Use of PKS in Circulating Fluidized Bed Power Plants

Palm kernel shells are widely used in fluidized bed combustion-based power plants in Japan and South Korea. The key advantages of fluidized bed combustion (FBC) technology are higher fuel flexibility, high efficiency and relatively low combustion temperature. FBC technology, which can either be bubbling fluidized bed (BFB) or circulating fluidized bed (CFB), is suitable for plant capacities above 20 MW. Palm kernel shells (PKS) is more suitable for CFB-based power plant because its size is less than 4 cm.

palm-kernel-shell-uses

Palm kernel shells is an abundant biomass resource in Southeast Asia

With relatively low operating temperature of around 650 – 900 oC, the ash problem can be minimized. Certain biomass fuels have high ash levels and ash-forming materials that can potentially damage these generating units.

In addition, the fuel cleanliness factor is also important as certain impurities, such as metals, can block the air pores on the perforated plate of FBC unit. It is to be noted that air, especially oxygen, is essential for the biomass combustion process and for keeping the fuel bed in fluidized condition.

The requirements for clean fuel must be met by the provider or seller of the biomass fuel. Usually the purchasers require an acceptable amount of impurities (contaminants) of less than 1%. Cleaning of PKS is done by sifting (screening) which may either be manual or mechanical.

In addition to PKS, biomass pellets from agricultural wastes or agro-industrial wastes, such as EFB pellets which have a high ash content and low melting point, can also be used in CFB-based power plants. More specifically, CFBs are more efficient and emit less flue gas than BFBs.

The disadvantages of CFB power plant is the high concentration of the flue gas which demands high degree of efficiency of the dust precipitator and the boiler cleaning system. In addition, the bed material is lost alongwith ash and has to be replenished regularly.

A large-scale biomass power plant in Japan

The commonly used bed materials are silica sand and dolomite. To reduce operating costs, bed material is usually reused after separation of ash. The technique is that the ash mixture is separated from a large size material with fine particles and silica sand in a water classifier. Next the fine material is returned to the bed.

Currently power plants in Japan that have an efficiency of more than 41% are only based on ultra supercritical pulverized coal. Modification of power plants can also be done to improve the efficiency, which require more investments. The existing CFB power plants are driving up the need to use more and more PKS in Japan for biomass power generation without significant plant modifications.

How Cash for Car Service is Recycling Old Vehicles?

Is your car damaged beyond repair and occupying the space in the garage or backyard? Removal the old or damaged car for free while getting paid cash in exchange is now a reality. Whether you want to upgrade your old car or create space for a new car, car removal services help with excellent disposal service teamed with usable parts recycling.

The scrap car removal services help transport and remove vehicles from your compound and pay immediate cash for it. Ever wondered how the service works and what the removal services exactly do with the cars? Read on how the scrap dealers successfully provide cash for cars in Wellington and buy all types of car models.

removal and recycling of old vehicles

Advanced technology used for recycling vehicles

Recycling is an effective way to contribute to adopting sustainable and environment-friendly practices. With the get cash for cars Wellington offers, the scrap dealers or car removal services buy cars in any condition with the motive of recycling. The car body or metal is recycled for the production of metal sheets. The usable spare parts or OEM components are refurbished, quality-checked, and used for replacing faulty parts. However, the companies use an array of innovative technology for successful recycling:

  • The electronic scales are primarily used for measuring vehicle weight. The vehicle is weighed to estimate and provide a fair quote to the seller. Based on weight, cash is paid for purchasing the vehicle.
  • Management software for keeping track of purchased vehicles, recycling progress, sales process, and managing incoming or outgoing vehicles is important. With multiple purchases on a single day, the software helps in easy documentation and precise access to data.
  • Recycling facilities or technology is a boon for recycling vehicle parts or bodies. Most car removal services either have their recycling facility or dismantle the parts to send to a recycling facility.

Removal and recycling of a range of vehicles

Most people want to sell their car to a removal service because it is unusable or an old model. The removal services have no criteria for purchasing the cars, but professionals do a careful inspection to quote the cash to be received by the seller. Most car scrap or removal dealers deal with the following types of cars:

  • Junk cars are quite old and might break down anytime or already have broken down. This is a win-win situation as the seller gets instant cash, and dealers recycle the parts.
  • The scrap dealers pick up the damaged vehicles. If the car is lying in your garage or yard and is beyond repair because of an accident, it’s best to get it towed and send it to a junkyard.
  • Old cars are not fuel-efficient, decreased mileage, and are known for toxic emissions. The car removal service helps remove the old car, makes space for a new car, and gives you some quick cash. The completely useless scrap cars are also purchased for recycling the metal.

old car disposal

How to get hold of the right car removal service?

When selling your car to a scrap dealer, connecting with only reputed dealers that offer a fair price is crucial. Once you have decided to get rid of the vehicle, connect with the removal service and request a pickup. A team of experts inspect the vehicle to give the cash quote. Once the agreement is done, the vehicle is transported, and the company manages all the logistics. After inspection and valuation, the car removal company pay in cash.

If you want to get rid of your junk or damaged car, it is time to contact a removal service and get free pickup of the vehicle. Not only that but the vehicle is also inspected and fairly valued for handing over instant cash for the car.

