Boilers, or boiling houses, were once common in factories for boiling large quantities of liquid. They were traditionally made of stone or brick and used for mass production of processed foods like sugar. Slaves often worked in them, suffering injury or death. Today, modern devices have replaced boilers for efficiency, cost, and safety reasons. In […]
A macerator pump breaks down wastewater before sending it to the sewer, allowing for smaller diameter piping and reducing installation and maintenance costs. It requires electricity to operate and can become clogged by certain materials. Homeowners should pay attention to alarms and keep the access point clear for technicians. A macerator pump pulverizes the wastewater […]
Fancy diamonds are naturally colored diamonds that are rare and valuable. They can be yellow, green, blue, brown, orange, pink, or red. The intensity of the color is graded, and the cut, clarity, and carat weight are also important factors in determining their value. Most colored diamonds on the market are artificially colored. Fancy diamonds […]
Water can be hard or soft depending on the amount of minerals it contains. Hard water can taste better for drinking, but can leave mineral deposits on dishes, clothes, and hair. Soft water is better for cleaning and can increase appliance efficiency. Water is evaluated by its dissolved mineral hardness, measured in grains per gallon […]
Strontium chloride is a stable metal salt with limited uses, including toothpaste for sensitive teeth and as an additive in cosmetics. It has a higher toxicity than calcium chloride and can decompose in the presence of water. Strontium 89 chloride is used as a pain reliever for cancer patients, while strontium ranelate is being studied […]
Whitetopping is a process where a layer of concrete is applied to existing asphalt pavement to extend its life and improve appearance. Different approaches are used depending on traffic levels, with bonding achieved through texturing or a thin layer of concrete. Fiber reinforced concrete can add strength, and building codes determine thickness. Proper mixing and […]
Wooden pencils are made using a process that dates back to the 1600s. Graphite and clay are mixed to form the lead, which is extruded and superheated. Cedar wood slats are cut and grooved, then glued together with the lead. The sandwich is cut into individual pencils, painted, stamped, and fitted with a ferrule and […]
Pulleys consist of a wheel and a belt, rope, chain, or cable to reduce the force needed to lift a load. There are three types of simple sheave sets: fixed, movable, and compound. Pulley assemblies are used in manufacturing, mechanical, industrial, and automotive industries, and can be found in everyday items like bicycles. Each part […]
The cost of production includes resources used in manufacturing goods, such as labor and overhead. Monitoring costs helps companies maximize resources and profits. Increases in costs are investigated to determine the source and if action is needed. Calculating production costs varies by country and industry. The cost of production is the cumulative total of resources […]
Heat resistant plastic is made of polymers created from petroleum and hydrocarbon atoms. Polymerization creates two types of plastics: thermoplastics and thermosets. They can be molded into various products, including engine components and fire fighting equipment. Thermoplastics can be recycled, while thermosets are heat-resistant and used in high heat applications. Additives can improve material properties. […]
Screws have grooves along the shaft to create a secure bond with materials. The screw thread can differentiate screw types and determine where to use them. Screw size and pitch are important characteristics to consider. Screw thread sizes are measured using UTS in the US and ISO worldwide. A screw is a type of fastener […]
Lime wash is a diluted lime putty that can be applied to various surfaces. It can be colored and adds a thin layer of protection while enhancing the look underneath. It is not a permanent cover and has been used for thousands of years as a coloring technique that becomes part of the material. Lime […]
Rough cut capacity planning is a technique used by manufacturing companies to test the viability of their manufacturing production schedule (MPS) before production begins. By comparing required resources to available resources, companies can modify their MPS or add resources to meet production goals. This process helps reconcile management goals with the capabilities of those doing […]
A sand sieve is a tool for sorting particles by size, used by gardeners, scientists, and industries. Sand sieve analysis determines the composition of sand or sediment. Sieves are sold in standard sizes and designated by the number of holes per inch. A sand sieve is a tool for sifting through sand or other particles […]
A drawing board is a tool used in metalworking and wireworking to cold work metal and wires using pressure instead of heat. It can transform flat metal pieces into various shapes and is used in the process known as wire drawing. The bench-shaped table can allow a worker to carve metal in seconds and is […]
Diethylene glycol (DEG) is a versatile organic compound used in various industrial applications, including polyurethane plastic manufacturing, natural gas production, and as a solvent. It is also used in tobacco and cork manufacturing, printing inks, and glues. DEG has a high flash point, low freezing point, and high boiling point, making it useful for cooling […]
Various methods are used to control water flow, including faucet flow control valves for households, safety valves for industries, and steam condensers and storage tanks for cost-effective water flow. Prevention is key to avoiding high bills from leaks, and modern technology makes it easy to control water flow. Faucet flow control valves can save up […]
A voltage transformer can step up, step down, or transfer electricity between circuits. It relies on mutual induction and is useful in high voltage scenarios. High voltage transformers are used in power grids, while low voltage transformers are used in electronic devices. They can be used to convert voltage for use in different countries. A […]
A story stick is a board or rod used to check repeated measurements in woodworking projects. It is marked in graduated increments and can be made from light-colored hardwood plywood. Story sticks are invaluable for repetitive cuts and can be used to mark the location of obstructions. They can be erased and reused for future […]
Slurry pumps are used to keep solids suspended in water for safe transportation or prevent damage to machinery. They operate on the principle of centrifugal force and come in different designs for light, medium, or heavy slurry weight. They are used in various industrial applications such as papermaking and concrete production. A sewage pump is […]