Gold refineries process impure gold to generate pure gold for sale or alloy it with other metals. The process involves smelting, refining, and assaying the gold. Some refineries buy lots outright, while others pay based on the value of the assay. Environmentally conscious refineries control waste and use non-toxic materials. A gold refinery receives gold […]
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 […]
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 […]
The article explains the different types of mirrors, including flat mirrors and silver back mirrors, and how ancient mirrors were made by polishing obsidian rocks. It also describes how modern mirrors can be made at home using silver nitrate and other materials. Commercial mirrors are made using similar techniques, but with more precise methods for […]
The Haber-Bosch process, developed by German chemists Fritz Haber and Carl Bosch, allows for the mass synthesis of ammonia from nitrogen and hydrogen, which is used in artificial fertilizers. The process uses high pressure and high temperatures and was developed due to concerns about the dwindling supply of nitrogenous compounds. It has become the primary […]
Continuous process control is a method used by manufacturers to monitor and adjust mass production variables without interrupting production. Automated systems, such as programmable logic control units, can make adjustments quickly and efficiently, improving production efficiency and standards. Human supervision is still necessary for an efficient process. Continuous process control is a method used by […]
Process control refers to methods used by manufacturers to ensure consistency in output. Process control systems include statistical quality control, data acquisition, and distributed control systems. These systems aid in startup operations and monitor the production process to identify defects and ensure compliance. Process control is a term used to describe the different methods applied […]
Water desalination removes minerals from sea or brackish water through processes including reverse osmosis, thermal distillation, and electrodialysis. These processes use membranes, heat, or electrical charges to trap unwanted salt and minerals, leaving fresh water behind. Other processes include solar humidification, membrane distillation, and freezing. Water desalination is the process of removing minerals from sea […]
Process engineering combines physics, biochemistry and mathematics to develop effective manufacturing processes in various industries. Professionals may work as consultants or directly for facilities to improve production methods, equipment, and safety while maximizing profit and minimizing environmental impact. A bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering or a related field is typically required. Process engineering is a […]
Plastic recycling involves sorting, washing, and melting plastic into pellets that can be used to make different products. Plastics are sorted by type and may be sold or put in a landfill if they can’t be processed. Recycling doesn’t necessarily reduce the demand for virgin plastic but can save other resources. Many people wonder what […]
Business process architecture is a fixed design that outlines the specific tasks, people, information, and location required to complete a task or activity. It helps companies create a repeatable plan for future tasks and activities, review corporate governance, and manage costs and growth. Business process architecture is a blueprint that allows a company to create […]
Kerosene can cause problems due to its strong odor, but it can be deodorized by adding paraffin oil, denatured alcohol, or sassafras oil. It can also be filtered through activated carbon or mixed with powdered limestone to remove the odor. These methods can make camping trips more enjoyable. Kerosene may not have the popularity in […]
Auto assembly lines install parts onto a moving vehicle chassis in a specific order, allowing the vehicle to be rolled away from the plant. Invented by Henry Ford, it lowers the cost of mass-produced products. Special departments install the engine, transmission, interior, doors, and tires. Final assembly puts gas in the vehicle and checks for […]
Nylon is a synthetic polymer used in clothing, rope, mechanical parts, and more. It is made through a chemical process that combines acid and amino groups, then heats and spins the resulting polymer. The material can be blended with other fibers and molded into various products. Nylon was first used in World War II and […]
A process layout organizes similar processes or machines together, while a product layout organizes equipment according to sequential steps. Designing a process layout involves needs and location analysis, followed by a block layout and a detailed layout. A process layout is more efficient for low to medium speed manufacturing and custom work. A hybrid layout […]
Mechanical pencils are made in assembly factories using manual assembly or plastic molding. Design specs are reviewed before production, including color and size. The barrel can be made of plastic, metal, or rubber. The tip and lead advance mechanism are made by a metal forming company and assembled with the barrel. The eraser is added […]
In Bali, children’s names are based on birth order, with four names for the first four children and the addition of “Balik” for additional children. Exceptions exist for high social status or occupation. Nicknames are also common. This system helps Balinese understand someone’s background and position in society. Bali is an Indonesian island known for […]
The peroxide process produces hydrazine, used as a chemical intermediate and rocket propellant. It reacts hydrogen peroxide with ammonia in the presence of a ketone. The process is more environmentally friendly than the Raschig process, which creates salt as a byproduct. Hydrazine is used in the production of blowing agents, as a gas scavenger, in […]
Cheese is a diverse dairy product made from curdled milk. Rennet is added to milk to separate the curds from the whey, which are then drained and pressed to create different types of cheese. The flavor and texture of cheese depend on various factors, including the animal’s diet, pasteurization, and maturation time. Cheese can be […]
Drywall, invented in 1916 by the USGC, is a labor-saving alternative to plaster. Made mostly of gypsum, it is cheap to produce and can be strengthened with additives like paper, cotton, or fiberglass. Drywall is made by pouring plaster paste onto recycled newspaper paper and then cut into panels and dried in a kiln. It […]
