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Driven by increasing global competition and rising costs, the global automotive industry is set to grow from a value of $5.7bn in 2018 to almost $8.5bn in 2023, according to a report by Industry Research. The market's increased value will represent a CAGR of 10.8% during the forecast period.
Robotics has been crucial to the growth of the motor vehicle industry over the last few decades ever since the first automotive robot, UNIMATE, was installed in General Motors' New Jersey plant in 1962. Today, robotics is essential to remaining economical within the highly competitive motor manufacturing sector. As such, according to research by Bastian Solutions, 56% of industrial robot orders in North America are made by automotive manufacturers.
The six most common automotive robotic applications are: Collaborative robots (robots built to work together with other robots on assembly lines); robotic painting; robotic welding; robotic assembly; material removal; and part transfer and machine tending.
Automotive robots in manufacturing not only make the process more efficient and cost-friendly, but they can be employed to do jobs that would be unsafe or undesirable for their human counterparts.
"Robots can help prevent injuries or adverse health effects resulting from working in hazardous conditions," explained Vladimir Murashov, senior scientist at National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and a member of NIOSH's Center for Occupational Robotics Research.
"Some examples are musculoskeletal disorders due to repetitive or awkward motions, or traumatic injuries (for example, in poultry processing, where cuts are common). They can also prevent multiple hazards in emergency response situations such as chemical spills," he added. |
The price elasticity of demand not only enables an organization to analyze economic problems, but also helps in solving managerial problems, not related to pricing decisions.
This type of demand is an imaginary one as it is rarely applicable in our practical life. Thus it is also called zero elasticity.
If the demand is elastic, a Price elasticity of demand and practical change in the price brings about a considerable change in the quantity demanded, but in the case of inelastic demand this consequential change in demand is relatively small.
If costs were close to the price of vanilla ice cream, profits would be almost zero. For example, the demand for electricity for domestic users is inelastic; therefore, the price of domestic electricity is high, whereas the demand for industrial electricity is inelastic.
Effects of Changes in Price Upon Demand: Furthermore, the concept is a useful tool in taxation. Government can impose higher taxes on goods with inelastic demand, whereas, low rates of taxes are imposed on commodities with elastic demand. The price elasticity of demand helps an organization to determine the price of its products in various circumstances.
The general principle is that the party i. It is also called less elastic or simply inelastic demand. The demand curve DD is a rectangular hyperbola, which shows that the demand is unitary elastic. The percentage change in total revenue is approximately equal to the percentage change in quantity demanded plus the percentage change in price.
As a result, firms cannot pass on any part of the tax by raising prices, so they would be forced to pay all of it themselves. Refers to the fact that under monopolistic market conditions, the price of products is determined only on the basis of price elasticity of demand.
This is often the case for different product substitutes, such as tea versus coffee. The demand curve DD is a vertical straight line parallel to the Y-axis.
Such situations are as follows: As a result, the relationship between PED and total revenue can be described for any good: On the other hand, a monopolist charges less prices from consumers whose demand is elastic.
So, the concept is relevant to the decisions relating to business pricing and profits. For example, printers may be sold at a loss with the understanding that the demand for future complementary goods, such as printer ink, should increase.
This point may now be illustrated. Price elasticity of demand helps in determining price to be paid to the factors of production. The resulting curve is downward-sloping; thus, increases in price result in a fall in demand for a given product. Hence, as the accompanying diagram shows, total revenue is maximized at the combination of price and quantity demanded where the elasticity of demand is unitary.
For example, if the price of coffee increases, the quantity demanded for tea a substitute beverage increases as consumers switch to a less expensive yet substitutable alternative. It shows that the demand remains constant whatever may be the change in price.
It is also called unitary elasticity.In case of elastic demand, he will lower the price in order to increase, his sale and derive the maximum net profit. Thus we find that the monopolists also get practical advantages from the concept of elasticity.
Cross elasticity of demand is calculated with the following formula: Substitute Goods The cross elasticity of demand for substitute goods is always positive because the demand for one good increases when the price for the substitute good increases.
When the price elasticity of demand for a good is relatively elastic (−∞. 1 Price Elasticity of Demand Example Questions Review: First, a quick review of Price Elasticity of Demand from lecture on 02/19/ The definition, of Price Elasticity of Demand (PED) is. Price elasticity of demand seeks to explain how a certain product’s quantity demanded by the market responds to variations in its price.
The following points highlight the nine main practical applications of the concept of price elasticity of demand. The uses are: 1. Effects of changes in price upon demand 2.Download |
A gasket is a sealing device, developed in a sheet or ring type, and created of a deformable material. When placed in between a number of stationary elements, it totally restricts gas or liquid emissions. Gaskets are frequently created of supplies that are resistant to temperature and stress fluctuations and at times even electrical or electromagnetic forces.
Gaskets are utilized broadly in chemical engineering, manufacturability engineering, aeronautical engineering, supplies engineering, sanitary engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and so on.
The choice of gasket material depends on the following things:
- Compatibility with the operating medium.
- Operating stress and temperature and corrosive nature of the fluid/gas.
- Variations in operating situations.
- Form of joint involved.
- Legal and environmental considerations (For instance, asbestos is banned in quite a few nations).
- Expense of material.
Varieties of Gasket Components
- Rubber (nitril, viton, neoprene, and so on.)
- Polymers like thermoplastic elastomer, polyvinyl chloride, and so on.
- Metals like aluminium, copper, steel, nickel, brass, and so on.
- Composite substances
Gasket Components Most Appropriate for Engineering Applications
Let’s have a appear into what gasket material suits what engineering application:
Silicone: Silicone gaskets are resilient, have higher temperature stability and can be utilized with metal closures. They are also waterproof and shrink-proof. They have fantastic ozone and UV resistance even though they have poor resistance to oils and solvents and have a low tensile strength.
Silicone gaskets are appropriate for pharmaceutical and meals and beverage applications.
Neoprene: This is a synthetic rubber that has fantastic tear strength and resilience. It is resistant to UV and ozone harm. It has flexibility more than a wide temperature variety. It is also waterproof and resistant to corrosion. Even so, 1 wants to hold in thoughts that neoprene gaskets are permanent and not meant to be broken. Also, they are quickly broken by petroleum-primarily based fuels and powerful acids.
Neoprene is fantastic in electronic and aquatic applications.
Nitril: This has fantastic resistance to oil, solvents and fuels, has a wide temperature variety, and fantastic abrasion resistance. It is preferred for applications with nitrogen or helium. Nitril has poor resistance to UV and ozone, ketones and chlorinated hydrocarbons.
This material is appropriate for use in automotive fuel handling, marine and aerospace applications.
Fluoroelastomer/Viton: This is fantastic for applications requiring resistance to higher temperatures and chemical substances. It also has fantastic resistance to UV and ozone. Fluoroelastomer has poor resistance to low temperatures, alcohol and ketones.
It is appropriate for automotive and aerospace applications associated to help of fuel, lubricant and hydraulic systems.
EPDM: This is a sponge rubber material with fantastic aging properties and resistance to ozone and oxidation. It can withstand a wide variety of temperature fluctuations. It also has fantastic electrical insulating properties. EPDM has poor resistance to petroleum merchandise and concentrated acids.
It is appropriate for refrigeration, automotive cooling and climate stripping applications.
Polyurethane (PU): This can withstand a wide variety of temperatures, has higher tear strength and fantastic elastic properties. It can be utilized for applications with water, mineral oil and air.
PU is appropriate for use in hydraulic sealing systems.
PTFE/Teflon: This is a fluoropolymer utilized in applications requiring a sliding action of components. It can withstand a wide temperature variety. |
As we enter the era of Industry 4.0, Nigel Smith, managing director of industrial robot specialist, TM Robotics, dispels some common misconceptions about implementing smart manufacturing.
Machine automation could be compared to the human body. Our eyes are the sensors that monitor operations. Our hands are the actuation to manoeuvre things around us. Finally, our brains are the process control, providing intelligence and managing processes. Traditionally, machines in industrial environments could only provide actuation, but not anymore.
Myth 1: Automation will replace humans
Humans have spent several thousand years reducing their need to take on physical labour by investing in tools and machinery. In automation terms, this mechanical muscle became an integral part of automotive manufacturing when six-axis robots became a standard addition to assembly lines in the 1960s. However, today’s automaton goes beyond physical actuation.
The threat of intellectually smart machines can often portray a depressing outlook for the job security of those working on manufacturing lines. However, the deployment of smart technology is certainly not the end of humans in the manufacturing and engineering realm.
Consider smart factory software as an example. Modern applications will often encompass a distributed control system (DCS) with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA). This software can automate manufacturing processes, while collecting production data from the factory.
Naturally, implementing this software reduces the need for human intervention during operations, but humans remain the decisive factor. There is no advantage to collecting production data without plans to act on it. Manufacturers want software that can collect data in real-time and, more importantly, visualise this information in an intelligible format to enable employees to make informed decisions.
The human brain could never successfully acquire or comprehend the plethora of data that a SCADA system could. However, there is no reason that these new, mechanical minds cannot work harmoniously with the more subjective minds of humans.
Myth 2: Cutting-edge hardware is vital
Often, manufacturers overthrow existing systems with the delusion it lacks the functions required for smart manufacturing. However, a complete system overhaul is not necessary.
The transition to smart manufacturing is never simple, but manufacturers should always explore all options before disregarding the process as ‘too expensive’. For example, choosing process control software that is hardware-independent — or can operate on several different communication protocols — can eradicate the need to invest in an entirely new hardware system.
A smart manufacturing strategy should be put in place before any financial outlays are made. Manufacturers should carefully consider what they wish to achieve from the investment and make buying decisions based on these goals.
Electronic goods manufacturers, for instance, may prioritise fast speeds and high levels of accuracy to compete with cheaper manufacturing economies. For these manufacturers, investing in a SCARA robot with high levels of accuracy and repeatability would be ideal, particularly for pick and place functions.
Unlike the process of a systems overhaul, the installation of a SCARA robot should not result in long periods of downtime — particularly when using an experienced systems integrator. In fact, TM Robotics installed a Toshiba Machine TH350 SCARA robot for an Irish manufacturer of minute circuit breakers in just one weekend.
Myth 3: Smart factories will never be secure
By implementing connected technologies, factories are no longer insular entities. By their very nature, smart factories are required to expand far beyond the walls of their own facility and become part of a larger eco-system. Naturally, this increased connectivity brings new operational risks and unfamiliar security challenges.
Manufacturers that implement Industry 4.0 technologies suffer many of the same cyber-security threats as other industries. Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs), for example, have been used against the manufacturing industry for years — using malware consistently to extract sensitive data.
However, not all cyber-security breaches in the manufacturing industry are a result of malicious attacks. When planning for Industry 4.0 implementation, manufacturers should also consider training their staff on the importance of cyber-security measures. This method can help manufacturers to avoid accidental data losses and improve the overall security strength of the facility.
As we enter the era of Industry 4.0, manufacturers should be prepared to witness significant changes to their production facilities. Despite common misconceptions, the transition to smart manufacturing is certainly not as threatening, expensive or dangerous as some manufacturers may believe.
The sensors, actuation and process control involved in Industry 4.0 could easily be compared to the complex operations of the human body, but it is certainly not as impressive — at least not yet. |
Recycling robot helps football fans recycle
- Engineering students from UNC Charlotte in North Carolina created a robot to promote recycling at home games, RecycleBot.
- The robot is capable of discerning if a material is recyclable or not when an object is placed onto a platform, which is attached directly to the robot. Sensors then determine if the item is recyclable or compostable.
- The robot will move around the football stadium, which has been zero-waste since it opened. Students designed the robot to follow a pre-determined path using GPS coordinates entered into the system.
The robot is being used as a way to encourage fans to recycle, and to increase environmental awareness at the stadium.
Filed Under: Recycling
Top image credit: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b5/Toy_robot.JPG |
Workplace Bullying: What Is It...How to Stop It
Posted: 05-30-2015 05:32 AM
Synopsis: Workplace bullying has become an increasing problem in the workplace. Experts have compared the effects of bullying as similar to post-traumatic stress disorder. Workers who are bullied are less productive and more likely to leave your organization for another.
When the average person thinks of bullying they think of the school bully, but bullying is not exempt to schools...it's just a prevalent in the workplace. Nearly half the people surveyed report that they have either witnessed or been a victim of bullying.. It's effect on productivity, morale and employee retention costs organizations billions of dollars every year. It's a problem that can no longer be ignored.
What is Workplace Bullying?
Workplace bullying as with schoolhouse bullying usually causes the employee to feel belittled and isolated from the rest of the team. Some examples of bullying behavior include yelling, verbal/physical abuse, taunting, teasing or malicious gossiping. In some extreme situations, work sabotage may also be used. This includes tactics like withholding important information that will likely result in work errors, or undermine one’s success or achievements in front of leadership. And with social media becoming a crucial part of everyone’s day to day routine, cyberbullying is also a source used for humiliating or intimidating fellow employees.
Bullying vs. Strong Management
Most often bullying is done by a superior or someone in authority (although some exceptions apply). Consequently, it can be hard to identify bullying as many may justify their behavior by claiming themselves to be a tough boss. But clearly, there is a difference between being an assertive leader and a managing bully. Most important, a tough manager wants to see their employees and the entire team excel. Thus their management style is for the purpose of building up and not tearing down an individual employee. A strong manager will never publicly ridicule or put down an employee. But on the contrary, these behaviors will be a standard practice of a bullying boss.
How Bullying Adversely Affects the Workplace
As with school bullying, victims of workplace bullying suffer as a result of being bullied. And over time, bullying will lead to depression and eventually other psychological and/or health problems. Victims of bullying will often miss work thus negatively impacting work production. Some employees may even choose to quit in order to escape their abusive environment. Still, others may opt to sue the organization which can result in costly litigation.
How to Prevent Bullying in the Workplace
No specific laws apply when it comes to workplace bullying which makes it hard to govern. Nevertheless, preventing bullying in the workplace can begin with an anti-bullying policy. The drafting of this policy should result in a strong awareness of bullying and how it impacts the work environment. Added training for managers and leaders should further be incorporated to aid in identifying bullying early on. As important is to create a non-hostile environment where mutual respect is encouraged. Further, employees must feel safe to report an incidence of bullying to senior management without the risk of retaliation. |
T. R. Girill
Technical Literacy Project
April, 2015 (ver. 3)
What is Usability?
Usability is a strange word but an increasingly influential idea. Any product designed for a specific purpose (such as tools, home appliances, or computer software) can be judged for success by its usability. For some people, improving a product’s usabilty is a full-time job. In 2007, Barbara Whitaker featured usability professionals in her New York Times employment column (Whitaker, 2007), where she passed along this explanation of their work from Microsoft’s Eric Danas:
We bridge the gap between what [any] technology is capable of doing and what users want to achieve.
A dozen different international engineering standards now endorse, describe, or apply usability for diverse industries. Most often cited is ISO9241-11, Ergonomic Requirements for Office Work with Video Terminals (ISO, 1996). This document inelegantly but clearly reveals the responsibilities of designers and the benefits to product users that usability imposes:
…[usability is] the extent to which a product can be used by specified users to achieve specified goals with effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction in a specified context of use.
Breadth of Importance
The diversity of professions concerned with usability revealsthe breadth of its importance.Among the endorsing organizations and websites are:
- User Experience Professionals Association (uxpa.org)
This cross-disciplinary group of “human factors” experts ranges from linguists to librarians and from anthropologists to engineers. The common interest that unites such different people is in empirical evidence about what technology users need and want, along with what design techniques most reliably meet those needs and wants. Besides its website, UXPA also supports an annual conference and the Journal of Usability Studies.
This informative website is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Perhaps surprisingly, it focuses not on the usability of medical tools or services but rather on how to design government agency websites for effective information delivery.
- World Usability Day (www.worldusabilityday.org)
The goal of this annual event is “to ensure that the services and products important to life are easier to access and simplier to use.” Software developers (and computer science undergraduates) are always major players. But the topical theme in 2007 was actually the usability of health care resources.
- HCI Bib (www.hcibib.org)
Human-computer interaction (HCI) is a chronic concern for usability professionals because much hardware and software is needlessly hard to use well. This website offers a 39,000-item bibliography, with every citation annotated and categorized, on the physical, psychological, and social aspects of improving computer interfaces.
Usability is complex in a very distinctive way: it is multi-dimensional. Several largely independent (although sometimes casually confused) strands comprise it.
Barbara Mirel devoted a whole book (Mirel, 2004) to explaining why
- usefulness (enabling user-relevant tasks), and
- convenience (easy exercise of available features)
are not the same. Both are necessary for product usability but neither alone is sufficient (and neither one entails the other). The international standard quoted above (ISO9241-11) already suggested that usabilty was threefold, requiring
- effectiveness (achieving intended goals, Mirel’s usefulness),
- efficiency (performing with economy and grace), and
- satisfaction (meeting user expectations, matching user skills or limitations well).
Other engineers have characterized these three dimensions of usability somewhat differently, or have suggested even more independent strands, such as
- learnability (important if new users are common),
- memorabilty (if the gaps between use are often long), or
- adaptability (if the tool or product should handle diverse situations).
This is not the place to referee alternative technical breakdowns of usability into its independent dimensions. Rather, we bring up its multi-dimensionality here for a special reason: to apply it to the usability of text.
Usability is an important property of nonfiction, nonnarrative text, just as it is of consumer products, software, or medical devices. The readers of technical text are also users:
- They have goals or tasks in whose context they consult the text.
- They judge the text (as they would any tool) by how well it helps them achieve those goals or tasks.
- Do instructions (e.g., for extracting DNA from cheek cells) help get the job done?
- Do descriptions (e.g., of bone fracture mechanisms) promote better understanding and far-transfer use of information?
Text usability has always been a background concern for writers and readers of technical prose. The computer boom of the 1970s, however, brought it to the foreground. For example, IBM was so often criticized for its unhelpful computer documentation that the company chartered a group of engineers at its Santa Teresa (California) Laboratory to explore how to improve IBM technical publications. The result was a 27-page internal booklet called Ease of Use (Ease of Use Study Group, 1979), which concluded that:
- IBM software was often useless without adequate explanatory publications.
- Publication “ease of use” in turn had three independent and vital aspects (p. 2). Technical information must be:
- Easy to understand,
- Easy to find, and
- Task sufficient.
- This was best achieved by pointing out these key text features to everyone who worked on IBM documentation and by deploying human editors who revised draft text with these three ease-of-use factors in mind.
Cultivating such technical ease of use might seem obvious until one compares this text design strategy with the advice often found in technical writing books of the same period. For instance, consider Henreitta Tichy’s Effective Writing for Engineers, Managers, Scientists (first edition 1966, second edition 1988). This was a very influential work, widely used in professional development courses for chemists or engineers. Yet despite ‘effective’ in its title, this book never mentions usability (or ease of use) in its detailed index. Tichy’s very typical stress was on sentence-level style improvements (grammar and word choice). The book largely ignores “task analysis” and hence improving a technical text by overtly pursuing the three dimensions of usability championed above by the ease-of-use engineers.
Text usability’s more recent influence shows in a different professional reference work that appeared a decade after Tichy’s second edition, namely Developing Quality Technical Information (by Gretchen Hargis in 1998, third edition by Michelle Carey in 2014). Although this work has a general, comprehensive title, it focuses largely on computer (software) documentation. This is perhaps unsurprising because it was copublished by IBM (along with Prentice Hall, later with Pearson). The 1979 ease-of-use themes shape all the topics and examples throughout this book. Indeed, ‘ease of use’ has replaced ‘task sufficiency’ as the label for the third essential usability (or quality) feature here. At 311 pages (587 in the third edition), this treatment is more than 10 times longer than IBM’s pioneering pamphlet, but it stresses quite the same view that usability is the proper measure of success for all technical text.
Text Usability and Teaching
Several science teachers have successfully experimented with helping their students communicate better by trying various text-usability guidelines or checklists…but always indirectly and never by name. In one case, P.K. Rangachari and Sheela Mierson “developed a [one-page] checklist and used it to teach critical analysis of published articles” (Rangachari, 1995, p. S21) to college juniors in an undergraduate pharmacology course. In another case, physiologists Douglas Seals and Hirofumi Tanaka (2000) constructed a five-page, heavily annotated “manuscript review” checklist. Their goal was to offer their students a tool for “developing [the] challenging but essential professional skill” (p. 53) of effective text revision. Both of these cases implicitly exposed science students to text usability issues. But both focused exclusively on the formal features of professional journal articles and both assumed collegiate levels of disciplinary background knowledge.
For high-school students, however, overt text usability work can easily address much more basic skills applicable to a much broader range of science communication situations. Explicitly introducing students to usability when you teach technical writing helps them in two ways:
- Exposing this as a writing goal is part of “revealing the magic” behind crafting helpful nonfiction nonnarrative text, a teaching strategy more fully explained in the cognitive apprenticeship section. Students can only draft or revise toward (more) usable prose if they are aware of what this aim means in specific detail.
- Usability talk provides a practical vocabulary for “metacognitive discourse,” for students evaluating the adequacy of their own text and that of others. Educator Mike Sharples has noted (Sharples, 1999) that most adults simply lack any vocabulary for discussing their own (nonfiction) writing strengths and weaknesses.
This diagram visually reveals the three dimensions, or independent aspects, of basic text usability, in the long “ease of use” tradition summarized above:
Easy to Understand
This is the most familiar usability aspect by far. Everyone has experienced struggling with technical prose that they couldn’t understand (including students with inappropriate textbooks). To be understandable, text must be:
Words or phrases that could easily mean different things to different readers (ambiguity) or that don’t seem to have any clear meaning (vagueness) make text needlessly confusing for everyone and impossible for ESL readers.
Technical text often discusses abstract topics (sometimes by means of mathematical expressions). But even such passages can be made more understandable with the help of realistic cases, models, analogies, or tangible examples.
- Well Styled.
This may seem like a literary issue encroaching on science prose. Actually, however, there are fairly simple heuristics (rules of thumb) for improving the style of technical text (see Bennett and Gorovitz, 1997; for example, prefer shorter Anglo-Saxon words to longer Latin-based ones when possible). And scientists who read English-language articles but who work primarily in another language complain often about the hurdles that careless styling imposes on their understanding (e.g., Montesi and Urdiciain, 2005).
Writers sometimes forget that even if a passage is easy to understand, it is of little use to readers for which the content is irrelevant. Usable technical text anticipates the information needs (both scope and level) of the likely audience (a good cake recipe won’t help those who want to cook a chicken). To be relevant for readers, text must be:
- Task Oriented.
Most people read technical prose with an eye toward some planned future activity (perhaps specific and physical, like operating a fork lift; perhaps general and cognitive, like designing their next research experiment). Text oriented to the prerequisites, demands, and sequences of their likely tasks is more helpful than text that ignores those tasks.
Readers who rely on text for factual information expect tested procedures and reliable scientific claims and relationships.
Balance is the key to usable completeness. Omitting needed steps or vital connections makes text unhelpful, even dangerous. Yet smothering those steps or connections in a flood of overwhelming or confusing detail undermines usabilty in another way. Relevant text omits nothing needed without including distracting stray information.
Easy to Find
This is the most overlooked aspect of text usabilty, and novice writers often neglect it. Yet even highly relevant text that is easy to understand is useless without effective access features. Accessibility really is a third, independent dimension of usability for science prose. Easy to find text has three characteristics (which, when they perform well, often don’t call attention to themselves):
Text structure is important even in story telling. For nonfiction nonnarrative text the structure may be less familiar to some readers (a problem-solution sequence or a hierarchy, for example), but revealing it is crucial for reader success. All writing involves planning, and for technical text planning the structure is as important as planning the content.
Good text structure helps readers only if they become aware of it through navigation aids planned and installed by the writer (or by a subsequent editor). To help readers find relevant parts of a long or complex text, writers need to pay attention to:
- the signals that they provide.
Parallel, overt lists of related items are one familiar text signal. Hierarchical section headings and subheadings are another. (These never appear in novels because findabilty is not a goal of novelists nor a concern for most novel readers.)
- the chunk size of their passages.
Long blocks of undivided content can make retrieving specific answers to specific questions difficult.
- their access vocabulary.
Besides the words within the normal text, writers must also consider supporting alternative, synonymous terms in indexes or other look-up aids.
- Visually Effective.
Technical text often looks quite different than most prose fiction or even most newspaper stories (Bernhardt, 1986). Including appropriate pictures, drawings (e.g., of equipment), or data graphs is one aspect of making science prose visually effective. Integrating the text and graphics so that they truly complement each other’s information delivery (with callouts and captions, for instance) is vital too. And managing data density using visual features to make text data rich without overwhelming readers is a constant challenge (e.g., see Tufte, 1983).
The Distance Comparison
Being easy to find and easy to understand (the presentation features) are important aspects of nonfiction text usability, but they play a different role than relevance (the content feature). You may help student writers balance their priorities among the three dimensions of usability by offering a comparison with distance.
In a 2013 post about “a new theory of elite performance,” psychologist Christine Carter approvingly quotes colleague Angela Duckworth’s revealing comparison of distance and achievement.
Duckworth starts with the familiar fact that
distance = speed x time.
From this equation it follows that even if speed is very low, with enough time one can still go any distance…as long as speed is not zero. That alone prevents time from helping one accumulate distance.
Likewise in general, psychologist Duckworth argues,
achievement = skill x effort,
from which it follows that even if skill is fairly small, with enough effort one can still compensate and reach significant levels of achievement…as long as skill is not zero. According to Carter, “researchers across diverse fields have produced remarkably consistent findings that back up Duckworth’s [multiplicative] theory.” (So there is empirical evidence that the tortoise’s approach to winning (long) races against hares really works.)
For science communication purposes, we are interested in one specific type of achievement, namely the value of technical text for an intended audience. In this case the formula becomes:
audience = relevant x presentation value content quality
With strong parallels to the two “distance” formulas above, this implies that even if relevant content (in a student’s draft text) is modest but not zero, presentation quality (understandability plus findability) will amplify its value for the audience (make it more usable). But where content is completely missing (or irrelevant to audience tasks or needs) then presentation quality, no matter how high, cannot rescue the text. (Scored sample short-answer nonfiction essays on Common Core tests, such as those in New York, illustrate exactly this formula.)
Hence, this prioritized approach to text usability prepares students well for writing outside of school, where presentation quality really amplifies relevant technical content but it cannot compensate for irrelevant (or absent) content.
Achieving Text Usability by Revision
In life beyond school, many people who write about science and technology increase the usability of their text iteratively, by repeatedly revising a quick draft to improve its usability features. This approach illustrates the benefits of viewing nonfiction writing as “text engineering.”
As influential software engineer Frederick P. Brooks has pointed out (Brooks, 2010), early in the 20th century engineers often planned a device, then implemented their plan, then revised the prototype repeatedly themselves:
Edison fabricated working versions of all his inventions in his laboratory. Henry Ford made his own car. Wilbur and Orville Wright built their airplane with their own hands. [p. 176]
By filling all three roles–planner, implementer, tester–they were able to gradually discover ways to make their inventions more effective and more usable, ways that they could not have foreseen at the start.
Now, in the 21st century, many engineers can no longer fill all three roles personally because hardware implementation and testing today often call for special skills and equipment. But with (most) software, this feedback loop remains possible, and technical writing is much like software design. Your students can often achieve (improved) text usability iteratively, just like software engineers. They can plan and quickly draft “prototype” text, which they then repeatedly review, revise, and test on others to find and fix its usability weaknesses.
A Conceptual Framework
The enduring value of three-factor usability as a conceptual framework for all students learning to design effective nonfiction text was reiterated once again in 2015 when influential communication consultant Janice Redish was asked to condense her 40 years of experience into a sentence of advice. Her reply:
You communicate successfully only when the people who need your communication
can find what they need,
understand what they find, and
act appropriately based on their understanding–in the time and effort that they think it is worth (Oswal, 2015, p. 89).
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- The Visual Display of Quantitative Information. Cheshire, CT: Graphics Press.
- Whitaker, Barbara. (2007).
- Technology’s untanglers: they make it really work. New York Times, July 8, 2007. Available online at: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/08/business/yourmoney/08starts.html |
The present-day Poelzig Building, designed by Hans Poelzig, formerly the IG-Farben Haus, is still associated with the Third Reich, even though the building itself is nothing more than a superb example of the architecture of the 1920s.
As the headquarters of IG Farben, Germanys chemical giant, the building housed a union of Germany's leading chemical companies (Farbwerke Hoechst, Casella and many more). IG Farben were responsible for producing, amongst other things, the poison gas used to murder millions of concentration camp prisoners. After World War II, the U.S. Army's 5th Corps and 3rd Armoured Division used the building as their headquarters. Some 38,000 U.S. troops were stationed in Frankfurt up to the time of German reunification in 1990. Today, the building accommodates the Frankfurt University's arts and humanities faculties. |
Archimedes took a bath – and, “eureka,” discovered the principle of buoyancy. An apple fell on Isaac Newton’s head – and the theory of gravity was born.
Popular culture is in love with the notion of scientific breakthroughs happening through strokes of brilliant insight.
But innovation is rarely the result of a series of epiphanies.
In his 2017 Harvard commencement speech, Facebook-founder Mark Zuckerberg even went as far as to call the idea of a single “a-ha” moment a “dangerous lie:” The “eureka myth” can prompt people who haven’t experienced a sudden breakthrough to give up.
Business journalist and author Amanda Lang would certainly agree. In her book, The Power of Why, she discusses how seven of the most common “innovation myths” sabotage people’s natural drive to explore.
Her main take-away: innovation is a painstaking process of trial and error. Most of the time, it is not a solitary pursuit but a team-effort. In large organizations, such as Apple or Whole Foods, some of the best ideas have come from front-line employees who knew what consumers most desired – and not from secluded, deep-thinking geniuses, as Hollywood would have it.
Also, innovative thinking can be learned and cultivated. Everybody can adopt the mindset of an innovator by continuing to ask questions. Furthermore, companies can foster a culture of innovation that encourages employees to think and experiment.
In fact, the ability to innovate rests within all of us. What child doesn’t constantly ask the questions “Why?” and “Why not?” when trying to make sense of the world? Innovation, then, depends on our ability to think like a child, to keep asking questions, and to not take “no” for an answer. It requires us to think outside the box and explore many different avenues, one cognitive brush stroke at a time. |
Now they know. By 2030, an estimated 111 million metric tonnes of pale plastic will ought to collected be buried or recycled in other locations—or no longer manufactured the least bit. That is the conclusion of a recent evaluation of UN global commerce info by University of Georgia researchers.
All americans’s bottles, luggage and meals packages add up. Factories absorb churned out a cumulative Eight.three billion metric tonnes of present plastic as of 2017, the identical Georgia crew reported final 300 and sixty five days. Even 1 million metric tonnes, the scale that this discipline subject trafficks in yearly, is arduous to visualize within the abstract. Or no longer it is 621,000 Tesla Mannequin 3s. Or no longer it is 39 million bushels of corn kernels. The sphere’s 700 million iPhones invent up roughly a tenth of one million metric tonnes.
Almost four-fifths of all that plastic has been thrown into landfills or the atmosphere. A tenth of it has been burned. So a lot of million tonnes reach oceans yearly, sullying beaches and poisoning immense reaches of the northern Pacific. Correct 9 per cent of the total plastic ever generated has been recycled. China took in honest over 1/2 the annual total in 2016, or 7.four million metric tonnes.
Because the industry matured and the detrimental effects on public health and the atmosphere turned clear, China bought extra selective relating to the materials it was though-provoking to pick out. A “Inexperienced Fence” law enacted in 2013 stored out materials blended with meals, metals or other contaminants. Exports consequently dropped off from 2012 to 2013, a model that persisted till final 300 and sixty five days, when the field’s greatest purchaser warned that its scrap plastic purchases would live altogether.
Other countries, comparable to India, Vietnam and Malaysia, absorb taken in extra plastic, even supposing with an escape for meals smaller than China’s. Vietnam lately suspended imports as ships clogged its ports.
The sphere’s plastic remark has been constructing for decades. Since mass production began within the early Fifties, annual output has grown from about 2 million tonnes to 322 million produced in 2015, the authors talked about. Fresh production charges are exceeding our skill to eradicate the stuff successfully—and provide is expected handiest to grow. “With out audacious recent suggestions and management systems, present recycling charges will no longer be met, and ambitious goals and timelines for future recycling development can be insurmountable,” they wrote. |
Waste management represents a key challenge, especially for big cities.
IoT already provides helpful solutions. In many cities in the world, there are waste bins equipped with sensors that are connected to the Internet.
As soon as a container is full, a notification is transmitted to the central office. Depending on a fill-level of the bins, it is possible to calculate the optimal routes for waste collection vehicles.
How does it work?
Smart waste bins are equipped with special sensors. They are securely installed into the cap of the bin. An integrated antenna enables a wireless transmission even from metal waste containers. The ultrasonic lobe of sensors enables data gathering on the fill-level of the bin.
Due to auto-tuning function, the sensor sends signals with varying intensity, scans different parameter settings, and calculates the best signal power.
Thus, the measuring automatically adjusts itself to constantly changing shapes and types of waste.
The bins are made of robust materials providing resistance to water, chemicals, and temperature.
For example, smart sensors identify temperature and send an alarm signal when it is above 85 °C. So the fire department can timely react, and prevent further spreading of fire.
The main purpose of the system is to avoid unnecessary routes of waste trucks. That’s why sensors are equipped with SIM cards providing a wireless connection. The measurements of the fill-level are performed in desired intervals. The collected data is periodically transmitted to the Cloud. Finally, a specially developed software enables data evaluation and visualization. For example, the waste containers can be indicated on a display on a city map.
The most optimal waste disposal intervals can be more exactly determined, as the technology allows calculating the variation of a fill-level in particular bins.
Concurrently, an optimal route is directly transmitted to the navigation system of every truck.
RFID tags additionally attached to the bins provide traceability of waste streams and enable operators to monitor sorting quality, track the weight of contents, etc. It helps municipalities to optimize waste collection speed and integrity.
Furthermore, the technology of smart waste containers allows to reduce costs, emissions and traffic obstruction, prevent overfilling and dirt around the bin and minimize odour emission.
Smart cities will require constant innovations. The IoT-based waste management solutions provide municipalities with a great opportunity to decrease costs, optimize resources usage, and reduce CO2 emissions. |
In the past two decades or so, the concept of entrepreneurship has been growing in popularity. With more than 400 million entrepreneurs around the world and about $148 billion in startup investments in the US alone, entrepreneurship is becoming a legit career path, and more importantly a massive factor in the corporate world.
With this constant growth comes the question of how to introduce it to the younger generation in the most effective way?
Start from a young age:
It’s been said that a child’s personality starts shaping at the age of 5, so it’s important to introduce kids to the concept at an appropriately young age.
Make it interesting for the younger audience:
The idea of entrepreneurship could be a bit scary for people at a young age, so it’s important to introduce it in a fashionable manner. Ideas like a shark tank for kids, TED talks for kids or brainstorm bins are a great way to include the kids in the conversation without overwhelming them.
Get the families and the community on-board:
Usually, families in general and the parents, in particular, are complementary to the schools/universities and what they teach. One of the most effective ways to establish a sense of entrepreneurship in the youth is by on-boarding the parents and showing them the importance of it. The more the community understands and supports entrepreneurship the better the results.
Support entrepreneurship programs:
There are already a lot of established organizations that enhance the skills need to be a successful entrepreneur. By supporting those organizations, and even including them as an official source of credit for specific majors, you’ll enhance the skills of the students in a very effective way. A great example is AIESEC which provides thousands of entrepreneur experiences for young people all around the world.
Bring in established entrepreneurs:
In our world, seeing is believing, so bringing your students a living of entrepreneurship and what it does is a great tool. Bring them for a session, workshop or even a whole class.
Experience is the best teacher:
Try to support the best ideas that your students have. Allow them to try it out and even provide fund if possible, to the best ones, giving them a chance to experience it first-hand, and for the rest to view it and learn from it.
As young people, we’re constantly advancing the world with new ideas, and the core of all of this innovation boom is entrepreneurship. So, now more than ever, introducing the younger generation to entrepreneurship is a must if we want to keep advancing.
You can check out our partners portal to get instant access to young talent from over 120 countries and territories from all around the world.
What are your thoughts on this? What is the best way to introduce the upcoming generation to entrepreneurship? Share with us in the comments below |
We've covered the potential benefits and pitfalls of such developments in the past. Look for posts on pens, computers, printers, music players, clothing, and packaging. As you can see the promise of renewable bioplastics, particularly from corn, seems tantalising close, but is held back by some major hiccups. We trust these can resolved soon, as Peak Oil become a reality. ::Toray Ecodea
Toray is a Japanese company that has its fingers in many pies. One is chemicals and fabrics. It's in this realm that they have developed 'Ecodea', their version of a Polylactic Acid (PLA) polymer, or plastic. Derived mostly from the fermentation of corn starch, it can be processed like most synthetic (petroleum based) products. The essential differences being that it comes from a renewable source and can be composted after completing its useful life. Although this latter benefit now seems less definite. On an earlier webpage Toray claimed Ecodea would decompose "into water and CO2 in about a month when composted, or in a few years when simply buried in the earth." Strangely that page is no longer seems available, but they now suggest Ecodea is 'carbon neutral', emitting the same amount of carbon dioxide "when incinerated or dumped", as it absorbs when growing. This apparent change of stance on compostability reflects developments with that other strong market player of PLA — Natureworks by Cargill. For example, the Bloomingfoods Deli Co-op having moved to Natureworks for their packaging, laterwrote to co-op members "We now realize that PLA only biodegrades at higher temperatures than those of a typical compost, requiring incineration or shipment to a special facility. So keep those containers out of the home compost; they aren't likely to decompose there." They go on to point out: "The biggest question concerns the source of the corn. It seems likely that the development of new plant-based technologies (for fabrics, plastics, paints, and other products) will encourage more monoculture, not less, as well as the development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs)."
Toray's Ecodea — Plastic from the Paddock?
Toray is a Japanese company that has its fingers in many pies. One is chemicals and fabrics. It's in this realm that they have developed 'Ecodea', their version of a Polylactic Acid (PLA) polymer, or plastic. Derived mostly from the fermentation of |
Pneumatic conveying provides an effective, enclosed transport system for manufacturing, handling and processing applications where small particles, grains, pellets or powders are required. These flexible transport systems offer a number of handling advantages over more conventional mechanical systems, as well as being able to deliver precision flow control.
Modern environmental control standards can be difficult to maintain when working with powders and small particles as part of a manufacturing process. One of the most effective options is to use pneumatic conveying, which also offers a number of benefits when compared with more traditional methods:
- Reduced maintenance due to the lack of moving parts
- Improved operational environment with no dust thanks to the fully enclosed design
- System flexibility that allows for multiple drop points and considerable transfer distances
- The possibility to carry out physical mixing or chemical reactions during the conveying process
- The ability to convey air-sensitive materials using an inert gas, such as nitrogen, to prevent oxidation
Pneumatic conveying is used by a wide range of industries including food and beverage, pharmaceutical, chemical and power generation. The main challenges for those operating a pneumatic conveying system are maintaining the consistency of the product and a precise, controllable flow of the product.
However, modern manufacturing enterprises must also operate as efficiently as possible and this means reducing costs and improving productivity. Effective and precise process control can have a major influence on manufacturing efficiency, but in the past this could provide a significant challenge to those with pneumatic conveying systems.
One recent innovation from Burkert uses a closed-loop controller, pressure sensors and a control valve, all combined into a single unit. The Type 8750 flow rate controller provides automated air flow control that can reduce operating costs and improve productivity through better flow control and management of the compressors.
The flow rate control system is supplied as a complete assembly that negates the requirement for a separate flow meter. Using the pressure difference across the valve and the given density and temperature of the medium, a nominal flow can be calculated, providing the flow characteristics of the valve to the process controller.
One example of this system delivering benefits to a production process involved a company that manufactures tyres and uses carbon black, a fine powder, as part of the process. The powder is conveyed from a storage tank to a mixer using a dense phase pneumatic system.
The tyre manufacturer selected the Type 8750 flow control (pictured below) because it is able to maintain a consistent dense phase transport method, while using compressor energy efficiently. Furthermore, when the pipes needed to be emptied, a very high flow rate was required and the Type 8750 was also able to achieve this.
Easy integration and retrofitting
Due to the compact nature of the Burkert flow rate controller it is simple to install in-line and can be easily integrated into an existing process control infrastructure. From both a mechanical and an electrical perspective this innovative product is designed for simplicity, accuracy and reliability.
A video has been produced featuring Thomas Sattler, Team Coach Application Management Gas. In the video, Thomas Sattler, who is a product expert, describes how the Type 8750 offers end-users a cost-effective option that minimises damage to the process materials and increases productivity by providing better flow control and management of the pneumatic compressors. The video also highlights how the Type 8750 flow rate controller improves the energy efficiency of the manufacturing process and helps system integrators to provide an effective system that is straightforward to install and reliably delivers reduced operating and maintenance costs. |
Global iron ore production data;Feb 20, 2017 . Iron ore is the source of primary iron for the world's iron and steel industries. Its production can be reported as crude ore, usable ore or iron content of ore. Historically, the U.S. Geological. Survey (USGS) used reported crude ore production from China in tabulations of world iron ore production while other.global production distribution of iron ore india,global production distribution of iron ore india,distribution map of iron ore and copper in india chinadistribution map of iron ore and copper in india, 485&ensp&ensp2,294 distribution of copper in india map Gold Ore Crusher bauxite, copper, Coal, iron , distribution . global production distribution of iron ore india. . and production layout of the major mineral resources in China, including coal, iron ore, copper and bauxite .
Comments About global production distribution of iron ore india
Production and Distribution of Iron Ore in India - Your Article Library
Production and Distribution of Iron Ore in India! Iron ore is a metal of universal use. It is the backbone of modern civilisation. It is the foundation of our basic industry and is used all over the world. Iron Ore in India. Image Courtesy : 4.bp.blogspot/-7rYDZjqlBQQ/ThMSe6BgkrI/varme.JPG. ADVERTISEMENTS:.
Global iron ore production data;
Feb 20, 2017 . Iron ore is the source of primary iron for the world's iron and steel industries. Its production can be reported as crude ore, usable ore or iron content of ore. Historically, the U.S. Geological. Survey (USGS) used reported crude ore production from China in tabulations of world iron ore production while other.
• World iron ore reserves by country 2017 | Statista
How much iron ore is left in the world? This statistic shows the world iron ore reserves as of 2017, by major countries. The reserves of crude iron ore in the United States were estimated to be approximately 2.9 billion metric tons at this point.
Top Iron Ore Producing Countries In The World - WorldAtlas
In the past, India has been a world leader, but now the fourth largest producer. 95% of the country's iron ore come from Orissa, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Goa, and Karnataka. The biggest deposits in the country are in Orissa state. In 2015, India produced 129 million tons which were similar to 2014 figures.
Iron Ore & Global Markets. | Iron Ore: Facts.
India, 150, 150. Iran, 50, 45. Kazakhstan, 26, 26. Russia, 105, 105. Sweden, 26, 26. Ukraine, 82, 82. Other Countries, 127, 131. Total, 3110, 3220. Top Producing Pie Graph 2014. Source Note: Mine production for China is based on crude ore, rather than usable ore, which is reported for the other countries. Despite being.
distribution map of iron ore and copper in india china
distribution map of iron ore and copper in india, 485&ensp&ensp2,294 distribution of copper in india map Gold Ore Crusher bauxite, copper, Coal, iron , distribution . global production distribution of iron ore india. . and production layout of the major mineral resources in China, including coal, iron ore, copper and bauxite .
List of countries by copper production - Wikipedia
This is a list of countries by mined copper production for 2015. Copper concentrates are commonly exported to other countries to be smelted. A nation's smelter production of copper can differ greatly from its mined production. See: List of countries by copper smelter production.
Indian Iron Ore Resources & Exploitation - Indian Bureau of Mines
Indian. IrOn Ore. ReSources. & Exploitation. India is bestowed with large resource of iron ore. Iron ore occurs in different geological formations. However, major economic deposits of iron ore are found . Almost the entire present-day production of iron & its products comes from ... Zonal Distribution of Iron ore in India is.
Distribution of Mineral Resource in the World
Oct 4, 2014 . Distribution of Mineral Resource in the World. . EUROPE: Sweden, France, Germany, UK, Spain are Iron ore producing countries in Europe . INDIA: Iron ore is located in a number of states of India like Orissa, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan.
production distribution of ore in india - Odysseus Project
Production and Distribution of Iron Ore India Chhattisgarh has about 18 per cent of the total iron ore reserves of India. This state produced about 20 per cent of the total iron . production and distribution iron ore dia. distribution of iron ore the world,world distribution of iron ore. Mg Equipment Manufacturer And Distributor .
Dynamic Determinants in Global Iron Ore Supply Chain - CIRRELT
provide a descriptive synthesis of the various determinants of global iron ore supply chain based on extensive bibliographical search. It presents many aspects of this market investigation such as the production volumes of steel and iron ore, their evolution, the geographical distribution, the main actors, import and export.
Manganese Ore Distribution across India & World | PMF IAS
Jan 30, 2016 . ManganeseManganese is not found as a free element in nature.It is often found in combination with iron.The most important manganese ore is pyrolusite.
