Civil servants work for the government at all levels and in various settings. Government jobs are highly competitive and require passing tests and background checks. Public officials are graded and promoted based on qualifications and performance. Job seekers should research agencies and acquire necessary skills. Civil servants are people who work for the government. As […]
Pontoon lifts are used to keep boats out of the water while docked. They come in two main designs: vertical and cantilever. They prevent dirt stains on pontoons and protect boats from damage caused by waves and collisions with docks. Pontoon lifts are devices used to hold a pontoon boat up and out of the […]
Reticulated foam is a light foam with dodecahedral cells used in various applications, from medical equipment to outdoor furniture. It is made through a structured and controlled process that involves an explosion. It can also be used for crafts, but finding small sizes can be challenging. Its open cell design makes it ideal for all-weather […]
Natural hazard disclosure is a document that informs buyers if a property is located in an area prone to natural disasters. It is mandatory in some US states, including California, which has a comprehensive disclosure law. Failure to report potential disaster areas is considered fraud, and sellers may be held liable for damage caused during […]
A groove plane is a woodworking tool used to make grooves in wood for joints or gaps. It features a small, angled metal blade in a handle that can be adjusted for depth. Grooves can also be made with routers and chisels. The term “rabbet” comes from a French word meaning recess. Groove planes come […]
Sour gas contains hydrogen sulfide in concentrations greater than four parts per million and must be treated before use. Acid gas is a natural gas with high concentrations of acid gases. Both require processing before use, and care must be taken during transportation due to hydrogen sulfide’s corrosiveness. Refineries can conduct tests to determine the […]
Zoning ordinances regulate land use policies for a city, county, or government unit by establishing permitted uses and dividing regions into zones. They distinguish between incompatible land uses and address public safety concerns. Zoning ordinances are constantly amended to reflect changing beliefs and can only be changed when the owner requests a modification. A zoning […]
Unconventional oil is obtained through methods other than conventional drilling, including shale rock, tar sands, and heavy oil. These methods are less efficient and have a greater environmental impact. Kerogen, bitumen, and thermal depolymerization are also used to extract unconventional oil, but pose environmental risks. Unconventional oil is oil obtained in a different way from […]
A lobster pound is a restaurant or food establishment in Maine where fresh lobsters are stored and cooked for consumption. They can also refer to the holding area where lobsters are kept, which can be natural or man-made. Lobster farming establishments have become prevalent in coastal communities, offering live or cooked lobsters and outdoor dining […]
A disc sander is a heavy stationary power tool used to smooth surfaces of materials. It can include a belt sander and other types of sanders. The material is placed on a table and moved to make contact with the sandpaper. The sander can be used on wood, plastic, and aluminum. Safety precautions must be […]
Electric chisels are powered tools used with chisel bits for various applications such as carpentry, wood and stone carving, and construction. They offer faster and more efficient performance than traditional hand chisels, with a wide range of chisel sizes and types available. The percussive action is provided by a reciprocating mechanism, with adjustable speeds and […]
Different types of hoses have specific uses beyond watering plants or washing cars. Braided hoses are reinforced with strong materials, while hydraulic hoses are built to withstand high temperatures and pressure. Pressure hoses are ideal for cleaning large outdoor messes, and hose fittings can connect two shorter hoses. Hose reels are useful for storing hoses […]
Pasteurizers kill bacteria in food, making it safe for commercial sale. They come in different types, including high-temperature, short-time (HTST) and ultra heat treatment pasteurization. Pasteurizers must be kept in good working order, and contaminated parts can spread organisms. Industrial pasteurizers are complex and require monitoring, while home-use pasteurizers are available for limited amounts of […]
Compressor stations are crucial for transporting natural gas through pipelines. They compress the gas to keep it moving, with stations placed every 40 to 100 miles. Skilled workers operate the machinery and monitor for safety. The gas undergoes a cleaning process before being compressed by pumps driven by turbines or engines. A compressor station is […]
Offshore wind farms generate power from wind turbines built in bodies of water, with costs increasing the farther from the coast. The largest offshore wind farm is in Denmark, generating 369 MW, while the UK generates the most wind power. Models are being developed to reduce costs, including floating offshore wind farms. There are currently […]
Oil fields are areas where oil is extracted from the ground using large machines. They are usually located in remote areas and require extensive logistics to set up. Human workers build platforms and machinery and live in self-sustaining communities. Natural gas is also present and used for fuel. Oil fields are located worldwide, with the […]
Water joints are used to join water pipes and equipment while maintaining the integrity of the piping loop. Joints can be permanent or removable, rigid or flexible, and must withstand the same pressure as the rest of the pipe without leaks or mechanical failures. Different types of joints are used based on factors such as […]
A sedimentation basin is a structure designed to remove sediment from water through gravity. It varies in size and is used by mining companies, fish farms, and waste treatment plants. It has an inflow and outflow point, divided into zones, and must be monitored and cleaned regularly. It is used in waste treatment, aquaculture, and […]
Sputtering targets are used in sputter deposition to create thin films, commonly in semiconductor and computer chip production. Targets can be metallic or ceramic and come in various shapes and sizes, including segmented and rotating targets. The effectiveness depends on composition and ion type used. Argon is commonly used, but other noble gases may be […]
Water softener systems remove calcium and magnesium from hard water through ion exchange, but caution must be taken as it exchanges sodium and can harm those on low-sodium diets and plants. Hard water is caused by minerals in groundwater and is measured in grains per gallon. All whole-home water softening systems use ion exchange, which […]
