Category Archives: Industry

How To Tackle Vibrations Using A Coriolis Mass Flow Meter

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Coriolis mass flow meters are acknowledged or well-known as an extremely precise and accurate flow measuring device. Plus, it offers plenty of benefits than other instruments. But take note that every measuring principle has its obstacles, and it is also true for the Coriolis principle.

For the most part, it can be difficult and hard to use Coriolis devices in most low flow applications in industries manufacturing large and heavy products. In these applications, you might have to face all types of vibrations.

Thus, the question is, how can you deal with these vibrations using the coriolis mass flow meter. For a little help, we will walk you through how to deal with all types of vibrations. So, take a read!

Coriolis Principle

This flow measuring device provides multiple benefits and advantages compared to other measuring instruments. First and foremost, coriolis flow meters calculate or gauge direct mass flow.

For many industries, it is a critical feature because it removes or eradicates inaccuracies induced by the fluid’s physical properties or characteristics. Aside from this, coriolis flow meters are extremely precise and accurate, have no mechanical parts in motion, have immense repeatability, a towering dynamic range, and many more.

The coriolis principle is simple yet very effective. Its operating principle is all around us in this world, such as the rotation of the earth and its impact on the weather. Coriolis flow meters have a tube powered by a fixed vibration. So, when a liquid or gas traverses through this tunnel or duct, the mass flow momentum will, more often than not, create a change or alteration in the vibration of the tube.

Then, the duct will contort culminating a phase shift. This shift can be calculated or computed deriving a linear output corresponding to the flow. As the Coriolis principle calculates mass flow regardless of what’s inside the tube, it can be, for the most part, promptly implemented to any fluid traversing through it, gas or liquid.

While the thermal mass flow instruments are reliant on the fluid’s physical properties, thus, similar to the phase shift in frequency between outlet and inlet, it’s possible to calculate the actual natural frequency change.

This frequency change is incongruity to the fluid’s density, and it can derive a further signal output. It’s possible to calculate the volume flow rate having computed both the density and the mass flow rate.

Working of Coriolis Mass Flow Meters

Coriolis mass flow meters calculate or gauges the mass via inertia. A dense gas or liquid moves or traverse through a tunnel or duct which is pulsated by a small actuator. This vibration generates a measurable contorting force on the duct corresponding to the mass. More advanced models of this flow measuring technology apply dual-curved tunnels for lower pressure drop and higher sensitivity.

Although considered or known as the most precise flow meters, coriolis mass flow meters are prone to errors or inaccuracies when bubbles are existing in the liquid. These bubbles can produce or generate splashing inside the tube, make noise, and modify or alter the energy required for tube vibration. Huge spaces boost the energy required for tube vibration in excess and can end up in complete failure.

Impact of Vibrations on Accuracy of Coriolis Flow Meters

In manufacturing, factory, commercial, business, trade applications, all types of vibrations with various sizes are quite common. Mass-flow controllers measure and control the flow of gas or liquid while Coriolis mass flow meters calculate mass flow through a vibrating sensor duct. The variation gets purposely out of phase when the gas or liquid traverses through.

This technique or approach is relatively susceptible to unnecessary vibrations with a recurrence close to the sensor tube’s resonance frequency or a towering concordant of this frequency. However, it depends on the design of the sensor tube.

The odds of the frequency of these unnecessary vibrations is greater than in an industrial environment. Manufacturers of coriolis mass flow meters do their best to minimize the effect of vibrations on the measurement using some technical solutions including pigtails, active and passive vibration compensation, mass inertia, different sensor shapes, dual-sensor tubes, and higher driving frequencies.

In other words, vibrations can affect the accuracy of the measurements of coriolis mass flow meters. However, only if the frequency of the vibrations is close to the concordant frequency.

Types of Vibrations

In industrial applications, vibrations can be produced by usage-based vibration sources, building-based vibration sources, and environmentally related vibration sources. These vibrations move or traverse through a medium such as the fluid itself, through pipes, in the air, or the floor. If any of these vibrations disrupt the frequency of the device, then the output could be incorrect.

Takeaway

It is helpful to determine the sources to lessen or reduce the effects of unwanted vibrations. Oftentimes, it’s possible to move the measuring device or instrument just a little bit, take advantage of huge mass blocks, use suspension alternatives, or use flexible tubes.