6 Best Alternatives for Plastic Wrapping and Packaging

There’s no denying that plastic wrap has been a convenient product in most households for many years. However, as most waste disposal companies will tell you, its convenience is only for you – not the environment. It stops your sandwiches from going stale, but it also takes centuries to break down. Your one sandwich wrapper could be responsible for killing a myriad of animals while it sits there waiting to lose its structural integrity. Fortunately, there is a better way.

Read on to discover many eco-friendly wrapping and packaging materials that could end up being better for the environment. Thanks to modern delivery services like healthy food delivery in Miami Dade we’re able to get meals wrapped in sustainable packages.

1. Glass Containers

One of the many reasons why people want to make the switch from plastic is because it can take centuries to break down. However, so does glass, so why use it? Unlike plastic which tends to lean toward being a single-use product, glass is something you can have forever. It’s one of the longest-lasting materials and will prove to offer no end of convenience.

In most cases, you can use glass containers in your fridge, freezer, microwave, and even oven. You couldn’t do that with most plastic products. Glass containers are also an excellent alternative for plastic in almost every way. You can put your unwrapped sandwiches in them and seal the lid shut. You can also put leftover dinner into them for reheating later.

Glass containers are even something you can take to the grocery store. Instead of a supermarket filling a plastic container with their deli items or bulk groceries, you can fill your glass jars. One product can end up having many uses, saving thousands of plastic wrap rolls and containers from requiring waste disposal.

2. Mason Jars

Mason jars have been around since the 1850s, but it’s only in recent years there has been a resurgence in their use. As consumers come to realize that plastic is not environmentally-friendly, they are starting to use sealable mason jars that serve a whole variety of purposes. Cafes are using them for beverages, and you can even use them for serving at home. What’s more, there’s nothing wrong with using them for produce, soup, grains, and more. Move aside plastic; there’s a new player in town.

3. Parchment Paper

If you are trying to minimize how much rubbish you send away to catering bins, then consider swapping your cling film for parchment paper. Wax or parchment paper is an excellent alternative, while also breaking down far quicker than plastic wrap. It will still keep your sandwiches fresh, but with a much less detrimental impact on the environment.

4. Bees Wrap

Bees wrap is a relatively new product to hit the market, but it’s already making waves. It consists of cotton muslin cloth dipped in beeswax, tree resin, and jojoba oil. When you heat them with your hands, you’re able to seal food within. Both the jojoba oil and beeswax are also antibacterial which can offer exceptional benefits with preservation.

When you have eaten your sandwich, you don’t need to worry about impacting waste disposal. You can clean the wraps and reuse them.

5. Cardboard

Many countries around the world have banned single-use plastic bags, with New Zealand the latest nation to join the movement. It will only be a matter of time before waste disposal businesses notice the dramatic impact in plastic waste. That’s a good thing – but how will people package their goods, or carry their groceries? Cardboard is about to become far more popular than it is now.

Instead of packaging your items in plastic, you can store them neatly in cardboard boxes. They break down into the environment, are effortless to stack, and you can use them more than once.

6. Go Nude

For the sake of waste disposal, why not consider going nude? We don’t mean take all your clothes off, but why not avoid packaging altogether? Grocery stores are not making this process easy with the number of plastic-wrapped items they have, but you can be more conscientious about the purchasing decisions you make.

Put your vegetables and fruit in cloth bags and your loose bulk bin items into glass jars. Instead of buying pasta, rice, and other ingredients in plastic packets, buy them from bulk stores that encourage you to bring containers to put them in. If you can’t seem to avoid plastic, then draw up a meal plan that differs from what you usually do. You can then make an effort to eat food that will not arrive in packaging.

Conclusion

People used to cope without plastic for packaging and wrapping, and they can do so again. Think of the effects of waste disposal and how you can stop your contribution to the growing problem. Use glass jars and containers, buy ingredients in bulk, and stop using plastic wrap for your sandwiches. These might seem like small changes, but when 7.7 billion people follow suit, we can make a significant difference.

How To Write a Good Research Question?

An excellent research question is crucial to guide your dissertation, research paper, or thesis. It shows writers what they want to research and gives their work a clear purpose and focus. Research questions should be researchable, complex, focused, relevant, specific, and feasible.

You’ll usually write one research question to guide your thinking and reading in an essay or paper. The exciting answer you come up with becomes the thesis statement – the position or central assertion the piece will argue for.

tips to write a good research question

For more significant tasks, you might need several research questions, such as a dissertation or thesis. However, they should all be related, focused, and connected around the main research question. We’ve discussed everything you need to know in this article.

Sometimes it’s challenging to get into the writing spirit and develop effective research questions or interesting topics for your study paper. There are many reasons you might struggle to produce good research questions for an essay. The good thing is writing services such as do my research paper can help when you are stuck. Customer reviews suggest that these companies are good at writing about different topics. The process of hiring is easy. You only need to send instructions, choose a writer, deposit payment and revise the paper.

What is a research question?

