when working with cars. But these types of compressors are popular with large businesses and they typically use them in order to operate efficiently and to obtain an excellent power source and system. There are all sorts and types of industrial air compressors, though, and the main purpose that you need an industrial air compressor will dictate which type of compressor to invest in.

Types of Industrial Air Compressors

Two-Stage Air Compressors: These industrial air compressors are more efficient than single-stage air compressors. Not only do they deliver more power than the single-stage industrial air compressors, but they also operate more efficiently. Virtually all air compressor manufacturers make both the single and the two stage air compressor, but you should know just which one you need before you actually buy one of these industrial air compressors. There are also many different air compressors that come in all types of sizes, as far as power goes. Typical industrial air compressors usually use either 5 horsepower, 7.5 horsepower, or 10 horsepower. However, many large-scale industrial air compressors can also come in larger power sizes as well.

Three Main Industrial Air Compressors

For industrial air compressor uses, there are three main types that businesses need to be aware of. First, there are reciprocating industrial air compressors, but there are also centrifugal and rotary industrial air compressors. All of these compressors do mainly the same job but operate differently. However, all types of businesses that use heavy equipment and are industrial in nature use large industrial air compressors. The main issue when purchasing these types of compressors is making sure that you get the right one, as there are many types of industrial compressors in the market!

Industrial Flooring Is Not For Sissies

2008-02-01T02:02:00.000-08:00

When it comes to industrial flooring you have many choices of material to choose from. There are mats, epoxies, sealers, paints, and more. The main thing behind choosing an industrial flooring material that is suitable for your needs depends on the type of work that will be performed in the room the flooring is being installed. This article will look a few types of materials for industrial flooring that you might choose.

Where Does It Go?

You will find industrial flooring in hospitals, auto repair shops, schools, fire stations, factories, restaurant kitchens. Each flooring situation may require a bit different material that will handle the elements of that situation. Most industrial flooring is designed to resist stains and moister. Some are better than others to handle wear and tear of everyday life.

Go With Industrial Flooring Style

When you think of industrial flooring you do not have the same mid set as when you are remodeling a home. Style and elegance may not be words that come in the same sentence as industrial flooring, but they can be very slick looking. Many companies pride themselves on the beauty if their industrial flooring finished product look.

Infrastructure - Enabler of a Higher Productivity (1)

2008-01-31T03:07:00.000-08:00

Infrastructure is a broad area of activities, processes, technology that supports either private (consumption) as well as industrial purposes.

An example of infrastructure that links both areas is internet; Internet is needed for private purposes like chatting, e-mailing or downloading music as industrial purposes at the other side of the economic chain where companies are providing e-mail or chat software, or music in this case. Infrastructure is like a carrier that enables other processes, activities and technology.

Infrastructure is normally stable but can also change over time. New technological developments of infrastructure will enable even more new and different activities. The innovation of the video infrastructure shows this very well. Only recently we still used the video recorder with which we could record and (re-) play movies and television. Because of the mechanical construction of the recorders the rewinding of films took quite long. The functions that provided all these recorders were limited.

The new Digital Video Disk (DVD) recorders provide similar functionality, but the underlying infrastructure is different. You are no longer dependent of a mechanical recording and playback system. The new mechanism is no longer purely sequential but parallel like the drivers of a computer disk and this provides additional interactive features, we all know about. As long as you have access to a the latest DVD equipment, you are able to benefit from new features and you do no longer have to wait when rewinding your tape to the next film or to the beginning of the video in order to start recording.

The Benefits Of A Mechanical Forex Trading System

2008-01-31T03:06:00.000-08:00

Most everyone knows that a lot of money can be made in a short amount of time and with a relatively small amount of money (a few hundred to a few thousand dollars). Some people make a tremendous amount of money regularly in the forex market. But you need to have a proven system or systems. And, especially for new traders, the system or systems used should be easy to understand and easy to use. They should also be mechanical.

Why is it good to use one or more mechanical trading systems when trading forex? Because a lot of emotions can come into play, especially greed and fear, that can destroy even an experienced discretionary trader. To make money consistently you need mechanical systems that keep emotions out of the equation. Like Mr. Spock on Star Trek.

It is that emotionless, logical trading with mechanical systems that have been proven to work over months of testing that will make even the new forex trader a winner almost immediately. Emotion free trading is the way to go. You can be one of the best forex traders anywhere when using proven mechanical forex trading systems. You want systems that are easy to understand and use, and require only an hour or two of work a day to give you the freedom and time you need to enjoy the other activities of your life. Emotion free mechanical trading is essential for success!

Mechanical Engineering Online

2008-01-30T01:32:00.001-08:00

What’s a Career as a Mechanical Engineer Like?

2008-01-30T01:31:00.001-08:00

Many engineers specialize in mechanical engineering. This subset of engineering revolves around the application of physical principles for mathematical analysis, design, manufacturing and maintenance of mechanical systems. The industry is divided up into smaller areas of focus: mechanics, kinematics or movement, and the energy of physical objects. Let’s take a look at what makes a career as a mechanical engineer so rewarding.

Challenging Work

Mechanical engineers use their knowledge of force, heat, mass and energy in design structures. They help research, design, test, create, maintain and monitor heating & cooling systems, vehicles and aircraft, bridges, buildings, machinery, industrial equipment and more.

A key focus in mechanical engineering is optimization. Work as a mechanical engineer focuses on optimizing ease and durability in projects, costs, safety and usefulness. Some tools frequently used by mechanical engineers for manufacturing projects are: CAD/CAM, CFD, FEA, milling machines, robots, CNCs and lathes.

Career Tidbits

The following list includes a few bits of interesting information about the field of mechanical engineering:

- Work as a mechanical engineer is generally 40 hours per week, but may be more, especially under tight deadlines and heavy workloads. The daily tasks often involve working outside an office and in the field.

- The best mechanical engineers enjoy solving complex problems. They are true innovators.

- You will need at least a Bachelor’s degree to qualify for a position as a mechanical engineer. Most accredited colleges and universities offer specialized programs in mechanical engineering.

- Job opportunities for mechanical engineers are projected to increase at a faster than average rate through 2014.

- The average salary for engineers in 2002 was reported at $65,000. Top engineers earn over $90,000 per year. A mechanical engineer just out of college would earn an average of $40,000 per year.

- Mechanical engineers commonly wind up working in corporations or for the government.

Mechanical engineering is one of the broadest and hottest specialities in the engineering field.

Fine Points on Industrial Lighting

2008-01-29T01:30:00.001-08:00

There are many things that set industrial lighting apart from residential and commercial lighting due to the particular needs that industrial lighting serves. Aesthetics is not as important in industrial lighting as it is in residential and commercial lighting and this is just one of the aspects of industrial lighting that sets it apart.

Many people don't realize all the factors that come into play with industrial lighting and they all must be considered when lighting an industrial area. Many types of industrial lighting must be mobile such as the large metal halide mechanisms that are mounted on trailers that road crews use. Also, industrial lighting can be for indoor and outdoor use and this is something to consider when choosing industrial lighting.

Large high wattage industrial lighting mixtures can also give off a lot of heat which can be a problem with indoor applications. The main factors that are usually considered with industrial lighting is coverage and energy use and for this reason a lot of thought and planning must go into an industrial lighting scheme.

Some types of industrial lighting has automated light sensitive switching mechanisms that allow it to automatically go on when it gets dark, while other types of industrial lighting will use a mechanical timer to control it. Weather is another consideration when choosing industrial lighting, as some is manufactured to withstand wet climates.

It is highly recommended that you procure the services of an industrial lighting expert before you run out and begin purchasing industrial lighting to make sure that you get the lighting that best suits your particular needs and also to insure that your lighting needs are fulfilled as economically as possible. Now more than ever there are far more choices available in industrial lighting and a knowledgeable expert can help you to make the right choices.

What Exactly Is Mechanical Engineering

2008-01-29T01:29:00.000-08:00

Mechanical Engineering is Concerned with Mechanics,” broadest of all Engineering offshoots which deals with Mechanical processes, Mechanical skills, Mechanical designs or arts etc.

Mechanical Engineering involves the Physical usage for mechanism and functioning, design, manufacturing, installation, operation and maintenance of mechanical systems such as boilers, condensers, heat engines, air conditioners & refrigerators, machine tools, thermal power stations etc.

Kinematics, dynamics, statics, Energy conversion, Mechanics, Manufacturing and production, refrigeration and air conditioning are the foundation subjects of mechanical engineering. Mechanical Engineering also Engage its attention with other Engineering disciplines like Electrical engineering in electronics, Aeronautical Engineering in Fluid Mechanics, Civil Engineering in stress & Strain analysis, Computer Engineering in hardware manufacturing etc.

Mechanical Engineers are the creators. They not only creates new technology but also innovate for them.

HISTORY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

After Beginning of Agriculture in eighteenth century, the most far-reaching, a qualitative change of human culture was the industrial revolution of Europe. During the early 19th century in England mechanical engineering developed as a separate field dealing with tools and machines. Before the industrial revolution there were only civil engineers (built bridges, buildings, etc.) and engineers of military (built fortifications, catapults, etc.). The first British professional society for mechanical engineers started in 1847.

Mechanical engineers continue to develop and apply new knowledge in order to produce safer, qualitative, and more efficient tools and mechanical systems.

A mechanical engineer will:

• know how energy gets converted to useful power(thermodynamics) .

• examine the wear and tear of machines and systems .

• prepare configurations and drawings of machines or machine parts.

• examine strength of material for a particular application .

• design advanced materials( machine design).

Coconut Palm Tree And Its Uses In Fibre Making

2007-07-10T02:08:00.000-07:00

The coconut palm has a large base as stem which become slightly smaller in circumference as it goes up. Unlike any other tree, coconut tree has fruits covered by bunches of fruits only at the apex of its stem. The stem goes on to reach a height of 25 meters. The color of the stem is light grey which is supported well by the thick mesh structure of roots. Coconut palms produce inflorescences at angle between the base of the leaf-stalk and the trunk which bear both male and female flowers. The fruits, which grow from fertilized female flowers, take a year to develop.

Coconut palms require conditions of high humidity and plenty of sunlight. They will grow on a wide variety of well-drained soils but a constant supply of fresh water is essential. These conditions are often available on sea shores. Harvesting fruits from tall palms can be so difficult that in some coconut-growing areas in Indonesia and Thailand the pig-tailed macaque monkey has been trained to climb the trees to collect the nuts. The monkeys are well-treated and prized for their skill. Coconuts are harvested every two months throughout the year.

The coconut palm may have originated in the lands around the western Pacific. It was also dispersed by ocean currents, with the seeds protected by the fibrous fruit. Germinating coconuts were found washed up on the shores of the newly-born volcanic island, Anak Krakatoa, in the 1930s.Coconut palms have been known and used in India for 3,000 years. A letter written by an Arab trader of the eleventh century noted that the fibre from the palm was resistant to sea water. The Arab traders also taught the population of the Sinhalese and Malabar coast how to prepare the fibre from the nut, since by this time the palm was widespread along the Indo-Malaysian coast. When Marco Polo visited China in the fourteenth century, he was told that coir fibre from the 'Indian Nut' had been used by the Chinese for 500 years. In the mid-sixteenth century the palm was introduced into Spain and Portugal, Brazil and Puerto Rico by sea-faring traders. The name 'coconut' may have been coined by Spanish sailors to describe the monkey-faced appearance of the coconut.

Alpaca Fibre Finished Goods Market Of South America

2007-07-10T02:07:00.000-07:00

Alpacas are animals living at high altitudes found in Peru in South America bearing striking resemblance to Camels. There are approximately three million alpacas worldwide with approximately 80 percent of these in Peru. The industry in South America does not export the raw fibre material – it is processed in Peru into products for export. Products include clothing, yarns, and knitwear and craft products. Alpacas have big camel's hooves which don't sink into the soil and cause damage. As an animal species exploited for its fibre it is relatively ecologically friendly. There are two types of alpaca; the huacaya, which accounts for 80 percent of the total and the suri which makes up the remaining 20 percent.

The fibre of the suri is the longest and the most prized. The fibre is fine and silky, between 20-34 microns in diameter and 8-12 cms in length. Colors range from pure white to various shades of white, with some reddish browns and grays and black. This color range means dying is not necessary. The fibre is shorn from the alpacas. The fibre is neither allergenic nor itchy and can therefore be worn by people with sensitive skins. In South America where most alpacas are farmed, they are usually raised in their natural habitat where they eat plants they cut with their teeth without uprooting them. This allows the high altitude region where they live to continue to prosper. Alpaca fibers are also bio-degradable and are in good demand during the cold seasons. However Alpaca industry is mainly concentrated across the South American regions only.

Sisal Fibre Can Be Used As A Replacement For Silk Fibre

2007-07-07T02:28:00.001-07:00

Sisal plant leaves are used for making fibres. The sisal plant produces approximately three hundred leaves throughout its productive period. To extract the fibre the leaves are crushed and the pulp scraped from the fibre. This is then washed and dried. The sisal fibre strands are usually creamy white in color. When harvested, the sisal fibre is coarse and relatively inflexible. The process of turning these fibres into silky fabric involves a high degree of beating and pulping. The result is a fabric that is light enough to be worn in the hottest weather. It is able to be woven into nearly invisible sheers and is used as a replacement for silk. Because of the amount of work to process the sisal into this sheer fabric its value is very high.

Despite these excellent qualities, sisal is most commonly used for more practical products e.g. for cordage because of its strength, durability, ability to stretch and its resistance to deterioration in salt water. Other common products are sisal twine, matting, rugs, and brushes. In recent years, China has maintained approximately 12,000 hectares of sisal production. This area produces around 40,000 tonnes of fibres. This level of production means that China accounts for approximately 11-13 percent of total world production. Sisal products of Chinese origin first entered the world market in the late 1970s. Sisal fibre is a good replacement for silk fibre. As sisal fibre is obtained from plants its kind of bio-degradable this is the need of the hour for better environment, globally.

Concrete Cutting Safety

2007-07-07T02:27:00.001-07:00

Nearly every construction project involves some form of cutting concrete or core boring. While cutting concrete may seem fairly simple and straightforward, in actual practice there are several considerations to keep in mind to have a safe and successful concrete cutting or boring project.

Fist, you must know that concrete dust is potentially damaging to the lung sinuses and eyes. Concrete dust also becomes corrosive and abrasive and may damage surrounding finish.

Dust control becomes an important consideration when cutting concrete either with a saw or a drill or core boring bit. The two most common dust control methods are wet cutting where the dust is collected in the cooling water and pneumatic devices that pull the dust away in an air stream.

When using a diamond cutting blade or other abrasive disk cutting device such as concrete saw, the water also serves to lubricate and cool the cutting tools. Consideration must me made to handle the spillage of cooling water on to the surface being cut. Drainage must be provided or a vacuum system like a wet vac can be used to control the spread of the cooling water.

When using electric powered tools, adequate grounding, insulation and appropriate ground fault protection must be provided. Standing in a puddle of water while operating and electric tool can be fatal if proper protections are not in place.

An extra precaution must be added when using core drilling machine. Many of these machines rely on suction to keep the bas in place during the drilling operation. The friction of the base suctioned against the floor provides the resistance to rotation while drilling.

Two competing factors come in to play during the lock down operation. The slicker the floor, the better the suction seal will be. However, there will be less resistance to rotation due to friction from the slick floor. Especially if the concrete is wet. Also, while a rough floor may provide more friction, the roughness will not allow a strong vacuum seal against the floor.

In either case the vacuum seal is not completely reliable and may fail during the drilling operation. The operator must be keenly aware of the possibility that the machine base my rotate violently without warning. The operator must keep his body out of the possible rotation path of the machine bas at all times during a core drilling operation.

A more reliable method of securing the machine is to set a simple concrete anchor through the base in addition to the vacuum seal. Most machines have a provision for such an anchor and the small hole required for the anchor is easily repaired in the concrete floor.

