Air Conditioning Maintenance Plan and Facility

As with many mechanical devices, maintenance is an essential part of ensuring proper function and optimum performance in air conditioners. Whether central, in-house, or portable, air conditioners should be maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications and in accordance with a manual. Central air conditioning systems, as commonly used in large industrial spaces and inside professional buildings and homes, consist of two main components, each of which require specific maintenance and treatment.

The exterior component of a central air conditioning system, called the condenser unit, is composed of several important subcomponents: a compressor, a condenser coil, a fan, and coolant lines that connect the unit in its entirety to the interior evaporator coil. Typically, a condenser unit is located outside, either on the roof or in another safe, outdoor location. The evaporator coil tends to be installed in close proximity to the furnace.

Because the condenser and evaporator are often sealed in a central air conditioning system, do-it-yourself maintenance is somewhat restricted and annual system maintenance should be scheduled prior to using the system for an extended period. However, if the system isn’t sealed, there are several methods for maintaining a properly functioning unit.

Basic Maintenance

If the evaporator is easy to access, cleaning it once annually is recommended. To clean the evaporator, first remove the foil insulation, carefully saving any tape so it’s easy to replace later. Next, remove the screws on the access plate and lift the plate. Using a stiff-bristled brush, clean the area around the evaporator and the tray directly beneath it. Because the tray catches condensation, pour a little (one tablespoon) of basic household bleach into the weep hole to help prevent the development of fungus. If the tray seems overly full, the weep hole may be clogged; open the weep hole with a piece of wire and check the drain. When cleaning is complete, replace the plate, screws, and foil insulation.

After cleaning the evaporator, maintenance on the condenser unit can begin. Because the condenser unit is located outside, maintaining the area around the unit is important. Maintenance of the surrounding area typically includes making sure plants and grass do not grow into the unit and disrupt airflow, or removing snow or other environmental hazards.

After taking care of the surrounding area, open the condenser unit and clean the condenser with coil cleaner (check with a manufacturer for cleaner specifications), flush the coil, then let it dry. Next, clean the fins to remove grime, but do so carefully: fins are typically manufactured from light aluminum, which can easily be damaged. A fin comb may be used to straighten any misshapen fins. In winter, cover the unit with a prefabricated condenser cover.

Lastly, check the platform upon which the condenser sits using a level, to ensure that it sits evenly.

Solar Power Technology System

In theory, silicon solar panels are great. The reality remains, however, that they are an expensive investment—though they certainly yield valuable results—that few American families are willing to make. As a result of an increase in demand in 2004, prices rose to nearly 500 dollars per kilogram by 2008. Now, new technology is leading to a more affordable way to harness solar energy. Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory, along with numerous other independent companies, have been working on a thin-film solar cell that relies on copper indium gallium selenide technology—CIGS for short—as a means of converting solar energy into electrical power.

Silicon Solar Panels

There are two types of silicon technology used in silicon solar-absorbing panels. Monocrystalline silicon (which consists of slivers of silicon up to 150 mm in diameter and 350 microns thick), and multicrystalline silicon (wafers acquired through the division of a solid block of silicon), serve as semi-conducting solar absorbers, although crystalline silicon is actually a weak absorber of light. Because of this property, the material must be pretty thick—however, crystalline silicon is used because it is relatively and durable.

New Thin-film Technology

Since the cost of crystalline silicon is out of reach for the average consumer, there has been a push toward technology that is readily available and affordable. By identifying materials that are efficient absorbers of solar power and cost-effective for both the manufacturer and the consumer, three new forms of thin-film solar panels have been developed: amorphous silicon, cadmium telluride, and CIGS technology. All three forms are highly-absorbent and can operate effectively at a thickness of about 1 micron, which means they are less expensive than the thick crystalline silicon alternative.