Indian Iron Ore Scenario - Metal Bulletin
3. Worldsteel. Grade-wise distribution. Global crude steel production & India. India stands fourth among Global crude steel producers. Expect to breach 150 Mt by year. 2020 taking it only next to China.
global production distribution of iron ore india,
WORLD STEEL IN FIGURES 2017
scrap, energy, and cokemaking and iron ore supplies. 1971. World Steel in. Figures appears in pocket format. 1971. Study on global indirect trade launched .. million tonnes crude steel production. Country. 2016. 2015. Rank. Tonnage. Rank. Tonnage. China. 1. 808.4. 1. 803.8. Japan. 2. 104.8. 2. 105.1. India. 3. 95.6. 3.
global production distribution of iron ore india,
Mineral Distribution in India
Jan 24, 2017 . 2002-2005: Index of world prices of minerals, ores and metals doubles (price of iron ore increased by 118%; copper up by 136%; lead 116%; and . In India, the value of mineral production has more than tripled since the sector was 'liberalised', from about Rs 25,000 crore in 1993-94 to more than Rs.
Official PDF , 99 pages - World Bank Documents & Reports
Canada and India are expected to increase their iron ore capacity by about 53 million tons. Other producing countries in Africa, Europe and North America are expected, however, to have their capacity cut as their high-quality, l o r cost reserves are depleted. 11.2 production and Apparent Conruption of Iron Ore. Ninety-five.
3 Stocks in Focus Amid Falling Iron Ore Prices - Nasdaq
Oct 12, 2017 . Huge dependence on steel and iron ore has made the global economy highly susceptible to changes in their prices, demand and supply. We believe that the gradually improving global . These systems help in production and distribution of iron ore. In second-quarter 2017, the company generated roughly.
Detrital iron-ore deposits in the Iron Ore Group of rocks, northern .
KEY WORDS: Bonai–Keonjhar Belt, detrital iron ore, India, Orissa. INTRODUCTION. In view of the global iron-ore scenario, the iron-ore mining industries in Orissa continue to play a pivotal role in the State's export-driven economy. The most important iron-ore production zone in eastern India is centred in Orissa.
The iron and steel industry: a global market perspective
flowing from coal and ore-rich producing countries in South America, Africa and Oceania to major producing . 2) iron production,. 3) steel production,. 4) casting, rolling and finishing. The main raw materials are iron ore, coal, line, scrap and energy. Approximately . Brazil, Australia, China, India, the US and Russia.
Annual Report (English).pdf - Ministry of Steel
India is currently the world's 3rd largest producer of crude steel against its 8th position in 2003 and is expected to .. Kids corner introduced on the website of MOIL (for Manganese Ore), RINL (for steel production) and KIOCL in .. Policy formulation regarding production, distribution, pricing of iron & steel and ferro alloys.
Global Iron Ore Mining to 2020 - Research and Markets | Business .
Apr 29, 2016 . The 'Global Iron Ore Mining to 2020' report comprehensively covers global reserves of iron ore by country, historic and forecast data on iron ore production, . Australia was the world's largest producer accounting for 36.9% of global production, followed by Brazil (21.6%), China (15.7%), India (6.9%) and.
Iron & Steel Industry in India: Production, Market Size, Growth | IBEF
Feb 8, 2018 . India was the world's third-largest steel producer in 2016. The growth in the Indian steel sector has been driven by domestic availability of raw materials such as iron ore and cost-effective labour. Consequently, the steel sector has been a major contributor to India's manufacturing output. The Indian steel.
Characterization of Chemical Composition and Microstructure of .
Oct 24, 2012 . This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original . The quality of this iron ore was evaluated to establish its suitability to serve as a raw material for iron production. |
Discard packaging long life in the trash is a real waste of natural and monetary resources, whereas in the manufacturing of them is employed cutting edge technology, precisely in order to allow them to be 100% recyclable.
The random drop kick to the life cycle of the materials used in its manufacture as paper, aluminum and plastic, at the same time, interrupting a chain of processes that would benefit society as a whole. These components could return to productive centers in the form of raw material, if sent to the industries that make recycling.
Right way – one of the successful experiences to the reuse of these packages was developed by Tetra Pak company, which created the Route of recycling program, a system that points the location and the contact of the cooperatives and the voluntary surrender of recyclable materials and trades related to the chain of long-life packaging recycling in the country.
The difficulty of giving environmentally appropriate disposal long life packaging is in scope of selective collection and in the absence of industries specialized in the processing of this type of waste. There is also the fact that few capitals have collection points for products to be recycled. Currently, 35 industries recycle the packaging of Tetra Pak. They are located in the States of São Paulo, Santa Catarina, Pernambuco, Minas Gerais, Rio Grande do Sul, Mato Grosso, Bahia e Distrito Federal.
Long life packaging – Composed of paper, aluminum and plastic, these boxes create a barrier that prevents the entrance of light, air, water, microorganisms and foreign odors, preserving any longer foods such as milk, juices and tomato sauces. They also do not require cooling and allow perishable products are transported over long distances without spoiling.
The technology developed for the packaging allows all of it is recycled. The process enhances the use of natural resources demanded in the production. Product residue becomes its own raw material.
This set of aspects that the end result in saving the environment of more natural resources to production is what adds value to a product.
ornalista, Publisher of the Lixomarg |
Unconscious bias has established a big hole in gender balancing, particularly in the workplace. This leaves the men more considered for employment in various sectors more than the women, even when they both have similar performance credits. Employment statistics from various sectors in the labor market over the decade suggests that sex gap is continually widening significantly in many sectors. We can say its worst in the energy & mining, manufacturing, and software & IT services where women struggle to represent up to 25% of all employees according to a report from Global Gender Gap in 2017.
Employee gender diversity imbalance is really obvious that some multinational companies, especially in the technology industry, having admitted guilt, are putting up a fight to deal with the widening gender gap in hiring. Sadly, most of them have no positive result to share. However, there may be a bigger promise to closing the gender gap – the use of machine-learning products or AI for recruiting – a technology that has been proposed for quite some time now to attenuate bias hiring. Many would want to believe it’s ending with hype just because AI technology has already taking too long to prove a point on the gender gap.
It would be interesting to know that many companies are beginning to invest in AI-based software for talent management and sourcing as learned from Sharon Florentine at CIO. A report from Talent Economy suggests that about 1,143 recruiters in the U.S. are planning to invest more into AI-based software in 2018, with 86% of them relying on the software for talent sourcing.
While this sound like a big move to us, the organizations are also doing this to spend less or nothing in hiring; an expectation the AI technology is poised to live up to aside from eliminating unconscious biasing.
What is AI for recruiting?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) for recruiting is the use of artificial or augmented intelligence to solve problems that computers can handle in a recruitment process. It's a new technology designed to automate or seamlessly streamline some workflow processes in recruiting, mostly in handling a large volume of data and sampling. If a software is used to auto-screen job candidates by learning resumes with no sentiments, responding based on established parameters, then the software is said to be AI-based for recruiting, which can be referred to as augmented or artificial intelligence.
What is the biggest challenge and how can machine-learning products help close the gender gap?
The most important move to closing the gender gap in the workplace is recognizing its existence. Many HRs want to believe that gender diversity is not an issue at their workplace, leaving AI-based software futile towards any gender balance motive. Recognizing gender imbalance calls for its solution; traced back to unconscious bias in hiring. And the understanding of this bias nature is enough to win huge motivation to seeking gender diversity.
Kevin Mulcahy, co-author of "The Future Workplace Experience: 10 Rules for Managing Disruption in Recruiting and Engaging Employees" and an analyst with Future Workplace says "The challenge with unconscious bias is that, by definition, it is unconscious, so it takes a third-party, such as AI, to recognize those occurrences and point out any perceived patterns of bias. AI-enabled analysis of communication patterns about the senders or receivers -- like gender or age -- can be used to screen for bias patterns and present the pattern analysis back to the originators."
By developing strategies
Having recognized the need to diversify gender by dealing with unconscious bias, the next step is to set up models or strategies that can address the bias pattern accountably. HRs must allow the employees to contribute in deriving patterns that promote individuals that are not same with themselves. The established patterns can then be used on machine-learning products.
"You have to create a culture of 'If you see something, say something' that goes as high up as executive leadership. Do not expect lower-ranking people to call out examples of bias if senior people have not provided permission and led by example," Mulcahy says. "You can still use AI to help; machines know no hierarchy and can provide analytical reports back to workers of all levels, but there has to be a human element."
Achieve a bias-free AI for recruiting algorithm
More emphasis must be made here to ensure that the company is not running in a circle. The parameters to be used in developing algorithms for machine-learning products or AI for recruiting must be properly scrutinized to ensure that the program is not also biased to achieve nothing.
"AI/machine learning can help close the diversity gap, as long as it is not susceptible to human bias," says Aman Alexander, CEB product management director, an organization that performs assessments on recruitment algorithms for machine-learning products. "For example, recruiting contact center employees could provide AI/machine learning models with the historical application forms of hired contact centre employees with high customer satisfaction scores. This allows the model to pick up on the subtle application attributes/traits and not be impacted by on-the-job, human biases," Alexander added.
Answers to potential-based hiring
Recruiters are faced with more challenges when hiring for potential. This challenge can easily force a compromise to the developed recruitment standards. But AI/machine learning tools are far from this challenge. The system can be trained empirically to make decisions on candidates that may likely succeed using statistical relationships, which ordinarily would be difficult to calculate individually if unconscious bias is determined to be bypassed manually. CEB's Alexander says that the machine can be trained using the company's traits and primary focus, defeating threats to gender diversity.
"The human mind is not designed for the type of pattern recognition that can be most helpful in making hiring decisions. For example, most people would be able to rattle off a list of the many traits they desire or avoid in an ideal candidate but would have no idea what the relative success or failure rate is of people who exhibit those traits. They, therefore, don't have any data to justify their beliefs," Alexander says. "AI and machine learning analysis, however, can provide hard data that either confirms or denies recruiters', hiring managers' or executives' beliefs about the types of hires they should be making."
A target-oriented candidate search is a lot easier with AI tools. For instance, if a company is looking for a female C++ programmer, the AI-based software has the ability to search through and screen all the female candidates with the relevant qualifications provided, including the amount of experience and supply them to the recruiter or HR manager. The search goes beyond matching job titles and experiences, AI tools have the feature to focus on specific skills that can make the candidate a very successful system programmer.
"If you are going out and trying to identify candidates, you have a massive-scale data problem right off the bat -- you're looking at something like a billion social profiles, and you have to determine what's relevant, what's not, what is information about the same person, what's out of date, and make inferences about that data," says the CEO of HiringSolved, Shon Burton. "Using AI and machine learning to search speeds up the process and makes it more efficient, while also making it easier to find diverse candidates at top of the hiring funnel." |
Child Labor: Youth Mininum Wage
The youth minimum wage is authorized by Section 6(g) of the FLSA, as amended by the 1996 FLSA Amendments. The law allows employers to pay employees under 20 years of age a lower wage for a limited period -- 90 calendar days, not work days -- after they are first employed. Any wage rate above $4.25 an hour may be paid to eligible workers during this 90-day period.
Read more on the Fact Sheet #32: Youth Minimum Wage - Fair Labor Standards Act on dol.gov.
All employers covered by the FLSA may pay eligible employees the youth minimum wage, unless prohibited by state or local law. Where a state or local law requires payment of a minimum wage higher than $4.25 an hour and makes no exception for employees under age 20, the higher state or local minimum wage standard would apply.
The eligibility period runs for 90 consecutive calendar days beginning with the first day of work for an employer. It does not matter when the job offer was made or accepted (or when the employee was considered "hired"). The 90-day period starts with (and includes) the first day of work for the employer. The 90-day period is counted as consecutive days on the calendar, not days of work. It does not matter how many days during this period the youth actually performs any work.
No. Eligible employees may be paid the youth wage up to the day before their 20th birthday. On and after their 20th birthday, their pay must be raised to no less than the applicable minimum wage.
A break in service does not affect the calculation of the 90-day period of eligibility. In other words, the 90-calendar-day period continues to run even if the employee comes off the payroll during the 90 days. For example, if a student initially works for an employer over a 60-calendar-day period in the summer and then quits to return to school, the 90-day eligibility period ends for this employee with this employer 30 days after he/she quits (i.e., 90 consecutive calendar days after initial employment). If this student were to return later to work again for this same employer, the period of eligibility for the youth wage will have already expired.
Yes. A youth under 20 may be paid the youth wage for up to 90 consecutive calendar days after initial employment with any employer, not just the first employer. While an employee is "initially employed" only once by any employer, an employee may be "initially employed" by more than one employer. The fact that an eligible youth may be employed simultaneously by more than one employer (unrelated to each other) does not impact either employer's right to pay the youth wage.
Read more about Youth Minimum Wage - Fair Labor Standards Act on dol.gov. |
Please help with the following problem found in the textbook: Business Law: The Ethical, Global, and E-Commerce Environment 13th edition written by Jane Mallor, A. James Barnes, Thomas Bowers, and Arlen W. Langvardt (2007). Please answer question in detail.© BrainMass Inc. brainmass.com December 20, 2018, 3:00 am ad1c9bdddf
1. Is it morally right to balance personal injury and human life against economic gain?
Isn't each human life valuable beyond measure? Can decision-making processes such
As the FTC's ever be justified?
It is morally not right to balance personal injury and human life against economic gains. The reason for this is that no economic value or price can be put on human life. No amount of economic gain can offset danger to human life. An injury to a single person cannot be outweighed by economic gains. Each life is beyond measure and as human beings have not been able to create a single human life by spending as much economic 'gains' as possible, human beings do not have the right to put the lives of others at danger.
Decision making by FTC where danger to human life is weighed against economic value is unpardonable. From the deontological perspective the FTC has the duty to protect human life from injury at ...
This answer provides you an excellent discussion on Ethics in Action |
The potential of solar energy in Saudi Arabia is not debatable. The horizontal solar irradiation (for photovoltaic applications) ranges between 2,000 and 2,500 kWh/m2/year, one of the highest worldwide. This, coupled with a drop in world oil prices and a push for more energy to be produced locally from non-oil sources means that undoubtedly, renewable energy is the answer. Why haven't we seen wide-scale adoption of this technology yet? Truth is, there have been (and still are) key challenges related to opportunity cost and efficiency. Fortunately, there are 4 key drivers that will accelerate the adoption of this technology in 2018:
- National Renewable Energy Plan
A key component of Vision 2030 is the National Renewable Energy Program (NREP), which is a a long term, multifaceted renewable energy strategy designed to balance the domestic power mix in order to deliver long term economic stability to KSA. This program aims to substantially increase the share of renewable energy in the total energy mix, targeting the generation of 3.45 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy by 2020 and 9.5GW by 2023. To date, the program has tendered out three key renewable energy projects: a 300 MW solar PV plant in Sakaka and 2,400 MW wind energy plants in Midyan and Dumat Al-Jandal. In order to achieve the targets set-out in the program, additional projects will be tendered out over the next few years creating opportunities for public private partnerships, an effective approach that will help accelerate implementation of these projects and deployment of renewable energy solutions.
The 300 MW Sakaka PV project received a lowest bid of 1.79 cents/kWh, the cheapest price ever recorded.
- Net-Metering Regulations
Net-metering is an enabling policy designed to foster private investment in renewable energy. In August, the Electricity and Cogeneration Authority issued a regulatory framework for electricity consumers to operate their own, small-scale solar power (<2 MW) generating systems and export unused power to the national grid, offsetting this amount against their own consumption. As such, this creates a significant financial incentive and accelerates private sector investment in small-scale renewable energy applications. This will come into force in July 2018 and pre-qualified, registered installers must carry out the work in order for the system to be eligible.
- Increased Tariffs
As of January 1, 2018, the Electricity and Cogeneration Regulatory Authority (ECRA) announced a threefold increase in the electricity tariff. For most residential users, they will now be paying 18 ha/kWh compared to 5 or 10 ha/kWh. The direct impact of this on users is an increased monthly electricity bill. At the same time, the increased tariffs will solidify the business case for renewable energy projects: instead of a payback period of ~10-15 years, small-scale solar PV deployments are now expected to have payback period of ~5-7 years, which is attractive considering the 25 year lifecycle of the system. Moreover, another policy incentive that could be deployed is a Time-of-Use tarrif where higher tariffs are applied for peak times, during the day which coincides with peak solar PV output.
- Technology Advancement
Technological advancements that have enhanced the output efficiency of solar panels have driven the cost of solar down significantly over the past 5 years. The price is expected to continually decrease due to further advancements in solar cell technology and energy storage and enhancements in solar cell manufacturing. On a more local level, two challenges that remain that limit the efficiency of the panels are dust and high temperatures. Research has been conducted into promising solutions to overcome these challenges such as electrodynamic screens, coatings and air blowers. These advancements will surely maximize the efficiency and output of solar solutions, while yielding significant financial gains and ultimately accelerating their wide-scale adoption.
The levelized energy cost of Solar PV is expected to drop by 59% from 2015-2025.
This article was originally published on LinkedIn |
One of NASA’s more off-the-radar facilities is responsible for some of the organization’s most important research. Kennedy Space Center and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory may get the lion's share of attention, but Marshall Space Flight Center, in Huntsville, Alabama, is responsible for developing much of the complex inner-workings of rockets, satellites, and future technologies.
The George C. Marshall Space Flight Center, to give it its full title, is actually the largest of NASA's various centers. Ever since it officially opened on July 1, 1960, after President Eisenhower approved the transfer of all Army space-related activities to NASA, it has been the space agency's lead center for the development of rocket propulsion systems and technologies, including the Saturn family of launch vehicles. Today, the center is engaged in propulsion and space transportation, engineering, science, space systems and space operations, and project and program management.
Also, the development of many designed-for-3D components, like engine elements, attachment mechanisms, and fueling systems, are being designed and printed on-site. These components are not only advancing these technologies, but they are also helping NASA lessen the weight of the components and reduce the cost of prototyping and manufacturing.
Reducing weight, and therefore cost, is a major focus for space research, and 3D printing promises to enable big savings in this are, making additive manufacturing, arguably, the most important technology being explored at NASA.
According to Marshall Space Flight Center, "SLS is the first rocket and launch system in history capable of powering humans, habitats, and space systems beyond our moon and into deep space.”
The SLS components are constructed and tested at Marshall Space Flight center, and standing inside the hollow innards of a ring of the SLS is an intimidating and overwhelming experience. Within the testing room, adjacent to the massive ring of computer racks and components, the facility engineers run launch simulations and throw everything they have at the systems that will be part of the rocket. Everything from weather and wind changes to failing engines and misfires are simulated in both algorithms and 3D visualizations.
Talking to the ISS
Perhaps the most interesting, yet little known, part of NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is the fact that the facility houses the International Space Station (ISS) Payload Operations Integration Center & Laboratory Training Complex. Like a modernized scene out of Apollo 13, the control room houses an array of specialists working on everything from communications to systems analysis to experiment monitoring.
A wall of monitors presents various high-definition views from the numerous cameras onboard the ISS, while others provide a visualization of the several experiments happening live – many of which are only operated from the ground, not by astronauts aboard the ISS.
The many experts in the room also help the astronauts solve the various issues that they encounter in space. To help facilitate this, the floor below holds a life-size model of the ISS, complete with various switch boards and contact elements to give the experts tactile understanding as they train and problem-solve, and touch-screens to simulate everything else.
Like the NEXT thruster, that ran for five and half years, ion thruster technology provides long-lasting, lightweight propulsion for vehicles that are looking to do deep space exploration. Now, NASA is looking to replace the xenon gas with iodine as a fuel, with little modification to the existing thruster technology. This holds cost- and weight-saving possibilities for future missions.
Though NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center is often overlooked on the list of major NASA tourist venues, the facility and its staff are conducting some of the most important research and engineering for the future of the organization. From SLS to 3D printing to propelling us to the outer reaches of our solar system (not to mention that it’s home to the legendary Space Camp), the Huntsville, Alabama facility holds the key to much of NASA’s future success.
More details on the Marshall Space Flight Center can be found on the center's homepage.
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Stone crushing units are not stand alone crushing units, but stone mining is Crusher shall be covered and water sprinkling system shall be provided on crusher to the premises to control the air borne dust emission due to wind velocity.
Central Pollution Control Board publication in the above series with the main objective of this to Control Boards, the Stone Crushing Units and their Association during the Study is Format B – Information on Dust Control system installed.
In the absence of any air pollution controls, industry-wide particulate emissions from The principal crushing plant process facilities include crushers, screens, and Combination systems utilize both methods at different stages throughout the
measures can be introduced to similar industries while dust emission control measures need KEYWORDS: Stone Crushing Industry, Environmental Pollution, Pollution Control . Water spray system with nozzles at Jaw crusher. •. Establish circular duct lines, centrifugal fans, wet scrubber units, a recirculation tank, over
Aug 1, 2018 Location map of stone crushing units and sourceambient air quality. Location map of highly polluted 共Central Pollution Control Board 1984兲. There are 1,191 units with The human respiratory system. can remove large
Excellent Dust Control System for Stone Crusher and Quarry using Rainguns and Dust is the major Pollution problem during the production of blue metals and Liter Water per day reuired to suppress the dust according to the unit capacity.
Prevention & Control of Pollution Act, 1981, the Government of Assam i These rules may be called “The Assam Stone Crusher Establishment and iii The stone crusher unit shall be provided with suitable water sprinkling system to.
RAJASTHAN STATE POLLUTION CONTROL BOARD. R~lIJstbf;lQ Stone Crusher for their location & required measures of effective control of air pollution, copy It is for these reasons that most stone crusher units are located along the periphery of . o Lack of availability of low cost and appropriate dust control systems,.
Dec 28, 2016 Required Pollution Control Measures in Stone Crushers. 12. 5.0 monitoring was carried out by inspection teams in operational units for verification of compliance of .. from any process equipment of a stone crushing unit.
Jan 8, 2012 INTRODUCTION Stone Crushing Industry is an important industrial Typically for a 200 TPH plant, the increase in energy consumption with dry system is By application of either of the above air pollution control techniques,
Dec 30, 2016 Haryana State Pollution Control Board HSPCB, in the last one year, has collected a fine of Rs. 56 lakh from stone crushers situated in citys fringe. to 10 metres from any process equipment of a stone crushing unit shall not
stone crusher site and analysis was done on the basis of central pollution control welfare of human system & life in the atmosphere. These stone crushers . particulate and gaseous pollution around stone crusher units and their effects on
of the Air Pollution Control Ordinance the Ordinance. It also serves as a enclosed and ducted to a dust extraction and collection system such as a fabric filter. accumulated on or around the relevant plant shall be cleaned up regularly. 6.
Environment Pollution Control Authority. Ministry of . air pollution. 2. Siting guidelines for stone crushers mandatory in Thermal Power Plant. Closure of Augmentation of city public transport system Not later than 1 April 2004. Emission
May 29, 2014 Crushing Units in the State of Himachal Pradesh and in exercise of the powers . Representative of HP State Pollution Control Board. 2.2.2 Every Unit shall have a dust suppression system with water spray and sprinkling.
sites accommodating their own temporary stone crushing plant, batching Waste Oil, hydrocarbon and oil spills from vehicles and equipment Necessary abatement measures should be taken such that all emissions Well-designed sprinklers to be located at all points to contain dust pollution, using preferably harvested.
pollution according to the permit-by-rule provisions of OAC 3745-31-03A4d. Dust Control Methods and Equipment check all that apply: To be eligible for the PBR, the maximum plant capacity must be 25 tons per hour or sand and gravel, crushed stone, and recycled asphaltconcrete plants, 10 tons per hour for
Details of effluent treatment plant and disposal facilities, etc. including nature of receiving environment, adequacy of proposed pollution control systems. . Stone Crushers; Surgicals and medical products involving prophalacties and latex
May 16, 2016 EC by SEIAA in respect of establishment of stone crusher and carrying out mining have come before the . Manufacturers of crusher units for in-built air pollution control in-built air pollutions control systems. In overview of
It is estimated that there are over 12,000 stone crusher units in India. . All the machines and equipment are available from local manufacturers. . Entrepreneur may contact State Pollution Control Board where ever it is applicable.
Aug 17, 2017 Stone Crushing Equipment Market: High adoption of this machinery across various For instance, In India, Gujarat Pollution Control Board GPCB has mandated a few environmental guidelines for stone crushing units.
Apr 15, 2018 As many as 60 stone crushing units exist at several parts in the district at generated from stone crushing units, the state pollution control board have They include: no dust containment-cum suppression system for the
Jul 10, 2004 In Bayer process the bauxite material is crushed and digested in a heated caustic solution. The existing pollution controlwaste management systems and the of steel industry causing pollution are coke oven and by-product plant, steel melting shop, sintering plant . Lime Stone Crusher - Bag Filter. |
Sustainability is the capacity to cope with and preserve the environment for future generations. With regard to business, sustainable development concerns the integration of environmental, economic, and social aspects into the business model. It requires focusing on long-term, future objectives for the business instead of placing emphasis on temporary profitability (Purvis & Grainger, 2013). Being a sustainable business does not imply that one has to take for granted or deprioritise its performance or profitability. Sustainable business, in the long term, is in fact more cost-effective as they adjust to and expand with the evolving market. It can offer businesses competitive advantage and enable them to set their business apart from the competition (Narayanan & Das, 2013).There are numerous benefits that stem from integrating environmental, economic, and social aspects into the business decision-making process. It can guide decision makers in identifying and preventing future costs or disadvantages linked to unsustainable corporate actions, like releasing manufacturing waste into the ecosystem. It can also guide them in business planning, especially with regard to consumer satisfaction and expectations and taking advantage of growing industries and markets (Purvis & Grainger, 2013). Sustainable business involves notions like business ethics and corporate social responsibility (CSR). A business that complies with social responsibility tries to lessen its unfavourable effect on society and raise its favourable impact (Narayanan & Das, 2013). Business ethics are particularly essential as inability to comply with them can have damaging effect on the capability of a business.At present, the emphasis of sustainable business has been on the value of environmental sustainability. Environmental sustainability is an ever more vital notion of contemporary corporate practice, as market demands from consumers and regulators hold companies responsible for their behaviour (Netravali & Pastore, 2014). Sustainable businesses are acknowledged and commended thus it becomes increasingly important for business organisations to comply with the principles of sustainability.The advantages of economic growth, in the short term, are numerous—the more that economies and industries expand and profit, the greater employment opportunities and quality of life are. Technology has presently
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Suwanprateeb, J et al (2011) Preparation and comparative study of a new porous polyethylene ocular implant using powder printing technology. Journal of Bioactive and Compatible Polymers, 26(3), pp. 317-331.
Van Wijk, A & Van Wijk, I (2015) 3D printing with biomaterials: Towards a sustainable and circular economy. New York: IOS Press.
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See also warmwell's constantly updating oil depletion newspage
Copied with thanks in 2004 from:
Ramifications for Industrial CivilizationI have designed the following passages with somebody new to the issue of oil depletion in mind. If you would like more in depth explanations, with graphs, charts and the like, please consult The Oil Age Is Over: What to Expect as the World Runs Out of Cheap Oil, 2005-2050.What is "Peak Oil"?All oil production follows a bell curve, whether in an individual field or on the planet as a whole. On the upslope of the curve, production costs are significantly lower than on the downslope when extra effort (expense) is required to extract oil from reservoirs that are emptying out. Put simply: oil is plentiful and cheap on the upslope, scarce and expensive on the downslope. The peak of the curve coincides with the point at which the world's endowment of oil has been 50% depleted. “Peak Oil” is the industry term for the top of the curve. Once the peak is passed, oil production begins to go down while cost begins to go up.In practical and considerably oversimplified terms, this means that if 2000 was the year of Peak Oil, worldwide oil production in the year 2020 will be the same as it was in 1980. However, the world's population in 2020 will be both much larger (approximately twice) and much more industrialized than it was in 1980. Consequently, worldwide demand for oil will outpace worldwide production of oil by a significant margin.The more demand for oil exceeds production of oil, the higher the price goes. Ultimately, the question is not “When will we run out of oil?” but rather, “When will we run out of cheap oil?”When will Peak Oil occur?The most wildly optimistic estimates indicate 2020-2035 will be the year in which worldwide oil production peaks. Generally, these estimates come from government agencies such as the United States Geological Survey, oil companies, or economists who do not grasp the dynamics of resource depletion. Even if the optimists are correct, we will be scraping the bottom of the oil barrel within the lifetimes of most of those who are middle-aged today.A more realistic estimate is between the years 2004-2010. Unfortunately, we won't know we hit the peak until 3-4 years after the fact. Even on the upslope of the curve, oil production varies a bit from year to year. It is possible that worldwide oil production peaked in the year 2000 as production has dipped every year since. The energy industry has quietly acknowledged the seriousness of the situation. For instance, in an article recently posted on the Exxon-Mobil Exploration homepage, company president Jon Thompson stated:By 2015, we will need to find, develop and produce a volume of new oil and gas that is equal to eight out of every 10 barrels being produced today. In addition, the cost associated with providing this additional oil and gas is expected to be considerably more than what the industry is now spending.Equally daunting is the fact that many of the most promising prospects are far from major markets — some in regions that lack even basic infrastructure. Others are in extreme climates, such as the Arctic, that present extraordinary technical challenges.If Mr. Thompson is that frank in an article posted on the Exxon-Mobil Webpage, one wonders what he says behind closed doors. The Saudis are no less frank than Mr. Thompson when discussing the imminent end of the oil age. They have a saying that goes, "My father rode a camel. I drive a car. My son flies a jet airplane. His son will ride a camel."Big deal. If gas prices get high, I'll just carpool or get one of those hybrid cars. Why should I be concerned?Almost every current human endeavor — from transportation, to manufacturing, to electricity, to plastics, and especially food and water production — is inextricably intertwined with oil and natural gas supplies.A. Oil and Food ProductionIn the US, approximately 10 calories of fossil fuels are required to produce 1 calorie of food. If packaging and shipping are factored into the equation, that ratio is raised considerably. This disparity is made possible by an abundance of cheap oil. Most pesticides are petroleum- (oil) based, and all commercial fertilizers are ammonia- based. Ammonia is produced from natural gas, a fossil fuel subject to a depletion profile similar to that of oil. Oil has allowed for farming implements such as tractors, food storage systems such as refrigerators, and food transport systems such as trucks. Oil-based agriculture is primarily responsible for the world's population exploding from 1 billion at the middle of the 19th century to 6.3 billion at the turn of the 21st. As oil production went up, so did food production. As food production went up, so did the population. As the population went up, the demand for food went up, which increased the demand for oil.Within a few years of Peak Oil occurring, the price of food will skyrocket as the cost of producing, storing, transporting, and packaging it will soar.For more on oil and food production, read the following articles when you get the chance:B. Oil and Water SupplyOil is also needed to deliver almost all of our fresh water. Oil is used to construct and maintain aqueducts, dams, sewers, wells, as well as to pump the water that comes out of our faucets. As with food, the cost of fresh water will soar as the cost of oil soars.C. Oil and Health CareOil is also largely responsible for the advances in medicine that have been made in the last 150 years. Oil allowed for the mass production of pharmaceutical drugs, surgical equipment and the development of health care infrastructure such as hospitals, ambulances, roads, etc. . . .D. Oil and Everything ElseOil is also required for nearly every consumer item, sewage disposal, garbage disposal, street/park maintenance, police, fire services, and national defense. Thus, the aftermath of Peak Oil will extend far beyond how much you will pay for gas. Simply stated, you can expect: economic collapse, war, widespread starvation, and a mass die-off of the world’s population.What do you mean by "die-off"?Exactly what it sounds like. It is estimated that the world's population will contract to between 500 million and 2 billion during the Oil Crash. (Current world population: 6.4 billion)Are you serious? That's as much as 90% of our current population. How could that many people perish? Where does that estimate come from?That estimate comes from biologists who have studied what happens to every species when it depletes a key resource in its environment. Two notable examples are explained below:Example A: BacteriaBacteria in a Petri dish will grow exponentially until they run out of resources, at which point their population will crash. Only one generation prior to the crash, the bacteria will have used up half the resources available to them. To the bacteria, there will be no hint of a problem until they starve to death. Before that happens, the bacteria will begin cannibalizing each other in last-ditch efforts to survive.But humans are smarter than bacteria, right? You would think so, but the facts seem to indicate otherwise. The first commercial oil well was drilled in 1859. At that time, the world's population was about 1 billion. Less than 150 years later, our population has exploded to 6.4 billion. In that time, we have used up half the world's recoverable oil. Of the half that's left, most will be very expensive to extract. If the experts are correct, we are less than one generation away from a crash. Yet to most of us, there appears to be no hint of a problem. One generation away from our demise, we are as clueless as bacteria in a Petri dish.Example B: Easter IslandOver the course of history, many human populations have suffered from die-offs. The die-off most analogous to our current situation is the one that took place on Easter Island during the early 18th century. Easter Island was discovered by western civilization in 1722 when Dutch explorer Jacob Roggeveen landed on the island. At the time, Roggeveen described the island as a wasteland. The islanders he encountered led a particularly primitive existence, even by 18th-century standards. The island had no firewood, few species of plant life, and no native animals larger than insects. The islanders possessed no wheels, no draft animals, few tools, and only 3-4 flimsy, leaky canoes.Despite the barren existence, Easter Island was populated with huge, elaborately constructed, stone statues. Roggeveen and his crew were completely perplexed by these statues, as it was clear whoever built them had tools, resources, and organizational skills far more advanced than the islanders they encountered. What happened to these people?According to archeologists, Easter Island was first colonized by Polynesians sometime around the year 500 AD. At the time, the island was a pristine paradise with lush forests. Under these conditions, the island's population grew to as much as 20,000. During this population bloom, the islanders used wood from the forest trees to power virtually every aspect of a highly complex society. They used the wood for fuel, canoes, houses, and; of course, for transporting the huge statues. With each passing year, the islanders had to cut down more and more trees as the statues became larger and larger.As the trees disappeared, the islanders ran out of timber and rope to transport and erect their statues; springs and streams dried up, and wood was no longer available for fires. The food supply was also diminished as land birds, large sea snails, and many seabirds disappeared. As timber for building seagoing canoes vanished, fish catches declined and porpoises disappeared from the dinner table. With the food supply greatly diminished, the islanders resorted to cannibalism to sustain themselves. The practice became so common that the islanders would insult each other by saying, “The meat of your mother sticks between my teeth.”Before long, local chaos replaced centralized government, and a warrior class took over from the hereditary chiefs. By around 1700, the population began to crash toward between one-quarter and one-tenth of its former number. People took to living in caves for protection against their enemies and the statues were torn down in clan warfare. Once the home of a highly complex society, Easter Island had turned into an atoll of the barbaric.As UCLA Medical School Professor Jared Diamond has explained:Easter Island looks like a metaphor for us today. The islanders were isolated in the middle of the ocean with nobody to turn for help, with nowhere to flee once the island collapsed. In the same way today, one can look at Planet Earth in the middle of the galaxy, and if we too get into trouble, there's no way we can flee, and no people to whom we can turn for help out there in the galaxy.I still can't imagine that number of deaths. It's just too ghastly to imagine. Only 10% of us are going to make it? How can that possibly be?I know how you feel. This is all very difficult to handle, both emotionally and intellectually. As former UK environmental minister Michael Meacher recently stated, in an issue of Financial Times, “It's hard to envisage the effects of a radically reduced oil supply on a modern economy or society. The implications are mind-blowing.” Perhaps the following explanation, while considerably over-simplified, will help illustrate the future we are marching towards.As explained above, worldwide oil production follows a bell curve. Thus, if the year 2000 was the year of peak production, then oil production in the year 2025 will be about the same as it was in the year 1975. The population in the year 2025 is projected to be roughly 8 billion. The population in 1975 was roughly 4 billion. Since oil production essentially equals food production, this means that we will have 8 billion people on the planet but only enough food for 4 billion.With that in mind, visualize the following situation: you, me, and six other people were locked in a room, with only enough food for four of us. At least four of us will die from starvation. Another one or two will likely die as we all fight each other for what little food we have. That's what will happen if we are fighting with just our fists. Give each of us weapons, and you can imagine what that room will look like when we’re done with each other.Clearly, we have a real problem, but you're describing the worst-case scenario, right?I'm describing the most likely scenario. The worst-case scenario is extinction, as the wars that will accompany the worldwide oil shortage will likely be the most horrific and widespread that humanity has ever experienced.Where are you getting this information from? Who else is talking about Peak Oil? What type of backgrounds do they have? How do I know they’re credible, not crazy?When you are done with this site, I encourage you to do a Google search for “Peak Oil.” You will find, much to your dismay as well as my own, that everything you read in this site is supported by an analysis of hard facts reported by highly respected sources. Some of the more notable sources are described below. As you will see, this is not the usual “end of the world/the sky is falling” crowd.In fact, the most troublesome aspect of Peak Oil is there seems to be a correlation between an individual's credibility and scientific background and the degree to which they are concerned (even terrified) by the ramifications of Peak Oil:A. Dr. David Goodstein: Professor of Physics and Vice Provost of Cal Tech UniversityB. Matthew Simmons: Investment Banker, Energy Advisor to George Bush, Member of Dick Cheney's Energy Task ForceC. Dr. Colin Campbell: Former Exploration Geologist for Texaco, Chief Geologist for Ecuador, and Founder of the Association for the Study of Peak Oil and GasD. Articles from Mainstream News Publications*Over 50 Articles From Publications Such as The San Francisco Chronicle, The Los Angeles Times, Barons, New York Times, Newsweek, The Financial Times, The Washington Post, Business Week, etc. (click on "Articles")Are you only getting this information from "left wing" sources?Watch those interview with Bush's Energy Advisor, Matt Simmons. Simmons describes himself as a "lifetime Republican" and a big fan of George W. Bush.Peak Oil was not on my radar screen till I realized that both Matt Simmons and Michael Moore are both extraordinarily concerned about this situation.Anytime an avowed leftist and liberal icon like Michael Moore is in complete agreement with a member of the Bush administration, it's safe to say the shit has hit the fan.Is it possible that we have already hit Peak Oil and are now in the first stages of the Oil Crash?Yes. Ample evidence exists that we are already crashing:A. Declining Oil ProductionIn May 2003, at the Paris Peak Oil Conference, Princeton Professor Kenneth Deffeyes, author of Hubbert's Peak: The Impending World Oil Shortage, explained that Peak Oil actually arrived in 2000 by noting that production has actually been declining since that time.It is likely that we are now in the "Petroleum Plateau", which is the top part of the bell curve that is almost flat. We will begin going down the downslope of the curve at some point between 2005-2020. Unfortunately, it's likely to be sooner than later.B. Drastically Revised Estimates of Oil & Natural Gas ReservesIn October 2003, CNN International reported that a research team from Sweden's University of Uppsala has discovered worldwide oil reserves are as much as 80% less than previously thought, that worldwide oil production will peak within the next 10 years, and once production peaks, gas prices will reach disastrous levels. In January 2004, shares of major oil companies fell after Royal Dutch/Shell Group shocked investors by slashing its "proven" reserves 20 percent, raising concerns others may also have improperly booked reserves. A month later, energy company El Paso Corporation announced it had cut its proven natural gas reserves estimate by 41 percent.C. High Oil and Gas PricesIn March 2004, the price of oil hit $38 a barrel, the highest since 1991. The average nationwide price of a gallon of gasoline in America reached a record high of $1.77 this month. In some parts of the country (San Francisco, CA.), gas has already hit $2.40 a gallon. Many analysts are predicting gas prices will exceed $3.50 a gallon by the summer of 2004.D. High UnemploymentYou can think of "Peak Oil Production" as a synonym for "Peak Job Creation." As of December 2003, the "adjusted" unemployment, which has been squeezed out of as much meaning as conceivably possible, still hovers in the 6% range. However, if you factor in the quality of employment, then the real numbers are closer to 12%-15%. We need to create over 250,000 new jobs per month just to keep up with population growth. Creating new jobs is essentially impossible now that oil production is peaking. Without an excess supply of energy, the economy cannot grow, and the necessary number of decent paying jobs cannot be consistently created.From time to time, there will be months such as March 2004, when a healthy number of jobs are created. These months, however, will not happen consistently, ever again.E. BlackoutsThe rolling blackouts experienced in California during fall of 2000, the massive East Coast blackout of August 2003 and the various other massive blackouts that occurred throughout the world during late summer of 2003 are simply a sign of things to come.F. Reduced Food and Chemical ProductionWorld grain production has dropped every year since 1996-1997. World wheat production has dropped every year since 1997-1998. Recent food price hikes in China could be the sign of a coming world food crisis brought on by global warming and increasingly scarce water supplies among major grain producers. Last year in the US, a quarter of the US fertilizer factories shut down permanently, and another quarter were idled until prices settled back following a spike in natural gas prices.(Source: Richard Heinberg, "Oil and Gas Update", Museletter Number 142, January 2004)G. ConclusionIf you were to look at any one of these pieces of evidence in isolation, it would not tell you much about the situation the world is in. However, when you look at all of them together in the context of Peak Oil, the fact that we are already crashing becomes obvious.If you want to watch the crash as it unfolds, just check Breaking News.What about the oil in the Arctic National Wildlife Preserve (ANWR)? If the environmentalists got out of the way, couldn't we just drill for oil there?At current rates of oil consumption, the ANWR contains enough oil to power the US for only six months. The fact that it is being touted as a "huge" source of oil underscores how serious our problem really is.What about the oil under the Caspian Sea? I heard there was a massive amount of oil underneath it.As recently as September 2001, the Caspian Sea was thought to be the oil find of the century. By December 2002, however, just after US troops took Afghanistan, British Petroleum announced disappointing Caspian drilling results. The "oil find of the century" was little more than a drop in the ocean. Instead of earlier predictions of oil reserves above 200 billion barrels, the US State Department announced, "Caspian oil represents 4% of world reserves. It will never dominate the world's markets."Furthermore, the area has the potential for wars and disruptions that could make the Persian Gulf look tame by comparison. Unstable countries surround the Caspian, including Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, and Azerbaijan. Proposed pipelines to carry the oil run through hotspots such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, China, Russia, Ukraine, Bulgaria, and Kyrgyzstan. Meanwhile, the region is isolated and unforgiving, so the expenses associated with drilling would be enormous.Despite these monumental obstacles, oil is becoming so scarce that even the disappointingly modest amounts located in the Caspian Sea will remain extremely important from a geopolitical standpoint.What about so-called "non-conventional" sources of oil? Doesn't Canada have an enormous amount of this type of oil?So called "non-conventional" oil, such as the oil sands found in Canada and Venezuela, is incapable of replacing conventional oil for the following reasons:1. Non-conventional oil has a very poor Energy Profit Ratio and is extremely difficult to produce. It takes about 2 barrels of oil in energy investment to produce 3 barrels of oil equivalent from those resources. The cost of Canadian non-conventional oil projects is so high that in May 2003, the oil industry publication Rigzone suggested, "President Bush, known for his religious faith, should be praying nightly that Petro-Canada and other oil sands players find ways to cut their costs and boost US energy security."2. The environmental costs are horrendous and the process uses a tremendous amount of fresh water and also natural gas, both of which are in limited supply.3. Although non-conventional oil is quite abundant, its rate of extraction is far too slow to meet the huge global energy demand Dr. Colin Campbell estimates that combined Canadian and Venezuelan output of non-conventional oil will be 2.8 million barrels per day (mbd) in 2005, 3.6 mbd in 2012, and 4.6 mbd in 2020. These are drops in the bucket, given today’s consumption of 75 mbd, which is expected to increase to 120 mbd by 2020.I just read an article that states that known oil reserves keep growing. What do you have to say about that?That article is most likely citing data from sources that are about as reliable as an Enron accounting team.A. United States Geological Survey (USGS) and Energy Information Agency (EIA) "Cooking the Books"In recent years, the USGS and the EIA have revised their estimates of oil reserves upwards. This has led many observers and commentators to believe that the possibility of severe oil shortages is a thing of the past.While USGS and EIA reports on past production are largely reliable, their predictions for the future are largely propaganda. They admit this themselves. For instance, after recently revising oil supply projections upward, the EIA stated, "These adjustments to the estimates are based on non-technical considerations that support domestic supply growth to the levels necessary to meet projected demand levels."In other words, they predict how much they think we're going to use, and then tell us, "Guess what, nothing to worry about — that is how much we've got!"B. Certainly OPEC Wouldn't Cook the Books?!The USGS and the EIA aren't the only parties guilty of "cooking the books." For instance, during the late 1980s, several OPEC countries drastically increased their reported oil reserves with no corresponding major oil discoveries. Why was this? The reason is that an individual OPEC member’s quotas are proportional to their proven reserves. Since the larger the quota, the more money they can earn, this obviously gave them a strong incentive to 'adjust' their figures. As Dr. Campbell and Jean Laherrere have explained, "such reserve growth is an illusion."Is it possible that there is still more oil left to be discovered?Almost certainly not. According to a recent report from the Colorado School of Mines entitled The World's Giant Oilfields, the world's 120 largest oilfields produce almost 50% of the world's crude oil supply. The fourteen largest account for over 20%. The average age of these 14 largest fields is 43.5 years." The reserves in the world's super-giant and giant oilfields are dwindling at an average rate of 4-6 percent a year. The study concludes that "most of the world's true giants were found decades ago."Matthew Simmons has stated succinctly, "All the big deposits have been found and exploited. There aren’t going to be any dramatic new discoveries, and the discovery trends have made this abundantly clear." On a similar note, according to Dr. David Goodstein, "Better to believe in the Tooth Fairy than the possibility of any more large oil discoveries."(Source: Dr. David Goodstein, Out of Gas, p. 35)Is it possible that things might get better before they get worse?Yes. Once an oil find is made, it takes about 5 years for production to come online. As stated in the previous question, the last remotely decent year for oil finds was 2000. This means the last decent year for new production to come online will be about 2005. By 2008-2010, those projects will be in decline.I heard that some scientist has a theory that fossil fuels actually renew themselves. If that's true, wouldn't it cast doubt on the validity of Peak Oil?The scientist you speak of is a man by the name of Dr. Thomas Gold. In his 1999 book, The Deep Hot Biosphere, he proposes a theory that oil comes from deep in the Earth’s crust, left over from some primordial event in the formation of the Earth, when hydrocarbons were formed. If his theory were true, it would mean that fossil fuels are actually renewable resources.Unfortunately, his theory has been proven to be false, time and time again. As Steve Drury, who reviewed Gold's book for Geological Magazine, puts it:Any Earth scientist will take a perverse delight in reading the book, because it is entertaining stuff, but even a beginner will see the gaping holes where Gold has deftly avoided the vast bulk of mundane evidence regarding our planet's hydrocarbons.When asked about the validity of theories such as Gold's, Dr. Colin Campbell responded:Oil sometimes does occur in fractured or weathered crystalline rocks, which may have led people to accept this theory, but in all cases there is an easy explanation of lateral migration from normal sources. Isotopic evidence provides a clear link to the organic origins. No one in the industry gives the slightest credence to these theories: after drilling for 150 years they know a bit about it. Another misleading idea is about oilfields being refilled. Some are, but the oil simply is leaking in from a deeper accumulation.Finally, the deep-earth hypothesis has a fatal flaw: If oil were, indeed, formed under intense heat and pressure in the center of the Earth, it would tend to disintegrate as it rose from the regions of high temperature and pressure to the benign, cooler, low-pressure world closer to the Earth's surface.(Source: Lita Epstein, The Politics of Oil, p. 22)Didn't the Club of Rome make this exact same prediction back in the 70s?In 1972, the Club of Rome (COR) shocked the world with a study titled The Limits to Growth, which concluded that:1. If the population continued to grow and industrialize as it had been, society would run out of renewable resources by the year 2072. A mass die-off would ensue.2. Even if the supply of resources was magically doubled, a collapse would occur as a result of pollution.Often, whenever somebody makes an "end of the world"-type prediction, they are derided as a "Club of Romer." This is extremely unfortunate, as it appears the COR turned out to be correct. Says who? None other than Matthew Simmons, who stated in 2000, "In hindsight, The COR turned out to be right. We simply wasted 30 important years by ignoring this work."We had oil problems back in the 1970s. How is this any different?The oil shortages of the 1970s were the results of political events. The coming oil shortage is the result of geologic reality. You can negotiate with politicians. You can threaten, blockade, or invade Middle East regimes. You can't do any of that to the Earth.As far as the US oil supply was concerned, in the 70s there were other 'swing' oil producers like Venezuela who could step in to fill the supply gap. Once worldwide oil production peaks, there won't be any swing producers to fill in the gap.The "end of the world" is here, once again. So what's new? Y2K was supposed to be the end of the world, and it turned out to be much ado about nothing.What's new is that this is the real thing. It isn't a fire drill. It isn't paranoid hysteria. It is the real deal. .Peak Oil isn't "Y2K Reloaded." Peak Oil differs from previous “end of the world” scenarios such as Y2K in the following ways:1. Peak Oil is not an “if” but a “when.” Furthermore, it is not a “when during the next 1,000 years,” but a “when during the next 10 years.”2. Peak Oil is based on scientific fact, not subjective speculation. The individuals sounding the alarm are scientists, not psychics.3. Government and industry began preparing for Y2K a full 5-10 years before the problem was to occur. We are within 10 years of Peak Oil, and we have made no preparations for it.4. The preparations necessary to deal with Peak Oil will require a complete overhaul of every aspect of our civilization. This is much more complex than fixing a computer bug.5. Oil is more fundamental to our existence than anything else, even computers. Had the Y2K predictions come true, our civilization would have been knocked back to 1965. With time, we would have recovered. When the oil crash comes, our civilization is going to get knocked back to 1765. We will not recover, as there is no economically available oil left to discover that could help us recover.How quickly will things collapse?Many people mistakenly believe that anarchy will set in the moment we pass the peak. While such a scenario is highly unlikely, things will get dicey early on.Capitalism is by far the best economic system on the planet. This doesn't mean it's invincible. Although a market economy is superior to all other economic models, it has an achilles heel: if it lacks the energy it needs to grow, it collapses very quickly. Even a 1-2% energy shortfall can have catastrophic effects on an economy that requires growth.Once we pass the peak, oil production will decline by 1.5-3% per year. Demand, however, will continue to increase by 1.5-3% per year, every year. This equates to an additional 3-6% shortfall every year.That means 10 years after the peak, we will have between 30-60% less oil than we need. 15 years after the peak, we will have between 45-90% less oil than we need.Even if, by some miracle, oil production remains at its current level for the next 10 years, we will have between 15-30% less oil than we need by the year 2014, as demand will continue to go up, regardless of what happens to production.The market won't address this situation until these shortages actually hit. By then, it will be too late - the economy will be completely devastated. There will be no money or energy to invest in the modest alternatives we have available.This inability of the market to resolve this for us is explained in greater depth on Page II and Page III.To make matters worse, natural gas is set to run out in the next few years, while coal is set to get very expensive. (See Page II)Copyright 2003-2004, Mattthew David Savinar