When making any kind of cut in concrete be it a straight line cut with a concrete saw or making a round hole with a core drill, you must also consider what is hidden in the concrete.

Not only will the concrete contain re bar and rocks that can snag the cutting tool, but often plumbing lines and electrical conduit are often buried in the concrete. And they will likely not be exactly where the drawings show them to be.

Before any concrete cutting operation take care to locate as precisely as possible any pipes or conduit that may be buried in the concrete.

A cutting blade will slice through a conduit with ease often shorting the wires together on the blade. However, care must be taken that the operator does not become the ground path instead of the conduit or other wires. If possible, de energize any power lines that may be in the vicinity of the cutting or drilling operation.

Concrete cutting requires sharp tools, quality equipment in good repair, a good supply of cooling water and a skilled operator. Operating concrete cutting equipment can be simple and safe, but the operator must be familiar with the potential hazards and know all the functions of the equipment he is operating.

Skip Hire In London - Keeping The Costs Down

2007-07-03T02:42:00.003-07:00

London, it goes without saying, is big. Very big. Twelve million people, 117 square miles, it is the largest city in Europe and the most important financially. It has an extremely complicated infrastructure with varying degrees of efficiency. So much so that skip prices vary massively from Cockfosters to Morden and from Ealing to Walthamstow.

This is mainly down to real estate prices, haulage and landfill costs (although we recycle most of the waste in our skips, there is a small percentage that has to go to landfill).

One of the biggest expenses pertaining to skip hire in London is the cost of the skip permit. If a skip is placed on a public highway then permit must be obtained from the council. In a city like London where driveways are scarce and on road parking even scarcer, many people looking to hire a skip will find themselves with this extra expense.

In London, there is no set rule for these permits - each borough has their own set of rules. Some councils like Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham and Islington insist that the customer has to organise the permit. Others demand that the skip company has to arrange it. This is because it is sometimes necessary for the house owner to outline fully where the skip will be positioned. Some councils like Wandsworth charge up to £107 for a permit, others like Ealing cost £20. Some permits last one week, others last three months. The variance is incomprehensible, but one thing is certain, they are STRICTLY NECESSARY. Without one, both the skip hire company and the customer could face fines running into thousands of pounds.

Of course there are other charges, including the infamous congestion charge. If you need a skip in the following postcodes, W1, W2, W8, W10, W11, W14, WC1, WC2, SW1, SW3, SW5, SW7, SW10, EC1, EC2, EC3 or EC4, you are required to pay congestion zone charges. This charge is £8 each day the skip wagon enters the zone. So if you want the skip delivered on Monday and picked up Thursday it will cost £16. If the skip is going to be delivered and collected on the Monday, it will only be £8.

To keep the cost of skip hire in London down to a minimum, Topskips can offer is a 'wait and load' service. This is where the wagon arrives at your site with an empty skip and waits for 30-45 minutes while you load all your waste in to it. This eliminates the cost of a permit and keeps the congestion charge (if you live in the zone) to the £8 minimum. It also prevents the old and extremely irritating problem of your neighbors using your skip to get rid of their waste!

Increasing Revenue Not With Faster CNC Machines With Offline Presetting

2007-07-03T02:42:00.001-07:00

As a product manager for EZset LLC I wonder why OEM's, machine distributors, reps etc will not stress the need for the customer to maximize their CNC machines. As I walk the shows everyone is so anxious to get their machine sold that the customer along with their jobs are being sold overseas. Everyone wants to go fast, and keep machines running, yet most everyone I talk to do not provide the customer with the full picture of why off-line tool presetting is necessary.

"We have a laser, that gets our dimensions for the machine. We have a probe we use." That is all well and good, but what is the machine doing while this process is happening? Sitting and not producing chips. Touch off, cycle, touch off, cycle, touch off, what is happening there? Manufacturing facilities are wasting valuable material they paid so much for and now it is going into the waste bin for someone else to profit. Did you ever wonder what your operator is doing while his machine is running? I'm sure they are checking their work to make sure everything is going to specs, but once that it is determine, why not setup their next job by presetting his tools. Everyone of us has to multi-task in our jobs and hopefully you have your operators doing the same. Off-line presetting while rather old in terms of using height gauges, v blocks etc has come to play an important part in the manufacturing industry. As companies prepare to get into the "lean manufacturing concept", technology has given us a new way of preparing our tools. We can increase revenue, reduce cost, and increase productivity.

In under 10 seconds you can get your offsets printed to a label or sent via software to your CNC machining centers. By doing this, your company can bring additional business, increase its revenue as time constraints have been reduce along with set up times. You have no more touch offs, saving money and not wasting valuable material, your first part is a good part. Most presenters can give you the advantage of viewing tools via a camera. They check for wear, quality issues or even tell you a story of how the machine is running. This saves money and time because the operator can change the tool before it goes on the machine. These little things can add up to a big savings each year for a company. One presetter in your facility can increase revenue 12-15% and your ROI will be realized depending on machines within a matter of months.

You can visualize from my article, we don't need bigger faster machines to do the work. We need to become educated, analyze our internal processes, become lean and more competitive against the foreign market. Machine distributors, reps and OEM's need to provide their customers the full picture, not just selling what their machines can do. We need to give the customer the best possible way to maximize those machines and remain efficient and productive.

Yak Fibre Used For Warm Clothing

2007-06-29T02:39:00.001-07:00

Yaks are animals from the bovine family which is noted for living on high altitude cold regions of the world. They bear some resemblance to the wild buffaloes with a heavy body and a long hairy tail like the horse. Yaks are widely used in the mountainous regions of the Tibet Plateau as beasts of burden and for subsistence through its milk and meat production. It is thought that there are approximately 13 million yaks on the plateaus that flank the Himalayas.

Each yak produces only about 100 gms of hair a year. The hair is either pulled or combed in the spring when the animal moults. The outer hair is separated from the inner down hair. The color of yak hair can vary from black (wild yaks) to piebald and some very rare white. The inner down hair of the one year old calf has a diameter of 15-17 microns and is 4-5 cms in length. Adult down is 18-20 microns in diameter and 3-3.5 cms in length.

The yak fibre is used locally for weaving hut coverings, blankets, mats and sacks. Strong ropes and cordage are made from the tail hair and felted fabric from the down hair. Once de-haired, the fine inner down hair can be made into yarn that is comparable to cashmere. Yak yarns are coarse and ideally suited for making warmer fabrics. Yaks are becoming extinct due to continuous human poaching through the icy mountainous ranges. More efforts should be put in to mass bred yaks so that we can still enjoy the warmth of fabrics made from their skin.

Processing Of The Coir Fibre

2007-06-29T02:38:00.001-07:00

Coconut plants grow extensively through the coastal regions. Coconuts are harvested from these plants throughout the year. Green coconuts, harvested after about twelve months on the plant, contain pliable white fibres. Brown fibre is obtained by harvesting fully mature coconuts when the nutritious layer surrounding the seed is ready to be processed into copra and desiccated coconut.

The fibrous layer of the fruit is separated from the hard shell by driving the fruit down onto a spike to split it which is known as the de-husking process. The fibrous husks are soaked in pits or in nets in a slow moving body of water to swell and soften the fibres. The long bristle fibres are separated from the shorter mattress fibres underneath the skin of the nut, a process known as 'wet-milling'. The mattress fibres are sifted to remove dirt and other rubbish, dried and packed into bales. Some mattress fibre is allowed to retain more moisture so that it retains its elasticity for 'twisted' fibre production.

The coir fibre is elastic enough to twist without breaking and it holds a curl as though permanently waved. Twisting is done by simply making a rope of the hank of fibre and twisting it using a machine or by hand. The longer bristle fibre is washed in clean water and then dried before being tied into bundles or hunks. Although bristle fibre may be sold without further processing, it may be cleaned and 'hackled' by steel combs to straighten the fibres and remove any shorter fibre pieces.

Coir bristle fibre may also be bleached and dyed to provide buyers with hanks of different colors. To separate the white fibres, the immature husks are suspended in a river or water-filled pit for up to ten months. During this time micro-organisms break down the plant tissues surrounding the fibres to loosen them - a process known as retting. Segments of the husk are then beaten by hand to separate out the long fibres which are subsequently dried and cleaned. Cleaned fibre is ready for spinning into yarn in the home using a simple one-handed system or a spinning wheel. The final operation is grading before sale and shipping.

Load Moment Indicator - Assuring Safe Operation of your Tower Crane

2007-06-27T02:20:00.003-07:00

Working with high-rise structures is as dangerous as working as a military officer in Iraq.

The risk is always present when working with high-rise structures. The transfer of construction materials from the ground up to the working floor is not as easy as you think. The pulley system that you are using must be strong and reliable to avoid any untoward accidents that may happen. In the same manner, the lowering of unused construction materials from the working floor down to the ground imposes the risk of getting hit on the head. Despite of the presence of your hard hat, excessive weight could break it and can cost you your own life.

Yes, the money is on the construction industry. But is it worth the risk of losing your own life in exchange for thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars?

This is where the heavy equipment comes in. It helps construction workers in making their task easy and safe to execute. One of the most common heavy equipment used in the construction of various structures, especially high-rise buildings, which is the tower cranes, provide such benefits to construction workers. Due to the reality of danger working on high structures, they make use of tower cranes to lift and lower construction materials with ease and at the same time ensuring safety at all times. Furthermore, most tower cranes are operated through a radio remote control system for the safety of the crane operator.

The main purpose of tower cranes is to lift and/or lower heavy construction materials. Thus, we deal here with not just kilograms of heavy construction materials, but tons of heavy construction materials. Thus, the efficiency and safety in using tower cranes to lift and lower heavy materials will depend on its stability in carrying tons of heavy load. This is where the load moment indicator comes in, and it is important for every crane operator as well as construction engineers too know what it is for and how it is beneficial to the operation of their tower cranes and the success of their construction project.

A load moment indicator is an instrument used in determining whether a rated load is stable enough to be carried by the tower crane. If you will remember, a tower crane has tow arms: the shorter arm, which carries a counterweight of heavy concrete blocks to maintain balance, and the longer arm which carries the crane’s lifting gear. Since the longer arm carries the heavy load, the shorter arm, through its counterweight, must provide an opposite force to prevent the crane from getting outbalanced when carrying heavy loads. The load moment indicator determines whether a certain load could be carried by the tower crane or not. Thus, the indicator is used to maintain the stability of the crane.

New generation of load moment indicators make use of special sensors to provide the tower crane operator with actual and correct crane working state. It indicates the moment of force applied on the crane, the hook amplitude as the height of the load increase, the crane rating, and the actual hoisting capacity of the tower crane. In case the load reached 90 percent of the crane rating at a particular moment, it will provide an early warning to the crane operator through a slow blinking red light. When the load (along with the hook amplitude) reached 105 percent, the load moment indicator will automatically trip an alarm and will stop the lifting gear from lifting the load upward.

With the load moment indicator, you are assured of a safe operation of your tower crane. Your life is important and it should not be wasted with just an excessive load capacity and wrong calculation of the actual hoisting capacity of the tower crane.

Tamper Evidence Seals - Ensuring Your Consumer Peace of Mind

2007-06-27T02:20:00.001-07:00

Who could ever forget the infamous Tylenol tampering case of 1982? When the popular over-the-counter pain reliever was found to have been laced with cyanide poisoning and to be the cause of seven deaths, a nationwide paranoia ensued. Although other such product tampering cases, albeit on a much smaller scale, have made headlines over the years, that incident may have single-handedly led to the invention of tamper resistant product seals.

Today, everything from water and ketchup, to vitamins, medicine bottles and skincare products come with tamper resistant seals in place. This security measure affords consumers the peace of mind of knowing that their purchased products have remained untouched by sinister hands since leaving the manufacturer. As long as the tamper evidence seal remains unbroken and non-punctured, the item’s contents can be can be trusted to be pure and untainted.

Tamper evident shrink bands that come wrapped around the outside of products are those most commonly seen these days. They usually come in clear or white plastic that is imprinted with the manufacturer’s logo. Because these tamper resistant seals are broken, they can’t be put back into place, thereby adding to consumer confidence in the company’s product and brand. For decorative use and for optimum protection, shrink bands can be coordinated with the label and printed with a company's logo or tag line.

Given the option of a tamper resistant bottle and a traditional bottle, the choice is obvious. Only the former can guarantee that what you are putting into your body contains only what its ingredient label claims is in the product.

Barricade Lights For Safety & Security

2007-06-22T02:05:00.001-07:00

Barricade lights are relied upon everyday for your safety and security, but it's quite possible you don't even notice them. Here are some ways that barricade lights are used to make your day safer, your travel safer and your life safer.

Airport Security Lights

An airport or air strip is one of the most likely and common places for you to see barricade lights in use. Barricade lights are used to line the landing strips, usually in both the flashing and constantly lit varieties. You'll also see the familiar amber led lights used by airport crews and on official airport vehicles. Without these safety and warning lights, airports would likely come to a standstill.

Road & Construction

Another very common use for barricade lights is anywhere where there are road problems or there is active construction. You'll see barricade lights on guardrails where there are cliffs, steep drops or ravines near roads. You'll see barricade lights where new road is being laid or where road is being repaired, regardless of whether the road crew is working at that time or not. You'll see barricade lights warning you of sink holes, pot holes, minor flooding, rocks or debris in the roadway and just about anything else that requires advanced warning for drivers in the area.

Emergency Warning

When accidents happen, during hurricanes, major floods, after earthquakes or other natural disasters, you'll see barricades with barricade lights blocking the entrance to damaged roads and dangerous areas. During Hurricane Katrina, entire city blocks and entire neighborhoods of New Orleans had to be blocked with barricades and barricade warning lights to stop people from entering them and endangering their lives. Without these lights warning people of dangerous areas and blocking their way, even more lives could have been lost.

Buildings & Structures

At the top of many tall buildings, you'll see a type of led warning light that is used to keep airplanes and helicopters away from those buildings. Many times, especially at night, you won't be able to see some structures, most especially any structure or high rise tower or building that is in the process of being built. During these times, there will be no lights on inside the building, therefore the building may be practically invisible to any air traffic at night. Without led warning lights on top of and around the structure, a plane or helicopter could crash into it causing terrible loss of life to the people in the aircraft and far less importantly, huge monetary damages to the owner of the structure or building.

More About Barricade Lights

The most common type of barricade light is amber colored and can be purchased in either 6 or 12 volt varieties, as well as steady burn, constantly lit or a "flasher" type, which continuously flashes. One of the main advantages and the reason why led barricade lights are the most commonly used and the preferred choice for governmental, business and transportation agencies is due to the use of batteries in the lights, allowing the barricades to be used virtually anywhere without the need for electricity.

It doesn't matter who you are or where you live, barricade lights are an important daily part of our lives, one that we may rarely, if ever, really notice.

Pre - Pipeline Construction

2007-06-22T01:56:00.001-07:00

Planning and constructing new pipeline for natural gas and hazardous liquid is a process involving many parties and procedures. To insure the safety of construction crews and the general public, all pipeline companies must adhere to specific regulations, enforced by the federal government. Though safety is a primary concern, careful planning is also a major factor in the profitability and efficiency of a pipeline, creating an incentive for pipeline companies such as Western Pipeline Corp or Northwest Pipeline Corp to proceed cautiously in the planning process.

Determining the route of a new possible pipeline is the first planning phase, requiring companies to investigate the market demand and customer support, as well as determining several alternative route possibilities. The level of research involved in this process is astounding. All factors, such as what communities require service, what size pipelines should be used, what natural resources will be affected, what environmental regions or population centers are near by, and what other underground systems are already in place, must be carefully considered and added to the decision making process. All government agencies and members of the general public located along the proposed route must also be individually consulted through public notices and meetings. Environmental impact and land use assessments must be completed as well as various alternative scenario plans and protocols. The results of these various investigations will often alter the original pipeline route. As the final route is determined, the land must be acquired either by license, easement, or purchase. Permits must be obtained from relevant government agencies for jurisdiction of the pipeline "right-of-way," but even after all of this, the planning phase is far from complete.