How AI Is Supercharging Product Development

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Manufacturers regularly face various obstacles — from unexpected machinery breakdowns to poor product delivery. However, this can be easily fixed with modern technology in place. Companies may increase operational efficiency, launch new products, and customize product designs by leveraging AI solutions. How does that work? Let’s figure that out!

AI Applications in the Manufacturing Sector

AI Applications in the Manufacturing Industry

AI use in industrial facilities is gaining popularity among businesses. According to Capgemini’s research, more than half of European companies (51%) are deploying AI solutions, with Japan (30%) and the United States (28%) coming in second and third.

Hundreds of factors influence the manufacturing process. While these are difficult for humans to detect, machine learning algorithms can accurately forecast the influence of specific factors in such complicated circumstances. Machines still function below human skills in other areas involving language or emotions, limiting their acceptance. But where exactly is AI used?

1. Building Digital Twins

A digital twin is a virtual replica of a real manufacturing system. In the manufacturing industry, there are digital twins of certain equipment assets, full machinery systems, or specific system components. The most popular applications for digital twins include real-time diagnosis, tic and evaluation of manufacturing processes, prediction and visualization of product performance, and so on.

Data science engineers use supervised and unsupervised machine learning methods to educate digital twin models to improve the physical system by analyzing historical and unlabeled data from continuous real-time monitoring. These algorithms aid in the optimization of production scheduling, quality enhancements, and maintenance.

2. Generative Design

Generative design is a method where software generates some outputs to fulfill certain requirements. Designers or engineers use generative design software to investigate AI product design options by entering design goals and factors like materials, production processes, and cost limitations. The approach employs machine learning techniques to understand what works and what doesn’t with each iteration.

The program finds numerous methods to create a simple object, such as a chair. You must enter the specifications such as four legs, elevated seat, weight requirements, minimal materials, etc. Based on the input data, the solution generates a number of design possibilities and features.

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3. Predictive Maintenance

Manufacturers use AI technology to analyze sensor data to identify future downtime and accidents. AI systems assist manufacturers in forecasting when or whether functioning equipment will fail, allowing maintenance and repair to be arranged prior to the breakdown. Manufacturers can enhance productivity while lowering the cost of equipment failure thanks to AI applications for predictive maintenance.

4. Assembly Line Optimization

Furthermore, by incorporating Artificial Intelligence into your IoT environment, you may generate many automation opportunities. Supervisors, for example, may be notified when equipment operators exhibit indications of weariness. When a piece of equipment fails, the system might initiate contingency planning or other reorganization actions.

5. Quality Assurance

Traditionally, quality assurance was a manual procedure that required a highly qualified engineer to ensure that electronics and microprocessors were made correctly. All of its circuits were properly set up. Modern processing techniques may now automatically assess whether an object was manufactured appropriately. This sorting may be done automatically and in real-time by putting cameras at important places around the production floor.

Optimize Your Product Development!

AI and machine learning (ML) are making significant contributions to expediting new product development — from startups to companies rushing to introduce new products. Today, Indeed, LinkedIn, and Monster have 15,400 job openings for DevOps and product development engineers using AI and machine intelligence. According to Capgemini, the connected goods industry will be between $519 billion and $685 billion this year as revenue models based on AI and machine learning become more popular. And the above are just some of the AI applications. More to come!

Shedding Light on Non-Destructive Testing with Ultraviolet Lamps

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Non-destructive testing (NDT) can be simplistically described as a method used to conduct an inspection without moving or breaking the item or surrounding area under examination. Although not limited to medicine, aerospace, and industry, these three large sectors are particularly dependent on non-destructive inspection methodologies. One of the most helpful tools for NDT is the Ultraviolet (UV) lamp.

Let’s take a brief look at the presence of UV lamps in NDT settings.

Non-destructive testing is a broad field

The definition of NDT can be quite broad unless one limits its description to a test, evaluation, or inspection, in a particular field of engineering or medicine. As well, the type of inspection that is required also comes from a long list of possibilities.

Non Destructive Testing

Fluorescent Magnetic Particle Inspection (FMPI or MT) and Fluorescent Penetrant Inspection (FPI or PT) are strongly associated with the use of fluorescent lighting and NDT.

