Air Condition Your Lawn, It’ll Love You For It
Air, nutrients, and water are extremely important for the root systems of your grass and plants. In dense soil, however, they can have a tough time reaching the roots. In addition to dense soil, thatching is another common lawn problem that can potentially choke the grasses in your garden. If either of these conditions persist, the air and moisture will slowly get squeezed out of the soil. Your plants and grasses in your garden will become progressively weaker at they begin to starve and eventually your grasses will die.
Even in the best of circumstances, with you giving your lawn the best care, it’s inevitable that at some point in time your lawn will become more compacted. yards are constantly trampled on by people, animals, equipment, and so on. Over the years, unless something is done, naturally the soil will become more compacted and hard.
To improve the situation, you have two main options open to you. You can till the lawn which will be a big job, even in a small lawn. Or you can use a lawn aerator to create air pockets in your soil that will allow nutrients to reach the grass and plant roots.
Core aeration is an intensive method of breaking up and creating air pockets your soil. It makes deep, finger sized holes in your turf, in the process breaking through the thatching and breaking up the soil. Core aeration is one of the most natural and beneficial things you can do for your lawn to give it additional air space and ensure that it remains healthy.
If you have a small yard, then a manual aerator will do just fine. Or, if you also want to get a good physical workout, you can invest in a pair of yard aerator sandals. These are simply sandals with spikes on the bottom so that as you walk around your yard or garden, you simultaneously poke holes in it. Of, if you don’t want to do it yourself, get a pair for your children. They’ll love it. But any spiky type of shoes will do – even spiked golf shoes.
If, however, you have a huge yard, you should seriously consider visiting your local garden center and either renting or buying an engine powered aerator.
But don’t think that buying or renting a garden aerator is your only choice. Many lawn care services already have aeration equipment and will be more than happy to provide this service for you. In fact, core lawn aeration is becoming so popular that many lawn care services offer it as a regular part of their maintenance plans. If the price is right, you may get more value for your money by going this route. Simply check with your neighbors and local garden equipment supply shop for references.
Companies that provide lawn care products are not standing still either. For the really lazy gardener, and in what sounds too good to be true, some companies have come up with spray-on lawn products that they claim will aerate and dethatch your lawn with no physical effort on your part what so ever.
Whichever route you end up taking, realize that periodically giving your lawn a good airing out, will not only improve its appearance but will help to keep it healthy for years to come.
Alex Murphy loves his lawn and is always looking for ways to improve his lawn. Visit his site and read more about fall lawn care and other lawn related articles.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alex_Murphy
Wear Coating – Products Designed For Machine Parts and Surfaces
The premature failure of metal wear parts is a common and costly problem in many manufacturing industries. The talented team of engineers have developed a technological solution to solve the problem once and for all. They have developed a hard surface wear coating process called “Armoloy”. Their patented process applies a corrosion resistant chromium coating that adheres and conforms to all of your tools, equipment and machines. The Armoloy process is proven to be more effective than the traditional chromium plating process. They have documented the outstanding results with Armoloy that include increasing the lifespan of part to ten times that of uncoated parts. This is possible with a size change that is less than .002′ thick. Their patented application process is used in various industries such as machinery, tool and die, and heavy equipment builders.
What does the word “Armoloy” mean? Armoloy is a multistate low temperature process used in electrocoating. Their wear coating process is based on a chrome plated technology. However, the key difference is that their national and international operators use a proprietary chemical solution and process to apply the wear coating to your equipment, tools, and machines. This patented process is only available in one place in the world. They are consistently monitoring the production and application of this process to meet your high quality standards that deliver outstanding results.
The new technology process begins with removing the matrix on the surface of the metal using both chemical and mechanical techniques. The propriety process allows the metallic elements to penetrate the metal so that actually becomes a part of the metal. This creates a permanent bond between the base metal and Armoloy wear coated surface. The special wear coating can be applied to most metals. Although it is not recommend using it on magnesium, titanium or aluminum.
The proprietary wear coated process will have absolutely no effect on the base metal that it is used on. It will not create a build up or create uneven edges like other plating materials. Surfaces coated with the special wear coated process can withstand temperatures ranging from -400 F – 1600 F. The special wear coatings will improve wear and tear and improve the quality of your finished products. They have a talented team of experiences engineers ready to answer any and all of your questions that you may have.
metal plating, wear resistant solutions, & gear wear resistant coatings.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Matthew_McKernan
Ball Bearings – What Are They?
