Shear panels, also known as shear walls or braced panels, are walls designed to resist lateral stresses caused by earthquakes and high winds. They are constructed by bolting side supports to the exterior framing of a building, along with interior joists in the floor and roof. Shear panels must be strong and rigid to be […]
Surgical stainless steel is a specific grade of stainless steel used for medical instruments and jewelry. It contains higher amounts of chromium, nickel, and molybdenum for durability, hardness, and compatibility with the human body. It is highly resistant to corrosion and bacteria, making it ideal for surgical equipment and implants. It is also commonly used […]
Safe playground surfaces are made of shock-absorbing materials like shredded rubber, sand, or fiberboard. Surfaces made from recycled rubber and PVC materials are also safe. Loose materials require frequent maintenance and replacement. Rubber mats, tiles, or poured-in-place surfaces are low maintenance but more expensive. Regular maintenance is important, and guidelines for playground safety are available […]
A bench assembly is a sub-assembly created off the assembly line at a workstation, often requiring extensive individual attention. Henry Ford created bench assembly to save time in the total assembly process. Bench assembly is used in woodworking, hydraulic systems, and plumbing components. The benefit of using benchtop assembly components in complex manufacturing processes is […]
Spade bits are used for drilling large holes in wood. They consist of a shank with cutters and a spike. Pilot holes may be necessary, but self-feed bits eliminate this need. Other alternatives include hole saws, auger bits, and multi-spur bits. Spade bits can be easily filed to create custom sized holes and are affordable […]
Independent Power Producers (IPPs) generate electricity for sale to utilities and may sell to end users. They do not focus on transmission and may pool resources to negotiate prices. IPP prevalence varies globally, and they lease or build transmission facilities. Utilities benefit from buying energy at wholesale prices from IPPs and can adjust production to […]
Fire suppression systems use water, inert gases, or chemicals to put out or prevent fires. They can be automatic or manual and may pose safety risks. Water is commonly used in sprinkler systems, while inert gases are used in sensitive areas. Chemical systems may be used when water or gas is not safe. The purpose […]
A UV test measures exposure to ultraviolet light and is used for commercial purposes such as determining color fastness in products like paint and fabric, as well as for photo stability in pharmaceuticals. UV detection is also used for human health to prevent skin cancer and sunburn. A UV test is a test for measuring […]
Sandblasting uses air pressure and materials to clean and prepare metal surfaces. A blasting system includes an air source, blast cabinet, dust collector, and blasting medium. Sandblast cabinets come in various sizes and designs for different jobs, and some have built-in units for convenience. Safety is important when using blast cabinets. Sandblasting is the use […]
A charter party bill of lading is issued by the charterer of a ship and contains information about the cargo and transportation terms. It differs from a liner bill of lading, which is issued by the ship’s captain. The charterer assumes responsibility for the cargo and signs the bill of lading. The charter party bill […]
Baseboard diffusers are slatted grilles that cover vents and direct airflow. They come in metal or wood with various slat designs and adjustable hinges. Choosing the right size and direction of slats is important. Material and style choices depend on the room. Wooden diffusers should have thicker slats to withstand warm air. A baseboard diffuser […]
Slaked lime, or calcium hydroxide, is used in building for various applications. It is made by combining lime gypsum or limestone chips with water and can be used as a binder, cover coating, or component in walkways or mosaics. The recipe involves adding water to raw gypsum of lime and heating it to thicken. It […]
Building hoarding is a temporary fence used for security reasons on construction sites. It ranges from webbed plastics to solid boards and can have printed panels for advertising. It reduces the risk of injury and theft, and contractors can hire companies to install, maintain, and remove it. Building hoarding is a temporary fence used to […]
Polyurethane insulation is a closed cell material that resists heat transfer, reduces air pollutants and mold growth. There are three types: MEPS, XEPS, and liquid foam. MEPS and XEPS can be laminated with coatings and used in construction or refrigeration. Liquid foam expands to fill small spaces and is moisture and flame resistant. Polyurethane insulation […]
A junction box protects electrical or telecommunication connections and is made of heavy-duty steel with a watertight interior. They are common in low-density areas and industrial areas, and can be found in commercial and residential buildings. They divide internal systems and aid in billing and surge protection. A junction box is a metal box that […]
Resin adhesives are synthetic polymer compounds that form a strong bond when mixed with a curing compound. They are resistant to temperature, humidity, UV damage, and moisture. They are used in various industries, including construction, marine, and aircraft, and require precise mixing ratios and ventilation due to containing volatile organic compounds. To understand what a […]
The well bay on a drilling platform provides access to the well and accompanying equipment. It can accommodate one or multiple wells and is regularly inspected for safety. Workers wear appropriate safety gear and receive training to work safely on site. A well provides an access point to a well and accompanying equipment on a […]
The Kroll process converts ore into titanium metal, which is used in various industries due to its strength and lightness. The process involves removing impurities from minerals such as rutile and ilmenite. William Kroll developed the Kroll method in 1938, which involves passing chlorine gas through rutile to produce titanium tetrachloride. The titanium tetrachloride is […]
Building restoration is the process of restoring a listed building to its original appearance using original materials and construction techniques. Governments often sponsor restoration for cultural heritage preservation, but funding can be insufficient. Restoration can be categorized as preservation, rehabilitation, restoration, or rebuilding, each with varying levels of labor intensity. Building restoration is a process […]
Remediation companies specialize in solving problems affecting society, such as mold or environmental hazards. Environmental remediation companies focus on large-scale environmental issues, while others specialize in small spaces like homes or offices. Prices vary depending on the services needed, and it’s important to research a company’s policies and credentials before hiring them. Remediation companies do […]
