A pilot hole is a small hole used as a guide for drilling, screwing or nailing. It is used to avoid slippage, cracking or splitting of the surface and to improve accuracy. It is also used as a guide in flatpack furniture. A pilot hole is a small hole created in a surface to serve […]
The building envelope separates the interior from the exterior and includes walls, roofs, foundations, windows, and doors. Its functions are structural support, humidity control, temperature regulation, and air pressure control. Tight envelopes provide better control over indoor air quality, energy consumption, and reduce the likelihood of mold. Loose envelopes allow for natural air transfer but […]
Clack valves allow fluid to flow in one direction and prevent it from flowing back. They use a flapper valve that opens when the upstream pressure exceeds the cracking pressure. They are used in various industries and can be made of plastic or metal. The human body also has trip valves, such as heart valves. […]
A septic system pump removes excess water and waste from a septic tank to ensure proper function. Septic tanks are used for waste disposal when a municipal sewer system is unavailable. Regular pumping is necessary, and control floats and alarms help maintain proper levels. A septic system pump empties excess water and waste from a […]
Scald guards prevent water from getting too hot and causing burns. They should be installed in homes with young children or the elderly, especially in bathrooms and kitchens. Different models are available, including those that maintain a constant water temperature. A scald guard is a device used to prevent the water in the bathtub or […]
Aerobic septic systems use bacteria to break down effluent before release, requiring less space and can refresh conventional systems. Fans keep air moving to allow aerobic bacteria to thrive, but the system can be expensive to run and maintain. Maintenance contracts are often required for public safety concerns. These systems are designed for small-scale use […]
A loose flange is a device welded to the end of a pipe to create one half of a flanged coupling. It allows for the creation of couplings anywhere along the pipeline and is used to complete joints where there is no prefabricated flange. Pipeline construction often uses straight sections of pipe and loose flanges. […]
Air purifiers improve air quality by scrubbing and regulating humidity levels. Pressure washers circulate air over chilled water to remove impurities and add moisture. Air washers use a similar concept with added filters. Efficient devices can reduce energy consumption, and building design can also help. An air purifier is equipment designed to improve air quality […]
Tarmacadam, or asphalt, was invented in 1901 by E. Purnell Hooley to seal macadam roads. It consists of tar sprayed on macadam and pressed with a roller. Although no longer used for paving, it is still used for airport runways and some roads. Macadamized roads, invented by John Loudon McAdam, consist of three layers of […]
A venturi meter measures fluid flow rate using a Herschel venturi tube. Bernoulli’s principle is used to calculate flow rate by measuring pressure before and after the venturi. The tube design reduces head pressure degradation. The formula considers pipe radius, fluid compressibility, and other variables to obtain an accurate flow rate. A venturi meter, or […]
The electrical connection is a safety measure that connects metal components in a building to prevent electric shock. Grounding systems are required in most countries for homes, commercial buildings, and industrial complexes. The grounding system provides a path for high voltage to flow into the ground and protects against short circuits. Without proper grounding, metal […]
Polyurethane mastic is a versatile sealant that can adhere to various surfaces, including wood. It has a long-lasting application and can stretch to accommodate expanding and contracting materials. However, it can be sticky, stiff, and toxic, making it less practical for interior modifications. It may require protective materials during application and solvent-based cleaners for cleaning. […]
The needle feed sewing machine is popular in both domestic and industrial settings due to its ability to produce fast and uniform stitching. Optional components such as feed dogs and presser feet make it easier to use, and it can be purchased with either a single or double needle. Widely used in both domestic settings […]
Roof hoists lift heavy roofing materials onto a building’s roof safely and quickly. The ladder hoist is the most common and uses a metal ladder and a hand crank or motorized hoist system. The swing beam hoist is suitable for larger buildings and can lift heavier loads to greater heights, but can be difficult to […]
Variable capacitors can store different amounts of electricity and are commonly used in radios to tune into different stations. They come in two types, air and vacuum, and can be controlled mechanically or electronically. The main advantage is the ability to adjust the capacitor without needing a different one for each frequency, but the drawback […]
Distribution networks are used to distribute treated water to end users. They are adaptable and interchangeable, making repairs and expansions easier. Newer materials are more flexible and expandable, allowing for growth in communities. Joint openings allow for easy installation of smaller capillaries in the future. In water distribution networks, a distribution network is the source […]
A wrench is a tool used to turn nuts and bolts. A double-ended wrench has gripping mechanisms on both ends. It comes in different sizes and styles, including an adjustable model and an enclosed model. It’s important to choose the correct size for the project. A wrench is a tool used to apply torque to […]
Titanium alloy is a strong, lightweight material made of titanium mixed with other metals. It has many applications, including aerospace engineering, medical implants, and sports equipment. The most common blend is 90% titanium, 6% aluminum, and 4% vanadium. Titanium is extracted from ores and is relatively expensive. The alloy is used in military hardware and […]
A gear actuator uses a worm gear to create motion and is preferred when manual power is used or when power cannot travel backward. It can power various devices and amplify human power. The motion is unidirectional, preventing energy from traveling backward. An actuator is any device that creates movement in a system. A gear […]
Shoe blocks are used in concrete construction and masonry to provide stability and support for the foundation of a building. They can be solid or hollow and are subject to inspection by building inspectors to ensure they can support the weight of the structure. A shoe block is used in concrete construction and masonry applications […]