A ball bearing is a type of rolling element that uses balls to separate the moving parts of the bearing. The balls are usually made from steel or ceramic and are to provide frictionless movement between the different parts of the bearing. The usage of ball bearings go back to Roman times where they found them on Roman ships which were built in 40 A.D.
It was Leonardo da Vinci who first discovered the idea and the mechanics of using balls within the bearing but it was only until 1791 where Phillip Vaughn, an English carriage maker, patented the first axle to use the ball bearing.
What are ball bearings used for?
Ball bearings are more commonly used in machinery and in appliances. There are many interesting and different uses for ball bearings for example Earthquake Proof Buildings. The San Francisco International Airport uses giant ball bearings to help it withstand the effects of an earth quake. Within the airport there are over 200 columns, and each column is placed over a ball bearing with a diameter of 5 feet so in the case of an earthquake it separates the ground from the building. Once the earthquake is over the columns are centered over the balls from the force of gravity.
The different types of ball bearings
There are many different types of ball bearings including Magnetic Bearings, which are used in high speed devices. These devices can go as fast as 50,000 revolutions per minute, a normal bearing would melt or explode at this speed but the magnetic bearing can handle this. Another is the Giant Roller Bearings which are used to move very large and very heavy objects. The Egyptians first used this concept when building the pyramids and is still used today.
Roller Bearings
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Anna_String
Ardent Reel Review – Sept 2007
The quest to build an All American Made Reel was achieved in 2006 by Ardent Outdoors of Macon, MO. You see, reels that are manufactured overseas have long been the standard in the fishing industry…Until now! I vividly remember receiving my first Ardent reel in the spring of 2006, well over 2 years ago. The reel was called the XS model and was a 10 bearing baitcasting reel with “Race Reel Technology”. As I opened the box and gazed down, I was astonished and excited as the XS looked different from other reels. It appeared very sleek, fast and well appointed…like a racecar! I was pretty much fitting the stereotypical “Kid in the Candy Store” scenario by this point. Boy was I excited to try my new toy out. The Ardent XS quickly found it’s place on a 7′ MH Airrus casting rod and was filled with 30LB braided line and tied to a 1/2oz Rat-L-Trap lure in a matter of minutes. I adjusted the 6-pin braking system and was off to make the first cast.
As I drove towards the lake, the excitement and curiosity grew greater and greater. When I arrived at the lake, I jumped out of the truck and organized everything for the fishing trip while looking very forward to the Ardent experience I had been heard about several times. When the first cast was launched, amazement set in. The reel took my lure much farther than I ever remember casting before. At this point, I was under the “spell”, smiling from cheek to cheek. The cast was smooth, effortless and no sign of any backlash was present, boy was I ecstatic! I truly could not believe what I was experiencing. I quickly reeled the lure back in and cast out again, only to find an even longer cast with the same attributes as before. To say the least, I was extremely impressed and couldn’t wait to throw the lure out again. I distinctly remember there was a fellow fisherman who was only about 30 to 40 yards away from me in a cove and after he witnessed a few of my cast, he yelled…”Did you get yourself one of those new $700.00 Shimano’s”? I replied, “No, I just got a new Ardent XS”! He trolled over and took a look at the reel and we talked for a bit. Several hours and many fish later, I decided this was the most “pristine” reel I had ever had the pleasure of putting my hands on. When I returned home that evening, I could not wait to get up the next morning and cast my Ardent XS once again. I got on-line that night and ordered 2 more Ardent XS reels and had them shipped “Next-Day Delivery”.
The new 2007 Model XS was then introduced and had a much tougher finish on the reel and a slight color change as well. Later during that year, a new drag system was incorporated into the XS model and in my opinion; the “perfect reel” was born! Although, I thought I had the “perfect” reel in the 2006 XS model until I had the extreme pleasure of using the 2007 XS. This year however, in the 2008 line up, Ardent has came out with brand new models and is now a “Mega” player in the World Wide reel market. I would like to share a bit of information and observations that I have made regarding the 2008 Ardent reels in hopes that it will help you to make a more educated decision when choosing your next reel. Keep in mind that I have been using these reels almost daily for over 2 years now and have put them through every situation, climate and applied technique that exists. They have been through dozens of tournaments and have truly proven themselves as a worthy product in my book. Every since my first Ardent cast…. and still today, Ardent has strived to make the BEST products possible for their customers, products that are truly second to none! Ardent has made several changes to their reels over the course of a few years, in the pursuit to continue making their products better and better and of course as always, products that are proudly “Made In The USA”. The following is my synopsis of the Ardent 2008, 100% American Made Reels.