Part II. Alternatives to Oil:Fuels of the Future or Cruel Hoaxes?I have designed the following passages with somebody new to the issue of oil depletion in mind. If you would like more in depth explanations, with graphs, charts and the like, please consult The Oil Age Is Over: What to Expect as the World Runs Out of Cheap Oil, 2005-2050.What about alternatives to oil? Can't we just switch to a different source of energy?Unfortunately, the ability of alternative energy to replace oil is based more in mythology and utopian fantasy than in reality and hard science. Oil accounts for 40% of our current US energy supply. None of the alternatives to oil can supply anywhere near this much energy, let alone the amount we will need in the future as our population continues to grow and industrialize. When examining alternatives to oil, it is of critical importance that you ask certain questions:1. Is the alternative easily transportable like oil?2. Is the alternative energy dense like oil?3. Is the alternative capable of being adapted for transportation, heating, and the production of fertilizers, plastics, and pesticides?4. Does the alternative have an Energy Profit Ratio (EPR) comparable to oil? Oil used to have an EPR of 100 to 1. It only took one barrel of oil to extract 100 barrels of oil. This was such a fantastic ratio that oil was practically free energy. In fact, at one point in Texas, water cost more than oil!Oil's EPR is now down to 10 to 1, which is still pretty good. If a proposed alternative energy source doesn't have an EPR comparable to oil, the amount of good it does us is very limited. Keep these questions in mind as we examine the shortcomings of the oil alternatives in the following questions.Can't we use coal to replace oil? I know it's dirty and could hurt the environment, but who cares about pollution if the alternative is starving?Like oil, coal is a fossil fuel. It accounts for 25% of current US energy supply. Although we have at least 200 years of coal left in the ground, it is unsuitable as a replacement for oil for the following reasons:1. It is 50% to 200% heavier than oil per energy unit. This makes it much more difficult to transport than oil.2. Coal mining operations run on oil fuels as do coal-mining machinery and transportation. As oil becomes more expensive, so will coal.3. Pollution is also a major problem. A single coal-fired station can produce a million tons of solid waste each year. Burning coal in homes pollutes air with acrid smog containing acid gases and particles.4. Currently, coal has an EPR of 8 to 1. That ratio used to be 100 to 1. By 2030-2040, that ratio will be 1 to 2. It will take two units of coal to extract one unit of coal. When any resource requires more energy to extract it than it contains, it ceases to be a resource. Thus, while the Earth may be endowed with a generous supply of coal, by 2030 it will be of little use to us.What about substituting natural gas for oil?Like oil and coal, natural gas is a fossil fuel. It accounts for 25% of current US energy supply. As a replacement for oil, it is unsuitable for the following reasons:1. US natural gas production peaked around 1970. By the year 2000, US domestic production was at 1/3 of its peak level. While natural gas can be imported in its liquefied form, the process of liquefying and transporting it is extraordinarily expensive and very dangerous. Demand for natural gas in North America is already outstripping supply, especially as power utilities take the remaining gas to generate electricity.2. Gas is not suited for existing jet aircraft, ships, vehicles, and equipment for agriculture and other products.3. Conversion consumes large amounts of energy as well as money.4. Natural gas also does not provide the huge array of chemical by-products that we depend on oil for.What about Hydrogen? Even Arnold, who owns 10 Hummers, says he's a proponent of hydrogen fuel cells. Everybody talks about it so much; it must be good, right?Hydrogen accounts for 0.01% of the US energy supply. As a replacement for oil, it is unsuitable for the following reasons:1. Hydrogen must be made from coal, oil, natural gas, wood, biomass or even water, but in every instance, it takes more energy to create hydrogen than the hydrogen actually provides. It is therefore an energy “carrier,” not an energy source.2. Liquid hydrogen occupies four to eleven times the bulk of equivalent gasoline or diesel.3. Existing vehicles and aircraft and existing distribution systems are not suited to it.4. Hydrogen cannot be used to manufacture plastics or fertilizer.5. The cost of fuel cells is absolutely astronomical and has shown no downtrend.Hydrogen is such a poor replacement for oil that "Hydrogen Fuel Cells" should be called "Hydrogen Fool Cells." Dr. Jorg Wing, a representative of the auto giant Daimler/Chrysler made this clear at the Paris Peak Oil Conference when he explained that his company did not view hydrogen as a viable alternative to petroleum-based engines. He stated that fuel-cell vehicles would never amount to a significant market share. Hydrogen was ruled out as a solution because of intensive costs of production, inherent energy inefficiencies, lack of infrastructure, and practical difficulties such as the extreme cost and difficulty of storage.You may be wondering, "But didn't Bush say in the 2003 State of the Union speech that he was giving billions to develop the hydrogen economy?" Yes, he did say that, but he didn't mention that the money was going to fund using nuclear power to get the hydrogen. The limitations of nuclear power are discussed next.For more on the problems with hydrogen see Fuel Cell FollyWhat about Nuclear Power? If we're desperate, we won't have any choice but to use it.Nuclear power accounts for 8% of US energy production. As a replacement for oil, it is unsuitable for the following reasons:1. Nuclear power is extremely expensive. A single reactor costs between 3 and 5 billion dollars, not counting the costs associated with decommissioning, increased costs for scarcer nuclear fuels; increased costs to safeguard nuclear facilities and materials from sabotage, terrorism, and diversion; increased likelihood of major, multi-billion-dollar accidents and their disrupting economic effects.2. Number of reactors needed in the US: 800-1000. Current number: only 100.3. Retrofitting current vehicles to run on nuclear-generated electricity would further increase the expenses related to a nuclear solution.4. Nuclear power cannot be used to produce plastics, pesticides, or fertilizer.5. Uranium requires energy from oil in order to be mined. As oil gets more expensive, so will nuclear power.6. All abandoned reactors are radioactive for millennia.7. A nuclear power plant requires tremendous amounts of oil to construct. When you take into account the amount of energy used to construct a nuclear plant, no plant has ever produced much more energy than it took to construct it. Nuclear power has only existed because the oil used to construct nuclear power plants has been so cheap.8. Even if we were to overlook these problems, nuclear power is only a short-term solution. Uranium, too, has a Hubbert's peak, and the current known reserves can supply the Earth's energy needs for only 25 years at best.What about solar power?Solar power currently supplies .007% of the US energy supply. As a replacement for oil, it is unsuitable due to the following reasons:1. Energy from solar power varies constantly with weather or day/night.2. Not practical for transportation needs. While a handful of small, experimental, solar-powered vehicles have been built, solar power is unsuited for planes, boats, cars, tanks, etc.3. Solar cannot be adapted to produce pesticides, fertilizer, or plastics.4. Solar is susceptible to the effects of global climate change, which is projected to greatly intensify in the decades to come.5. Estimates are that about 20 percent of US land area would be required to support a solar energy system that would supply less than one-half of our current energy consumption. To develop such a system would require phenomenal level of investment and new infrastructure. This land requirement can be expected to diminish arable (food producing), pasture, and forest lands to some extent, with the most critical loss being arable land.Despite these limitations, a typical solar water panel array can deliver 50% to 85% of a home’s hot water, though. Recent advancements in solar panel technology suggest that solar's EPR could reach 10, if proper investments are made. Using some of our precious remaining crude oil as fuel for manufacturing solar equipment would be extremely wise.What about wind power?Wind power accounts for .007% of US energy supply. As a replacement for oil, it is unsuitable due to the following reasons:1. As with solar, energy from wind varies greatly with weather, and is not portable or storable like oil and gas.2. Wind cannot be adapted to produce pesticides, fertilizer or plastics.3. Like solar, wind is susceptible to the effects of global climate change.4. Not appropriate for transportation needs.Despite these limitations, wind power is the most promising of the various oil alternatives. According to a 1993 study done by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory, wind could generate about 15% of US energy, if proper investments are made. According to a recent Danish study, wind's EPR could be as high as 50 — by far the highest of any of the available alternatives. The fact that wind is our most promising alternative indicates that replacing oil is essentially impossible. For instance, in order for wind to be used as hydrogen fuel, the following steps have to be taken:1. Build the wind farm. This step requires an enormous investment of oil and raw materials, which will become increasingly expensive as oil production drops.2. Wait for X number of years while the original energy investment is paid back.3. Construct an infrastructure through which the wind energy can be converted to hydrogen. This requires an enormous investment of oil and raw materials, which will become increasingly expensive as oil production drops.4. Retrofit our current infrastructure to run on this fuel. This requires an enormous investment of oil and raw materials, both of which will become increasingly expensive as oil production drops.5. Deal with enormous political and industrial resistance at each step.6. Pray that we can repeat this process enough times before economic obstacles and war completely cripple our ability to do so.You're forgetting about plant-based fuels. Can't we just grow our fuel?To a certain degree we can, but biomass, ethanol, and biodiesel will never be able to replace fossil fuels for the following reasons:1. Depending on who you consult, ethanol has an EPR ranging from .7 (making it an energy loser) to 1.7. Methanol, made from wood, clocks in at 2.6, better than ethanol, but still far short of oil.2. By 2050, the US will only have enough arable land to feed half of its population, not accounting for the effects of oil depletion. In the years to come, there won't be enough land for food, let alone fuel.3. While a handful of folks have adapted their vehicles to run on biodiesel, this is not a realistic option on a large scale. There is simply not enough biodiesel available in the world to replace even a fraction of the energy we get from oil.4. Current infrastructure, particularly manufacturing and large-scale transportation is adaptable to plant-based fuels in theory only. In reality, retrofitting our industrial and transportation systems to run on plant fuels would be enormously expensive and comically impractical.Finally, when evaluating claims about plant-based fuels, be aware of who is providing the data. As Dr. Walter Younquist points out:Ethanol production survives only by the grace of a subsidy by the US government from taxpayer dollars. Continuing the production of ethanol is purely a device for buying the Midwest US farm vote.[Not surprisingly] the fact that the company which makes 60% of US ethanol is also one of the largest contributors of campaign money to the Congress – a distressing example of politics overriding logic.What about that new technology that can turn anything into oil?"Thermal Depolymerization" (TD) which can transform many kinds of waste into oil, could help us raise our energy efficiency as we lose power due to oil depletion. While it could help us ameliorate the crash, it is not a true solution for the following reasons:1. Like all other forms of alternative energy, we have run out of time to implement it before the crash. Currently, only one TD plant is operational. Thousands of such plants would need to come online before this technology would make even a small difference in our situation.2. TD is really nothing more than high-tech recycling. Most of the waste input (such as plastics and tires) requires high-grade oil to make it in the first place.3. It is unclear what the EPR of oil derived from TD is. How much energy does the TD process require to produce a barrel of oil? If the EPR of oil derived from TD does not approach the EPR of traditional oil, it will not alleviate our problems.The biggest problem with TD is that it is being advertised as a means to maintain business as usual. Such advertising promotes further consumption, provides us with a dangerously false sense of security, and encourages us to continue thinking that we don't need to make this issue a priority.What about free energy? Didn't Nikola Tesla invent some machine that produced free energy? Couldn't we just switch to something like that?While free energy technologies such as Cold Fusion, Vacuum Energy and Zero Point Energy are extremely fascinating, the unfortunate reality is that they are unlikely to help us cope with the oil depletion for several reasons:1. We currently get absolutely zero percent of our energy from these sources.2. We currently have no functional prototypes. Were a functional prototype of a free energy device unleashed on the public tomorrow, our oil-and-gas-fueled economy would be plunged into chaos. It is unlikely that such a scenario would be allowed to play itself out.3. We've already had our experiment with "free energy." With an EPR of 100 to 1, oil was so efficient and cheap an energy source that it practically was free.4. The development of a "free energy" device would just put off the inevitable. The Earth has a carrying capacity. If we are able to substitute a significant portion of our fossil fuel usage with "free energy", the crash would just come at a later time, when we have depleted a different resource. At that point, our population will be even higher. The higher a population is, the further it has to fall when it depletes a key resource. The further it has to fall, the more momentum it picks up on the way down through war and disease. By encouraging continued population growth, so-called "free energy" could actually make our situation worse.5. Even if a functional free energy prototype came into existence today, it would take at least 25-50 years to retrofit our multi-trillion-dollar infrastructure for such technology.Are these alternatives useless then?No, not at all. Whatever civilization emerges after the crash will likely derive a good deal of their energy from these technologies. All of these alternatives deserve massive investment right now. The problem is that none of them can replace oil, no matter how much we wish they could. All the optimism, ingenuity and desire in the world doesn't change the physics and hard math of energy. Even in the best-case scenario, we will have to accept a drastically reduced standard of living. None of the alternatives can supply us with enough energy to maintain even a modest fraction of our current consumption levels. To survive, we will have to radically change the way we get our food, the way we get to work, what we do for work, the homes we live in, how we plan our families and what we do for recreation. Put simply, a transition to these alternatives will require a complete overhaul of every aspect of modern industrial society. Unfortunately, industrial societies such as ours do not undertake radical changes voluntarily.For more information on renewable energy, check out this summary by Paul Thompson.
Part III. Issues of Economy,Technology and the Ability to AdaptI have designed the following passages with somebody new to the issue of oil depletion in mind. If you would like more in depth explanations, with graphs, charts and the like, please consult The Oil Age Is Over: What to Expect as the World Runs Out of Cheap Oil, 2005-2050.I don't think there is really anything to worry about. According to classical economics, when one resource becomes scarce, people get motivated to invest in a replacement resource. When the price of oil gets too high, renewable energy will become profitable and companies will begin investing in it.Classical economic theory works great for goods within an economy. Relying on it to address a severe and prolonged energy shortage, however, is going to prove disastrous. Classical economics works well so long as the market indicators arrive early enough for people to adapt. In regards to oil, market indicators will likely come too late for us to implement even the modest solutions we have available. Once the price of oil gets high enough that people begin to seriously consider alternatives, those alternatives will become too expensive to implement on a wide scale. Reason: oil is required to develop, manufacture, transport and implement oil alternatives such as solar panels, biomass, and windmills.There are many examples in history where a resource shortage prompted the development of alternative resources. Oil, however, is not just any resource. In our current world, it is the precondition for all other resources, including alternative ones. To illustrate: as of the winter of 2004, a barrel of oil costs $38. It would cost in the range of $100-$250 to get the amount of energy in that barrel of oil from renewable sources. This means that an energy company won't be motivated to aggressively pursue renewable energy until the cost of oil doubles, triples, or quadruples. At that point, our economy will be close to devastated. Our ability to implement whatever alternatives we can think of will be permanently eliminated. In effect, we will be a lifeless barge of a nation floating on some very rough seas.In pragmatic terms, this means that if you want your home powered by solar panels or windmills, you had better do it soon. If you don't have these alternatives in place when the lights go out, they're going to stay out.The “invisible hand of the market” is about to bitch-slap us back to the stone age.The oil companies are so greedy, they will come up with a solution to keep making money, right?Expecting the oil companies to save you from the oil crash is about as wise as expecting the tobacco companies to save you from lung cancer. Corporate officers are bound by law to do what is in the best interests of the corporation, so long as their actions are legal. Their legal obligation is to make money for the company, not to save the world, not to serve their country, not to clean up the environment, not to bring glory to God, not to anybody but the corporation. For all intents and purposes, this means it is illegal for an oil executive to aggressively pursue renewable energy. Occasionally, a company will stroll out a "renewable energy" initiative, but this is almost always more for publicity and public relations purposes than it is for profit.The truth is that you probably don’t want the oil companies to aggressively pursue renewable energy. The profit margin of renewable energy is so poor that if oil companies attempted to pursue it, they would quickly go bankrupt. This would cause a collapse of the stock market, which would result in an economic meltdown.Furthermore, the oil companies are likely to profit from the initial stages of the crash. How? Simple — say, for example, that in February 2004, it takes $10 to extract and refine a barrel of oil. If a company sells that same barrel in March 2004, they will likely fetch about $38 for it. However, if they wait until the oil crash hits hard, they may be able to sell that same barrel for considerably more.Expecting the oil companies, the government, or anybody else to solve this problem for us is simply suicidal. You, me, and every other "regular person" needs to be actively engaged in addressing this issue if there is to be any hope for humanity.I think you are underestimating the human spirit. Humanity always adapts to challenges. We will just adapt to this, too.Absolutely, we will adapt. Part of that adaptation process will include most of us dying if we don't take massive action right now. Adaptation for millions does not equal survival for billions. The human spirit is capable of some miraculous things. We need a miracle right now, so the human spirit had better get its ass in gear, pronto! Unfortunately, there is no law that says when humanity adapts to a resource shortage, everybody gets to survive. Think of any mass tragedy connected to resources such as oil, land, food, labor (slaves), buffalo, etc. The societies affected usually survive, but in a drastically different and often unrecognizable form.Just look at Easter Island. The islanders had one of the most socially complex and technologically advanced civilizations for their time and resource base. They were certainly endowed with as much intelligence and ingenuity as any other group of people. Yet they were unable to adapt to a critical resource shortage until their population was reduced by 98%.What if somebody invents some new, miraculous technology or makes some discovery that can replace oil? In fact, I just heard of an inventor who has a device/new resource he claims will replace oil. It sounded pretty promising.Before you stake your survival on a life raft that you've never even seen, you should ask yourself some questions:•Is this new technology or discovery easily transportable like oil?•Is it energy-dense like oil?•Is it suitable for a variety of uses, including transportation, heating, and the production of fertilizers, plastics and pesticides?•Can you mass-produce this invention without cheap oil?•Can you distribute this resource without cheap oil?•Does it have an EPR comparable to that of oil?•Is there any infrastructure currently in place to handle this currently nonexistent invention or discovery?•If this resource or discovery is implemented, how will it affect our transportation, agricultural and industrial systems? Can these systems be retrofitted to handle this new resource or discovery?•What is the profit margin? Is there a profit margin?•How long before it can be brought online on a society-wide level?•Could it be implemented before billions of people die? Or would it be implemented only after that ghastly horror has motivated us to implement it?•How much oil would it take to develop it? To manufacture it? To transport it? To install it?•How would vested interests react?•How much of a shock to the stock market would this invention or discovery create? How many factory farms, auto manufacturers and energy companies would it put out of business?•Have you considered the fact that the multi-trillion-dollar energy industry has been investing ungodly sums to this end with no success?•Have you considered that without cheap oil, none of our current technology could have been produced on more than a prototype-experimental scale?•How does this new technology or resource affect the environment?You need to ask the tough questions before you stake your life on something that doesn't even exist yet.We'll think of something. We always do. Necessity is the mother of invention.Yes, and lots of cheap oil has been the father of invention for 150 years. No invention was mass-produced and no resource was distributed without an abundance of cheap oil.How will the coming oil shortages affect our banking and monetary system?This issue seems to be a "blind spot" for many people concerned about the ramifications of Peak Oil. Typically, when addressing Peak Oil, people focus on finding a magic bullet alternative to oil. Even if such a resource existed, it would not solve our problems unless it was implemented in conjunction with a complete overhaul of our monetary system. The reason is simple: the monetary system is really just a reflection of our energy system.Our monetary system is designed for one thing: growth. For any system to grow, it requires a constantly increasing supply of energy. We had a constantly increasing supply of energy as we moved up the upslope of the oil (energy) production curve. Now, however, we are stuck with a system that requires growth, but we are about to be denied the excess energy needed for that growth. Our monetary system was not designed for this contingency. If it can't grow, it collapses. There is no other alternative.If the monumental scope of our problem wasn't clear to you already, hopefully it is now. Dealing with the oil crisis requires much more than just finding a replacement for oil. It requires replacing a growth-based monetary system with a steady-state system. This is an undertaking whose mythic proportions cannot be overstated.Copyright 2003-2004, Mattthew David Savinar |
Innovations: Introduction to Copper: Mining & ExtractionThe Copper Age | The Bronze Age | The Middle Ages and Later | Mining. Copper minerals and ores are found in both igneous and sedimentary rocks. Mining of copper ores is carried out using one of two methods. Underground mining is achieved by sinking shafts to the appropriate levels and then driving horizontal tunnels.Copper mining. From ore to copper. - School Scienceunderground, sinking a vertical shaft into the Earth to an appropriate depth and driving horizontal tunnels into the ore. open pit, 90% of ore is mined by this method. Ores near the surface can be quarried after removal of the surface layers. 2. Leaching. The ore is treated with dilute sulphuric acid. This trickles slowly through.
BBC - GCSE Bitesize: Extraction and purification of copperCopper can be extracted from its ore by heating it with carbon. Impure copper is purified by electrolysis in which the anode is impure copper, the cathode is pure copper, and the electrolyte is copper sulphate solution. An alloy is a mixture of two elements, one of which is a metal. Alloys often have more useful properties than.Copper extraction - WikipediaCopper extraction refers to the methods used to obtaining copper from its ores. The conversion of copper consists of a series of chemical, physical, and electrochemical processes. Methods have evolved and vary with country depending on the ore source, local environmental regulations, and other factors. As in all mining.
Copper Mining and Processing: What is Copper? | Superfund
How Copper is Mined and Refined: "Copper Mining and Smelting .
How Copper is Mined and Refined: A Story Of Copper 1951 US .
Copper - Mineral Fact Sheets - Australian Mines Atlas
Copper Refining: From Ore to Market | Investing News Network
Investigation into the heap leaching of copper ore from the Disele .
How copper is made - material, used, processing, steps, product .
Ore minerals - Mineralogical Society of America
Mine Engineer.Com provides mining, gold, copper, coal, mineral .
Copper Processing - P2 InfoHouse
Copper Mining and Extraction Sulfide Ores
Extraction of Copper from Malanjkhand Low-Grade Ore by Bacillus .
Copper Ore - Unofficial Stationeers Wiki
Extracting metals from rocks- Learn Chemistry
how is copper ore obtained,How is copper extracted from malachite ore? - Quora
Treatment of Oxidized Copper Ores with Emphasis on Refractory Ores
how is copper ore obtained,The average copper ore mined in 1900 was 5% copper by weight .
Extracting Copper from Ore - Daryl Science
Copper | Minerals Education Coalition
Copper Ore - Stardew Valley Wiki
Copper production & environmental impact - GreenSpec |
Practice organization and problem solving skills
In order to reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed, practice organization skills. You can start by making a to-do list, or breaking a large task into smaller, more manageable ones. You can also make a list of goals for yourself, and think about how you might go about attaining them. For problems that seem overwhelming, try sitting down and brainstorming solutions, and think about the positives and negatives of each. All of these techniques will help things seem more manageable, and give you the tools to be a good problem solver, without feeling overwhelmed.
Learn to say no
It’s okay to say no sometimes if you are feeling overwhelmed. If you need some time to yourself, or to finish an important project, you do not have to say yes to attending every movie or outing you are invited to, or joining every club at school! Set priorities, know your limits, and know it is okay to say no. And know that there will be other times to join in when you really want to!
Spend quality time with loved ones
Spend more quality time with your friends and family in person, having fun, and less time on social media. Build strong relationships that are fun, and are a good support network.
Do something for someone else
Sometimes it can be good to focus on doing something for someone else. Maybe you can start volunteering, pick up trash at the local park, take part in some random acts of kindness, or help organize a charity drive. It can be good to channel your emotions into a passion project, while helping out others.
If you know there is a stressful situation coming up- like a class presentation or a job interview- don’t be afraid to prepare yourself by roleplaying the scenario and practicing what you might say. Maybe this is just in front of your mirror, or with your friends or parents! For public speaking, you can even try taking a public speaking class.
Take care of yourself
Sometimes it can be hard with so many things happening to just take some time for you! Try and take some time to relax by taking a walk in nature, having a bath, reading a favourite book, or watching a favourite movie. Really take the time to take care of yourself. Make sure you are drinking enough water, and eating healthy food. Don’t forget to try and get enough sleep. This can be hard when you have so many commitments, but it’s really important! Try and turn off electronics at least an hour before bed, and don’t drink any caffeine. Tidying your room or sleep space can also help with better sleep. And if you think you don’t have any more time- try and cut your tv watching or social media time! |
Making Cheaper Solar Energy
The U.S. Department of Energy aims to bring down the cost of solar electricity via a new program dubbed "SunShot," an homage to President John Kennedy's "moon shot" pledge in 1961.
The sun supplies our planet with enough energy each day to power humanity's electricity demands for an entire year, but harnessing this energy is expensive, especially compared to electricity produced by burning coal and natural gas. The Department of Energy wants to bring the price of solar power down to one dollar per watt over the next six years—a ten-fold decrease through its investment initiative called SunShot. "As part of the new SunShot initiative, DoE committed some $27 million to fund novel methods for producing solar cells and their components."
Swipe right to make the connections that could change your career.
Swipe right. Match. Meet over coffee or set up a call.
No, we aren't talking about Tinder. Introducing Shapr, a free app that helps people with synergistic professional goals and skill sets easily meet and collaborate.
How you talk to people with drug addiction might save their life.
- Addiction is a learning disorder; it's not a sign that someone is a bad person.
- Tough love doesn't help drug-addicted people. Research shows that the best way to get people help is through compassion, empathy and support. Approach them as an equal human being deserving of respect.
- As a first step to recovery, Maia Szalavitz recommends the family or friends of people with addiction get them a complete psychiatric evaluation by somebody who is not affiliated with any treatment organization. Unfortunately, warns Szalavitz, some people will try to make a profit off of an addicted person without informing them of their full options.
These photos of scientific heroes and accomplishments inspire awe and curiosity.
- Science has given humanity an incalculable boost over the recent centuries, changing our lives in ways both awe-inspiring and humbling.
- Fortunately, photography, a scientific feat in and of itself, has recorded some of the most important events, people and discoveries in science, allowing us unprecedented insight and expanding our view of the world.
- Here are some of the most important scientific photos of history:
China's Chang'e 4 biosphere experiment marks a first for humankind.
- China's Chang'e 4 lunar lander touched down on the far side of the moon on January 3.
- In addition to a lunar rover, the lander carried a biosphere experiment that contains five sets of plants and some insects.
- The experiment is designed to test how astronauts might someday grow plants in space to sustain long-term settlements.
SMARTER FASTER trademarks owned by The Big Think, Inc. All rights reserved. |
Corundum brick, also called aluminium oxide refractory material, refers to the content of Al2O3 is more than 90%. Corundum has good stability in resist acid, alkaline slag, metal and glass solutions. The basic raw material of corundum brick is fused corundum or sintered corundum. The corundum brick manufacturers often add some mineral raw materials into the corundum materials to improve certain functions and the features of corundum brick, forming composite materials such as zirconium corundum bricks, chrome corundum bricks, and titanium corundum bricks and so on. If you want to buy high quality corundum brick, please email us for free quotation!
What is Corundum Brick?
The corundum brick uses industrial alumina as the main raw material, in which the content of alumina is above 90%, and it belongs to the refractory brick with high aluminum content.
Corundum Brick Properties
Corundum bricks have excellent physical and chemical properties.
- Good Chemical Stability and Thermal Stability
- Excellent Erosion Resistance
- Excellent Wear Resistance
- High Refractoriness
- High Temperature Resistance and High Softening Start Temperature.
- Good anti-seismic effect and Firmness
Corundum Brick Advantages
The kiln equipment is made from traditional dragon kilns fuelled with firewood, and it has been transformed from coal, heavy oil, and other fuels to various types of gas kiln fueled by liquefied petroleum gas. In recent years, due to the rapid development of private individual enterprises, but poor production environment and conditions, and unsatisfactory personnel quality and management level, fire and explosion accidents caused by gas stoves have occurred from time to time, causing casualties and economic losses.
Lately, the situation was finally improved by the appearance of more heat-resistant, high thermal conductivity, and wear-resistant corundum bricks in the kilns. This has a lot to do with the raw materials of corundum bricks: bauxite, kaolin, clay, diatomaceous earth and other fire resistance is better. Generally speaking, the internal temperature of the kiln should reach 350℃ or more, and the temperature of the high-temperature kiln can reach about 2000℃. In general, the kiln heating is mostly heated by electricity, coal, oil, gas or electromagnetic induction heating. In the low-temperature stage, the heat exchange is dominated by convective heat transfer, while in the high-temperature stage (above 800℃), radiative heat transfer is dominant. With the increase of temperature, radiative heat transfer plays a more and more important role due to the special performance and high temperature of the kiln, which requires the kiln structure and heat insulation to do well.
Best Kiln Refractory Corundum Bricks For Sale in RS Factory!
Corundum Brick Specification
|Apparent Porosity % ≤||18||20||18||20||18||20|
|Bulk Density/g/cm3 ≥||3.1||3.05||3.15||3.1||3.2||3.15|
|Cold Crushing Strength/MPa ≥||80||80||80||80||85||85|
|Refractoriness Under Load(0.2MPa)/℃≥||1700||1700||1700||1700||1700||1700|
|Reheating Linear Change%||1550℃*2h||±0.1||±0.1||±0.1||±0.1||–||–|
Corundum Brick Manufacturing Process
The relationship between the quality of corundum brick and raw materials is inseparable. Its production process is as follows:
Corundum brick is usually made from industrial alumina, quartz sand and soda ash as its main raw material, and its refractoriness is high. Therefore, a small amount of soft clay seasoning and binding agent should be added to grind these raw materials into a slurry and then cast and formed. Then, dry and burn it.
When producing corundum bricks, it is necessary to pour the elbow liquid into the sand mold prepared in advance. The quality of the model has a great relationship with the quality of the product. In order to ensure the quality of the product, we must use the sand type to have good gas permeability-surface impact strength, thermo-mechanical properties and accurate dimensions and flat surfaces.
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Corundum Brick Application
Corundum brick is widely used in petrochemical industry, metallurgy industry, steel induatry, coal gasifier, residue oil gasifier, pulp waste liquid gasifier, carbon, lining of black reactors and other industrial furnaces due to its good chemical stability, excellent corrosion resistance, and excellent wear resistance.
The service temperature for corundum bricks can reach up to 1800°C. In non-ferrous metal industry, corundum brick has the characteristics of abrasion and corrosion resistance compared with other fire brick. In steel industry, corundum brick based products have double service life compared with ceramic based products. What’s more, corundum bricks are also featured with casting, glass, oil and other high temperature industries.
Corundum Brick Classification
Corundum bricks can be divided into the following categories:
- Sintered corundum brick
- Corundum bricks manufactured from sintered corundum clinker are generally referred to as rebonded corundum bricks;
- Corundum products made of lightly sintered corundum particles and fine powders, also known as sintered alumina products.
- Fused corundum brick
Casting corundum products: After the mixture of alumina raw materials is melted at a temperature higher than the melting temperature, it is poured into a prefabricated refractory model, and after cooling and solidification, it is a product formed by crystallization and growth, which is called fused cast corundum refractory. Electrofusion methods are generally used to melt.
Corundum Brick Supplier
RS is a professional refractory materials company. It sells all kinds of fire bricks. Zirconium corundum bricks, chrome corundum bricks, and titanium corundum bricks can be bought in RS apart from corundum bricks.
Corundum brick is an important refractory brick, which is widely used in the world. The corundum brick produced by Rongsheng has good quality and competitive price. Rongsheng company’s corundum bricks have diversified models and outstanding functions, which have significant effects on the kiln. Corundum bricks of RS are sold all over the country and have been exported to Vietnam, Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, Greece, Japan, South Africa, Chile, Australia, Saudi, Pakistan,etc. All the users are welcome to inquire free price list from RS. Please contact us! |
Free Annotated Bibliography Sample:
Atack, Jeremy; Bateman, Fred; Weiss, Thomas “The Regional Diffusion and Adoption of the Steam Engine in American Manufacturing.” The Journal of Economic History, Vol. 40, No. 2. (Jun. 1980): 281-308.
By 1900 almost 156,000 steam engines were used in factories. This is where the steam engine first gained popularity. The article also discusses the spread of the steam engine for various uses, one of which became known as the steamboat. In spite of the importance accorded the steam engine during nineteenth-century industrialization, little is known about its rate of diffusion in the United States. Another purpose of this paper is to enhance our knowledge about the spread of this technology. New evidence on steam power use in 1820, 1850, and 1860, combined with published census data from 1870, permits quantitative estimates of the regional variations in timing, pace, and extent of usage before 1900.
Brown, Alexander Crosby “The Old Bay Line of the Chesapeake: A Sketch of a Hundred
Years of Steamboat Operation.” William and Mary College Quarterly Historical Magazine, 2nd Ser., Vol. 18, No. 4. (Oct. 1938): 389-405.
This Article begins by talking about the Baltimore Steam Packet Company, which was organized in 1839 and incorporated by Maryland the next year. This article then goes on to talk about the “Old Bay Line” which is a path taken by steamboats in the Chesapeake Bay. The article also states that one of the earliest attempts to apply steam to the propulsion of watercraft took place on waters that flow into the Chesapeake. This article argues that the Chesapeake Bay should be recognized for steamboats being that first test took place there. Also, steamboats should be referenced to the “Bay Line Old” because this line may claim the distinction of being the oldest steamboat company in America plying over its original route.
Note: You can find a lot of free essays online at our website if you need!
Foreman, Grant “River Navigation in the Early Southwest.” The Mississippi Valley Historical Review, Vol. 15, No. 1. (Jun. 1928): 34-55.
In this interesting article, the fact that rivers played a large part in the development of the west is stated. It includes a long discussion of the keelboat and the advances it made. It then discusses how the steamboat took over the keelboat and introduced a new era in the west. It increased the possibilities of commerce on western rivers, and gave great impetus to settlement in the country adjacent to those streams.
Gilmore, Robert Louis; Harrison, John Parker “Juan Bernardo Elbers and the Introduction of Steam Navigation on the Magdalena River.”
The Hispanic American Historical Review, Vol. 28, No. 3. (Aug. 1948): 335- 359.
This article talks about the advances in transportation. Prior to flight, the river was the primary source for passenger and freight traffic in many regions. The article then goes on to talk about early forms of river transportation by canoes constructed by the Indians. The need for more cargo transportation and less travel time is what led to the steamboat. This article discusses the problems including death and mass money loss involved in steamboat experimentation in Magdalena. These problems would have been equal to the ones the inventors in the United States would have faced.
Gray, William H. “Steamboat Transportation on the Orinoco.” The Hispanic American Historical Review, Vol. 25, No. 4. (Nov. 1945): 455-469.
Haites, Erik F.; Mak, James “Economies of Scale in Western River Steamboating.”
The Journal of Economic History, Vol. 36, No. 3. (Sep.1976): 689-703.
This article discuses how the pace of economic transformation in the State’s Economy grew rapidly by inventions, which allowed Americans to travel great distances. The transportation aids discussed in this article include canals, railroads and steamboats. Steamboats were first in this list, which became the dominant mode of transportation. Steamboats helped to reduce the actual cost of transportation in 1820-1860. Steamboats caused the colonization of the larger tributaries of rivers. Smaller tributaries were much smaller shallow, thus more expensive to navigate. This article also contains information and facts on early steamboats. This paper also analyzes 1850 cost data for a sample of 36 steamboats operating on five routes. The results indicate no economies or diseconomies of scale. Substantial differences in the cost per ton-mile are found between routes. These differences are largely explained by differences in capacity.
Harrison, John F. C. “”The Steam Engine of the New Moral World”: Owenism and Education, 1817-1829.”” The Journal of British Studies, Vol. 6, No. 2. (May 1967): 76-98.
Hunter, Louis C. “The Invention of the Western Steamboat.” The Journal of Economic History, Vol. 3, No. 2. (Nov. 1943): 201-220.
This was by far the most elaborate source I found on my topic. The article describes how the steamboat is the first great American contribution to modern technology. Soon after the steamboat was invented, it was adopted for the primary source of river transportation. Before long, the technology of the steamboat traveled all around the globe. In 1811 the steamboat was introduced to New Orleans and several steamboats were put to work. The article goes on to talk about the low-pressure boiler, which was created by Fulton, and soon replaced. With new power steamboats became even more affordable and practical.
Lynn, Martin “From Sail to Steam: The Impact of the Steamship Services on the British Palm Oil Trade with West Africa, 1850-1890.” The Journal of African History, Vol. 30, No. 2. (1989): 227-245.
In the late nineteenth century the West African palm oil trade entered a period of difficulties, characterized mainly by a fall in prices from the early 1860s. Part of the reason for this lay in the introduction of regular steamship services between Britain and West Africa from 1852. As steam came to replace sail so the palm oil trade underwent major changes. These changes can be quantified fairly precisely. One effect of the introduction of steamboats was the concentration of the British side of the oil trade once again on Liverpool, its original center. Another effect was the increase in the number of West African ports involved in the trade. The most important impact was the increase in numbers of traders in oil trade from around 25 to some 150. The resulting increased competition in the trade led to amalgamations becoming increasingly common – a process that caused the formation of the African Association Ltd in 1889. It was also to provide the context for the pressure exerted by some traders for an increased colonial presence in the 1880s and 1890s.
Mak, James; Walton, Gary M. “Steamboats and the Great Productivity Surge In River Transportation.” The Journal of Economic History, Vol. 32, No. 3. (Sep.1972): 619-640.
This article emphasizes that steamboats increased colonization around rivers. Unsettled backwoods regions were turned into agricultural lands. Steamboats wiped out some forms of river and fright transportation while others, such as flatboating, remained competitive. This article also measures the productivity change in steam boating on western rivers during a period of western expansion. Because of the quicker transportation time of steamboats, the navigation season was extended. This allowed more products and/or people to travel.
Nichols, Roger L. “Army Contributions to River Transportation, 1818-1825.” Military Affairs, Vol. 33, No. 1. (Apr. 1969): 242-249.
This article brings up interesting topics on how the army helped contribute to various aspects of the United States. One example of army technological contributions is the famous steamboat Western Engineer, designed by Major Stephen Long. This boat was creative because it sat on the water rather than in it. This allowed for shallow water travel. Although Long did not create this idea, it was one of the first models to achieve any success. Long also moved the paddle wheels from the usual position amidships, to the stern. This allowed for narrow river travel.
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To turn into effective managers of task control desires hand-on understanding in mastering the rules as well as practices for the project administration. It is usually opular while job control teaching. Well classical in-class teaching atmosphere method features set of suggestions and depending on the framework on the principles and great procedures. Modern administration methodology is without question flexible and also applies lessons learnt right from past encounter. These new methodologies include really high values and must certainly not be misjudged as investment opportunities made in the task management teaching which will successfully increase standard functioning of business. The benefits focused loom of successful task administration teaching basically it necessary for the job executives to make the principles of the task management along with consciously apply their specifics into their projects. However this kind of in twirl can become the middle of powerful reward plan which thinking consistency and satisfaction by the task managers. Basing campaigns and additional bonuses in the features and attributes that any corporation is hoping to ascertain in its operations which can lead to growingly job managers placing the approaches discovered by using the training.
Companies have in fact taken some terrific steps to be able to implement job management schooling plans. Productivity, customer pleasure and few other business measures show regular moderate to a lot of intense improvement. Job control teaching getting created seeing as synthesis of the traditional training tactics which consists of trainees, in fact making really a great project control application. We ought to employ video games in order to learn kids. Various computer software were created especially to show guys which are as well quoted to suit the curriculum of the school by adding content with respect to the education. In the same manner using program depending in the video games for a few house education can actually end up being the two fun-learning and educational for children. Children may study faster right from game titles simply because compared to the method. However too much gambling in relation to educational practice is among the reasons how come a great deal software structured education has been employed. Computer software production for the purpose of the children is definitely not a child’s perform, though that normally sounds like that. It essentially comprises of great coding and expertise of the child psychology that differs with age and few different factors, want parent engagement, the surroundings child grows up and so on. making ideal software with respect to the children is tuff because they may have very short time of interest and have proper harmony of audio as well as images.