Let the light come in

UV light is longer than X-rays, and shorter than visible white light, placing it into the 10 to 400 nm wavelength range. Known as black light, non-visible UV light can be harmful. The shorter UV-C rays, up to 290 nm, however, rarely reach the earth, and this is fortunate. Also be wary of UV-B rays, which are responsible for sunburns. The longer rays of UV-A, between 320 and 400 nm, are the least dangerous to humans.

In the past, magnetic particle penetrants used a mercury base, which became fluorescent with a UV-A light of 365.4 nm. This led to the requirement of today’s UV light sources for NDT. The standard requirement for a peak wavelength is between 360 – 370 mm.

The UV lamp advantage

One aspect of UV lighting that gives it the edge is that it provides visibility into the area under inspection where otherwise, there is none. The magnetic particles or penetrants that are applied to the surfaces of the areas to be inspected become fluorescent, providing visibility into the tiniest of flaws, such as cracks, breaks, and positioning changes.

What to look for in a UV lamp

There are UV lamps and then there are UV lamps. To achieve the most efficient, successful, and safe examinations, it is important to choose the correct UV lamp for the task at hand.

LED illumination

UV LED lamps are highly recommended for non-destructive testing. In fact, for the most part, LED lamps have replaced incandescent and fluorescent lamps, which may not be easily available in the near future.

UV Lamp

However, some legacy UV lamps can be modified to accept LED bulbs. UV LED lamps are lighter, making them very manageable. The bulbs are long-lasting, not prone to fading, and can be housed in cooler casings.

Handheld or stationary

The advantage of handheld UV LED lamps is, of course, their portability and their low energy consumption. However, unlike their predecessors, the mercury vapor bulbs, they do not offer the intensity and the wide beams that are required in some inspections.

Meeting the challenge, some UV lamp producers are using LED lighting to create stationary overhead lamps with intense, wide beam coverage, and adaptable frames, allowing easy vigilance over production in assembly lines. This is a low-cost alternative to frequently-replaced fluorescent bulbs.

The importance of a filter

With a peak wavelength between 360 – 370 nm, violet tail emissions of visible light above 400 nm can mask flaws and cracks with light glare. A filter improves visibility by providing more contrast.

Additional considerations

Science and engineering are always in flux. Similarly, developments in the field of non-destructive testing brings with it much to consider.

  • With the introduction of LED bulbs in UV light sources, dangers resulting from potential accidents in non-invasive fault-seeking, are no longer concerns. Burns resulting from filaments in mercury vapor are becoming a thing of the past. With less electrical demands from LED bulbs, power supplies can be lightweight, making the lamp easier to handle in tough conditions.
  • Just the fact that mercury will no longer be needed is enough of a cause for celebration.
  • Visibility with LED lamps is instantaneous.
  • For some conditions, a narrower beam is required. NDT requirements must lead the way when determining the lamp’s specifications for a particular type of inspection.
  • One challenge that designers are working on is the emission of heat flux at the emitters of UV LED lamps. This is a result of smaller technology with increased energy levels.

Non-destructive testing has broadened its scope over the years, giving rise to compliance standards for specific NDT applications. The most well-known compliance standard to look for in UV-A lamps for NDT with FMPI and FPI, is the ASTM E3022 standard. Whatever the standards of compliance are for a particular industry, non-destructive testing and its reliance on dependable lighting for inspections, is now an important branch of engineering in its own right.

Preparing an Effective Industrial Waste Management Plan

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Did you realize over 7 billion tons of industrial waste is produced in the United States each year? If you are the owner of an industrial business, having an adequate waste management plan is essential. Without a waste management plan, you run the risk of doing a lot of damage to the environment.

If you are new to the world of industrial waste management, you need to take your time when develop a plan of action. Consulting with waste management professionals is a great way to ensure the plan you develop is successful. Below are few crucial tips to  prepare an effective industrial waste management plan.

industrial-waste

Collaborating With the Right Waste Management Company

Unless your company has the ability to transport and dispose of industrial waste, you will need to work with a third-party. Most business owners fail to realize just how many different waste management companies there are on the market. Ideally, you want to find a company that offers services like industrial cleaning, hazardous material transportation and spill response.