A research question is a question around which writers center their research. It should be:

  • Focused – It should be narrow enough that you can answer it thoroughly in the space the enjoyable task allows.
  • Clear – It offers sufficient specifics so your audience can quickly grasp its purposes without needing more explanation.
  • Complex – It should not be answerable with a simple “no” or “yes” but should have analysis and synthesis of sources and ideas before you compose an answer.
  • Concise – You need to express it in the fewest words possible.
  • Arguable – The possible answers can elicit debates instead of accepted facts.

Writers need to write a research question about a topic they’re passionate about or/and curious about. The types of research questions you ask should be created for the area of study. For example, a question that is good for Physics differs from a good one in Sociology or Political Science. If you’re creating your query for a course other than 1st-year composition, discussing your ideas with your lecturer might be wise.

Tips for Writing a Research Question

When writing your paper, there are specific characteristics that it should have. We’ve listed them below:

  1. Be specific and give details to help your readers understand your purpose without struggling.
  2. Always focus on its scope. It would be best if you narrowed it enough to ensure that it fits in the space provided in the paper.
  3. Be concise and relevant in a way you can express the main ideas in the fewest words possible.
  4. Be testable or arguable so that answers to your chosen question are open to counterarguments, scrutiny, and specific queries.

Some of these features might be hard to grasp in the list form. Our experts have gotten into more detail about what a compelling research question needs to have.

The Research Question Should Be Specific and Focused

It’s hard to address queries that are too broad in one study. One reason for this is there are multiple variables or factors to consider. Additionally, a large sample information set or a long timeline might suggest that your question lacks enough focus.

When your question is specific, it means that the collective observations and data combine to deny or confirm the chosen hypothesis understandably. If the query is vague, the information might create an alternate theory or research problem you failed to address in your Introduction.

Consider Your Audience

The most crucial characteristic of composing a great research question is to figure out if there is an audience who wants to know the answer to the question you’re proposing. Additionally, knowing your audience will help you refine the paper and focus on features that relate to specific groups.

Conduct Preliminary Research

Before writing your query, it’s wise to study several reliable academic sources. Limit the studying to recently published materials and several influential tasks on the subject. The aim is for the writers to familiarize themselves with the central debates in academic writing.

Note that reading to create research questions differs from studying to develop an answer to them. Focus on the main arguments and ideas because these are mainly found in your introduction and conclusion. You don’t have to read each word and write down many notes because there is a high possibility, you’ll get back to the text later.

ecology research paper

Research Question Examples

Below are several examples of questions examples that can inspire you to create your own:

  1. What are the effects of playing video games daily on the engagement levels of teenagers aged below 16 years?
  2. What educational techniques help encourage good driving among young people?
  3. How does playing sports help in focusing on your studies?
  4. How does living with grandchildren enhance the quality of life for older people?
  5. What factors affect human’s beliefs in religion?
  6. What teaching methods can tutors use to engage learners in an online classroom?
  7. What features make a grocery store simple for buyers to navigate?
  8. How does banning smartphones in school help encourage socialization in teenagers?
  9. How have increased streaming services transformed how people watch sports and TV shows?
  10. How do working night shifts affect a parent’s and child’s relationship?
  11. What factors have inspired more suppliers to provide eco-friendly packaging for their deliveries?
  12. How can playing video games enhance creativity in kids?

Wrap-up

Questions lead us to answers. On the other hand, research is the process of looking for answers. The questions don’t need to be vague if you want to attract an audience. They should be focused so that they can define the research. Because of this, it’s always good to ask an appropriate question for it to become an essential topic of discussion.

A research question that begins well should have a good research question. It creates a good direction for investigation and offers a precise aim to focus on. Understanding a significant research question’s features will help generate new ideas and enhance your research methods.

Data Science – A Revelation of the Modern Digital Era

Data is transpiring today in large quantities because of the modern equipment, so what is happening with the old data? Why is the old data so important? What can the old data tell us? Globalization is the means of connecting and desegregating people, businesses, and government authorities all across the globe. Owing to the internet and social media the world has become complicated with the overload of information that means more and more piles of data are added to the large volumes of already existing data.

New technologies continue to present a new amount of uncertainties and possibilities for the world. The possibility of billions of people connected by the internet and their mobile devices, with an exceptional path to knowledge is infinite. These possibilities are aggregated by developing technology inventions in fields such as artificial intelligence, business analytics, data analytics, data science, robotics, autonomous transportation, 3-D printing, nanotechnology, and quantum computing.

Every time we use our search engines or our social media platforms to interact or to share pictures digitally, we add more to the pile of data which already exists in a large volume. As the amount of data generation grew, the need to monitor or collect or prepare this data also grew. These became some of the main difficulties and concerns for enterprise industries until the year 2010. Since there’s been a lot of hype about data storing and processing, a new door was opened to a broad field which came into existence as “Data Science”.

What is Data Science?

Data science does not mean the invention of complicated models or making awesome visualizations or writing data codes. Data Science means the usage of data to generate as much influence as plausible for an organization. This influence can be created in the form of multiple things – it could be in the form of insights, in the form of data merchandise, or the form of the product references for an organization. To perform such tasks, you require complicated models, data visualizations or code generators.