ARDENT XS1000
This is the flagship reel for Ardent so to speak. This reel is a free-spool casting reel that is precision engineered for superior on the water performance. Ardent wanted to produce a long-cast reel what incorporated a very special feature…”Maximum Backlash Resistance”. Well folks, they surely achieved this as I have maybe had e backlashes in over 2 years of use. My backlashes were related to accidentally catching something behind me, like a stick-up while casting out. The XS1000 has a very lightweight magnesium alloy frame that is tougher than any reel I have ever seen. There is no wobble back and forth or flex, like many baitcasters on the market today. The reel has been ergonomically designed as well, what does this mean to you as an angler? Well, you can fish with the XS1000 all day long and it will not only remain comfortable, but you will be fatigue free while using the reel, which is very important whether you are a weekend warrior or a seasoned professional.
The XS1000 boast a mighty 10 bearing system. These 10 stainless steel ABEC ball bearings produce an incredibly smooth retrieve and smooth as silk cast. The XS 1000 comes in a 6.3:1 gear ratio and features Helical gears as well. When using 12lb test line, the X1000 will hold 120yds. Ardent has incorporated its proprietary drag system called the “Strike Saver” system. You have never felt such a smooth drag set-up until you experience Ardent’s trouble and worry free system. The drag system is capable of being locked down as well, just in case your specific conditions require this action. The braking system is a 6-pin centerfugal system that does a great job at keeping the spool operating smoothly to ensure those long hassle free casts, but also ensures that your cast will be backlash free. This XS 1000 is finished in a beautiful black with gold flake color scheme. Some of the hardware such as the handle, spool and tension knob are gold in color to really accentuate the beauty of this extraordinary reel. The XS 1000 reel sells for a very realistic $249.00.
ARDENT XS600
Another outstanding reel this year in the Ardent line-up is the XS600 model. This reel has all of the same features as the aforementioned XS 1000, except for it’s bearing system. While the XS1000 has 10 stainless ball bearings, the XS600 has 6 stainless ball bearings. Don’t let the number of bearing fool you though, this reel still delivers action packed cast and retrieves amazingly well with 6 bearings. Over the years many manufactures have achieved great casting and smooth operating reels by using only 3 or 4 bearings. Ardent wants to ensure that each and every one of their customers get the best possible reel for their hard earned dollar, this is why they have used 6 bearings in the XS 600, where the majority of manufactures would have used less. That’s the great American spirit this company possesses! This reel is also black with gold flake and the hardware is chrome plated and aluminum. The XS 600 sells for a very affordable $219.99.
ARDENT C400
Ardent just recently released another addition to the “Ardent Family” called the C400 baitcast reel. While I use the XS1000 & 600 models religiously, the new C400 is truly one of the most phenomenal reels I have had the pleasure of using. Ardent’s mission with the new C400 was to build a reel that was more affordable, but was durable and still had the high performance that Ardent is known for. Ardent still uses the 6.3:1 Helical gear ratio and combines what with a 120yd/12lb vented spool. Another proprietary breakthrough for Ardent Reels is it’s new design, which is present in the C400 called the “Comfort Grip” frame design. This new innovation is just as it sounds, an extremely comfortable reel that delivers all day performance and provides you, the angler with a trouble free and comfortable design that ensures fatigue free fishing. The C400 has 1 roller bearing and 4 stainless steel ball bearings. When I use this reel, it really feels as though I am using a 7 or 8 bearing reel. This is due to the close tolerances and the technology that Ardent has put into its American Made products for us anglers…simply amazing.
The most impressive feature of this reel to me is castability! When I first cast the brand new C400, believe it or not, I cast all the line off the spool! I was using 30lb-braided line, which has the diameter of 8lb monofilament line. With the C400 spool holding 120 yards of 12lb test line, I defiantly had more that 120 yards due to the smaller equivalent of 8lb test line. It was somewhere in the neighborhood of 135 to 140yds of line. I was throwing a 3/4oz lipless crankbait and it kept on going and going and going! After it hit the water…..because I had ran out of line, I just stood there and laughed. I thought to myself, “Ardent has done it again”! Ardent even has an answer to this awesome problem by offering a high performance spool as an accessory. The high performance spool will give anglers of all levels an option. The spool will actually fit the XS1000, the XS600 as well as the C400 baitcast reels. The spool holds 225yds of 8lb, 200yds of 10lb and 200yds of 12lb. I guess I never thought I would have to change spools because I cast all the line off the stock spool, but then again….I had never used an Ardent C400 until now!!! This incredible action packed reel sells for a mere $169.99. The “Ardent Reel Xtra” spool sells for only $34.99.