Amorphous silicon differs from traditional crystalline silicon in that it is arranged spontaneously and thinly layered, whereas crystalline silicon is almost grid-like in pattern and thick. It was the earliest attempt at a thin-filmed solar cell, and was initially applied to items such as calculators. In attempts to create thinner films, many companies have tried using combinations of crystalline silicon and amorphous silicon. In the spring of 2008, amorphous silicon comprised about 60 percent of the solar-cell market.

Cadmium telluride is the most eco-friendly of solar panels because the least amount of energy is used to create it, yet it comprised only 30 percent of the solar-cell market in 2008. Its band gap—1.4 electron-volts—is very near to that of the solar spectrum, making it an effective semiconductor.

Copper indium gallium selenide (CIGS) is the newest technology and only accounted for 1 percent of the solar market in 2008, yet it has been achieving a high-level of success in studies. It has obtained efficiency levels as high as 20.3 percent, which is the highest any thin-film has ever reached.

CIGS Technology

Although it isn’t in wide use, perhaps due to its novelty, CIGS seems to be a promising form of solar cell. However, difficulty in manufacturing reliably efficient cells could be a problem when it comes to mass-production, despite the fact that CIGS cells have already surpassed other forms of technology in efficiency in the lab. For more info, try here: http://www.nrel.gov/news/press/2008/574.html.

In other forms of solar panels, a base material’s surface is coated using a variety of materials, such as silicon or cadmium telluride, to create an absorbent device. In CIGS technology, if selenium is left exposed (as it would be if used to coat a base plate) atoms of the semi-toxic element become hard to control. To avoid this potential problem and create a cell that both protects and maximizes the potential of the materials, several companies have been making strides in how the panels are manufactured. Using glass, stainless steel sheets, flexible metal foils, or high temperature polymers to form two backing plates, thin layers of cadmium selenide and indium selenide are then deposited. The plates are joined together using heat and electromagnetic forces, keeping selenium between the plates and preventing exposure.

Thin-film solar technology offer several advantages over traditional silicon panels. Because these panels are thin-filmed, they can easily be incorporated into existing structures, such as windows and roof shingles, so as to be inconspicuous. Manufacturing components with thin-film technology built in could cut down on cost, eliminating the need to spend money on a separate solar device and installation.

Industrial Guardrial Plant and Facility

Industrial Guardrails Buying Guide

Guardrails are used for safety and barrier purposes and are an integral part of various industrial structures. These assemblies are typically installed at platform ends and are incorporated within mezzanine structures in industrial sites, such as warehouses. They are used on highways as a protection barrier against vehicle impact, to prevent falls, and in production areas. Standard guardrail fabrication materials include variations of stainless steel, a material recommended because of its durability. Wooden guardrails are another common barrier material. There are numerous variations of standard guardrails, which must comply with OSHA standards. Both single and double railing systems are a standard guardrail installation option. Additionally, guardrail styles include W-beam, curved, bolt and drop-in varieties.

• Standard Guardrail Applications:

• Pedestrian walkway protection

• Workstation and transformer area barrier

• Protect equipment from forklift damages

• Protect building from damage (ie, walls and doors)

• Installed along roadways to prevent and minimize accidents

Guardrail Components:

A standard guardrail system is mounted to the floor by base plates, which are fastened with anchor bolts. Each guardrail system also includes columns that are commonly fabricated from steel. Such columns, or posts, are often pre-drilled by the manufacturer and include the hardware for installation. Standard galvanized steel systems (specifically 12-gauge) provide durability and are often fabricated in curved, 90 degree variations, for traffic areas. Other variations include cylindrical steel beams and flatter beams, featuring ribbing. For indoor and outdoor areas, railings are typically painted OSHA yellow. The type and amount of beam railing varies according to the application requirements. For instance, railing can consist of one to three beams and the beams may be coated with UV resistant polyurethane sleeves.

Guardrail Types and Styles

W-beams are the standard traffic and highway safety rails and are constructed in high gauge steel. To protect against environmental conditions, this type of beam is fabricated with zinc coatings and weather (resistant) coated materials.