Some vendors think that normal computer’s desktop pcs are unbefitting platforms with respect to kid’s learning software and rather help to make customized child-friendly goods. The excellent normally combines software and hardware into one project. There are several which be like any child-sized laptops, while other could include artistically designed hand-held comforts along with collection of insert able enlightening game cartridges. Even now others happen to be book likewise electronic gadgets that reveals selection of digital books. Well these goods are smaller in size when ever compared to the laptop computers, in fact each uses a lot of kind of exceptional software to be able to support kids consequently as to uncover and enjoy all together. There are actually two requirements that for what reason a person requires task supervision professional or perhaps PMP qualification assessment. Initially it may to obtain greater work opportunities, the second thing is to gain handsome earnings. Sometimes company of the enterprise will notify that there is certainly a purpose in the business for project manager. Whenever employer should come to find out that you will be authorized PMP afterward he’ll sure that you will handle the projects successfully and efficiently. But this certification assessment fulfills numerous purposes nonetheless PMI made this for us to be able to improve each of our PMP skills because well seeing that put even more knowledge relating to Job Operations. For much more go through here www.modulosrl.it . |
Business / Agriculture / Findley Payments: Under the so-called Findley Provision authorized by the Food Security Act of 1985 (and first sponsored by former Congressman Paul Findley), USDA was able to reduce the basic, formula-set nonrecourse loan rate for major crops by up to an additional 20% if that was necessary to keep the United States competitive in international markets. If done, direct compensatory payments were made to producers equal to the amount of the loan rate reduction. These 'Findley Payments,' limited to $200,000 per person, essentially added to the larger direct deficiency payment. The Findley provisions are superseded by the marketing loan repayment provisions of the FAIR Act of 1996.
Search Google for Findley Payments:
Business / Agriculture / Market Transition Payments: Referred to variously as AMTA payments, contract payments, or production flexibility contract payments made to farmers under Title I (the Agriculture Market Transition Act (AMTA)) of the FAIR Act of 1 MORE
Business / Agriculture / Payments In Lieu Of Taxes (PILT): A program administered by the Bureau of Land Management of the Department of the Interior to compensate counties for the tax-exempt status of federal lands: the fixed payments per entitlement acre (on MORE |
People always confused and assumed that UX Design and UI Design are both the same. After all, both are designers job. Or is it? For the start, UX design refers to User Experience Design and UI Design stands for User Interface Design.
Both elements are essential to a website or product. Although both work closely with each other, both are essentially very different roles. UX is more analytical and technical, while UI is similar to what we refer as graphic design.
Here are some of the important core aspects for designers who are working on the UX and UI for a digital product like mobile app or website to concentrate on:
- usability (the product is convenient, clear, logical and easy to use)
- utility (the product provides useful content and solves users’ problems)
- accessibility (the product is convenient for different categories of users)
- desirability (the product is attractive and problem-solving, it retains users and creates the positive experience which they are ready to repeat).
What is User Experience Design?
User experience design is a human-first way of designing products. You can learn more about how we’re promoting human-first design across all industries over at The UX School
It is the process of enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty by improving the usability and pleasure provided in the interaction between the customer and the product.
The process involves a conglomeration of tasks focused on optimization of a product for effective and enjoyable use.
Source: UX Magazine
Here is some cliff notes example of a UX Designer’s responsibilities. It is targeted at development of digital products, but the theory and process can be applied to anything:
Strategy and Content:
- Competitor Analysis
- Customer Analysis
- Product Structure/Strategy
- Content Development
Wireframing and Prototyping:
- Development Planning
Execution and Analytics
- Coordination with UI Designer(s)
- Coordination with Developer(s)
- Tracking Goals and Integration
- Analysis and Iteration
Summary of UX Design:
- The aim is to connect business goals to user’s needs through a process of refinement and testing which satisfies both parties.
- UX Design is responsible for the process of research, content, development, testing, and prototyping to test for the quality results.
- UX Design is in theory a non-digital practice (cognitive science). However, it is used and defined predominantly by digital industries.
What is User Interface Design?
User Interface Design is the compliment to User Experience Design, the look and feel, the presentation and interactivity of a product.
Let’s have a quick look at the UI designer’s responsibilities:
Look and Feel:
- Customer Analysis
- Design Research
- Branding and Graphic Development
- User Guides/Storyline
Responsiveness and Interactivity:
- UI Prototyping
- Interactivity and Animation
- Adaptation to All Device Screen Sizes
- Implementation with Developer
Summary of UI Design:
- User Interface Design is responsible for the transference of a brand and visual assets to a product’s interface in order to enhance the user’s experience.
- UI Design is a process of visually guiding the user through a product’s interface via interactive elements and across all sizes/platforms.
- UI Design is a digital field, they have to work closely with developers or code and responsibility for cooperation.
Together, UX and UI are important
The objectives for both types of designers are the same which is to appeal to the visitor/customer and focus on how the user will interact with the products and services.
It should never be about how the designer thinks they should.
Although both have different role, both should work under the same supervisor or directive.
“ Something which very usable but looks terrible is the example of great UX but poor UI. However, something which looks great but difficult to use is an example of great UI but poor UX.” – Helga Moreno, a well-known designer |
Issues to do with waste feature regularly in the news headlines these days, particularly with the increasing public concern over plastic.
There has been hugely increased concern in the UK particulalry over the amount of plastic in the oceans following coverage on David Attenborough’s Blue Planet television programme and subsequently another programme Drowning in Plastic presented by wildlife biologist Liz Bonnin.
These stories highlight how much the issues surrounding the business of waste have moved up the public agenda.
Jane Stewart, a board advisor with Dalkeith-based waste and recycling business NWH, says: “Public attitudes have taken a dramatic shift in the past year following campaigns around single use coffee cups but most significantly the Blue Planet documentary which highlighted the impact of plastic litter on our marine and ocean life.
“The impact on marine life struggling to cope with the plastic litter being pumped by humans into our oceans and seas was harrowing to watch and the impact of single use plastics and micro plastics was clear to see.”
Companies active in Scotland are operating in an environment where consumers feel more individually responsible for their recycling than other parts of the UK, according to research by recycling and renewable energy company Viridor.
The research for the company’s UK Recycling Index suggests seven out of 10 believe it’s their responsibility to ensure that their rubbish and waste is recycled – a figure that is up five per cent on last year and two per cent higher than the UK average.
It also highlights growing customer demand for recycled product packaging, frustration over collection systems and a dip in refillable package usage across Scotland.
Of those surveyed almost half (49 per cent) stated that recyclable packaging positively influences their purchasing decision, up from 45 per cent in 2017.
The Index also highlights that most Scots (80 per cent) believe that UK should find a way to deal with its own recycling without having to export it to other countries.
Paul Brown, Viridor’s Glasgow-based managing director of recycling and integrated assets, says: “With recyclable packaging moving up the list of factors influencing purchasing decisions, it is clearly in the commercial interests of retailers and manufacturers to offer more recycle-friendly packaging options.
“Viridor has invested over £357m in Scotland over the past 24 months on projects such as our energy recovery facilities in Glasgow and Dunbar, as well as our Newhouse glass recycling site and residual materials recycling facility at Bargeddie.
“These investments are a crucial way to deliver Scotland’s ambition to become a zero waste, circular economy, encourage waste reduction, boost recycling and recover vital renewable energy from what remains while also reducing taxpayer exposure to costly landfill levies.”
While there is greater awareness and concern in Scotland, the way we live here is far from sustainable accord to Bob Downes, chairman of environmental agency SEPA. He says: “If everyone lived as we do in Scotland, we would need three planets to sustain ourselves. The world is undergoing an unprecedented period of resource stress – so dramatically cutting waste production across the economy is a priority. We need to recover more and dispose of only the very minimum. Where waste is produced, it must be managed to maximise value and minimise environmental harms.
“Businesses have a vital role to play in this, and SEPA is working with businesses in innovative ways to improve Scotland’s environmental performance and reduce waste. Key to these new approaches are our sector plans and sustainable growth agreements, which provide an opportunity for a renewed focus on waste and resources across a range of industries.
“Under our Waste to Resources Framework we are also committed to working with industry to identify innovative opportunities to displace virgin raw materials with secondary materials – and pilot new technologies and techniques.
“This will include using all our regulatory influences and promoting support services from partners.”
Downes says that SEPA is working with industry to try and get them to change their approach to these issues. “What we’re trying to do is produce plans that will reward those who are prepared to manage resources much more effectively by reducing demands on the Earth.
“We launched our first plan with whisky. The whisky industry has gone from one that has been non-compliant in a whole variety of ways, including waste, to one where they manage their whole supply chain differently, their agricultural suppliers, transport and glass ... and how they treat water.
‘’The whisky industry has now become an exemplar of an industry that has reduced dramatically the energy, the water and therefore the waste they put out.”
Stewart says that while Scotch whisky has moved quite far on these issues other sectors have been way behind but that is starting to change. Stewart says: “The construction/demolition sector is starting to come together a lot more cohesively. About 50 per cent of the waste material in Scotland is generated by the construction/demolition sector. I think there is always a perception that households must be the biggest waste producer but it’s far from it.”
Jane Stewart says that one thing that is vital for the sector to take a step forward is the provision of and wider access to better data. “In Scotland we have led the way on many circular economy initiatives from food waste to the whisky industry to textiles.
‘’There is a focus in Scotland on addressing the circular economy at one level on a sector-by-sector basis [the construction and demolition sector still accounts for about 50 per cent of all waste generated in Scotland] but more recently in a more local geographic approach – addressing initiatives via local circular economy hubs.
“Data could considerably fuel future development and change. However the data systems in Scotland and the wider UK are fragmented, unreliable and out of date. Environmental agencies’ publication of data can be 18 months to two years out of date and only records movements in and out of licensed facilities.”
She cites an example: “If you’re looking at plastics recycling and you’re looking at a business model to take that to end product then finding out where that material exists, where the sources of that material are and how you’re going to access it is critical to the business model.
‘’The information at the moment is held within the waste management companies more than anything. Because they’re uplifting they know what they’re doing with those materials and ultimately where it’s ending up.
“The waste producer isn’t getting that same flow of data and they don’t necessarily know that the business down the road has a similar waste stream and they could potentially come together and do something with that.”
A major area of expansion for the sector in Scotland is in oil and gas decommissioning. Ray Grant, environmental director at the Aberdeen-based John Lawrie Group, says that while decommissioning has been going on for some time the bigger opportunities still lie ahead. “The bigger stuff is still to come really and Scotland is gearing up for that in terms of deep-water ports, portside areas with heavy life capabilities.”.
Across the sector, a number of players are looking to expand, often by mergers and acquisition activity, to capitalise on new opportunities. Scottish cleaning industry entrepreneur Roger Green is one of these. He recently rebranded cleaning company Spotless as Brightwaste Office Recycling, which he describes as a more eco friendly waste service.
The Alloa-based company will offer a direct collection service but using a fleet of smaller vans for collections rather than larger bin lorries. It will also provide customers with waste measurement and carbon reporting among its ‘added value’ services. The rebrand follows Green’s acquisition of community interest company Ace Recycling Group last year. It will initially target companies and organisations across the central belt, but aims to expand further throughout Scotland and into England in the future.
Green says he wants Brightwaste to “shake up the commercial recycling market, providing a great service that makes waste management as simple as possible for customers, gives them value-added advice and ensures they are environmentally compliant.”
Like many sectors, business waste is facing significant changes from Brexit. It could mean that commodity prices and the availability of EU country outlets for waste both tighten. There is also the impact on labour with a considerable amount of eastern European employees working in the sector particularly in waste processing plants.
Another international development that is having a significant effect on the sector is China’s National Sword policy under which the country said it would ban the import of certain recycled commodities from March this year. Stewart says: “For the recycling industry this has meant increased focus on quality, increased cost of processing recyclables and reduced price for most recycled commodities.
“The industry has had to find new export markets and invest in quality improvement processes in recycling facilities, which is a challenge when the quality of outputs needs to increase and the quality of inputs received is deteriorating.”
Stewart concludes: “Recent impacts such as China’s National Sword I believe will have a long-term positive impact on the industry and focus the market on avoidance, innovation and quality.” |
Critics of renewable energy always cite the fact that the sun does not always shine and the wind does not always blow. As such, the intermittency of renewable energy needs to be backed up by baseload power, which would need to come from natural gas, coal, or nuclear power.
The key to resolving the intermittency problem is energy storage, but batteries have thus far been too expensive to offer a viable solution. But that is quickly changing.
Energy storage technologies are now cost-competitive with conventional grid electricity in certain markets. That is not the claim of some environmental outfit, but the conclusion of an in-depth study from asset management firm Lazard. Related: Elon Musk's Hyperloop: Expensive, But Doable
To be sure, there is still a ways to go before battery storage can compete on a mass scale. But Lazard finds that energy storage is actually a preferred option already in a few scenarios, such as replacing the need for major new transmission lines, or for circumstances where microgrids are needed. Lazard conducted its first levelized cost of energy storage. The analysis is complicated because storage can be valued in so many different ways. Energy storage not only can provide electricity during downtimes, but it can obviate the need to build new power plants. Or it can increase the reliability of the grid. These aspects make it difficult to come up with concrete cost figures, but Lazard lays out a range of cost scenarios. The bottom line is that energy storage is rapidly becoming cost-competitive.
Lazard also expects the cost of battery storage to decline significantly over the next five years, due to rising penetration of renewable energy and specific policies to support storage. At the same time, the aging power grid supports the economics of energy storage, as the costs of maintenance of transmission and the need for more power lines make energy storage competitive by comparison. Related: Could The Tide Be Turning Against North American Natural Gas?
Moreover, major battery manufacturing facilities, such as Tesla’s gigafactory, are slated for completion, and the ramp up in battery production will bring down costs. Lithium-based batteries could see costs fall by 50 percent by the end of the decade, for example.
Taken together, Lazard arrives at a striking conclusion: energy storage could “be positioned to displace a significant portion of future gas-fired generation capacity, in particular as a replacement for peaking gas turbine facilities, enabling further integration of renewable generation.” These “peaker” plants tend to be much more expensive than regular power plants, and are only used when demand is at its highest. Over the next few years, it may no longer make sense to build peaker plants as batteries become the most cost-effective option.
There is often talk of a “utility death spiral,” in which rising electricity rates and falling renewable energy costs cause more ratepayers to abandon the grid. As fewer ratepayers are left to pay utilities, rates must go up to compensate, forcing more ratepayers to leave in an accelerated fashion. Related: OPEC’s Bad Bet By The Numbers
Similarly, energy storage could see a virtuous spiral. More installations of batteries bring down costs. That allows more and more renewable energy to come online. The scaling up of both brings down costs even further, allowing for faster penetration. Meanwhile, the cost of transmission and of fossil fuel-based power generation are likely to go up.
In fact, according to Navigant, energy storage could grow from 196 megawatts today to over 12,700 megawatts by 2025.
Batteries will be helped along by public policy. For example, in Oregon, the major utilities will be required to install 5 megawatts of energy storage by 2020. Oregon is the second state, after California, to have a battery storage mandate. The law recognizes the multiple benefits that come with energy storage: Deferred investment on generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure; reduced need for peakers; the ability to accelerate renewables deployment; improved grid reliability; and reduced price volatility.
All of those benefits are increasingly making battery storage a competitive force in electric power markets.
By James Stafford of Oilprice.com
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Plan to build a solid fuel (RDF) power plant 1999.12.15 Ayabe City, Kyoto Prefecture
The plan for building a solid fuel (RDF) power plant for renovation work due to aging of the waste incineration facility is undergoing. The basic design and implementation of the design were completed in 1999, and the construction began in 2000 and finished by November 2002. The new facility will process 50 tons of combustible garbage per day to produce 25 tons of RDF and use it as fuel at the power plant installed in the same place. The power generation capacity is 1010 kw to cover the power of the facility. This can save the electricity bill of 20 million yen annually. |
Pickling of Austenitic and Duplex Stainless Steel
Pickling is a surface treatment process to remove scaling, thermal oxides, impurities and surface contaminant. The process is carried out by immersion in a pickling solution Willowchem 81) for a calculated time, based on surface area and material specification.
The Pickling process is often used after processes such as welding and annealing. The process incorporates a pickling solution made up from a carefully calculated mix of Nitric acid and Hydroflouric acid. The solution, if correctly formulated, will remove thermal oxides and surface contaminants, as well as leaving the remaining clean surface as passive.
The pickling process will conform to ASTM A380
Benefits of Pickling:
- Dissolves thermal oxides after welding, annealing etc.
- Provides a chemically clean, uniform finish.
- Removes surface contaminants.
- Passivate the surface as well as chemically cleaning. |
Amid an effort by the Trump administration to ease rules on the oil and gas sector, 26 companies said they will take voluntary steps to ratchet down emissions on a potent greenhouse gas the Obama administration tried to regulate.
The week, the American Petroleum Institute, the largest oil and gas lobbying group in Washington, announced the launch of a program aimed at reducing emissions of methane from oil and natural gas production.
"The program overall is set up to continuously improve the environmental performance for onshore operators throughout the country through the process of learning, collaborating and taking action," said Erik Milito, director of upstream and industry operations for API. "This is a very robust program."
However, some environmental groups called the initiative, titled The Environmental Partnership, too little, too late given the industry’s embrace of Trump’s deregulatory agenda.
“It’s somewhat amazing that the industry hasn’t already put forward its own standard,” said Chase Huntley, director of energy and climate at The Wilderness Society.
Oil and gas firms participating in the program, which includes heavyweights like Chevron, BP, Royal Dutch Shell and ExxonMobil onshore subsidiary XTO Energy, have agreed to cut pollution by monitoring and repairing leaks and replacing or retrofitting “high-bleed” pneumatic controllers, identified by the Environmental Protection Agency as a top spot for the release of methane."It's a very targeted, surgical approach," Milito said.
Methane is between 28 and 36 times more effective than carbon dioxide at warming the atmosphere over a 100-year time period, according to the EPA. The measures are also meant to curb the release of volatile organic compounds, which can act as a precursor to ground-level ozone, a component of smog linked to heart and lung problems.
The voluntary program, in which 23 of the top 40 U.S. natural gas producers by volume are participating, focuses on the process of producing natural gas, not the final product — that is, not on the amount of methane actually released into the atmosphere. Under the program, API will publicly report on its progress, with the first report coming in 2019.
Energy firms have a financial incentive to work together, as they are under this program, to capture as much methane as possible. Because methane is the main component of natural gas and can be burned for fuel, every molecule of methane emitted is lost energy — and lost revenue.
The Obama administration, through rules issued by the EPA and the Interior Department, attempted to rein in methane emissions. But Trump has put both agencies’ policies under review, a move API and other industry players welcomed.
For example, the Bureau of Land Management, finalized a rule in late 2016 designed to curb the practice on public lands of venting and flaring — or burning off some gas as it arises from a natural gas well — that the new API program leaves unaddressed.
After Congress narrowly voted against repealing the BLM rule, Interior decided to take action itself. On Friday, Interior will formally announce a two-year delay in the implementation of that rule, according to a Federal Register filing.
“We suspect the timing is not coincidental with the administration’s next step of seeking to significantly revise the rule,” Huntley said of API’s announcement.
The launch of API’s program follows a similar announcement earlier this month by eight large oil firms, including Exxon, BP and Shell, that they would significantly shrink the amount of methane emitted across the natural gas supply chain.
“For years, many in industry have argued against government action to address their climate impact, touting voluntary corporate pollution reductions as a substitute for regulations,” Environmental Defense Fund, an environmental group that helped those firms develop that plan, wrote in a blog post.
EDF says there is one important difference between the two initiatives: Their plan emphasizes that “regulations are needed," while API's does not. "We're looking at this outside of the regulatory scope," API's Milito said.
“The last several months have produced a number of good examples of what leadership in reducing methane looks like,” said Matt Watson, EDF’s associate vice president of climate and energy. “At a time when API is aggressively putting its full weight into tearing down federal methane rules, this weak initiative does little to show that API is serious about tackling the methane problem.”
The divide: Compliance with regulations is more costly for independent operators extracting gas domestically than it is for multinationals like Exxon, BP and Shell. In general, while industry giants may prefer watered-down rules, smaller players are more likely to favor little to no regulation at all.
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-- Southern California is on fire: The blazes continued as wildfires in the Los Angeles and Ventura counties destroyed at least 100,000 acres and forced tens of thousands to flee their homes. A new blaze, dubbed the Skirball Fire, erupted Wednesday morning in Bel Air, requiring the closure of parts of I-405, one of the country’s busiest freeways, and forcing the evacuation of 1,200 homes, reports The Post’s Scott Wilson, Mark Berman and Eli Rosenberg.
The Thomas Fire in Ventura County had burned 90,000 acres by Wednesday, with 50,000 people evacuating from 15,000 homes. By Thursday morning, officials said that blaze had surrounded the popular winter retreat of Ojai. Most of the Ojai Valley, which has about 8,000 residents, was under a mandatory evacuation order, WIlson, Berman and Rosenberg report. A number of areas east of Santa Paula, Calif. were also placed under mandatory evacuation late Wednesday.
In Los Angeles County, two relatively smaller fires, the Rye and Creek Fires, had burned through more than 18,000 acres combined by Wednesday, according to the Los Angeles Times.
“Our plan here is to try to stop this fire before it becomes something bigger,” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti (D) said at a news briefing. “These are days that break your heart. But these are also days that show the resilience of our city.”
California Gov. Jerry Brown (D) declared states of emergency in both affected counties. More than 4,000 firefighters were dispatched across the region, The Post reports. Many of those first responders had not yet slept since the blazes erupted Monday, Los Angeles Country Fire Department Chief Daryl L. Osby said.
No deaths have yet been reported yet, though not all burned areas are accessible. But officials have warned the wildfire threat could continue and increase through the rest of the week.
Late Wednesday, Los Angeles County residents received an ominous emergency alert on their phones:
From the Los Angeles Times’s Laura Nelson:
Southern California may be in for a rough night. pic.twitter.com/xSoqaoVNF6— Laura J. Nelson 🦅 (@laura_nelson) December 7, 2017
Ventura officials warned that the fire will likely grow north and west in the next two days, and Cal Fire official Tim Chavez said there’s a “large probability of spot fires that will spread easily and spread rapidly.”
On Wednesday, Los Angeles officials said they were expecting another night of winds as high as 80 mph.
“There will be no ability to fight fire in these kinds of winds,” Ken Pimlott, director of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said, according to the Los Angeles Times. “At the end of the day, we need everyone in the public to listen and pay attention. This is not ‘watch the news and go about your day.’ This is pay attention minute-by-minute … keep your head on a swivel.”
Nelson shared a clip Wednesday from the Skirball Fire:
Black smoke just started billowing from a hillside just east of the 405 Freeway, off the Moraga Drive exit. pic.twitter.com/8M5byfqAfe— Laura J. Nelson 🦅 (@laura_nelson) December 6, 2017
Here's a seemingly apocalyptic and widely shared video of motorists driving toward the Skirball fire on the 405:
Not the typical morning commute... pic.twitter.com/kJIOQeqsIK— A. Mutzabaugh CMT (@WLV_investor) December 6, 2017
From Los Angeles Times photographer Genaro Molina:
Firefighters try and save a home along Linda Flora Dr. In Bel Air. pic.twitter.com/QYdYzxSDFX— Genaro Molina (@GenaroMolina47) December 6, 2017
The New York Times's John Herman pointed out that people are using Snapchat's in-app map feature to map out the blazes:
Snap Map is pulling together incredible footage of the LA-area fires pic.twitter.com/Lf5tID6rRG— John Herrman (@jwherrman) December 6, 2017
The Post's J. Freedom du Lac gathers some other stunning visuals of the devastation here.
-- The extreme weather conditions currently gripping both U.S. coasts may be connected: The fires raging in Southern California and the frigid cold forthcoming in the eastern United States are the result of extreme jet patterns that can make the West hot and dry while making the East cold, Capital Weather Gang’s Jason Samenow reports. And climate change might be to blame.
This weather pattern is known as the North American Winter Dipole, a term used to describe the contrasting conditions. Samenow explains: “Under such a pattern, the jet stream, the super highway for storms that divides cold and warm air, surges north in the western half of the nation, and crashes south in the eastern half." So, how does the changing climate come into play? He notes the dipole pattern has increased in frequency as the climate has warmed in recent decades. UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain, who authors the popular California Weather Blog, wrote there has “indeed been an increase in the number of days each winter characterized by simultaneously very warm temperatures across the American West and very cold temperatures across the East.”
-- Predicting the worst-case scenarios: The climate change simulations that most accurately depict current conditions are also the ones that also forecast the most alarming levels of human-driven global warming, The Post’s Chris Mooney reports. A new study released in the journal Nature assessed models used to map out future conditions, and then examined their specific predictions. “Those models generally predicated a higher level of warming than models that did not capture those conditions as well,” Mooney writes.
Put another way, the models that best captured what the authors called the Earth’s “energy imbalance” were also the models that predicted more warming in the planet’s future.
Mooney breaks down how some of these models’ findings differ: “Under a high warming scenario in which large emissions continue throughout the century, the models as a whole give a mean warming of 4.3 degrees Celsius (or 7.74 degrees Fahrenheit), plus or minus 0.7 degrees Celsius, for the period between 2081 and 2100, the study noted. But the best models, according to this test, gave an answer of 4.8 degrees Celsius (8.64 degrees Fahrenheit), plus or minus 0.4 degrees Celsius.”
The report is the latest in the growing list of dire forecasts about the warming climate, he adds. But several scientists consulted by The Post warned that the research is not yet definitive.
-- It won't happen again: EPA scientists will now be able to speak freely about their work, agency head Scott Pruitt told lawmakers. In a letter to Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), Pruitt responded to inquiries about why the EPA prevented two scientists and a consultant from speaking at a conference in October, the New York Times’s Lisa Friedman reports.
“Procedures have been put in place to prevent such an occurrence in the future,” Pruitt wrote. “I have assured Office of Research and Development (“ORD”) political and career senior leadership that they have the authority to make decisions about event participation going forward. This has been communicated to all ORD staff throughout the country.”
Read Pruitt’s full letter here via the New York Times.
“After the E.P.A.’s reckless and shortsighted decision to muzzle its own scientists from presenting to the Narragansett Bay Estuary Program, we appreciate Administrator Pruitt’s commitment never to let this happen again,’’ Whitehouse and 11 other Democrats said in a Wednesday statement in response to Pruitt’s letter. “We will hold him to that commitment.”
-- EPA expects even more of an earful about Clean Power Plan repeal: The EPA announced Wednesday it plans to hold additional "listening sessions" on the proposed withdrawal from the Obama Clean Power Plan after holding two days of hearings in West Virginia last week. “Due to the overwhelming response to our West Virginia hearing, we are announcing additional opportunities for the public to voice their views to the Agency,” Pruitt said in the statement. Three additional sessions will be held in San Francisco, Gillette, Wyo., and Kansas City, Mo., though dates have not yet been announced.
John Walke, an attorney at the Natural Resources Defense Council, notes the EPA calls the events "listening sessions" and not "hearings," perhaps for legal reasons:
Listening sessions, not hearings. The legal difference is hearings extend public comment periods by 30 days; listening sessions do not. Comment period still closes Jan. 16th, so keep writing over the holidays. https://t.co/k3Dm56JCdk— John Walke (@jwalkenrdc) December 6, 2017
-- Dem demands Pruitt's time: House Energy and Commerce Committee ranking Democrat Rep. Frank Pallone Jr. (D-N.J.) blasted Pruitt after reports that he will attend only part of a congressional subcommittee hearing today:
“The Trump Administration and Administrator Pruitt continue to thumb their noses at Congress – defying any real attempts for Congressional oversight," Pallone said in a Wednesday statement. "It is outrageous enough that Mr. Pruitt is testifying before Congress for the first time since becoming Administrator, and now that outrage is taken to another level by the Administrator needing to leave after a mere one hour of testimony."
The reason: According to reports, including one from Axios's Amy Harder, Pruitt needs to pop by the White House to discuss ethanol with Trump and lawmakers:
EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt is set to take an unusual break — 3 hours — in his congressional testimony tomorrow to attend a White House meeting on ethanol, according to a Trump administration official.— Amy Harder (@AmyAHarder) December 7, 2017
-- EPA IG investigates Pruitt: The EPA’s internal watchdog plans to investigate Pruitt’s meeting with a mining group in April. House Energy and Commerce Committee Democrats shared a letter on Wednesday announcing the decision from the EPA’s inspector general.
“We will review the single meeting between EPA Administrator Pruitt and the National Mining Association in April 2017 that you identified in your letter to me. The GAO stated to us that it could and would use the factual record regarding that meeting to conduct its analysis,” read the letter from Inspector General Arthur A. Elkins Jr.
BREAKING: EPA’s IG agrees to Pallone’s request to review #PollutingPruitt and staff’s meeting with industry. Review would then allow GAO to examine potential violations of appropriations laws. pic.twitter.com/IyNhvxDG6Y— Energy Commerce Dems (@EnergyCommerce) December 6, 2017
An EPA spokeswoman told The Hill’s Devin Henry that the investigation is “merely an announcement that the OIG will begin work on a fact-based report."
-- Monumental fight: Outdoor retailer Patagonia joined a growing list of lawsuits against President Trump following his announcement about a plan to drastically cut the size of the Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante monuments in Utah. The California-based company filed the suit on behalf of a group of organizations looking to block changes to the Bears Ears monument and charged that the move exceeds the president’s authority, reports the Associated Press.
On Monday, the company’s founder signaled his intention to sue the president over his decision to shrink the monument. "I'm going to sue him," Yvon Chouinard, the company’s founder told CNN.
The Natural Resources Defense Council and the Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, along with with Earthjustice on behalf of nine other groups, also filed lawsuit to block the Bears Ears decision. Those three groups were already part of a coalition suing over Grand Staircase-Escalante. The Energy 202 explains the legal fight over both monuments here.
-- "A difficult position to defend:" Former President Barack Obama praised mayors, and other civic leaders for being the “new face of American leadership on climate change." His remarks came at a summit where the nation’s mayors signed the “Chicago Climate Charter,” pledging to continue working to reducing emissions as outlined in the Paris climate accord. Though he didn't mention Trump by name, Obama took a swipe at the president's decision to withdraw from the accord.
“Obviously we’re in an unusual time when the United States is now the only nation on Earth that does not belong to the Paris agreement,” he said, per the Chicago Tribune. “And that’s a difficult position to defend. But the good news is that the Paris agreement was never going to solve the climate crisis on its own. It was going to be up to all of us.”
-- “Good to go:” Just as President Trump was delivering his address on Inauguration Day, his then-National Security Adviser Michael T. Flynn sent a text to an ex-business associate saying a plan to work with Russia to build nuclear power plants in the Middle East was “good to go,” a whistleblower told Congressional investigators. The Post’s Tom Hamburger reports Flynn told his associate that U.S. sanctions against Russia would be “ripped up” by the Trump administration in order to help move the nuclear plant plan forward, the associate told the witness. The whistleblower’s account was detailed in a letter Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (Md.), the top Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, sent to the panel’s chairman Rep. Trey Gowdy (R- S.C).
In the letter, Cummings urged Gowdy to subpoena the White House for documents on Flynn, adding that the panel has “credible allegations” that Flynn “sought to manipulate the course of international nuclear policy for the financial gain of his former business partners,” Hamburger reports.
-- At risk: An area of protected land totaling 120 million acres, larger than the state of California, may be at risk from being opened to oil and gas drilling, a new analysis from Unearthed, a publication from Greenpeace reported.
The publication says that “some highly protected areas may simply see rules around existing drilling weakened, or more drilling taking place on the borders of the parks.” Unearthed mapped protected parks that overlap with potential oil, gas and coal reserves, and listed that some of the sites potentially at risk include Gunnison national forest in Colorado, the Dakota Prairie Grasslands in north Dakota, Canyonlands National Park and Zion National Park in Utah and Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift said the publication’s report is “not accurate.”
“[T]he Secretary has stated multiple times on the record he is not interested in drilling in national parks. I suggest you do more through [sic] research,” she said in a statement to Unearthed.
Greenpeace’s Damian Kahya shared a map:
- EPA head Scott Pruitt testifies at a House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Environment hearing.
- The Alliance to Save Energy holds an event on “The Business Case for Tax Incentives Promoting Energy Efficiency.”
- The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations holds a hearing on “Transforming the Department of the Interior for the 21st Century.”
- The Center for Strategic and International Studies will host the launch of OPEC’s World Oil Outlook 2017.
- The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Federal Lands holds a legislative hearing.
- The House Natural Resources Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations holds a hearing on "Transforming the Department of the Interior for the 21st Century.”
- The House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations holds a hearing on “Examining the Role of the Department of Energy in Energy Sector Cybersecurity” on Friday.
- The NCAC holds a presentation on U.S. oil and natural gas on Friday.
House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) lit up the Capitol Christmas tree at an outdoor ceremony:
President Trump claims GDP would be higher "without the hurricanes:"
Stephen Colbert on President Trump's decision to shrink two national monuments:
The Daily Show with Trevor Noah compiles "Trump's Best Words of 2017:" |
Surface engineering is the science of correcting materials to enhance their performance or look, whether by cleaning a surface for welding and joining, or coating it to achieve customized properties. The science applies to solid surfaces like metals, ceramics, polymers, and composites. The EWI team has expertise in diverse surface engineering for specific manufacturing goals:
- Improved corrosion resistance
- Increased component longevity
- Aesthetically pleasing finish
- Clean surfaces
- Surface mounts and complex soldered features
- Functional finishes – better lubricity, magnetic or non-stick properties, etc.
For our clients in industries like heavy equipment, aviation, and defense, we’ve met surface engineering challenges such as developing a process for creating transition material layers that enabled bonding dissimilar materials (including non-metals to metals). The technologies that are so instrumental to our experts’ core processes, such as solid-state welding and additive manufacturing equipment, enable our ever-growing grasp of surface engineering processes. Additionally, we partner with industry leaders to combine strengths and explore new approaches during large-scale research and development projects.
Identify. Develop. Implement. That’s how we break through technical barriers and further the success of our partners. Find out how our team of surface engineering problem solvers can advance a solution for your organization. We Manufacture Innovation.
Surface Engineering for Ideal Outcomes
Continual curiosity and calculated research are our priorities. We’re actively testing and researching novel surface engineering methods such as CoBlast for adhesion bonding preparation, as well as cold spray deposition, which utilizes kinetic energy rather than thermal energy to coat surfaces and achieve desired material properties.
Other trends on the surface engineering field include additive manufacturing applications. The EWI surface engineering team makes a point of staying on top of every trend, without neglecting the core processes for which our clients need consultation.
Core Surface Engineering Processes
The following processes form the base of much of our surface engineering work.
- Laser and ultrasonic processes for heat treating, surfacing, and cleaning
- Contouring and texturizing surfaces for optimal adhesive bonding
- Cladding with multiple joining techniques
- Brazing and soldering
- Surface mounting
- Localized induction heat treatment
- Powder characterization and material characterization
- Various approaches to thermal coating
- Electrospark deposition
Why Choose EWI?
An extension of your team, EWI engineers will empower your organization to break through technical barriers in surface engineering. You will have access to some of the brightest engineering minds around to discuss your unique goals.
We are uniquely positioned to define optimal surface engineering processes because of our deep understanding of welding and adhesion processes and resulting material characteristics, as well as our expertise in evaluation and inspection. We never shy away from a challenge, even when it comes to seldom-attempted applications.
Teaming Up for Surface Engineering Breakthroughs
At EWI, we believe in teaming up with great minds for the betterment of science and manufacturing. Our expert teams connect with partners such as equipment manufacturers, industry leaders, and key players in academia to answer pressing questions that lead to amazing new applications of technology.
When you come to EWI with your surface engineering problem, you can be confident that you have a collaborative group of smart, hardworking people backing you up. Surface engineering has some exciting potential applications today, and we’re excited to learn more about your project. |
Radiographic Examination - Discontinuity Images on Film
Examining finished joints may be the final step in the brazing process, but inspection procedures should be incorporated into the design stage. Your methodology will depend on the application, service and end-user requirements plus regulatory codes and standards.
Define your acceptance criteria for any discontinuity with considerations for shape, orientation, location (surface or subsurface) and relationship to other discontinuities. Be sure to state acceptance limits in terms of minimum requirements.
Common discontinuities of brazed joints, identified through nondestructive examination, include:
- Voids or porosity - an incomplete flow of brazing filler metal which can decrease joint strength and allow leakage-often caused by improper cleaning, incorrect joint clearance, insufficient filler metal, entrapped gas or thermal expansion.
- Flux entrapment - resulting from insufficient vents in the joint design-preventing the flow of filler metal and reducing joint strength as well as service life
- Discontinuous fillets - areas on the joint surface where the fillet is interrupted-usually discovered by visual inspection
- Base metal erosion (or alloying) - when the filler metal alloys with the base metal during brazing-movement of the alloy away from the fillet may cause erosion and reduce joint strength
- Unsatisfactory surface condition or appearance - excessive filler metal or rough surfaces-may act as corrosion sites and stress concentrators, also interfering with further testing
- Cracks - reducing strength and service life of the joint-may also be caused by liquid metal embrittlement.
Nondestructive testing methods of checking quality and specification conformance include:
Typical Immersion Ultrasonic Setup
- Visual examination - with or without magnification-for evaluating voids, porosity, surface cracks, fillet size and shape, discontinuous fillets plus base metal erosion (not internal issues such as porosity and lack of fill)
- Leak testing - for determining gas- or liquid-tightness of a brazement. Pressure (or bubble leak) testing involves the application of air at greater-than-service pressures. Vacuum testing is useful for refrigeration equipment and detection of minute leaks, employing a mass spectrometer and a helium atmosphere.
- Proof testing - subjecting a brazed joint to a one-time load greater than the service level-applied by hydrostatic methods, tensile loading or spin testing
- Radiographic examination - useful in detecting internal flaws, large cracks and braze voids, if thickness and X-ray absorption ratios permit delineation of the brazing filler metal-cannot verify a proper metallurgical bond
- Ultrasonic examination - a comparative method for evaluating joint quality, in immersion mode or contract mode-involves reflection of sound waves by surfaces, using a transducer to emit a pulse and receive echoes
- Liquid penetrant examination - dye and fluorescent penetrants may detect cracks open to the surface of joints-not suitable for inspection of fillets, where some porosity is always present
- Acoustic emission testing - evaluating the extent of discontinuity-using the premise that acoustic signals undergo a frequency or amplitude change when traveling across discontinuities
- Thermal transfer examination - detects changes in thermal transfer rates due to discontinuities or unbrazed areas-images show brazed areas as light spots and void areas as dark spots
There are also several destructive and mechanical testing methods, often used in random or lot testing:
- Peel testing - useful for evaluating lap joints and production quality control for general quality of the bond plus presence of voids and flux inclusions-where one member is held rigid while the other is peeled away from the joint
- Metallographic examination-testing the general quality of joints-detecting porosity, poor filler metal flow, base metal erosion and improper fit
- Tension and shear testing - determines strength of a joint in tension or in shear-used during qualification or development rather than production
- Fatigue testing - testing the base metal plus the brazed joint-a time-consuming and costly method
- Impact testing - determines the basic properties of brazed joints-generally used in a lab setting
- Torsion testing - used on brazed joints in production quality control-for example, studs or screws brazed to thick sections
The size, complexity and severity of the application determine the best inspection method, and several methods may be required. If you are unable to develop an accurate and dependable method of inspecting a critical brazed joint, consider revisiting your joint design to allow adequate inspection.
Source: AWS Brazing Handbook
Examining finished joints may be the final step in the brazing process, but inspection procedures should be incorporated into the design stage. Both nondestructive and destructive methods may be employed, depending on the application, service and end-user requirements plus regulatory codes and standards.
Lucas-Milhaupt is dedicated to providing expert information for Better Brazing. Please feel free to share this blog posting with associates. For further information, see Lucas-Milhaupt's series of brazing videos, consider our seminars and on-site training, and contact us if we may be of assistance. |
Civil Engineer / Content Writer
Once concrete is placed and finished, it starts to convert from plastic to hard state. The reaction between cement and water starts from when the water is first added to the dry concrete mix. In concrete terminology this reaction is called hydration and it does not require a special condition to occur. When hydration starts, concrete starts to attains compressive strength. The hydration continues as long as the water is present in the concrete. Once water evaporates from the surface of concrete, the hydration process slow down or it stops. It may result in development of cracks or reduces the strength and durability of concrete. To keep the hydration process continues, it is essential to maintain humid and warm environment around the freshly placed concrete or mortar until it achieves the desired strength. This process is called as curing of concrete.
Also Read: When to Start Curing of Concrete?
Courtesy - 123rf
Curing is the process in which humid and warm environment is provided to the concrete by means of different curing methods to achieve designed strength of the concrete.
The water is a main ingredient in the concrete, only small amount of water is needed to hydrate the cement particles. The amount of water calculated in concrete mix design is considerably much higher than it requires for the hydration of the cement. The remaining water which is not used in hydration process, basically, it is required for the workability of concrete.
However, loss of this water take place due to the evaporation which develops the demands of curing. To prevent evaporation of moisture from the surface of concrete, different types of curing methods are applied to the concrete. Technically, curing is the process of maintaining the moisture inside casted concrete. Moisture ensures the desirable strength and durability of the concrete.
During the reaction between cement particles and water, gel is formed in a concrete. In early stage, this action is very rapid and it generates heat which is called as heat of hydration. Depending on the type of structure, the heat of hydration can be an advantage or a disadvantage, if excessive. i.e. it is beneficial in the case of thin section like RCC wall, and disadvantageous in the thick section, like concrete dam. In concrete dam, the outer surface set (hardened) quickly than its inner mass. The hydration reaction can last for years in the thick section. In case of thin section like RCC wall, hydration reaction may last for a month. Hence, thin section obtains designed strength earlier than the thick section. Hence, curing of concrete becomes very important activity while you construct a house.
Generally, the concrete attains a major portion of its strength in about 21 days. Therefore, sufficient quantity of water is needed for curing to obtain the design strength of concrete. Thus 21 days considered to be enough for wet curing. It is advisable to start the curing when the concrete is set initially. Curing of concrete can begin when the surface of freshly laid concrete is hard enough for a person to work over. While walking on freshly laid concrete, a person should not damage the surface. Sometimes the surface moisture can be maintained by splashing or spraying water without pressure.
Things to keep in mind while curing concrete
Following things to be keep in mind while curing concrete:
- It is advisable to start curing operations as soon as possible after concrete gets initial set. Usually, initial setting starts within 3 – 7 hours after casting.
- Sufficient amount of water should be available for curing of concrete.
- The water to be used for curing should be clean and free from oils, acids, alkali’s, salts, organic materials or other substances. Use potable water for curing.
- Hydration process of cement slows down as concrete dries and finally stops at some degree of dryness. On again wetting the hydration is resumed at a steady but reduced rate as now the moisture cannot penetrate the mass as effectively as it did before drying. Therefore, continuity in curing is necessary because alterations of wetting and drying may develop cracking and crazing on the concrete surface.
- The ideal temperature for curing is 27°C.
- The curing period of concrete is very important. It is essential for continuing the hydration process of cement with water until concrete attains the maximum compressive strength. Curing period should not be less than 10 days for concrete exposed to dry and hot weather conditions. If mineral admixtures or blended cement are used, it is recommended that minimum curing period extended to 14 days.
The initial curing period of 72 hours is more critical for the strength development of the concrete. Poor or inadequate curing mostly affects the surface of concrete. This surface gives ability to withstand against wear and protects the steel reinforcement. If concrete is inadequately or improperly cured, the durability and other properties of hardened concrete will adversely be affected. Hence, proper curing improves the properties of concrete and increase the service life of home construction. |
Polyurethane consists of 2 components: diisocyanate (the hard component) and polyol (the soft component). The result of an exothermal reaction between the two substances is polyurethane. Other polyol and isocyanate components can influence the polyaddition reaction. This also applies when additives are added to the reaction mixture.
We have gained many years of experience in the application of polyurethane. We also continuously invest in the development of good products. As a result we are able to process polyurethane in two different ways.
A polyurethane coating. This coating is applied on various surfaces by way of an airless spraying method.
A polyurethane which can be cast into moulds |
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Buy custom Minimum Wage essay
The welfare of the society depends on the welfare of its members. Therefore each state tries to protect its citizens from various social problems in different ways. Economic reforms, laws and policies are introduced to improve the overall functioning of the society, but at the same time not all of them are definitely positive. Most of them are controversial and require alternative views to be considered. One of widely accepted economical instruments invented to provide social protection is minimum wage. Minimum wage means the lowest remuneration employers are to pay to the employees per hour, per day or per month (Eatwell et al. 476). As equivalently it means that minimum wage also defines the lowest price of labor one can demand, it often results in certain disadvantages for both employers and job hunters. There has been plenty of debate concerning real advantages and disadvantages of minimum wage and to evaluate the meaning of this policy it is rational to weigh up all the arguments proposed by researchers. Current essay is intended to compare and contrast presented theories and perspectives. In particular, it is questioned whether minimum wage can be the inhibitor of unemployment. As unemployment (or joblessness) means that job supply exceeds job demand, it seems necessary to observe the way minimum wage affects politics of employment and other relative issues. Although minimum wage laws are present in many jurisdictions, there are still many prosperous states having no such policies. It apparently means that there are effective alternatives to minimum wage; consequently it would be useful to investigate alternatives too.
Throughout history the minimum wage has won a strong social appeal because it was initially introduced as a solution to provide socially preferable distribution of income and to eliminate substandard wages in the most low-paid fields of employment. The first most widely spread argument brought forward by the supporters of minimum wage is that it increases the overall standard of living in the state. The most vulnerable groups of population are protected in this way. It is considered that when there is such a control instrument as a minimum wage families become more self-sufficient. The level of poverty is decreased and thus consumption is stimulated. The employees are stimulated to work harder, while businesses are stimulated to be more efficient to be able to pay more. In addition, technological development, automation and efficiency f industries is encouraged (Berstein and Leonard 53). What is more, it is claimed that due to the rise of minimum wage government social welfare payments can be decreased.