There are still several regulatory processes necessary before the construction phase, especially involving natural gas. The government possesses regulatory control of all natural gas pipelines via the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The FERC investigates various impacts that a new pipeline route will have on the environment, buildings, fences, crops, water supplies, soil, vegetation, wildlife, air quality, safety, noise, etc. The purpose of this investigation is to insure that there is no superior alternative route. Perhaps the route can be positioned near an already present pipeline or other utilitarian right-of-way. This process may move quickly if the environmental impact is low, but if there is any question, several new processes of in-depth mitigation will need approval before anything can progress. Pipelines constructed for transporting hazardous liquids are somewhat less regulated, as the governing regulatory entities are on the state and local level.

After these steps have been carried out, the design portion of the planning phase may commence. This involves detailed construction design as well as decisions on materials, components, and safety measures. This part of the planning process can be just as time consuming as the previous research and regulation phase because all designs must adhere to everything that was previously decided. After the designs are drawn and all permits have been obtained, construction on a new pipeline route may continue. All of this planning and deliberation is carried out in order to have the most efficient network of pipeline while insuring the safety of the American people. The United States has the largest and most complicated network of pipeline in the world, and it is no coincidence that it is also one of the safest.

Water Heaters

2007-06-18T22:39:00.001-07:00

The way water heaters work is by heating the water from the bottom of the tank, where the heating elements are positioned. Due to cold water being denser, the hot water then rises to the top of the tank where it is then carried off to its destination. It is advised not to use all of the hot water too quickly, because if you are using more than the heating elements can keep up with you will run out in the middle of whatever you are using the water for, for instance a shower. Water heaters are fitted with an instrument known as a Thermostat, which acts to ensure the heat of the water in the tank never drops below a certain level (whatever it is set to). If it does, then the thermostat kicks in and powers the heating elements which then warm the water. The thermostat should be set to come on at specific times, when you are most likely to need hot water. By doing this, it lessens the chance that you will run out of hot water when you least want to.

All electric water heaters must be built with a TPR (Temperature Pressure Relief) valve, to prevent them from blowing up if the temperature or pressure reaches an unsafe level. This works to release the excess pressure (in the form of steam or water) through a safe outlet, often piped below the fitting and sometimes even leading outside. The valve should be tested manually on a regular basis, as the effects of the tank exploding can be very dangerous.

Another important feature of a water heater is the drain valve, which allows for any sediment build up to be released. Sediment is one of the main causes of water heaters failing, and it is recommended that the drain valve be flushed at least every six months, to prevent any blockages and damage to the tank.

The anode is another key aspect to a water heater, preventing electrolysis from eating away at the tank itself. Instead, the anode (often magnesium of aluminium based) will attract the corrosion. It is again necessary to check the anode regularly (most modern tanks will have an easily accessible ‘port’ where the anode is held), because once it has worn away completely the corrosion will start to eat at the tank.

The inner tank that holds the actual water has to be insulated to prevent unnecessary heat loss, and often the surrounding pipes are also layered to ensure no heat is lost when the water is travelling to its destination.

There is a big emphasis on environmentally friendly water heaters and energy saving appliances, as up to 20% of your heated water is wasted through poor insulation or poor management of your heater. Not only does this have a negative effect on the environment but it also means your household bills will be more expensive.

Printed Circuit Boards - What are They and How are They Used?

2007-06-18T22:38:00.000-07:00

Printed circuit boards are the basis for many types of electronic and computer components and devices. PCB's for short, printed circuit boards are typically composed of anywhere between 1 to 2 dozen conductive layers. Each layer is separated by a substrate, or an insulating layer, and then laminated together to form a printed circuit board. Conductive layers are usually made of copper. Drilled holes are included on the boards, which are called "vias". These "vias" are electroplated or riveted to make the connection electrical.

Manufacturing Of Printed Circuit Boards

To manufacture printed circuit boards, they start with a substrate and then lay a copper layer over it. Then they "etch" the layer to remove the copper that is not needed, leaving the proper amount of copper area needed for the application. Then the appropriate amount of vias, or holes, are drilled into the layers with either a tungsten carbide drill or a laser, depending on the size of the vias needed. Any areas of the board where components will be placed are plated. Then any texts are printed on the board with a screen printing process. The boards are then ready for testing. After the board is tested, the board is ready for components for the desired application to be attached, this process is called "populating".

History Of Printed Circuit Boards

The inventor of printed circuit boards was an Austrian engineer named Paul Eisler. He made the first printed circuit board as part of a radio in the year 1936. A graduate of Vienna University in 1930, Eisler developed the radio while living in Hempstead, England. During World War II, Eisler was interned in England for being an illegal alien. When he was released in 1941, he sought out investors for his printed circuits invention. The Camberwell lithography company became interested and offered Eisler a contract, which he did not read before signing. The contract gave the rights to his idea away to the company. After this, he was still able to get a patent for a printed circuit for many other applications in 1943. His invention was finally noticed by the US military, which integrated the technology into bomb detonators to counter German advancements in the field. When the war ended, the US government allowed access to the technology for commercial use.

Uses and Applications

When printed circuit boards first came out, they were mainly used in military and industrial applications, but today, they are used as the basis for millions of components, hardware and devices, including computers, cell phones, radios, televisions and related devices. If you have a device that is electronic in any way, chances are a printed circuit board, large or small, will be found inside. If you open up just about any electronic gadget, computer or device, and you find that familiar green (or sometimes red or blue) board with copper colored lines and dots, you are using a printed circuit board.

Textile Wastes Made Usable By Recycling

2007-06-12T03:11:00.003-07:00

Textile wastes are the materials which are either used textiles or excess materials which may not be directly usable for creating the main textile product. These wastes could be anything from basic yarns to used apparels. Textile wastes are in equal demand across developed as well as developing countries. Modified goods made from these wastes are sold in countries such as India, Pakistan, and Srilanka. Textile wastes are made to undergo a process known as recycling by which they are recreated to some useful product. Textile wastes are collected for reuse, and send to the 'wiping' and 'flocking' industry and fibres to be reclaimed to make new garments. Textiles made from both natural and man-made fibres can be recycled. It is estimated that more than 1 million tones of textiles are thrown away every year, with most of this coming from household sources.

Textiles make up about 3% by weight of a household bin. At least 50% of the textiles we throw away are recyclable. Although the majority of textile waste originates from household sources, waste textiles also arise during yarn and fabric manufacture, garment-making processes and from the retail industry. These are termed post-industrial waste, as opposed to the post-consumer waste which goes to jumble sales and charity shops. Together they provide a vast potential for recovery and recycling. All collected textiles are sorted and graded by highly skilled, experienced workers, who are able to recognize the large variety of fibre types resulting from the introduction of synthetics and blended fibre fabrics. Once sorted the items are sent to various destinations. Textile wastes are the cheapest means to get good profit margin in the Textile Industry.

TIO2 Is Used As Pigment For Whitening In Paints

2007-06-12T03:11:00.001-07:00

TIO2 stands for Titanium Dioxide. Its pigment is a fine white powder which is used extensively in paints, plastics, papers for giving sharp whiteness to the material. It gives paint high hiding power, meaning the ability to mask or hide a substrate. It does this more effectively than any other white pigment. Today, titanium dioxide pigment is by far the most important material used by the paints and plastics industry for whiteness and opacity. These unique properties are derived from the refractive index of titanium dioxide. The refractive index expresses the ability to bend and scatter light. Titanium dioxide has the highest refractive index of any material known to man, greater even than diamond.

The material is used as an opacifier in glass and porcelain enamels, cosmetics, sunscreens, paper, and paints. To take advantage of this property, titanium dioxide must be mined, refined and ground to a fine, uniform particle size. One of the major advantages of the material for exposed applications is its resistance to discoloration under UV light. Titanium Dioxide is found in a form known as ilmenite which is found in the iron ore.

Main uses of TIO2:
1. Pigments – As discussed earlier TIO2 used to give whiteness and opacity to products such as paints and coatings, plastics, paper, inks, fibres and food and cosmetics.

2. Anti Microbial Coating – The Titania in TIO2 has photo catalytic property which make the material a candidate for applications such as medical devices, food preparation surfaces, air conditioning filters, and sanitary ware surfaces.

3. Oxygen Sensors – Titania can be used to sense the amount of oxygen present in an atmosphere which is used for studying atmosphere.

Engineers And Manufufacturers Can Leverage Wikipedia's Gap In Information

2007-06-07T04:00:00.002-07:00

As search engine marketers specializing in the industrial marketplace, it’s neccessary to stay sharp on industry related topics and terms. Admittedly though, as situations present, we’ll supplement our knowledge with credible information sources online. After all, we’re not engineers.

A recent ‘research’ project brought to light an area of opportunity - for both industrial websites as well as online information sources, where indeed there is a startling lack of engineering related information available. It’s a good thing, though. Where there is lack, there is…opportunity!

One highly regarded and widely accepted general information source is wikipedia.com, a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit. Any topic can be introduced and expanded upon; which ofcourse includes topics related to… let’s say… optical enginnering, metal working, etc. You get the idea. However, there is defintely room for growth among these kind of topics in their database.

This gap in information presents a multi faceted opportunity for engineers to support their brand and online marketing initiatives. The advantage that can be taken is rooted in the amount of supporting information that can be supplied to entries, including:

1. “External Links”

List your website as a leading source of information in regards to topic entires. (These links have the ‘no follow’ attribute, so they wont be counted as incoming links by the search engines. They will however, extend your web presence.)

2. “What Links Here”

Other sites that link to your entry (including your own) are listed, again accomplishing the above.

3. “Cite This Source”

Information and claims made inside entries can sometimes require a citation. Provide relevant information on your website, and cite yourself. You have hence gained some authority status.

Granted, most of your clients and their customers are’nt frequent wikipedia surfers, but the advantage still plays. As a general rule, the more content you have dispersed on the web, the closer you become to being an online industry leader and authoratative information souce. This, folks, is brand management!

NOTE - If your entry requires a citation, you may be called on the carpet to validate your credentials, according to a recently published article. Wikipedia is serious about providing accurate informaiton from trustworthy sources. One board memeber was recently dismissed for entries he made siting himself as a professor of theology, when infact he was a “24 year old college drop out.” (Ouch.)

More About Wikipedia

Wikipedia is an ecyclopedia collaboratively written by many of its readers. It is a special type of website, called a wiki, that makes collaboration easy. Many people are constantly improving Wikipedia, making thousands of changes an hour, all of which are recorded on article histories and recent changes. Inappropriate changes are usually removed quickly, and repeat offenders can be blocked from editing.

In closing, we leave you in a Gap. We’ll check back to see who’s made an entry…

manufacturers: Search for "short run stamping" or "industrial search engine marketing"

Happy Editing!

Manufacturers - Are Distributors Hurting Your Rankings

2007-06-07T04:00:00.001-07:00

I know of an industrial company whos website was banned from Google because of a hacker who’d been hosting spam on their domain. Because the re-inclusion at process can take upwards of several months, I was of course surprised to see one of their keywords getting results on Google. (I know full well none of their pages are indexed.) A click on the result brought me to their distributors website. Evidently this distributor has several sections of their website dedicated to promoting ‘mini versions’ of their supplier’s sites, which, while a fine marketing move, raises HUGE duplicate content issues that can adversly affect rankings.

The innterconnectiveity between businesses and brands within the industrial marketplace presents a unique scenario as it relates to duplicate content and advertising online. To save your rankings, here are a few things for industrial companies to watch out for:

1. Re-Sellers

For websites who distribute well known brands, pay special care to your website copy and online marketing collateral. While it can be tempting to follow a model that works, if your content is identified by the search engines as ‘closely similar, your site will be less favored, and at worst, your pages ignored. Put a unique spin on the products you sell.

2. OEMS & Distributors

For distributors who feature information about their manufacturers, if that information first appeared on the manufacturer’s website, your pages could be penalized. Manufacturers, why not leverage the opportunity to distibute unique content while widening your visibility online? By supplying seperate web copy to your partners, you safeguard your pages, heighten your ’status’ in the search engines ( by virtue of relationship with a topically simliar website,) and create new opportunties for incoming links.

Orthopedic Manufacturing - Technical School Talent Is Readily Available - The Benefits Run Both Ways

2007-05-25T02:39:00.000-07:00

Orthopedic manufacturers and other manufacturing firms would be wise not to ignore the talents of local technical high schools and colleges in their operations. Nearly every manufacturing firm regardless of size, will likely have a number of jobs that they might consider to subcontract to vendors. One source usually not considered for subcontracted work, is the pool of local technical high school and college students.

Many counties across the US have technical high schools and colleges that train students in a variety of fields from automotive to advanced manufacturing technology. Often these students have several years of experience in areas that can assist manufacturers located right in their own backyard.

What are the advantages of an internship to the manufacturer?

1) Internships are usually offered only to the best and the brightest students in their class, and usually only to seniors.

2) Students have years of experience writing term papers, so they are usually computer literate. Basic skills such as word processing computer skills are usually very good to excellent.

3) Most schools due to the extremely attractive discounts offered to educational institutions, have software that is up to date with the all the most recent releases. Technical students are usually tech savvy and are current with the latest computer software. (CAD and computer graphics are now even taught in some regular high schools)

4) Costs will be likely be minimum or very reasonable. Each manufacturer will have to consult with the career department of the local technical school, to find out the terms of their internships. In addition, a simple donation to the school in the form of a grant, or donations of new or used equipment may be tax deductible. Consultation with appropriate accountants or tax attorneys for specific advice in this area is advised.

What are some of the jobs that tech student can provide ? Everything from basic software training on CAD/CAM to graphics, desktop publishing, web design, word processing, to tasks related to any of the above areas, and others should be considered. It is also wise to rely on advice from the counselors and teachers at the school to find out what is appropriate.

A large degree of common sense is recommended here. Of course, students should never be given any task for which they have not been properly trained. Any specialized type of work or work that involves risk should be avoided under all circumstances. Safety is paramount here for all concerned. In general, office jobs are more appropriate than any kind of work on the shop or factory floor.

What expectation should a technical student have of their experience? Often the biggest obstacle students may find upon graduation is their lack of experience. Any industry experience at all is good, but an area that relates specifically to their major or career field is very beneficial. Every student looking for their first job faces a field in which there are not only other students with similar background, but other candidates, sometimes with years of experience.

An internship and a good recommendation from a reputable company, can separate a student from the rest of the field. It shows initiative and demonstrates aptitude for a particular field. They also may find that their experience gives them a better feel for their career choices in order to make wise decisions for their future.

Students can see what really does on in a manufacturing plant. For some, it may be the first time to set foot inside a manufacturing facility outside of the classroom. They may have preconceptions, especially negative stereotypes that can be dispelled, through their experience.

There are numerous benefits of manufacturing internships for the manufacturer and the student. Students can gain valuable real world experience, and manufacturers can gain fresh talent with up to date computer skills from some of the best young minds that may one day lead their industry.

Selecting Wire Guides

2007-05-25T02:37:00.000-07:00

One of the criteria in selecting wire guides is the hardness value. Ultra hard materials such as high alumina and tungsten carbide are preferred over plastics or steel. Figure 1 shows the Vickers hardness of the ultra hard materials that we use and their fracture toughness:

Figure 1

Another criterion in selecting wire guides is the surface finish, which attributes to the guides' coefficient of friction against the wire.

Scientific means are employed to ascertain the surface finish in unambiguous numbers. One such instrument is the diamond probe profilometer, which gives readings in microns or micro inches. One micron is equal to 40 micro inches. A lower profilometer reading generally indicates a smoother surface finish. An interesting yet little known fact is that higher hardness is always associated with a finer surface finish, while mono-crystalline (that is, a single crystal) materials like ruby and sapphire finish better compared with polycrystalline materials of the same hardness.

In recent years Fracture Toughness, a measure of the resistance of a material to the propagation of a crack, has had an increasing involvement in the interpretation of wear phenomena.