In addition to the awesome baitcast reels and the “Reel Xtra” spool, Ardent also makes a spinning reel called the S400M, which is a 4+1 ABEC ball bearing reel that also has the “Strike Saver” drag system and a 5:1 gear ratio. The S400M has a one-piece A360 Aluminum Frame that houses a high strength worm gear drive. This reel sells for $149.99 and is a great value as well. I am currently using 2 of these reels on an Airrus Puls-R 7′2″ spinning rod and an Airrus Puls-R 6′8″ spinning rod. The S400M is a very versatile reel as I use it for everything from drop-shotting & shakey-worming to buzzbaits and spinnerbaits.
A few more products from Ardent I must mention are the “Reel Klean” degreaser, the “Reel Butter Grease” and the “Reel Butter Oil”. These are THE BEST lubricants and cleaner that are on the market today folks! Again, they are made in the USA as well. Ardent Reel Butter is ranked #1 versus the leading synthetic reel lubricants. The Reel Butter Grease & Oil are high-performance, synthetic products developed by Ardent Reels specifically for fishing reel components. They are manufactured to be used on each and every model or brand of reel on the market. Texas Oil Tech, an independent ASTM, tested the Ardent products ISO 9001 certified and ANSI-RAD QME accredited lab in Houston, TX. Ardent Reel Butter outperformed the leading lubricants in the category. Below are a few features about the cleaning and lubrication products:
Ardent Reel Butter Grease
-100% Full Synthetic Grease
-Bonds to brass, steel and plastic
-Rust Inhibitor prevents corrosion
-UV Tracer
-Patented super-smooth additive
-Retail-$5.99
Ardent Reel Butter Oil
-100% full synthetic oil
-Super low viscosity
-Compatible with all materials
-Anti-Gumming agent
-Consistent temperature performance
-Retail $5.99
Ardent Reel Kleen Degreaser
If you were to call up Jake Tippee at Ardent Reels, this is how he might describe Reel Kleen. “A chemically engineered solvent developed for the regular cleaning of fishing reels. Reel Kleen breaks up old grease and dirt and dries clean with no residue so a reel is prepared for proper lubrication. It’s 100% compliant with all reel components so it provides effective cleaning capability without damaging parts. Works on all brands of reels”. Retail-$3.99.
Ardent also puts the three products mentioned above into a handy and convenient kit called the “Reel Kleen” Cleaning Kit. Besides the Reel Kleen, Reel Butter Oil and Reel Butter Grease, the kit also contains tools, cleaning brush, treated cleaning cloth, swabs, a complete manual as well as a great little handy storage box to put everything in. The kit retails for $19.99.
I have used most every reel on the market today and I can honestly tell you that Ardent makes the most exceptional and “pristine” reel that is available anywhere! Reel shopping to me is almost like car shopping (except for the sales people). Tell me if I am correct, when you shop for a reel you look for one that will offer you trouble free service for a long period of time, but will not “break the bank” so to speak in the process. You also want a reel that will take on many different types of techniques and work well for each and every application. When you get the opportunity to try out an Ardent Reel, you will notice something that you do not see in all the “other reels” on the shelf. Not only is it the only one that’s 100% Made In The USA, but also it will feel just like the “Porsche” of your dreams in your hands! I strongly encourage you to visit your local retailer or the Official Ardent Reels Website at www.ardentoutdoors.com or simply call them at (660)395-9200. When you do, tell them G. Wayne sent you! The Ardent warranty is like none other I have ever seen! They offer the longest warranty in the entire industry simply because every Ardent reel is hand crafted and performance tested prior to shipment. From the braking system to the spool shaft, they guarantee quality as well as craftsmanship. This smooth, high performance fishing experience is proudly and confidently backed with their 3-YEAR warranty…that folks, is incredible! Until next time, here’s to Bent Rods and Screamin’ Reels!
G. Wayne Byrd is a professional bass tour angler, and active contributor to Fishin’ Secrets with Eric Allee and Friends… http://www.fishinsecrets.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=G._Wayne_Byrd
Showerhead-Start By Shopping Online
Have you looked at showerheads lately? If you are planning a bathroom remodel, or just updating a few things, and a new showerhead is on your list, try starting the selection process online. There are so many and with a variety of features it may take you a while to narrow your choices down. Start by shopping online, and then when you have narrowed to several possible options, you can visit the home improvement store for a hands on experience, but you will already know what you want.
