A block is a steel casing with sheaves that assist in lifting loads. It allows for flexibility and safety in lifting operations, facilitates load rotation, and enables the use of multiple hoist sheaves for efficient and safe operation. It can also include peripheral devices for special applications. A block is an assembly to which the […]
Steel mills create steel and iron by heating raw materials in a cauldron. The industry was once booming in the US, but foreign competition, rising costs, and deregulation led to many closures. Working in a steel mill is hard, but pays well. The decline of the industry also hurt other industries like railroads and coal […]
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a tough, chemically non-reactive plastic made from petroleum. It is denser than other polymer plastics due to its linear crystallization structure. HDPE is used in packaging, storage systems, and wood plastic composites. It is not biodegradable but can be recycled. Concerns exist about potential toxins and leeching hazards. High-density polyethylene (HDPE) […]
Executive decision support systems assist business executives in making informed decisions by synthesizing information from various sources into an easily understandable format. These systems are becoming more advanced and accessible to key employees, allowing for a more collaborative decision-making process. An executive decision support system is a type of computerized information system designed to assist […]
Saddle tanks are commonly used in automobiles, with some designs featuring two external fuel tanks, while others have a single tank with dual chambers. They are also used for storing and transporting water or chemicals, and in small steam engines for industrial use. Early submarines used external ballast tanks, but post-war designs moved them inside […]
Boorelu is a sweet Indian dessert made from fried balls of dal batter filled with a mixture of dal, jaggery, coconut, cardamom, and dried fruit. It can also be made with savory ingredients like meats and spices. Boorelu is an Indian dessert that resembles the American donut hole, with decidedly different ingredients. A popular festival […]
HFC gases were developed as a replacement for CFCs, but they contribute to global warming. Scientists are exploring alternatives and working with companies to reduce their release and address environmental damage. An HFC gas is a gas that can be used in a number of different applications. HFCs are commonly used, for example, as propellants […]
A catch basin is a part of a sewer system that traps debris and prevents it from entering drainage pipes. It has a sloping inlet, a grate to trap large debris, and a bottom trap to collect small particles. Regular maintenance is required to prevent blockages. Catch basins can also prevent backflow of gases and […]
A thermal break is a material or trapped dead air that slows or stops the transfer of heat between two materials. It is used in insulation, clothing, windows, and buildings to save energy and prevent heat loss or gain. A thermal break is a low conductivity element placed between any two materials in an attempt […]
Interference fit is a method of joining parts together by creating a joint where the two parts are slightly different in size, creating friction that holds them together. The strength of the bond can be controlled by adjusting the amount of interference. Thermal expansion can also be used to create an interference fit. Proper fit […]
A flanged connector connects pipes and fittings on a flanged pipeline, commonly used in manufacturing plants. It allows for easy disconnection for cleaning and maintenance. Different designs can be used for different sized lines and hoses. Materials used are typically stainless or high carbon steel. A flanged connector is a device that allows many types […]
Extrusion is a process where material is forced through a die to shape it, used in home and manufacturing. Examples include piping bags, pasta makers, and metal, plastic, ceramic, and food products. Extruded foods are a specialty of food science, but there is debate over their nutritional quality. Extrusion, from the Latin past participle extrudere […]
Drilling mud is used in deep well drilling for oil and gas extraction, core sampling, and other purposes. It reduces friction, acts as a carrier for materials, and stabilizes the well. Mud selection and formulation is handled by a mud engineer. The mud is recirculated and screened to reduce waste, but environmental problems can occur. […]
Tape measures are used to measure flexibility in people and materials. They have various models, including handheld devices and larger ones for material testing. Tape measures are used in physical rehabilitation, product development, and tire testing. Personal trainers and physiotherapists use handheld tape measures to assess flexibility levels. The types and features of tape measures […]
Shot blasting is a process that uses a blasting gun or machine to shoot various types of media at a material’s surface to remove scale, rust, paint, and small surface defects. Different types of shot blast machines are available, and safety precautions should be taken when using them. Shot blasting is a process that is […]
A gravel pit is an open mine used to extract materials near the earth’s surface, such as small rocks used for concrete or pavers. Miners remove topsoil and subsoil layers to reveal the gravel beneath, which is then washed and processed. Gravel pits can pose challenges for miners, such as water filling the pit, but […]
Hemoglobinopathy is an inherited condition where the globin chains are malformed, causing medical symptoms. Treatment options are available, but the underlying problem cannot be cured. Sickle cell disease and hemoglobin C disease are examples of hemoglobinopathy, while thalassemias involve normal globins being produced in low numbers. Blood tests can determine if treatment options are available. […]
Noise pollution, caused by unpleasant sounds from any source, can have negative effects on human and animal health and behavior. It is prevalent worldwide and can be caused by transportation, machinery, and even people. Noise pollution can lead to aggression, stress, sleep loss, hearing loss, and other health issues in both humans and animals. It […]
Upcycling is the process of reusing disposable or discarded items to make them valuable, useful, or aesthetically pleasing. It promotes reuse instead of waste and encourages people to think of new and innovative ways to use things. Upcycling communities have arisen, with people exchanging skills, goods, and materials. It is a personal philosophy and a […]
Wire drawing is a metalworking process that reduces wire diameter by pulling it through a die. It was originally done by hand and later with the help of a steam engine. The Bessemer process allowed for consistently high-quality wire production. The wire is tapered and dragged through the die to reduce its diameter. The wire […]