When considering the initial minimum wage, international competitiveness is usually estimated together with
Experienced economists have shown much less support for minimum wage than the general public. The question of costs of benefits of minimum wages has been critically challenged by economic research and intensive debates. The most widely spread argument brought forward by the opponents of minimum wage is that it contributes to unemployment. Obligated to pay more, employers become more selective while choosing employees and in this way workers with lower productivity, lack of experience or disabilities are disadvantaged and rejected more often. Due to the harm committed to less skilled workers some groups are totally excluded from the labor market (Gwartney et al. 97). Furthermore, employers face hardships when the minimum wage is increased. Especially small businesses are negatively affected.
As early as in 1949 George Stigler examined the shortcomings of the minimum wage and explained that in proportion to the wage increase the employment may fall more. Thus, the overall earnings of the society will be reduced instead of being increased. “The legal restriction that employers cannot pay less than a legislated wage is equivalent to the legal restriction that workers cannot work at all in the protected sector unless they can find employers willing to hire them at that wage” (Berstein et al. 53). Moreover, specific attention should be paid to uncovered sectors of economy. As the levels of unemployment grow, more people are attracted to the uncovered sectors because there no regulations can stop the employers from hiring them. Experiencing surplus in job supply, the employers of uncovered sectors are free to reduce the wages they offer and these reductions may also exceed the increase of salaries in covered sectors of national economy. The correlation between minimum wage, productivity and labor demand is demonstrated in the two graphs below, for Product Market and for Labor Market. The x-axis shows the productivity of labor, while the y-axis stands for the price of labor. The S-line is for the labor supply and the D-line is for labor demand. Thus, the higher the wage, the lower the demand for labor is. The lower the demand for labor, the higher the unemployment is (Gwartney et al. 167).&nbbsp;
Apart from that, the employers choose different strategies to save the revenues. A minimum wage rate may be calculated for an hour, for a day or for a month. If the term is an hour or a day, the employers tend to reduce the amount of working hours per day or working days per week and force their employees to do more for a shorter period of time. If the term is a month, the employers tend to increase the amount of working hours to get more product or services fulfilled (Anyadike-Danes and Godley 174). Even more often the employers reduce the amount of employees and force them perform the work of the same quantity of workers. In this way, both those who are expelled from employment and those who stay can hardly appreciate the benefits of increased minimum wages.
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In fact, minimum wage turns to be not the only one and not the best decision on how to block poverty. The alternatives offered lower are believed not to affect unemployment and make a larger number of people benefit from them. The costs can be distributed more widely by means of the system of basic income (also known as negative income tax) which means that each family receives a certain sum of money for sufficient living. Besides, there are instruments of guaranteed minimum income and refundable tax credit. The latter is already practiced in the United States as well as in the United Kingdom. Finally, Italy, Sweden, Denmark and Italy are known for successful being without minimum wage (Gwartney et al. 99). Instead of that they apply collective bargaining according to which the working conditions are negotiated by employees and employers.
Minimum wage has been invented as an economic instrument to prevent poverty and substandard evaluation of labor. Putting the limit to the lowest possible amount of money paid to employees, minimum wage has been positively evaluated by public as it is thought to stimulate the efficiency of production and increase the overall level of living in the state. However, economic research has shown controversial results concerning the effectiveness of this poverty-preventive measure. Minimum wage has actually proved to be a useful tool in the confrontation of different political forces. There is a number of negative consequences of minimum wage revealed by plentiful research. Therefore, it seems more rational to turn to alternatives like collective bargaining practiced in such prosperous states as Germany, Denmark and Sweden.
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The selection of the base tolerance grade of the automatic assembling machine determines the tolerance band of the Datum hole or datum axis, and the size of the tolerance band of the non-standard parts, so the matching selection is actually the location of the non datum parts, that is to say the basic deviation of the Non datum.
The calculation method is based on certain theory and formula to determine the required clearance or interference, so as to limit and match the design, mainly used for automatic assembly machine clearance and interference fit. For example, for the gap fit of a sliding bearing, the minimum allowable range is calculated according to the liquid lubrication theory. Then select the standard type of fit.
The basic deviation of all kinds of codes, under certain conditions, represents a variety of different cooperation, so the choice of matching is the basic deviation of the choice. The method of selecting and cooperating of automatic assembling machine has 3 kinds of calculation method, test method and analogy method.
The test method is to determine the gap or interference through test or statistical analysis. This method is reasonable and reliable, but the cost is higher, so it is only used for the key cooperation of the main products of automatic assembly machine. |
In the mechanical engineering and design world, many things seem trickier to begin with than they actually are. Writing a formal specification is one of those things. Because of its perceived complexity, some people do away with it altogether and others write a quick one just for the sake of audits. Most don’t understand the important role the specification plays in the overall design process. In addition, there is confusion about how exactly a functional specification is written.
A functional specification is a document that describes the critical requirements and features of a design project. Each functional requirement is defined quantitatively to avoid ambiguity, and is normally defined within a range of values which are considered acceptable.
However, once general requirements are agreed upon with the client and the designers begin to work, the functional specification can sometimes stray from a neat, quantitative document. Problems can arise due to over-descriptiveness, trying to make everyone happy, being too specific with one requirement at the expense of another, etc. Most of these problems arise from the belief that the functional specification must fully describe and define every functionality and feature in exhaustive detail.
Think of the functional specification as a map of a meadow leading toward a big red X, with a few red dots that mark the path, rather than a highly scaled map with hundreds of red dots at 0.001 precision marking every single point on the path.
It is understandable that some people need the reassurance of a bulletproof plan (often to keep management happy). However, this is the job of a project plan, and not the functional specification. Ultimately, the functional specification cannot be fully written until the very end of the project. When a mechanical designer fully understands this, flexibility in ideas and space for creativity are available. This also avoids the possibility of making false promises to the customer at the beginning of the project.
Here are 10 great tips for writing a functional specification for a mechanical engineering project:
Tip 1: Understand the requirements
It is vitally important to understand the requirements correctly and list them clearly. Spend as much time as you need on them but make sure to fully realize what the client needs and expects from you.
Tip 2: Translate requirements into quantitative values
The main Xs on your design map should be translated into numbers or ranges. If a major requirement can’t be translated into a number, then it’s not a major one. Your client shouldn’t give you such an undefined requirement in the first place because it could be a waste of time and money for both of you.
Tip 3: Build from the requirements
The requirements are like the roots that are the foundation of your mechanical tree. Take a vegetal approach and look at the requirements of your requirements, the environments, and the compulsory tools to achieve them, but don’t go too far with it. Using this approach, every new requirement will be directly linked to a fundamental one and its existence can’t be questioned.
Tip 4: Give secondary requirements a range
Usually, the minor requirements come as a means to fulfil the main ones. Also, they normally won’t necessarily have a specific value but a range. This will help later when the choice of a value will depend on the designer and won’t really affect the mechanical system. By noticing you have a recurrent range in other requirements, the designer can choose a value that will fit most cases and cut back on your production costs while unifying your construction parts, making it easier to track, buy and change them.
Tip 5: Develop the external requirements
Once you are done with the internal requirements of your machine, you can build a set of external requirements that define the design’s interaction with the environment. These usually describe the shell parts, the security components, or the protection systems. It is possible to get carried away with many external requirements, but remember that this is a functional specification that merely sets the primary pace for your design, so no need to get too descriptive.
Tip 6: Define the external requirements
These requirements should be the least quantitative ones. Yet, thanks to advances made in quality, security and protection fields, you can easily quantify them by quoting standards or assigning systems, whether they are mechanical ones used to prevent accidents, or management ones that quality departments build onsite.
Tip 7: Define the control criteria
How do we know that a requirement is valid or fulfilled? Means of control are often disregarded yet very important, even in the first steps of the design. Defining a requirement and setting a value or a range for it won’t be useful if you can’t actually make it reach such a value or fulfil its goal. How you control that can be as simple as a visual control or as elaborate as adding a sensor. This might even result in the creation of a new requirement.
Tip 8: Organize your requirements
You may sometimes encounter functional specifications written in paragraphs, but this format is not recommended. There is nothing better for a functional specification than a good FAST (Functional Analysis System Technique) diagram. If you are a mechanical designer with a handful of requirements and numbers, the FAST display is a neat and efficient writing format for a functional specification. Even f your customer is German and you’re working with a team of Chinese, Italians and Hungarians, you will all still understand a FAST diagram.
The FAST diagram is an elaborate tree that takes start from one main requirement (see basic example in Fig.1). From this point, you branch out the additional requirements that are directly linked to the main one, and then define the technological solutions that will be involved in each.
Fig.1: Basic example of a FAST diagram
In our example, the client asked for a machine that will simultaneously emboss four pipes in the holes of a certain part. The main requirement is therefore the simultaneous embossing of four pipes in four holes with a force of 20 KN, at 2.4m/s velocity. This will result in several secondary requirements that define the translation, speed and force required. Furthermore, those requirements might lead to a third set of requirements that will describe the support system and even more details. Finally there will be the technological solutions setting that will list the parts, manufactured or available to buy, that the machine will require.
Tip 9: Add a flexibility scale
According to some senior engineers, this is an unnecessary category to add. However, it can save time when you have a flexibility scale that you apply to each secondary requirement. Giving a range doesn’t define how much you can modify a requirement or whether or not you can remove it. Taking the time to define a flexibility scale, then adding a branch to every secondary requirement can make it easier to decide what to modify and how.
Tip 10: Use technical language
We spoke about this point in the introduction. This is critical for every scientific and engineering discipline. If technical language is not used a functional specification can be left wide open to personal interpretation. Be precise and specific with your language. |
Real Progress in Real-world Conditions
By Jim Barber
UPS Chief Operating Officer
With more than 119,000 delivery vehicles and hundreds of aircraft, we create a significant global footprint. And we believe we have a responsibility to reduce that impact.
As you can see in our newest Sustainability Progress Report, we're working on it. Our Rolling Laboratory, one of the industry's largest private alternative fuel and advanced technology fleets, now includes approximately 9,100 all-electric, electric hybrid, propane, CNG, and LNG vehicles that have logged over a billion miles around the world. We work with our suppliers to test alternative fuels and technologies, to see how they perform in real-world operating conditions. Then we're able to quickly deploy viable options at scale, spurring market growth for alternative solutions. This is all part of our effort to reduce absolute emissions across our global ground operations by 12 percent by 2025 – which means that even as our business grows and delivery volume increases, our overall emissions will decrease.
The Power of Collaboration
UPS is partnering with a growing number of cities, academics, and other businesses to create sustainable transport solutions. In Hamburg, for example, we worked with city officials to come up with a simple, yet creative way to address this challenge. Instead of driving a large package car through narrow city streets, UPS drivers pick up deliveries from a storage container of consolidated shipments in the center of the city. From there, we deliver packages throughout the city center, using electrically assisted tricycles. We're making fewer trips to package centers while reducing congestion and noise – and we're doing it with zero tailpipe emissions from our e-trikes.
The city minister of transport has called this program a "game-changer."
We've expanded our Hamburg e-trike model to Pittsburgh, Toronto and Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. And we're using a similar mix of technology and creative thinking in Dublin, Paris, Leuven, Belgium and London, with more cities to follow.
For decades, we've been working on sustainable logistics solutions in London. Earlier this year, we helped deploy a radical new electric vehicle charging technology which helps overcome the challenge of recharging an entire fleet of electric vehicles without an expensive upgrade to the power supply grid. This allows UPS to increase the number of electric vehicles operating from our central London site from 65 to all 170 trucks based there. This major advance was a first of its kind, and wouldn't have been possible without the partners who helped make it a reality: UK Power Networks and Cross River Partnership, with funding from the UK's Office for Low Emission Vehicles.
Most recently, we announced another partnership with the firm ARRIVAL to develop a pilot fleet of 35 electric delivery vehicles to be trialed in London and Paris. These zero tailpipe emission, lightweight composite vehicles have a battery range of more than 240 kilometers, which is significantly higher than other EVs currently in service.
In our new Sustainability Progress Report you can read more about how we are using our 110 years of logistics expertise, forging global partnerships, and exploring how our business can continue contributing to a better world.
You can see the full-length version of this story here.
We chose a few favorites from our Longitudes blog for you
Join Juan Perez, UPS Chief Information and Engineering Officer, as he takes a closer look at how UPS is bringing the global smart logistics network to life… Read more
Major European cities have become a testing ground for the next phase of city delivery… Read more
Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (LVMH) is changing its business model to meet two of the 21st century's greatest challenges: e-commerce and urbanization… Read more
Here are a few highlights to keep you up-to-date
These modular, lightweight, commercial EVs have zero tailpipe emissions, 150-mile battery range, advanced safety features, and they are adorable… Read more
This new $130 Million investment includes five custom-built, on-site compressed natural gas (CNG) fueling stations and more than 700 new CNG vehicles for UPS's alternative fleet… Read more
With potential inventory reductions of 20-50%, and the ability to reach 80% of U.S. hospital beds and surgery centers within four hours for critical shipments, this data-based collaboration brings sustainability to the forefront of healthcare… Read more
In Case You Missed It
Crystal Lassiter, UPS Senior Director of Global Sustainability, and Adam Vitarello, Optoro President and Co-Founder, discussed the challenges of e-commerce and sustainable reverse logistics at Sustainable Brands '18 in Vancouver.
In a recent article in the Stanford Social Innovation Review, Tamara Barker shares insights on how collaboration and technology are allowing us to deliver a brighter future for cities around the world.
|This publication was created to bring you sustainability insights and stories that we hope will inspire you. A new issue will be provided every few months. We welcome your comments and ideas. Drop us a line: [email protected]. |
Polystyrene (also known as PS) is a thermoplastic polymerization product of styrene monomer. It is one of the most widely used materials. Along with high dielectric properties, water resistance, resistance to a number of reagents, polystyrene has a sufficiently low impact strength. In order to improve the impact strength, as well as to modify other properties of the material, styrene is copolymerized with rubber or other monomers.
GPPS – general purpose polystyrene.
- Low density (1.05 g/cm³) compared to other transparent plastics (PMMA 1.21 g/cm3, PET 1,27 g/cm³ and more)
- High transparency (about 90% light transmittance)
- High hardness
- High gloss surface
- Low moisture absorption
- Chemical resistance to solutions of acids, alkalis, alcohols.
- Low cost
Areas of use:
- Trade and exhibition equipment;
- Sanitary engineering;
- Lighting products;
- Medical equipment and products;
- Interior decoration;
- Packaging and products in contact with food |
FERC did not say how much the project would cost in its release, but in December, the developers said the line would cost about $1 billion and transmit enough power to serve more than a million homes.
The project is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by about 4 million to 6 million short tons of carbon dioxide per year by displacing gas-fired generation in New England.
A typical 1,000 MW coal plant produces about 6 million tons of CO2 each year.
While the federal government moves closer to controlling greenhouse gas emissions, New England has already done so and therefore needs to invest in low carbon power sources to meet the mandates of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI).
Northeast Utilities, NSTAR and Quebec province-owned Hydro-Quebec are negotiating a joint development agreement for the design, planning and construction of the high voltage direct current (HVDC) line.
Northeast Utilities and NSTAR said in December they would build the U.S. part of the line and Hydro-Quebec would build the Canadian part. It will connect the Des Cantons substation in Quebec with a point to be determined in southern New Hampshire.
Hydro-Quebec will pay for the line and recover its investment through long-term power purchase agreements, the parties said in December.
As opposed to other big transmission lines in New England, the companies did not seek to recover the cost of the project from all of the utilities in New England.
Although Northeast Utilities and NSTAR would own the U.S. portion of the line, any company could sign power purchase agreements with Hydro-Quebec to buy the power.
In December, the companies said they could start construction in late 2011 with power flowing in mid-2014 when some of the 4,500 MW of new generation Hydro-Quebec is developing was expected to enter service.
Northeast Utilities, of Berlin, Connecticut, transmits and distributes power and natural gas to more than 2 million customers in New England.
NSTAR, of Boston, transmits and distributes power and natural gas to 1.4 million customers in Massachusetts.
Hydro-Quebec, of Montreal, owns and operates more than 40,000 MW of generating capacity (97 percent of which comes from hydropower) and transmits and distributes electricity to 3.8 million customers in Quebec. |
Global Resource Corp., a developer of a microwave technology and machinery for extracting oil and gas, demonstrated the world’s first commercially viable use of energy efficient microwave technology to convert industrial waste and difficultto- process natural resources into diesel, methane, carbon ash and other reusable hydrocarbons in an eco-friendly process. The commercial prototype, Patriot-1, is patent-pending microwave technology that has an automated engineering process to provide a highly energy efficient, emission free way to convert a wide range of materials into energy. The demonstration successfully transformed large amounts of scrap tires into diesel fuel, methane, pentane, butane, propane as well as combustible gases, and carbon ash. Patriot-1’s technology can process other materials for the purpose of unlocking energy including: shale rock, tar sands, bituminous coal, heavy oil as well as the environmental hazards associated with municipal waste, tanker sludge, waste oil and dredged materials. Global Resource recently signed a joint development agreement with a large oilfield services company for the utilization of the technology with heavy oil. “The ultimate goal is for this technology to make such a significant contribution that it motivates the world's business and political leaders to embrace it as the de facto standard for processing waste materials,” said Mr. Eric Swain, chairman and CEO of Global Resource Corp. To address the economic viability for waste treatment, the technology will maintain an energy efficiency of 1:50, a ratio at which a wide range of materials become commercially viable to convert to energy regardless of commodity costs.
Global Resource Corp.9400 Globe Center Drive
- Phone: 856-767-5661
- Fax: 856-231-0016
- Website: www.globalresourcecorp.com |
Today there is a trend to use IoT technology to improve waste management by providing electronics systems to monitor the bin filling level or to identify the user of the container. In some localities, pay-as-you-throw systems are based on the volume: residents are charged for each bag or can of waste generated. Here, the communication phase of a given campaign is essential in transmitting information about the operation of the new waste tax system.
Michele Giavini, with other relevant speakers, will contribute to the debate about this during the workshop
IoT-BASED MUNICIPAL SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT
Systems to identify the user who delivers MSW to the collection service.
BRUSSELS, BELGIUM 25 OCTOBER 2018
More information about the workshop here: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/267741882_Municipal_Solid_Waste_Management_using_Geographical_Information_System_aided_methods_a_mini_review |
Practical Process Control introduces process control to engineers and technicians unfamiliar with control techniques, providing an understanding of how to actually apply control in a real industrial environment. It avoids analytical treatment of the numerous statistical process control techniques to concentrate on the practical problems involved. A practical approach is taken, making it relevant in virtually all manufacturing and process industries.
There is currently no information readily available to practising engineers or students that discusses the real problems and such material is long overdue.
- An indispensable guide for all those involved in process control
- Includes equipment specification, troubleshooting, system specification and design
- Provided with guidelines of HOW TO and HOW NOT TO install process control
Professional industrial engineers of all disciplines at all levels - e. g. engineering managers, technicians, apprentices. Postgraduate manufacturing/process engineering students
What type of process - what kind of control?
Cyclic (on/off) control
Programmable logic control (PLC) systems
Distributed control systems (DCS)
Operator interfaces, displays and graphics
Choice of system and installation
Engineering check-out. pre-commissioning
- No. of pages:
- © Butterworth-Heinemann 1998
- 26th June 1998
- eBook ISBN:
- Hardcover ISBN:
Process Control Engineer, Derbyshire, UK |
HISTORY OF OCEANIC ROCKETRY
Oceanic launch systems have been in development for the past 55 years, with over 120 successful test flights of varying design. Their origins began in 1961 when NASA commissioned a study for development of a heavy lift successor to the Apollo rockets that could satisfy the heavy lift demands for Lunar and Mars missions. Captain Robert Traux advanced the idea of launching a rocket directly from the ocean.
Oceanic launches would eliminate the need for fixed land-based launch facilities, support more flexible rocket designs, and enable equatorial launches, which reduces thrust requirements. His design was dubbed the Sea Dragon, which is still the largest rocket ever designed, capable of delivering 550mT into LEO at less than $60 per kg (2016 adjusted). This two stage rocket, with a recoverable first stage, was to be towed out to sea via aircraft carrier where it would be fueled on site and launched directly from the ocean on the equator.
Funding to develop this concept was provided by NASA in partnership with Aerojet and they jointly established the Sea Bee program, a proof of principle program to validate the Sea Dragon concept. The testing program – including a launch in restrained mode and tests for readying the unit for repeat firings proved highly successful. The cost for turn-around reuse of the rocket was found to be just 7% of the cost for a new unit.
The Sea Bee program was followed by the Sea Horse program, with the specific goal of launching from the ocean a medium-lift rocket capable of delivering 2mT into LEO. The program used modified US Corporal missiles, which successfully performed ballast system and static testing in the ocean. Sea Horse proved the ability to fire submerged rocket engines. Prior to development of the medium-lift rocket, the decision was made to initiate the Excalibur program, designed and managed by Robert Traux and his firm, Traux Engineering and funded by the US Navy. Excalibur was a subscale version of Sea Dragon and featured many similar attributes: low cost design (pressure fed engines), LOx/Kerosene first stage (combustion chamber pressure 24 atmospheres) and LOx/LH2 second stage (chamber pressure 5 atmospheres). Guidance would be by a combined Inertial/GPS system. However, funding for the program was cut and eventually eliminated in the late 1990’s due to financial constraints.
Oceanic rocketry development resumed with the proposed Leviathan project, led by 62 NASA rocket scientists in 2011. The next generation NASA heavy lift rocket, Leviathan was an oceanic rocket capable of delivering 140mT into LEO at a cost of less than $500 per kg, based off Sea Dragon designs. However, after initial efforts, NASA decided to continue to focus on land-launched rockets and chose the Space Launch System as its next generation future heavy rocket.
In addition to publicly funded programs to develop oceanic launch systems, there have been some 20+ privately funded programs to develop an oceanic rocket since the 1960’s. Many of these programs performed successful test flights on a variety of light, medium and heavy lift rockets.
Now in 2016, Ripple Aerospace is building off this established and tested technology to bring to market the first commercial oceanic launch system to reduce the challenges and costs of space transportation. |
SummaryStudents identify different bridge designs and construction materials used in modern day engineering. They work in construction teams to create paper bridges and spaghetti bridges based on existing bridge designs. Students progressively realize the importance of the structural elements in each bridge. They also measure vertical displacements under the center of the spaghetti bridge span when a load is applied. Vertical deflection is measured using a LEGO® MINDSTORMS® EV3 intelligent brick and ultrasonic sensor. As they work, students experience tension and compression forces acting on structural elements of the two bridge prototypes. In conclusion, students discuss the material properties of paper and spaghetti and compare bridge designs with performance outcomes.
Civil engineers design and construct bridges to meet transportation needs related to traffic, commuting time and over-passing. A range of bridge designs exist, and the choice of which type of bridge to construct depends on space, bridge span, availability and cost of materials, and the budget. Each bridge type has its own structural design depending on service loads, expected traffic, weather, geographical position and seismic activity. Civil engineers take into account the stresses and deformations in all the structural elements of the bridge during the design process. Material selection is another aspect of the design process. The most common materials utilized in bridge construction include steel, concrete, wood and bricks. In this activity, students work as civil engineers to design, construct and test their bridge prototypes. Two different construction materials are used and compared. Students also use mechatronic tools, specifically an ultrasonic sensor, to measure vertical displacement under the center of a bridge span when loaded, mimicking the instrumentation and testing performed in real-world civil engineering projects.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain the need for bridges in our communities.
- Identify materials used for bridges construction and explain the properties of these materials.
- Identify the structural elements of bridges.
- Identify the forces acting on bridges.
- Build model bridges and explain the difference between rigid and non-rigid materials used in bridge construction.
More Curriculum Like This
Students are presented with a brief history of bridges as they learn about the three main bridge types: beam, arch and suspension. They are introduced to two natural forces — tension and compression — common to all bridges and structures.
Students are introduced to the five fundamental loads: compression, tension, shear, bending and torsion. They learn about the different kinds of stress each force exerts on objects.
Students explore how tension and compression forces act on three different bridge types. Using sponges, cardboard and string, they create models of beam, arch and suspension bridges and apply forces to understand how they disperse or transfer these loads.
Students learn about the types of possible loads, how to calculate ultimate load combinations, and investigate the different sizes for the beams (girders) and columns (piers) of simple bridge design. Additionally, they learn the steps that engineers use to design bridges.
Each TeachEngineering lesson or activity is correlated to one or more K-12 science,
technology, engineering or math (STEM) educational standards.
All 100,000+ K-12 STEM standards covered in TeachEngineering are collected, maintained and packaged by the Achievement Standards Network (ASN),
a project of D2L (www.achievementstandards.org).
In the ASN, standards are hierarchically structured: first by source; e.g., by state; within source by type; e.g., science or mathematics;
within type by subtype, then by grade, etc.
Each TeachEngineering lesson or activity is correlated to one or more K-12 science, technology, engineering or math (STEM) educational standards.
All 100,000+ K-12 STEM standards covered in TeachEngineering are collected, maintained and packaged by the Achievement Standards Network (ASN), a project of D2L (www.achievementstandards.org).
In the ASN, standards are hierarchically structured: first by source; e.g., by state; within source by type; e.g., science or mathematics; within type by subtype, then by grade, etc.
- Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost. (Grades 3 - 5) Details... View more aligned curriculum... Do you agree with this alignment? Thanks for your feedback!
- Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. (Grades 3 - 5) Details... View more aligned curriculum... Do you agree with this alignment? Thanks for your feedback!
- Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved. (Grades 3 - 5) Details... View more aligned curriculum... Do you agree with this alignment? Thanks for your feedback!
- Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. (Grades 6 - 8) Details... View more aligned curriculum... Do you agree with this alignment? Thanks for your feedback!
- Represent real world and mathematical problems by graphing points in the first quadrant of the coordinate plane, and interpret coordinate values of points in the context of the situation. (Grade 5) Details... View more aligned curriculum... Do you agree with this alignment? Thanks for your feedback!
- Plan and carry out fair tests in which variables are controlled and failure points are considered to identify aspects of a model or prototype that can be improved. (Grades 3 - 5 ) Details... View more aligned curriculum... Do you agree with this alignment? Thanks for your feedback!
- Define a simple design problem reflecting a need or a want that includes specified criteria for success and constraints on materials, time, or cost. (Grades 3 - 5 ) Details... View more aligned curriculum... Do you agree with this alignment? Thanks for your feedback!
- Generate and compare multiple possible solutions to a problem based on how well each is likely to meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. (Grades 3 - 5 ) Details... View more aligned curriculum... Do you agree with this alignment? Thanks for your feedback!
- Evaluate competing design solutions using a systematic process to determine how well they meet the criteria and constraints of the problem. (Grades 6 - 8 ) Details... View more aligned curriculum... Do you agree with this alignment? Thanks for your feedback!
Each group needs:
- LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 robot, such as EV3 Core Set (5003400) for $389.95 at https://education.lego.com/en-us/products/lego-mindstorms-education-EV3-core-set-/5003400
- 1 LEGO MINDSTORMS Ultrasonic Sensor, available for $29.99 at https://shop.lego.com/en-US/EV3-Ultrasonic-Sensor-45504
- 10 - 15 sheets of blank paper
- 1 pound (~450 g) of regular, thick spaghetti (raw, uncooked)
- glue gun
- 1 package of glue sticks
- colors, markers or crayons
- Building Our Bridge to Fun Pre-Assessment
- Building Our Bridge to Fun Post-Assessment
To share with the entire class:
- For intro demo: flexible rulers, one per student (alternative: sponges)
- For intro demo: small bag of gravel, such as a 28-oz (~0.8 kg) bag available at pet stores for $3-4
- For intro demo: 4-pack of Play-Doh®, available at Target®, Walmart® or Amazon.com®
- Building Our Bridge to Fun Presentation (ppt)
- Paper Bridges: Strength through Form, an Illustrated Teacher's Manual, available at https://www.amazon.com/Paper-bridges-Strength-illustrated-teachers/dp/B0006QX0PK
- LEGO MINDSTORMS Education EV3 Software 1.2.1, free online, you have to register a LEGO account first; at https://www.lego.com/en-us/mindstorms/downloads/download-software
- computer, loaded with EV3 1.2.1 software
- 4 standard mass sets to use as weights, such as a student standard mass set for $7.75 at https://www.enasco.com/p/Student-Standard-Mass-Set%2BTB17619?searchText=student+standard+mass+set; the ideal combined weight is ~600 grams
Note: This activity can also be conducted with the older (and no longer sold) LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT set instead of EV3; see below for those supplies:
- LEGO MINDSTORMS NXT Base Set
- LEGO MINDSTORMS Education NXT Software 2.1
- computer, loaded with NXT 2.1 software
Who has traveled across a bridge? Why do you think that bridge was there? (Listen to student answers. Expect answers to include that the bridge enabled them to cross over water or another road.) Great! It sounds like you already have some experience with or prior knowledge about bridges! Today we will learn about the use of and need for bridges, identify the main forces acting on bridges, build two types of bridges made of two different materials, and learn how to use a LEGO EV3 intelligent brick and an ultrasonic sensor to gather data.
How would you define a bridge? Why do we need bridges? (Call on students and let them share ideas with the class.) A bridge is a structure that provides passage over a river, road or any other obstacle. In our communities, we have a definite need for bridges! Bridges are important to shorten travel time or connect two places divided by obstacles. What type of materials do you think are used in constructing bridges? (Call on students and let them share ideas with the class. If desired, create a list of student-generated ideas on the board.) Materials such as concrete, wood, steel, stone and bricks are used as construction materials, and their performance and behavior depends on the way that loads are applied. What would be an example of a load? (Listen to student ideas. If desired, create a list of student-generated ideas on the board.) Loads might include cars and trucks, rain and snowfall, and even people, crossing the bridge. A load on a structure is the sum of all the forces acting on that structure from any object that has weight, or other external forces, such as wind. Remember that weight is actually a downward force caused by gravity. When you stand on a bridge, your weight acts as a downward force, pushing on the bridge.
(Hand out to each student a ruler, a small scoop of Play-Doh, and a handful of gravel.) With each of these three objects, try to stretch the object, bend the object, twist the object, and try to compress or squeeze the object. Notice what happens when you apply each of these forces to the objects. What do you notice when you apply these forces to these objects? (Expect students to notice that they are able to fold, bend and twist the rulers, but nothing happens to the ruler when they try to stretch it or squeeze it. Regardless of the type of force applied to the gravel, expect students observe that they cannot change or manipulate this object. Expect students to realize that they can manipulate the shape of the Play-Doh with all the forces: stretch it, bend it, fold it, twist it and compress it.)
To describe what happens to these objects when we manipulate them with our hands, we need to first learn some vocabulary terms that we can use to describe the forces we are applying:
- A tension force is a pulling force, usually applied by a string, cable or chain, on another object.
- A compression force is a pushing force that acts to shorten the thing that it is acting on. Opposite to tension.
- The loads that engineers consider in designing bridges include the weight of the bridge, traffic weight, forces from wind, the weight of snow, and dynamic forces, otherwise known as forces of motion, due to earthquakes and vibrations.
Materials behave differently depending on what the material is made of, known as the material composition, and the type of force applied to the material. Using your ruler, let's go through a simple example of tension and compression. By bending the ruler down in one direction, the upper half of the ruler is considered to be under compression and the lower half is under tension. (This is also easy to demonstrate by using a sponge. When bending the top half of the sponge downwards, notice how the holes or divots on one side of the sponge close, while the holes or divots on the opposite side stretch open more than their normal state.)
Now that you're thinking about bridges and forces, let's go through a presentation in which you'll learn about several types of bridges. We'll focus on their performance and shapes. As you look at the various pictures of bridges, noticed the materials used. Throughout the presentation, remember that each bridge design must take three things into account: 1) the main need or purpose of the structure, 2) the dimensions, including the required length, and 3) the materials available or required. (Show the class the Building Our Bridge to Fun Presentation.)
beam: The structural part of a bridge that is long, rigid, slender and horizontal. It is where the bridge spans and roadways rest on.
bridge span: A structural measurement between two columns; usually there is an equal distance of roadway between any two columns.
civil engineer: A person who applies her/his understanding of science and math to design projects such as highways, buildings, bridges and all types of structures for the benefit of humanity and our world.
column: The structural part of a bridge that is long, rigid and vertically oriented. It is what beams and bridge spans rest on.
compression force: A pushing force that acts to shorten or compress an object.
load: The forces acting on a structure caused by the weight of other objects and/or other external forces.
tension force: A pulling force that acts to lengthen an object.
truss: The structural frame that comprises a set of triangles made of straight members and joints. A truss is typically made of steel or wood. Structural trusses distribute tension and compression forces along the bridge.
ultrasonic sensor: A sensor that can detect the proximity of an object by using two (transmitter-receiver) ultrasonic signals.
The teacher should have a basic understanding of types of bridges and loads applied. For additional information to support the introduction of these concepts, visit http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/bridge/index.html.
The LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 Intelligent Brick, the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 software 1.2.1, and the LEGO MINDSTORMS ultrasonic sensor are used to measure the deflection of the beam due to loading. Teachers must have a basic understanding in using and programing the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 software. A basic introduction of the LEGO MINDSTORMS parts, sensors and software is available at http://mindstorms.lego.com. Teachers should familiarize themselves with the various LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 robots and projects at http://ev3lessons.com/.
The hands-on activity focuses heavily on the comparison between construction materials. Make sure to emphasize to students the importance of choosing the best construction materials in designing bridges. Materials such as concrete, stone and bricks behave better in compression rather than in tension conditions, while steel works well in tension conditions. Engineers often combine materials in order to address both compression and tension bridge requirements. In the activity, paper and spaghetti bridges are compared before, during and after construction. Students make initial predictions about the anticipated resistance, failure and excessive displacements of bridge structural members using these materials.
Before the Activity
- Gather materials.
- Make copies of the Building Our Bridge to Fun Pre-Assessment and Building Our Bridge to Fun Post-Assessment.
- Be ready to show the class the PowerPoint presentation.
With the Students
- Administer the pre-activity assessment.
- Present to the class the Introduction/Motivation information and the PowerPoint presentation.
- Write the following terms on the board and ask students to think about what they mean: bridge, loads and displacement, tension and compression force, span, beam, and columns.
- Remind students how a conventional bridge works in terms of loads and stresses.
- Divide the class into groups of five students each.
- Using the Three-span Beam Bridge instructions and template from the Paper Bridges: Strength Through Form, an Illustrated Teacher's Manual as a guide, instruct students on how to design and build a paper bridge. Student teams may use sheets of paper, glue and scissors to construct the bridge. As time permits, encourage them to decorate the bridge. Refer to Figure 1 as an example.
- Direct student teams to design and build model bridges using spaghetti, scissors and hot glue. Make the spaghetti bridge have approximately the same dimensions as the paper bridge. The recommended design for the spaghetti bridge is a simple truss bridge, but students can explore other bridge designs if desired. For guidance in the design and construction of the spaghetti bridge, encourage students to refer to their paper bridges or images of different bridges shown in the PowerPoint presentation, as well as the bridge designs in Figure 2. Teams may use as little or as much of the pound of spaghetti as they wish for the bridge construction. Once construction is done and as time permits, encourage students to decorate their bridges as they wish.
- Write the code for measuring the deflection of the beam due to loading, as shown in Figure 3, and download this code to the LEGO MINDSTORMS EV3 brick.
- For measuring the deflection of the spaghetti bridge beams, create an experimental set-up, as shown in Figure 4. Before adding any weight to a bridge, use the ultrasonic sensor to measure the distance to the bridge. This is the initial measurement corresponding to zero displacement. Then apply a load by placing known weights on the center of the span. Immediately, the deflection value appears on the LEGO EV3 screen.
- Begin collecting data measurements with a relatively small load on the bridge, such that only a slight deflection is visible. The amount of weight required to cause this slight deflection will vary for each bridge. Have each group create a table similar to the one shown in Figure 5 to record data measurements. Using the ultrasonic sensor, measure and record the bridge's deflection in centimeters. The deflection is found by subtracting the new measurement given by the ultrasonic sensor from the initial measurement. Double the weight on the bridge and measure the new deflection with the ultrasonic sensor. Repeat this process until all of the weight is placed on the bridge or until the bridge collapses.
- Once students finish data collection for their spaghetti bridges, have each groups repeat step 10 with their paper bridges, remembering to take initial ultrasonic readings first, before they start to add weight. In this case, expect them to find that no deflection takes place until a sudden collapse occurs.
- After all data has been collected, have the students create a line graph of load vs. deflection both the spaghetti bridges and the paper bridges.
- Bring the class together for a discussion to review testing results and conclusions. Have each group share its highest load value for each model bridge in grams and the corresponding deflection value in centimeters. Ask students if they can see why some group's bridges had the best performance, based on the bridge's appearance and design. Why were some bridges more successful than others? Examine the designs and construction details with an eye towards their ability to handle tension and compression forces.
- Administer the post-activity assessment.
Worksheets and Attachments
- Remind students of scissors and hot glue safety guidelines. As necessary, engage another adult to supervise glue gun use.
- What is a tension force? Answer: It is a pulling force that acts to lengthen an object.
- What is a compression force? Answer: It is a pushing force that acts to shorten an object.
- Why do communities of people need bridges? Answer: Bridges are needed in order to make safer and more efficient the movement of people and the exchange of products, by overpassing areas with heavy traffic and water bodies, including highways, rivers, ditches, swampy areas and deep gorges.
- What are examples of materials used to construct bridges? Answer: Concrete, wood, steels, stone and brick.
- Identify the main structural elements of bridges. (Answer: The main structure of bridges are formed by columns and beams.)
- What happens to the spaghetti when load is applied to a spaghetti bridge? Would you consider it a rigid or non-rigid material? (Answer: The spaghetti begins to bend when a load is applied. As the load increases, it continues to bend until a certain point. After that point, the spaghetti snaps, causing the bridge to collapse. Because the spaghetti bends to a certain point before breaking, it is considered a non-rigid material.)
- What happens to the paper when load is applied to a paper bridge? Would you consider it a rigid or non-rigid material? (Answer: The paper bridge shows no deflection until a sudden collapse occurs. Because the paper bridge does not allow for any deflection until this point, the paper is considered a rigid material.)
Pre-Test: Before starting the activity, administer the Building Our Bridge to Fun Pre-Assessment with questions that cover forces, stresses, construction materials and bridge types. Review students' answers to gauge their prior knowledge of bridges, materials and forces.
Activity Embedded Assessment
Questioning: During the activity, ask individual students questions to assess their understanding of the important concepts. Example questions:
- What part of the bridge does the traffic load act on? (Answer: That force goes directly to the bridge span.)
- Where on the bridge is the load due to the weight of the bridge span and traffic applied? (Answer: The load from the weight of the bridge span and traffic acts on the bridge columns.)
Post-Test: At activity end, have students complete the Building Our Bridge to Fun Post-Assessment. Review their answers and compare with the pre-assessment answers, looking for improvements in their understanding of bridges, construction materials and loads.
For younger students (second and third grade), use less technical vocabulary.
Salvadori, Mario. Paper Bridges: Strength Through Form, an Illustrated Teacher's Manual. LEGO Education North America. http://www.legoeducation.us/eng/product/paper_bridges_strength_through_form_an_illustrated_teacher_s_manual/637
Copyright© 2013 by Regents of the University of Colorado; original © 2012 Polytechnic Institute of New York University
Supporting ProgramAMPS GK-12 Program, Polytechnic Institute of New York University
This activity was developed by the Applying Mechatronics to Promote Science (AMPS) Program funded by National Science Foundation GK-12 grant no. 0741714. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policies of the NSF, and you should not assume endorsement by the federal government.
Last modified: September 14, 2018 |
The substitution is possible in the future, it should be possible, where possible, to have a lower impact on the environment. An example of a strong, hazard-based interpretation of the principle in application to chemicals is that „Hazardous substances should not be identified“.
The principle has been historically promoted by environmental groups. The concept is becoming more mainstream, being a key concept in green chemistry and a central element of EU REACH regulation. Criticism of the principle claim is very difficult to implement in reality, especially in terms of legislation . [ quote needed ]
Nonetheless, the concept is an important and a key driver in the identification of substances and the development of hazardous substances in the SIN List and the ETUC Trade Union Priority List . EU-funded projects such as the following are under development for the safer substitutes for hazardous chemicals.
- Jump up^ Greenpeace, (2003, 2005). Safer Chemicals Within Reach: Using the Substitution Principle to drive Green Chemistry. London. p.7(PDF)
- Jump up^ European Commission website on REACH. http://ec.europa.eu/environment/chemicals/reach/reach_intro.htm
- Jump up^ Lissner L, Romano D. Substitution for Hazardous Chemicals on an International Level-The Approach of the European Project „SUBSPORT“. New Solut. 2011 Jan. 1; 21 (3): 477-97. PubMedPMID 22001043. |
There are many special terms and names used within the scale of project. To support common understanding, here is short summary of project glossary:
BALANCED SCORECARD (BSC) – A measurement system that balances financial value and non-financial value. A balanced scorecard is typically divided into a number, usually between three and six, of focus areas that have been identified as critical for the company. The focus areas are populated with indicators that are measured. Suitable for communication around, and visualization of, value creation. The term was coined by Robert S. Kaplan and David P. Norton.
BENCHMARKING – A continuous process of measuring and comparing products, services and processes with those that are ‘‘best-in-class’’; leads to ‘‘best practice’’.
BEST PRACTICE – What has generated best outcome in the past
COMPLEMENTARY ASSETS – Anything that is valuable in getting an enterprise’s products, processes and services to the marketplace, both what exists at the present and what is planned for the future e.g. fruits of innovation including scientific and technological research. There are three types of complementary assets:
- Generic Assets: General-purpose assets that need not be tailored to the innovation in question
- Specialised assets: Assets with unilateral dependence
- Cospecialised assets: Assets with bilateral dependence.
COOPERATION WITH ECONOMIC PARTNERS – This factor stands for cooperation between economic partners, which typically exists along the value chain (suppliers, customers).
COOPERATION WITH FUNDING INSTITUTIONS FROM THE PRIVATE AS WELL AS PUBLIC SECTOR – This factor describes the financial support from different institutions, such as EIB and EIF or private VCs.
COOPERATION WITH UNIVERSITY PARTNERS (E.G. BIGGER PROJECTS, PLATFORMS, STRATEGIC ALLIANCES, COMPETENCE CENTRES ETC.) – This factor describes different forms of cooperation with universities and other R&D institutions. It includes different forms of contracts, common projects and institutionalised forms of cooperation.
CUSTOMER CAPITAL – The value of customer base, customer relationships and customer potential. Component of structural capital.
EXPLICIT KNOWLEDGE – Explicit knowledge is formal and systematic and can be easily communicated and shared, in product specifications, scientific formulas or computer programs (Nonaka). Explicit knowledge is articulated knowledge – the words we speak, the books we read, the reports we write, the data we compile (Hubert Saint-Onge).
GEOGRAPHIC PROXIMITY OF ORGANISATIONS – The geographic proximity of organisations and local to regional factors are of high importance in many industrial site models and are partly seen as key factors for the success of companies within these regions. (Cluster and centre of excellence are potential examples which could be mentioned within this context).
HIDDEN VALUE – Value that is not shown in the balance sheet but still contributes to the organization’s value creation, for example knowledge. Equivalent to IC. Value not included in market capitalization but inherent in the company’s intellectual assets; Intellectual (capital) potential (Leif Edvinsson).
HUMAN CAPITAL – The accumulated value of investments in employee training, competence, and future. The term focuses on the value of what the individual can produce; human capital thus encompasses individual value in an economic sense (Gary S. Becker). Can be described as the employees’ competence, relationship ability and values. Work on human capital often focuses on transforming individual into collective competence and more enduring organizational capital.
INDICATOR – A measurement that visualizes a certain aspect of the organization that has been identified having an impact as a key success factor. Indicators are not to be mixed up with objectives, since indicators have the purpose of indicating a certain development and not to describe a target value.
INFOMEDIARIES – Middlemen between investors and investees who broker information on investment opportunities.
INNOVATION – An innovation is the implementation of a new (for the enterprise, the industry or the world) solution aiming at enhancing its competitive position, its performance, or its know-how. An innovation may be technological or organisational. A technological product (good or service) or process innovation comprises implemented technologically new products and processes and significant technological improvements in any of them. An organizational innovation includes the introduction of significantly changed organisational structures, the implementation of advanced management techniques and the implementation of new or substantially changed corporate strategic orientations.
INNOVATION AND R&D BUDGET WITHIN THE COMPANY – For the implementation of innovation and R&D-projects corresponding budget must be provided. The necessary amount should correspond to the corporate strategic positioning (e.g., technology leader) and can be part of an innovation strategy.
INTANGIBLE ASSETS – An identifiable non-monetary asset without physical substance held for use in the production or supply of goods or services, for rental to others, or for administrative purposes.
INTELLECTUAL CAPITAL – Intellectual capital is the combination of the human, organizational and relational resources and activities of an organization. It includes the knowledge, skills, experiences and abilities of the employees; the R&D activities, the organizational routines, procedures, systems, databases and intellectual property rights of the company; and all resources linked to the external relationships of the firm, with customers, suppliers, R&D partners, etc. This combination of intangible resources and activities allows an organisation to transform a bundle of material, financial and human resources in a system capable of creating stakeholder value. Intangibles to become part of the intellectual capital of an organisation have to be durably and effectively internalised and/or appropriated by this organisation.
IC REPORTING – IC Reporting is the process of creating a story that shows how an enterprise creates value for its customers by using its Intellectual Capital. This involves identifying, measuring, and reporting Intellectual Capital, and constructing a coherent presentation of how the enterprise uses its knowledge resources.