Showerheads are not simple anymore and there are many styles to choose from. The rainshower is a popular model these days. These are large showerheads, some as big as 12″. There are those that mount on the ceiling and others that are wall mounted. One type even looks much like a partially flattened bell, it’s called the dome.
The rainshower showerheads come in both stationery models, and adjustable. The Wonder Shower has an adjustable extension arm that makes them very flexible for different heights. This would be a good choice for a household with young children.
Today’s showerheads feature many jets, and some of them are tapered to increase pressure. they feature different spray patterns, and different amounts of intensity and massage.
One unique feature is a showerhead that allows you to turn on the water to get it to the right temperature before you get in the shower. You can turn it on while you gather your clothes, towels or whatever, and when it reaches the right temperature it pauses the flow of water.
There are water saving shower heads, and one of my favorite features is a built in pressure balance valve. This avoids either being subjected to a sudden chill or a deluge of extremely hot water when water is used elsewhere in the household while you are in the shower.
And last but not least are the new hand held shower heads. These new showerheads boast most of the features of the stationery showerheads and are nothing like those in the past. These new hand held showerheads are every bit as effective and diverse as the stationery types.
Showerheads are available in a diverse selection of finishes so that you can match up all the exposed plumbing devices in your bathroom for a great finished and coordinated appearance.
Find useful bathroom remodeling tips and advice on bathroom faucets as well as bathroom vanity furniture.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Illa_Maden
Tube Fittings and Pipe Fittings – Double Ferrule Tube Fittings
Double ferrule tube fittings
There are 3 main mechanical methods for connecting two lengths of tube together.
Flared fittings – where the end of the tube is flared with a tool and then contained within a nut, sleeve and body.
Single ferrule fittings – where the ends of the tube are placed into a fitting with a single compression ring, a body and nut.
Double ferrule fittings – where the ends of the tube are placed into a fitting with two separate compression rings, body and nut. (Also known as the twin ferrule fitting, this is not strictly correct as the two rings are of different shape and length.)
For the purposes of this article the focus will be on the double ferrule fitting.
This style of fitting, like all the others, has one basic function. To securely join tubes together in a safe, seal tight assembly. Close tolerance machining on high quality CNC machines allows for consistent production of all components.
The double ferrule fitting has the ability to lock onto the tube with a ‘double bite’ feature. Each ring bites in to the tube giving two separate sealing areas. This style of fitting does so without transmitting torque or twisting the tube ensuring that the tube does not become ’stressed’. Therefore, the mechanical properties of the tube are maintained. A further sealing point occurs at the bottom of the tube abutment. The abutment has an angle which the tube is forced into when the rings bite and drive the tube forward.
With stainless steel fittings the problem of galling is resolved by the use of silver plating. The internal parts of the nut are the only areas that are plated.
Materials such as high Nickel alloys, high temperature alloys, duplex and super-duplex’s are coated with an anti-gall agent in the same way. However, Molybdenum Disulphide can be used as an alternative. These materials are selected in order to be compatible with the fluid media contained within them. For chemical stability the ideal situation is that both tube and fittings are manufactured from the same material type.
There are strict assembly instructions to follow with this product type. The rule states that for the majority of sizes 1-1/4 rotations of the nut, from the finger tight position, will give the correct seal tight assembly. It is permissible to further ’snug’ the fitting if a minor leak appears but this is normally unnecessary.
When access to any system is required these fittings provide an excellent ‘break-in’ point. The joint can be made and re-made many times over without loss of sealing integrity, providing the correct installation instructions are followed.
The strength of the fitting is such that the tube contained will burst before the fitting shows any sign of a leak or movement. This is subject to certain constraints on the wall thickness of the tube. If the wall is too heavy the rings will not bite as well, as when the tube wall is too thin, the tube will collapse rather than allow the rings to bite fully. Reference to the manufacturers’ product information should be made in all instances. The tube should generally have a hardness of no more than 80 on the Rockwell ‘B’ scale.
There are a number of manufacturers of this product type around the world and they generally contain the term ‘LOK’ in their product name. The major manufacturers encourage users of this product type not to inter-change different products. It is deemed as sacrilege to mix parts from different producers. It must be realised that, with the possible exception of two manufacturers, all bar none are based on the same original design. (The same inventor then went on to design a further two versions of the original design, the two exceptions mentioned previously.) Interchangeability in this product is actually advertised as a positive by some companies. Those same companies quite often offer part number cross referencing in their product literature.