It can be seen in Figure 1 that transformation toughened Zirconia (TTZ) and tungsten carbide offer higher fracture toughness compared with sapphire and alumina s.

Over the years, extensive tribologial tests have been performed on the ultra hard materials that we choose for wire guides.

Synthetic Sapphire from one single source* and of the same lot is chosen as the control and subject to an identical set of testing parameters. By dividing the unit weight loss of the material under the test by that of the synthetic sapphire, a specific wear rate is obtained. The specific wear rates obtained so far are tabulated in Figure 2:

Figure 2

It can be seen that among the materials tested, TTZ Zirconia, of an inferior hardness but of a higher fractural toughness, outwears synthetic Sapphire. This is also true in the case of tungsten carbide. All the polycrystalline Alumina s of an inferior hardness and adjacent fracture toughness perform less satisfactorily. The spread in wear resistance among the alumina s is attributed to the percentage of the alumina content; the compacting pressure of the green body; and the mesh distribution (of the powder). It can be postulated at this writing that hardness and toughness should be considered hand in hand when selecting ultra hard materials for wire guides.

It is hoped that with sufficient data and a sound statistical approach, one might someday be able to assign functional factors to each of the hardness and toughness plus other relevant values yet to be identified - that is, a mathematical model - in predicting the wear resistance of ultra hard materials without going through the elaborate wear tests.

Safety In Confined Spaces

2007-05-25T02:36:00.002-07:00

Some examples of construction site confined spaces are sewers, trenches, pits, and storage tanks. Confined spaces generally have limited options for entry and exit as well as poor ventilation and air circulation, which is linked to hazardous atmospheres.

The lack of natural ventilation and air movement stems from hazardous atmospheres, which is a major construction safety and health issue for workers in confined spaces. There are three major hazardous atmospheres that present a construction safety concern in confined spaces of which constructions must become aware: oxygen-deficient, toxic, and flammable. In order to determine if the atmosphere in a confined area is hazardous; and, if so, which type of hazard it represents, thorough testing of the entire confined area (the bottom, middle, and top) must be administered.

Oxygen-deficient atmospheres in confined spaces have less than 19.5 percent available oxygen, which means no persons should ever enter without the appropriate protective gear, which in this case is an approved self-contained breathing apparatus, or an airline respirator with an escape self-contained breathing apparatus.

Atmospheres in confined spaces can also be toxic, which is another construction safety hazard. A toxic atmosphere often occurs as a result of materials used in the confined space, including paints, solvents, cleaners, and welding fumes. An atmosphere can also become toxic from residue buildup from materials stored in the confined space. Appropriate protective breathing masks should be worn to avoid breathing in the toxic fumes.

Flammable atmospheres can also present a potential safety hazard for construction workers in confined spaces. When a type of flammable gas, dust, or vapor develops in the air at certain concentrations in a confined space, the atmosphere becomes officially “flammable.” Workers must use appropriate gear in flammable atmospheres in confined spaces.

Accidental injury and death related to working in and near a confined space often occurs as a result of standby and rescue. One important construction safety precaution is assigning a “standby” person whose only two duties is keeping in constant contact with the construction workers inside the confined space and then alerting the appropriate person or team in case of emergency.

However, over half of all construction workers who die in a confined space were trying to rescue a teammate in an unplanned and instinctive manner. The assigned standby and other workers in the confined space should never attempt an instinctive but unplanned rescue of a co-worker in danger. Always, always wait for the emergency person or team.

It may also be helpful to consult any construction safety manuals you may have regarding working in confined spaces to help you learn to anticipate potential problems and hazards and take the necessary steps to prevent them from occurring or to react swiftly and properly in the event that a crisis or catastrophe occurs.

Chinese Textile Machinery Manufacturer Unveils Latest Technologies

2007-05-25T02:36:00.001-07:00

After the elimination of global quota system, the textile industry is booming at a rocket speed. The world is on a new path of industrial revolution. The textile hubs like China, India, Pakistan and many more are emerging rapidly among the western counterparts. Analysts are anticipating more growth with latest technologies in Textile Machineries. The textile machinery manufacturing hubs like China, Germany, Italy, Switzerland and India have already dived in immense competition to make and offer best technologies in textile machineries. The Chinese textile manufacturers are developing some of the best answer in technical aspects of textile industry, along with very competitive prices.

Yuyao Textile Machinery Co. Ltd. is among the most excellent textile machinery manufactures in the world from China, located in Yuyao City of Ningbo Municipality, Zhejiang Province, which is know as a celebrated place with splendid cultural legacy and features a good geographical position and a top convenient traffic facility.

Successful Voyage of “Yuyao Textile Machinery Co. Ltd.”

The company of today originated from the Ex-Yuyao Textile Machinery Plant which was established in 1970. More than 30 years history has aggregated a powerful economic strength and valuable experience in this industry for the company, making it capable of providing diverse solutions and best services in meeting the customers' needs and demands. Our business activity covers more than 100 domestic cities and regions. Our products have been the best sellers across the north and south territories to the Changjiang River and also are exported to the European, Asian countries, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan regions, receiving a unanimous good appraisal from the circle of this industry since many years ago.

The company has been confirmed to be among the provincial model enterprises, withstood the provincial, ministerial evaluations and ISO 9001certification for many times, in addition has been selected a designated production enterprise by the National Textile Material & Equipment Corporation. Our main products have been elected recommended products by the China Textile Machinery Association. Our company engages in the professional designing of the fabric testing and packing projects, in the building of the automatic heat shrink PE-FILM packing machines and serial fabric inspection machines, serial fabric rolling machines and the doubling and folding machines, all of which boast a high Sci-Tech content and stable performance, winning keen appreciations of the users, recognized as the most advanced textile machinery at home for the present time.

Orthopedic Manufacturing - Medical Manufacturing Miracles Performed On A Daily Basis

2007-05-25T02:35:00.000-07:00

Many people, either due to birth defect, accidental injury, or simply old age, have joint conditions that cause loss of mobility. In advanced cases this can cause considerable pain and anguish. When doctors determine that the problem can only be remedied with orthopedic surgery, to augment or replace the affected joint, orthopedic manufacturing comes to the rescue.

Orthopedic manufacturers produce the supports and replacement joints that allow patients to return to normal life again. This procedure often is highly successful, but, of course, there are risks associated with any type of surgery.

The story of Jack Nicklaus, (a hip replacement patient) is a classic orthopedic case history. He lived with considerable pain for years, until he finally underwent hip surgery in 1999. Following his hip replacement he still managed to play some pretty good golf.

You may also be interested to know how those implants are made. The technology that allows doctors to perform the miracle of joint replacement is a testament to modern manufacturing ingenuity.

Orthopedic manufacturing has gone from science fiction to practical reality in the span of a few short years. Each year the techniques, tools, and products developed in orthopedics improve, by leaps and bounds. Orthopedic manufacturing has a important role in helping us to live healthier and happier lives.

Continuous research and development in the design and manufacture of orthopedic implants and instruments is needed. As the costs and risks of orthopedic procedures are reduced, the miracle of modern orthopedic medicine can be extended to more and more people who need this type of care, to dramatically improve their quality of life.

Managing Risks Of Simultaneous Operations

2007-05-18T02:29:00.000-07:00

The common difficulty I see is that businesses lack in the skill to identify them. Let's take a look at some common simultaneous operations:

* Drilling in an operational pit;
* Performing maintenance on equipment in operational areas;
* Watering mine roads;
* Performing maintenance in multiple storey facility whilst operations occurring; and
* Construction in operational areas.

So do all of these seem like everyday tasks? Have you previously identified them as Simultaneous Tasks? Are you asking where do I start? Well, ‘IT'S NOT THAT HARD', lets take a look at the basic steps:

1. Identify all Simultaneous Operations;
2. Perform Risk Assessment;
3. Assess and control risks;
4. Monitor the simultaneous tasks; and
5. Communicate the Control Measures.

Remember, COMMUNICATION IS THE KEY TO PERFORMING THESE TASKS SAFELY.

What are the benefits of performing this work?

1. By identifying all Simultaneous Operations we are able to manage risks;
2. Performing risk assessments will allow you to identify all risks introduced by the task;
3. Assessing determines the level of risk you are subjecting your workforce to. Controlling risks minimises the level of harm that could impact business, health, safety and environment.
4. Monitoring the tasks will allow you to verify that the controls are in place and adequate. If you identify that the controls are not adequate STOP WORK and review the identified controls in the risk assessment; and
5. The only way controls will be effective is if all persons involved in the tasks understand and implement the control measures.

The steps identified are re-enforcing basic risk management principals. Ask yourself, does business effectively manage the risks of Simultaneous Operations?

Currently, identifying and controlling Simultaneous Operations is not a legislative requirement. However, the major companies are introducing this requirement into all operations.

So, why wait until legislation catches up to what out major companies in Australia have identified as a major risk.

I believe that it is the responsibility of all employers to protect the Health and Safety of their employees. The only way we can effectively fulfil this, is to identify and control risks.

Global Logistics Scenario of Industries

2007-05-18T02:27:00.002-07:00

In a move to cut down costs, producers are exploring around the globe in search for the lowest cost exporters/suppliers. Lured towards developing countries in south-east Asian region for lower-wages, transportation industry is stretching its reach longer than ever before. Major players are focusing overseas markets for outsourcing cheap manufacturing as well as expanding their businesses. This result in outbound logistics. And acceleration in manufacturing capacity is driving many producers to shutter superfluous plants. The rest of the plants are gaining the developing rhythm, but must export overseas now to sustain their positions in the market.

Boom in the Internet based services made overseas suppliers capable to match foot with local suppliers. Web-based sales, services and supplies are emerging vertically.

The expanding reach has compelled logistic industry to spur cross-border trade. Regardless-of this outbreak of activity, it is commonplace also for expert managers of local logistics to get acquainted with the complexity of international trade logistics. Global transportation and relevant services includes much complex documentation than for domestic shipments. It almost includes longer delivery times. Evaluation of the arrival times of international shipments is just a magic than solid fact.

The business players always look for just-in-time shipments, thus it aspires enhanced build-to-order model and lot-size-of-one shipments, which results more pressure on logistics industry. Logistics industry has usually been old-fashioned traditions. Usually, the shipping personals would decide for carriers, customs agents and so on. Normally, their search doesn't go beyond the initial service providers who cover all the minimum requirements. Once the shipment kicks-off its journey towards its destination, it is really hard to assume reaching time. For example, a ship that started its journey from Asia could meet harsh weather, which may delay its reaching on the West Coast for three days. On the other hand, the trucks at the West Coast would have to wait and sat empty and ideal for the three days, which would certainly result in big loss. These kind of unpredictable losses are usual in international logistics.

Thus, even the largest multi-national companies avoided logistic services on a worldwide basis. They opt to establish their operations in each country and let them to manage logistics individually.

How Companies Can Effectively Manage Storm Water Pollution

2007-05-18T02:27:00.001-07:00

When it rains, oil, antifreeze, detergents, pesticides and other pollutants get washed from driveways, backyards, parking lots, and streets into storm drains and then directly into waterways. Detergents in particular present a real problem not only for large bodies of water but also for water treatment facilities.

Soaps containing phosphates are common contributors to storm water pollution. These phosphates create problems for Publicly Owned Treatment Works (POTWs) because these phosphates interfere with the cleaning procedures at the facility. Finding products that can replace harsh alkaline cleaners will help reduce pollution.

Even detergents that are marketed as “biodegradable” can still have undesirable effects because they require time to biodegrade. Detergent products can be quite hazardous until the biodegradation process is complete.

There are currently innovative solutions to the problem of storm water run off. Cleaning solutions should be environmentally safe. Industrial site managers should examine non-toxic cleaners that are also biodegradable. These types of solutions provide an easy and safe alternative to harsher chemicals.

Industrial sites that produce large amounts of hazardous waste are always venerable to EPA fines and sanctions. Providing cleaning techniques and products that are safe is a requirement that is imposed by the EPA.

Other major contributors to storm water pollution are the oil and gasoline leaks that are the results of washing vehicles on pavement and close to storm water drains. Washing vehicles or equipment in wash bays hooked up to the sanitary sewer causes the detergents oils and grease to enter the streets or storm drains.

The EPA requires that these facilities use products or install complicated drainage system to seal these floor drains. Facilities can use products that provide a tough, durable seal over their drains. This seal will block the pollution from entering the storm drains If the product is lightweight and reusable, it can save the site money and time. Lightweight drain sealers can be retrieved quickly for emergency chemical spills.

Parking lots represent another source of water pollution. Cars and trucks drip oil and grease on to the surface of cement lots. This oil and grease is carried into the catch basins by rainwater. The EPA is very strict on these known pollution sources. Many industrial and sites that produce large amounts of oil and grease use drain inserts to avoid this problem.

The EPA designates automotive maintenance facilities as stormwater "hot spots." Hotspots are areas that generate significant amounts of hydrocarbons, trace metals, and other pollutants that can affect the quality of stormwater.

Facilities must stay abreast of the state and local regulations for the specific stormwater pollution requirements in their area. There may be additional requirements for their a particular type of facility.

Pollution control products are only one piece of the pollution puzzle. Specialized product plus human commitment will help companies comply with EPA regulations.

After The Fall – Suspension Trauma-Orthostatic Intolerance - The Need To Plan For Rescue

2007-05-18T02:25:00.001-07:00

Working at height

After the fall – Suspension Trauma/Orthostatic intolerance - the need to plan for rescue

Roger H Smith of Leading Edge emphasises the importance of thorough rescue planning

Planning for rescue and emergencies when employees work at height is a legal and moral responsibility for all employers. Regulation 4(1) of the Work at Height Regulations 2005 obliges employers to ensure all work at height is properly planned, and Regulation 4(2) notes that planning of work includes planning for emergencies and rescue.

Often we think of rescue as simply a matter of dialing 999, but calling the local fire brigade does not add up to an effective rescue plan. Response times can be too long and not all brigades have the capability to rescue from height.

Even in the most safety conscious employers’ workplaces accidents happen, so a rescue plan is an essential component of working at height and should be managed via a working at height method statement and risk assessment, and be ingrained through training and practice.

The lack of any form of post-fall rescue plan – relying on employees improvising to rescue a colleague — not only puts the victim at risk, but also puts rescuers in harms way. Unplanned attempts at rescue often result in secondary and tertiary injuries or fatalities.

Time is tight

The reason planned rescue by trained people is so important is that the danger is far from over when the fall arrest equipment does its job. Anyone hanging in a harness is at risk of suspension trauma; as the blood drains from the top half of their body, depriving the brain of oxygen. The critical thing is to get them to the ground as quickly as possible — any more than 10 minutes in suspension and the risk of irreparable damage increases rapidly (see HSW February 2006).

The rescue plan must provide for self-rescue by employees who remain conscious after a fall, where their equipment allows them to get to safety. Workers must be trained and practised in self rescue.

But even where a fallen worker appears to be able to help themselves, the plan must require colleagues to act as though they are incapable, since the situation might change and time is at a premium.

The plan must give clear direction for anyone who witnesses a fall to know who on site at the time is responsible for rescue and to alert them immediately, plus the emergency services where available. This means ensuring every worker has emergency phone numbers to hand and knows the site location to direct third parties.

The plan must set out the hierarchy of rescue options available on site for getting employees to safety — from dedicated rescue equipment, such as additional harnesses, controlled descent devices or winches, to access using work equipment such as mobile elevating work platforms, plus locations of first aid equipment and any rescue-specific items.

Though speed is of the essence, the plan must make co-workers responsibilities clear and emphasise the importance of not endangering themselves during the rescue.

Death by rescue

As the casualty is returned to the level, another critical point occurs. The plan must ensure that all staff know that usual first aid procedures do not apply and the fallen worker must not be laid flat because of the risk of stale blood from the legs rushing back through the body poisoning their major organs and causing potentially fatal toxic shock. The plan must ensure all workers know to put the casualty into a sitting “W” position with their legs bent, unless they are suspected of having a spinal injury.

