Muhammad Mukarram Technical Services L.L.C
How Engineering and Architectural Workflows Are Integrated With the Help of BIM

The impact of Building Information Modelling, or BIM, processes has been a turning point in the history of the construction industry. Design workflows have been altered by the arrival of BIM technology, and both the architecture and MEP (mechanical, engineering, plumbing) sectors have had to adjust themselves to emerging design process trends. Traditionally, architects and building engineers have had different design and documentation workflows. These practices have been modified and integrated by using BIM modelling.

In the MEP design sector, the traditional methods of developing a 2D design from a MEP designer into a coordinated 3D model by the contractor is finding less popularity. BIM modelling is largely responsible for this change, and we discuss how this is so.

A majority of engineering work in construction follows information received from the architects’ design, for example column grids for the structural design or ceiling plans for MEP design. Architectural information, such as building geometry, is then used as input for structural load, heating and cooling load analysis by building engineers. Results gathered from such analysis are then applied to the required sizing of components such as structural units, heating and cooling systems. The number and characteristics of structural joints and MEP distribution systems are calculated to determine loads and size connections, structural framing elements, ductwork and piping.

In some cases, architects may have to give up designed areas to include MEP components. At this point, the design layout would have to be modified while maintaining the building’s engineering systems. The use of coordinated 3D models allows MEP integration in the construction plans at an early stage. Therefore, a 3D model-based workflow became a viable option. Models designed with CAD have certain advantages in the MEP design sector, such as the following:

  • Studies show that 3D CAD tools improve the development cycle by 30-50%
  • Using a 3D model reduces non-conformance issues by 30-40%
  • 3D-based design produces fewer inaccuracies

The use of 3D CAD models therefore save time and money and reduces errors.

MEP design typically involves a significant number of stakeholders responsible for the smooth execution of different stages of building engineering. These stages generally include planning, designing, spatial coordination, fabrication, installation and maintenance. Teams involved in building services design usually consist of design engineers (also known as the consultant engineers or building designers) and MEP contractors. Sometimes, a fabricator, who creates ducts, pipes, electric ladders or sprinklers with frame modules, can also be involved in the design process. The design engineer traditionally worked with the architect to oversee lighting, cooling, heating, drainage, waste, fire prevention and protection services. In this case, the design engineer steers clear of the detailed spatial design of the lighting, cooling, heating, etc. It was the MEP contractor, or trade contractor, who would execute the spatial design requirements and installation. The MEP contractor must then develop the consultant design into an installation-ready building services solution.

There were some challenges with this workflow, such as:

  • Design data, architectural and MEP, had to be shared.
  • MEP design was created by one engineer/team and detailed by other/s.
  • Schematics and plans may present inconsistent data or clashes.
  • Design changes may occur after design finalisation.

The introduction of BIM modelling provided a solution for these challenges, as designs were converted to 3D models and design data became increasingly centralised and changes were notified to stakeholders at a faster rate. With the use of BIM modelling, five different MEP design workflow options emerged. They are as follows:

1. 2D design with 3D BIM coordination

2D design outputs, such as 2D plan layouts, 2D sections and MEP schematics, are created by the designer using traditional 2D CAD tools and then handed to the Contractor who will create a coordinated Revit BIM model which allows the identification and resolution of clashes before site work begins.

2. 2D MEP design and 3D BIM coordination

2D design layouts are created by the MEP designer – the layouts detail the design intent rather than installation requirements. These layouts are then handed over to the MEP trade contractor for detailed 3D coordination. Architectural and structural models are provided to the contractor to allow coordination also.

3. 3D BIM design and coordination by MEP designers

Design engineers create spatially coordinated Revit BIM models with the actual specified components of the projects. Structural, architectural and MEP service coordination is completed. The resulting model is almost installation ready. Typically during a round of value engineering or preferred installation or fabrication requirements, the MEP contractor will still make final changes.