Drop-in rails featurebrackets thatallow post sectionsto slide into the structure uponinstallation.This type ofrailing is easily accessible.

Bolt-on rails involve specific installation with hand tools and drills, though the hardware for this type of railing is typically included by the manufacturer.Single, double or triple rails may be selected for an application.

Additional Considerations

Professionals caution that it is essential to comply with OSHA standards for worker and installation safety reasons, as guardrails may malfunction if they are not installed properly. For example, precautions such as safety nets should be utilized during installation. The OSHA issues additional standard safety guidelines on their website: http://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/construction/falls/guardrail.html

Soundproof a Room Plant and Facility

How to Soundproof a Room

When considering how to go about soundproofing a room, whether commercial, industrial, or residential, there are several factors to address. First, investigating the source of the sound (if unknown) and determining the path of reverberation is essential in both sound minimization and in developing a soundproofing plan for the room. After addressing the source of the noise and minimizing it if possible, selecting an appropriate material with which to further minimize the noise and soundproof the room is typically advised.

How Sound Travels

If the source of the noise is an industrial machine, it is often very difficult to minimize the noise at its source. Instead, examining how sounds travels from its source to its final destination—the transmission path—is often the appropriate place to start. Sound travels in waves that can be slowed, reflected, or refracted by objects it encounters. Transmission paths can vary, depending on the sound. Sometimes sound moves directly from the source to the ear of a nearby receiver; other times it encounters barriers along the way that reflect some of the initial sound back, thus dampening and softening what the end receiver hears. Sound can also travel through the ground and surrounding structures, which further complicates tracing its route.

Addressing Noise

In trying to reduce noise, it is often most cost-effective to attempt to treat the source of the sound itself before attempting to soundproof an entire enclosure. Examine the source of the sound (a drum set, a large industrial machine) and determine if any damping treatments can be applied to minimize the sound output. If possible, move the device in question to either alter the path of transmission or further reduce the output. Once the source of the noise has been addressed as much as possible, it may then be time to consider soundproofing materials for the larger enclosure. Common materials include the following:

Acoustical Linings

Absorbent Materials

Barriers and Panels

Acoustical linings can be an effective method for lining electrical channels, ducts, and pipes, which are common ways sound is transmitted throughout (and beyond) a room. A lining with a thickness around 2 cm can be applied in ducts and vents to block high-frequency noise. Bafflers, another kind of duct lining, are another option for blocking sound in duct passageways.

Absorbent materials are often used to interrupt a sound’s transmission path by absorbing noise as it makes contact with the material. Instead of being bounced back, as it is when it makes contact with harder material, sound can be absorbed by softer, strategically placed material. Sound-deadening drapes and mats can be applied to ceilings and walls in already finished rooms; in unfinished rooms, the installation of fiberglass batting (and drywall board). The addition of fiberglass insulation, in both finished and unfinished rooms can greatly reduce the transmission of sound beyond the enclosure.

Barriers and panels are an effective way to reroute sound by interrupting the sound’s path. When used in conjunction with absorbent materials, some of the sound waves will be absorbed (and dampened) while the remaining sound can be redirected. The manner in which a sound reacts to a barrier or panel can vary. A sound can follow one of several paths when it encounters an obstacle. Often, the sound passes through the barrier, although it is reduced in strength. Other times a sound can be reflected, meaning the path of the sound is altered and the sound bounces off the object in a different direction. A sound can also be diffracted, meaning the waves are bent and their path is altered. The best outcome occurs when the sound is completely absorbed by the barrier it encounters. Through strategic use of absorbent materials and barriers and panels, the path of the sound can be significantly altered and therefore reduced.

Basic Do-it-Yourself Methods

For those seeking to soundproof a room on their own, there are several basic steps that can be taken. If the room has yet to be constructed but has all electrical wiring and piping in place, incorporating the steps below may help ensure a tighter, more soundproof enclosure. As always, a professional should be consulted before beginning.

Hang drywall over the existing walls, but leave enough space so that additional soundproofing material can be placed between the layers.

