Track bolts are used to attach railway track rails to concrete anchors. They consist of a threaded bolt, nut, and lock washer to prevent loosening due to vibrations. Hardened steel is used to ensure strength and prevent rust. The bolt is inserted into the rail anchor through a mounting bracket and secured with a lock […]
Chemical waste from manufacturing plants, labs, and households may be hazardous and requires proper handling and disposal. Legislation varies internationally, with the US and UK having specific regulations. Improper disposal poses risks to the environment and people. Specialized disposal services are used, with most waste incinerated or treated chemically before being disposed of in a […]
Air separation plants use cryogenic distillation to separate atmospheric air into its component gases, including oxygen, nitrogen, and argon. The process involves cleaning, compressing, purifying, and cooling the air, before distilling it in a column to produce liquefied gases. These gases are used in various industrial processes and can be transported in liquid or gaseous […]
Reinforced masonry is strengthened with other materials to increase resistance to stress and deterioration. It is commonly used in exterior walls with steel rods inserted into cinder blocks or clay bricks. It also offers noise reduction benefits and must comply with local building standards. Reinforced masonry is any type of brick, concrete, or other masonry […]
Wire mesh is a metal material with interconnected wires used for various applications. Welded wire mesh is commonly used in concrete construction, while stainless steel mesh is used in transportation systems and food processing plants. Fine mesh is used for filtering in various industries. Wire mesh is a material made up of several interconnected metal […]
Machine screws are small screws designed to be fastened into an existing threaded hole in a metal surface with a matching nut. They come in different sizes, head shapes, groove types, lengths, materials, and thread characteristics. The type of slot in the head determines the type of screwdriver needed. The thread characteristics follow ISO standards, […]
A mixing valve combines hot and cold water to produce a safe temperature. Thermostatic mixing valves are used as safety devices to control hot water temperature and prevent scalding. Water stored at high temperatures can cause thermal shock, so the maximum safe temperature for domestic systems is 122°F. Thermostatic mixing valves have a central thermostat […]
Double acting actuators provide bi-directional actuation for secondary mechanisms, powered by electric motors or compressed oil and gas. They are ideal for high torque loads in both directions, while single acting actuators deliver power over half of their actuation output range. A double acting actuator is a mechanical device designed to provide powered bi-directional actuation […]
Calcination is an industrial process that uses high temperatures to change the properties of solid materials such as minerals, metals, and ore. It is used to remove impurities, improve conductivity, and remove water. The process is used in various industries, and can involve materials other than calcium. Examples include clay, waste metal products, and petroleum […]
Pyrometallurgy is a process that uses high temperatures to produce machinable compounds, purer metals, and alloys. It includes drying, roasting, melting, refining, and alloying. Fuel or electricity is needed as a heat source, and non-reactive materials are used to avoid explosions. Pyrometallurgy is a process by which minerals and metals are heated to produce a […]
Titanium rods, made of pure titanium or a blend of alloys, are commonly used in orthopedic surgeries. The type of rod used depends on the patient’s injuries and needs. Expandable rods are best for children, while non-expandable rods may require repeat surgeries and stunt growth. A titanium rod is a titanium rod; the rods can […]
Security hinges prevent theft and vandalism by making it difficult to remove doors by tampering with the hinges. They can be used on external doors and have fire ratings. Features such as flanges and set screws hold the pins in place. Installing security hinges may require retrofitting. Consider weight and fire resistance ratings when choosing […]
Blast furnaces are used in iron smelting, with a tower shape and safety doors for feeding raw materials. They combine coal, iron ore, and flux to produce pig iron, and have remained largely unchanged since the Middle Ages. Blast furnaces are still an important part of the steelmaking process and are relatively inexpensive to operate […]
Thermoplastic resin is a polymer that becomes fluid when heated and solidifies when cooled, used in molding processes such as injection molding to create consumer products. It dates back to the mid-1800s and is commonly used in polyethylene, polypropylene, polyvinyl chloride, polyester, polystyrene, and polycarbonate. Injection molding is the most common use, but it can […]
Pack rolling is a process used to produce multiple sheets of thin film simultaneously, with advantages including the ability to use conventional rolling equipment and increased tenacity. The process is commonly used to produce aluminum foil for various industries and results in a shiny and dull appearance on either side. Raw sheets must be oiled […]
Dual voltage electronics can recognize and use American and European currents without a transformer. It’s popular in portable devices and will eventually be the standard. Check for a stamp or tag specifying “110V-240V” and never force a plug into an outlet. Dual voltage is a term used to describe any type of electronic device manufactured […]
DC power supplies have a positive and negative terminal, with the positive terminal receiving a positive electrical charge. The polarity relationship is marked by the universal color code and symbol, with correct polarity essential for connecting DC devices to a power supply. Reverse polarity can be used to change device operation, but failure to observe […]
Drill rods made of high carbon steel are used to make various tools and bearings. They come in different diameters and can be water or oil-hardened. Water-hardened rods are easier to work with but not suitable for welding, while oil-hardened rods are tougher and can be welded. Hardening is done by heating and cooling the […]
A magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) drive uses an electromagnetic field to accelerate a charged fluid, creating thrust without moving parts. The Lorentz force can be harnessed for propulsion in spacecraft, but requires a lot of power. MHD motors are reliable, efficient and quiet, but require a heavy on-board generator that burns diesel. MPD thrusters have extremely high […]
Electroplating is an electrochemical process used to coat objects with a thin layer of metal. It has various applications in industries such as jewelry making, automotive, and electronics. The process involves placing a negative charge on the object, dipping it in a saline solution of the metal, and controlling the thickness of the plating by […]
