3 Options for Yard Irrigation Posted on

If your lush green grass and blooming flowers are drying out in the heat of the sun, you need to be watering them more often. When you live in an environment that gets very little rain, its challenging to grow plants and lawns without supplying extra water. However, no one likes to lug a heavy hose around the yard to water the plants each day.  Here are three clever ways to ensure your yard gets enough water.

1. Managing Rain Water Runoff

When you get the occasional rainstorm, it usually runs through the gutters and out the downspout to the driveway, walkway or into a large puddle. Irrigation control Maple Grove MN systems provide a better option for managing rain runoff. At the base of the downspout, tubes connect to the end of the spout and direct the water towards nearby plants. You can even set up multiple irrigation lines to run off the main pipe, utilizing rainwater in a much more efficient manner.

2. Using Soaker Hoses

If managing rainwater doesnt provide enough water to your plants, another option is soaker hoses. These can be set up with an existing irrigation system or used with your homes spigot. These tubes are made from rubber and have multiple tiny holes that allow water to seep out. They are available in different sizes to help control the amount of water applied to your plants.

3. Installing Drip Irrigation

Sometimes you need to supply a lot of water to large bushes and trees, and soaker hoses dont do enough. In this case, you can install drip irrigation systems. These can also work with independent sprinkler systems or run off your homes outdoor water spigot. The hoses can be cut to any size and connect to tiny sprinklers or bubblers that control water flow.

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Carbon Steel: Low, Medium or High Steel for Your Projects? Posted on

Carbon Steel is one of the strongest and most affordable metals in the world. Apart from these properties, which make carbon steel easily available to most manufacturers, carbon steel can be identified as any steel alloy containing carbon in the range between 0.12% to 2% and copper at a rate of less than 0.4%.

If you’re new in the welding, construction, or manufacturing industry and want to become more accustomed with the most widely used metals or if you’re just looking to broaden your knowledge, read on for more interesting facts about carbon steel.

Did you know that the term carbon steel can be used to describe any steel that is simply not stainless steel? Also, did you know that carbon steel can be classified as low carbon steel, medium carbon steel, and high carbon steel? In this article, we will explain the properties of each carbon steel bracket and then talk about some of the most common applications of this ubiquitous metal in daily life and more intricate settings.

1. Low carbon steel:

Low carbon steel typically contains 0.3% carbon or less. This type of carbon steel is robust but does not temper as easily. However, it costs much less to produce than medium and high carbon steel, making it more flexible to use in certain applications. While malleable enough, its external surface can be further improved and strengthened with heat treatment, a great flexibility that high carbon steel often lacks. Its versatility allows it to come in different shapes and sizes, including sheets, beams, plates, and bars.

This type of carbon steel can be used in marine structures, such as shipbuilding, vehicle body manufacturing, and other consumer appliances. It’s widely used due to its ability to benefit the fabrication process by withstanding extremely high temperatures. Carbon steel consisting of the lowest amount of carbon can be used for manufacturing fences and gates. 

2. Medium carbon steel: 

With a relatively low tensile strength, medium carbon steel can be easy to purchase due to low rates and even easier to form and fabricate. Compared to low carbon steel, it does have a slightly higher ratio of carbon to iron. Typically it consists of less than 0.60% carbon, being stronger than low carbon steel, but sometimes presents issues in the fabrication or welding process. To improve the quality of medium carbon steel and make it easier to machine, many add silicon and manganese. 

This type of carbon steel is most commonly used in buildings, bridge fabrication, pipelines, and automotive parts because it’s stronger than low carbon steel and offers at least some ductility. It can also be used to manufacture boilers and other pressurized tank systems, fridges, and washing machines, due to its ability to prevent cold cracking.

3. High Carbon Steel: 

With the highest ratio of iron (more than 0.60%), high carbon steel is the sturdiest metal of all three categories but is more difficult to weld and more brittle when heat treated. Despite often challenging the welding process, high carbon steel is the most predominant and indispensable carbon steel category in human and industrial life.

High carbon steel’s increased strength, resistance to friction and wear, and moderate ductility make it ideal for cutting tools, like blades, springs, or masonry nails, which can be inserted into rocks. Apart from sharp objects, high carbon steel can be used for large machine parts, metal lamp posts, industrial castings, and hot water radiators. 

Choosing the Best Carbon Steel Category

Carbon steel, in any shape, form, or capacity, plays a vital role in many construction projects. As a welder, fabricator, or manufacturer, you should acknowledge which category of carbon will benefit your application and project. 

Carbon steel can be both a blessing and a curse due to its strong but often brittle nature. Differentiating between the three main categories of carbon steel save you time, money, benefit your projects in the long run and result in a better return on investment.

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What Is Value Engineering? Posted on

Value engineering can reduce the costs of a project without sacrificing quality or performance. The goal of value engineering was to explore different designs, materials, and construction approaches that could make projects cheaper but maintain or improve their value and capability. This type of engineering can be used for products, buildings, civil projects, and other manufacturing processes.