IC STATEMENT – An IC Statement is a report on the Intellectual Capital of the enterprise that combines numbers with narratives and visualizations, that can have two functions:
- complement financial management information (internal management function);
- complement the financial statement (external reporting function).
INSTITUTIONS FOR KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER AND SUPPORT – Knowledge transfer institutions offer and coordinate supporting measures, consult and organise dissemination, networking and matchmaking, etc. Beyond this regional or national state organisations also support export
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY – Intellectual assets that qualify for legal or commercial protection i.e. patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets.
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS – Protection of intellectual assets such as patents and trademarks.
INTERNATIONALISATION – Internationalisation leads to global competition, enhanced competitive pressure and at the same time to a decrease of the development time of new technologies through increased interdisciplinary cooperation
INVESTORS – Public or private organizations and private individuals who invest in new or existing ventures in order to achieve a positive financial outcome
KNOWLEDGE – Information that has value in the interaction with human capital. The ability people have to use information to solve complex problems and adapt to change. The individual ability to master the unknown. The ability to act (Karl-Erik Sveiby). Knowledge can be classified as explicit or tacit (Nonaka).
KNOWLEDGE ECONOMY – An economy in which knowledge is the most important input factor. The new economic theory for the knowledge economy is – in contrast to the conventional economic theory – developed in and for the knowledge era. It is especially characterized by the law of increasing returns (W. Brian Arthur and Paul Romer).
KNOWLEDGE INNOVATION SM – Creation, evolution, exchange and application of new ideas into marketable goods and services, leading to success of an enterprise, the vitality of a nation’s economy and the advancement of society (service mark owned by Debra M. Amidon, Entovation International).
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT (KM) – Knowledge management includes managing information (explicit/recorded knowledge); managing processes (embedded knowledge); managing people (tacit knowledge); managing innovation (knowledge conversion); and managing assets (IC) (David Skyrme, Nick Willard).
LEADING FIGURES AND STAKEHOLDERS – This factor describes the role of leading figures (entrepreneurs,politicians, scientists) with regard to their influence on the shape of a RIS (Regional innovation system).
NEW TECHNOLOGIES – This factor stands for the implementation of new Technologies and technology transfer in companies. The acquisition of technologies can be done by own developments, purchasing technologies or patents, mergers and acquisitions or in course of cooperation.
ORGANIZATIONAL CAPITAL – Systematized and packaged knowledge, plus systems for leveraging the company’s innovative strength and value-creating organizational capability.
QUALIFIED STAFF ON THE REGIONAL LABOUR MARKET – This factor describes the available number and the relevant qualification of specialised staff available on the regional labour market. To achieve this, a sufficient number of educational institutions in the region is necessary, which offer a corresponding study programme.
ORGANISATIONAL STRUCTURES FOR R&D AND INNOVATION – For the generation of ideas and innovative products permanent organisational structures for innovation projects are of importance. These structures can be formed by temporary innovation management groups, teams for the creation and assessment of ideas to the point of permanent R&D departments.
POLICY MAKERS – Civil servants on European, country, region or local level involved with the stimulation of the European knowledge economy
PROFESSIONAL EXPERTISE (OF POTENTIAL EMPLOYEES) / EDUCATIONAL STANDARDS – For the planning and implementation of innovation and R&D-projects a sufficient number of specialized employees are necessary in the companies. For a long term commitment of the employees and the development of a pool of skilled resources, career opportunities and incentive systems should be implemented.
RELATIONS TO NATIONAL GOVERNMENTAL INSTITUTIONS AND POLICY MAKERS – This factor describes the relation to several national policy makers and institutions, which govern the development of the regional entities.
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT – Research and development (R&D) comprise creative work undertaken on a systematic basis in order to increase the stock of knowledge, including knowledge of man, culture and society, and the use of this stock of knowledge to devise new products or services.
RESEARCH/INNOVATIVE INTENSIVE SME – High tech SMEs including start-ups. For these SMEs R&D is a core activity. Medium and Low tech SMEs. These SMEs perform R&D or outsource R&D but it is not a core activity. Innovative SMEs who do not perform R&D but who are innovative.
R&D FUNDING (PROGRAMMES) – WHICH ARE REGIONALLY AVAILABLE (COULD ALSO BE NATIONAL ONES, FROM WHICH THE REGION TAKES BENEFITS) AND FISCAL INCENTIVES FOR R&D – This factor encompasses all kinds of direct R&D funding, such as diverse structural and thematic programmes on a regional, national and international (EU level).
SMES – Small and medium sized enterprises are enterprises that have between 10 and 249 occupied persons, a turnover of maximum 50 million EURO and a balance-sheet total of maximum 43 million. SMEs can be divided into: Medium-sized enterprises- Medium-sized enterprises have between 50 and 249 occupied persons. The turnover threshold is 50 million and the threshold for the balance-sheet total is 43 million. Small enterprises – Small enterprises have between 10 and 49 occupied persons. The turnover threshold and the balance-sheet total is 10 million.
STRUCTURAL CAPITAL – Customer capital and organizational capital. What is left in the company, when the human capital, the employees, have gone home. The result/value of past IC transformation efficiency/performance. The potential for future Intellectual Capital and financial value creation. The tool(s)/vehicles for human capital relationship value creation: Consists of value-creating and non value creating (value-consuming) components. The sum of intangible assets and intangible liabilities (Leif Edvinsson).
TACIT KNOWLEDGE Tacit knowledge is highly personal and hard to normalize and communicate. Tacit knowledge consists of know-how and mental models, beliefs and perspectives (Ikujiro Nonaka).
TANGIBLE ASSET – A physical or monetary asset. Often associated with the financial focus area.
TRAFFIC FACILITIES AND LOCAL PUBLIC INFRASTRUCTURE – This factor characterises the traffic and public infrastructure, especially public transport networks and super-regional transport connections.
TRUST, CONVENTIONS AND CULTURAL ASPECTS – This factor stands for non-formalised norms, rules, conventions,habits, traditions as well as trust, which arise from social Interactions in the long run. These values are bilaterally accepted and reproduced by all actors.
VALUE – A measure of people’s appreciation of some phenomenon. The value of goods and services can either be measured by the amount of money or other goods or services for which they can be exchanged. Value is what someone wants and is willing to pay to get it.
VALUE CREATION – Refinement and transformation of human capital, customer capital and organizational capital through mutual collaboration, into financial as well as non-financial value. A direct result of how people generate and apply knowledge
WEAK TIES” – (SUGGESTED FOCUS ON THE COOPERATION OF THE REGION WITH OTHERS) – This factor describes so called ‘weak tie’-relationships with others and also stands for an openness of the system to external actors. |
Solving the unsolvable: How to address complex politically-charged transorganizational problems
Washington State had a big problem. Every time there was a significant rainfall, tens of thousands of acres of shellfish beds in the Puget Sound were automatically closed due to potentially dangerous levels of fecal coliform bacteria. These closures were highly disruptive and expensive, idling workers and creating shortages throughout the entire supply chain that delivered fresh oysters and clams for restaurants, stores, and export. The closures lasted until the beds could be tested to confirm that fecal coliform concentrations were back to acceptable levels. The high volume of seawater that shellfish filter as they feed means that contaminants leave their systems relatively quickly once the water becomes clean again.
Robinson, Alan G. and Schroeder, Dean M., "Solving the unsolvable: How to address complex politically-charged transorganizational problems" (2017). Business Faculty Publications. 60. |
EcoLogo is a pretty well-known third party certification amongst environmentalists and business to business purchasers. And, while it’s not as well-known as I thought among the general population, it is, at the very least, the largest eco-labelling standard in North America. In the previous article, I wrote about greenwashing and how third party labelling such as EcoLogo can help reduce greenwashing because of the rigorous testing process a product and company must go through in order to receive certification.
EcoLogo was originally established in 1988 by the Canadian government as a way to get companies to voluntarily improve their manufacturing processes, reduce waste, lower their carbon footprint, and improve their overall environmental practices. In 1998 it was spun-off into a not-for-profit, independent program which was acquired by Terrachoice. I wanted to know just how EcoLogo developed a standard and how prevalent its use was in the building industry, so I contacted Terrachoice and Angela Griffiths, Executive Director of the EcoLogo Program, kindly and thoughtfully responded to my questions.
1. Approximately, how many building materials have either been certified or are in the process of being certified (10s, 100s?) by EcoLogo.
Angela: Currently, there are nearly 3,000 EcoLogo certified building products. These products fall into 26 types or categories of building products covered in 15 EcoLogo standards. These numbers will fluctuate, though we are seeing continued growth in the Program as a whole, and in certified building products.
2. When EcoLogo grants its logo to a product, the product is being compared to similar products within its own industry, but would EcoLogo ever take into account an industry that is in and of itself inherently bad for the environment? i.e., would there ever be: EcoLogo petroleum-based gasoline? EcoLogo Nuclear energy plants? or EcoLogo Cement?
Angela: The EcoLogo Program only certifies those products that meet its applicable environmental standard. For instance, a manufacturer of an all-purpose cleaning product would first check to make sure EcoLogo has a standard for cleaning products (it does – CCD-146) and then would have to apply and go through the Program’s process to see if its product actually meets the standard’s criteria.
So, when products are submitted for certification, they are not compared against other products, they are compared against the criteria set in the EcoLogo standard, which was developed with the intention of only certifying those category of products that represent the top environmental 20% in terms of environmental performance.
EcoLogo applies a screen to all new proposed categories to determine if there will be environmental benefits if the market moves towards a more environmentally preferable product. If there are reasonable alternatives to a particularly impact intensive product, then EcoLogo will not develop a standard in that area. However, all man made products have negative environmental impacts. There are instances where EcoLogo will develop a standard in high impact categories if there is clear leadership in those categories and a move towards those leadership practices would have an overall benefit. For example, if there were cement products that generated 50% less GHG emissions than the average, the program would consider developing s standard to recognize those products and encourage the market to move in that direction.
3. EcoLogo provides a set of scientific-based standards by which to assess a product’s environmental impact. Briefly, what kind of process does TerraChoice go through to develop a standard? Are there stakeholder meetings? Review processes while first developing the standard? Does TerraChoice look at current best practices within an industry when setting standards? How long does it take to develop a new standard? Are there any standards within the building materials category that you are currently developing?
Angela: EcoLogo’s standard development and revision process is scientifically rigorous and guided by the principles of collaboration, transparency and openness. EcoLogo adheres to the ISO 14024 standard for Type 1 eco-labels. The process begins with a critical evaluation of the environmental profile of the product or service of interest. The standards are multi- attribute and life cycle based – we try to identify all significant environmental impacts during the manufacturing, use and end of life of products. Stakeholder input during the standard development or revision process, and public consultation on draft standards constitute a large part of the process and are essential to the success of the EcoLogo Program. The program makes an effort to engage stakeholders from industry, environmental organizations, government and academia. The entire development process can take anywhere from several months to about 2 years, and is dependent on the availability of scientific data, determination of leadership and the stakeholder consultation process. If there are contentious or complex issues to resolve the stakeholder process will be extended. Attached, you will find a more detailed account of the various stages and what is taken into account during a standard’s development or review.
EcoLogo Standards under review in 2012 include (none of these are building products per se, but we may see some of these emerge over the course of the year):
- Sanitary Papers
- Inks and Printing Services
- Hydro Electricity
- Personal Care Products
- Non-Woven Wipers
4. Who is driving the demand for more EcoLogo certification of products? Manufacturers? Consumers? Government?
Angela: The demand drivers for EcoLogo certified products differ depending on a variety of factors including the “green maturity” of product or service and the intended “consumer”. For example, demand for the certification of green building products will be driven by architects, designers, and governments (as they include specifications into their purchasing and building policies). In general, eco-labels are still driven by business to business purchasing – that is, professional purchasers in government and institutional sectors although we are seeing more demand from consumers.
If you are interested in using EcoLogo certified products, EcoLogo has a website with all of its currently certified products. You can search by category or manufacturer to find what you’re looking for. http://www.ecologo.org/en/greenproducts/consumers/ |
The history of silk is a key part of Chinese commercial history. For nearly twenty centuries China has protected the secrets of silk in every way possible, even with the death penalty, to maintain the monopoly over production of this valuable material for “imperial robes” and to keep the silk price high.
Despite these exceptional measures, the first “theft” occurred just at the hands of a Chinese princess who, for political duty, would have to marry a Tibetan prince. Legend has it that when the prince informed her of the absolute impossibility of producing the precious thread, due to the lack of the silkworm, she decided to take action.
For the princess, in fact, it was unthinkable not to dress in silk, so she stole eggs and mulberry seeds from the imperial gardens hiding them in her elaborate bridal hairstyle.
Following the introduction of mulberry and silkworm to Tibet, for some years, it also adopted the strategy of severe penalties to prevent the spread of the farms from special regions and, in fact, for centuries silk production remained guarded in a few kingdoms and the silk price was high.
The next phase of the history of silk involved the Greeks who had only imperfect knowledge, and only after the conquests by Alexander the Great, when the Greek and Persian civilizations came into contact, were the first stretches of what in later centuries become the Silk Road created.
Rome introduced silk robes only after the campaigns in West Asia, deriving the name Sericum from that of Seri, the people that then produced silk, set in a vast area of Central Asia then called Serica. However, in continuation of the history of silk, the rarity and the price of this fabric made it available exclusively to the Roman elite, even if we have little information regarding the silk price.
From a historical relic, a strip of silk originally attached to a roll, is reported as follows: “Roll of silk was in the reign of K’ang-Jen-ch’eng (ephemeral kingdom, built around 85 AD and located in the present province of Shantung) 2 feet 2 inches wide, 40 feet long, with a weight of 25 ounces, price 618 pieces of money. “This means that even in the case in which the coins were smaller pieces of silver, the silk price was still a significant figure.
Another indication of the value of the silk is the story of the Emperor Aurelian (in 275 AD), who denied to his wife a cloak of silk dyed purple for its excessive price. While in 301 AD, Diocletian with an imperial edict established the silk price for white fabric at over a thousand golden denarii per pound.
These stories make perfectly clear the idea of the preciousness of the silk in the East as in the West throughout the history of silk, and the value of this refined “raw material”, still desired by every person in the world, irrespective of the silk price. |
The Seven Management and Planning Tools have their roots in the so-called “Operations Research work”. The seven tools are Tree, Affinity, Interrelationship, Matrix and Activity Network diagrams as well as the Prioritization Matrix and the Process Decision Program Chart.
Tree Diagram is usually used for breaking down different categories into more details, mapping such levels of tasks in order to accomplish a task.
Affinity diagrams are known to be a “brainstorming tool” that helps to organize large amounts of some badly organized or disorganized data into groups that can be based on natural relationships.
It can be used when there are too many confronting facts in apparent chaos or when the issues are too complex to grasp.
All the interrelated cause-and-effect linkage, as well as other factors which also can be involved in a complex problem, are presented in the Interrelationship Diagram, describing the desired outcomes. The process of creating an interrelationship diagram may help a group to analyze the natural links between different aspects of some complex situation.
Matrix Diagram can be also known as a “quality table”. This tool is known to be showing the relationship between two or more than two sets of elements, giving an information about the relationship.
Activity Network Diagram can be used for planning some appropriate schedule for some tasks and their subtasks. When subtasks must occur in parallel, this is when this diagram can be used. Using this particular tool helps to sequentially organize, manage the previously defined complex set of activities.
Prioritization Matrix can be used for prioritizing the items as well as describing them in terms of weighted criteria. It uses a combination of both matrix and tree diagramming techniques for doing a so-called “pair-wise” evaluation of items.
Process Decision Program Chart is used for extending the tree diagram to be able to identify countermeasures and risks for the bottom level tasks.
The Seven Management and Planning Tools solution can be used as an extension to the ConceptDraw DIAGRAM software enabling to create Affinity Diagrams, Relations Diagrams, Prioritization Matrices, Root Cause Analysis Tree Diagrams, Involvement Matrices, PERT Charts and Risk Diagrams.
The Seven Management and Planning Tools solution can be used by many business specialists, including managers and project coordinators.
There are a few samples that you see on this page which were created in the ConceptDraw DIAGRAM application by using the Seven Management and Planning Tools solution. Some of the solution's capabilities as well as the professional results which you can achieve are all demonstrated here on this page.
All source documents are vector graphic documents which are always available for modifying, reviewing and/or converting to many different formats, such as MS PowerPoint, PDF file, MS Visio, and many other graphic ones from the ConceptDraw Solution Park or ConceptDraw STORE. The Seven Management and Planning Tools solution is available to all ConceptDraw DIAGRAM users to get installed and used while working in the ConceptDraw DIAGRAM diagramming and drawing software.
Example1: Affinity Diagram — Implementing Continuous Process Improvement
This diagram was created in ConceptDraw DIAGRAM using the Affinity Diagrams Objects Library from the Seven Management and Planning Tools Solution. An experienced user spent 15 minutes creating this sample.
This sample shows the affinity diagram that represents a brief overview of some potential sales problems. The seven tools of the Seven Management and Planning Tools Solution are closely linked and assist the user in problem solving and analysis.
Example 2: Relations Diagram — Health Care
This diagram was created in ConceptDraw DIAGRAM using the Relations Diagrams Objects Library from the Seven Management and Planning Tools Solution. An experienced user spent 10 minutes creating this sample.
This sample visualizes a relations diagram. This diagram looks a little deeper, and shows an example of how the problems outlined relate to each other.
Example 3: Prioritization Matrix — Health Care Problems
This diagram was created in ConceptDraw DIAGRAM using the Prioritization Matrix Objects Library from the Seven Management and Planning Tools Solution. An experienced user spent 10 minutes creating this sample.
Once you’ve identified the problems, it’s a good idea to order them with respect to importance and frequency. This prioritization matrix allows you to turn theory into quantifiable data.
Example 4: Root Cause Analysis Tree Diagram — Personal Problem Solution
This diagram was created in ConceptDraw DIAGRAM using the Root Cause Analysis Tree Diagram Library from the Seven Management and Planning Tools Solution. An experienced user spent 10 minutes creating this sample.
This sample demonstrates a root cause analysis tree diagram. With a root cause identified, you can try to identify any possible causation and solutions that will address this problem. Problems and solutions are displayed side by side to help with analysis.
Example 5: Involvement Matrix — Sales
This diagram was created in ConceptDraw DIAGRAM using the Involvement Matrix Objects Library from the Seven Management and Planning Tools Solution. An experienced user spent 20 minutes creating this sample.
Now that you have a full list of solution processes, you need to assign resources so actions are carried out correctly and efficiently. The involvement matrix turns a potentially complicated process into an easy to digest chart.
Example 6: PERT Chart — Sales
This diagram was created in ConceptDraw DIAGRAM using the PERT Objects Library from the Seven Management and Planning Tools Solution. An experienced user spent 15 minutes creating this sample.
This sample diagram shows a project management plan in a PERT chart view. A PERT Chart gives you a timeline for an entire process. The critical path is highlighted in red, so anyone can easily see it.
Example 7: Risk Diagram — Health Care
This diagram was created in ConceptDraw DIAGRAM using the PDPC Objects Library from the Seven Management and Planning Tools Solution. An experienced user spent 20 minutes creating this sample.
This sample demonstrates the overall risk diagram that was created using all the information gathered from previous diagrams and tools. Together, these solutions will help you identify and act on any issues that might arise in your business!
To get started you need ConceptDraw Office 2 and the “7 Management and Planning Tools” solution. You can find the solution in the Management area of ConceptDraw Solution Park. Install the solution on your computer, using ConceptDraw STORE.
Step 1. Explore the examples of the downloaded solution
Open ”Seven Management and Planning Tools“ category in ConceptDraw DIAGRAM Template Gallery and select any of template, at the bottom will be presented examples. Examples of solution diagrams the solution diagrams contained there are:
Create your own documents using one of the provided templates.
Affinity Diagram input in Management Area in ConceptDraw MINDMAP
Relations Diagram input in Management in ConceptDraw MINDMAP
Prioritization Matrix Template in Seven Management and Planning Tools Category of ConceptDraw DIAGRAM Template Gallery.
Root Cause Analysis Tree Diagram
Root Cause Analysis Tree Diagram input in Management Area in ConceptDraw MINDMAP
Action Involvement Matrix Template in Seven Management and Planning Tools Category of ConceptDraw DIAGRAM Template Gallery.
PERT Chart output plugin in ConceptDraw PROJECT Reports.
Risk Diagram (PDPC)
Risk Diagram input in Management Area in ConceptDraw MINDMAP
Step 3. Present Results
Present your work results. Use ConceptDraw DIAGRAM, ConceptDraw MINDMAP Presentation mode, or MS PowerPoint:
Display presentation in ConceptDraw DIAGRAM by pressing F5
Show work results in ConceptDraw MINDMAP by pressing F5
Export your work documents to MS PowerPoint for sharing with others
How to Group and Structure the Factors That Impact a Problem
First structure factors by groups, then name each group.
The Affinity Diagram shows the structure of large, complex factors that have an influence on a problem, and then divides them up into a smaller and simpler structure. The Affinity Diagram does not show a causal relationship between the factors. This diagram is designed to prepare the data for further analysis of the cause-effect relationships. A typical size for an Affinity Diagram is approximately 40-50 topics in a chart.
How to Structure the Factors of a Problem by Using ConceptDraw Office 2?
Use “Affinity Diagram” input template in ConceptDraw MINDMAP
Brainstorm and collect all factors affecting the problem
Organize items into a mind map tree structure that reflects the problem’s composition
Use Output “Affinity Diagram” to create a diagram from mind map
How to Identify Causal Relationships
Identify how factors influence each other. Factors mostly influencing called “Drivers” Primarily affected factors called “Indicators”. Problem solving further focuses on changing driver factors by corrective actions. Indicator factors help establish KPI (Key Performance Indicators) to monitor changes and the effectiveness of corrective actions in resolving a problem.
How to Identify Relationships between Factors Affecting a Problem by Using ConceptDraw Office 2?
Use “Relations Diagram” input template in ConceptDraw MINDMAP
Brainstorm and collect all factors affecting problem
Select all items and drag-drop them on the Main topic
Create links between factors using the ConceptDraw MINDMAP relations feature
Use Output “Relations Diagram” to create a Relations Diagram from your mind map. You are now ready to define factors-driversand factors-indicators
How to Prioritize the Driver Factors to Order Corrective Actions
The Prioritization Matrix ranks driver factors based on a set of criteria. The process allows one to identify the factors that are the first priority. These factors can then be analyzed for possible corrective actions. The Prioritization Matrix allows the factor weighting for each identified criterion. The total sum of weights for each factor determines the priority.
How to Rank Driver Factors for Priority in ConceptDraw Office 2
Create new Document using “Prioritization Matrix” template in ConceptDraw DIAGRAM
Enter criteria, factors, and rank factors
Select three of the highest priority factors to work with
Root Cause Analysis Tree Diagram
How to Perform Root Cause Analysis
Analyze the root causes of factors that influence the problem. A diagram is constructed separately for each high priority factor. Identify the root causes for a factor and then propose possible corrective actions. The diagram displays the structure of causes for a factor and possible corrective actions. The Root Cause Analysis Tree Diagram is used for further formulation of actions.
How to Identify the Root Causes of a Problem Affecting Factors by Using ConceptDraw Office 2
Use “Root Cause Diagram” input template in ConceptDraw MINDMAP
Create a mind map of root cause analysis tree
Apply appropriate topic types to topics of factors, causes and corrective actions
Use Output “Root Cause Diagram” to create a diagram from ConceptDraw MINDMAP
How to Identify What People and Groups Are Involved in Corrective Actions, and What Their Role is in Every Action
The Involvement Matrix is constructed for all highly-prioritized corrective actions. It defines the participants and their roles in identified corrective actions.
The matrix displays all of the parties involved, defines the level of involvement and nature of participation. The diagram shows the degree of involvement for all identified parties in the execution of corrective actions.
We assign who participates, who performs, consults, who should be informed, who checks the work, and who accepts the results. The Involvement Matrix can identify the distribution of responsibilities and identify roles in a group or team. The matrix can be used company wide.
How to Determine Participants and Their Involvement in Corrective Actions by Using ConceptDraw Office 2
Create new Document using “Person Involvement Matrix” template in ConceptDraw DIAGRAM
Enter corrective actions and roles
Specify involved people and groups
How to Build a Schedule of Actions
The PERT Chart is constructed as a way to create a schedule of corrective actions. The PERT Chart shows the logical sequences of corrective actions on the time scale. This PERT Chart shows the time period for problem solving and the corrective actions along the critical path.
The PERT Chart is also known as a Precedence Diagram or Project Network Diagram. Creating the PERT Chart defines the schedule of work.
How to Schedule Corrective Actions by Using ConceptDraw Office 2
Open a new schedule document in ConceptDraw PROJECT
Enter all corrective actions, set start and finish dates, connect the actions by logical links
Go to File ? Sharing. Select “PERT Chart”
Use “PERT Chart” output to generate a PERT chart in ConceptDraw DIAGRAM
Risk Diagram (PDPC)
How to Identify Possible Risks When Carrying Out Corrective Actions, and Define Preventive Actions
The Risk Diagram determines the risks of potential obstacles during corrective actions, and helps develop preventive actions.
How to Identify Possible Risks and Develop Preventive Actions by Using ConceptDraw Office 2
Use “Risk Diagram” input template in ConceptDraw MINDMAP
Copy all corrective actions from ConceptDraw PROJECT schedule document, and paste into the mind map as actions tree
Add subtopics of risks to terminal topics of corrective actions
Add subtopics of preventive actions to topics of risks
Use built-in template topic types “Risk” and “Preventive Action”
Create Risk Diagram in ConceptDraw DIAGRAM by selecting the “Risk Diagram” output in ConceptDraw MINDMAP |
Energy News: “Elephant” Discovered in Central Utah?
By Thomas C. Chidsey, Jr. and Douglas A. Sprinkel
You can’t miss it! Drive south of Interstate 70 on State Highway 24, and a few miles past Sigurd you’ll see the “elephant” – oil patch jargon for a major oil discovery. Just east of the highway is a large drilling rig, wellhead, and a battery of eight tanks, each capable of storing 400 barrels of crude oil. The wellhead, also called a “Christmas tree,” is on the discovery well for the Covenant oil field in Sevier County, the only oil field for over 100 miles. It just may be the first of several huge “elephants” in central Utah. The No. 17-1 Kings Meadow Ranches discovery well, drilled by Michigan-based Wolverine Oil & Gas Company, reportedly is pumping nearly 900 barrels of oil per day, and the field has already produced over 210,000 barrels since May 2004. At least nine additional wells are planned to develop the new field, which may contain several hundred million barrels of oil. The last major new oil find in Utah was the 1975 discovery of Pineview field east of Coalville in Summit County in the northern part of the state. Pineview has produced over 31 million barrels of oil and is still pumping nearly 15,000 barrels each month.
Oil companies have been exploring central Utah off and on for over 50 years, with no success until now. So why did it take so long to find oil in this area? The main reason is the extremely complex geology. This region is part of the central Utah thrust belt, also referred to by geologists as “the Hingeline.” The Hingeline basically follows Interstate 15 south from Nephi to the southwest corner of the state. Throughout this area’s geologic history, the Hingeline has marked a pronounced boundary between different terrains. During Late Proterozoic to Devonian time (1 billion to 360 million years ago), it marked the boundary between a very thick sequence of sediments deposited in western Utah and a thin sequence deposited in eastern Utah. Later, the Hingeline coincided with the eastern edge of a mountain belt that formed during the Sevier orogeny, a mountain- building period that took place during Cretaceous to early Tertiary time (about 140 to 50 million years ago). Today it marks the general boundary between the Basin and Range and the Colorado Plateau physiographic provinces.
During the Sevier orogeny, compressional forces produced stacks of thrust faults – low-angle faults that moved huge sheets of older rock tens of miles eastward over younger rocks. To better understand this phenomenon, imagine you are in a cafeteria and place your tray on a conveyor belt with other trays. If one tray were to get jammed, the other trays would stack up and slide over each other, similar to the process of thrust faulting. Associated with thrust faults are large anticlines, folds in the rocks between the faults. The crests of these anticlines are some of the best places to trap oil. Pineview and other fields in Summit County produce oil and gas from these types of features.
However, one needs more than just anticlines for big oil fields to form, and the Covenant discovery suggests central Utah may have all the right conditions. There must be organic rich source rocks, which have been sufficiently buried and “cooked” to generate and then expel oil. Known potential Mississippian (360 million years old) and Permian (290 million years old) source rocks are present north and west of the new field. There must be thick reservoir rock – porous rock capable of storing large amounts of oil. The No. 17-1 Kings Meadow Ranches well is producing from the Jurassic (205 million years old) Navajo Sandstone (which is equivalent to the Nugget Sandstone in northern Utah, the major reservoir rock that produces in Pineview and most other fields in Summit County). The Navajo is a massive sandstone that was deposited as great sand dunes in a Sahara-like environment that covered much of Utah (the spectacular canyons of many southern Utah national parks, such as Zion, are carved in the Navajo). The reservoir rock must be sealed by impermeable rock in order to keep the trapped oil from leaking to the surface or into other layers. In central Utah, the Navajo and overlying Twin Creek Limestone, another reservoir rock, are sealed by mudstone and evaporite (halite [common table salt] and gypsum) beds of the overlying Jurassic Arapien Shale. Finally, as in life where it is often said “timing is everything,” the large anticlines must have formed at the right time. For example, if an anticline develops after oil from the source rock has migrated through the area, it will be “dry.”
The Covenant discovery demonstrates central Utah has all “the right stuff” – large anticlines, source rock, reservoir rock, sealing rock, and good timing. However, the Arapien Shale, which outcrops at the No. 17-1 Kings Meadow Ranches well site and along the eastern side of Sevier Valley, as well as underlies the farmland in much of the valley, adds another level of complexity to the geology. The outcrops at the well and especially near the mouth of Salina Canyon are typically highly contorted and faulted. This is due to the plastic nature of the Arapien; the mudstone and evaporite beds are favored locations for thrust faults, and they have a tendency to flow when squeezed and compressed. As a result, what you see at the surface does not necessarily reflect what exists 7000 feet below. Thus, the real trick is to identify deep drilling targets using state-of-the-art seismic data, three-dimensional models, well information, high-quality surface geologic maps, geochemical analyses, and other techniques.
Wolverine believes there may be 25 additional geologic structures in central Utah that could contain oil reserves comparable to Pineview or Anschutz Ranch East fields. The latter, also located in Summit County, has produced nearly 128 million barrels of oil. The company is conducting a seismic program (460 miles of lines) to further define these and identify other potential features. Industry interest in the area is extremely high. Recent lease rates of federal (Bureau of Land Management) and state (School and Institutional Trust Lands Administration) lands range from $10 to over $1200 an acre….. The Covenant oil field discovery is not a real elephant, but a potentially huge economic boom to Sevier and surrounding counties, and the state of Utah. If the oil reserve estimates of the area become reality, Utah will make a significant contribution in reducing the nation’s dependency on foreign oil.
Survey Notes, v. 37 no. 2, May 2005 |
The Only Digital Transformation Definition You Need
The digital transformation definition has changed over the years. It once meant simply “digitizing processes.” But this definition quickly became outdated.
If you are looking for a concise, and arguably timeless, digital transformation definition, you have come to the right place. Let’s get to it.
Digital Transformation Definition
Digital Transformation is an ongoing effort to rewire all operations for the ever-evolving digital world, by adopting the latest technologies in order to improve processes, strategies, and the bottom line.
To further understand what this means, we can break down each key element of this digital transformation definition.
Digital Transformation is Ongoing
Digital transformation became a term decades ago, and at that time largely meant digitizing. But today, a company needs to leverage digital tools to be more competitive, not just more digital.
Going forward, companies will need to harness machine learning (ML), artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of things (IoT) to be preemptive in their business strategies, rather than reactive or presumptive.
And after that? We can only speculate. Technology is advancing at a faster pace than we can adapt to it. What is clear is that digital maturity is a moving target, which makes digital transformation ongoing.
Digital Transformation is Reaching for Digital Maturity
Digital maturity is an elusive, moving target.
Analysts and researchers from credible institutions have outlined the phases of digital transformation which ultimately end with digital maturity. The best of these explains that digital maturity is achieved when an organization uses technology in the core processes and operations and is agile in adopting new technology.
Few companies are considered digitally mature, and even then, their strategy will need to continuously evolve to take advantage of the next generation of opportunities in the digital economy.
Digital Transformation is Adopting the Latest Technologies
Buying and developing the latest technologies is the first step in digital transformation. But, adoption means much more than simply having a digital asset available. True digital adoption means that employees, leadership, suppliers, partners, customers and other stakeholders, actually make use of the full potential of their digital tools. These tools are there to serve them, but if they are not adopted, they serve no one and no purpose.
Digital transformation must include a cultural transformation as well. The organization must become tech-first, both inside and out. While having a digital system in place is necessary, there must also be a tangent effort to get people onboard with using it.
Digital Transformation is Improving Processes, Strategies, and the Bottom Line
Of course, the purpose of digital transformation is not just to be digital, it’s to be better. Filling out a vacation request online is not inherently more efficient than doing so with paper unless there is an improvement in the process itself or the information we get from it.
Digital tools open up unlimited potential for how we design our processes, how we shape our strategies, and how we improve our bottom line. When technology is fully adopted, we can operate within a digital space where optimization is easy to justify (with data) and easy to do.
Each digital asset a company employs should be able to make money, save money, or save time, if not all three.
Why the digital transformation definition changed
The digital transformation definition went through a major change in the last ten years. It was once a term that only concerned IT. The IT department would put a system in place, and that tool would operate of the periphery of business as usual. But today, technology is being used to capture and understand huge amounts of data, automate processes, streamline departments, and open up opportunities never seen before.
Because the possibilities are so vast and far-reaching, digital transformation has become a focus for organizational leadership. All of the C-suite, including the CEO should have a hand in the digital transformation of their company. Technology has a stake in every department, so it only makes sense that leadership direct the vision and pave the path forward. |
Soil Corrosion Data
The primary source of information on the performance of galvanized steel articles in soil conditions is the Condition and Corrosion Survey on Corrugated Steel Storm Sewer and Culvert Pipe: Final Report prepared by Corrpro Companies for the National Corrugated Steel Pipe Association (NCSPA) in cooperation with the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI).
The study examined materials from 122 US sites with conditions varying from a low pH of 4.1 to a high pH of 10.3 to create a database for a statistical model. The statistical model developed can accurately predict the average service life of hot-dip galvanized steel culvert based on the measured soil corrosion rate which was determined by measurements of pH, resistivity, moisture content in percentages, and chloride content. The condition of existing galvanized articles was evaluated by simple pipe-to-soil potential measurements using a copper-copper sulfate reference electrode.
After the evaluation of the soil and the galvanized coatings, probability functions were used to predict the time to first perforation of the wall of the 16 gauge galvanized corrugated steel pipe. Based on previous work by Richard Stratfull of the California Department of Transportation, the predicted service life of 16 gauge corrugated steel pipe will be twice the number of years to first perforation. Therefore, the model and analysis developed by Corrpro conservatively estimate the service life of corrugated steel pipes in soil applications to be time to first perforation plus 50%.
Using the same data and statistical model developed by this study. The AGA modified the service life equation to be more appropriate for structural steel elements buried in soil. For structural galvanized articles, the service life is defined as total zinc coating consumption, plus 25% (so 75% of the base steel integrity is present at the end of the life).
The main factors that affect the corrosion rate of hot-dip galvanized steel in soils, as noted by the AGA Soil Chart are chlorides, moisture content, and pH, with resistivity playing a secondary role. The science behind those factors is based on a study conducted in the 1970s by Dr. Warren Rogers titled Mean Time to Corrosion Failure (MTCF) of Underground Storage Tanks (USTs). Using data from examinations of failed and functioning USTs, he developed a model to predict MTCF from a number of factors that were measured at the UST site. He applied this model to more than 23,000 sites which helped refine and verify the accuracy of the model.
The four variables with the most profound impact on the corrosion rate of the USTs and what observations he made on their interactions include:
Chlorides The presence of chloride ions causes the resistivity to be lower and makes the zinc coating more susceptible to corrosion. Along with high moisture levels in the soil, high chlorides will increase the rate of the corrosion of the zinc coating.
Moisture Content For hot-dip galvanized steel, the soil moisture content primarily affects the activity of the chloride ions. If the moisture content was below 17.5%, the chloride ion concentration does not significantly affect the corrosion rate of the zinc. If the moisture content was above 17.5%, the chloride ion concentration has a significant effect on the corrosion rate of zinc.
pH The lower the ph (< 7.0) values of soil have a higher corrosion rate on zinc coatings. If the pH is above 7.0, then the corrosion rate of the soil yields a longer service life of the zinc coating.
Resistivity This parameter follows the chloride ion concentration in that higher resistivity means lower chloride ion content and a lower corrosion rate of the zinc coating.
The combination of the variables identified by Dr. Rogers and the Corrpro study were both taken into account in the development of the final Service Life of Galvanized Steel Articles in Soil Applications chart. |
This page uses content from Wikipedia and is licensed under CC BY-SA.
The Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) is a proposed regulatory body in India for uses of biotechnology products including genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The institute was first suggested under the Biotechnology Regulatory Authority of India (BRAI) draft bill prepared by the Department of Biotechnology in 2008. Since then, it has undergone several revisions.
On 23 January 2003, India ratified the Cartagena Protocol which protects biodiversity from potential risks of genetically modified organisms, the products of modern biotechnology. The protocol requires setting up of a regulatory body. Currently, the Genetic Engineering Approvals Committee, a body under the Ministry of Environment and Forests (India) is responsible for approval of genetically engineered products in India. If the bill is passed, the responsibility will be taken over by the Environment Appraisal Panel, a sub-division of the BRAI.
According to the bill, BRAI will have a Chairperson, two full-time members and two part-time members; all will be required to have expertise in life sciences and biotechnology in agriculture, health care, environment and general biology. The bill also proposes setting up an inter-ministerial governing body, to oversee the performance of BRAI, and a National Biotechnology Advisory Council of stakeholders to provide feedback on the use of biotechnology products and organisms in the society. The regulatory body will be an autonomous and statutory agency to regulate the research, transport, import, and manufacture biotechnology products and organisms.
Suman Sahai, founder of the Gene Campaign, has called the bill flawed. According to her, the bill is proposing new institutes without clearly defining their powers and responsibilities. She has also stated that the bill was introduced without consulting the people who will be affected by the bill.
P. M. Bhargava, founder of the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, has also opposed the bill. He has called the bill unconstitutional, as agricultural policy is the domain of state governments. He pointed out that the bill proposes formation of several subdivisions and has argued that they will consist of bureaucrats with no scientific knowledge. He has accused the Department of Biotechnology, which will be involved in selection of members, as a promoter of genetic technology in India. He has pointed out that the broadly defined term "confidential commercial information" has been kept outside the purview of the Right to Information Act. He had stated that the bill uses vague wordings which would criminalize sequencing or isolation of DNA and PCR techniques, requiring approval for each usage. Thus, hindering research and education. He pointed out the bill has no provision for mandatory labelling of GM foods. He criticized giving the body power to punish parties making false or misleading statements about GM crops, calling it unprecedented.
In September 2010, Jairam Ramesh, then Environment Minister, pointed out that the body is only deals with safety and efficacy of biotechnology products. The issue of commercialization has been left unaddressed. The decisions regarding commercialization can fall under the purview of Ministry of Environment and Forests, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, or Department of Science and Technology.
On the other hand, Association of Biotechnology Led Enterprises (ABLE) has supported the bill. J.S. Rehman, an entomologist and a former member of the Review Committee on Genetic Manipulation, has stated that most protesters associate genetic engineering with Monsanto, as a result development of Indian biotech is being hindered. |
There are a number of big changes underway in the energy sector. Overdependence on the fossil fuels and climatic changes have been challenging the sector for many decades. Now, having so developed technologies, can we solve this problem? Let us see the possible ways out of this crisis.
- Digital Disruptions
Energy companies are working to implement technologies like AI (Artificial Intelligence) to automate the intelligent grids. There are a number of advantages of using the intelligent grids like saving human capital, better control over the entire infrastructure, etc.
However, there are a number of risks associated with this technology. The possibility of cyber attacks and risks associated with the power grid failure that can have a ripple effect on the interconnected lines and grids.
- Digitization of Assets
Innovative digital assets like smart meters, IP enabled sensors, microgrids and other energy management systems are the hot trends in the energy sector. Many energy companies have also started leveraging the technologies like blockchain, advanced analytics, and data science.
They aim to develop a smart energy infrastructure and deal with the problems like asset malfunctions, anomalous readings, etc.
- Wind Technology
Wind technology is a rapidly developing source of energy. Advances in the aerodynamics, higher power capacity, and many other factors are making it possible for the energy companies to tap the power of wind technology.
The transport sector will see a tremendous change over the next few years. Electric vehicles are expected to replace the fossil fuels globally in the future.
There is an increasing consumer desirability for the electric vehicles as they cause no pollution and tend to save a lot of fuel costs over a period of time.
- Solar Energy
In the past few years, the cost of solar modules and using solar panels for energy production has gone down significantly. That's why solar energy sector is witnessing a lot of investment from the energy companies.
To Sum Up
Technology impacts every industry and energy sector will be disrupted totally by the upcoming technologies. People have started producing electricity on their own using the solar and wind technology.
The power grids are getting smarter with the onset of technologies like AI. Blockchain will allow the energy companies and consumers to trade electricity in the digital energy marketplace. |
Process and Characteristic of entrepreneurship
Table of Contents
Definition of entrepreneurship
It is the process of Entrepreneurship, start from creating a business idea, implementing the idea in shape of starting it and then running and developing business not only with available resources but also with creating new ones. Here Meaning is producing more and more results by using fewer resources. Sole trader ship is the simple example of Single Entrepreneurship in shape by the individual organization. It is an act of Entrepreneur.
As per Jean-Baptiste Say: “It shifts economic resources out of an area of lower and into an area of higher productivity and greater yield.”
Trading Example: A new business is started of selling mobiles as the whole seller; Here Idea is to start a mobile center, then starting a business at the place, where there is a market gap or at the place where already a mobile market but you are providing the qualitative and low-cost services to customers. It’s Not only running the business but also doing efforts by utilizing available resources for the growth of the business.
The difference between a simple business process and it is that it involves creative, sharp, intelligent and skilled mind. In Entrepreneurship, there is the hunger for success and development for making the business name.
Define entrepreneur and entrepreneurship: Process of new business is called Entrepreneurship and who run the operation is Entrepreneur. When you focus on the mastermind of business activities then you are thinking about Entrepreneur but when you are looking at what are to be done or happening in shape of trade activities then you are looking at entrepreneurship.
Characteristics of Entrepreneurship
- Have Creative Ideas.
- risk taking for minimizing cost and maximizing profit.
- Best utilization of time.
- Committed for assigning the task.
- Confident activities whether decision making or operation
- Innovative in decisions and operations
- Creative Mind
- Skilled and Technical management
- Land and Bidding
- A strong and effective accounting system
- Plant and Equipment |
Evolution of IRR
The IRR method is a theoretically correct technique to evaluate capital expenditure decisions. II has the advantages which are offered by the NPV criterion such as:.(j) it considers the time value of money. and (ii) it takes into ‘account the total cash inflows and outflows. In addition. the IRR is easier to understand. Business executives and non-technical people understand the concept of IRRmuch more readily than they understand the concept of NPV. They may not be following the definition of IRR in terms of the equation but they are well aware of its usual meaning in terms of the rate of return on investment. For instance. business executives. will understand the investment proposal in a better way if told that IRR of machine B is 21 per cent and k is 10 per cent instead of saying that the NPV of machine B is Rs 15.396. Another merit of IRR is that it does use the concept of the required rate of rerun the cost of capital. It itself provides a rate of return which is indicative of the profitability of the proposal. The cost of capital. of course, enters the calculations later on. Finally, it is consistent with the overall objective of maximizing shareholders’ wealth. At:cording to IRR, as a decision-criterion, the acceptance or otherwise of a project is based on a comparison Qf the IRR with the required rate of return. The required rate of return is. by definition, the minimum rate which investors expect on their investment. In other words. if the actual IRR of an investment proposal is equal to the rate expected by the investors. the share prices will remain unchanged. Since. with IRR,only such projects are accepted as have IRR required rate, the share prices will tend to rise. This w~1 naturally lead to the maximization of shareholders’ wealth. Its theoretical soundness notwithstanding, the IRR suffers from serious limitations. First, it involves tedious calculations. As shown above. it generally involves complicated computational problems. Secondly, it produces multiple rates which can be confusing. This aspect is further developed later in this chapter. Thirdly, in evaluating mutually exclusive proposals. the project with the highest IRR would be picked up to the exclusion of all others. However, in practice, it may not turn out to be the one which is the most profitable and consistent with the objectives of the firm. that is. maximization of the shareholders’ wealth. This aspect also has been discussed in detail later in “this chapter. Finally, under the IRR method. it is assumed that all intermediate cash flows are reinvested at the IRR. In our example. the IRR rates for machines A and Bare 17.6 per cent and 20.9 per cent respectively. In operational terms. 17.6 per cent IRR Signifies that all cash inflows of machine A can be reinvested-at 17.6 per cent whereas that of B at 20.9 per cent. It is rather ridiculous to think that the same firm has the ability to reinvest the cash flows at different rates, There is no difference in’ the ‘quality of cash’ received either from’ project A or B. The reinvestment rate assumption under the 1 M method is, therefore, very unrealistic. Moreover, it is not safe to assume always that intermediate cash flows from the project will be reinvested at all. A portion of cash inflows may be paid out as dividends. Likewise, a portion of it may be tied up in current assets such as stocks, debtors or cash. Clearly, the firm will get a wrong picture of the capital project if it assumes’ that it invests the entire intermediate cash proceeds, Further, it is not safe to assume, as is often done. that they will be reinvested at the same rate of return as the company is currently earning on its capital (IRR) or at the current cost of capital. k. In order to have correct and reliable results it is obvious, therefore, that they should .be based on realistic estimates of the interest rate Of any) at which income will be reinvested. Effeminate value takes care of this aspect. |
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Agroforestry is a traditional indigenous practice that has been used since the advent of agriculture. Over the past few decades, however, it has been revived with a scientific approach to improve ecological and economic interactions, thereby enhancing the overall productivity of agroecosystems. Ecological Basis of Agroforestry reflects a recent surge of interest in this field, as evidenced by the First World Congress on Agroforestry held in 2004. This timely text brings together leading international experts to provide comprehensive coverage of this multidisciplinary science, examining such topics as ecological interactions, below-ground ecology, modeling, and ecological economics. |
A. washing method: is paint by sanding, water and dispersant, the pigment particles less than 1 µ m, and by phase transfer method, the pigment into the oil phase, and then drying, masterbatch, phase inversion is required with an organic solvent, and the solvent recovery unit.