4. 3D BIM design and coordination by MEP contractors

The responsibility for design and coordination is taken on by MEP contractors. Earlier known as a ‘design and build’ workflow, this method is becoming increasingly popular. The contractor works on the design and model based on the specifications of the client. A coordinated drawing is created from the model for installation or fabrication. This is a fast and cost-effective method, since contractor resources’ costs are lower than those of design engineers. As he is making the final procurement and fabrication decisions this also puts all of the control in one team, thereby streamlining the process somewhat.

5. 3D coordination by general contractors

2D architectural, structural and MEP designers work for a general contractor. The team will also typically include detail teams that handle coordination to the level of an MEP trade contractor. A 3D BIM model is created for the contractor to review the model’s strength and adherence to the design. The model is then checked for clashes.

Though there are five different MEP workflows, there is one traditional architectural design workflow, which consists of three basic phases. They are:

1. Schematic Design

Space form and function are conceived by the architect and converted from sketches into a 3D model.

2. Design Development

CAD technicians add dimensions, details and supporting information to the 3D models. Mechanical, electrical, plumbing and life safety drawings are generated. Using standard parts libraries and including tagged component data early in this phase enables productivity tools that enhance construction or shop drawings.

3. Construction Document

Accurate detailed drawings show construction materials, component data sheets, specifications and material or component schedules. Data can be assigned to walls, floors and the building envelope in the model, as well as steel and concrete rebar component information and piece detail information.

Seeing that MEP and architectural workflows are distinct, how does the use of BIM technology integrate the two? BIM engineering modelling tools can integrate engineer-designed building content with architectural BIM models for clash detection. Here’s how:

Construction software platforms, such as BIM 360, use cloud-based checklists to enable quality control, on-site safety, tracking of equipment and monitoring of tasks. Project stakeholders, such as project managers, subcontractors, designers and architects can access, change and update data. Models designed using BIM 360 can generate 2D construction documents and 3D MEP coordination. MEP designers can, therefore, plan designs more effectively if projects include 3D modelling of architectural and trade aspects from the beginning.

Round-Trip Transportation

Architectural models created using BIM do not traditionally show the partitioning of volumes and surfaces spatially, which is required for building energy analysis packages in MEP. Revit MEP takes care of the repartitioning of architectural models into units that can be analysed for seamless building services. So, BIM model-authoring tools enable the round-trip transportation of building data from architectural models to MEP analysis tools and back to the architectural model with coordinated and reintegrated engineering components.

Certain aspects of engineering analysis can be integrated into architectural design for greater interactive communication with the use of specific tools. Architects can then receive direct feedback about the MEP effects of their architectural designs. Tools that offer these capabilities include IES plug-ins to Revit MEP or Revit Architecture. Recent software program acquisitions by Bentley and Autodesk have led to increased facility for interoperability, where engineers may prefer a particular analysis package for internal workflow but are restricted by a model-creating software suite required by project agreements. Enabling cross-platform workflows was a leading cause of establishing the Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) standard, now better known as buildingSMART.

Integrated architectural and MEP workflows are steadily gaining in popularity in building design circles due to ongoing technological developments. With IFC standard guiding principles, architects and MEP engineers can use the data garnered from other disciplines for reference while coordinating and sharing projects. Ultimately, initial gathering of MEP analysis data and implementing successful building information modelling can help architects design an integrated project that can be executed in a seamless construction process.

Source by Kuldeep Bwail

How To Identify A Quality Hydraulic Oil

In an optimally running hydraulic system, the temperature would remain consistent throughout the fluid’s duty cycle, the temperature of the fluid would never exceed 130 degrees, and the vented outside air would always be clean and dry. In these conditions your hydraulic oil could last forever and you would never have any equipment failures. In reality, none of these conditions are easily achievable, if not impossible. In a single duty cycle, a hydraulic oil can see changes in temperature ranging from 100 degrees to 500 degrees and even higher in areas of extreme high pressure. This rapid change in temperature leads to high levels of condensation (water) in your system.

