Counter Top Water Filters and Air Coolers

Counter top water filtering systems as the simple and fast way to clean your water. You can even take it with you when you travel.


If you are going on vacation, or renting a place for a while, you may want to make sure that your water is just as clean and pure as your home water supply. The perfect solution for this kind of situation is to bring along a counter top water filtering system. Many people also use this type of system if they are unable to install an under the sink system because of space restrictions or your landlord won't allow alterations such as this. A simple counter to systems needs no plumbing yet it offers more filtering power than the small faucet additions that many people use.

A counter top system can be installed by anyone; no plumber is needed since it is simply a matter of using a diverter valve to attach the system to any faucet you like. Using a diverter valve such as this, you can shut it on or off, depending on whether you need the water to be filtered. You filtered water will be cleaner and better tasting, and it does not require a great deal of space on your kitchen counter, Of course, the more compels the filtering system, the larger the unit will have to be. The models also come in a range of finishes and styles the will fit in with the style of your kitchen. Another convenient feature is a decanter you can fill from the filtering system so that you can keep cool, filtered water in the firdge at all times.

A counter top filtering system will remove many unpleasant particles from your drinking water such as calcium, potassium, magnesium, lead, chlorine and other chemicals you prefer not to drink. You may not realize it, but there may be particles of pesticides, herbicides and dirty sediment in your water; a water filtering system, even a fairly simple one such as counter top system, will remove a great deal of these. Just as an air cooler removes impurities from the air, these will remove impurities from the water. If your drinking water tastes orsmalls funny, a water filter system will improve the taste and smell as well. This solution is a great alternative to bottled water, since it only costs about 10 cents a gallon to produce.

Make sure that your system keeps doing its job properly by changing the systems filter according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually twice a year, or after a certain number of gallons have been purified. It is simple enough to change the filter-just open the compartment, remove the old one and slip in a new filter. It is a good idea to run some water through the new filter before you start draining it.

If you want to make sure that you your family drink safe, clean water, a counter top filtering system is the ideal solution.

The Importance of Heavy Machining and Applications of Pressure Vessels in Industrial Sectors

One cannot compromise on precision and quality when it is about machining critical components of large dimensions and sizes. The equipments that are used to fabricate large components need to be equally large in size too. This is precisely why heavy component machining firms have an army of precision cutting tools and equipments that are all capable of being used on elements that measure several feet, and can also handle parts weighing several tons.

How is Heavy Machining Defined in Industrial Sectors?

It is a process in which large and heavy pieces of hard-core, raw materials are accurately machine-cut to get a desired shape or component. These components are further circulated and utilized in different industrial domains for fulfilling multifarious roles and operations. The overall process of machining mainly consists of elimination of unwanted parts from the actual forms of raw materials in order to gain a precise, desired shape of the material. Although this type of precision machining method is mostly used on industrial metal pieces, it can also be carried on other forms of raw materials such as ceramics, plastics, wood and/or other composites.

For instance, a simple component like a plain shaft or a rod can be turned into a threaded rod by imparting grooves or threads using milling and turning techniques. However, this is just one illustration. Similarly, one can easily create other types of parts and components using specialized heavy machines such as bores, lathes, drills, and milling machines to achieve precision machined elements. Nonetheless, today almost all machining is carried out using advanced methods such as CNC software.

Use of Heavy Duty Equipments for Producing Precision Parts

Heavy machining and precision machined components have created a major impact in industrial livelihood in several ways. For instance, the fuel we fill in our vehicles was probably once contained in large pressure vessels before being transported to individual gas stations. Such pressure containers are also created using heavy duty machining techniques. While these are basic elementary instances, there are many other industries that have to deal with sensitive materials and mediums such as storing strong liquids and gases at high pressures. In such cases, sturdy, strong-walled containers come very handy. Besides being addressed as pressure vessels, such containers are also called as autoclaves. They are highly capable of carrying fluids or gases at very high pressures.

Heavy machining services does not only create new components or parts, but it also deals with maintaining and repairing heavy objects that could weigh several tons. Large machining in many industries is carried out on various grades of steel and other non-ferrous materials like copper, aluminum, and other exotic materials. Irrespective of the size, dimensions, and fabricating materials, when large components are being created it is necessary to maintain their precision and high-tolerance specifications to the highest degree.

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Air Cooled Heat Exchangers

Air cooled heat exchangers are only one of various kinds of heat exchanger. Heat exchangers are gadgets which are specially designed for aiding the transfer of heat from one fluid towards the other. For us to better understand, typical samples of devices that use heat exchangers include the air conditioners, refrigerators as well as space heaters.