History

Lawrence Miles developed the concept of value engineering during the Second World War. Miles suggested a formula for value engineering that divided the function by the cost. The shortage of materials made engineers reevaluate how many items were designed and built. Engineers brainstormed how to make better products while using fewer materials or by replacing materials with others that were more readily available. Miles used a team-based approach to gain more ideas and perspectives on the design process.

Uses

Value engineering can be incorporated into many design processes. Businesses can improve profits if they can make superior products that are more affordable than similar products. Material shortages, such as in the second World War, can force a need to find another available material. Value engineering, such as through an Engineering Services Duncanville TX company, can also make projects more environmentally friendly and easier to transport.

Considerations

The aim of value engineering is not just to make items cheaply. It is to completely rethink design and engineering processes so that the project can be as effective and long-lasting as previous versions. Focusing on value engineering during the initial design phase can improve project outcomes or reduce waste because of later redevelopment. It may mean a longer design phase but can reduce long-term manufacturing schedules.

Value engineering reevaluates design processes to make items that cost less without sacrificing quality. This can help engineers design projects that are more affordable, eco-friendly, and easier to build.

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Advantages of Equipment Rental Services Posted on

When looking for oilfield equipment rentals USA plants, you must know the important steps in getting the best equipment. You may require different equipment for your project or business to undertake your project. Such machinery or equipment may be rented from reputed and established oilfield equipment renting firms.

There are some advantages of opting for oilfield equipment rentals. Below are some benefits of the services:

Saves money

Purchasing the equipment means incurring high expenditure: renting equipment or tools does not require spending a lot of money. Leasing oilfield equipment costs less than procuring the equipment. The equipment renting companies save you from the maintenance and repair costs of the equipment from time to time.

Time-saving 

Renting oilfield equipment is an ideal choice to save time. In instances when you require the equipment frequently, renting is a better decision. It is easier to process monthly payments than to maintain the equipment in the right state. The rental firm takes charge of the oilfield equipment repairs, giving you more time to focus on other important issues.

Guidelines in Choosing Equipment Renting Services

It is advisable to select a company that specializes in oilfield equipment rental services. Consults with experts to understand the machinery needed for your operations. Discuss the availability of the equipment with the plant that hires the equipment. The ideal company offers the complete equipment set. The service provider should provide the best and latest equipment as per your needs. Look into the guidelines below to select the best equipment rental companies:

Equipment age

The age of the equipment you intend to rent is important. Ask the professionals about how old the machinery is. Oilfield equipment that is too old may easily fail while in use: the equipment should have insurance coverage. With this, the equipment leasing firm claims any necessary repairs from the insurer.

Date of delivery

Ensure you discuss the date of the oilfield equipment delivery date. Get to understand the dispatch details of the machinery. In the scenario that you need an urgent delivery, discuss with the company.

Equipment support

Bringing the oilfield machinery to the site is not the end of the job for the leasing company. The professional service provider should provide you with the necessary support in using the equipment. The rented oilfield machinery may need regular maintenance and repairs. Engineers from the renting business can provide repair services with ease. The company should not charge any extra fees for servicing and maintaining the equipment.

What happens in the oil sites?

Oil is an important natural resource: we consume it in various forms ranging from transport use to plastic bag production. What happens on the oil platforms? The offshore sites are complicated structures technically fixed or floating on the sea or seabed. The sites require some equipment to facilitate oil and natural gas extraction in some scenarios from deep-sea areas.

Pumps and drills lift oil to the surface level. The oil can be stored for a particular period awaiting transportation by special tankers. Avoid spending huge sums of finance on the procurement of oilfield equipment and machinery: consider oilfield equipment rental services.

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3 Benefits of Working in the Manufacturing Industry Posted on

Manufacturing has been a staple in this country since the Industrial Revolution. It has advanced the economy and initiated the transition into becoming a global power. However, those are on a larger scale. Here are some great things about manufacturing that can apply directly to you as a worker.

1. It Is Something You Can Be Proud of

Going to work every day and seeing something tangible based on your efforts will certainly enhance your mood. Many people dont get to see the effects of the hours they put in, so their mental health can suffer. High self-esteem, which can be garnered from generating meaningful output like the type you would see in a factory, can reduce stress and anxiety. One example is that you could be in charge of keeping the machines in working condition by consulting an industrial maintenance Nashville TN service.

2. It Helps Society

If you work in this type of setting, you will be making products that contribute to the community. You might be producing medicine that will save peoples lives or cars that will transport folks to their jobs. Without factory employees, the entire country would shut down in some capacity. This territory also creates other jobs because items are not worth anything if they just sit around after they have been made. Truckers can pick them up and retail associates can handle them at the end of the logistics chain.

3. You Can Make a Good Living

Whether you wish to work in process engineering or on the assembly line, there is a role for you. In many places, you only need a high school degree to start working in this area. From there, you can climb your way up to more technical or managerial positions. Upward mobility is a cornerstone of this industry.