If you need services like this for a competitive price, you need to go through PROS Services. By pairing with the right waste management company, you can avoid making mistakes when it comes to disposing of hazardous and non-hazardous materials.

Make Recycling a Focal Point of Your Strategy

Being a business owner in the modern age requires you to be more eco-conscious. One of the best ways for an industrial business to do their part for the environment is by recycling as much as possible. When running an industrial business, you will undoubtedly have a number of recyclable materials. Turning these materials over to companies that can actually do something with them is imperative.

waste-management-plan

Making a new recycling program work will require to get your entire team on board. Informing your team about the importance of recycling is the first step in making your program successful. You also need to implement easy and effective solutions when it comes to how your team will store the recyclable materials. By laying out the details of your plan, you can address any concerns your team may have.

Leave Flexibility in Your Plan

As waste management technology and requirements change, you will have to adapt your strategy. This is why leaving a high-degree of flexibility in your plan is so important. Accomplishing this will be easy if you do things like sign short-term contracts with the companies hired to dispose of your industrial waste. Staying on the cutting edge of industrial waste management technology can help you see when changes are coming and what you can do to embrace these changes.

Don’t Wait to Implement Your Plan

As you can see, having a way to properly dispose of industrial waste is important. This is why you need to avoid procrastinating when developing a plan of action. Allowing professionals to weigh in on the details of your waste management plan can help you avoid making mistakes.

Optimizing Plant Processes: Best Practices for Efficiency and Cost Reduction

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Industrial plants form the backbone of global economic infrastructures, producing essential goods that sustain everyday life while creating vast employment opportunities. In a world characterized by fierce international competition, dynamic consumer demands, unstable costs and unpredictable disruptions, the imperative for cost reduction within these plants has never been more critical.

As we delve deeper into strategic cost-reduction measures, it’s impossible to overlook the revolutionary impact of digitalization. For an extended insight, you’re invited to read more about how embracing digitalization not only makes manufacturing processes safer and more robust but also significantly smarter, fortifying the industry’s future.

cost reduction measures in industrial plants

By implementing these strategic cost-reduction measures, plants refine their operational processes, leading to improved profitability and enhanced overall efficiency.

Adopting Lean Manufacturing: The Gateway to Operational Excellence

Lean manufacturing, a concept born from Toyota’s production system, champions eliminating waste without compromising product quality. It’s a pivotal strategy for plants aiming to curtail manufacturing costs. By identifying and mitigating waste in all forms—be it through overproduction, time delays, unnecessary transportation, over-processing, excess inventory, redundant motions, or defects—plants stand to benefit from enhanced operational efficiency and reduced costs.

Key techniques include:

  1. Value Stream Mapping (VSM): This visual tool is instrumental in tracking the product’s journey from raw material to the final consumer, highlighting areas where waste occurs and providing a roadmap for operational improvement within the plant.
  2. Kanban System: Focusing on just-in-time production, this method ensures that production processes are tightly synchronized with demand, significantly reducing inventory costs and streamlining workflow on the plant floor.

Embracing Technological Integration: The Digital Revolution in Plant Processes

The evolution of plant operations is tightly bound to technological advancements. Digital transformation, facilitated by developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT) and robotics, is critical in enhancing process efficiency, reducing operational downtime and minimizing errors.

Strategies for technological integration include:

  • Predictive Maintenance: This involves using sensors and advanced algorithms to predict equipment failures before they occur, thus preventing costly downtime and extending machinery life.
  • Automation: Implementing robotics and automation tools decreases the need for human intervention—thereby reducing labor costs—and increases accuracy and efficiency in repetitive, mundane tasks.

Optimizing the Supply Chain: Strategic Procurement Management

Procurement expenses, especially concerning raw materials, components and supplies, make up a significant portion of a plant’s operational costs. Therefore, streamlining the supply chain process is an effective avenue for cost reduction.

Best practices in supply chain optimization include:

  1. Supplier Negotiation and Consolidation: By renegotiating terms with existing suppliers or finding more cost-effective alternatives, plants can significantly reduce material costs. Consolidating purchases with a single supplier may also lead to bulk discounts.
  2. Just-in-Time Inventory: This strategy minimizes inventory holding costs by ensuring materials are ordered and received only as needed, reducing storage expenses and the risks associated with dead inventory.