But let us not dwell a lot of over the general heat exchanger rather let's now take a look at air cooled heat exchangers or ACHEs for short. It rejects heat from a hot fluid directly to fan-blowing ambient air. ACHEs are commonly utilized each time a procedure or set up creates heat that has to be removed and regrettably lacks local use. Your car's radiator is actually an example of ACHE device. The engine must be cooled to prevent overheating due to friction and combustion functions by the engine. The excess heat is taken away by the water or glycol coolant mix. Majority of the heat should be taken away, and the best way is as simple as supplying ambient air.

There are more functions for air cooled heat exchanger, including the upstream production, refineries and petrochemical facilities. It can also be used on conditions with high temperature, high pressure, corrosive fluids and environments. Moreover, air coolers is usually equipped and used in gas and oil refineries; compressor stations for oil pipelines; subsurface gas storage facilities; plants producing polychlorvinyl, polyethylene, glass fiber, biplastic; caustic soda plants; by-product coke plants and ammonia transportation and handling plants.

Besides learning the actual functions of ACHEs, we should have a view upon how it operates inside and its elements. Usually, air coolers for process application are composed of a finned-tube bundle with rectangular container headers on both ends of the tubes. Headers are boxers that dispense the fluid from the piping to the tubes. The other parts include one or more fans that give cooling air. The fans are generally powered by electric motors and are also accompanied by speed reduction devices. The fan drive assemblage is sustained by the metal mechanical drive support system. Generally, the air flows up-wards all the way through a horizontal tube bundle. The fans could be either forced or induced draft, dependant upon whether the air is pushed or pulled through the tube bundle. Forced draft unit enables a simple access for maintenance for the fans and the bundles. Furthermore, the fans stay in the cold ambient air. Whilst the induced draft unit provides a stable as well as strong thermal performance because of the protection of the finned surface against wind, rain, hail and snow by the plenum chamber. The induced draft also guarantees an improved air distribution, much less hot air recirculation, much less air-side fouling and lower noise levels at grade. Space in between the fans and the tube bundle is encircled by a plenum chamber, that directs the air. The full assembly is usually installed on legs or perhaps a pipe rack.

Understanding and knowing the inside and out of ACHEs is fairly difficult, especially for those who have no background in mechanical matters. And for this reason, let us once again move our attention on another subject matter, which is the "why" question. With regards to economy, air coolers are preferred due to the lower maintenance expenses. Some other benefits offered by air coolers are as follows: lack of the need for cooling water or other cooling media, no issue shall arise with regards to the thermal as well as chemical pollution of cooling fluids, and it quite fast to install by bolted assembly.

ACHEs are regarded as a "green" alternative because no chemical treatment methods are required to the water or fluid used by the assembly. And temperature is the only parameter that has to be considered whenever getting rid of the water used. Without a appropriate heat exchanger equipment, overheating will ruin your equipments and appliances, specially the parts subjected to heat. Out of all of the things that have been pointed out, if we are to consider the trend that the world is going, air cooled heat exchangers are the ideal choice for industrial plants and other plants if the environment is to be considered.

Pressure Vessel Testing Through Non Destructive Methods

Pressure vessels play a key role in many industrial businesses, from chemical, petrochemical, oil & gas, refining, pulp and paper, plastics, pharmaceutical, refrigeration, natural gas processing amongst many more.

Pressure vessels are not to be confused with storage tanks, which are often performing a similar role, however, they're not storing liquid or gas at a pressure far enough removed from the local pressure to be considered a pressure vessel.

The definition of what constitutes a pressure vessel varies across the globe, depending on what different institutes consider "far enough removed". Typical pressures range from 0.5-1 bar before a vessel is considered a pressure vessel.

Pressure vessels can be constructed from a variety of materials, and in a variety of different shapes. They're usually cylindrical in shape, with end caps called "Heads". This is because more complex geometries are much more difficult to assess for safety, as well as usually more difficult and expensive to manufacture.

Many vessels are made of steel or concrete, due to concretes brittle nature steel cabling is used to reinforce it, so it can withstand the tensile stresses placed upon it. The same method can be employed for other materials which are weak in tension.

Technically any material with good tensile properties could be used, however due to the potential hazards involved standards, codes and regulations are used to govern the manufacture as well as operation of pressure vessels, so as to avoid accidents, and potential loss of life.

Maintenance is especially critical when the production rate, price or pressures involved are high. Because a short shutdown or accident could mean thousands or hundreds of thousands in lost opportunity, it's important to keep equipment in good condition and running within reliable tolerances.