Getting your hands dirty through an honest day of hard work is a noble cause. There is a place for you in this terrain if you go for it.

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4 Things You Didnt Know You Can Recycle Posted on

If you try to find ways to help the earth and to do your part to protect future generations, then you likely already recycle. Now, you probably already know about common items like recycling glass, cardboard, and plastic. However, did you know that there are so many more things out there that you can recycle? You may just be surprised by some of them.

1. Computers

Do you have old, broken computers lying around your garage because you arent sure what to do with them? Luckily, most cities have a computer recycling program. A computer is made up of many different parts, and a lot of them can be saved and reused for other things, including building other computers.

2. Eyeglasses

If you have eyeglasses, you know that they can break very easily. Now, instead of tossing them into the trash, find a local drop-off for recycling the glasses. Everything from your glasses can be repurposed, from the lenses all the way to the nose protectors. Talk to your local optometrist to find your nearest recycling drop-off.

3. Clothing

Im sure that you already donate your unwanted clothes to a thrift store, but did you know that you can recycle the worn-out clothing that you used to throw away? Clothing is made into scraps, rags and fibrous materials. Scraps and rags can be made into things like rugs or compressed for use in mattresses, while fibrous material can be used to make paper or filling material for car insulation or furniture padding.

4. Motor Oil

Motor oil is so bad for the environment that 38 states have banned it from being put into a landfill. Instead of tossing it, find a local company that will recycle it. Often, automotive companies that sell oil will accept it for recycling. The oil can be cleaned and repurposed as motor oil or additives can be mixed in, and it can be used as fuel.

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How To Excel in Industrial Manufacturing Posted on

Industrial manufacturing is an important industry because it’s responsible for the vast majority of commercial products available today. This makes manufacturing not only a crucial industry from the consumer’s perspective, but also the bedrock of the supply chain for every business out there. Manufacturers have the benefit of a perpetual and universal demand for these reasons, but they also face a number of unique challenges. Here’s what you need to know.

Equipment

Industrial manufacturing is characterized by the use of industrial-grade machinery to automate and otherwise streamline production methods beyond what human hands are capable of. This distinction presents manufacturers with a couple of problems that need to be solved. First and foremost, procuring this equipment can be incredibly costly. While it’s easily worth the cost in the long run, it will necessitate a hefty initial investment, and this means that expanding the scope of your business too quickly can easily be your downfall. It’s also important to know what to look for and where. For example, you may need a combustion engine Royal Oak MD to power your machines, and the types of machines you need can vary wildly depending on what your company produces.

Safety

One thing you can always count on with industrial machinery is a certain degree of danger. As such, safety is a major priority of manufacturers. Not only is it important to protect your workers from harm when and where it’s possible to do so, but it’s also a matter of legal liability. There are many industry and federal regulations that can guide your hand when trying to establish a safe workspace for your staff, and failing to adhere to these regulations can result in injuries or casualties, not to mention large fees, lawsuits, and possible jail time. Staying within the letter of the law is important for your business on multiple fronts, so be absolutely sure your workspace passes inspection.

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Knife Throwing: A New Old Sport Posted on

When you hear knife throwing, what comes to mind? If you picture a carnival act staged by sinister performers, you should think again. Thanks to exposure on the internet and, more recently, reality television, this once obscure hobby is gaining new traction as a competitive activity.

A Bit of Background

The practice of knife throwing dates back to the hunting methods of our primitive ancestors. Throughout history, cultures across the world have thrown knives in combat and for competition. Knife throwing as entertainment attained popularity in the 1800s as a circus trick. Today, knife throwing associations are turning this ancient art into a regulated sport, complete with scoring and rankings of participants.

The Importance of the Knife

Not any ordinary knife can be thrown. Made from stainless steels Houston TX, typically a single piece of metal, specialized knives are weighted and designed for throwing. Throwing knives have a blade and a grip, but often no handle, and are either balanced or unbalanced. Balanced knives have an even center of gravity so they spin in a circle. Unbalanced knives fly more wildly and are used by more skilled practitioners. Some pieces can be calibrated to switch between balanced and unbalanced. Lighter knives are easier to throw, but heavier knives are more likely to stick in the target.

Perfecting Your Technique

Competitive knife throwing is both a science and an art. As in archery, knives are thrown straight at a target from increasing distances, with points based on where they land relative to the bulls-eye. Changes in grip, posture, throwing movement and distance all dictate the knifes speed and trajectory.

Most throwers use a spin technique, where the knife rotates in mid-air. The thrower must guess the number of rotations the knife needs to make, and either hold it by the grip for full spins or the blade for half-spins. No-spin techniques send the knife in a straight line for a slower but less stable throw.

Many professional knife throwers began as backyard hobbyists. With a proper knife, a solid target and enough open space, you too can master this venerable tradition.

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