Before data science, the term data mining was quite popular. It was then defined as the overall method of identifying valuable information from data. Data science was brought to another level in the 2000s, it was done by combining computer science with data mining. This led to the birth of social media platforms and websites, which additionally contributed to Big data. Technologies and tools like MapReduce, Hadoop, and Spark were launched to extract valuable information from big data. https://diggitymarketing.com/white-hat-seo-techniques/ has a comprehensive guide on white hat SEO techniques with a focus on structured data.

So the rise in big data spiked the rise in data science to support the requirements of businesses to extract insights from their huge unorganized data sets. By this time, the journal of data science defined data as everything that is related to gathering, analyzing and modeling all types of applications. With the abundance of data and the birth of data science, it became possible to instruct machines with a data-driven approach. For example, Hosting Foundry collect and present the relevant data to help people looking for the best hosting providers.

Let us look at various positions that are required to be filled in the field of administration, processing, and fulfilling of big data science. These positions include:

  • Data Engineers – these are the people who build and manage data gathering processes. They should be well aware of things such as Aforge.net, Java, and Scikit-learn.
  • Software Engineers – these are the people who understand what kind of data requires to be examined and develop the software to suit the industry. They should be well aware of things such as Java, SQL, and Python.
  • Artificial Intelligence Hardware Specialists – these are the people who understand the AI and what knowledge should be searched for in the pile of data sets. They should be well aware of things like Python, Java, and machine learning.

Role of a Data Scientist

Typically, as a data scientist, it’s your job to solve real company issues by gathering data. It doesn’t matter to the organization which kind of tools you use to complete your tasks. Their main goal is to understand their customers well and to deliver excellent results. Being a good data scientist doesn’t mean how advanced your tools are, it means the amount of impact that you can produce with your work.

A data scientist is not a data cruncher, he/she is a problem solver and strategist who are hired by companies to solve their most enigmatic and troublesome problems. They are expected to guide the company in the right direction.

The Need for Data Science

The first question that comes to the mind is what is the need to collect so much raw data and then extract information from it. So, let us learn why we need Data Science and why it is important. There is a cumbersome burst of raw data happening around us and all of it is not inappropriate. We can organize this raw data to make decision making easier.

Businesses can use this raw data to derive meaningful insights. It can help them to know their customers better and to enhance their overall performance in the market. As the saying goes “Data is to products what electricity is to gadgets.”

Data Science VS Big Data VS Data Analytics

Data Science means using various tools and algorithms to extract valuable information from raw data. This raw data is drawn from different channels and platforms like cell phones, search engines, surveys, e-commerce sites, and social media. This field is related to the cleansing of data and then preparing and analyzing it. Data science is used in industries like internet searches, digital advertisements and search recommendations.

A huge amount of data is available to the world in the form of structured and unstructured sets, which is termed as Big Data. It means analyzing large sets of extreme data computationally to understand the patterns and trends of today’s civilization. This helps organizations to extract essential information from their data to discover and develop, which makes data a valuable asset for organizations. This helps in understanding human behavior which in turn helps businesses to understand their customers better. Big Data is applied in industries with financial services, communication and retail services or outlets. 

Data Analytics courses is the process of revealing hidden patterns and associations, latest business trends, customer preferences, and structured and unstructured data forms. Data analytics can be utilized in healthcare, travel and gaming industries. It helps in boosting the complete performance of the business by refining the financial processes. This increases the visibility of a brand and provides insights into it.

Data Science Courses and Eligibility

More and more companies are now realizing the importance of having an expert on board to analyze their company’s data. So, what are the requirements to become a data scientist? A career in data science requires an understanding of mathematics and statistics. There are many ways to become a data scientist. The most common way is doing a bachelor’s degree in IT, Computer Science, Math, Physics or another related field and then applying for a Data Science certification program through a proctored exam.

If you want to specialize in a particular branch or domain then you can also opt for Data Science online training programs. Students gain practical skills and are given hands-on experiences with the help of assignments and programs. Students in data science courses are taught how to collect, interpret and analyze the data, which could help organizations all over the world to make intelligent decision making. They should have effective communication skills as well as high-level analytical thinking.

Why you should become a Data Scientist?

According to studies, there will be a requirement of more than 2.7 million data scientist job openings by the year 2020. In today’s job market, there is a lot of excitement and hype around the role of data scientists and why shouldn’t it be? It is a profitable job that ensures your security in terms of money. Apart from its economic benefits, it is also a discipline that affects our everyday lives in some way or the other.

Data science plays a unique role in improving the lives of people. It has the ability to set a course of an entire business just by analyzing the data that the company has been producing for years. It helps in detecting frauds in the banking sector by analyzing the data of financial institutions. The objective of data science is based more on scientific analysis rather than the notions and experience of just one individual.

Believe it or not, Data Science also helps in solving social problems. It will help you to bring a positive revolution in the country. Big companies like Google, LinkedIn and Amazon to small retail stores – all are looking for experts to analyze their raw data to useful information. The job of a Data Scientist has grown into the most demanding and flexible profession now.

Summary

Despite a growing interest in the field of data science, there is an acute shortage of skilled professionals with good professional skills. Organizations are in dire need of data scientists who can use the collected data to choose the most intelligent business path, dynamic processes, advanced product marketing, a better understanding of the opponent and all this turns into satisfying customer assistance.