This product is used in many industries including the following:
Petrochemical
Oil & Gas
Water
Paper production
Hydraulic
High pressure systems.
Nuclear
Offshore
Pharmaceuticals
Food & Beverage
Pneumatics
Cryogenics
Emission control
Fittings are produced in a vast range of styles with manufacturers offering tees, elbows, unions, male connectors, female connectors and many others. Reducers allow the installers to change from one tube size to another, even from metric to imperial. Unlike the flared fitting, there is no set standard to manufacture the double ferrule fittings to. However, certain unwritten rules apply and all producers use the same method of distinguishing between metric and imperial fittings. A step, or shoulder, is machined on to the metric fitting body below the hexagon portion, and on the front end of the nut. This is also clearly seen in all the manufacturers’ literature.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tom_Andrew
How to Buy a Tumble Dryer
With so many new tumble dryers on the market, picking the right one can be a daunting prospect. Our guide answers the key questions you need to ask when deciding which dryer to buy. Tumble dryers used to be energy guzzlers, but the latest designs have new features that make them far more efficient. Sensor drying, for example, prevents the machine from over-drying clothes, which wastes energy and money.
Features to look out for
• Energy rating – dryers are rated from A to G, with A being the most efficient
• Reverse drying action – untangles clothes and reduces creases by spinning the drum in both directions
• Cupboard dry – a programme that dries clothes so they are extra dry for immediate wear
• Fluff filter indicator – alerts you when it’s time to empty the fluff filter, to keep the dryer working well
• Delayed start option – lets you set it to start when you like, to make use of cheaper electricity at night
• Iron dry – a programme that leaves clothes slightly damp for easy ironing
• Sensor drying – the cycle automatically stops when your clothes are dry
• Cool tumble – a cooler setting for delicate clothing and fabrics
Other considerations
Condenser or vented models?
At the lower end of the price scale, vented dryers work by expelling damp air through a flexible hose that runs from the back of the machine through a window or vent. This works well if you plan to place your dryer next to an outside wall. If not, you can spend a bit more on a condenser dryer that collects water in a drawer for you to empty. This allows you to place the appliance anywhere near an electric socket.
Noise levels
Noise levels are measured in decibels (dB), but manufacturers are not obliged to display this information (as they are with extractors, for example). The average is around 70dB, which is fine if the dryer is going to be in a utility room or garage, but for a kitchen installation, look for lower noise levels such as 68dB. Ask your supplier if you’re not sure.
You can find more information on interior design and interior design ideas at house to home, helping you create a look you’ll love
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Penny_Day
Gearing Up With Modern Science
Scientists Like Magicians
Anyone who has been lucky enough to work in a scientific environment knows that scientists are often like magicians. Pouring over their scientific projects with intensity, the end result is to create or change that which has been a mystery.
The Great World of Science
When one considers the significant changes to the science of modern medicine to cure most illnesses, the rapid phases of discovery by scientists amazes much the way a magician amazes his audience with what appears to be feats of magic.
Science Unlocks The Key to the Unknown
With so many science disciplines, the number of scientific discoveries since the dawn of time from Ptolemy, to Curie to Einstein and Hawking, science proves time and again the ability to advance the human mind and understanding of the universe. The world grows ever more larger thanks to scientific discoveries.
Man Has To Know What’s Possible
The curiosity of man has brought about breakthroughs in genetics to the extent that DNA testing is now used regularly as a means of detecting various congenital diseases passed down from one generation to the next. In addition, DNA testing has also been extraordinarily helpful in law enforcement to determine guilt or innocence in the commission of a crime.
Pregnant women can now take full advantage of embryonic testing to determine predisposition to illness in the unborn. Carbon dating is another means of scientific discovery that puts time in a whole new dimension. It’s now possible to know with amazing accuracy the age of various materials.
Science and Machines
The medical world has made use of numerous machines of detection from X-rays to Mammography and Thermal photography that can pinpoint the exact location of a tumor. With the advent of computers, the number of invasive surgeries has been reduced as a result of laser technologies. But, it doesn’t stop there.
Science has developed machines that identify voices, fingerprints, even the retina of the human eye. Telescopes in astronomy have been developed that see objects millions of miles from the earth. Science advanced the use of robots to allow for spacecraft to function with the same capacity as an astronaut gathering data on the moon or Mars.