To this end non-destructive testing, can be used, sometimes whilst equipment is in operation to inspect areas, and determine possible defects, and levels of degradation. The important feature of NDT is its ability to gather intelligence on a piece without having to damage it or break into it in anyway. Technologies such as ultrasound, eddy currents and magnetism can be used to inspect from afar, through the limits of physical boundaries.

Typically LFET (Low Frequency Electromagnetic Technique) can be used for the wall plates, and eddy current inspection can be used for welds. Other technologies can be used as well however, depending on client requirements and thoroughness required. Technologies such as magnetic particle, ultrasonic and dye penetrant can also be used.

How to Find Industrial Grade Pressure Vessels

Pressure vessels are used to store and utilize high volume liquids and gases in industrial applications. The range of products includes oxygen, oil and gas, compressed air, and high grade chemicals. It safely store these gases and liquids for use in high pressure applications.

Clearly, its work is highly important. Hence, it is also critical that they meet stringent quality requirements of industries and customers worldwide. However, how can a customer know that the what he is planning to purchase is a quality manufactured product? This question can be answered by keeping a few important points in mind.

Quality Features for Finding and Selecting

There are certain features and qualifications that must be met to purchase.

ASME BPVC Code: The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) created the Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code (BPVC) in 1914. This Code is the standard with which all aspects of pressure vessel manufacturing are performed. Depending on the vessel's design and use, every ASME pressure vessel will come with a certification mark such as UV, U, UM. This will guarantee that the vessel has met all the regulations of the BPVC, and can be safely installed and used in an industrial application.

High Grade Materials: The ASME BPVC basically defines all aspects of pressure vessel manufacturing. This includes materials that are used in the manufacturing process. Its manufacturers can or rather only use high grade materials within the criteria of the BPVC. These include stainless steel, carbon steel, aluminum, low and high alloy steels, copper, austenitic stainless steel, and nickel, to name a few. The completed vessel should be able to provide optimum performance even in harsh environmental conditions consisting of extreme weather, corrosion, natural or manmade tremors, etc.

Welding: When all the necessary components have been created, they are welded together to form the final product. The welding process is also a precise and intricate one. Only professional ASME certified welders are allowed to perform this task. The reason for this is that ASME welders have complete knowledge of the safety regulations in Section 9 of the BPVC. This section specifically provides information about welding.

Autofrettage, Testing, and Inspection: Autofrettage is a process where the vessel is subjected to high pressures to create internal compressive stresses within the vessel. This makes it more durable to withstand any environmental hazards. After assembly, one of the final processes is testing. Various types of NDE examinations such as radiography, magnetic particle tests, and ultrasonic testing are performed to ensure that there are no defects in the product.

Before the pressure vessel is provided to the customer, it must be inspected by an ASME qualified inspector. His examination includes:

• Washing of the vessel
• Removal and inspection of all plates, plugs, and water connections
• Examination of the vessel welds, headers, furnace, lugs and other supports
• Removal and testing of pressure gauges
• Inspections of the feed valves, drain valves, non-return and stem top valves, and the steam generation unit.

It is only when the inspection has been completed and all these factors have been met that the inspector provides a certification for the pressure vessel.

This may seem like a lot of information for any customer to process. However, every pressure vessel manufacturer is obligated to provide you with this information. By having a basic understanding of all the above points beforehand, it will be easy for you to find a quality pressure vessel.

As a specialist in custom metal fabrication and machining industry I am passionate about helping businesses succeed by sharing my knowledge and experience. ASME Pressure vessels are used to store and utilize high volume liquids and gases in industrial applications. Know certain features and qualifications that must be met to purchase pressure vessels.

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ASME Pressure Vessel Protection Since 1907

Pressure vessels have a profound impact on our lives on a daily basis. Hot water storage tanks, refrigerant vessels, gas storage tanks, hydro pneumatic tanks and autoclaves are just a few of the uses for them. They are defined as a sealed container designed to hold gases or liquids at a set pressure which is different from the ambient pressure. Pressure vessels are created to work at a specified pressure and temperature. They are specifically designed for pressures greater than 15 psi and an overall volume higher than 5 cubic feet. These technical terms are often described as design temperature or design pressure.

Although harmless looking, they can propose a serious danger if not maintained or built correctly. The pressure differential within them is dangerous and throughout history many accidents, sometimes fatal have occurred while developing and operating pressure vessels. These accidental explosions caused shrapnel to be sent into the air or exposed hazardous content which leaked from the vessels. As a result of these accidents, pressure vessel operations are regulated by engineering authorities to ensure safety.