Additionally, depending on the application, it is difficult to keep your reservoir temperatures below 165 degrees, which is the point that regular mineral based hydraulic oil starts to break down and oxidation occurs leading to sludge and varnish build up. Top that off with dirty, humid outside air being drawn in through the breathers and you have dirt and water that are definitively not good lubricants for your pump. With these conditions you can start to better understand why doing proper filtration and using a quality hydraulic oil is the only way to achieve a long service life for your equipment and your hydraulic fluid.

Outside of using after treatment devices such as heat exchangers to assist in controlling heat, fluid filtration systems to remove particles of debris, and reservoir breather filters that help absorb incoming moisture and debris, it is your hydraulic oil that is ultimately responsible for protecting your hydraulic system and keeping it running to minimize down time. With so many different options in hydraulic oils as well as quality levels it is important to understand what makes one product better than the other.

When it comes to all lubricating oils, it starts with a base oil. Using high quality base oil in a hydraulic lubricant means it will have fewer waxes, which leads to better flow properties as well as enhanced ability to shed water readily. The base oil will also have a more stable hydrocarbon molecule structure that resists thermal break-down, a process that leads to oxidation and ultimately varnish and sludge build-up. And it will have a better “Stay in Grade” capability, which basically means the hydraulic oil won’t get too thin in high temperatures leading to wear at the pump. A top notch base oil will also resist thickening at cold temperatures, which leads to pump starvation and improper valve operation. Finally, the proper mix and concentration of additives provide the correct amount of protection to your pump without holding water droplets in suspension. This is very important in hydraulic systems that have condensation issues and that is why we don’t generally use motor oil in a hydraulic system. Because of the high level of additives in motor oils, they will hold water in suspension which is not a quality you want in a hydraulic system.

So how do you determine whether your hydraulic oil is a quality hydraulic fluid? Review the product data sheet. This will tell you all the typical properties of the product as well as how it performed on standardized tests. Let’s review BlueSky Lubricants PureBlu Hydraulic Oil as an example. To determine the quality of the base oil go to the Oxidation Stability Test, ASTM D-943. This test procedure, which is reported in hours of performance, measures the oils ability to resist oxidation at elevated temperatures. BlueSky’s PureBlu Hydraulic Oil reports 5000+ hours. You can be assured that this product uses a high quality base oil considering most hydraulic oils come in between 1000 to 3000 hours. If a product data sheet doesn’t report oxidation stability, then you can almost guarantee it doesn’t perform well. Another key to base oil quality is the hydraulic oils pour point, the lowest temperature at which the fluid stops flowing. BlueSky’s PureBlu Hydraulic Oil reports -27 degrees F. This is outstanding for a single grade product. Some lesser quality products don’t have the ability to flow at 0 degrees. Not that any of our hydraulic systems have to operate at these low temperatures, but this is just a great indicator of your products quality. Another quality characteristic is reported in the Viscosity Index (VI). This gets back to an oils ability to “Stay in Grade” as it is affected by temperature. BlueSky’s PureBlu Hydraulic Oil reports a VI of 100. This is very good being that the higher the number the better the expected performance of the oil. Lesser products report Viscosity Index’s in the 80’s and 90’s where synthetic oils have viscosity Index’s starting at 120.

Finally you have your additive levels which are reported as Sulfated Ash Content. In hydraulic oils, zinc weight, being zinc is your main anti-wear additive used to protect your pumps. This is the area that you are limited in how much additive you use because it will affect the oils ability to separate from water, which is critical in most hydraulic applications. If water is an issue, look at the hydraulic oils demulsibility test, ASTM D5182. This is the time in minutes that it takes for a mixed sample of oil and water to separate. BlueSky’s PureBlu reports a 10 minute pass time, which again is an outstanding performance for a hydraulic oil. Beyond looking at these standard performance levels, certain hydraulic oil incorporate additional enhancements to their product to assist in operation. For example PureBlu Oil is dyed blue to help quickly identify leaks as well as help determine what product is leaking on a piece of equipment that has multiple lubrication systems. This is no different than knowing whether or not a leak on your garage floor is from your transmission.