Investing in Workforce Expertise and Robust Quality Control

A competent, skilled workforce is a plant’s greatest asset. Employees who are well-versed in operating advanced machinery contribute to the plant’s efficiency, minimize production bottlenecks and reduce errors, ultimately saving costs.

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Furthermore, continuous investment in quality control ensures that product defects are kept to a minimum, thus avoiding the financial drain associated with product recalls or waste.

Enhancing Plant Operations Through Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency represents a dual opportunity for plants, offering cost savings while bolstering their commitment to sustainability. By integrating energy-efficient technologies and practices, such as high-efficiency motors, advanced HVAC systems and energy management solutions, plants can significantly reduce power consumption, leading to lower utility bills.

Furthermore, transitioning to renewable energy sources, like solar or wind power, positions plants as environmentally responsible community members. These green initiatives resonate positively with eco-conscious consumers and stakeholders, potentially attracting new market segments.

Ultimately, energy efficiency is not merely a cost-cutting measure but a transformative component of a plant’s long-term operational and branding strategy.

solar marketing strategy

The Significance of Holistic Cost Reduction Strategies

A comprehensive cost-reduction plan examines all operational facets, considering both direct and indirect costs. Such an exhaustive approach enables plants to identify potential savings across their operations while maintaining, if not improving, production quality and efficiency. In this vein, cost-saving measures aren’t just about cutting expenses but strategically enhancing the plant’s entire operational ecosystem.

Eco-Efficiency: Reducing Costs While Protecting the Environment

One prime example of a holistic cost-reduction strategy is improving energy efficiency. Plants consume substantial amounts of energy and focusing on eco-efficiency can lead to significant savings. Measures can include:

  • Conducting detailed energy audits.
  • Investing in renewable energy sources.
  • Upgrading to energy-efficient machinery.
  • Retrofitting plants with LED lighting.

Such initiatives not only reduce energy bills but also potentially qualify the plant for tax credits, all while minimizing environmental impact.

Final Note

In an era where efficiency and sustainability are more than buzzwords, plants must adopt a multifaceted approach to cost reduction. Plants can thrive in a competitive market by strategically enhancing various aspects of operations—from lean manufacturing and technological integration to supply chain management and energy efficiency.

Types of Biogas Storage Systems

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Selection of an appropriate biogas storage system makes a significant contribution to the efficiency and safety of a biogas plant. There are two basic reasons for storing biogas: storage for later on-site usage and storage before and/or after transportation to off-site distribution points or systems. A biogas storage system also compensates fluctuations in the production and consumption of biogas as well as temperature-related changes in volume.

There are two broad categories of biogas storage systems: Internal Biogas Storage Tanks are integrated into the anaerobic digester while External Biogas Holders are separated from the digester forming autonomous components of a biogas plant.

The simplest and least expensive storage systems for on-site applications and intermediate storage of biogas are low-pressure systems. The energy, safety, and scrubbing requirements of medium- and high-pressure storage systems make them costly and high-maintenance options for non-commercial use. Such extra costs can be best justified for biomethane or bio-CNG, which has a higher heat content and is therefore a more valuable fuel than biogas.

Low-Pressure Biogas Storage

Floating biogas holders on the digester form a low-pressure storage option for biogas systems. These systems typically operate at pressures below 2 psi. Floating gas holders can be made of steel, fiberglass, or a flexible fabric. A separate tank may be used with a floating gas holder for the storage of the digestate and also storage of the raw biogas. A major advantage of a digester with an integral gas storage component is the reduced capital cost of the system.

The least expensive and most trouble-free gas holder is the flexible inflatable fabric top, as it does not react with the H2S in the biogas and is integral to the digester. These types of covers are often used with plug-flow and complete-mix digesters.

Flexible membrane materials commonly used for these gas holders include high-density polyethylene (HDPE), low-density polyethylene (LDPE), linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE), and chlorosulfonated polyethylene covered polyester. Thicknesses for cover materials typically vary from 0.5 to 2.5 millimeters.