Other considerations for a plan include how to ensure any wreckage/equipment is set aside to help later investigation, allowing for unusual structural features that might complicate a rescue and ensuring materials are provided in translation where large numbers of migrant workers are on site.

However well thought out, a rescue plan (like a risk assessment) is useless if it is filed away and forgotten. You need to ensure that everyone who could be involved in a rescue: managers; supervisors; and workers are fully trained in the types of situation that might call for a rescue, what their roles are and how to use the equipment you provide. Rescue operations are carried out under extreme pressure, whatever training your employees have had or are yet to have, will determine how they react.

The training should be kept topped up with regular practice sessions or drills, keeping employees on their toes but also checking that they can act inside the necessary five-minute window. Just as the plan needs updating with any change of circumstances, personnel or equipment, so does the training.

Sustainable Packaging

2007-05-18T02:24:00.000-07:00

Sustainable packaging addresses performance and cost along with maximizing the use of renewable types of plastic materials or the use of recycling of other various materials like paper or cardboard. I figure the following factors would contribute to cost savings. The use of renewable or recycled source materials; able to manufactured using clean production technologies and best practices; make products from materials healthy in all end-of-life scenarios; designed to optimize materials and energy; effectively recover and utilized in biological or industrial cycles.

If we look at improving packaging sustainability it will result in less waste and will allow for fewer materials going into the land fill. Looking at the entire life cycle of packaging, the definition gives us a vision for the packaging industry all of which must be addressed if sustainable packaging is to become a major factor. It presents a challenge to those that stay status-quo but will offer guidance to identify the opportunities and the strategies to help us move forward. One of the key strategies is to challenge the product design, as it stands to point out we can prevent waste, if we optimize our use of resources, select safer materials and plan for the recycle process or some recoverability of our packaging.

However, even the most well designed packaging does not meet the sustainability test the real challenge is to be able to put effective systems into recoverability of the value of the materials. Building effective and closed-loop recycling and composting systems for packaging materials will be one of the biggest challenges to the creation of the sustainable packaging industry, but is one from which everyone stands to gain from personal use and manufacturing.

Benefits Of Construction Banner Exchanges

2007-05-16T05:47:00.002-07:00

If you've spent any time surfing the Internet, you've seen more than your fair share of banner ads. These small advertisements appear on all sorts of Web pages and vary considerably in appearance and subject matter, but they all share a basic function: if you click on them, your Internet browser will take you to the advertiser's Web site. So what's the difference with Construction Banner Exchanges.

All banner exchange programs offer a simple service. If you post a certain number of banner ads on your site, they will post your banner ad on another site, ANY other site that is apart of their banner exchange program, you could see your Contractor site listed onto someones Avon makeup website or even a Video game website Neither that would work out very well for your construction industry website.

Usually, this isn't an even exchange; you have to post more than one banner ad for every one of your banner ads they post. This is how the exchange program makes a profit. Their arrangement yields them more banner ad spaces than actual banner ads they need to place for their members, so they can sell the extra banner ad spaces to paying advertisers. The exact ratio varies, but 2:1, posting two banner ads on your site for every one of yours posted on another site, is a typical arrangement.

Construction industry banner exchanges works with the contractor in mind. Contractors and construction web sites equally share their links between each other staying within the construction industry. From home improvement how to web sites, home builder web sites, construction software and many other builder contracting sites. You would want to see your construction business listed at the top of a contractor forms or find a contractor page rather then on a tic tac toe for tots page wouldn't you?

Most banner exchange programs distribute banner ads in the same way. For every banner ad you've decided to display, the exchange provides you with a piece of HTML code. This code instructs a visitor's Web browser to bring up a banner ad from the exchange program's server. The advantage of a joining any banner exchange program is it's a free way to get other sites to post your banner ads. The disadvantage for joining a non construction banner exchange is that you give up a lot of control over where your ads are posted and what ads are posted on your site. In most cases, the banner exchange program chooses where to put its members banner ads, and you may not like what they decide to post on your site or where they end up posting your banner ad. Most banner exchange programs attempt to link banner ads and sites intelligently, and they often do a good job, but there is a possibility that at some point you will be dissatisfied with a banner ad that ends up on your site. By choosing a construction banner exchange this of course would not become a problem for your construction related website.

And choosing the right construction banner exchange program that would concentrate on effective banner placement, monitor traffic and drive more construction related traffic your way simply would make you and your construction site more successful!

Installation Steps Of PTFE Packing And Braided Packing

2007-05-16T05:47:00.001-07:00

Before fixing new packing, the used packing should be removed completely with special tools, and the box of packing should be mopped clean. Observe carefully to see if there is any part within the box of being off-centre. In case of failure to be up to the required standard, the box should be repaired or replaced.

Select the right packing to seal the fluid. Cut the exactly rigs with the packing cutter. If the cutter is not available, proceed as follows: the cutting length of the rings L=(shaft diameter D+ packing width S) X 1.07X ~ . In principle, for rotating shafts, to cut the packing straight in 90°; but in valves, slanted cut is more recommend, about 45°。

While fitting cross-sections of packing should be used for valves, preferably prepressed rings, a packing cross section with a slight undersize (abt.0.3mm to 0.6mm)is recommended for pumps. The required leakage gap ensures the necessary higher starting leakage for lubrication and dissipation of friction heat.

Cut packing rings should be installed with the cut ends staggered by 90° each layer. The rings should be carefully opened axially and radially just sufficient for them to be pushed on the shaft. If the rings are opened they can suffer damage through buckling.

Continue to fit rings in the stuffing box until the gland has thread available to either about 25% the packing thickness in the case of valves, or about 50% in the case of pumps.

In order to enhance the tight-sealing performance, it is preferential to select two or more gasket of cushion plates, and mix them for the said fixing.

Press the rings home with the grand and tighten the nuts by hand. In order to obtain a uniform and controlled pretension of the packing, we recommend the use of a torque wrench or a similar power measuring device.

Before putting into regular operation, try it under zero-load, and observe if there is anything abnormal. After putting into normal operation, it is still necessary to observe carefully to see if there is any serious leakage due to lack of compactness, or if there is sudden friction-heat and the danger of ring burning as a result of over compactness.

Precautions For Protecting Local Industry From The International Industry

2007-05-16T05:46:00.003-07:00

With the world becoming smaller and repeated references to the global village syndrome, people feel that it’s not long before the borders of trade become totally transparent. While this is a positive in many ways, particularly for the global consumer, there are downsides. For one thing, with the influx of sellers from the world over, the local industry comes into direct competition with the international industry. While some contend that this will bring local industry on par with international industry, the truth is that many local sellers feel threatened by the change. Costs of production in one area may vary greatly from those of another area, and if businesses from the 2 areas come head to head, this will be an important determining factor for the survival of the high production cost business. Some of the ways regulators and business people have thought to protect and foster growth in local industry are below.

Tariffs on imports –
The local industry has the option of lobbying for tariffs to be applied on the import of products and services into the country. There are many ways to tax these international businesses so that the costs come to par with local industry. Due to the cost of transporting products, this also happens naturally in many cases – the cost of shipping may be prohibitive on an auto ancillary from Russia as opposed to one made in Detroit, though the original price of the former may be much lower.

Subsidies –

The reverse concept is to grant subsidies for the local industry to grow and strengthen itself to take on international industry players. This is only effective in the short term, however, and is somewhat controversial since subsidies are normally considered fair for weak or infant industries.

Raise barriers to entry –

The trade council can raise the barriers for entry for a business by imposing global standards. This means that the product must conform to international standards for it to be sold in the country, which means that the quality improves and thus cost of the product increases.

Find USP for local products –

The local industry can also respond to this type of situation by creating need for local products. A special niche or a unique selling point of the local products means that there will be a specialized market for it and the product cannot be replaced by the international industry.

Join them –

If you can’t beat them, join them. Local industry can look for ways to partner with international industry, through individual sellers or as a whole, to ensure that everyone makes a profit. Many businesses are choosing to outsource some of their functions so that they ultimately make more profits.

However, there is a good side to global competition. It serves to protect the local customer by reducing the possibility of monopolies within the local industry. But this is a matter to concern the government. So long as there are no unfair trading practices that harm the consumer, the local industry needs to look towards maximizing profitability and competing in a global market place.

Prevent Slips and Falls In the Workplace With Industrial Matting

2007-05-16T05:46:00.001-07:00

Slips and falls in the workplace costs industries millions of dollars per year in workmen compensation claims and from civil lawsuits from the general public. Slippery floors can be eliminated in the workplace environment.

However, wet slippery floors are an everyday occurrence and are sometimes not considered a major health hazard. But slips and falls that are the result from flooring that is unsafe accounts for more than 70% of the reported injuries reported to OSHA.

The OSHA requirement for floor safety is clear. "The floor of every workroom shall be maintained in a clean and, so far as possible, a dry condition. Where wet processes are used, drainage shall be maintained, and false floors, platforms, mats or other dry standing places should be provided where practicable." [29 CFR 1910.22(a)(2)]

Certain industries are at greater risk than others. Those industries that require large volumes of liquid products for manufacturing are prone to have leaks from equipment and from the production of goods.

Liquids leak and drip and over spray from production equipment lands on the floors and walkways. Employees use these areas but in some retail areas customers are also at risk for a slip and fall accident.

1) Use Absorbent universal socks are the best choice for industrial applications. The general purpose absorbent socks absorb both oil and water base liquids and drips. The socks can be molded around leaky equipment, machinery and drums to stop spill before these spills reach walkways and present an immediate hazard.

2) Use slip resistant industrial matting in areas where a smooth floor presents a hazard. Provide safe footing in work areas use matting that grips the floor for safe walking.

Absorbent industrial matting provides good protection by drawing and trapping liquids into the inner highly absorbent melt blown layer. Work areas can be lined with absorbent mats to keep them dry, comfortable and non-slip.

3) Make good housekeeping a priority. Cut liability exposure to slip and falls. Eliminates possible EPA fines for polluting if improper cleaning techniques are being used. You improve the appearance of your facility by eliminating unsightly oil spills. The first step in keeping work areas safe is keeping them free of liquid spills and hazards.

There are several cost effective solutions available to create a safer workplace. Providing a safe floor surface in the work areas with industrial matting is a win-win situation.

Metal Finishing and Vibratory Deburring

2007-05-16T05:44:00.000-07:00

While at first glance vibratory deburring & metal finishing may seem somewhat a niche market it should be noted that every coin, window stay, button, knife, fork, spoon, turbine blade, hip joint or indeed an enormous range of mass produced metal, plastic and even (in some cases) wooden components are vibro finished.

The UK has been the home of vibratory deburring & metal finishing systems. These machines are also a standard solution for the manufacturing community internationally.

It is now common-place to find a vibratory deburring / metal finishing machine adjacent to laser cut, waterjet cut and CNC milling operations.

The benefits of being able to take stillages of sharp edged laser cut or waterjet cut, CNC milled components and make them clean, bright and ‘handable’, at a consumable cost in the region of £1 / £2 per stillage, are numerous.

Vibratory finishing machines rarely breakdown and the uniformed results are easy to duplicate time after time.

With the latest machines coming complete with sealed for life bearings and the fabrications being stressed relieved these machines require nominal levels of maintenance.

Along with the traditional deburring of metal pressings and casting applications the latest consumables from the PDJ Vibro range of can now improve surfaces from 0.2 ra to 0.03 ra.

Given the above it is clear to see why the medical, motor sport and aerospace industries have depended on this process for decades.

How it works. The vibratory finishing machine consists of a process chamber (usually lined with a protective rubber or polyurethane) which is mounted on springs and on a base. The process chamber is most frequently circular with a centre plate on which the motor is mounted.

The motor is fitted with top and bottom weight segments that are off-set by 90 degrees. When the motor is running normally at 1500 rpm the process chamber vibrates.

Circular bowls. The vibration causes the media (abrasive / polishing chips) in the process chamber to move in a torroidal (corkscrew) action. This action causes the media to affect the surface of the components. Given the correct media, levels of water, chemical additive and time this process will produce results ranging from light deburring / edge breaking to radiusing, burnishing, super-finishing, descaling, degreasing and corrosion inhibition.

Circular bowl vibratory deburring & metal finishing machines were first introduced over 40 years ago and now represent the vast majority of sales as the design ensures part damage can be avoided and that a flap and screen can be operated to separate the component from the chips / media.

Vibratory troughs Due to the shape vibratory troughs remain the ideal solution for processing longer / larger components like turbine blades, curtain poles, cylinder blocks etc. Should large components be delicate, divider plates can create compartments giving separate chambers which completely eliminate the potential for part on part damage.

Industrial Metal Adhesives - All about Metal Adhesives

2007-05-10T04:18:00.001-07:00

Industrial metal adhesives include hot metal adhesives, epoxy adhesives, polyurethane adhesives, sealants, thermoset adhesives, UV curing adhesives, silicon adhesives, acrylic adhesives, and other chemical adhesives. Basically, these are the components that make up the various types of adhesives that are used in industries to bond metal together. The names not only reflect the chemical makeup of the various adhesives, but also their adhesion properties. Depending on the type of bond that is sought after and what types of metals are being bonded, a specific type of adhesive will be used.

Acrylic adhesives are known for their excellent environmental resistance, which means they can stand up to a pounding in extreme weather conditions, such as rain, sleet, or frost. Also, compared to other resin-adhesives, acrylic adhesives have a fast setting time for jobs that need to be finished quickly. Cyanoacrylates, more commonly known as super glue, is a type of acrylic adhesive that cures instantly on contact through a process that involves surface moisture. If bonding metals together that will be placed in high temperatures, the types of adhesives that would work best for the job are Phenolic, melamine, and urea formaldehyde resins. These are thermosetting bonds that are strong and will hold up for long periods of time when exposed to intense heat. This is a popular adhesive for bonding industrial parts, since they are often exposed to these high heat levels.

Polyurethane adhesives offer a strong bond, but it’s one that includes a great deal of flexibility. These types of industrial metal adhesives also perform well on durability tests and have a high level of impact resistance. Rubber and silicone adhesives are also offered as sealants. The rubber examples of these offer the most flexibility when needed. The silicone-based adhesives and sealants, on the other hand, are more rigid and offer a high degree of durability, in addition to resistance to high temperatures.

The previously mentioned adhesives are all defined on their chemical makeup. There are others, however, that are defined by their adhesion properties. These include hot metal adhesives, pressure sensitive and contact adhesives, thermoset adhesives, and UV curing adhesives. Hot metal adhesives can be softened by exposing them to heat and hardened again by cooling off. This allows for repositioning of metal parts in case a mistake is made, or if finite measurements need to be in place. Thermoset adhesives are set into place and cured using heat or a mixture of head and pressure. Finally, UV curing adhesives use ultraviolet or other types of radiation to cure, offering a permanent bond that doesn’t need heat to set.

There are plenty of industrial metal adhesives to choose from. You simply need to decide what the job is and what special requirements the bonds need to have. Whether they need flexibility, extreme tolerance to heat, or if they need to stand up to harsh weather, there is an adhesive out there that works well with just about any condition.

Learn Why Workplace Safety Is So Important

2007-05-10T04:17:00.001-07:00

American workers in the United States are provided the safest working conditions. In spite of the stress and tedious types of work performed, the government works tireless to insure that the place you work is free from dangerous elements that threaten you health as well as your life.

The government has not always been as benevolent to the working class. but as society evolved, so did the concern for human beings who was often injured or disabled in work related accidents. To provide guidelines and regulations to protect the safety of workers, OSHA was established.