B. ink method: as its name suggests, is in color mother grain production in the used ink color pulp of production method, that through three roll grinding, in pigment surface package covered a layer low molecular cover, grinding Hou of fine color pulp again and carrier resin mixed, then through II roll plastic refining machine (also called double roll open refining machine) for plastic of, last through single screw rod or double screw Rod extrusion machine for made grain.
C. metal SOAP method: is pigment after grinding Hou grain degrees reached 1 μ m around, and in must temperature Xia joined SOAP liquid, makes each pigment particles surface layer uniform to was SOAP liquid by wetting, formed a layer SOAP of liquid, dang metal salt solution joined Hou and in pigment surface of SOAP of layer chemical reactions and generated a layer metal SOAP of cover (stearic acid magnesium), such on makes by mill fine Hou of pigment particles not caused flocculation gel phenomenon, and protection must of fine degrees.
D. kneading method: is a pigment and oil carrier after mixing, use paint oil-this feature through the kneading of the pigment from water flushing into the oil phase, while oily vector paint coating, the pigment dispersion, prevent pigment together.
- Instructions for using Masterbatch
- Black Master Batch Processing Features
- Application Of Filler
- Pigments For Color Masterbatch Request
- Future Direction Of The Talc Powder
- Color Master Batch In The Paint Ind...
- Importance Of Black Masterbatch In ...
- Master The Basic Ingredients
- What Is Filler Material?
- Black Master Classification
- Black Masterbatch High Heat Resistance
- Injection Grade Black Masterbatch H... |
Australian Government STC Incentive Scheme
The Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme is a government initiative to ensure that 20% of Australia’s electricity will come from renewable sources by 2020. The RET scheme encourages more people to help the environment by installing solar panels and helps communities with the installation costs. Under the scheme, funds are issued in the form of Small Technology Certificates (STCs) to the property owner, reducing their financial costs.
Save on your electricity bills
A solar panel system is the most viable way of producing electricity at a very affordable cost. Solar systems can generate electricity on your roof while the sun shines, producing enough electricity to reduce your bill by up to half or, in some cases, almost the full amount! There is virtually no cost involved with installing a solar system, as it can be covered by savings on your electricity bills in the early years after installation.
Increase the value of your property
Many real estate gurus have spoken about the involvement of renewable sources of energy in assisting in selling a property at the desired price. By installing a solar system, the property owner will save considerably on electricity bills which will pay back most of the cost of installing the solar system. The property buyer will see the benefit of not paying for the installation of the solar system and enjoy an efficient, environmentally friendly source of energy powering their property.
Minimal maintenance after installation
Once the solar system installation is complete, it requires only minimal maintenance to remain operating at optimal performance. Standard maintenance will be needed every two years, which will usually cost around $80 to $120. Once the solar panels are in place, they will be washed by rain regularly. With our great warranty deal, you have peace of mind that in the unlikely event that any damage should occur, your solar system is covered under warranty. |
A new study suggests it’s entirely possible for the U.S. to run on 100% renewable energy in just 35 years. The radical plan outlines what each state needs to do to achieve this ambitious goal. What’s the main barrier to making this happen? Political willpower.
Mark Z. Jacobson, from Stanford University, and his research team outlined the changes in infrastructure and energy consumption that each state has to undergo to achieve this transition to clean energy. Jacobson points out in a statement that it’s “technologically and economically” possible to successfully achieve this “large scale transformation.” Researchers have even created an interactive map that showcases their plans.
The study, published in the journal Energy and Environmental Science, first analyzed the current energy demands of each state and then calculated how these demands are likely to change over the next 35 years. They divided energy use into four sectors: residential, commercial, industrial and transportation. For each sector, researchers analyzed the energy consumption and looked at the source of this energy, seeing whether it was coal, oil, gas, nuclear or renewables.
Researchers then calculated the demand for fuel if it was all replaced with electricity. While running literally everything, including cars and home heating, on electricity seems like a daunting task, researchers suggest there would be significant energy savings in using this electric grid.
"When we did this across all 50 states, we saw a 39 percent reduction in total end-use power demand by the year 2050," Jacobson said. "About 6 percentage points of that is gained through efficiency improvements to infrastructure, but the bulk is the result of replacing current sources and uses of combustion energy with electricity."
Jacobson and his team looked carefully at how each state can power this electric grid. For some states, solar was the clear answer, while wind power or geothermal energy makes more sense for others. Overall, researchers looked at how wind, solar, geothermal, hydroelectric, and even small amounts of tidal and wave, could contribute to the energy demands.
Using this information, researchers laid out a clear plan for each state to make an 80% transition to renewable energy by 2030, and reach 100% by 2050. The transition is going to be much more achievable for some states than others. Washington, for example, already powers up 70% of electricity from existing hydroelectric sources, and both Iowa and South Dakota generate 30% of their electricity from wind power.
Researchers admit that the initial cost for this transformation would be pretty high, but suggest that over time the overall price would roughly equal the cost to the current fossil fuel infrastructure.
"When you account for the health and climate costs – as well as the rising price of fossil fuels – wind, water and solar are half the cost of conventional systems," Jacobson said. "A conversion of this scale would also create jobs, stabilize fuel prices, reduce pollution-related health problems and eliminate emissions from the United States. There is very little downside to a conversion, at least based on this science." |
U.S. ports and foreign trade zones are poised to play a huge role in economic recovery, forming a vital interface between the nation and the world.
U.S. ports and their harbors and the industries located within them help form a vital economic interface between the U.S. and the world. According to Martin Associates, a Lancaster, PA based business consulting service that specializes in port-sector economic impact studies, port activity in 2007 contributed more than $3.15 trillion to the GDP, while 13.3 million Americans worked in port-related jobs that generated nearly $650 billion in annual personal income and $212.4 billion in federal, state and local taxes.
U.S. ports also provide sites for ocean-dependent industries like petroleum refining, commercial fisheries and recreational boating, and for national defense installations. U.S. ports also play a crucial role in providing a higher standard of living for the nation and its trading partners. According to Martin Associates, port sector jobs pay above-average wages. In 2006 the number of jobs from business activities at U.S. ports stood at 1,444,650, and the earnings and consumption dollars from those jobs came to $107.1 billion. Overall, port-sector workers earned, on average, about $50,000 a year, which is $13,000 more per year than the National Average Wage Index, as computed by the Social Security Administration.
The U.S. Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) program has been a critical tool in helping U.S. ports remain a strong economic force in the global community. The program was created in 1934 with a goal of helping businesses in the U.S. stay competitive with foreign manufacturers and suppliers.
The FTZ program has grown steadily in response to current business conditions. Today there are over 250 FTZ projects (with nearly 400 Subzones) in the U.S. According to the National Association of Foreign-Trade Zones, a not-for-profit trade association representing 361 public and private organizations, in 2007, the FTZ program directly supported 350,000 U.S. jobs, was responsible for exports of over $31 billion and total shipments of more than $502 billion, of which about 60 percent was domestic status merchandise, suitable for export or being combined with imported products in the U.S.
So exactly how can FTZs benefit your company? FTZs are considered to be outside the “Customs territory” for the purpose of entering goods into U.S. commerce. This means that if the final product emerging from an FTZ is exported, no U.S. customs duties or excise taxes are levied. If the product is imported into the U.S., Customs duties and excise taxes are due only at the time of transfer from the FTZ.
When operating in an FTZ, there are numerous benefits for companies, including retention and creation of jobs, improved supply-chain efficiency, increased profit margins, and the ability to reduce costs through deferrals, reduced expenses, and savings.
For example, if a company manufactures or assembles within an FTZ it is not required to pay duty on the “value added” to the product and duty is not paid at all until the product is removed for consumption. Any export product is removed from the FTZ without duty liability. Companies that need to import capital equipment when setting up a zone do not pay duty on that equipment until the factory is in production.
Companies will also see reduced entry charges and a reduced Merchandise Processing Fee (MPF). Some states, including Texas, waive inventory tax on merchandise located in an FTZ to encourage job retention and creation.
In an FTZ, you can be granted special privileges, including “direct delivery” and “weekly entry,” that will substantially reduce your cost of importation and increase supply-chain efficiency. Companies locating in a FTZ will also see reduced fuel costs and transportation surcharges and improved container transportation capacity.
Recent changes in the program to support automated filing of admission reporting has made the program easier to use than ever, and with more than 250 FTZ projects throughout the country, businesses may be able to avoid the time and cost associated with obtaining a federal designation.
There has never been a better time than now for companies to locate their business in a FTZ at U.S. ports. Faced with one of the worst global recessions in years, U.S. ports are playing a huge role in economic recovery.
The recent plunge in the value of the U.S. dollar has made the U.S. a much more attractive exporter to many markets. According to a recent report from the consulting firms Tioga Group and IHS Global Insight, while containerized imports are flat to down, exports are growing. In addition, federal economic stimulus programs will begin to slowly have an effect on the ports.
The challenge ahead for U.S. ports is to be able to adapt to the needs of 21st century business and industry. This means that U.S. ports must focus on being prepared and improving its logistics infrastructure.
According to a statement from the American Association of Port Authorities, “With the volume of containerized trade projected to increase an average 6–8% a year, capacity pressures placed on ports are huge. The biggest challenges for ports are terminal expansion (including environmental issues) and security (both for terminal facilities and cargo).”
A recent Purchasing survey of supply chain professionals found that most (nearly 80%) cited equipment and physical infrastructure issues as the main challenge the ports face today. And right now, the slowdown in the U.S. economy is helping U.S. ports play catch-up and implement improvement plans.
For example, the Port of Tacoma in Washington’s FAST program (Freight Action Strategy for the Everett-Seattle-Tacoma Corridor) is a multi-year effort to ensure that transportation infrastructure remains viable for freight mobility throughout our state. So far, total funding for FAST is above $260 million and the most recent project was an overpass that will allow the realignment of rail tracks to triple rail capacity while trucks will no longer have to wait for trains to pass.
Whether your business is distribution, manufacturing or a mixture of both, the following U.S. ports are implementing 21st century initiatives and offering unique business opportunities, such as those included in the Foreign Trade Zone program, which will help your company remain competitive in the global economy.
Portfields Initiative: N.J. Hub for Job Growth
The New York-New Jersey metropolitan area is one of the largest most affluent consumer markets in the world. One important reason for this is its strong maritime, rail, aviation and highway transportation network. Strategically located at the heart of the mid-Atlantic corridor, the region offers efficient access to more than 105 million consumers in a single day. It’s maritime and transportation facilities rank among the largest and most productive in the nation. The New York-New Jersey seaport is the third largest in the country and the largest on the American east and gulf seaboards. Additionally, these maritime ports are seamlessly integrated with the metro area’s three-airports which handle nearly 25 percent of all US international air cargo.
New Jersey ports and its logistics sector are responsible for more than 500,000 jobs. And each year, more than 600 million tons of freight with an estimated value of over $800 billion moves into, through, and out of the state. From 2006 to 2008 cargo volume increased by 15 percent at the Port of New York and New Jersey, and in spite of the current recession, this level is expected to double in the next 20 years. It was this growth forecast combined with a desire to effectively meet projected demand that prompted the New York-New Jersey port complex position itself to capture as much of the expected traffic flow and corresponding new jobs as possible by offering new, attractive, and highly functional warehousing and distribution facilities in highly efficient logistic centers designed to speed goods rapidly along the supply chain.
In 2005, New Jersey’s Portfields Initiative was launched as joint project of the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey (PANYNJ), the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (EDA), and Public Service Gas & Electric (PSE&G), which spearheaded a public-private coalition of developers, logistics companies and communities to promote and market this effort. The goal of this initiative was to transform underutilized Brownfield sites into productive warehousing and distribution centers that would retain and attract logistics operations and create new jobs. There are currently 21 Portfields sites which have been identified as strategic centers most able to capitalize on emerging market opportunities and logistics trends for ocean and air freight-related warehousing and distribution operations. Each Portfields site is situated in New Jersey’s Port District, thus the name.
Portfields plans call for over 10 million square feet of new and improved warehouse and distribution space throughout the Port District. These projects involve private sector developers and, in some cases, have private/public sector partnerships of developers and public agencies, which sponsor various projects. “New and improved Portfields warehousing and distribution facilities have already created jobs, expanded community tax bases and improved roads in a number of key locations. The initiative is on the way to assuring the viability of New Jersey’s ports in the future,” commented Tim Comerford, PSE&G’s Area Development Manager, who has been actively involved with this project from the start.
Functionally, the Portfields Initiative identifies and helps advance Brownfield and other underutilized sites to “shovel ready” status––each able to accommodate at least 350,000 square feet of competitive, ocean or airfreight cargo distribution building space. Located in the Port District, these sites all have a minimum of 25 acres and offer easy access to major highways and port facilities. The Port Authority and EDA provide financial, technical and other support to developers who build on Portfields sites. Financing and technical support are available for planning, pre-development, site investigation and clean up, infrastructure costs, buildings and equipment and the reduction of energy costs.
Port San Antonio: Leader in Global Trade
Given its status as an international logistics platform, Port San Antonio understands the importance of duty-free inbound commodities and their impact on U.S. based corporations engaging in global trade. As a result, Port San Antonio’s entire 1,900-acre site is covered by a General Purpose Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) (#80-10) designation, which affords its customers the option of activation at any of the Port’s sites or existing buildings.
Port San Antonio offers a total of 371 acres of FTZ logistics sites on the grounds of its East Kelly Railport property. These Railport sites currently consist of the following classifications: air industrial sites; air logistics sites; aviation/airport operations sites; FTZ industrial sites; rail-accessed sites; aeronautical-use sites; town center sites; and rail line sites. In addition, a build-to-suit option is available to customers through the Port’s Real Estate Division.
Due to Port San Antonio’s designation as a FTZ, a number of financial advantages can be reaped by customers who employ the property’s logistics facilities. Duty payments can be deferred, resulting in an immediate cash flow improvement for shippers. Since minor assembly of merchandise is allowable on-site, duties may be paid either on components or finished products. Lower inventory costs are also available to Port San Antonio customers, as reduced duty rates on imported goods can be achieved during the time they are warehoused within the Foreign-Trade Zone. Additionally, goods may be stored in one of Port San Antonio’s vast warehouse facilities for unlimited periods of time, improving the customer’s overall logistics processes.
Port San Antonio customers often utilize the property’s FTZ sites to receive and store international shipments before they are tested, labeled and packaged for distribution. Therefore, the maximization of Port San Antonio’s FTZ status is especially beneficial to customers with the following specific operational requirements: assembly; warehousing; testing; repair; manufacturing; repackaging; salvage; and labeling. With ample office, flex, and warehouse space currently available within close proximity to Port San Antonio’s air and rail services, prospective customers will be able to effectively streamline their importing and exporting activities.
International shipments must be inspected as they arrive in the U.S. To meet this federal provision, the Port opened a U.S. Customs and Border Protection Federal Inspection Services (FIS) facility at its on-site airfield in February 2009. The facility is utilized to conduct administrative and cargo processing functions for customers of Port San Antonio. An agricultural laboratory and several storage areas are also available for the accommodation of bonded goods. Prior to the opening of the FIS facility, all incoming commodities were processed either in Laredo, TX or at the San Antonio Municipal Airport before arriving at Port San Antonio.
Given its ideal geographic location, Port San Antonio’s compelling advantage is its accessibility. The Port is located at the center of the North-South IH-35 NAFTA Corridor that connects Mexico, the U.S. and Canada. Furthermore, the adjacent IH-10 intersects the city from East to West and extends from California to Florida. As congestion slows cargo in other venues, Kelly Field (SKF) is only now emerging and, as a result, remains uncongested. This allows for the efficient transport and inspection of commodities en route to various destinations. With a myriad of opportunities for customers looking to maximize their shipping capabilities, Port San Antonio’s status as a FTZ will continue to satisfy the stringent demands of the logistics industry in the years ahead. By partnering with the Port, shippers are opening themselves to greater opportunities in the international trade and commerce sector.
Port of Brownsville, TX: Full Steam Ahead
Opened in 1936 and located at the southernmost tip of Texas, the Port of Brownsville is at the westernmost terminus of a 17-mile channel that flows into the Gulf of Mexico. The Port has over 250 companies that make a tremendous economic impact on the community. The Port provides employment, directly and indirectly, to over 38,000 people, locally and statewide.
In 2008, the Center for Transportation Research at the University of Texas at Austin in cooperation with the Texas Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration released a report that quantified the national, regional and local economic importance of Texas ports. According to the report, the Port of Brownsville helped to create 10,578 jobs in Brownsville and the surrounding area. The statewide impact of these jobs produced an additional 27,851 related jobs for an overall impact of jobs created to 38,429. The impact of state and local taxes was in excess of $44 million and the overall economic value of the port was $2,779.5 billion.
In the face of one of the most challenging economic times, the port has seen its share of economic downturns; however, it has also been extremely resilient. Its FTZ designation has placed it among the nation’s leaders in commerce shipped in bond through the U.S. from one foreign country to another and is ranked third in the U.S. for handling foreign waterborne in-transits for 2007. This rank puts them ahead of Long Beach, Los Angeles and Houston.
The port of Brownsville has established itself as a center of intermodal transportation and industrial development with diverse companies and services. It is continuously looking ahead for new opportunities that lead it to economic success.
In 2008, for the first time in history, the port exceeded 6 million metric tons of cargo in any one given year. 2008 also saw the beginning of the quantifiable container movement at the port through the inception of its short-sea shipping initiative. This type of shipping is known as “short-sea shipping,” which utilizes inland and coastal waterways along Americas Marine Highway. This is important since the amount of cargo that can be carried on a ship or barge is many times what can be hauled by a truck.
One such company is SeaBridge Freight Inc. In December 2008, this thriving container business launched its marine highway transportation service at the port, linking the growing Texas-Mexico market to the Southeastern United States though Port Manatee in Tampa Bay, Fla. To date, over 1,000 containers have been handled at the port.
The port is also restructuring and creating new business opportunities by improving its facilities. Several projects include a roads improvement project, channel deepening and widening, and the seeking of a permanent overweight corridor extension. Another exciting initiative the port is undertaking is to establish itself as an attractive location for the cruise ship trade. This effort includes a regional collaboration to conduct a feasibility study to look at the challenges and opportunities for attracting a cruise line to the area. The cruise ship trade is an expanding industry that would be beneficial to the port by helping increase business in the area.
The port is identifying projects suitable for federal stimulus funding and has amassed a cash fund that will enable it to leverage 20% local dollars to 80% federal dollars in new infrastructure, such as new bulk cargo and liquid cargo docks.
Port of Freeport, TX is Ready for 21st Century Business
Since its establishment over 100 years ago, Port Freeport in Freeport, Texas, has become one of the fastest growing ports on the Gulf Coast, and it is currently ranked as the 16th largest port in the U.S. in terms of foreign tonnage.
Located just three miles from deep water, Port Freeport is one of the most accessible ports on the Gulf Coast. Its central Texas location offers efficient transportation via highway, railroad or intercoastal waterway, and its 400-foot-wide, 45-foot-deep channel ensures a fast, safe turnaround.
The port’s land and operations currently include 186 acres of developed land, with 7,723 acres of available for development, 14 operating berths, a climate-controlled facility, a 45-foot deep Freeport Harbor Channel and a 70-foot-deep berthing area. Future expansion includes building a 1,300-acre multi-modal facility, two multi-purpose 1,200-foot berths on 50 feet of water and two dockside 120,000 square-foot transit sheds. There is direct access to the Gulf Intracoastal Waterway, Brazos River Diversion Channel, State Highways 36 and 288 and rail service provided by the Union Pacific Railroad.
Created in 1988, FTZ No. 149 exists within the boundaries of Port Freeport. This provides manufacturer-shippers with duty-deferral, in-transit storage and assembly of products for import and no duty assessment on products re-exported. Available real estate and warehouse space, combined with an energetic and skilled local labor force make FTZ No. 149 an excellent choice for manufacturers exporting to other countries or serving U.S. markets. The port recently won approval to add another 1,633 acres to the FTZ.
In addition to its status as a FTZ, port initiatives for the past 20 years have helped it to meet the demands of 21st century business and industry. Located just 50 miles from Houston, a huge commercial zone, the port recently constructed and divided Texas Highway 288 from Freeport into Houston to form a direct and quick route into the energy capital of Houston and the second largest manufacturing zone in Texas.
In the fall of 2009, the port opened its Velasco Terminal, a project that encompasses the newest containerized cargo facility on the Texas Gulf Coast, as well as a berthing for ships carrying project cargo and other goods. It is nearly 100 acres and is expected to support almost 800,000 TEU’s a year.
One example of a company taking advantage of its location at Port Freeport is Vulcan Materials Company, which transports aggregate construction materials. Demand for the stabilizing rock material has been so great that Vulcan brought 392,000 tons of cargo into the port from Mexico in the 2008 fiscal year; up 45 percent form its fiscal 2007 volume through the port, according to general manager Clay Upchurch of the Texas Coastal Region of Birmingham, Ala.-based Vulcan.
Port of Philadelphia: A Good Combination for the Future
The Port of Philadelphia is situated in the heart of the northeastern corridor. The facilities of the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PRPA) handle a wide variety of import and export cargoes, including containers, fruit, steel, cocoa beans, frozen meat, paper, and over-dimension/project cargoes.
The Port of Philadelphia is the number one perishables port in the U.S. But Philadelphia really offers much more: the ports of the Delaware River rank number three in the U.S. for steel imports, and are among the nation’s key entry points for forest products and cocoa. Philadelphia has grown over 20 percent in container throughput for three years in a row. In addition, Greater Philadelphia is the fourth largest retail market in the U.S. and has the sixth largest gross metropolitan product. In addition to its state-of-the-art marine terminals, the Port of Philadelphia has the supporting infrastructure necessary for quick and efficient cargo transport. This infrastructure includes adequate channel depths, rail linkages, major highways, hundreds of trucking services, and a network of private warehouses.
The agency is currently working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to deepen the main channel of the Delaware River, the port’s artery of commerce, from 40 to 45 feet. This will allow the Port of Philadelphia to welcome a wider array of vessels, which get larger every year.
PRPA is also in the preliminary stages of establishing a new multi-purpose terminal, SouthPort, which will significantly increase the Port’s cargo capacity. Southport is an ambitious plan to create a 150-acre container terminal near the southern tip of the Philadelphia Naval Shipyard. With international trade expected to more than double over the next 10 years, Philadelphia has the space to increase its share of global cargoes.
PRPA’s Foreign Trade Zone (FTZ) program, which covers Southeastern Pennsylvania, is a model for the nation. The Philadelphia Region also offers a General Purpose Zone, which normally has indoor and outdoor storage space used by a number of companies. This site is in close proximity to local marine terminals and airports. PRPA can also help individual companies locate in its Sub-Zones. Savings on duty and other costs can be significant if imports are modified within the zone. |
Solar energy is the most abundant renewable energy that has the capability to meet the world’s growing demand. However, it requires good solar concentrators to increase the trap efficiency. The efficient mean to utilize solar energy is to convert solar energy into heat stored in water by solar thermal collectors. Techniques such as high efficiency heat transfer absorber and solar radiation concentration are the main methods to improve the performance of solar thermal collector.
Pulsating heat pipe is one of the highly efficient absorber with simple stricture and low cost. The pulsating heat pipe has three working states namely: start-up, steady state and dry-out as the heat input increases. Altogether, the pulsating heat pipe exhibits an excellent potential for application as heat collector credit due to its high heat transfer capacity. However, the heat flux of the of the evaporation section of pulsating heat pipe should be sufficiently high to meet the demand of its steady and high-efficiency work, which has a significant effect on the thermal performance of pulsating heat pipe. Therefore, a solar concentrator is necessary in order to increase the heat flux of the pulsating heat pipe absorber to ensure that efficient heat transfer capacity of pulsating heat pipe can be fully utilized.
Researchers led by Professor Rong Ji Xu from Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture and in collaboration with Dr. Hua Sheng Wang at Queen Mary University of London proposed a study on a novel solar collector that integrates a closed-end pulsating heat pipe and a compound parabolic concentrator. Their main objective was to test the operating characteristics and thermal performance of the detailed designed collector, under different weather conditions. Their work is now published in the research journal, Energy Conversion and Management.
Briefly, the research team initiated their empirical procedure by developing a prototype of the solar collector. Secondly, they analyzed the operating characteristics of the pulsating heat pipe absorber. The team then assessed the thermal efficiency of the solar collector under different weather conditions.
The authors observed that the collector showed start-up, operational and shutdown stages at the starting and ending temperatures of 75 0C. More so, they noted that the solar collector operated stably even in cloudy days. Additionally, the thermal resistance of the pulsating heat pipe absorber was seen to decrease with the increase in ambient temperature, solar intensity, and evaporation temperature which was found to be the main factor that affects the thermal efficiency of the collector.
Rong Ji Xu and colleagues successfully presented a novel solar collector that integrates a closed-end pulsating heat pipe and a compound parabolic concentrator. In their study, they have assessed the effects of operating parameters on the operating characteristics of the pulsating heat pipe and the performance of the solar collector under varying weather conditions. The experimental results suggest that the heat flux of the pulsating heat pipe absorber’s evaporation section concentrated by compound parabolic concentrator with a concentration ratio of 3.4 is appropriate and the use of compound parabolic concentrator is reasonable. Their proposed design offers a promising efficiency of 50% when compared with conventional solar collectors and pulsating heat pipe solar collectors.
According to Rong Ji Xu, the mathematical model of the solar collector has been built. The effects of the solar density, ambient temperature, weed speed, glass thickness and collecting temperature on the thermal performance were simulated. A theoretical efficiency of 70% can be realized which is more promising than experimental results.
Rong Ji Xu, Xiao Hui Zhang, Rui Xiang Wang, Shu Hui Xu, Hua Sheng Wang. Experimental investigation of a solar collector integrated with a pulsating heat pipe and a compound parabolic concentrator. Energy Conversion and Management 148 (2017) 68–77
Go To Energy Conversion and Management |
Most engineers come into contact with formwork but don't understand the design or detailing that is required to produce an effective and safe scheme.
Aims & Objectives:
This course will provide the engineer with a basic knowledge of this specialist
subject and increase his awareness of its use on site.
- Concrete pressures and the principles of formwork design
- Concrete finishes
- Wall Formwork
- Soffit Formwork
- Criteria for striking formwork
- Health and Safety issues
- Selection of materials and equipment
- Proprietary Systems
- The use of release agents
- Types and uses of permanent formwork
- Concrete surface blemishes caused by formwork
- Recent developments in products and systems
People who are not involved with the design and construction of formwork
but would benefit from a basic knowledge of the subject. |
Trust is an essential ingredient to an optimized workplace – a core part of every relationship we have. When we trust, we feel safe to share our thoughts, our ideas, our worries and our hopes. When others trust us, they do the same.
Trust doesn’t mean we must always agree. It simply means that we listen with respect and value the other party’s point of view. Trust allows us to debate and challenge one another’s points of view as we seek to solve problems and find solutions. When trust is present, we get better results with far less stress.
For leaders, trust frames both your obligations and responsibilities to your team because of the authority and power you have within the organization. Your behavior within these four domains defines your own trustworthiness.
Trust is the collective of these domains:
Sincerity– The assessment of the one’s honestly. It’s the belief that the other individual means what they say, says what they mean, and their actions align with their words. When we express our intentions, beliefs, values and plans, we aren’t just describing ourselves, we are setting expectations of our future behaviors based in the minds of those who hear our words. The greater the scope of responsibility within the company, the more closely others watch to determine if our actions match our words. If they do not align, we cannot earn trust.
Reliability– The assessment of the other person’s ability to follow through with the commitments they make. If the other individual promises you a report “by Friday” – it will indeed be delivered by Friday (not an excuse on Friday and a report on Tuesday). How we handle requests, make offers and voice commitments will determine if others find us reliable or not. If we are not reliable, we cannot earn trust.
Competence– The assessment of the other person’s capacity, skill, insight and knowledge to do a particular task or job. The degree to which they are capable of executing a task well. Being competent does not mean being perfect. It means knowing our limits, acknowledging when we cannot complete a task, and asking for help or guidance. If we lack skill and knowledge but charge ahead anyway without engaging someone with expertise, we cannot earn trust.
Care– the assessment of the other person’s capacity to think of someone other than themselves – that they have considered what is in the best interest of everyone (including the company) when they make a decision. It is virtually impossible for a team to collaborate to solve problems if some members do not believe other members do not care about the collective interest of the group. When we show up for the little things of our co-workers (meeting for coffee, asking about a sick child, staying late to help with a task), we demonstrate that we care about the interest of others. Saying we care without any demonstration of showing up for others is complete hypocrisy – and we cannot earn trust.
The degree of the team’s trust in their leader drives employee satisfaction, loyalty and work commitment. Trust in the leader is directly tied to productivity and profitability. It creates a sense of belonging and purpose for our work.
The absence of trust (distrust) manifests as fear – and fear destroys idea sharing, innovation and collaboration. Individuals who lack trust in their leader tend to spend more energy on protecting themselves. They engage in strategies to document their decisions should they need “evidence” in the future.
Occasionally, I hear leaders speak as though their team members should earn their trust. That’s a perverse inversion of the leadership model.
If you are a leader – take a hard look in the mirror and evaluate the trustworthiness of the person looking back at you. Your own sincerity, reliability, competence and compassion for others defines your own trust quotient. It’s well worth the investment of your time to discover yours. Without it, you cannot lead. |
Analysing the Strategic Environment
- Exploring the competitive environment
- Strategic environment – the basics
- Degree of turbulence in the environment
- Analysing the general environment
- Analysing the stages of market growth
- Key factors for success in an industry
- Analysing the competitive industry environment – the contribution of Porter
- Analysing the co-operative environment
- Analysing one or more immediate competitors in depth
- Analysing the customer and market segmentation
Analysing Resources and Capabilities
- Why does an organisation possess any resources at all? The make-or-buy decision
- Resource analysis and adding-value
- Adding-value: the value chain and the value system – the contribution of Porter
- Resource analysis and competitive advantage
- Identifying which resources and capabilities deliver sustainable competitive advantage
- Resource and capability analysis – improving competitive advantage
- Analysing other important company resources: especially human resources
- Developing a dynamic business framework
- The dynamics of an organisation’s changing and uncertain environment
- Dynamic strategies in fast-moving markets
- The dynamics of resource development
- Aggressive competitive strategies
- The dynamics of co-operation strategies
- Strategy dynamics using game theory
Prescriptive Purpose Delivered through Mission, Objectives and Ethics
- Shaping the purpose of the organisation
- Developing a strategic vision for the future
- Stakeholder power analysis
- Corporate governance and the purpose of the organisation
- Purpose shaped by ethics and corporate social responsibility
- Developing the mission
- Developing the objectives
Purpose Emerging from Knowledge, Technology and Innovation
- Understanding and measuring knowledge
- Knowledge creation and purpose
- Using technology to develop purpose and competitive advantage
- Innovation and purpose
- How to innovate: the ‘ideas’ process
Developing Business-Level Strategy Options
- Purpose and the SWOT analysis – the contribution of Andrews
- Environment-based options: generic strategies – the contribution of Porter
- Environment-based strategic options: the market options matrix
- Environment-based strategic options: the expansion method matrix
- Resource-based strategic options: the resource-based view
- Resource-based strategic options: cost reduction
Developing Corporate-Level Strategy Options
- Corporate-level strategy: the benefits and costs of diversifying
- Corporate options: degrees of diversification
- Corporate strategy and the role of the centre – the principle of parenting
- Corporate strategy: decisions about the company’s diversified portfolio of products
- The tools of corporate-level options: from acquisition to restructuring
Strategy Evaluation and Development: The Prescriptive Process
- Prescriptive strategy content: evaluation against six criteria
- Strategy evaluation: procedures and techniques
- Applying empirical evidence and guidelines
- The classic prescriptive model of strategic management: exploring the process
Finding the Strategic Route Forward
- The importance of strategy context
- The survival-based strategic route forward
- The uncertainty-based strategic route forward
- The network-based strategic route forward
- The learning-based strategic route forward
Organisational Structure, Style and People Issues
- Strategy before structure?
- Building the organisation’s structure: basic principles
- The choice of management style and culture
- Types of organisational structure
- Organisational structures for innovation
- Motivation and staffing in strategy implementation
This strategic management course is suitable for:
- Heads of organisations, chief officers, chairpersons, board members and directors.
- Heads of departments, and senior managers & executives involved in the development ofstrategic management.
- Those who wish to understand the basic concepts for identifying the future of their organisations with the new challenges and opportunities that may lead to substantial change.
- Those who wish to consider not only the rational approach to strategic decision making, but also the creative aspects of such decisions.
- Those who wish to grasp the major intended and emergent initiatives that can be taken, involving the utilisation of resources, to enhance the performance of their firms in their external environments.
Upon completion of this strategic management training course, you will be able to understand:
- The strategic environment and why it is important.
- Key industry factors that help deliver the objectives of an organisation.
- The main background areas to be analysed.
- The strategic significance of market growth.
- How the more immediate influences of an organisation are analysed.
- How to analyse competitors.
- The role of co-operation in environmental analysis.
- How important the customer is.
- How resources and capabilities add value to an organisation.
- The resources and capabilities that are particularly important in adding value and competitive advantage.
- The main ways in which resources and capabilities deliver competitive advantage.
- How competitive advantage can be enhanced.
- The other important resources an organisation possesses, especially in the area of human resources.
- How strategic purpose changes and why.
- How to analyse the dynamics of the environment and its impact on competitive advantage.
- How to analyse fast-moving markets and resource changes.
- How to develop new aggressive competitive strategies.
- How to develop co-operative strategies, and use game theory.
- How purpose is shaped by the organisation and its environment.
- The vision your organisation has for its future.
- The mission and objectives of your organisation.
- The relationship between purpose and the corporate governance of an organisation.
- The role and approach to green strategy.
- Your organisation’s views on ethics and corporate social responsibility, and its effect on purpose.
- The knowledge your organisation possesses, how it can create and share knowledge, and the impact on its purpose.
- The strategic implications of new technologies, and how it can shape the purpose of an organisation.
- How innovation can contribute to an organisation’s purpose.
- The main environment-based and resource-based opportunities available to organisations, and the strategy options that arise from these opportunities.
- The benefits and problems of being part of a group.
- The options that arise from being part ofa corporation.
- How to develop and decide strategic management.
- The important distinction between strategic content and strategic process.
- The options that are consistent with the purpose of an organisation.
- The options that are particularly suitable for the environmental and resource conditions facing an organisation.
- The options that make valid assumptions about the future, are feasible, contain acceptable business risk, and are attractive to stakeholders.
- The distinction between strategic context and the other two elements – content and process.
- How emergent strategic considerations alter the decisions.
- The main features of alternativestrategic approaches.
- The consequences of chosen strategies.
- The main principles involved in designing an organisation’s structure to implement its strategy.
- The special considerations that apply when seeking innovatory strategies.
- How managers are selected and motivated to implement strategies.
£4145 + VAT |
How to Bond Mild Steel – Carbon Steel
Mild steel, also known as carbon steel is a common material used in automotive and machine components. There are several options to bond mild steel and adhesives can be selected based on the environmental, temperature, and chemical resistance needed. The key to a good bond on mild steel is proper surface preparation.
Surface preparation of mild steel
1. Remove large particles of rust and debris with a wire brush or wire wool.
2. Often steel is painted or powder coated. Bond strength will be limited to the strength of adhesion of the paint or coating unless you remove this layer.
3. Degrease with acetone, isopropanol or Permabond Cleaner A. Do not use white spirit or meths as this can leave a residue. It is important to carry out this step before abrading. Otherwise you will ingrain dirt or oily contaminants into the surface.
4. Abrade by one of the following methods
-Wet and dry grit paper (carborundum paper) 320 grade recommended.
-Red Scotchbrite pad
-Alternatively, a grit blaster can be used (make sure to use fresh, uncontaminated sharp grit).
5. Degrease again to remove any contamination or loose particles.
6. Bond as soon as possible otherwise the surface will re-oxidize.
Anaerobic adhesives – threadlockers, thread sealants, form in place gaskets and retaining compounds all work well on mild steel.
Cyanoacrylate adhesives – all grades bond stainless steel, but special grades for metals will have increased adhesion. Permabond 910 is the original pure methyl cyanoacrylate which was developed for bonding metals. Although cyanoacrylates have very high strength applications involving mild steel often have environmental requirements that are best met with a structural adhesive.
UV curable adhesives bond well to stainless steel providing the second substrate permits UV light to pass through. Metal to glass grades include; UV610, UV620, UV625, UV670, and UV7141. |
Incivility and bullying present a unique set of problems in today's workplace, and there are no magic solutions. People experience many types of negative behavior at work—ranging from disrespect to harassment, mobbing, discrimination, incivility, bullying, horizontal and lateral violence, and emotional abuse.
Workplace Bullying training objectives:
- Apply relevant concepts and strategies from the Prepare Training® Foundation Course.
- Define workplace bullying and identify related concepts.
- Recognize characteristics of workplace bullying.
- Identify strategies for responding safely if you are the target of a bully.
- Discuss strategies to minimize the possibility of workplace bullying and promote Respect, Service, and Safety at Work®. |
Bauxite is a soft limonite iron ore rock with portions of its iron composition replaced by aluminum. Bauxite forms when silica leaches out from laterite soil. Bauxite does not exhibit any particular composition instead it is just an assortment of clay minerals, aluminum hydroxides, and hydrous aluminum oxides. Although insoluble minerals are also part of its composition, namely siderite, magnetite, quartz, goethite, and hematite. It is found mostly in wet subtropical or tropical climates, and is the chief source material for the world’s aluminum production industry. Its main sources of aluminum are the ores bohmite, diaspore, and gibbsite. It has a pisolithic structure and reddish brown coloration, along with a low specific gravity of 2.0-2.5.
Major Bauxite Producing Areas
Extraction of the Mineral Ore
Bauxite is one rock that is found in large quantities in many countries from all around the world. In fact, some countries have more than 100 years worth of reserves of Bauxite. The rock is easily obtained by open cast mining. Blasting or drilling is used to uncover the bauxite layer under the topsoil, which are then broken and loaded onto trucks for crushing and washing before transport to alumina refineries. The following figures for country-by-country outputs of bauxite are from 2014.
The number one Bauxite producer in the world today is Australia with 81,000 metric tons of bauxite production annually. It is being extracted in five mines that supply seven refineries that supply six smelters, all in Australia.
Number two is China with about 47,000 metric tons of bauxite production annually. China's bauxite reserves have decreased in size due to the increased world demand for aluminum and its byproducts. China has settled for importing bauxite from India, Australia, and Malaysia.
Number three is Brazil with 32,500 metric tons of bauxite production annually. Brazil has the world's largest alumina refinery which gets its supply from two mines in the Para state. It has a unique underground pipeline for transporting the raw bauxite to the refineries.
Number four is Guinea with 19,300 metric tons of bauxite production annually. Guinea has reputedly the largest bauxite deposits in the world. Although Guinea does not have any refineries to date so the rocks are shipped out to Ukraine refineries. However, the mines are all owned by foreign companies.
Number five is India with 19,000 metric tons of bauxite production annually. India has seven bauxite producing states. It has seven smelting plants and nine refineries for aluminum.
Other Leading Bauxite Producers
Applications of Bauxite
French geologist Henri Rouvere discovered the rock Bauxite in 1821 in Les Baux-de-Provence in southern France. Rouvere named his rock discovery after the village Les Baux. Today, bauxite is used in many ways such as aluminum-based chemicals, aluminum metal, cements, abrasives, and refractory materials. Aluminum-based chemicals are used in deodorants and other cosmetics. It is also used in waste water treatment facilities. Aluminum metals are used for making electrical cables, car bodies, aircraft skins, beer cans, and electronic shells. Refractory materials are used in kilns, furnaces, fireboxes, and fireplaces. Abrasives that contain aluminum are used for grinding carbon steel and high speed steel. It is also used in electrical insulators and sandpaper products.
The World's Leading Bauxite Producing Countries
|Rank||Country||Bauxite Production (in thousand tonnes), 2014| |
OEE (Overall equipment effectiveness) term initially used by Seiichi Nakajimn in the year 1960 to measures how efficiently we are utilizing our equipment’s. Seiichi Nakajimn was a Japanese citizen also the inventor of total productive maintenance (TPM).
OEE cannot the measurable number but it can widely use to find the scope of improvement in a manufacturing process and identifies the scope to increase the productivity with optimum resources.
In several organizations, Overall equipment effectiveness is using as a key performance indicator (KPI) and to identify the various scope of to success of lean manufacturing best practices.
Overall Equipment Efficiency (OEE) is the best practices which are assigned for best improvement opportunities in a manufacturing.
OEE is a very simple metric to immediately indicate the status of a manufacturing process and providing a frame of improvement in process
OEE = Availability × Performance × Quality
Availability Rate: Availability rate is quantifying of how much the production equipment is available to run for a value-added production process.
Availability can be calculated as the percentage of time the production equipment is ready to produce, working without any unplanned stoppage.
There are two factors responsible for Availability loss, first is unplanned stops such as equipment break down, material Shortage and other one is planned stoppage like change over time etc.
Availability Rate is calculated as machines planned run time divided by planned Production Time.
Availability Rate = ((Total planned time – Total down times) / Total planned time) * 100
In the calculation of equipment scheduled run time usually excludes the set planned time slot for preventive maintenance or breaks but it includes other downtime’s like setup adjustments, machine break down or material shortage etc.
Performance Rate: Performance rate is the measure of the effectiveness of the process / Equipment to produce parts within defined cycle times. Performance loss considers all factors responsible for less run the equipment at its maximum possible standard running speeds. Normally these factors are slower cycle time, Small unplanned stoppage etc.
Performance rate = (Actual output product line / Ideal output to be delivered from the line based on cycle time in total available time) *100
Performance Rate = Actual Output/ Standard Output
The Standard output is the best fastest possible output rate produced on the equipment. The factors responsible for limiting the performance are the mainly small stoppage, idling the equipment or slow cycle time.
Quality Rate: Quality rate or First-time pass yield is the measure of Quality performance and it quantifies how robust the processes are to deliver consistent Quality Results.it is the ratio of good quality product compared to the total output rate.
Quality Rate (%) = (Units passed in first go/ Total units Produced) * 100
The factors responsible for quality loss are mainly the defective products that need to rework later not meeting the set quality standards.
Benchmark of OEE is very important as it can be compared the performance of used equipment’s from set standard industry parameters and applicable to similar assets using in-house operations.
So, considering standard parameters how to evaluate the good and bad OEE score is very important to understand.
- 100% score of An OEE is an ideal production it means we are manufacturing defect-free products with full speed without any breakdown or stoppages.
- 85% score of an OEE can be considered as excellent manufacturing and can be considered as a long-term target of any organization.
- 60% score of An OEE can be considered as good but need to effort for improvements in the production system.
- 40% An OEE score can be considered as bad operation and need to restructure to improve productivity, cycle time or defect rates.
Perfect production is call when production is done at full capacity without any time loss without losing any quality of the product.
- Production of all product with 100 % Quality score.
- Producing as fastest as possible without any loss means 100% performance.
- Zero stoppage means 100% availability of equipment. |
Case Study: Wilkerson Company
• Wilkerson: The Company
• Competitive Situation
• Current Cost System
• Development of ABC System
• Costing/ Performance Improvement
Comparison of Costing Results
Wilkerson: The Company
Principal target: supplied products to manufacturers
of water purification equipment
• Valve à Original Product
• Flow Controller
• Wilkerson is operating in a
competitive environment and
has to compete with their
competitors by reducing prices
for one of their core products
• The company produces “Valves”,
“Pumps”, and Flow Controllers.
• Valves and Pumps are their high
volume products that require
relatively little overhead costs.
• Flow Controllers is the product
that has the least production
output but which is a prime
product as the company is a
market leader especially for this
• Wilkerson has set several
financial and performance
objective such as a 35% gross
margin, or a 3% net profit
• Their high volume products need
to capture further market share.