Bottom line, your hydraulic fluid is a very important purchase that should be taken seriously. Hopefully you now have some insight and useful tools to help make this important decision for your hydraulic system’s needs

Source by Richard A Rose

Mesh Office Chair – The Advantages Explained

Regular cushioned and leather chairs are getting outdated now and the mesh chair is taking its place. In the first look, you will find that it is just like any other chair available on the market. But the difference is the material used in manufacturing these chairs and that provides better breath facility. This does not mean breath facility for the user but for the furniture. However silly and absurd it sounds it is very essential though. It is a simple concept and can be compared to that which is in your shoes that allows your feet to breathe.

Usually with traditional chairs people used to feel lot of discomfort because heat got trapped and you could actually feel the chair extremely warm causing uneasiness. This is mainly because there is no ventilation and the heat of the body gets ensnared there. Therefore, if you have to work for long hours on this type of chair you will feel like working in a hell. If the chair is made of leather it will also start smelling after some time. On the other hand if you have mesh office chair, the whole scenario is changed.

The material used in manufacturing of a mesh office chair enables air to pass through freely. This helps the chair remain comfortable and no smell gets trapped in it hence keeping it fresh and odorless even when used for longer hours in a stretch. In fact this facility sets mesh office chair apart from other chairs and it is so comfortable that most often used as boss chair in the office.

The durability of the mesh office chair is undoubtedly high in addition to the comfort that it provides to the user. Although these special chairs are made of fabric, but they are so tightly woven that they are sturdy and reliable as well. It gives you the ergonomic comfort also. This does not mean that the chair should be designed ergonomically. This type of boss chair usually allows free flow of air making it ventilated, wading the discomfort and odor unlike conventional chairs and they are not very expensive also.

Source by Abhyudaya Tripathi

How To Kill Stink Bugs In Homes That Have Window Air Conditioner Units

Stink bugs are notorious for their persistence when it comes to seeking to gain entry into your house during the autumn months.

1. Stink bugs want to come inside the house during the winter.

Have you noticed that the peak season for stink bug infestation problems within domestic households in North America is during the onset of autumn? This is not by mere chance or coincidence. Stink bugs are no different than any other insect or animal that instinctively seeks to escape the harshness of winter either by hibernating or by migrating south. What makes stink bugs stand apart from other insects is in their persistence when it comes to matters of seeking shelter in warm places during autumn and winter. Whereas it is very rare to find bugs lurking about in your house during the winter months, stink bugs are a notable exception.

2. They will seek any means to get into the house.

If a stink bug is unable to seek shelter in a warm household during the winter months, it will inevitably hibernate. But during the autumn months of September and October, you will find these little critters to be among the most persistent when it comes to trying to gain entry into your home for the winter. Wherever they can find any type of opening in your house, somehow they will manage to make their way indoors, where it is warm. This opening could be a crack in your house’s foundation, the exhaust fan pipes from your clothes dryer, your stove exhaust vent, your chimney, gaps in your window sills, tears in your window screens, or any other crevice that they can find. Suffice it to say that if there is a way to get into your home, a determined stink bug will find a way. This is their mission in life during the autumn months.

3. The Window Air Conditioner Unit is one of the most vulnerable parts of the home.

Among the many different ways that there are for stink bugs to gain access into your home, the window air conditioner unit is one of the single most vulnerable. It is, after all, an actual opening into your home. Designed for air to be sucked into your home from outside, it is an open invitation for these bugs to crawl straight through. This is of course a common problem with any opening into your home, be it a central air conditioning unit, or any other exhaust pipe leading out of your house. Stink bugs can make their way through these as well. The main difference is that the distance between the outside world and the inside of your house is very small, and is a relatively short distance for a stink bug to trek before it finally emerges into your home. If you don’t take the necessary precautions and safeguards to seal off your window air conditioner unit and make it completely air tight and impenetrable, except for the flow of air molecules themselves, then this unit becomes an open invitation for stink bugs to make their way into your home.