5 Small Things You Can Do To Help The Environment

It’s no secret that the world is in trouble. We see the effects of climate change all around us, and it’s clear that something needs to be done. But what can we do? It seems like such a daunting task, especially when we feel so powerless.

But there are things we can do. Small things, everyday things. Things might not seem like they’ll make a big difference, but when added up they can make a real impact. Here are five small things you can do every day to help the environment and fight climate change.

small things to help the environment

1. Use a reusable water bottle

Saving water is not only good for the environment, but it can also save you money. When you use a reusable water bottle, you don’t have to buy bottled water anymore. This is good for the environment because it reduces the number of plastic bottles that end up in landfills. It’s also good for your wallet because you’ll save money on water bills.

There are many different types of reusable water bottles available, so you can find one that suits your needs. Some bottles come with filters, so you can drink clean water even if you’re not near a source of fresh water. Others have special features like insulation, so you can keep your water cold for longer.

No matter which type of reusable water bottle you choose, you’ll be making a positive impact on the environment and your wallet. So start using a reusable water bottle today!

2. Use a cloth napkin instead of disposable ones

Disposable napkins or paper towels can create a lot of waste. Bringing your own cloth napkin or towel is a great way to avoid creating unnecessary waste. Not only will you be helping the environment, but you’ll also save money in the long run!

Disposable napkins may seem like a convenient way to avoid getting your hands dirty, but they can actually be quite damaging to the environment.

For starters, they require a lot of resources to produce and often end up in landfills where they take centuries to decompose. Additionally, using disposable napkins contributes to the problem of microplastics – tiny pieces of plastic that are polluting our oceans and waterways. By bringing your own cloth napkin or towel, you can help reduce the number of disposable napkins that are used each day.

2. Bring your own utensils to avoid using disposable ones

It is no secret that our world is facing an environmental crisis. With the human population booming and more people than ever before living in cities, the amount of waste we produce is unsustainable.

One way to help reduce our impact on the planet is to stop using disposable napkins and paper towels. By bringing your own utensils, you can avoid using these items altogether.

Not only will this save you money in the long run, but it will also help reduce the amount of waste produced each year.

Think about it – if every person in America stopped using disposable napkins and paper towels, we could potentially save millions of trees! And that’s just one small change we can make to help the environment.

So next time you’re packing your lunch or headed out to a picnic, remember to bring along a cloth napkin or towel. It’s a simple way to save money and help the planet at the same time!

4. Buy in bulk to reduce packaging waste

Americans discard more than 33 million tons of plastic each year, most of which is not recycled. This amounts to about 120 pounds of plastic per person.

packaging waste

Packaging that adorns your product can have serious environmental impact.

If we want to make a real dent in this problem, we need to start making changes at the individual level. One way to do that is by buying our groceries in bulk.

When you buy in bulk, you reduce the amount of packaging waste produced. And since most bulk items are packaged in recyclable or reusable containers, you can further reduce your impact by recycling or reusing those containers.

You should also consider the differences between compostable & biodegradable packaging. Buying in bulk will help you make a larger impact.

Buying in bulk is also a great way to save money. By buying larger quantities of items, you can often get them at a discounted price. So not only are you helping the environment, but you’re also saving yourself some cash!

The next time you’re at the grocery store, try buying some of your favorite items in bulk. You may be surprised at how much money you can save – and how much less waste you produce.

5. Educate yourself and others about environmental issues

In order to make a real difference in the amount of waste we produce as a society, it’s important that we start taking small steps at the individual level. One way to do this is by educating ourselves and others about environmental issues and ways to help the planet.

top environmental quotes

If every person in America became more environmentally conscious, we could make a real difference in the amount of waste we produce each year. And that’s just one tiny step in the right direction!

There are many ways we can help the environment, and it’s important that we educate ourselves on as many of them as possible. By doing this, we can start making small changes in our own lives that will have a big impact down the road.

So if you’re passionate about helping the environment, don’t be afraid to spread the word! Talk to your friends and family about the issues, and share articles and videos you come across online. The more people who know about these issues, the more likely we are to see change.

Conclusion

Every little bit counts when it comes to helping the environment, and by making small changes in our everyday lives we can collectively make a big impact. If you’re looking for ways to reduce your environmental footprint, start with some of the tips we’ve shared in this article. And don’t forget to spread the word!

Talk to your friends and family about environmental issues and ways they can help make a difference. Together, we can make the world a cleaner and more sustainable place for future generations.

5 Tips to Grow Your Construction Business

Construction is undoubtedly a profitable industry to be involved in. With high demand and a constant need, you have the potential to achieve great success. However, with desire comes competition. To secure regular jobs, you need to find ways to stand out from the crowd. Otherwise, you may find it harder to expand to new markets.

Below we will talk about five tips you can follow to grow your construction business.

Are you interested in learning more? Then keep on reading.

how to grow your construction business

1. Be organized

As you may already be aware, a lot of paperwork is involved in running a construction business. From bidding documents to staff qualifications, you’ll need to have everything readily available to complete work as efficiently as possible.

Office management tips can help with this, but looking into great software is also a good idea. The more tools you have, the easier it will be to stay on top of everything.

2. Discover your niche

There are many different types of construction, and while you may cover various aspects, having one niche is essential. You can grow your customer base by focusing on one specialty rather than multiple.

