Smelting furnaces, including dome, induction, electric, hearth, and blast furnaces, are used to transform ores and other materials into iron and other non-ferrous metals. The cupola is the oldest furnace design, while the induction furnace is an advanced design that uses electricity. Electric furnaces use carbon and granite rods to create high temperatures, and hearth […]
Chimneys release combustion by-products into the air, consisting of carbon dioxide, water vapor, nitrogen, oxygen, and pollutants. Smokestacks were originally used to improve combustion, and natural draft is necessary for effective operation. Taller chimneys were used to reduce pollution, but fans are now more commonly used. Chimneys are a type of flue, often used in […]
Compressor surge is a phenomenon where the back pressure of compressed air expelled from the compressor exceeds the maximum capacity of the compressor, causing a sudden and violent backflow of air in the opposite direction to normal flow. This can cause a condition known as compressor stall, which shuts down the compressor and can cause […]
Tyrian purple, historically extracted from Murex crustaceans, was a symbol of royalty due to its difficulty to obtain. The formula for making it has been lost, but synthetic dyes are used instead. The Phoenicians first produced it in Tyre, and it was colorfast and closer to magenta. To make it, shellfish were harvested and processed […]
Water softener resin is a key component of water softening systems that remove magnesium and calcium ions from hard water. It comes in two types and typically lasts 20 years. If a water softener fails, it’s usually not the resin’s fault. A water softener system is often an integral part of homes that have particularly […]
Laminated glass is used for car windshields and in places where safety is important. It consists of two layers of glass with a PVB interlayer that prevents shattering. Invented by French chemist Edouard Benedictus, it was first used in gas mask eyepieces during World War I. The production process involves pressing the layers together and […]
Cooling capacity is the measure of how quickly heat is removed from an interior space. It is rated in BTUs per hour and is related to the size of the space. Air conditioning units are often the biggest energy consumers, so manufacturers have adopted efficient practices and independent groups verify these claims. The Air Conditioning, […]
The term “hardware store” can refer to a traditional ironsmith or a retailer who stocks hardware. The suffix “merchant” comes from a Latin word meaning “merchant or trader” and is seen in similar constructions. Iron products were historically handcrafted by skilled blacksmiths, but manufacturing shifted to more industrial applications. Hardware stores may stock a range […]
Facilities engineers design and maintain systems in manufacturing plants, including utility systems and specialized systems. They work with manufacturing engineers and project managers to determine production machinery and process flow. They oversee ongoing operation and maintenance, and may work on new construction or refurbishment projects. Multiple engineers may be hired to focus on specific aspects […]
Sash clamps hold two pieces of wood together while adhesive is applied. They come in various sizes and are made of steel and iron. They are used in woodworking, carpentry, and furniture manufacturing. They can be purchased at hardware, home improvement, and arts and crafts stores. Budget sets are available but may not be as […]
Tubesheets are perforated plates used to support and insulate pipes in heat exchangers, boilers, and filters. They can be made of various metals or composites and are coated with insulation and corrosion protection. Tubesheets are used in pairs in heat transfer applications and individually in filters. The design process is complex and precise, with computer-aided […]
A junction diode is a semiconductor crystal with two electrical terminals that conducts current in one direction. It can change AC to DC, sense temperature, protect circuits, create and perceive light, and form logic gates. When a forward bias voltage is applied, current flows easily, while a reverse bias voltage widens the depletion layer and […]
Trusses, used in framing structures like decks, roofs, and bridges, come in planar and space designs. Planar trusses use triangles, while space trusses have members extending in different directions. Analysis is performed at the joints, and graphical diagrams are used to calculate stresses. The trellis is an engineering design that dates back thousands of years. […]
A quality control report evaluates the effectiveness of policies and procedures in producing goods and services of acceptable quality. It identifies the product, assesses raw materials, production process, and provides suggestions for improvement. The report helps improve quality, reduce operating costs, and increase profits. A quality control report is a type of evaluation that seeks […]
Accurate mine mapping is crucial for worker safety and involves collaboration between engineers and surveyors using visual readings and computer software. Modern mine maps include information on tunnels, shafts, air flow, water sources, escape tunnels, and nearby infrastructure. Inaccurate maps can pose a danger, so many governments require regularly updated maps. Mining regions also focus […]
An anti-static wrist strap protects computer components from static electricity. It consists of a strap with a resistor that must be in contact with the user’s skin and a cable that attaches to the computer case. It does not protect against electric shock. Manufacturers use specialized equipment to protect components and workers must take precautions. […]
A bar magnet is a rectangular object made of iron or steel that has a magnetic field. Each end is called a pole, one is north and the other is south. They are used to pick up small ferromagnetic objects and have been used for years to demonstrate magnetic fields. A bar magnet is a […]
Retainer plates reinforce injection molds and secure internal parts. They consist of a backing plate and retainer plate, with channels for heating/cooling fluids. Retainer plates support guide and ejector pins, and are used as back cooling/heating elements. A retainer plate is part of the internal injection molding mechanism used to reinforce the mold and secure […]
A hydraulic fall is a rapid decrease in water channel depth caused by natural or artificial changes in slope. It is the opposite of a hydraulic jump, which is a rapid increase in depth. Controlling water discharge can create both. Assessing a channel’s potential for these phenomena is crucial for building locks and controlling flow. […]
Electrostatic painting uses electrically charged powders to create a glossy finish on metals and some plastics. The process involves creating an electrostatic field to attract the paint to the metal object. The paint is sprayed onto the grounded metal object and then fired in a furnace for a durable finish. The process is environmentally friendly […]