Robots also have replaced humans in dangerous workplaces where intense heat or exposure to radiation might have a serious impact. Robots are also used in many hospitals as delivery ships from the pharmacy to nursing stations savings thousands of extra steps and wear and tear on the nursing staff. Robotic devices clean swimming pools and vacuum the living room, all without any human interface.
Science has even created devices allow the deaf to hear and the blind to see. When it comes down to it, there is no longer any “fiction” to “science”. The science fiction world of yesterday is the science world of today. The world laughed when Flash Gordon flew his “spaceship” to Mars. No one laughed when a man landed on the moon or unmanned spacecraft orbited around the sun just like the rest of the planets.
Ajeet Khurana writes articles on Science, in addition to host of other topics. Recently, he set up some authoritative science pages for mechanical engineers on the topic of gears. Read articles on Differential Gear System, Gear Cutting, and Worm Gear Reducer.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ajeet_Khurana
Cold Foiling
The cold foiling process, as the name implies, involves foil blocking without the use of heat. Traditional hot stamping foils require heat and pressure to transfer the foil from the carrier film to the substrate being printed, whereas cold foiling does not.
A hot foil generally consists of a polyester carrier, or, more rarely, polypropylene or cellulose film, a release layer, a lacquered layer, the colour which determines the shade of gold or coloured metallic effect, a layer of vacuum deposited aluminium and finally a sized layer to give adhesion to the printed stock. A cold foil has basically the same structure, though cold foiling usually requires a thinner aluminium layer, and the adhesive layer is not always necessary.
The hot stamping foil is applied to the stock by means of a heated die, set at a temperature of between around 100 Celsius to over 200C, depending on the type of stamping press being used and the area being blocked. The heat activates both the adhesive layer and the release layer, and allows transfer of the foil from the carrier film according to the design of the die.
A cold foil, on the other hand, requires no heat and adhesion is achieved by means of a completely different mechanism. In cold foiling the design is not applied by means of a heated die, but is printed in the form a UV activated adhesive. Any printing technique can theoretically be used in cold foiling, though offset litho and flexo are the most common. The run is started, the design applied using UV adhesive from printing plate or blanket, web and cold foil are brought together through a nip then the sandwich passed under UV lamps which cure the adhesive. The cold foil and print webs are separated and rewound. Since the UV has to penetrated the aluminium layer, this is thinner in cold foiling than with hot foiling. A cold foil must have an optical density low enough for it to sufficiently transparent to UV light to allow it to cure the adhesive in the short time available.
So, in a nutshell, cold foiling involves printing an adhesive, nipping the cold foil sandwich to it, curing, then separation, leaving the foil adhered to the stock according the printed design of the adhesive.
Traditional cold foiling is normally reel-to-reel and used in the self-adhesive labelling industry, but recent developments have allowed a viable sheet-fed process to be used.
Whatever method is used, cold foiling has yet to give the high shine of traditional hot foil stamping. The nip, composed of a metal roller and a rubber impression roller, has to spotlessly clean or pinholes will be seen in the finished result. Cold foil is prone to pin-holing and other visual defects. The separation in cold foiling is crucial, as is flatness of the web. Cold foiling is particularly prone to creasing if the webs are not completely flat when brought together,
ADVANTAGES
The advantages of cold foiling are:
1. In-line foiling. The cold foiling unit can be placed in-inline after the printing processes, and if required, between printing processes. In cold foiling, the process has been converted from a slow hot stamping process to a fast printing process using a cold foil. The printer therefore bypasses an additional relatively slow process through using a cold foil rather than a hot foil.
2. Fast set-up. The use of conventional printing methods such as offset allows fast set up of cold foil as against hot foil. There is no packing required in cold foiling to ensure even pressure to the substrate since the cold foil is applied to a wet adhesive.
3. The expense of having metal dies cut is eliminated with cold foil. The cold foiling process becomes more attractive for short runs, where previously dies costs could prohibit this.
4. Since we are using a printing process, there are fewer registration problems with cold foiling. The hot foil process frequently present problems in registration which require time to put right.
DISADVANTAGES
1. Cold foil print quality is not as good as that from hot foil. The brightness is generally lacking and pinholes are frequently a problem.
2. Cold foiling requires complete cleanliness if surface defects are to be kept to a minimum, and the hardness, cleanliness, alignment and pressure of the nip roller is extremely important.