The regulations that govern workplace safety are under the auspices of The U.S Department of Labor and enforced by federal law and OSHA. OSHA was established as the result of The Occupational Safety and Health (OSHA) Act in 1970 and amended in 1990. The overall goal of the Act is to insure that employees do not suffer harm from occupational exposure.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), has several key responsibilities including:

* Developing and issuing occupational safety and health standards and regulations
* Conducting investigations and inspections to determine the status of compliance
* Issuing citations and proposes penalties for noncompliance with the regulations
* Performing public education and consultation

The enforcement of the OSHA’s safety and health standards is implemented by individual state agencies. But this act applies to virtually all private employers in the United States. If the employer has more than 10 employees, The statutes of the OSHA laws bind them. Federal and state employees however, are exempt from direct coverage.

OSHA’s attention focuses on environmental contamination in the workplace. The standard for toxic and hazardous substances is specifically outlined in OSHA. The exposure limits are provided in terms of 8-hour averages as well as 15-minute short-term exposures.

Section 201 states. "Environmentally preferable" means products or services that have a lesser or reduced effect on human health and the environment when compared with competing products or services that serve the same purpose. This comparison may consider raw materials acquisition, production, manufacturing, packaging, distribution, reuse, operation, maintenance, or disposal of the product or service.

In addition, a series of requirements are placed on employers to provide protection, training, information, and monitoring of employees potentially exposed to hazardous substances.

Two other standards are of relevance to the chemical industry: The process safety management (PSM) standard (29 CFR 1910.119) is designed to prevent or minimize the consequences of catastrophic releases of toxic, reactive, flammable and explosive chemicals.

The PSM rule requires employers subject to the rule to have an emergency action plan which specifies the procedures for reporting fires and emergencies.

The rule covers, among other things, emergency response operations for releases or threat of releases. Covered employers must develop an emergency response plan which includes emergency alerting and response procedures.

In addition to OSHA’s specific standards, section 5(a)(1) of the OSH Act also contains an enforceable general duty clause, which covers situations for which no standard exists. The clause requires employers to provide a place of employment, which is free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to employees.

It is important that both employers and employees understand the scope and purpose of OSHA statues. By being informed, the workplace becomes safer for the employer, employee and the community at large.

Travis Zdrazil is a successful businessman who has been part of a successful partnership since 1985.

With over 10 years of business experience Travis uses his business expertise to select and supply businesses with products and information to aid in EPA and OSHA Regulations in the areas of:

* Storm water pollution
* Pollution Prevention & Control
* Other industrial, commercial & environmental issues.

Concrete Ingredients: Cement & Mineral Admixtures

2007-05-10T04:16:00.003-07:00

What is Portland Cement?
Portland cement (PC) is the principal binder that, upon hydration and setting, holds aggregates (coarse and fine) together in concrete. It has the ability to stand in water and increase its strength over time. This ability elicits the term hydraulic cement for this type of cement.

What is the Composition of PC?
PC is a manufactured product formed within narrow confines of specific elements and subjected to heat treatment to form a semi-finished product called clinker. Raw materials used include: Limestone, Shale, Iron Ore and Sand.

The principal elemental ingredients in the raw materials are:
• Calcium Oxide (CaO)
• Silicon (SiO2)
• Aluminum Oxide (Al2O3)
• Iron Oxide (Fe2O3) in addition to other elemental oxides.

It is possible sometimes to have all these elemental oxides in some limestones. Where the principal source, limestone, is deficient in any of the elemental oxides then the other ingredients are added in the right proportion in preparation for the manufacturing process.

The latter process comprise of three phases:
1. Grinding the materials into a powder form
2. Heating the powdered material in a kiln up to about 2700°F
3. Grinding the clinker formed with gypsum to form PC

When PC is mixed with water either to form a cement paste or concrete, in a process called hydration, a chemical reaction takes place and for simplicity sake two principal products are formed: 1) calcium silicate hydrate, C-S-H and 2) calcium hydroxide

Calcium Silicate Hydrate (C-S-H) is insoluble in water. It gives the title hydraulic to set PC’s ability to stand in water without any detriment. Calcium hydroxide is soluble in water and leaches out of set concrete and in a two step approach first, the solution is drawn to the exterior wall of the structure and secondly, react with carbon dioxide of the atmosphere to form chalk, the white, efflorescence salt found on concrete walls.

MINERAL ADMIXTURE - Mineral admixtures used in concrete formulations contain oxides of silica and other oxides that are found in Portland cement. Examples of mineral admixtures include fly ash, silica fume and volcanic ash.

Mineral admixtures used in concrete may be referred to as Pozzolans, or materials that won’t harden in water but in the presence of lime, react and harden to form a stone-like mass.

One important use of mineral admixtures in concrete is the ability of the silica component to react with the soluble calcium hydroxide formed in the hydrating cement to form an insoluble calcium silicate hydrate thus helping to form a dense, compact concrete/cement paste.

Concrete formulated with mineral admixtures are not likely to form efflorescence salts. The use of mineral admixtures in concrete helps resist sulfate attack and alkali-silica reactivity. In the fresh concrete the presence of mineral admixtures often improve the workability of the mix.

Precision Metal Stamping

2007-05-10T04:16:00.001-07:00

Precision metal stamping sounds like a difficult process to describe. The main goal of this article is to simplify the intricate details of this process. The topics of this article will include describing what precision metal stamping is and how it works, the types of materials used for the stampings, what types of equipment is involved in the process, the five main techniques used to create the stamping impressions and what types of products can be created using precision metal stamping.

The definition of precision metal stamping is simply the process of creating lettering, three-dimensional parts and other surface definitions onto metal surfaces. The stamping works by using extreme pressure to force various forms and dies onto the metal materials. When the stamp is removed, the lettering, forms and dies are immutably engraved onto the metal. Stamping can be performed on a number of different materials (such as cement or plastic) however; the most ordinary stamping material is metal. Some of the more common types of metal that receive stampings include copper, aluminum, steel, titanium and alloys.

There are numerous types of equipment used in precision metal stamping varying from a simple manual press to a more engineered and computerized die processor. Some of the more complicated processors involve multiple stages of pressing throughout the fabrication of the item. Some of the more engineered models can stamp with speeds up to an impressive 1,200 strokes every 60-seconds. The size of the equipment may be as large as 600 tons.

There are five main techniques used in precision metal stamping. These techniques include fourslide and multislide stamping, deep drawing, fine blanking and wireforming. The fourslide and multislide stamping both incorporate horizontal die presses from numerous directions, either synchronously or consecutively. The result of this stamping technique is impressions on many (or all sides) of the metal material. The deep drawing technique is used to create impressions of depth using a punch. Usually the depth is in excess of the width (for example, a cup created from a piece of flat metal). The fine blanking technique involves the metal material being sheared smoothly throughout the entire depth of the material. The wireforming technique stamps metal into “wire” shapes, such as springs, clips, rings or specialty pins. There are other techniques used, but these five are the most common that manufacturers use to produce metal stamping products.

The final product of precision metal stamping can be something as simple as a clip, spring or metal ring. The process of stamping is also used to create more complex items, such as telecommunications and appliances. Precision metal stamping offers the consumer many choices – choice of metal, choice of impression or dies used, choice of the equipment used to create the product and more.

Explosive Chemicals - How Dangerous are They?

2007-05-10T04:13:00.000-07:00

Enter at your own risk! The flammable hazard signs with their bright red flame graphic and danger wordings say it all. You are now entering a restricted area...

Many people have a natural fear of chemicals that catch fire easily. In fact, I know of some people who became so nervous whenever they have to come into the chemical areas that they lost their concentration and fumble about with their activities, visibly shaken. It is as if the whole place is going to explode in their faces anytime.

However, if this natural fear is allowed to paralyze us, there will not be any oil refinery, oil wells or even petrol stations anywhere. Industrial processes will literarily grind to a halt. People will be so afraid to handle these chemicals in their work.

This article tries to eliminate this natural fear by explaining the properties of flammable chemicals so that people will treat flammable chemicals with respect but not with fear.

Flash Point

Chemicals that are flammable will usually have a low flash point. What is this low flash point? It's the temperature at which the chemical will give out fumes sufficiently enough to catch fire when a lighted flame is brought near to it.

This means that a chemical having a lower flash point than room temperature will give out fumes capable of catching fire even though it is stored at normal room temperatures.

Thus, gasoline with flash point of -20 degree Centigrade will already be able to catch fire at normal room temperature if a light flame is present, while kerosene with flash point of 38 degree Centigrade will not burn when it is kept at a room temperature of 30 degree Centigrade.

Well, that's not totally correct either. In order to burn, three things must be present at the same time: fuel, oxygen and heat. When we talk about flash point, we are talking about the heat to generate sufficient gaseous fumes that can burn, but the chemical will not burn until a higher temperature is reached. That temperature is the ignition point.

Ignition Point

The ignition point can be reached if a lighted flame is brought near to the combustible fumes, or it can be from a sparking electrical contact or even from sparks produced from mechanical impact. Very often, it can even come from sparks generated by static electricity.

Even when all these conditions have been reached, fire will not start if there is not sufficient oxygen to support the combustion. This is a very important factor to consider especially when storing flammable chemicals.

Explosion Limit

Have you heard of the expression, too lean mixture or too rich mixture? If you have been messing around with diesel or petrol engines, you will certainly know about this. Garage mechanics know that if the fuel in the engine is either too lean or too rich, the engine will not start. What does this mean?

Diesel and petrol engines burn fuel very rapidly. The combustion of the fuel is so rapid that explosions occur inside the engine cylinders rather that slow burning like in a gas stove.

The explosion of the fuel-air mixture is what gives it the power to move pistons that will turn the crankshafts of engines.

Back to the issue of getting the right combustible mixture...

There is a range in the fuel-air mixture ratio that is just right for explosions. If the ratio is out of this range, no explosion can occur. Too lean mixture is when the amount of fuel is not sufficient to burn. Too much air, too little fuel.

When the fuel percentage increases further, the Lower Explosion Limit or LEL is reached. This is an explosive mixture.

If the fuel percentage increases further, it will reach a fuel-air mixture ratio that is too rich to support combustion, i.e. too much fuel, too little oxygen. That point is the Upper Explosion Limit or UEL. Both the LEL and UEL are expressed in percentage by volume.

So any percentage between the LEL and the UEL is within the explosive range. This is the explosive range that we have to control. In this range, fuel is present, and air is present. We have to be very careful not to have a spark or hot spot.

Let's have a hypothetical scenario. When a flammable chemical with low flash point is spilled in a room, the fumes will evaporate and fill the room. When the mixture has reached the Lower Explosive Limit, the whole mixture in the room is capable of exploding when a source of heat is brought in. This can be in the form of an electric spark, as when someone switches on the light.

If the chemical is left for a sufficiently long time, it will fill the whole room and saturates the atmosphere. The mixture then becomes too rich for combustion. It has reached the Upper Explosion Limit and the mixture will not explode even when a spark occurs. But this situation can turn dangerous when a person opens the door and switches on the light. The oxygen coming from the opened door may be just sufficient to bring down the too rich mixture to become an explosive mixture.

With this understanding, which do you think will be more dangerous: a tank full of flammable chemicals or a tank with only 1/4 full? If you are not sure, the answer is the 1/4 full tank. With both tanks having the same chance of being heated, the 1/4 full tank has more empty space that can contain oxygen whereas the full tank almost inevitably will be too saturated with the fuel and don't have sufficient oxygen to burn.

But what happens when a chemical in a full tank has to be pumped out?

Inert Gas Systems

On tanker ships, whenever crude oil or other flammable oil is pumped out, the space occupied by the oil must be replaced, otherwise, there will be a vacuum formed in the tank. This makes it impossible to pump the oil out further. To avoid atmospheric air from being sucked into the tank and creating an explosive mixture, inert gas is led into the tank at a slightly higher pressure than atmospheric.

This inert gas, containing mostly carbon dioxide and nitrogen, is generated from the burning of fuel in the steam boilers. This inert gas is pumped into the tank by means of blowers. The oxygen content in the exhaust gas must always be monitored. Usually it is around 5% and does not support combustion. To prevent corrosion and contamination of the oil, the exhaust gas is cleaned by passing them through a scrubber system. In this case, eventhough the tank may be nearly empty, the atmosphere above the chemical does not contain oxygen and there is no explosive mixture.

Explosion Proof Fittings

In these types of flammable chemical storage areas, care must be taken to avoid sources of heat that can trigger an explosion. To avoid sparking, flammable chemical storage facilities will have to follow certain safety standards with regards to installation of explosion-proof and intrinsically safe electrical fittings, lightings, wiring and earthing.

Handling of flammable chemicals need not be dangerous if we take the necessary precautions to avoid conditions that can cause fires to occur. So far, we have talked about engineering control only. The other aspect of control is people. They must be competent.

Prior knowledge, training and proper engineering design is necessary in order to avoid problems.

Precision Metal Component Manufacturing

2007-05-08T04:31:00.001-07:00

Precision metal component manufacturing provides us with numerous products, yet many of us have no idea what “precision metal component manufacturing” actually means. The goals of this article are to particularize the process, explain the various methods of component manufacturing and provide examples of products created using precision metal component manufacturing.

The general term “precision metal component manufacturing” can refer to numerous methods of production. Some of the methods include laser cutting, press brakes, spot welding, precision grinding, sheet metal fabrication, shearing, straightening and more. However, the most common methods of production are the precision metal stampings, CNC (computer numerical control) fabrications and assembling of the finished products.

One of the most widely known methods of manufacturing is the precision metal stamping. This process involves engraving lettering, three-dimensional parts and other surface definitions onto metal surfaces. The stamping works by using extreme pressure to force various forms and dies onto the metal materials. When the stamp is removed, the lettering, forms and dies are immutably engraved onto the metal. Stamping can be engraved on copper, aluminum, steel, titanium, alloys and numerous other types of metal. There are many types of equipment used in precision metal stamping varying from a simple manual press to a more engineered and computerized die processor. Some of the more engineered models can stamp with speeds up to an impressive 1,200 strokes every 60-seconds. The size of the equipment may be as large as 600 tons.

The CNC (computer numeric control) method of manufacturing refers to the use of a computer “controller” which reads the instructions and actually drives the powered mechanical device. These CNC machines can cut curves as easily as straight lines. They can easily create 3-D structures and are more cost efficient than the older methods, because less machines (and humans) are necessary to complete the same products. With the ongoing investments in this method of manufacturing, consumers have seen improvements in both quality and consistency. Another benefit of using CNC is that a product can be produced in smaller quantities (to test the market) and then if production needs increase, the larger demands can be met using precision metal stamping.

The assembling component of precision metal component manufacturing involves completing the project. Each component is individually created using CNC, precision metal stamping or other methods of manufacturing. Then the assembling process is ready to begin. The on-site assembly saves the consumer both time and money (completing the entire project in one process/place).

There are many products assembled using precision metal component manufacturing. Simple items such as metal rings or clips can be created. Some of the more specialty items include appliances, kiosks, telecommunications and even medical supplies. Products produced using precision metal component manufacturing are all around us.

Pallet Terms: Learn to Capitalize on Your Purchases

2007-05-08T04:30:00.003-07:00

There have been many incidents where a wrong product was delivered simply because when ordering the terms were not understood. To avoid such a situation, it is worth the time to learn the definition of pallet terms before you make the next purchase.

Cost-Pass-Through - A cost-share system where the part of the pallet’s cost is passed-through from the purchaser to the receiver of the pallet.

Cost-Per-Trip - Average cost of pallet use for a one one-way trip.

Dynamic Capacity: Capacity of the pallet in motion by pallet handling equipment.

Injection Molding: Process that produces a solid, lightweight product with impact resistance.

Nestable Pallet: Increase storage of empties by 50% and reduces return shipping cost.

Pallet Life - The period during which the pallet remains useful, expressed in units of time or in the number of one-way trips.

Pallet - A portable, rigid platform used as a base for storing, stacking and distributing goods as a unit load.

Pallet Dimensions - When specifying pallet size, the stringer or stringerboard (block pallet) length is always expressed first; for example, a 48" x 40" pallet has a 48" stringer or stringerboard and 40" deckboards.

Rackable / Stackable: Manufactured with reinforced bottom rails for secure stacking and storage on selective pallet racks or in high-density storage systems.