Apply fiberglass batting between the two layers, or cellulose-based foam. The goal is to apply a layer of batting that will further absorb noise.

Further soundproof the drywall by using prefabricated soundproofing material, such as rigid panels, barriers, or drapes, hang the material as directed. Next, re-hang the drywall

If the enclosure features windows, using a double-hung vinyl-framed window can help minimize the transmission of sound. If the windows are already constructed and replacing the windows is too costly, consider making covers for the windows out of prefabricated absorbent material, or hanging sound-absorbent drapes.

SEO Wood Finishing

Wood finishing involves the application of a protective layer to otherwise bare wood. But before a protective coating can be applied, the wood’s surface must be prepared. Sanding, planing, and scraping can help eliminate surface imperfections by softening and smoothing the wood. Processes to alter the wood’s color and aesthetic are often applied before the finish, including staining and bleaching. Once these processes are completed, the appropriate finish is selected. However, because wood is a versatile material with countless functions, wood finish is equally diverse. By comparing specific application requirements with various finish traits, the right coating can be selected.

Types of Wood Finish

When selecting a wood finish, there are a range of characteristics to consider. Do you want the final product to shine? Or are you more interested in a matte appearance? Is the application intended to withstand outdoor use? Or is durability not a concern? Prioritizing finish traits can simplify finding the appropriate coating. Some common types of clear finish and their distinguishing characteristics are discussed below.

Wax

One of the perks of opting for a wax finish is that it’s easy to use and apply, and it produces a nice shine. However, wax finishes often need to be reapplied and only provide minimal protection. They are easy to remove, which makes it a fairly noncommittal finish selection.

Shellac

Although shellac is classified as a clear finish, some grades carry a distinct yellowish tint. Shellac does, however, provide its substrate with moderate water protection and provides effective protection against solvents, with the exception of alcohol. The coating itself is durable and does not require reapplication. The application technique can be complicated but, like wax, shellac can be completely removed using alcohol. Additionally, shellac is compatible with other coatings and acts as an effective base layer.

Nitrocellulose Lacquer

This clear coating creates a hard, glossy finish, which provides good substrate protection and has strong durability. However, there are several toxic solvents in the mixture, requiring the applier to use a protective mask to avoid inhaling toxic fumes. Additionally, the coating typically requires a spray-on application method, which further releases toxins into the air. Alternative brush methods can be used to avoid this complication. Like shellac and wax, nitrocellulose lacquer can be removed.

Conversion Varnish

In many ways, conversion varnish resembles nitrocellulose lacquer. Both coatings result in hard, glossy finishes and are durable. Their application methods are similar, and in both cases protection against toxins is necessary. Conversion varnish, however, can only be applied in shops using specialized spray equipment and is hard to remove. Additionally, the coating can resist an array of substances, providing strong substrate protection.

Polyurethane Varnish

Like other varnishes, polyurethane varnish delivers a clear coating. However, multiple layers can give a substrate a plastic type finish, which provides strong protection against an array of substances. Because the solvents involved are petroleum-based, the coating is relatively safe. The coating can be somewhat difficult to apply and requires a 30 day curing period. Paint removers can effectively remove the coating, and after the curing period, the coating is quite durable.

Water-Based Polyurethane

Due in part to the addition of water, water-based polyurethane produces a clear coating without the plastic look. Additionally, it works well on products that are exposed to UV and is safer to use than traditional polyurethane varnish. The coating dries rapidly, so care must be taken in brush and spray application. The curing period is the same as polyurethane varnish, after which the coating is durable. Paint removers also work to remove water-based polyurethane.

Oil Finishes

Oil finishes, such as tung oil and linseed oil, can be used to accentuate the wood’s grain but do not provide much protection. They provide the wood with a warm glow and increase in durability when layered. Application is easy, but drying typically takes 12 hours or longer. To remove oil finishes, the substrate must be sanded down because oil absorbs into the wood.