4. The problems with window air conditioner units.

Because air conditioner units are units that are fitted into an opening that is cut out of your wall, you must be mindful of the fact that even the tiniest gaps between the unit and the wall can be just big enough for stink bugs to slip through. And believe it not, stink bugs can and will find a way to get through this unit, once they are able to detect the presence of heat emanating from that unit. Stink bugs are notorious for penetrating homes and making their way indoors, and are equally notorious for their persistence at doing so.

5. How to safeguard your window air conditioner units.

While most professionally installed air conditioner units are designed to fit precisely into the opening in your exterior wall, it is inevitable that sometimes you might end up with a unit that is not a perfect fit, even by a few millimeters. This is true of both new installations and replacements, as well as with existing units that have been in your window for a long time. Here are some tips on how you can safeguard your window air conditioner units so as to prevent stink bugs from making their way through in order to get inside your home:

i) Use duct tape.

Duct tape is an extremely effective way to seal off any gaps between your window air conditioning unit and the wall. It provides a solid, impenetrable barrier. Plus, it is adhesive, so it is very unlikely to come undone, plus it can trap any stink bugs that do come in contact with the adhesive surfaces, thwarting their attempts to gain entry into your home.

ii) Spray the window with dish soap.

This may sound like an odd solution, but the fact of the matter is that dish washing liquid soap has proven to be lethal to stink bugs and acts as an excellent deterrent against them. By spraying the exterior of your window with dish soap, this should be sufficient to drive them away. Of course, if it not practical to spray the window with dish soap yourself, then you may want to have your window (as well as the rest of your house) professionally power washed.

iii) Caulk the window.

If you have any gaps in your window sill or in the areas between where your window meets the window frame, you may want to fill these up with caulk. Once the caulk dries, this will form a solid, water-proof impenetrable barrier that stink bugs will not be able to pass. Also, if any stink bugs have managed to get into your home through these cracks and are hiding within the walls, then this will take care of them. By sealing off the openings with caulk, this will trap, suffocate, and kill off any stink bugs that might be hiding within your walls, so that they cannot come back out and lurk about within your house.

6. Cover your air conditioning unit.

One thing you can do is permanently can encase your air conditioner unit with a cover that has gaps that are too narrow for bugs to pass through but are just large enough for air molecules to pass through. This case would be somewhat akin to a cage.

Yet another way to cover your air conditioner would be completely enshroud it within a cover when it is not in use, particularly during the winter months.

Removing window air conditioner units completely during the winter months is also an option, provided that you are able to board up the gap in the wall completely, caulk the edges, and ensure that it is air-tight.

Having a window air conditioner is a necessity during the summer months, in houses that do not have central air conditioning. Unfortunately, the luxury and comfort of having air conditioning comes at a price… the trade off is in the amount of effort you must put in to ensure that your unit does not leave your home vulnerable to an infestation of stink bugs.

Source by Zeke Misek

Photoelectric Switches In Outdoor Home Lighting

Surely it must be admitted that people lead busy lives today. Between work and family and upkeep on a home, there is a lot to be done in 24 hours. Some small things fall through the cracks. If you’ve ever woken up in the morning and found that you left the outdoor lighting on, then the use of photoelectric switches may be right for you.

The photoelectric switch can also be called a photocell or photoeye. They are small little “eyes” about the size of a nickel. The technology allows your outdoor lighting to turn itself on when the sun disappears and turn them back off when it rises in the morning.

Not only does this leave you one less thing to remember every day, it will save you on the electric bill. But most importantly because they are so small, they can be added to your fixtures without being obvious.

Photoelectric switches are becoming increasingly popular simply for their convenience. In fact, they are so popular that many lighting fixtures are now coming with the switches pre-installed. You would be hard pressed to walk into a Home Depot and not find them. Installing these switches yourself is easy and fast, and can help with safety, time saving and save you economically.