Structural Foam Molding: Process that produces an extremely durable product that withstands heavy loads and high abuse.

Static Capacity: Capacity of the pallet when in stationary position either stacked or on the floor.

Racking Capacity: Capacity of the pallet with an evenly distributed load on unsupported rack beams.

What You Need To Know About Mercury Spill Kits

2007-05-08T04:30:00.001-07:00

There are two types of mercury that pollute our environment. Methyl Mercury is more hazardous to humans and other animals than elemental mercury. The sources of methyl mercury are unknown. It is believed that methyl mercury is the result of bacteria that modifies elemental mercury and escapes from landfills into the air.

Elemental mercury, found in urban storm water sediment is the result of fluorescent light, electrical switches, thermometers and other mercury containing devices that are not disposed of properly.

Mercury is very dangerous to humans. The vapors from Mercury affects the nervous system. The lungs, kidneys, skin and eyes are all affected by Mercury. Mercury can have disastrous effects on fetuses and affect child development.

Mercury is used is a wide variety of applications. Some of the most common places where Mercury is found includes:

* Light switches (Mercury conducts electricity)
* Paints. (Mercury gives paint its color)
* Thermometers
* Remote batteries. (Mercury is used to store energy in batteries)

Mercury is a dangerous element for human to breathe. The problem is that Mercury scatters very easily and the vapors are colorless and odorless. Exposure can occur without anyone being aware of the danger. Exposure can occur when thermometers or fluorescent bulbs are broken.

When Mercury vapors are inhaled, Only 7 percent of the absorbed mercury is exhaled from the body. The balance of the Mercury is absorbed into the body causing irreparable damage.

Mercury Spill Kits are the best defense against mercury vapors. These kits are designed to contain all of the necessary equipment to contain, clean and dispose of a mercury spill. Designed for smaller spills, this kit includes vapor suppressors, a mercury aspirator, personal protective equipment, and mercury disposal containers and an instruction booklet. The mercury spill kit is portable, durable, and requires no mixing.

To quickly and effectively contain a Mercury Spill do the following:

* Use personal protective equipment gear before starting a cleanup. Protective gear includes gloves made of polyethylene or nitrile rubber, splash goggles and chemically resistant aprons should be worn when working with or around mercury.

* Use a Mercury monitor to determine mercury levels in the air.

* Check Mercury levels before, during and after cleanup.

* Mercury should be scooped together. Pick Mercury up with a syringe, pump tube or scoop.

* Put Mercury into a closed container to eliminate further emissions.

* Use sponges or powders to pick up any mercury that is left. and help suppress vapors.

* Sweep the entire area with a special vacuum - Do Not use a regular vacuum

* After cleanup test for emissions to ensure all of the mercury has been removed.

* Waste containers with sealable lids must be used. Containers must be labeled appropriately for proper handling

It is almost impossible to have no exposure to Mercury because it is almost a staple in our air. However in close quarters when a Mercury spill occurs, the amount of Mercury vapors is extremely dangerous. Taking quick effective action using a self contained Mercury Spill Kit will curtail the amount of vapors and environmental damage.

Develop Products Faster Using Proven Rapid Prototyping Technologies

2007-05-08T04:29:00.000-07:00

Manufacturing technologies have advanced geometrically over the past twenty years. And rapid prototyping techniques have grown even faster. In all most every process that is used to make components, a complimentary process has been developed to make prototypes and short production runs.

Aluminum die casting has been the process of choice for the majority of high volume applications for decades. Volumes need to exceed 50,000 pieces per year. So what if you have a new product that you want to launch with 5,000 units and it involves several aluminum castings per product?

Is there a way to produce these components on a limited tooling budget?

Fortunately there are numerous processes for producing prototype and low volume precision castings. Several of the processes are:

1) Plaster Mold Casting

2) Graphite Mold Casting

3) V-Process Casting

What are the advantages of these processes? Precision castings that simulate the die casting method can be produced for a fraction of the upfront(tooling) costs required for die casting. Plus these methods have high volume production capabilities. All of the processes are capable of producing 100 units and then with the same tooling, can be ramped up to higher volume of 2,000 to 5,000 piece production runs.

These methods are also fast. Castings can be produced in 1-2 weeks if necessary.

These precision casting methods can produce components with .100 - .125 " wall thicknesses, with a surface finish of 125 rms. They then can be machined to your required dimensions and tolerancing.

Saving Lives & Preventing Injury On Construction Sites

2007-05-08T04:28:00.001-07:00

Did you know that 6 construction workers die every day in the US, from largely preventable accidents? However, there are many safety precautions that can be taken, let's look at a few of the most important hazards and precautions for them:

Air Purifying Respirators

These can be worn to prevent inhaling toxic fumes and particles from painting, sandblasting, road construction and more. Using a filter or blower method to keep breathable air around the head, they do not provide oxygen. Use of these can help keep workers lungs clear and healthy.

Asbestos

About 10,000 people die each year due to asbestos related diseases. While most uses of Asbestos have been banned, Asbestos is still used in some roofing panels and packing gaskets. If you will be working with Asbestos, great care should be taken. Use a respirator, but also use a HEPA vacuum to remove additional particles from the air. Make sure to wear throw away clothing, which you can remove and throw away after your exposure to Asbestos. If you'll be removing Asbestos, many states recommend or require that you leave it to a professional or have a professional on hand to make sure you are removing it correctly and safely. With such a dangerous material, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Back Injuries

Back injuries account for about 25% of all construction site injuries. If you do any type of lifting, pulling, lowering, carrying etc, you are at risk for a back injury. However, you can protect yourself by using carts, forklifts, dollies and hoists whenever possible. Also, if materials weigh more than 50 pounds, get another worker to help you. When lifting, keep the materials close to your body and try not to twist yourself. When you pick something up from the ground, try to support yourself by leaning on something and don't bend over, instead make sure to kneel, on a pad if possible.

Electrical Safety

Every year, about 140 people are killed on construction sites due to electrocutions. Before working, make sure to contact your local electric company to make sure they will turn off or insulate any overhead or underground power lines near your site. Make sure to lock out or tag out any machinery or equipment you will be working on. Also, make sure only qualified persons will be working on the electric and most importantly, that the current is turned off. Stay clear by at least three feet from all live electrical equipment. Keep metal or conductive objects away from any electrical equipment or circuits. Only qualified persons should replace items like fuses and circuit breakers.

Fall Protection

Thousands of construction workers fall each year, more than 300 of them die. Whenever guard rails or nets aren't available, you can use personal protective equipment including personal fall-arrest systems, fall restraint systems and work positioning systems. With each of these systems, you'll need a full body harness. Always make sure the harness is strong and safe, it should be inspected regularly.

Heavy Equipment Safety

Over 100 people are killed each year by heavy equipment. Only trained and experienced workers should operate heavy equipment, and operating, safety and shutdown procedures should be reviewed and followed every time heavy equipment is used. Always check and inspect equipment and controls before using.

Saving Lives & Preventing Injury On Construction Sites

2007-05-08T04:28:00.000-07:00

Learn The Importance Of Using Industrial Safety Products

2007-05-04T02:55:00.001-07:00

Industrial safety products are designed to be used within industrial facilities to improve the health and well being of workers and the environment.

Occupational health, safety and environmental professionals work together to control environmental health hazards that arise in the workplace or the community. Absorbents and drain guard products can provide storm drainage containment, secondary containment and ways to clean up oil spills with spill kits to protect public health and safety.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports "In 2001 there were 5,900 workplace related fatalities and 5.2 million nonfatal injuries and illnesses reported. That is a rate of 5.7 injuries per 100 workers, less than half of the 1973 number of 11 injuries or illnesses for each 100 workers".

Industrial safety products keep workers, their families, and the community healthy and safe. These products play a vital role in ensuring that federal, state, and local laws and regulations are followed in the work environment.

What are the Benefits of Industrial Safety products

Workplace safety products when combined with an onsite safety and health program make a huge impact in the number of occupational fatalities, injuries, and illnesses that occur in the workplace.

Since the Occupational Safety and Health Act was passed in 1970, workplace injuries and illnesses declined significantly.

Anti-fatigue matting provides an additional level of protection and comfort for employees who must stand on their feet for long periods of time; Other benefits include:

* Promotes employee wellness.
* Immediate increase in productivity and employee morale due to work place comfort.
* Guaranteed reduction of exposure to prolonged cold, heat and vibration,
* Reduces spinal compression.
* Increases circulation.
* Ergonomically designed guaranteed reduction of back, leg, foot and ankle fatigue

List of retail applications for anti-fatigue mats can be found in different facilities and institutions including:

* Restaurants
* Retail Stores
* Hospitals
* Shopping Malls
* Offices
* Automobile Dealerships

Industrial Safety products cover a wide range of categories. The goal of each product is to prevent illness or injury from hazards in an industrial settings. They may also be found working to prevent ergonomic injuries in the office as well on the manufacturing floor.

These products may be used to aid in the disposal of extraneous liquid materials and have value in other areas of safety. Industrial safety products may include a wide array of products that sample air, soil or water quality to determine if there are harmful substances present in the environment.

Having industrial safety products like Spill Kits or industrial sorbents onsite to meet emergency needs is a beneficial decision that some companies overlook. For those industries that produce extraneous liquid materials that may be hazardous to the environment, a drain cover and seal kit are important. A drain cover seal & spill blocker can be used quickly for emergency spills.

Industrial Safety Products save lives, improve quality of life, and increase productivity. A worker who feels safe is a happier worker. Happy workers are more productive Small additions of industrial safety products can mean big gains in attendance and reduction in injuries. Companies benefit from a comprehensive industrial safety overview that focuses on safety and productivity of workers.

Important Details About Battery Acid Spill Kits for Industrial Plants

2007-05-04T02:54:00.003-07:00

“Facilities shall be provided for flushing and neutralizing spilled electrolyte, for fire protection, for protecting charging apparatus from damage by trucks, and for adequate ventilation for dispersal of fumes from gassing batteries.”

Battery acid spills pose safety and environmental threats. Leakage of the lead and sulfuric acid found in batteries contribute to worker injuries, fire, hydrogen explosions, and groundwater and soil contamination.

Due to the damaging effect acid has on eyes, skin and mucous membranes, acid spills can pose a serious danger to human health. Prolonged exposure can even cause life threatening injury.

Proper spill containment is a requirement for safety and environmental safety. Adhering to the OSHA guidelines is not only environmentally sound but provides protection against business liability. To ignore battery containment procedures and regulations altogether is environmental and business suicide. Being prepared for a hazardous and dangerous battery acid spill is critical.

To protect employers and employees from battery acid spills, spills and acid debris a battery acid spill kit not only makes compliance easier but this precautionary measure protects the health of the environment and employees.

The following supplies should be available in your facility to protect employees and the environment from battery acid spills. A Battery Acid Spill Kit should be placed in strategic locations within the facility for quick response to leaking or spilled battery acid (electrolyte). The Battery Acid Spill Kit is also effective for clean up of dry cell batteries.

If there is a battery acid spill in your location, the following precautions and response is required.

* Trained employee should double-bag the leaking battery in polyethylene plastic bags
* The spilled battery acid should be cleaned with disposable wipes or Hazmat Pads
* The materials are considered as hazardous waste and should be placed in an acid debris waste accumulation container.
* Clean-up debris would also contain lead and would have to be managed as such, not just as an acidic waste.
* Weather-resistant pen or marker for marking used or damaged batteries with the date they were taken out of service

The Battery Acid Spill Kit Contains:

*quarts of liquid or dry acid Neutralizer
*Hazmat Pads
*gloves
*A poly apron
*Scoop
*Trigger sprayer or shaker
*Goggles
*Disposable bag

As an additional safety precaution, there should be an eyewash station in the immediate area where there is a likelihood that a acid spill might occur.

Facilities should be stocked with specialized spill kits that provide a quick and easy clean up solution for hazardous materials. Plant managers must have the training and materials to deal specifically with battery acid. Battery acid spills must be treated immediately to prevent injury.

Batteries and their component parts are classified as waste. In addition, all lead-acid motor vehicle batteries are classed as hazardous waste and must be disposed of according to EPA guidelines.

Travis Zdrazil is a successful businessman who has been part of a successful partnership since 1985.

With over 10 years of business experience Travis uses his business expertise to select and supply businesses with products and information to aid in EPA and OSHA Regulations in the areas of:

* Storm water pollution
* Pollution Prevention & Control
* Other industrial, commercial & environmental issues.

Fine Bubble Diffusers and Flow Boosters Explained

2007-05-04T02:54:00.001-07:00

Often fine bubble diffusers are installed in the same tank with flow boosters. This is the case for the Oxidation Ditch process, for example. Care must be taken to place the diffusers far enough from the boosters and calculations of oxygen transfer efficiency should consider the effects of the boosters.

Diffusers should be place no closer than 20 ft (6m) from the discharge of a flow booster. On the suction side, the booster should be protected from cavitation, hence it is recommended to follow booster manufacturers' recommendations to ensure that they are protected.

The effect that boosters have on fine bubble diffuser efficiency depends on the density of the diffusers. Generally, the less dense the diffuser array, the less impact the flow boosters will have on SOTE (standard oxygen transfer efficiency).

When membrane diffusers are placed densely in a grid the air bubbles produce a "wall" of air. This can sometimes cause short circuiting of the water which is trying to flow through it.

On the other hand, in sparsely arranged grids, the presence of horizontal channel velocity from the boosters tends to mitigate the tendency for bubbles to spiral as they rise (which often happens when diffusers are placed far apart in the absence of flow boosters).

In general, boosters are a negative for SOTE (standard oxygen transfer efficiency), but the extent to which they negatively affect SOTE depends on the layout. Pay close attention to your 3D CAD designs before applying your build. Designers should take care to spread diffusers out in the basin insofar as possible to avoid short circuiting.

Material Handling Equipment: Efficiency Guaranteed!

2007-05-04T02:53:00.001-07:00

With numerous advanced equipments near at hand, work had never seemed so easy! Efficient machinery for carrying out difficult tasks is a must-have for any industry operation. Whether moving material within the yard, loading processing equipment or packing trucks and railcars with processed materials for transport, the goal is efficiency and productivity. All these tasks pertaining to the heavy industries have now been rendered easy with the availability of material handling equipments. These equipments are efficient enough to perform some really heavy jobs expected of them.

In order to select the right kind of material handling equipment, you need to understand the kind of function you want it to perform. Material type, size and density are among the primary considerations when selecting material handling equipments such as skid steers and wheel loaders. These loaders are most often used in combination with a bucket for material that is smaller and more uniform in size, yet dense and heavy. A recent concept in the field of material handling equipments is that of automated material handling systems. Introduced around 1950's, automated material handling systems have been in use in some of the most crucial parts of industry operations.

Material handling equipments have been a boon to all the heavy industries that require huge amount of workforce as well as other resources. Use of manual labor is not only time consuming but also has an added risk factor. Prior to the introduction of material handling equipments, heavy industries used to employ manual workforce in large numbers. But reports of numerous accidents have brought to light the hazards of employing manual labor to carry out such risky tasks. This is one of the major reasons for the increase in the use of material handling equipments by heavy industries in recent times.

At the same time, it is very essential to analyze the various sectors of your organization before venturing to access the services of material handling equipments, especially the automated ones. A stable corporate structure, Operating requirements, Order characteristics, Unit load size, Carton size, Location network configuration are the prerequisites for hiring the services of an automated material handling system. If your company stats are stable, then an automated material handling system can be of immense benefit. Not just that, once you begin availing the services of material handling equipments, your performance rate is guaranteed to take a leap within a couple of months. So get ready to buy the material handling equipment that suits your industry requirements and solve all your problems related to efficient material handling.

Non-Woven Textile Market - An Introduction

2007-05-04T02:52:00.000-07:00

Non-wovens are defined as flat structured fabrics, such as sheets or webs, not made by weaving but by bonding and entangling fibers by means of mechanical, thermal or chemical processes. The major non-woven technologies now available, are needle-punching, thermal-bonding, air laid, spun-bonding, melt blowing and spun lacing/ hydro-entanglement.