This is because you’ll be able to streamline your workflow and improve overall productivity. In addition, everyone will know their specific role within your company.

If you’re struggling to find your niche, try to:

  • Narrow down your best specialty.
  • Evaluate your current and previous customers.
  • Consider factors such as cost, location, and available equipment.

3. Hire the right team

When it comes to running a business, employee retention is critical. You won’t be able to build an excellent reputation if you are constantly accepting resignations or firing staff.

Instead, aim to hire experienced and dependable individuals so your team can flourish. But, of course, you should also focus on creating excellent company culture too. The right benefits can prove highly desirable.

4. Prioritize marketing

Marketing for construction industry is a little different than regular retail. You may not be able to join in on trending topics, but there are still ways that you can promote your business.

Naturally, this can be a little bit tricky to navigate if marketing doesn’t come naturally, and it can almost become a full-time occupation.  As you’re probably well aware as a busy electrician digital marketing isn’t a top priority, fortunately there are some affordable options for outsourcing that area of expertise.

If you’re having trouble, make sure that you consider the niche you decided upon as well as your target audience. You can find some other great marketing advice here.

construction-waste

5. Make smart investments

Finally, the last tip to follow is to ensure you make smart investments. You won’t be able to move forward if you are using outdated tools. Old equipment will only last so long.

Just remember to be careful with your decisions. On the one hand, hiring latest equipment from other companies can be more expensive, but on the other, you don’t want to waste money on things you don’t regularly need.

Final words

As you can see, growing your construction business will not be easy, but it is possible. You just need to stay organized, have a great plan, and most importantly, be patient. All of your hard work will pay off – it just takes time and dedication.

Biofuels from Lignocellulosic Biomass

Lignocellulosic biomass consists of a variety of materials with distinctive physical and chemical characteristics. It is the non-starch based fibrous part of plant material.

Lignocellulose is a generic term for describing the main constituents in most plants, namely cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignin. Lignocellulose is a complex matrix, comprising many different polysaccharides, phenolic polymers and proteins. Cellulose, the major component of cell walls of land plants, is a glucan polysaccharide containing large reservoirs of energy that provide real potential for conversion into biofuels.

Straw_Bales

First-generation biofuels (produced primarily from food crops such as grains, sugar beet and oil seeds) are limited in their ability to achieve targets for oil-product substitution, climate change mitigation, and economic growth. Their sustainable production is under scanner, as is the possibility of creating undue competition for land and water used for food and fibre production.

The cumulative impacts of these concerns have increased the interest in developing biofuels produced from non-food biomass. Feedstocks from lignocellulosic materials include cereal straw, bagasse, forest residues, and purpose-grown energy crops such as vegetative grasses and short rotation forests. These second-generation biofuels could avoid many of the concerns facing first-generation biofuels and potentially offer greater cost reduction potential in the longer term.

The largest potential feedstock for biofuels is lignocellulosic biomass, which includes materials such as agricultural residues (corn stover, crop straws and bagasse), herbaceous crops (alfalfa, switchgrass), short rotation woody crops, forestry residues, waste paper and other wastes (municipal and industrial). Bioethanol production from these feedstocks could be an attractive alternative for disposal of these residues.

Importantlylignocellulosic biomass resources do not interfere with food security. Moreover, bioethanol is very important for both rural and urban areas in terms of energy security reason, environmental concern, employment opportunities, agricultural development, foreign exchange saving, socioeconomic issues etc.

Lignocellulosic biomass consists mainly of lignin and the polysaccharides cellulose and hemicellulose. Compared with the production of ethanol from first-generation feedstocks, the use of lignocellulosic biomass is more complicated because the polysaccharides are more stable and the pentose sugars are not readily fermentable by Saccharomyces cerevisiae. 

In order to convert lignocellulosic biomass to biofuels the polysaccharides must first be hydrolysed, or broken down, into simple sugars using either acid or enzymes. Several biotechnology-based approaches are being used to overcome such problems, including the development of strains of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that can ferment pentose sugars, the use of alternative yeast species that naturally ferment pentose sugars, and the engineering of enzymes that are able to break down cellulose and hemicellulose into simple sugars.

Lignocellulosic biomass processing pilot plants have been established in the EU, in Denmark, Spain and Sweden. The world’s largest demonstration facility of lignocellulose ethanol (from wheat, barley straw and corn stover), with a capacity of 2.5 Ml, was first established by Iogen Corporation in Ottawa, Canada. Many other processing facilities are now in operation or planning throughout the world.

Economically, lignocellulosic biomass has an advantage over other agriculturally important biofuels feedstock such as corn starch, soybeans, and sugar cane, because it can be produced quickly and at significantly lower cost than food crops.

Lignocellulosic biomass is an important component of the major food crops; it is the non-edible portion of the plant, which is currently underutilized, but could be used for biofuel production. In short, biofuels from lignocellulosic biomass holds the key to supplying society’s basic needs without impacting the nation’s food supply.

CSA Farm: What You Need to Know

In recent years more and more people are getting behind local shopping and local eating. As a result, we see more farmers’ markets popping up to help those trying to shop locally. CSA is the modern-day savior of the industry for anyone who grew up on a farm or cared about the farming industry.