Medium-Pressure Biogas Storage

Biogas can also be stored at medium pressure between 2 and 200 psi. To prevent corrosion of the tank components and to ensure safe operation, the biogas must first be cleaned by removing H2S. Next, the cleaned biogas must be slightly compressed prior to storage in tanks.

High-Pressure Biogas Storage

The typical composition of raw biogas does not meet the minimum CNG fuel specifications. In particular, the CO2 and sulfur content in raw biogas is too high for it to be used as vehicle fuel without additional processing. Biogas that has been upgraded to biomethane by removing the H2S, moisture, and CO2 can be used as a vehicular fuel.

Biomethane is less corrosive than biogas, apart from being more valuable as a fuel. Since production of such fuel typically exceeds immediate on-site demand, the biomethane must be stored for future use, usually either as compressed biomethane (CBM) or liquefied biomethane (LBM).

Two of the main advantages of LBM are that it can be transported relatively easily and it can be dispensed to either LNG vehicles or CNG vehicles. Liquid biomethane is transported in the same manner as LNG, that is, via insulated tanker trucks designed for transportation of cryogenic liquids.

Biomethane can be stored as CBM to save space. The gas is stored in steel cylinders such as those typically used for storage of other commercial gases. Storage facilities must be adequately fitted with safety devices such as rupture disks and pressure relief valves.

The cost of compressing gas to high pressures between 2,000 and 5,000 psi is much greater than the cost of compressing gas for medium-pressure storage. Because of these high costs, the biogas is typically upgraded to biomethane prior to compression.

Upgrading the Future of Defense with Data Science

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We have entered the second decade of the 21st century and thinking of setting up colonies on the moon. The technological advancement has been huge in the past decade, with the latest technologies becoming obsolete within a matter of months. We live in the age of the internet where everything and everyone is connected every moment with the help of the internet.

The average number of people using the internet has risen considerably in the past few years thanks to the decreasing prices of internet services and automation of most work processes. The majority of the jobs and professions has evolved and become more advanced, so they continuously use the internet for their work process. We buy most of our things be it our party clothes or even our daily groceries from online sellers. The world is now running on another fuel and that is the internet.

With all these increased consumption of the internet, another factor has entered the play and that is the concept of Data Science. Whenever we use the internet or any digital medium for any purpose some data is generated.

data-scientists

Once the scientists and engineers solved the problem of storage of the exorbitant amount of data that is produced daily, we moved on to devising new and innovative ways to utilize this data and obtain the necessary and useful information.

Data Science Certification in Hyderabad is the implementation of various analytical methods on the data to reveal useful information. It is a wide area and consists of a large number of methods and processes.

Application of Data Science in Defense Sector

The threats from terrorism and trade wars are now more than ever and since the major portion of national income of any country goes into improving the defense systems of the nation, it is understandable that technological advancements would also be applied to the systems to make them stronger.

Constant research and development by the data scientists have provided us with much-advanced technology that can be efficiently implemented in the defense systems. Data science has radically changed the landscape of defense and military industry of almost all the major nations in the past 2 or 3 years. Many technologies that we had seen before only in Hollywood sci-fi movies are a reality now and most of them owe their existence to data science.

Every potential threat to the security of the nation is also equipped with modern technologies and hence to tackle them, we also need to make technologically advanced defense mechanisms.

data-science-defence-sector

Some of the common applications of data science in defense systems are as follows:

  • For improving transportation and logistics. Various data about previous transportation and logistics could be processed with the help of data science and we can obtain the most efficient routes and techniques.
  • The most popular use of data science is to extrapolate the enemy history data to extract various patterns in their attacks and routes and we can take the measures to prevent them accordingly.
  • Data science is used to reinforce digital security to provide better protection for the sensitive information that might be hacked from any digital platform.
  • It can be used for threat monitoring 24/7 and also for detecting potential threats.
  • Data science is increasingly being used for creating virtual medical assistants for soldiers to provide the most effective care and medical help on the battlefield.

Every day the data scientists are working hard to come up with new and more efficient applications of data science in the defense systems. The market for data science is ripe right now and if you are a data scientist or interested in becoming one then you should be putting your pedal to the metal and explore the applications of Data Science Training Institute in Hyderabad in defense.