These engineering authorities include the ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code in North America, the Pressure Equipment Directive of the EU (PED), Japanese Industrial Standard (JIS), and the CSA B51 in Canada to name a few. The ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code is recognized as an American Society of Mechanical Engineers standard that sets guidelines for design, fabrication and the inspections of pressure vessels. The committee is made up entirely of volunteers who are nominated based on their knowledge and expertise in the areas pertaining to pressure vessels as well as boilers. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers is also the accreditation body which entitles independent third parties to complete such tasks as verification, testing and allows certification agencies to inspect and ensure that all of the vessels and boilers meet compliance to the BPVC.

The origin of these committees dates back many years. The ASME which was originally formed in 1880 created the Board of Boiler Rules. This was before it became the ASME Boiler Code Committee which came about in 1911. This would be the committee that would eventually setup the ASME Boiler Code - Rules for the Construction of Stationary Boilers and for the Allowable Working Pressures. This first edition was published in 1915. All of this was initially started by the public outcry after several serious explosions that took place in Massachusetts during the early 1900's. These boiler explosions lead the state of Massachusetts to enact the initial legal code on boiler construction, which was based on ASME's steam boiler construction guidelines.

Making Safety Pressure Vessels For Industrial Systems

Have you ever attended a children's party where the balloons started to burst when they were pricked? Sometimes, balloons begin to burst even while they are being filled up. They created a loud noise don't they? And the remains of the balloon simply flew away in any direction.

But balloons contain only low pressure air or gas. How about those huge pressure vessels we see in the factories and other industrial plants? How can we be sure that they will not burst like balloons?

Industrial processes often use pressure vessels at much higher pressures. In compressed air systems, air reservoirs are utilized to store compressed air in large enough volumes so that the pressures in the system do not fluctuate rapidly as the air is consumed. Industrial gases are often stored in gas cylinders at extremely high pressures.

It would be a disaster if any one of these cylinders were to burst or explode. Injury or loss of life may result from such an accident. It is such a safety concern that many government agencies insist that such pressure vessels be inspected regularly. This is because the environment in which the pressure vessel is operated can play a major part in the deterioration in strength of the vessel. Corrosion is a main culprit for the weakening of material of the pressurized vessel.

In order to ensure that pressure vessels are safe for use in the intended service, design engineers usually add a factor of safety for deterioration in their design. The intended service may include parameters like working temperatures, working pressures, type of fluid, weather, vibration and environment. However, they will also have to look at various other aspects like the material used, the welding preparation, and the additional strengthening arrangements in the weak points like openings, the presence of drainage for condensed water, and other structural strength support for the weights. Usually, they will be following some engineering codes and standards like ASME, JIS, BS, etc.

When the vessel is ready to be fabricated, it goes through a sequential series of checks.

Firstly, the steel plates are identified. The steel plates from the steel manufacturers are usually tested for various chemical composition and mechanical strengths. Each steel plate will be identified by their markings and accompanied by their mill certificates.

Once they have been identified, the plates are cut to the sizes required and formed by rolling. The edges of the plates are also prepared for welding by grinding to the required angle.

The welding process will also need to be standardized. Usually, the manufacturer of these pressure vessels will have done tests for the welding positions, electrodes, welding procedure qualifications, welding performance qualifications, welding procedure specifications in their quality control system. Various mechanical tests like tensile and charpy tests should be done during these standardizations.

Non-destructive examinations are carried out on various welding joints to determine the quality of the welds. Some to the methods used are radiography, ultrasonic, magnetic particles, and dye penetrant. In addition, visual examinations are also carried out.

The final test to determine whether the vessel can withstand the required pressure is called the hydrostatic test. This test is conducted by filling the vessel completely with water and pressurizing it to usually 1.3 or 1.5 times the maximum allowable working pressure and holding it for at least 1 hour. This is a destructive test. If the vessel cannot withstand this pressure, it will break. But because water does not reduce its volume appreciably under pressure, it does not expand much too when it leaks out. The failed vessel does not burst out with a destructive force like a balloon.

If the vessel can withstand the hydrostatic test, it is considered to have fulfilled the final manufacturing requirement. The water is then drained off, the vessel dried up and several protective paint coatings can be applied to its surfaces both internally and externally.

The pressure vessel is then shipped out to the buyer who can rest assured that the pressure vessel will not burst like a balloon provided it is used according to the designed conditions.