3. The energy provided by the UV lamps must be properly maintained or the cold foil will not adhere to the partially cured adhesive. In cold foiling, the transmission of the UV energy through the foil is critical. Problems can be experienced with deep cold foil colours which act as UV absorbers, and foiling to black and deep blue substrates can be difficult in cold foiling since these colours contain pigments which act as UV absorbers and thus leaves less energy to cure the adhesive. For these reasons many suppliers do not offer cold foil in deep shades.
All in all, though, cold foiling is growing in popularity due to the increased profitability it gives, especially in areas where the very highest quality of foiling is not necessary. The newer offset cold foiling techniques are rapidly gaining ground on the quality of traditional hot foils, which is why most hot stamping foil manufacturers now include cold foil in their portfolio.
Copyright 2006 Peter Nisbet
Peter has been involved in the development and manufacture of both hot and cold foil systems for many years, and currently offers a range of foils on his website http://www.hot-stamping-foil.com where he gives tips and hints on foil stamping in general.
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Duckbill Check Valve Design And Backflow Prevention
Check valves are engineered to allow the flow of fluid across a pipeline system or port in one direction only. They are reactive valves, meaning that they are activated by the amount and the pressure of the fluid present in the system environment. These valves are typically used in backflow prevention applications, flood prevention environments, and wastewater treatment entities.
In 1984, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) commissioned the testing of a new kind of check valve; one that stood out as a clear alternative to flapgate valves. The new valve featured a duckbill-shaped inner elastomer sleeve that responded keenly to changes in fluid pressure. The valve sleeve closed in response to backflow pressure, forming a tight seal that blocked debris from entering waterways.
Further testing proved that the duckbill-shaped design also offered superior performance in pollutant entrapment, durability, the stopping of leakage, and various self-cleaning capabilities. Now, the duckbill elastomer check valve is routinely used in backwater prevention and waterway applications. The curved shape of the interior valve bill can regularly achieve a tight closed position, providing an excellent seal against debris in backflow applications. Various duckbill models have been engineered for low pressure applications, and for pollution prevention efforts on larger waterways.
How does a check valve work?
Check valves are designed to respond to pressure differences. Throughout the life cycle of the valve, there are instances where the pressure of the fluids traveling through the valve is greater than the pressure across the valve mechanism. The force of upstream water creates high differential pressure across the interior valve body, so the valve opens, allowing forward streams to pass through. However, back-flowing water lowers differential pressure across the valve body, so the duckbill elastomer valve flexes closed, sealing debris out.
Modern valves are engineered to respond to modest pressure changes. These newer valves respond to slight changes in differential pressure from forward- or backflow, making them useful for a variety of environments. Unlike check valves with metal components, such as disc check valves, duckbill elastomer valves require significantly less maintenance – they lack interior metal components that can rust or become corroded.
For what applications might check valves be used?
Duckbill valves can be used in a variety of wastewater, stormwater, and backflow prevention applications. One excellent case study involved a large, well-known retail store in St. Petersburg, FL. This store had a large retention pond, or man-made pond designed to collect rainwater. The pond was decorated with fresh water vegetation, as are many retention ponds in this part of the American Southeast. The pond was fitted with three drainage pipes that terminated in Tampa Bay.
Turbulent weather proved to be a problem for this store. During periods of heavy rain and high tides, the waters of Tampa Bay reverse-flowed into the pond, causing the vegetation to wither and die. The pond was fitted with three 36-inch check valves. Since these valves responded to subtle pressure differentials, they proved to be an excellent solution in preventing salt water backflow.
Duckbill valves are suitable for a variety of other applications, as well. Some models are ideal for manhole and end-of-pipe outfall installations. Others are installed for the purposes of sewer system control and sewer backflow prevention. Still others are used for stormwater control, as the retail store case study illustrates; or, for wastewater treatment applications. Certain duckbill models can be used in industrial applications, such as corrosive slurry handling, caustic chemical applications, and high-temperature chemical reactions.
The design and structure of duckbill check valves make them widely applicable in pressured fluid environments. The elastomer bill design is low-maintenance, rust-free, and can be highly responsive to very subtle pressure changes across line fluid. These valves do not require a power source or any exterior action to operate. As a result, they are highly versatile and highly durable.
Tideflex Technologies, a division of Red Valve Company, Inc., engineers a variety of duckbill check valves for backflow prevention applications. In addition, this company offers a complete line of inline check valves, potable water mixing systems, and air diffusers. Visit Tideflex Technologies online at tideflex.com.
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