6 Risks to Prepare For in the Mining Industry

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The mining sector is dedicated to the extraction of precious metals and mineral reserves from the earth. The extracted materials are transformed into a mineralized form that serves an economic benefit to both the mining company and the country. However, working in the mining industry has always been dangerous as fatal accidents in mines are a common occurrence worldwide.

mining-industry-hazards

While not all accidents and dangers can be prevented, there are some steps you should take to improve the safety for your workers. Failing to put in adequate safety measures could see you facing serious penalties. Here, we’ll look at 6 risks in the mining industry to be aware of and how to combat them.

1. Dust exposure

While dust may not sound like a particularly harmful risk, it can lead to serious respiratory problems. It is such a common occurrence in the mining industry that it’s been given the term “coal mine dust lung disease”. Some types of respiratory problems cannot be cured, so preventing them is key to your workers safety.

There are numerous dust prevention methods that can be used to combat the issue. Preventing dust from becoming airborne is key and it can be done through water. The type of machinery you use can also determine how much dust is released. Looking at ways to prevent dust build-up is key.

2. Explosions

One of the more serious risks in the industry is the risk of an explosion. This is a particular worry for underground miners. The pipes within underground mines tend to contain flammable gases and chemicals. So, if the ventilation system isn’t maintained, it does pose a risk of an explosion.

Workers should continually check the ventilation system in mines and warning signs should be placed around the mine to remind them of safe practices.

3. Cave ins

There have been a number of cave-ins around the world that have caused devastation within the mining sector. In 2019, 21 miners died in China due to a roof collapse. It is a serious risk that can be difficult to fully prevent. Carrying out regular structural inspections is crucial to maintain the safety of your workers.

4. Electrical hazards

A number of electrical machines need to be used during the mining process. Unfortunately, this increases the risk of shock, fires and falls. If a worker were to get an electric shock, or trip over the equipment, you could end up having to make a large pay-out. You should always have adequate miners’ insurance from Arthur J. Gallagher.

5. Fire

All mines present some kind of fire risk. Even an excess level of dust in the mine can trigger a fire or explosion. The electrical equipment also poses a risk to workers. It’s a good idea to have a fire safety audit carried out before work is undertaken.

6. Noise

Finally, miners are also exposed to high levels of noise. They should be provided with ear protectors to prevent permanent damage. You’ll need to ensure you are providing high-quality protectors for adequate protection.

These are just 6 of the risk’s miners face. It is one of the most dangerous jobs in the world, but there are ways to minimise the risks. Making sure you are adequately insured is important. If your workers are to suffer an accident, they need to know they will be protected. Taking appropriate steps to improve the safety of the workplace is important for both you and your employees.

5 Things to Know Before Working With Steel

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When preparing to step into the world of working with steel, having a solid grasp of fundamentals can offer dividends in the short or long run. Unbeknownst to many, it takes more than raw strength and wielding the right tools.

For a complete novice or someone with a bit of experience under their belt, diving headfirst into steelwork presents a unique set of challenges. Thankfully, nothing is impossible to navigate with the right knowledge and understanding.

From recognizing various types of steel to minimizing environmental impact and observing safety measures, this piece provides you with vital insights on things to know before working with steel.

guide to working with steel

1. The Characteristics of Different Steel Types

Steel is a versatile material, which can be found in several types, each boasting its unique properties. For example, carbon steel, known for its strength, is frequently used for structural purposes.

Contrastingly, stainless steel, famous for its corrosion resistance, makes it a choice material in projects exposed to harsh weather elements.

In a nutshell:

  • Carbon Steel: Renowned for immense strength
  • Stainless Steel: Offers great corrosion resistance
  • Green Steel: Characterized by low greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions during manufacturing.
  • Galvanized Steel: Coated with zinc to prevent corrosion and rust.
  • Mild Steel: Low-carbon steel with good weldability and versatility.
  • Alloy Steel: Combines various metals to enhance properties like strength, hardness, and durability.

Being aware of these variations only broadens your understanding. It also helps you choose the right type for every task, a crucial consideration in successful steelwork.

2. Proper Techniques to Cut and Shape Steel

Moving beyond just recognition, working with steel entails knowing the correct methods to cut and shape. Using the appropriate tools like a hacksaw, band saw, or cutting torch can yield smooth, accurate cuts when rightfully done.