Picture this, you left your house in a rush and forgot to turn on the outside lights. You return later than expected only to find the house completely dark. Not only do you run the risk of falling because you can’t see, but as safe as your neighborhood is there’s always a chance for something to go wrong.

Another great safety feature is if you go away on vacation. Instead of relying on an automatic timer, which could malfunction, you’re relying on the sun to turn on your lights. Since the sun in unlikely to fail or disappear you can rest assured that your lights will be on as if you were home. You really can’t argue with a device that saves you money, saved you time and makes your home safer.

Pair photoelectric switches with the latest in solar lighting technology and you have a recipe for easier outdoor upkeep, increased security, lower lighting bills and a safer outdoor area anytime of night. LED technology, in particular, will help keep costs low, energy use low and the area all around more safe. LED is also the choice if you want to be eco-friendly.

Source by Lydia Quinn

Importance of Rental Power Sources

Eliminating the increasingly expanding global power deficit in a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly manner is one of the biggest challenges of the 21st Century. Inexpensive and eco-friendly energy is essential to the economic growth of a region. The developed countries have already been working on exploring new techniques to produce power. The ongoing shift from unsustainable energy sources to clean and sustainable energy means is a result of growing demand for clean energy.

Perpetual power outages can have a devastating impact on businesses that do not have reliable alternative power sources to run their operations. It is almost impossible to prevent natural disasters that can destroy electric transmission lines. In such situations, the only source a business can turn to is standby generator.

A strategic use of rental energy can help companies prevent potential outages that can lead to heavy operational losses. Sophisticated generators start automatically within a few seconds after electricity disrupts. They help companies continue their production processes without losing critical data and communication systems.

Businesses often need to buy or rent a backup system to keep their operational processes running during power outages and emergency situations. Needs for a backup system may vary from business to business. No matter why you need rental solutions, make sure you hire a reliable and reputable company that have the capabilities to meet your unique requirements.

It may seem costly to rent a standby generator as it increases the cost of production. However, considering the cost of an outage, it is advisable to have a backup. You should pay attention to some factors before renting a set for your business or house. Rental generators can operate at various levels, ranging from simple home appliances to an entire premise or facility. Select the size, type and capacity of a generator that best fits your budget and operational requirements.

Electricity is an inseparable part of homes and industries. If your facility entirely depends on the main utility line, it is recommended to have a backup plan in place so that you can handle blackouts effectively and keep your business running. Temporary solutions will enable you to deal with emergency situations and keep your operations unaffected. It is better to get familiar with rental generators and how they work. Do not let power disruptions paralyze your entire operation.

In order to save time and money, hire a company that also provides installation and maintenance services along with dependable rental generators.

Source by Basharat Khadim

Fabric Make Of Filament Yarn Has Larger Tenacity Than Spun Yarns

Yarns are threads produced by drawing and twisting together of fibres. They are the basic material used for making various apparels and fabrics. Yarns are made up of any number of plies, each ply being a single spun yarn. These single ply of yarn are twisted in the opposite direction together to make a thicker yarn. Depending on the direction of this final twist, the yarn will be known as s-twist or z-twist.

The two main types of yarn are filament yarns and spun yarn. Filament yarn is made when two or more filaments or yarns are drawn and twisted together which stretches the yarns slightly.

Spun yarn is made from staple fibres also known as shorter fibres. These include all natural fibres except silk, but may also include synthetic filaments which have been cut to form staple fibres.

Staple fibres are made into a yarn by combing to straighten the fibres, drawing, and spinning. Staple yarns tend to be bulkier, softer, and less lustrous than filament yarns, which are usually used for smooth, shiny fabrics. However, filament yarns can be given different textures, by different texturing and bulking processes.