• Their prime product “Flow
Controllers” is currently
perceived to make great profits
and being a profitable product to
• The company is not meeting the
financial objectives which
implies an issue with their
• No product can be abandon from
the production set as Wilkerson
might lose its reputation as a
prime brand offering a wide
range of products.
• Competitive industry with
several rivals in the sector
providing similar products such
as Valves and Pumps.
• Customers would be willing to
purchase other products of
competitors if prices are less and
quality is similar.
• Costing is a crucial issue for the
company to survive in this
Current Cost System: Issues
Direct Labour = 10
Direct Material = 20
Overhead (300% of
DL) = 30
Cost = 60
Absorption Costing takes direct and
indirect (overhead) cost into account. The
indirect costs are allocated based on one
or very few bases.
In the Case of Wilkerson Corporation, the
company accounts for direct costs, such as
“direct labour” and “direct material” as
well as indirect or overhead costs, which
are calculated as 300% of direct labour.
Machine Rel. Exp (100)
Setup Labour (50)
(!) Left diagram: current method of costing at Wilkerson.
Right diagram represents general allocation method of using
one basis for all costs.
This is a very simplified calculation which
saves time, but is not necessarily accurate
(as to be outlined in this report).
Current Cost System: Issues
Currently costing is operating on simple
Overhead Absorption Rates (OAR).
OAR is obtained by dividing the total
manufacturing overheads by the total
Overheads are then charged with respect to
labour hours spent.
Wilkerson’s OAR is obtained by taking
300% of the respective product’s
labour cost and adding it to all direct costs.
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Organizational justice refers to individual or collective judgments of fairness or ethical propriety. Investigations of organizational justice tend to take a descriptive approach. As such, an event is treated as fair or unfair to the extent that one believes it to be so. In other words, justice research is concerned with identifying the antecedents that influence fairness judgments, as well as the consequences once such an evaluation has been made. Notice that this descriptive approach does not tell organizations what really is fair, only what people believe to be just. This empirical perspective complements the normative frameworks beneficially employed by philosophers whose prescriptive approach typically attempts to ascertain what is objectively right or wrong by using reasoned analysis.
The sense of justice has a strong impact on workers’ behavior and attitudes. For example, perceived fairness promotes such benefits as organizational commitment, effective job performance, and increased organizational citizenship behavior. Justice also helps alleviate many of the ill effects of dysfunctional work environments. For example, perceived fairness reduces workplace stress, vindictive retaliation, employee withdrawal, and sabotage.
Different Types of Organizational Justice
Generally speaking, judgments of fairness can be said to have three targets:
- Outcomes: distributive justice
- Allocation processes: procedural justice
- Interpersonal treatment: interactional justice
Research suggests that distributive justice is distinct from outcome favorability. Although these two variables are correlated, the latter is an appraisal of personal benefit, whereas the former concerns moral appropriateness. Individuals decide whether a given allocation decision is fair by examining the actual result in light of some idealized standard. Three standards or allocation rules have been most widely discussed: equity (allocations based on contributions or performance), equality (equivalent allocations for all), and need (allocations based on demonstrable hardship). Each of these rules may engender a sense of distributive justice for some people under some circumstances. For example, an equity allocation rule is more likely to be seen as appropriate when the participants are North Americans, when the goal is to maximize performance, and when the divided benefit is economic. An equality allocation rule, however, is more likely seen as appropriate when the participants are East Asian, when the goal is to maximize group harmony, and when the benefit that is being divided is socioemotional.
An interesting line of research suggests that equity and equality allocation rules can engender distinct organizational climates. For example, when resources are divided based on individual performance, there is a greater disparity between the top and bottom income brackets and a relative lack of cooperation. When resources are divided based on equality, there is obviously less income disparity; along with this comes greater social harmony and more intergroup cooperation.
To employ each allocation rule, an individual needs to evaluate the relative gains (or losses) of at least two individuals. These cognitive operations are facilitated by the existence of a referent other that can serve as a sort of baseline standard. For example, someone seeking equality can expect uniform earnings among everyone in a group. This correspondence can best be ascertained with knowledge of others’ profits. Equity is even more cognitively complex, so it is necessary to calculate earnings relative to contributions and to compare this ratio to the ratio of the referent. The intriguing result of these cognitive operations is that distributive justice may not be absolute. If a referent changes, a person’s distributive fairness judgments may also change, even when the actual allocation remains constant. For example, when female workers are underpaid relative to their male counterparts, they will see this as distributively unfair when the more highly paid men are their referent. However, if they use other underpaid women as their referent, they sometimes perceive less injustice.
Especially important to the study of organizational fairness is work on procedural justice. Procedural justice researchers agree that workers are interested in the outcomes they receive (that is, in distributive justice). However, they add that employees also attend to the process by which these outcomes are assigned. Procedural justice is an especially strong predictor of such outcomes as organizational citizenship behavior, organizational commitment, trust, and so on. Generally speaking, processes are likely to be judged as fair if they have some combination of the following attributes: They are accurate, consistently applied, free from bias, representative of all concerned, correctable when mistakes are made, and consistent with prevailing ethical standards. Other research suggests that fair procedures should provide advance notice and not violate privacy concerns.
A large body of research has investigated the design of human resource systems in light of procedural justice considerations. This work has examined personnel procedures pertaining to performance evaluation, affirmative action programs, workplace drug testing, staffing, family-leave procedures, layoff policies, compensation decisions, conflict resolution procedures, and so on. Generally speaking, this work suggests that fair procedures can bring benefits to organizations, in the form of more effective job behaviors and more positive work attitudes.
In addition to an outcome and a formal process, scholars have also found that the interpersonal treatment that an individual receives is an important part of his or her justice perceptions. This notion of interactional justice was identified more recently than distributive or procedural justice, but it now has been well established as an important workplace variable in its own right. Researchers have divided interactional justice into two parts: informational justice and interpersonal justice. Informational justice is based on the presence or absence of explanations and social accounts. A transparent promotion decision would likely be seen as informationally fair. Interpersonal justice is concerned with the dignity that people receive. Interpersonally fair treatment is respectful, honest, and considerate of others’ feelings. A racist remark during a job interview would likely be seen as interpersonally unfair.
Interactional justice is an important predictor of such variables as supervisory commitment, citizenship behavior, and job performance ratings. In addition, individuals are much more accepting of misfortunes such as downsizing when the process is implemented in an interactionally fair fashion. Given this practical value, attempts have been made to train decision makers to show more interactional justice. Such efforts have shown some success, and evidence suggests that training in interpersonal fairness can create a more effective work unit.
To date there remains less than complete consensus as to the structure of interactional justice. Because the informational and interpersonal components are correlated, some scholars treat them as manifestations of a single construct. More recently, others have separated interactional justice into these constituent parts, treating informational and interpersonal fairness as separate constructs. This new model has four factors: distributive, procedural, informational, and interpersonal. This model is promising, but the empirical evidence is as yet limited.
Studying Justice: Main Effects and Interactions
The three manifestations of justice can be studied in terms of either their main effects or their interactions. Main effect studies compare the impact of one type of justice beyond the effect of another. Interaction studies explore how different types of justice work together to influence employee attitudes and behaviors.
Main Effects of Justice
Especially prominent in this regard is the two-factor model. The two-factor model maintains that distributive justice, when compared with procedural justice, better predicts individual reactions to specific allocation decisions. For example, the distributive justice of a person’s compensation will be correlated with pay satisfaction. Procedural justice, however, tends to be the more efficacious predictor of reactions to organizations as a whole. For example, procedural justice will be correlated with organizational commitment. Data in support of the two-factor model lead many scholars to propose that procedural justice, when compared with distributive justice, is especially important for maintaining loyalty to institutions.
The multifoci model provides a similar main effect comparison. Multifoci researchers agree that reactions to organizations are best predicted by procedural justice. However, they add that interactional justice demonstrates an especially strong association to supervisory commitment and behaviors targeted to benefit a person’s immediate boss. In this regard interactional justice tends to engender high-quality leader-member exchange relationships, as well as helpful citizenship behaviors directed toward supervisors.
Interactions among Justice Types
Scholars also have examined the interactions between different types of justice. Generally speaking, individuals appear to be reasonably tolerant of a distributive injustice if the allocation procedures are viewed as fair. Likewise, they seem reasonably tolerant of a procedural injustice if the outcome is deemed to be appropriate. However, when both the outcome and the process are simultaneously unjust, worker reactions are especially negative. Put differently, distributive justice strongly predicts work-relevant attitudes and behaviors when the procedure is unfair; it is a weaker predictor of attitudes and behaviors when the procedure is fair. Research has also documented a similar two-way interaction between distributive and interactional justice. Specifically, individuals can accept a poor outcome if it is assigned via a fair interaction. Conversely, they can accept a poor interaction if it yields fair outcomes. However, employees become distressed when both things go poorly at once.
Recent research has begun to consider the interaction among all three types of justice together. Investigations of the resulting three-way interaction have been quite promising. This line of inquiry finds that the aforementioned two-way interaction between distributive and procedural justice is only significant when interactional justice is low. To state the matter in a different way, reactions are most negative when individuals experience all three types of injustice at the same time. Only a few studies have been conducted, but so far all have supported the existence of this three-way interaction.
Why People Care About Justice
It is not intuitively obvious why workers would care about justice, as opposed to their pecuniary benefits. Several models have been proposed and tested, but it is important to recognize that these are not mutually exclusive. Most experts believe that employee responses to injustice are influenced by multiple considerations. Here we will consider the best known accounts, including economic self-interest, the control model, the group-value model, social exchange theory, and deontic justice.
One early and still influential proposition is that the concern for justice is motivated by a sense of economic self-interest. The fairest system, according to this framework, is the one that maximizes long-term benefits. Even if a single decision is not personally beneficial, long-term payouts are apt to be greater if the individual can rely on fair distribution systems and procedurally just policies. There is evidence in favor of the self-interest model. For example, high performers tend to prefer equity allocations (presumably because their payment will be higher when based on contribution), whereas lower performers tend to prefer equality allocations (presumably because their payment will be higher when everyone earns equivalent amounts). Despite such evidence, self-interest does not seem to be the only motive for justice. For example, if a process is fair individuals tend not to derogate decision makers, even when their outcomes are less than favorable.
The Control Model
Another early framework for understanding justice is the control model. According to the control model, justice matters because it provides people with some means of influencing decisions. This control could be exercised at the decision stage (somewhat akin to distributive justice) or at the process stage (often interpreted as procedural justice, and especially voice). Based on this, research has found that individuals will report some measure of fairness if either decision or process control is present. When they lose both forms of control, of course, people tend to report less justice. The control model was originally formulated within the context of legal proceedings. It has been especially influential in research pertaining to conflict management, plea bargaining, and employee involvement in decision making.
The Group-Value Model
An especially popular approach is the group-value (also called the relational) model of justice. According to the group-value model, individuals are concerned with their social status or standing within important social groups. Injustice in this respect is perceived as a lack of respect on the part of authority figures, and an individual does not feel like an esteemed member of the organization or community. Fairness, and especially procedural fairness, is desirable because it signals that a person is valued by the group and is unlikely to be mistreated. This model makes intuitive sense and evidence supports it. For example, research suggests that procedural justice is a better predictor when it comes from groups with whom individuals closely identify, and it is a less efficacious predictor when it comes from groups not identified with as closely. This is consistent with the group-value model, because standing should be of greater consequence within an important group and of less consequence within an unimportant one.
Social Exchange Theory
Social exchange theory provides an interpersonally oriented understanding of justice but does so in a somewhat different fashion than the group-value model. According to this framework, employees often have economic exchange relationships with their employers and coworkers. These relationships are quid pro quo, with clearly delineated responsibilities for each party. Fair treatment, especially procedural and interactional justice, can create social exchange relationships. These higher-quality relationships tend to involve emotional attachments, a sense of obligation, and open-ended responsibilities to the other party. Justice, therefore, improves performance; furthermore, it engenders citizenship behavior by improving the quality of the relationships among employees, between employees and their supervisor, and between employees and the organization as a whole. There is also solid evidence supporting this model. For example, the impact of procedural and interactional justice on work behavior seems to be at least partially mediated by the quality of interpersonal relationships.
Although the group-value model and social exchange theory both highlight the importance of relationships, they emphasize somewhat different mechanisms. Notice that the group-value model maintains that justice is based on a fear of exclusion from a desirable social group, as well as worries about exploitation from powerful decision makers. Social exchange theory, however, is based on a sense of obligation and a desire to help the other party.
An interesting feature of both the economic approach and the group-value model is the assumption that justice ultimately reduces to self-interest; it is less clear whether the control model and social exchange theory make this same assumption. For clar-ity, we define a self-interested concern as one based on achieving a personal benefit or benefits. These benefits may be financial (as in the case of the economic self-interest model) or social (as in the case of the group-value and relational models). The deontic model of justice breaks with this tradition by proposing that justice matters for its own sake. This approach emphasizes the importance that at least some people tend to place on their moral duty to do the right thing.
The deontic model is unique in proposing that individuals care about justice even when there are no concerns with financial gain and group status, and there is evidence for this. For example, studies suggest that individuals will forgo money to punish an act of injustice. Research has also shown that participants will sometimes sacrifice earnings even without material benefits for doing so and when it is unlikely that the participants identify with the relevant social group. Findings such as these suggest that neither economic gain nor social standing provides a full account of organizational justice. Research on deontic justice is important for another reason as well. By emphasizing moral duty, it builds bridges between empirical work on fair perceptions and normative work on business ethics.
As illustrated, organizational justice refers to perceptions of fairness in terms of outcomes, processes, and interactions. Research to date has concerned itself with identifying antecedents that influence these perceptions and the resulting attitudes and behaviors once these judgments have been made. However, it is important to keep in mind that these perceptions are subject to change, especially with a change in the referent, the standard, by which fairness is assessed. Considering what each possible framework has to offer can develop a more complete sense of the dynamics involved in any study of organizational justice and its effects.
- Brockner, J., & Wiesenfeld, B. M. (1996). An integrative framework for explaining attractiveness of decisions: The interactive effects of outcomes and processes. Psychological Bulletin, 120, 189-208.
- Cohen-Charash, Y., & Spector, P. E. (2001). The role of justice in organizations: A meta-analysis. Organizational Behavior and Human Decision Processes, 86, 278-321.
- Colquitt, J.A., Conlon, D. E., Wesson, M. J., Porter, C. O. L. H., & Ng, K. Y. (2001). Justice at the millennium: A meta-analytic review of 25 years of organizational justice research. Journal of Applied Psychology, 86, 425-445.
- Cropanzano, R., Byrne, Z. S., Bobocel, D. R., & Rupp, D. E. (2001). Moral virtues, fairness heuristics, social entities, and other denizens of organizational justice. Journal of Vocational Behavior, 58, 164-209.
- Cropanzano, R., Rupp, D. E., Mohler, C. J., & Schminke, M. (2001). Three roads to organizational justice. In G. R. Ferris (Ed.), Research in personnel and human resource management (Vol. 20, pp. 1-113). Greenwich, CT: JAI Press.
- Folger, R., & Cropanzano, R. (1998). Organizational justice and human resource management. Beverly Hills, CA: Sage. |
Waste To Energy
“True Recycling” at Temarry means using Waste solids to generate Energy to power our solvent recovery stills on site. Waste is fed by conveyor into the primary stage for thermal destruction at 1500° F. All
vapors and gases are directed to secondary thermal treatment at 1500° F. Inorganic solids, or ash, from the primary stage is quenched and falls into an ash hopper. Heat is directed to a 200 horse power steam generator. Remaining gases are directed to a modern two stage venturi scrubber to insure that only clean water vapor is emitted to the atmosphere.
Steam is used as an energy source to power the solvent recovery stills that produce technical grade solvent products to be sold back into industry. Ash from the ash hopper is blended with high BTU still bottoms. Controlled blends are sent to cement kilns to be used as alternative fuels.
Carbon Footprint Formula
Miles Driven / 6 MPG x 2.77kg Per Gallon = Amount of Carbon Footprint |
- The Marmora Pumped Storage power generation proposal is located in Marmora, Ontario, adjacent to the Crowe River.The Marmora project will use an open pit and an upper reservoir in a closed-loop configuration. Combination pumps/generators will pump water up into the reservoir during off-peak periods and then release it back down into the mine during on-peak periods to generate electricity. The design provides for an average head of 140 meters, producing 400 MW of generated power to enable time-shifting to support renewable energy sources and grid demand patterns.
- Learn more about the project
- Technology: Pumped Storage Hydro
- Main Equipment: Francis combination pumps/generators
- Fuel: Water
- Capacity: 400 MW
- Proponent: Northland Power
Photo by Linda Heron |
Carbon fibre (Cf) reinforced ceramic matrix composites (CMCs) are attractive for various applications due to low density, high specific strength, and good wear/erosion/oxidation resistance. It is established that the CMCs can be made through the reactive polymer impregnation and pyrolysis method. The mixing of required ceramic powders and polymer (precursor for ceramic) in liquid media. The powder mixture was stacking in between the required size of Cf layer. The vacuum curing of samples. The pyrolysis of samples in a graphite furnace under vacuum and argon/nitrogen atmosphere. The re-infiltration of polymer precursor and pyrolysis results reach to the required density. The number of infiltration, pyrolysis temperature & time for making CMCs has been established. This method is suitable for making near net- complicated shapes by economic way compared to the available techniques.
Last updated on : 09-05-2018 02:58:53pm |
Cutting Energy Costs in Copperas Cove (Source: Water & Wastes Digest)
By Will Chandler, P.E.
Founded in 1870, the city of Copperas Cove is located in Central Texas, roughly 70 miles southwest of Waco. Copperas Cove is primarily a residential community for the 30,000 people that call it home, but it also accommodates a burgeoning commercial center that services residents of the greater Coryell County, including the military troops stationed at neighboring Fort Hood. The city owns and operates three wastewater treatment plants—the Northwest, South and Northeast wastewater treatment plants—and treats sewage generated from Coryell County within the city limits.
The Northwest Wastewater Treatment Plant is the largest of the city’s three facilities with a permitted average discharge of 4 million gal per day (gpd). The Northwest plant was originally constructed in 1976 as an oxidation ditch process with two secondary clarifiers and a chlorine disinfection system. In 1989, the plant capacity was expanded with the construction of two aeration basins, two new secondary clarifiers, and an aerobic digester for operation as a conventional activated sludge process. The aeration and digester basins were equipped with coarse-bubble diffusers positioned on vertical draft tubes, which were mounted off of header pipes spanning each basin. The aeration system was fed by three 200-hp multistage centrifugal blowers, which were configured to run on manual timers that operators would set to maintain dissolved oxygen levels. In 2003, a coarse bar screen was installed to filter plant influent sewage, and the coarse-bubble diffusers were replaced by fine-bubble diffusers.
Unfortunately, the 2003 improvements did not alleviate existing operational issues. Even with coarse screening up front, rags and debris would easily make it through to the process tanks and inevitably accumulated on the air-drops and diffusers. On top of the ragging, impacts from larger debris and fouling of the fine-bubble diffuser orifices incurred damage such that only an estimated 85% of the diffusers were operational after only a few years of service. Between the reduced number of available diffusers, the inefficient blower equipment and the imprecise aeration control scheme, controlling effluent quality was a challenge and operation costs were high.
In 2014, the Austin engineering team from Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam Inc. (LAN) were contracted to design improvements aimed at relieving these issues. Four targets for improvement were quickly identified: new energy-efficient blowers, a modern aeration control scheme, finer screening at the headworks and a maintenance-friendly air diffusion system. |
The potential of the volume of water passing down the Derwent River for hydro-electricity generation was seen over a century ago. While a few power stations were built in the early decades of the 20th century, with an influx of migrants from war ravaged Europe in the 1940s-50s, the numbers of dams and power stations increased quickly. Overall, many dams and approximately 30 power stations have been built across central Tasmania.
On my way to Lake St Clair, I will reach and walk past each of the following 7 markers along the River:
- Butlers Gorge
One of the Hydro websites provides detailed information about these and others which feed into the Derwent River catchment. In addition, the site includes the diagram below. |
10. Learn-See-Do-Review Cycle (Do loop)
Comparing Shewhart’s scientific learning cycle, Deming’s OPDCA cycle, Simon’s design thinking cycle, Boyd’s OODA cycle, Beck’s Design-Develop-Test-Discover agile software development cycle, and Ries’s Envision-Build-Measure-Learn lean startup cycle, we can see that these are all variations of one general learning and doing foresight cycle, the four-category Learn-See-Do-Review (LSDR) cycle, or Do loop.
This gives us another way to understand the value of the Eight Skills model. In the above models, Learning includes investigating, observing, measuring, and discovering, Seeing includes orienting, envisioning, deciding, designing, and planning, Doing includes acting, developing, and building, and Reviewing includes checking, auditing, testing, and adjusting.
The Do loop is a good shorthand name for all of these cycles, for three reasons. First, it reminds us that better Doing is why foresight exists. Second, it sounds like the OODA loop, which reminds us that a greater cycle speed, efficiency, and a higher number of turns are all competitive advantages. Third, the phrase Do loop is faster and easier to say than all the other decision cycle names above, another way to pay homage to Boyd’s acceleration-aware perspective.
All Do loops are actually perception-decision-action (PDA) cycles, as we will discuss in the next chapter. In foresight practice, our Do loops can have a long time horizon, as with Deming’s uses in process improvement and quality control, where they may include long-term planning, or a very short one, as with OODA or Agile or Lean Startup cycles, where we may be reacting in the moment and making things up on the fly.
Hard as it can be for some foresight practitioners to accept, very short learning cycles are often a much superior form of foresight than many of our more classic long-horizon deliberative models. There are many business situations where the benefits of getting longer views are simply not worth the costs involved.
Sometimes, you need your Do loop to be faster and more efficient than your competitors, not deeper or more accurate. Practitioners must be aware of all the main forms of foresight that work, and be able to use models and frameworks that best fit each context. We’ll unpack the Eight Skills of the Do loop in Chapter 5. It is the most broadly useful adaptive foresight model we know. |
There are basically two processes for creating cast stone. The oldest version is referred to as Wet Casting. This method calls for the construction of a reverse mold of the required unit. This mold is later filled with a wet mix of cement and aggregate and then left to set for a day. Thus, the yield produced by this method is one piece per mold per day.
The second type of casting is called Dry Casting. Dry casting and relies on similar methods as Wet Casting, however, the mix used is made as dry as possible and therefore the mix must be compacted into the mold consistently. The advantage, here, is that the mold can be removed from the casting immediately after the compaction cycle. This allows increased production per day per mold. This process is preferred by cast stone producers because of the increased yield and the limited up front cost of the mold.
Dry casting then requires the newly formed casting to immediately enter a hydration chamber with an ambient temperature in excess of 70 degrees F. This additional step must take place because the dry mix used to start the casting does not contain enough water to facilitate proper hydration of the cement or to start the crystallization/bonding process of the cement to the aggregate.
After the casting has been in the hydration chamber for a day, the units are washed and stacked for storage. The castings must sit undisturbed for a period of at least twenty-eight days to maintain a proper cure cycle and achieve the required 6500 psi compressive strength.
Dry casting produces a unit that cannot include any reinforcing within the casting. This effectively eliminates the ability to use the castings a structural units in the project. It also is a factor in limiting the length of the castings to generally twenty four inches.
Wet casting can include reinforcing. However, the placement of the reinforcing within the casting must be exact and contained well within the unit. Any close proximity to the surface may produce exfoliation of the reinforcing and thus subjecting the casting to failure through internal rupture. |
M&M Pizza Essay
1. What is Capital Structure (CS)?
It is the mix of debt and equity on the balance sheet. The basic capital structure question is: How much debt is right for this company? Contrary to what your momma may have taught you, according to the so-called finance experts too little debt may be just as costly as too much debt, because debt financing is usually the cheapest source. This is why it is often said that debt is a two-edged sword: too much is bad but so is too little.
2. Why is CS important?
It directly impacts the cost of capital and therefore directly affects the value and profitability of the company. For example, at one time Hershey Foods determined that its …show more content…
Management and the board are charged with these important decisions. How they decide differs from firm to firm but in general they use: (1) internal studies and investment bankers to help crunch the WACC formulas, (2) follow the industry average, and/or (3) use their intuition.
7. Is the CS of companies similar within an industry?
Yes. Companies in uncertain or cyclical industries (often with higher betas) need the flexibility that low-debt brings. For example, drug companies might make it big with one product, but they never know when if the next drug will be approved and how it will sell. Companies in more stable industries (with lower betas) are in a better position to carry higher debt, such as cable television. Industries that require a lot of heavy industrial equipment or infrastructure typically need more L/T financing, such as airlines or electrical utilities. On the other hand, industries with little infrastructure usually need little debt, such as computer software companies. 8. What is the Overall Pattern of CS in the U.S.?
Debt/Total Assets is about 60% based on book values, but closer to 30% based on market values.
Recently, long-term financing has come from debt more often than equity, with equity financing actually being negative (more stock repurchased than issued) in some years. However, IPOs have been picking up lately. Overall, companies in the U.S. have not used debt |
Basically the WTD includes rights such as:
· A maximum working week of 48 hours
· A rest period of 11 consecutive hours a day
· A rest break when the day is longer than six hours
· A minimum of one rest day per week
· The statutory right to four weeks' holiday
· Night working must not average out at more than eight hours at a stretch
· Workers will be entitled to a free health check-up before being employed on night work and at regular intervals thereafter
Possible Essay questions on the Working Time Directive:
Discuss the potential costs and benefits of abolishing Working time directive.
Benefits of Working Time Directive.
- Good for workers.
- Could increase productivity, if workers are tired their productivity falls.
- Increases motivation. Some workers feel exploited if they are forced to work long hours.
- Good for safety of workers, especially in industries like driving.
- gives protection to workers working for monopsonies or have no trade union to represent
- Could increase employment. Firm needs 2 workers, rather than 1 worker doing 70 hours.
- Some workers may wish to work longer hours. Prevents workers gaining overtime, an important source of income for some workers.
- Some jobs have variable hours, therefore at critical times it is important to be able to work longer hours if necessary. Some jobs are very seasonal like strawberry pickers.
- Discourage investment. Firms may see the working time directive as an unnecessary burden and indication of lack of flexibility. This may discourage firms from starting up. UK may attract more inward investment if it got rid of working time directive |
Information Updated through April, 2015: CSP project development in Algeria
Most recent project: 2011. Hassi R’Mel, 25 MW ISCC with trough CSP, Abengoa
CSP Potential in Algeria
Key data on Algeria
As of 2014, Algeria’s energy mix is mainly based on natural gas (more than 90%) in terms of power generation. Nevertheless, beyond its natural gas reserves, Algeria has a high potential for renewable energies. In 2011, the Algerian Government set a target of 22 GW of new capacity from renewable energy sources by 2030.
|Installed power capacity (2011)||
|Electricity consumption (2010)||
|Generation from RE sources (2012)||
|Generation from CSP (2012)||
|Primary energy production (2009)||
|Primary energy net export (2009)||
|Total primary energy supply (2009)||
|Total final consumption (2009)||
CSP Potential and Policy Background
Algeria is by far the largest country of the Mediterranean. According to a study of the German Aerospace Agency, Algeria has the largest long term land potential for concentrating solar thermal power plants. For further information about the Algerian power sector and CSP opportunities download the Algeria START Mission Report
The Government of Algeria sees ideal opportunities of combining Algeria’s richest fossil energy source – the natural gas – with Algeria’s most abundant renewable energy source – the sun – by integrating concentrating solar power into natural gas combined cycles.
Incentive premiums for CSP projects are granted within the framework of Algeria’s Decree 04-92 of March 25th, 2004 relating to the costs of diversification of the electricity production. But beyond this Algeria is looking for a close partnership with the European Union so that Algerian plants may help deliver the green energy needed for Europe to meet its targets.
To bring these plans to reality, and to enhance the participation of the private sector – both local and international – in 2002, Sonatrach, Sonelgaz and SIM formed a new renewable energy joint venture company called New Energy Algeria (NEAL) to look at development of solar, wind, biomass, and photovoltaic (PV) energy production.
Algeria’s national renewable energy program is aimed to install 22 GW of renewable energy capacity in Algeria by 2030, of which 12 GW will be intended to meet the domestic electricity demand and, under certain conditions, 10 GW destined for export. It is expected that about 30-40% of the electricity produced for domestic consumption will be from solar energy by 2030.
In 2011, Abengoa commissioned a 150 MW Integrated Solar Combined Cycle (ISCC) power plant, which includes 25 MW of solar capacity. The plant, located in Hassi R’Mel in northern Algeria, is composed of a conventional combined cycle and a solar field with a nominal thermal power of 95 MWth. The goal of this project was to integrate the solar thermal technology in a conventional power plant. This combined use reduces the cost and facilitates the deployment of renewable energies in new industrializing countries.
In 2012, the German Aerospace Center announced the first solar tower power in North Africa in Algeria. A solar-gas hybrid power plant with an output of up to seven megawatts, to be constructed in Boughezoul, on the northern edge of the Sahara desert, would serve primarily as a pilot and research facility.
In 2015, Algerian energy minister Youcef Yousfi unveiled plans for 2 GW of CSP by 2030. |
The Point Lepreau CANDU pressurized heavy water (PHWR) reactor is owned and operated by New Brunswick Power (NB Power). It is a 700 MWe class CANDU 6 reactor with a gross output of 680 MWe, supplying approximately 30 per cent of the province’s electricity.
Point Lepreau was the first CANDU 6 to be licensed for operation, the first to achieve criticality and the first to begin commercial operation. Construction of the Point Lepreau reactor began in January 1975 and was completed in 1981. First power was achieved in September 1982, with the start of commercial operation in February 1983.
New Brunswick Power was the first Canadian utility to sell electricity from a nuclear power plant to the United States, which helped offset the initial capital costs of the plant.
In 1992, NB Power opened its full-scale simulated control centre, which plays a key role in training NB Power station operators, as well as training operators for other CANDU plants.
In 2008, NB Power began an extended outage to retube and refurbish the Point Lepreau reactor, commonly called life extension. During this process all 380 fuel channels and calandria tubes, along with the 760 feeder pipes are replaced, among other maintenance work. The station returned to commercial operation in November 2012 to deliver safe and reliable power to New Brunswick for the next 25 to 30 years.
Major Project Milestones
||Start of Construction |
PDCA is an improvement cycle based on the scientific method of proposing a change in a process, implementing the change, measuring the results, and taking appropriate action. The cycle was devised by J. Edwards Deming in the 1950s
The PDCA cycle has four stages:
|Plan||Determine customer needs
Identify the concern or problem
Set out the working plan
Collect data and study
Seek root causes
Train as necessary
|Do||Implement the improvement|
|Check||Were the objectives met?
Review root causes
Confirm continued improvement
What was learnt?
What could be done better next time?
Is the problem completely solved?
|Act / Adjust||Identify further improvements
Write and adopt new standards
Communicate the requirements
Celebrate & congratulate |
Edited By Corina Daba-Buzoianu, Hasan Arslan and Mehmet Ali Icbay
Differences Between Male and Female Brains and Their Influences on Effective Behaviours in Organisations
Abstract Human interaction is present in all parts of life. Every communication has its purpose which is formed with communication and interaction in organisations and society. Human beings form the foundation of organisations. By forming and providing the continuity of an organisation, humans form the basics of all institutions. The success in organisations is achieved by managers and workers. It has been confirmed that there is an increase in workers’ performance and their respect towards their superiors as the care and interest towards the workers by the administration increases. It’s indicated that successful communication skills play a big role in organisational achievements. The key to organisational achievement lies in effective and positive communication. Our personality, behaviour, emotions, and thoughts are directly controlled by our brains. One must keep in mind that cultural, historical, and biological structures form unity. Althouh female and male brains are different, we mustn’t ignore the fact that female brains can imbody some male characteristics and vice versa.
Keywords: Organisations, effective communication, behaviours, male and female brains.
We spend most of our time at work. In my opinion, to be able to work efficiently, we should be aware of two facts. Firstly, we should follow eight basic disciplines to have healthy communication at work. Secondly, the differences are between male and female brain structures. In organisations that have both male and female personnel, there is a kind of richness which is a path to success. |
Australian designer HY William Chan will present a plastic waste recycling scheme for refugees at the United Nations’ Global Goals Week, as part of the 73rd session of the UN General Assembly, which starts on 18 September in New York City and ends in October.
Co-created with youths at refugee camps in Greece, the project includes upcycling plastic waste material at the camps by refining and converting the it into 3D-printed objects.
Chan’s team has successfully produced 3D printing filament from the waste produced by discarded plastic bottles, which was identified as a serious problem by the inhabitants of the Eleonas and Skaramagas refugee camps in Athens.
The team has also produced an accompanying educational curriculum toolkit, which “assists the beneficiaries in integrating with the host community and in employment opportunities as they develop problem solving, entrepreneurship and digital literacy skills through the program.”
Chan, an urban designer at Cox Architecture, developed the project as part of a fellowship with the World Innovation Summit for Education and drew on past experiences working on sustainability and urban inclusion projects in informal settlements in South Africa, India and Colombia to inform the work. He is also a Rotary Foundation Centennial Scholar and represented Australia as a Young Ambassador during the 25th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.
“By advocating the use of design and emerging technologies, we can inspire and educate refugee communities to be innovative architects of their lives and their environment,” he said.
“We need to design these communities with dignity at the core so that refugee camps become hubs of innovation.”
The project’s development follows the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals on education, innovation, sustainable cities and communities, and responsible consumption and production. |
Learners of MBA degrees examine the hypothesis and the provision of business and administration standards. This sort of study outfits people with information that may be connected to an assortment of true business circumstances. Several school graduates accept that a business degree is obliged to increase passage into MBA programs – truth be told, the name remains for Master of Business Administration. On the other hand, business schools acknowledge people from almost all scholarly foundations. In most of the areas, an MBA degree is needed for the official and senior administration positions. There are a few organizations who won't much think about petitioners unless they have an MBA degree. Individuals who hold MBA degree may find that there are numerous distinctive sorts of job chances that are accessible to them.
You don’t need an undergraduate business degree.
You don't need to have a college degree in business to go to seek after master's level college in the field. Very nearly all majors are of worthy readiness since an MBA is viewed as an expert degree, implying that it is intended to furnish people for more elevated amount positions by concentrating on the pragmatic side of business administration. MBA degrees take an interdisciplinary methodology to instruction, joining different sorts of business courses to help scholars create propelled abilities needed in administrative positions. These degree projects are intended for experts who as of recently have a couple of years of work experience and need to develop their vocations. MBA degrees give understudies an instructive device set that is exceptionally appropriate in practically any vocation they may think about.
In the matter of petitioning an MBA program, there is no single way that decides acknowledgement, and each school has distinctive plans regarding fitting scholarly planning. Least capabilities for understudies applying to MBA projects can differ, yet a four year college education is dependably a necessity for acknowledgement. Business schools look into numerous things in the matter of who fits the bill for enlistment into their MBA programs. Inquirers with a college degree in a business-related field is less averse to have finished the fundamental course requirements than non-business majors, saving them from needing to take extra classes before they can start an MBA program. Such courses may incorporate math, facts, and matters in profit making, money, bookkeeping, showcasing and administration. Essential prerequisites guarantee that learners are enough readied for and control the fundamental business aptitudes important to succeed in an MBA program.
The MBA is frequently alluded to as a standout amongst the most flexible degrees in light of the fact that it could be connected to numerous fields and sought after by individuals with different foundations. Differing qualities are a key normal for MBA person populations. The shifted foundations of MBA degree holders are helpful as every individual offers something else in regards to plans, plans, systems and wanders. So a MBA may be a good fit for you regardless of the fact that you don't have an undergraduate business degree.
Are you ready to pursue your business career? Get information on programs in your area and online using our business degree finder at the top of this page. ↑ |
As wealth isn’t everything, it only leads to attain welfare of human. You always have to be upskilling your wisdom and expertise. Hypnosis skills gives you the ability to adapt certain mental and societal characteristics, to bargain with nearly every situation in which you might locate yourself. Because of this, it is vital to establish good planning practices (like budgeting) for either sort of business.
Philanthropy is the best risk-taking capital. Entrepreneurship isn’t any different. Entrepreneurship is currently a booming sector. Indian entrepreneurship has existed for ages. Entrepreneurship in India is increasing. Entrepreneurship isn’t for everybody, but if you do decide to jump in, be certain you do your homework and take advantage of the tools that is not going to suck you dry to begin. Social entrepreneurship is an extensive area of work that addresses identifying a social issue and then giving it an entrepreneurial solution.
When you’re an entrepreneur, you’re accountable for everything. An entrepreneur is someone who undertakes a job. In the business world he is the one that decides to take on the risk of beginning a new venture. If you’re interested in becoming an entrepreneur, you sometimes take the essential steps to get there. An entrepreneur is someone who practices entrepreneurship. Though some people appear to be natural entrepreneurs, the skills which you need to be a prosperous entrepreneur can be learned.
Creativity is the capacity to develop new ideas, new solutions, and new tactics to form concepts. It is necessary to keep in mind that the passion is an essential facet of your work. When you have the urge to begin your own business, look no more. It can boost customer satisfaction. Self motivation has become the most strenuous part. Influence is vital in organizational and company settings. The important qualities of entrepreneurs which were listed by many commentators incorporate the subsequent.
Vital Pieces of Social Entrepreneurs
Yes, the net is one such spot. Some sites offer communities to construct their very own social media website (i.e. `socialgo’). Blogs are becoming increasingly more popular. Business blogs discover that while they are blogging to generate income, they too must put the need of their readers first prior to attempting any promotional efforts. Nonetheless, Blogger has some huge disadvantages regarding making lucrative blogs.
How to Find Social Entrepreneurs Online
In this last portion of the course students are trained to share their ideas and solution orally in addition to in writing. The University cooperates with different Universities abroad. Because of this it’s a social science.
You’re able to do what you would like, when you need and actually enjoy life every day. It’s quite important that you remember here it will probably not feel much like work whatsoever if you love what it is that you’re doing. Hard work, perseverance, and diligence aren’t enough to be inside this class. The demand for achievement makes the entrepreneur run the ideal way possible for what’s proposed and to reach its objectives. Understanding customers’ needs and the company environment is an immense interface of information.
Foundations can offer employment to adult kids and grandchildren, together with visibility or prestige for individuals involved at elevated levels. The nonprofit organization intends to promote water independence for three million men and women in the subsequent 10 decades. Leadership is a significant part of an organization. So one wants to choose mentors wisely.
Above all, never be scared to go for it, particularly if you believe that it might help you improve in your selected career. By doing this, you’ll be in a position to approach success in your selected career in many unique approaches and from there have the ability to determine which strategy fit your style and characteristics the most. Just because you heard about some fantastic new fangled advertising opportunity that’s going to force you to get wealthy, doesn’t mean you ought to jump in should youn’t have the disposition for it.
You will also wish to determine whether it’s possible to afford paid staff. When you’re an employee, you have a particular quantity of work you’ve to go done. The business focuses on producing solutions with a reduced environmental impact, avoiding the harsh chemicals which are part of several of today’s top cleaning and personal care solutions. It helps businesses to not just manage the present small business requirements but likewise the future ones. It is thus necessary for big company and small on-line entrepreneurs alike to attract and preserve the interest of their site visitors. Planning is crucial to make certain that your foundation starts with a good framework that reflects your targets. It is founded on good planning. |
Generating 60% of our schools’ energy from on-site renewable sources may sound like a great idea, but the figures don’t add up. Bill Watts takes today’s maths class
The government’s proposal for new secondary schools to generate 60% of their energy from on-site renewable sources (10 August, page 13) is admirable, but hopelessly misplaced.
The viable sources of on-site renewable electricity and heat generation for a building in the UK are wind and photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal panels. All three are problematic. The use of solar thermal panels is limited to meeting the hot water load, which accounts for only a small part of total energy demand. The efficacy of a small-scale wind turbine installation is at best unproven, and large wind turbines are difficult to accommodate on all but the most rural sites.
This leaves PV panels to produce electricity. It is true that covering the roof with such panels would provide enough energy to meet the load, but this comes at significant cost. The capital cost of providing 1kWh of electricity per year from a PV panel on a roof is about £6, whereas an on-shore wind farm would produce it for 25p. (Off-shore wind currently costs in the region of 50p, owing to its early stage of development, and the need for grid reinforcement.)
The point is that the money invested in large-scale wind farms would get you 10 to 20 times as much power as the investment in PV panels on your building.
Unless it is grown on the school’s grounds, biomass is not an on-site renewable. It is grown off site and transported in a truck, train or boat and burned on the site. It is not a particularly convenient fuel. These days there is a surfeit of wood in forested areas of the UK, but then they used to say something similar about cod …
As long as we think that on-site renewables can solve our energy problems we will continue to tinker with the issue to little end
Surely then, the government’s money is best spent locally in focusing on reducing energy use and generating what we actually need in the most efficient manner – which is not necessarily on site. Putting money into on-site renewables shifts focus away from energy saving and fosters the misunderstanding that energy provision can be dealt with at a parochial level alone.
To illustrate the point, to meet the government’s 60% target in a 10,000m2 secondary school with a modest annual energy consumption of 100kWh/m2 using true on-site renewables would cost about £3.5m. By contrast, the cost of a portion of a remote, off-site wind farm to deliver 100% of the school’s energy would be £250,000-500,000, potentially leaving change from the government’s £500,000 per school to pay for energy-saving measures in the building itself.
The energy from the wind turbines would feed into, and travel over, the national grid. Some energy (5-10%) may be lost in transmission but with differences in initial capital cost of 1000-2000% I do not see that as an issue. And while a school could purchase a share of the wind farm, why should it? We live in a society and market economy where functions are divided up in an efficient and convenient manner. It is not the school’s job to own part of a wind farm.
As long as we think that on-site renewables can deal with our energy problems, we will continue to tinker with the issue to little end, and waste large sums of money in the process. We, as a society, should be clear in saying that we need renewables to work in the most cost-effective way. For large-scale projects that will make a difference this does require national planning and the design of a workable renewable energy infrastructure; the sort of thing governments do. |
A new generation of biodegradable additives helps tackle paper waste
Even though digitalisation is increasing, the use of paper is still an important part of our everyday life. Therefore, the recycling of waste paper remains crucial for saving raw materials and making paper production more sustainable. Although more than 70% of paper is recycled in Europe, we still have a lot of work to do to close this gap.
The core process of waste paper recycling is called de-inking. De-inking is the industrial process of removing ink from the fibres of the paper. The aim of this process is to preserve as much paper fibre as possible and avoid the environment being polluted by ink.
The de-inking process works thanks to chemical additives that dissolve the ink. A new generation of these additives, such as those produced by the German oleochemicals manufacturer Peter Greven, not only significantly improve the quality of recycled paper but are 100% biodegradable, which means they do not have any adverse effect on the environment.
For more information on the de-inking process please have a look at the Peter Greven website. |
North America contains a huge portion of global hydrocarbons, when unconventionals are taken into account. As the price of oil creeps ever higher over time, engineers and technologists are developing cleaner and more economical ways to utilise unconventional hydrocarbons.
Growth in Unconventional Hydrocarbons
Heavy Oils via Ivanhoe Energy
Canada's economic growth is being driven largely by oil sands. As the importance of this resource is slowly sinking into the thick skulls of Canadian politicians, various Canadian governments are beginning to take a more realistic view of oil sands production.
Both Canada and the US possess huge coal resources. Many different approaches are being considered, in order to use the resource more cleanly and economically, including coal-to-liquids technologies and in situ gasification technologies.
North America's huge oil shale resource will also be exploited eventually, along with oil shales the world over. The global oil shale market is projected to approach US$ 12 billion by 2015.
Gas-to-liquids is another unconventional liquid fuel likely to be scaled up in areas with rich conventional and unconventional gas resources -- such as North America.
OPEC nations control a huge volume of both conventional and unconventional hydrocarbons around the world. But as non-OPEC nations discover how to utilise their unconventional hydrocarbons more efficiently and cleanly, the power of OPEC and the Asian oil dictatorships to hold the world hostage to energy shortages, will diminish.
By. Al Fin |
Business and Management
Submitted By AbhishekKhatpe
Introduction : Strategy and Strategic Management
What is Strategy?
Strategy is a plan, some kind of course of action which is deliberately taken, a protocol or set of protocols, to handle a situation. Strategy has a host of definitions in various fields. In management terms it can be a collective, comprehensive and organised plan.
“Strategy can be seen as a multi-dimensional concept that embraces all of the critical activities of the firm, providing it with a sense of unity, direction and purpose, as well as facilitating the necessary changes induced by its environment”., Hax and Majluf (1991,p.2)
The above definition by the authors proclaims that strategy is multi–dimensional and clings together all the resources and efforts in aiding the firm to bring about changes forced by the environment. Although the statement speaks about strategy being multi-dimensional, it is very general. According to Johnson, Scholes & Whittington (2009:3) Strategy is “the direction and scope of an organisation over the long term, which achieves advantage in a changing environment through its configuration of resources and competences with the aim of fulfilling stakeholder expectations”. The definition above gives a better understanding of the term strategy than the one given Hax and Majluf. The statement by Johnson, Scholes & Whittington (2009:3) accords with the significance of direction and scope of the firm and also that strategy is a long term plan. Consideration is given to the fact of configuration of resources in fluctuating environment for realizing stakeholder expectations and reaching goals. What is Strategic Management?
According to Rue and Holland (1989, p.3), Strategic Management is a process by which the management figures out the long-term scope and performance of the firm by assuring establishment, proper application and constant appraisal of the strategy.…... |
Subsets and Splits