Thursday, February 17, 2011

How to Choose a Marine Sanitation Hose

A marine sanitation device (MSD) is very useful for a voyage of any length, and is required for any vessel with an installed toilet traveling in inland waterways. Some MSDs treat raw sewage so that it can be directly released from the vessel without polluting the environment. However, certain states have strict no-discharge zones (usually where there is no navigable outlet to the sea) so make sure to check the laws with the local Coast Guard or regulatory agency before your voyage.

A crucial element of any MSD is the sanitation hose. There are many options to choose from when installing a new system, and this article discusses some of the various hosing options and their respective qualities. It is important to choose hosing based upon your individual needs: there is no one overarching best choice. Make sure that any hosing you choose is clearly marked, "Sanitation."

Sanitation hosing serves several purposes. It must effectively transfer sewage from toilet to holding tank, holding tank to pump out point and to any vents. Clearly, odor permeation is highly undesirable, so carefully research your options to determine which will work best under your specific conditions. Also, no matter what hosing you choose, a poor installation will negate it's benefits. There must be no kinks, loops or dips in the line, and all connections must be tight. Unless specifically labeled, do not use alcohols, anti-freeze, petro-chemicals or solvents in sanitation hosing. All hosing has a set maximum operating temperature (for both hot and cold temperatures) before it breaks down. If you are in a location with extreme weather, pay close attention to this detail.

'Shields Hoses' has many excellent options to choose from, including two options for your potable water needs, as distinct from your waste-water system. All have either a full lifetime or partial warranty against odor permeation and all are flexible enough to be bent into a tight radius.

The Poly X Sanitation Hose combines the elasticity of rubber with the permeation resistance of polyurethane to create a excellent holistically sound option. It requires no external fixtures, but slips onto and around most fittings. It is easy to clean and resists abrasion well. It is used mostly for transference from head to holding tank and holding tank to pump out.

The Vac Extra Heavy Duty/FDA hose is composed of PVC with a vinyl helix. It is rated for full vacuum and is resistant to mild chemicals, permeation and saltwater. It is mostly used for bilge pump intake and discharge, sink, shower and scupper drains, and is appropriate for potable water tank fill as well as most sanitation applications.

The Shields Sanitation Hose has a EPDM tube and cover, is wire reinforced and has two fabric plies. This makes for a kink resistant and very flexible hose. It is resistant to toilet chemicals, ands holds up well against ozone, saltwater and heat. It is best used for connecting toilet to holding tank, and from holding tank to pump out point. It is super resistant to odor permeation.

Both the Shields Vac Extra Heavy Duty/Commercial Grade Hose and The Super PVC Sanitation Hose are composed of PVC with a vinyl helix. The latter is not appropriate for potable water use because it incorporates an anti-fungus agent to help control odor. It is best used for transference from toilet to holding tank, and holding tank to pump out point, but the former can be used for bilge pump intake and discharge, potable water, drains and sanitation intakes vents and pump outs. This hose (the Shields Vac Extra Heavy Duty/Commercial Grade Hose) is used for below waterline connections.

There are two great options for pressurized water system supplies (hot and cold) that are also effective wash down hoses for pump connections and head intakes. They both have a polyester braid reinforcement with a clear extra heavy wall FDA formula vinyl. The Heavy-Duty Polyester Reinforced PVC Tubing is extremely kink resistant and the All Clear Polyester Reinforced Red Tracer PVC Tubing has a 250# psi burst pressure and can also be used for drain lines.

The Trident Marine line carries many excellent choices as well:

The Trident Sani Shield Sanitation Hose offers a very thick tube and cover that not only resists odor permeation but holds up to winterizing anti-freeze. It employs helical wire and 2 ply reinforcement to provide increased flexibility bend radius. It is not to be used for any potable water transference.

Other options offer anti-bacterial thermoplastic formulation, or heavy-duty smooth white vinyl that provides excellent resistance to odor permeation while remaining safe for potable water. Some hosing can be fitted directly over fixtures, and if necessary, affixed more sturdily with marine cement. Others require cuffs to provide a tight connection.