Filament yarn is smooth, so the fabric make of filament yarn has larger tenacity than the fabric made of staple yarn, as well as greater air permeability. Filter fabric made of staple yarn has hair on the surface, so it is better than filter fabric made of filament yarn for dust collection and pressure filtration. While the fabric made of filament yarn has smooth surface and high air permeability, so it is suitable for liquid filtration. Silk is the only natural single filament yarn available in the market today.

Source by Christopher Mantford

Benefits of Pig Farming Equipments

Pigs are more sensitive animals as compared to sheep, goats, and other livestock, and they require better management. But, they have an advantage that they give a better return as their feed-to-meet ratio is higher than other livestock and they also have a high breeding rate.

The quality and development of pigs depend on the feeding and housing systems, and this is why it is important for a pig farmer to exploit the modern pig farming equipment which will help in growing healthy pigs and ultimately an increased return on investment.

Some of the Modern Pig Farming Equipments are:

Stalls

  • Gestation Stalls: A gestation stall is primarily meant for housing pregnant sows. These stalls can be used in breeding, gestation and furrowing phases. They provide enough space for a sow and they make physical examination and insemination process very easy. They also help in protecting the sow from injuries and in controlling their feeding intake.
  • Finishing Stalls: These stalls are best for housing heavier pigs, which weigh more than 40 kg.
  • Weaning Stalls: These stalls are mean for the newly-born pigs and designed so that they don’t cause pollution and feel comfortable for the babies.

Pig Feeders

  • Drinking bowl: Modern pig drinking bowls are hygienic and the curled design prevents dust from entering into the water. They also reduce fecal pollution.
  • Nipple Drinker: Nipple drinkers are automatic and they do not allow any leak.
  • Dry-wet Feeder: The advantage of a dry-wet feeder is that they save feedings and are designed in a way so they won’t damage the snout of the pigs.
  • Creep Feeder: It is used to supply feed in furrowing crate for piglets. They are helpful if the mother sow doesn’t have sufficient milk. They are easy to clean and can be used for both feeding and watering.

Ventilation

  • Exhaust Fans: Exhaust fans when installed in a poultry farm can pump out a large volume of foul air without creating much noise.
  • Cooling Pads: It is important to keep the air inside the stalls clean because the climate influences the production capacity of pigs. A cooling pad consists of a fan, rotating discs, motor, and water bowl. The fan pumps out the unhealthy air and rotator disks spray water into the stall.
  • Dynamic Air Ventilation: Energy consumption can be reduced to a great extent by using frequency controlled fans. They can be installed in all types of stalls and can be accessed remotely as well.

Flooring

  • Pigsty Mat: Electrical Heating Mats are combined with the feeder, water bowl, and heating pads. They not only take good care of the pigs, but also prevent them from electric shocks.
  • Plastic Floor: These floors provide good furrowing and prevent frequent touches between the pigs and the dung. They do not corrode and are easy to clean.
  • Fiberglass Beam: These beams work as a support to the breeding fences

Manure Handling

  • Scrappers: Mechanical manure removal systems remove the feces and urine separately from the pig shed. They save a lot of labor costs.
  • Fermenting Machine: Fermenting machines are used for fermentation of sludge, feces, mud etc. and converting them into pig manure.

Source by Shalini M

Importance and Benefits of Air Conditioning Services

There are several reasons that the installation of air-conditioners can become necessary other than those of comfort and luxury. For some commercial sectors and certain emergency areas, it is almost indispensable.

There are places like warehouses and storehouses, operation theaters and intensive care units in hospitals, airports and hotels or restaurants among a large number of places that require air-conditioning. The requirements of air-conditioning at homes and other residential complexes are also very important.

Important Air-Conditioning Aspects

There are certain aspects of air-conditioning that is very important. Firstly, there is an installation part. There are different designs of air-conditioners and thus their installation process too has to be different. Installation needs an outlet for the machine in many cases.

Then there is the maintenance of the machines. These are equipments of different sizes and the enhanced capacity in each makes them generate a lot of heat as well. There are different types of filters that need cleaning regularly or even changed from time to time depending on their condition.