But many of us are still unfamiliar with precisely what CSA Farming is and how it can benefit farmers and our communities as a whole. So let this be your introduction to the concept.

pros and cons of a CSA farm

What is a CSA Farm?

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. The United States Department of Agriculture (U.S.D.A) refers to CSA as a local community’s pledge to support a local farm.

The most traditional practice that a CSA farm will have is members buying a share of the production well before the crop season begins. Then, once harvesting seasons start, that farmer or member can pick up their bounty and resell their crop at a better price.

While this was the original way to do this, many CSA’s have taken their own rules and structure as they continue to get more popular.

The farm belongs to the community, in other words. The practice of Community Supported Agriculture came from its original creators across the Atlantic. But in 1986, The Indian Line Farm in Massachusetts and Temple-Wilton Farm in New Hampshire adopted the policies.

Cons to CSA Farms

CSA Farms are significant in terms of what they do to support the environment, farm-to-table eating, and the farm itself. But as with anything, there are some drawbacks to consider.

  1. You are committed, which we will stress throughout the article. This means that if the tomatoes go wrong, these are your tomatoes and your loss. That’s why choosing a farm can be an essential process.
  2. You get to eat seasons, but you also have limited options at certain times because of this. So the idea is to eliminate the middleman that is transported.
  3. While it teaches you not to waste food, if you do so, this is your loss. Once you purchase a certain amount, this is what you are committed to. It guarantees that it all gets picked up. Or at the very least it guarantees that the farmer gets paid.

So How Do CSA Farms Benefit Farmers?

CSA’s absolutely benefit farmers, but they aren’t the only ones who get to take advantage of a CSA. Since CSA’s are community-led, both the eater and the farmer will take the same benefits as they do the same risks.

In addition, there is a financial security element for farmers as the farming industry generally weighs risk when crops don’t turn out right, natural disasters strike, etc., which can ruin their livelihood and earnings.

Let’s Address Some of the Main Benefits 

Here are some more direct benefits you can count on when you join a CSA farm share.

  • Since the local community is directly involved in the crop, there is much more transparency in the food process. In addition, CSAs are a direct connection from consumer to producer, which means less food gets wasted.
  • Eating seasonally becomes an option as the gap between farm to plate closes. This is usually a costly option but with a member-price led CSA, this becomes more of an affordable opportunity rather than a trend.
  • This is an incredibly environmentally friendly approach to farming thanks to less waste. In recent times we have seen many of the CSA farms take into consideration other efficient farming methods such as use of hydroponic farming especially in the region experiencing freezing winters making traditional outdoor work impossible for almost 5-6 months. The farmers found a way to extend their growing season by adding indoor hydroponic container systems to their existing CSA farms through such container farm procedures – something to keep an eye from a long term impact purpose. 
  • CSA farming introduces tight-knit communities and social activities within a community that offers a positive effect and outreach. It’s a hands-on type of experience with what you put on your plate.

These are just a few main benefits, but many more can be found once you join a specific community with its own set of guidelines.

What is the difference between a CSA and a Farmer’s Market?

Many people confuse CSAs for Farmers Markets. Farmer’s markets and CSAs have a lot of similarities in the types of groups they serve. However, they are different in their ways of operation. The easiest way to understand the difference is to put them side by side.

A farmer’s market and a CSA both bring local communities together, but they do it in different ways.

  1. A farmer’s market brings together individual business owners and farmers to sell their products just as they would at a grocery store. A CSA brings locals together to work on one farm and share the produce through a different buying method.
  2. You can go in and get just what you need at a farmer’s market. However, you are more committed to purchasing a half or quarter share of the produce at a CSA. Sometimes smaller amounts are offered since this is a lot of food.

In general, CSAs are the next big step to being environmentally friendly, supporting farm culture, and living sustainably.

How to Find a Local CSA Farm

For those who love the idea, the next step would be finding a local CSA farm that you can be a part of. Luckily, the process of finding a farm share isn’t too tricky. The CSA directory has a list of farm shares where you can search by what you are looking for, the area you are looking in, and you can even look at other categories like farmer’s markets, food hubs, and so much more.

If you also want to find good local CSAs, search for farming blogs that cover topics like CSAs and farmer’s markets to get the full low down on a specific CSA. You can also learn more about trending practices within these communities.

Should You Join a Local CSA?

CSAs are not for everyone but everyone; it doesn’t take long to get used to the standards. However, it allows them to not only share their love for farming but also participate in healthy habits and behaviors. This provides you with a farm-fresh feel without the expensive costs.

Even some of the drawbacks of a CSA have positive effects. For example, while you are committed to a reasonable sum of produce that is seasonal, it teaches you and your loved ones not to be wasteful with that food. Bring on the kale! And while it may be upsetting to have a bad batch of crops you invested in, you are supporting and protecting local farms and food that may go out of business without this type of investment plan.

This allows everyone to have access to healthy food while positively impacting the environment.

8 Essential Tools For Weather Risk Management

Weather risks include extreme temperatures, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, droughts, and other natural disasters. The cost of these events can be devastating for both households and businesses.