A Solution to Your Garden Hose Storage Problem

A garden hose is a necessity for anyone who has a garden, plants and shrubs. There are a few things to consider when you go to purchase your new garden hose.

Determine the length of hose that is required. Hoses come in 25 foot increments so the size of your lot needs to be calculated to determine the number of lengths to purchase. Hoses link together easily to achieve the required length. You also need to take in to consideration where your water supply is. If you have front and back yard spigots then consider two 25 foot length hoses, one for each yard

Buy a quality hose so you have it for more than a season. Cheap hoses will only aggravate you over the course of the summer. They constantly kink up and leak. Look for hoses with brass fittings. Brass fittings are the best in preventing water leaks and hold up well in everyday use. Look for at least a 6 ply rubber hose, however an 8 ply hose would be better.

Another thing to consider is the storage of your garden hose. A good quality garden hose will last for years if it is stored properly and not left in the sun for the rubber to rot. A self-coiling garden hose will eliminate the frustrations you have with the garden hose never getting put away or being piled up on the sidewalk. A 50 foot self-coiling garden hose will self-retract to a neat 36 inches. Now that is so easy to use and store.

Having a good quality garden hose will make your outdoor watering much more enjoyable. Keep this is mind when shopping for your next garden hose.

A Quick Reference About The Fire Hose

The fire fittings were invented by Jan van der Heyden in 1672 with the goal of improving the capability of fire marshals to extinguish fires in his native Amsterdam. It is interesting to note that van der Heyden was not a fire fighter. He was an artist and an inventor but he certainly made a priceless contribution to the field of fire fighting by inventing the fire-hoses. When you imagine a fire fighter, the likely picture that comes to mind is someone clad in fire-fighting suit and carrying a fire-hoses.

While modern fire fighting equipment have been developed to control and contain fires, the fire-hose remains as the single, most important tool because of its unique ability to enable a fire fighter to gain access to the site of the blaze and control the direction of the water to completely douse the flames. Aside from water, the fire-hose can also deliver other fire retardants like foam at a minimum of 0.33 liter per second. The typical fire fittings consist of one or more outer layers of fabric with an inner layer of rubber. A distinct feature of most fire reels is that they have been specifically designed to be stored flat. This saves space when it has to be stored, either in a hoses reel or in a hanging rack.

There are different types of hose designed for fire fighting purposes. Those that are designed and manufactured to be used under positive pressure are called discharge fittings. This class of hoses include the attack hose, booster hose, forestry hose, relay hose and the supply hose. Attack hoses, as the name suggests, are used to deliver a jet of water from a fire engine while supply hoses are used to transport water to the fire engine. On the other hand, hoses used under negative pressure are termed suction hoses.

Fire reels are also classified based on size. To date, there are five major classes which include the 1 ? inch hose, the 2 ? inch hose, the 3 inch and the 5 inch hoses, the Booster and the Hard Suction hose. The 1 ? inch hose is basically used whenever fire fighters have to enter a building to contain the fire. The 2 ? inch hose is also known as Blitz Line and it is primarily used to fight fittings massive fires. The 3 inch and the 5 inch hoses are generally used as the main supply lines to carry water from sources like a fire hydrant. The Booster is used for small blazes and during clean-up operations. The Hard Suction hose is used to ferry water from other possible sources aside from the hydrant.

The older types of fire fittings need to be hung after use because water that is left inside for extended periods can affect the fitting material. However, modern fire fittings are manufactured from different types of fabrics and elastomers. These materials are more durable and allow fire hose to be stored even when wet without compromising the integrity of its material. Modern hoses are also lightweight and they have been designed to withstand the effects of various chemicals and sunlight. As technology advances, new knowledge and materials are being integrated into the composition of existing hoses to further boost their efficiency.