There is another aspect of internal cleaning. Despite good surrounding conditions, there are dust and pollution settlements inside the machines. Unless these are cleaned and maintained on a regular basis the air-conditioners will not be able to perform in their cooling effects as good as before.

The requirements and nature of work involved are different in case of residential and for commercial zones. Thus, there is a need for professional services to take care of the same.

Air-Conditioning Services

There are companies that are engaged professionally arena of air-conditioning services. These are professionally managed companies with expertise and experience in electrical and mechanical work.

These companies have setups with which they provide maintenance and service jobs for all kinds of commercial and residential air-conditioners.

The first task undertaken by the companies is that of installation. A careful and accurate installation is necessary for a good performance. It has to be safely to electrical sources. This apart the companies will also ensure that the appliance is safe to handle even for children.

The next important aspect is that of repairs. There are requirement for smaller parts replacements and in some cases, major defects may also appear after a while of use. A careful and timely replacement or even repair of any problem is also essential.

Then there is the maintenance issue. A regulated form of maintenance can work wonders for any appliance or electrical equipment. Periodical checks for maintenance will ensure clean and well- maintained appliances. These will not only give better output of their quality of service but also enhance the durability of the machines.

The most important promise that companies undertake for air-conditioning services is that of timely assistance. They are very prompt in their services and professional in their approach. This is an added quality to their professional expertise in handling the air-conditioner appliances.

Source by Renu Rohila

Pros and Cons of Installing Dimmer Switches

An easy way to save money in the home is to install dimmer switches for the light fixtures in various rooms. This project can typically be completed in just a few hours and can dramatically change the entire look and feel of a space. Of course, as with any home improvement project, switches for lighting fixtures have their various pros and cons.

Benefits of Dimmer Switches

The biggest benefit to the dimmer switch is that it saves money. Dimming a light in a room can save anywhere from 10 percent up to 90 (or more) percent on your electric bill for that light fixture. This is because they reduce the amount of electricity sent to the light fixture, thus directly reducing how much money is spent on the electricity. To maximize savings, consider installing more eco-friendly light bulbs such as compact fluorescent (CFL) bulbs into the ceiling fixtures and any other fixtures that may be on the dimmer switches.

Another huge benefit to installing one is that the homeowner has ultimate control over how much light is in the space. This can be extremely beneficial for setting the mood or brightening a space for a family gathering.

They can also be installed to work together with remote controls. Remote controls can change the lighting in the room for various light fixtures with the single click of a button, creating ultimate control for home lighting.

Furthermore, they also lengthen the lifespan of the bulb. When the lights are dimmed, even by very little, it extends the overall life of the bulb. For example, a light fixture with a traditional incandescent bulb may last less than a year. However, installing one onto that same light fixture with that same incandescent bulb can easily extend the bulb’s lifespan up to three or four years.

Lastly, dimmer switches can be installed in every room of the home: bedrooms, bathrooms, the dining room, living room, kitchen and beyond. They can be used on a number of different light fixtures: lamps, track lights, ceiling fixtures, bathroom lights, pendant lights and even under cabinet lighting or wall sconces.

Negative Aspects of Dimmer Switches

Perhaps the biggest negative of the dimmer switch is that it may not necessarily work with all the lights in a home. When installing them, it is a must that owners research their existing fixtures to see if a dimmer switch is safe to use with the fixture. If the owner plans to install new lights, this is typically less of a problem as they can simply purchase a light fixture that will safely work with the switch.

Secondly, since installing a switch is electrical work, some owners may not feel safe or be comfortable handling electricity, even when the power is shut off (which it must be). This may require the owner to contact a professional and pay for an hour or two of work to have the professional install the dimmer switches in the desired rooms.

In short, dimmer switches offer more benefits than negative aspects. They save money and give ultimate control over a home’s lighting, so it’s hard to see why anyone wouldn’t want to install one!

Source by Emily Chadwick