The non-woven materials produced under these processes are extensively used for technical applications such as surgical gowns, diaper cover stocks, automotive linings, and military applications such as decontamination wipes and geo-textiles such as insulating tank/lake bunds. India, firmly well-established in commodity textiles such as apparels/made-ups at the rear of its tough cotton economy, has to promote itself into high-value products such as technical textiles/non-wovens. Non-woven textiles inside the overall technical textiles is likely to grow globally at an average 8 per cent, with the Asia-Pacific region being expected to show a vigorous 9.6 per cent annual escalation rate between 2006 and 2009.

The world production of non-wovens elevated from 2.16 million tones in 1994 to 4.43 million tones in 2004 with a probable value jump from $9 billion to $15.9 billion, correspondingly, during this period. Europe and North America, which had the lion's share of 1.35 million tones and 1.16 million tones, respectively, in 2004 world production figure of 4.43 million tones, may give way to the Asia-Pacific region, which is projected to increase its non-woven products productivity from 1.02 million tones in 2004 to 1.67 million tones by 2009.

At present, the total volume of non-wovens produced from India is estimated at 35,000 tones, as compared to China's non-woven product output of 7.55 lakh tones (China is a dominating force in non-wovens among the Asia-Pacific region and the third largest non-woven producing region after America and Europe because of life-style changes, the rising middle-class, and its economy).

Corona Surface Treatment Allows For Effective Printing On Plastic Film And Substrates

2007-04-30T02:59:00.001-07:00

With corona treating, the goal is to increase the materials surface energy to provide wet ability and adhesion. But, treating a plastic film or substrate can be ineffective when the system is not properly run and maintained. So you must be aware of how to effectively process the various materials or substrates.

Over or under corona treating can transfer too much energy to a plastic substrate which is where a lot of problems could occur when printing or converting of plastic material. When attempting to obtain satisfactory printing results on under treated material can result in the use of excessive amounts of ink in an effort to try to make up for the low treatment levels. Over treatment can result in damage to the material itself as well as problems with the plastic film or plastic tubing blocking together.

Poor ink adhesion, or low dyne levels can occur. How you can establish a good starting point is with the power level. You begin by working your way u until the anticipated dyne level is achieved this is done through quality assurance checks of the plastic film. Once the power level is established for the given product at the given speed, note the power level so when your next time you run the same material and machine speeds you will have a set standard and can be assured of desired repeatability.

Plastic film converters can achieve proper treat levels through trial and error. Testing protocols which include adhesion and bond strength measurements at a variety of power levels should be used to determine the acceptable power level for each substrate or material type, material thickness, and even material suppliers are all variables which can impact the appropriate power level. Once determined, the appropriate power settings should become a permanent part of the job specification.

Accurate web tension effects plastic film treatment which if not controlled properly can cause variances in surface treatment. With too much tension the material can wrinkle or snap whereas a lack of tension creates air gaps between the material and roll. In both cases the material can become unevenly treated. Also can cause another problem called backside treating.

Materials that do not come in close contact with the treater roll under the electrode or back up roller can affect the treatment process. Wrinkles in the material or air getting trapped under the material can result in some treatment of the back side of the material which will result in reduce treatment level in respect to the top part of the material and may cause the material to stick together or block.

There are ways to ensure proper tension is to consider nip rolls as they will eliminate concerns with developing an air pocket between the back up roll and the plastic film. Also in some cases you may want to have a spreader roll or a crowned roll to help eliminate any wrinkles especially at higher production speeds.

Maintaining the surface treatment equipment is very important to help reduce long production downtimes. Proper cleaning of the equipment will reduce this downtime.

Many materials tend to clog up or coat the electrodes or air take away systems for example materials like slip and other additives during the corona treatment process.

The material acts like dirt and can be deposited on the rollers or electrodes. The dirt build up can contribute to producing backside treating causes high and low spots on the treater roll which allows for air gaps that changes the variance in the levels of treatment.

Changes in Spray Painting

2007-04-30T02:58:00.004-07:00

Over the years, changes have been made in the spray painting industry. New technology, advancements, and improvements, new laws and regulations, and more concern over pollutants are the forces behind the changes.

There are basically three qualities of spray paint equipment in the market:

1. Industrial Usage. Super heavy-duty equipment used daily, spraying an average of 50+ gallons per day.

2. Commercial Use. Heavy-duty equipment for businesses, used to spray houses, apartments, warehouses, etc.

3. Home and Hobby Use. Light duty usage. For occasionally spraying a house, a room, furniture, etc.

It’s possible that the traditional air-atomize spray painting gun often known as a high pressure paint gun that is the root of the industry will be essentially eliminated in the next ten years, to be replaced by spray guns that offer higher transfer efficiency (TE).

Under pressure from environmental authorities to lessen smog-causing volatile organic chemicals (VOC) emissions and from management to lower costs and improve efficiency, spray painters are changing their equipment-buying habits.

For most that purchase new spray painting equipment, TE is an important factor because of cost and environmental reasons.

Higher transfer efficiency (TE) eliminates pollution at its source and is especially important from a health and safety standpoint. Paints and coatings contain many potentially harmful chemicals—including isocyanates, solvents, and pigments. Concern for air quality from releases of volatile organic chemicals (VOCs), like paint thinners, have prompted several state and local governments to take action. Breathing these dangerous chemicals can have negative effects on your health.

Transfer efficiency rates the ability of spray-painting equipment to put paint on the parts being painted rather than allowing it to escape as overspray or in other forms of paint waste.

If conventional air-atomize spray is used, it is possible that only 20 percent of the paint becomes a coating on the surfaces being sprayed, and 80 percent is wasted. That’s wasted paint, wasted money, and more pollutants. The paint isn't the only cost associated with poor transfer efficiency. Spray booth cleanup costs often equal the cost of the paint. Plus the fact that you may end up with waste that is either difficult or very expensive to dispose of.

In short, many are switching spray paint equipment for two important reasons-money and health.

To improve TE and lessen VOC’s people have been switching to:

· HVLP
· Electrostatic Spray
· Air-Assisted Airless Spray
· Powder Coating
· Waterborne Coatings
· High-Solids Coatings

High Volume Low Pressure (HVLP) paint sprayers are light, mobile, and provide a finish far superior to even your nicest paintbrush. They also make the job go faster and are less tiring than painting by hand.

HVLP is a variation of conventional air-atomize spray. The difference is that these guns are designed to atomize paint using a high volume of air delivered at low pressure. The lower pressure results in far less overspray and bounce-back. The HVLP spray gun has advantages over the rest: Better transfer efficiency results in less paint waste and lower cleanup costs. The exact TE depends upon the circumstances in your installation the booth design, spray techniques, the mix of parts, etc. However most experts agree that HVLP offers significant improvement. Operators that are used to conventional guns generally find it easy to learn how to use HVLP. It is much easier than painting by hand. Being light is also a good advantage. It’s easy to carry around, reach up or down, and to change positions.

Painting with an HVLP spray gun significantly reduces over-spray and as a result: Minimize the releases of toxic chemicals, helping protect you, your co-workers, and your shop's neighborhood and reduces the amount of paint you need to refinish a car goes down, saving your shop many dollars in paint costs.

Research has shown that HVLP spray guns can achieve far greater transfer efficiency (over 60% with good technique) than conventional spray guns. Higher transfer efficiency means less of what you don't want: paint overspray, mists that a painter might breathe, emissions to the community—and more of what you do want: savings on paint and an improved bottom line!

HVAC Maintenance

2007-04-30T02:58:00.003-07:00

Does HVAC Maintenance Pay For Itself?

Most people would not even consider not changing the oil in their vehicle. Maintaining your HVAC system is no different. By getting involved in a quality maintenance program you will reduce energy costs, extend equipment life, optimize comfort conditions and increase system reliability. Just knowing your equipment is operating safely is a peace of mind in itself.

Many businesses use what I call “the breakdown maintenance program.” In other words “I’ll worry about it when it breaks.” We all know this almost always happens at a inconvenient time like when it’s 20 below zero or 95 degrees in the shade. This way of handling things is also very hard on your equipment and may decrease the life of it by as much a half. Maintaining is much cheaper than replacing.

Here are some of the savings you can expect from a quality maintenance program:

Adjusting operating sequence of equipment 25-35%

Cleaning Coils 5-15%

Changing dirty air filters 10-15%

Removing scale from condenser coils 25-30%

Adjusting air/fuel ratio of burner 15%

Cleaning burner assembly 15%

Removing soot from fire side of burner 9%

Eliminating V-belt slippage and pulley alignment 15-20%

Not to mention the money saved in break down service calls.

So if your not already set up with some type of HVAC maintenance program you may want to seriously consider talking to your local HVAC contractor about getting set up with a program to meet your needs.

Automatic Doors For Security And Pleasure

2007-04-30T02:58:00.001-07:00

Automatic doors and good secure access control used to be two totally different types of door entry systems. With modern materials and high-tech design it is possible to combine access control and automatic doors without compromising security, yet still maintaining entry systems that are pleasing to the eye. When we talk of security in the same topic as entrances, it often relates to safety and fire as well as access control.

In many places we almost expect doors to open for us as we approach public and commercial premises. Shopping centres and most high street stores now tend to specify automatically opening doors in one description or another - simply to make life easy for customers to enter the premises. From a commercial point of view they can help determine pedestrian traffic numbers and conserve energy.

Whilst temperature adjustment and door entry systems are usually combined it allows the customer to come in from the British weather and experience an ambient interior, low cost energy automatic doors now allow for this luxury with excellent pay-back results.

Automatic low energy swing doors represent a real innovation for the automatic door industry in the UK, it is the an automatic system for swing doors with dimensions, weight and price closely resembling those of a good manual door closer.

The big difference is that this automatic low energy swing door system has an internal battery, the Push & Go function is useful in situations where sensors and other detection devices are unsuitable, the automatic system is particularly suitable for use where disability access is required or indeed the premises are used by people with mobility problems.

It is designed for a maximum load of 80 kg, with a door leaf of 1000 mm and an opening speed of 3 to 5 s in conditions of heavy duty and for a maximum weight of 90 kg with a 1200 mm leaf in conditions of light duty.

To open the door, simply push the bar - the motor does the rest. advanced electronics using the latest generation of microprocessor controls that have an integral intelligence which automatically performs the necessary adjustments and 'teach-in' during commissioning.

The safety photocell barriers are checked before every closing movement. This regular checking of the door not only ensures that the door is operating efficiently at all times but also means that the door is safer to use.

The automatic folding door has various applications in retail, industrial and commercial areas.

The Automatic folding door is ideal for doorways where there is limited space for a door to slide or swing. It is often called a "space saver" door because it occupies the minimum of the clear opening and extremely little in depth. This makes it especially suitable for narrow door openings, passageways and where space is restricted. The automatic folding door is available in two and four leaf versions, it is made to measure for a perfect fit and offers a range of finishes.

Revolving doors have often been the hub of many situation comedy sketches since the day they were invented. Although they might invite reflections from the lighter side of life, automatic revolving doors really do combine all of the convenience of any traditional style automatic door together with a list of energy conservation advantages.

They can be set to revolve constantly at a slow pace so visitors may enter and leave, without the need to push, perfect for supermarkets. This ' hands free' automatic revolving door is often the favourite choice with supermarket giants like Asda and Tesco.

They can be built made to measure to ensure in any size to suit all types of applications. Take high-traffic locations where added space is required to aid a smoother flow of groups of people with anything from grocery carts to medical emergency equipment. Despite the non-stop appearance, sensors do stop the revolving mechanism if someone stopping or an article causing a blockage obstructs it.

By the very nature of automatic doors, there is a very important decision that must be made, that of which Automatic Door Engineer do you choose to install it. Because automatic doors offer easy access to anyone, they are popular by demand and skill is required to fit them, more than any other type of door.

Take for example disabled people, they experience dreadful problems simply by using manual doors, this situation could be made worse by poor door and access designs and the use of heavy door closers or indeed wrongly adjusted sensors. Some may be set so that they are not triggered by children and pets, yet a person in a wheel chair may also go undetected, or indeed get trapped in an automatic revolving door because of the speed calibration.

There are some 6.4 million disabled people in Britain so replacing your manual doors with new automatic doors or low energy doors will certainly allow the opening and closing of doors without physical effort, thus eliminating an obstacle for disabled people and their carers.

Not only is there growing awareness of the need to improve our access and facilities for disabled people, but also changes in the law, such as The Disability Discrimination Act 1995, has led to new building regulations and the demand for improved standards of access to public buildings.

Heat Pumps - General Overview

2007-04-30T02:57:00.001-07:00

Heat pumps are part of every day life these days. You might not always recognize a heat pump when you see one, but at this moment, heat pumps are working hard in your home, making life more enjoyable.

While tooling around the house, you may turn on the air conditioner if it's too warm, or during colder seasons, you might turn the temperature up on the thermostat. Something cool and refreshing from the kitchen, or indulging in some tasty baked goods?

All of these are examples of how heat pumps help make a home more comfortable, and life more livable every day. A heat pump is basically any device that moves energy in the form of heat from an area of higher temperature to an area of lower temperature, and vise versa.

How does a heat pump work?

Probably the simplest illustration of how a heat pump works can be found with any home refrigerators.

If you've ever wondered how a refrigerator works, the mechanics inside can vary, but the principals are the same. Refrigerators simply remove heat from the items placed inside - it moves heat from inside the compartment to the outside. The resulting effect is that anything inside the fridge gets cold.

Thermodynamic laws dictate that temperature in any environment tends to normalize amongst each object in that environment. In keeping with this, we can better understand - a warm object placed inside a refrigerator among cold objects will eventually equalize in temperature.

So a thermal heat pump - refrigerator in this case, works by transferring the warmth of objects inside to the outside. This explains why you may have noticed the back and sides of your refrigerator are warmer than the other surroundings in your home.

Air conditioning - another example

Another good example of a heat pump is the air conditioner.

Just like a refrigerator, an air conditioner gets quite warm outside the room, while it pumps cool air inside the room. Window mounted room units give off a warm breeze of air outside as do separate AC condenser units used in central AC installations.

You can also find examples of heat pumps in nature, but to best understand the idea of heat pumps, the simplest understanding can be gained with our two examples above. When thought of in terms of a heat pump, air conditioners and refrigerators make the idea clear.

The thermal heat pump is an invention of great significance for the modern age. You might not think of things like refrigerators and air conditioners as heat pumps before, but it's hard to imagine life before these modern day devices were invented.

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Truck Wash?

2007-04-25T04:14:00.002-07:00

Many folks want to build a truck wash and then start making a business plan. They go look at a truck wash and then think to themselves, well I can build something like that cheap enough. Get a steal building, put down some concrete, buy some equipment and suddenly I am in business right? Sure, in theory.

How Much Does it Cost to Build a Truck Wash? Well, down and dirty somewhere between $225K to $400K not including property. I have seen them done cheaper, but generally by the time it is completed it comes out to a heck of a lot more. And once you build a truck wash you want to be sure it makes money to pay off all those loans and the ROI on the property too. But what about the cost of the truck washing services? Well consider about $28.50 to $35.00 average ticket. Now most truck washes get a good $45 to $ 55 for a tractor trailer rig, but due to some local fleet deals, some bobtails and full price combos the average is generally lower. As the Founder of the Truck Wash Guys often new entrants into the market will ask me questions about the industry for instance this recent question;

"The truck wash model appears very compelling. Do you have any rules of thumb as to what I should expect to pay to build one, what ticket average I might look for, and how much I can expect to drop to the bottom line?"

The answer is that these costs vary by region and it is not such a simple answer. Although I do hope you learned a little bit from today’s discussions? I certainly hope this article is of interest and that is has propelled thought. The goal is simple; to help you in your quest to be the best in 2007. I thank you for reading my many articles on diverse subjects, which interest you.