Also, remember to cut slightly outside your marked line, so you have room for removing burrs and imperfections during finish work.

Lastly, shaping steel involves different techniques, such as bending or forging. Choosing which method to employ depends on your project requirements.

3. Waste Reduction Strategies in Steelwork

Steelwork projects can generate considerable waste, impacting your overall costs. This is not to mention putting a toll on the environment over time. It’s thus necessary to adopt efficient ways of reducing steelwork-generated waste.

Among these include:

Nesting

This refers to arranging your cutting patterns on the steel sheet to utilize maximum space and minimize leftover material.

Recycling

Additionally, you should also consider recycling. This means selling or returning any leftover steel scraps to a metal recycling center not only for a bit of profit but also to contribute to environmental sustainability.

4. Galvanized Steel Vents May Require Sealing Up After Fabrication

If your project involves galvanized steel vent holes, be aware that they may need sealing post-fabrication. This is to protect them from corrosion, ensure efficiency, and increase longevity.

For this task, you might want to invest in galvanized vent plugs, which are perfect for sealing up any apertures left after fabrication. An additional advantage is its resistance to rust and other environmental factors.

welding-gear

5. Safety Measures for Handling Hot and Cold Steel

When it comes to dealing with steel, never compromise on safety. Here are several measures you should always adhere to:

  • Always wear heat-resistant gloves when handling hot steel to prevent burns.
  • Use safety glasses or a face shield. These protect your eyes from sparks or flying debris during welding.
  • Ensure that the area is well-ventilated when welding or cutting. These processes can release hazardous fumes.
  • Lastly, never forget to wear steel-toed boots. These will safeguard your feet should any heavy piece accidentally drop.

Remember, staying safe should be your priority when working with steel.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, working with steel needn’t be an intimidating task. To succeed, all it takes is a clear understanding of the material, applying the right techniques, reducing waste, maintaining safety standards, and paying attention to post-production requirements like sealing galvanized vents. Prepared with this knowledge, you’re all set to navigate your steelwork journey with confidence!

How The Cleaning Industry Can Be More Sustainable

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In over 90% of the CPG categories, sustainability-marketed products grew faster than their conventional counterparts. According to Harvard Business Review, products that had a sustainability claim accounted for 16.6% of the market in 2018 and delivered nearly $114 billion in sales. After all, cleanliness is one of the most essential aspects of our lives – the very reason Green Cleaning existed.

For the longest time, we have learned how poor indoor environmental quality has had a significant effect on our health and the economy. Thus, the choices we make in cleaning products, can either save the planet or wreak havoc on future generations. Here’s how the cleaning industry can be more sustainable.

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What is Green Cleaning?

According to Stephen P. Ashkin, president of The Ashkin Group; Green Cleaning is simply defined as “cleaning to protect health without harming the environment.” This means using cleaning tools, chemicals, and equipment that have a positive impact on the environment. Green cleaning requires more than using products that are more environmentally friendly through the use of goods that help to promote sustainability.

This starts with the product utilizing natural and renewable resources to where it is packed through the use of recycled materials. Not to mention, sustainable product and packaging help reduce the amount of paper and plastic used as well as the fuel used for transport.

Also Read: Renewable Cleaning Techniques for Rugs

More Companies Adapting To Green Cleaning

In terms of economic growth, several companies are implementing effective green cleaning strategies because they believe that sustainable action has a triple bottom line effect. John Elkington proposed that a green, sustainable company or facility should concentrate on the “three Ps”: profits, people, and the planet.

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Studies also show that cost-effective savings are possible when sustainable operations are in place. In 2001, Kimberly-Clark Professional, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of washroom products launched Reduce Today, Respect Tomorrow. This program reflects the company’s philosophy of reducing the use of natural resources throughout the life cycle of its products. Products are manufactured with a source-reduction in mind and designed in such a way that users consume less, either by improved efficiency, more reliable dispensing methods, or both.

With the current global economic and environmental crisis, there are so many reasons for green and sustainable initiatives to be taken. More and more businesses are going green, and more consumers are noticing the value of using eco-friendly, non-toxic products, and preventing harm to nature.

The cleaning industry is one field that needs to be green, as the heavy use of chemicals and other products contribute a great deal to pollution and household safety.