But with strategic planning and early preparation, you can reduce the risk of weather-related losses. It all starts with a solid understanding of essential weather risk management tools.

This article will help you better understand the various weather risk management tools and their uses.

Tools For Weather Risk Management

What is Weather Risk Management?

Weather Risk Management (WRM) is an umbrella term that refers to any combination of strategies used to protect against the impact of weather on business operations. WRM includes everything from developing contingency plans to managing customer expectations.

The key to successful WRM is understanding how weather impacts businesses and what steps can be taken to mitigate those effects. For example, if you’re in the logistics business, you need to know about the most common weather hazards and how they could impact your customers. If you own or manage real estate, you should know about the potential damage caused by flooding and the best ways to prepare for such events.

Why is Weather Risk Management Important?

In today’s world, extreme weather events have become more frequent and severe. The impact on human lives and property has been significant. According to the Insurance Information Institute, weather-related claims hit USD$42 billion in just the first half of 2021.

Climate change is a leading cause of these extreme weather events, and different tools, such as weather sensors, would be required to monitor the changes in climate patterns. There are many reasons why weather risk management is important. Some of them are listed below:

  • To protect against life & property loss
  • To improve business continuity
  • To ensure the safety of workers
  • To avoid legal liability
  • To save money
  • To provide emergency services

It’s without a doubt that weather risk management is vital for every business. But it’s not always easy to implement. That’s why tools are needed to help make informed decisions and take appropriate actions.

Here are some essential tools for weather risk management that every organization should know about:

1. Storm Surge Protection System

The most common type of natural disaster is a storm surge. A storm surge occurs when large amounts of water move into coastal areas during heavy rainstorms. When this happens, high tides cause the sea level to rise, which can flood low-lying land and buildings.

Storm surge protection systems are designed to prevent this kind of damage. One of the main components of a storm surge system is a berm. A berm is a wall made up of sandbags or concrete blocks. These walls act like barriers between the ocean and the shoreline. They also absorb the energy of the waves, keeping them from breaking over the beach.

2. Weather Station Sensors

A weather station sensor measures temperature, humidity, wind speed, precipitation, pressure, etc. It’s usually placed at strategic locations within the building where it will collect data.

These devices are beneficial because they allow you to measure the conditions outside your building. You can use the data to predict future weather conditions and plan accordingly. For example, you can see whether there will be a lot of rain the next day and decide whether you’ll need to close down operations.

3. Flood Warning and Mitigation Systems

Flooding is another common hazard faced by people near rivers, lakes, streams, and other bodies of water. Flooding can occur due to natural disasters (like hurricanes) or manmade activities (like construction).

When floods happen, it’s hazardous for people who live nearby. If you’re caught in a flood, your chances of survival decrease significantly if you aren’t prepared.

One way to prepare for flooding is by installing a warning system. These systems alert you whenever there’s an imminent threat of flooding.

In cases of severe flooding, mitigation systems may be used. These systems are designed to reduce the impact of flooding on your home or business. The most common types of mitigation systems include:

  • Sandbag Walls: These are built from sandbags filled with soil. They are meant to hold back the flow of water until it recedes.
  • Dikes: These are constructed using reinforced concrete. They are meant to keep out the water completely.
  • Levees: These are built using earth and rock. They are intended to protect against overflow from rivers and creeks.
  • Pumps: They drain out excess water from the ground and are usually located near drains and sewers so the water can flow directly into them.

4. Drought Monitoring Devices

Droughts are also very common in certain parts of the world. Farmers often struggle to get enough water to grow crops during droughts, leading to lower crop yields and higher food prices.

Drought monitoring devices can help identify drought conditions early before they turn into a disaster. They do this by measuring soil moisture levels and analyzing satellite data.

5. Wind Prediction Systems

The wind is another major factor that contributes to extreme weather events. It can cause damage to structures and power lines. In addition, wind can blow debris around, causing further problems.

Severe wind prediction systems predict the direction and speed of strong winds. They can also determine whether a tornado is approaching.

Weather Risk Management Tools

6. Heat Wave Warning Systems

Heat waves are extremely dangerous because they can affect people who aren’t prepared. People in hot climates are more vulnerable to heat waves than those in cooler regions.

Heatwave warning systems are designed to warn people about impending heat waves. They measure temperature and humidity levels to determine if a heat wave is coming.

7. Rain Gauges

Rain gauges are essential for tracking how much rain has fallen over time. They’re especially useful for identifying trends in precipitation patterns.

For businesses, knowing how much rain falls on their property is necessary. The amount of rain determines how many customers they’ll have at different times of the day.

8. Emergency Operations Plan

Finally, an emergency operations plan (EOP) is a document that outlines how your company will respond to emergencies, such as fires, earthquakes, tornadoes, and storms. In addition to these events, you might want to consider preparing for terrorist attacks, chemical spills, and pandemics.

The purpose of an EOP is to ensure that everyone knows what to do in an emergency. It should also contain procedures for contacting local authorities, notifying customers, and evacuating the premises.

Final Thoughts

Extreme weather events continuously increase as climate change progresses. To protect themselves against these disasters, people need to be aware of what’s happening with the weather. These eight tools might assist you in keeping track of everything that could go wrong. You never know when you’ll require any one of them.