Thermal depolymerization breaks down waste materials into crude petroleum products through hydrated pyrolysis. The process is efficient, with an EROEI rating of 6.67, and can handle a wide range of feedstocks. The resulting hydrocarbons can be further refined into different types of fuel oil, while residual solids can be used for various purposes. The process […]
Outgassing is the release of chemicals from various substances, which can be harmful to human health and the environment. Examples include the smell of paint or new cars. Cheap building materials, such as those used in portable classrooms, can also cause health problems due to high outgassing levels. Outgassing or outgassing refers to the release […]
Cantilever brackets are L-shaped metal brackets used to support heavy objects on a wall shelf. They can hold up to 1,000 pounds and come in various colors. They are commonly used to support shelving in garages, computer desks, and televisions. They are more expensive than typical metal wall brackets. A cantilever bracket is an L-shaped […]
Cold welding is a bonding process that uses pressure instead of heat to combine two metals, but not all metals are suitable. It is best for objects in space due to its limitations. Cold welding has been around for thousands of years and can be performed with less force or by raising the surface temperature. […]
Formwork is used to contain concrete for the construction of buildings and structures. It is important for strength and durability, and can range from 3 inches to 20 feet thick. Insulated formwork can reduce heating and cooling costs. After the concrete is set, it is smoothed by hand. Level formwork is important to prevent future […]
Air intakes or vents are important for engines and machinery that require fresh air. They are also used in furnaces, air conditioning systems, and plumbing to prevent blockages and ensure efficient operation. Combustion engines require a metered dose of fresh air for proper and efficient functioning. An air intake is a useful item in many […]
Adhesive coatings, made from bitumen, are used in road construction to help asphalt layers bond together efficiently and withstand constant use. Proper preparation, filling cracks and potholes, and even application are important for success. The underlying bitumen holds the asphalt in place and minimizes the development of cracks and potholes. Adhesive coatings are thin layers […]
Material handling equipment moves goods in factories and warehouses, and includes transportation, positioning, cargo forming, and storage and retrieval equipment. It can impact productivity and profit margins. It may also include systems to track goods, such as inventory control software and barcodes. Materials handling equipment includes all the machinery and devices used to move goods […]
Blister packs are plastic packaging on cardboard paper used for pharmaceuticals and small consumer goods. They have individual compartments and allow for printing of specific information. They prevent tampering but may be difficult for some consumers to open. Other products can also be packaged in blister packs. Blister packs are a specific type of product […]
Actuator stems transfer mechanical output to the device being operated. They are made of metal, plastic, or aluminum, and their design depends on the actuator type and output torque. Actuators are powered devices used in dangerous environments and where space is limited. The drive rod is a physical link between the power output mechanism and […]
Combine harvesters are efficient agricultural equipment that harvest, thresh, and clean grain. They have interchangeable headers and can be used for various grains. They reduce the cost of harvesting and are available from high-tech to animal-powered versions. They have contributed to the industrialization of agriculture worldwide and are one of the main tools of commercial […]
Clean coal refers to making coal mining and power plants more environmentally friendly and efficient. However, carbon dioxide and harmful emissions are still released, and coal is a finite resource. Environmentalists argue that investing in renewable energy is better than investing in cleaner technology for fossil fuels. Coal can be chemically washed to remove impurities, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