When is it Time to Replace Or Repair Hydraulic Hose Assemblies

How long do hydraulic hose assemblies last? There is no answer to how long you should wait before replacing hose assemblies on your equipment. The good news is that there are signs that you can look for to determine when it's time for preventive hose assembly replacement.

Do not use a old or worn hose assembly on your equipment.

The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE), proclaims the shelf life of bulk rubber hose is 10 years from the date it was manufactured. The manufactured date should be located on the layline of the hose. If its close to 10 years. It shouldn't be used. The purchase of a new hose assembly is by far less expensive than the clean up and potential harm and injury if an old hose breaks or blows.

Make and follow a regular preventative hose maintenance schedule.

For most assemblies, a visual inspection once every 30 days and replacement of assemblies every year or two is adequate. Eighty percent of blown hoses are caused by external damage through kinking, crushing, or abrasion of the hose and can normally be seen by just a quick look.

Keep a log of the hose replacements, especially replaced hose failures. You can use this log to estimate how long your hoses may last in your equipment. But nothing will replace a visual inspection.

Critical hose assemblies should be replaced more often as these will cause the most damage if blown. Critical assemblies may be those that are close to the operators or failure could result in injury or would cost a great amount of damage.

Replace your assemblies if you see oil leaking around fittings or along the hose, crushed hoses, abrasion or any exposed wire is a sure sign of need for replacement, any significant damage to the outer cover, twisted hoses, Kinks, cracked, rusted, or corroded fittings.

Hydraulic Gear Pump

In the 1960s the aerospace industry was growing by leaps and bounds. During that time, Eaton began making hydraulic gear pump models for both that industry and other manufacturers. These days, they deliver all their gears and pumps to customers all over the world for mobile and industrial applications.

Any Eaton hydraulic gear pump or other product is cutting edge. Eaton has spent years coming up with designs and ways to manufacture gears. Every one of their customers want each to buy a product that will work better, quieter and longer than the one before. On top of that, each product must have more features and options. To satisfy this need, Eaton has a large variety of gear pumps so that each customer's needs are met. They incorporate as many features right into the pumps to maximize function and minimize size requirements. Whatever your application, there is an Eaton gear pump for it.

Every Eaton hydraulic gear pump has a floating bushing, pressure balanced design. The body is extruded of an aluminum alloy that has a high resistance. the end cover and flange are both made out of cast iron. You have a huge choice of flanges, shafts and ports, so that you can meet with the standards for your county and industry. It also means that you can get a pump that fits in exactly with what you need. There are plenty of benefits to getting an Eaton pump. They are low noise and have a low pressure ripple. They can be used for just about anything in any industry. They are small enough to fit in almost any space, but big enough to do anything you want them to do. The pumps are also pre-engineered so you don't have to deal with it. With their long experience, Eaton has a pump that will work for you.

Everything You Need To Know In Using Hydraulic Jacks

If your car came with a mechanical screw jack and you're having a hard time working the tool, you're not alone. Most households have thrown their manual jacks in favor of something better: hydraulic jacks. These jacks are powered by liquid pressure making use of Pascal's rule: that when you're compressing a container, the force on all points of the container is equal.

This way, when you're changing your tire, you don't have to wind up the handle of the jack so many times. You just need to pump the handle of jacks. A few times and voila! It can cut down as much as 75% of the work during a tire change because these mechanisms distribute pressure more efficiently. You'll be amazed at how easily it can lift a vehicle that's probably 20 times its own weight.

If car owners have any misgivings about hydraulic jack, it's the fact that they can take over a lot of the baggage compartment's space. It's certainly much larger than regular automotive jacks, and would even require you to bring wood or metal boards with you when you use them. The flat boards are necessary to make sure that the base of these hydraulic jacks is stable. If you're stranded in the dessert, or even on the highway where the ground is already concrete, the base might not be stable enough. While concrete is a hard surface, more often than not it isn't even. You might break this if you just set them up on any surface.

So would you give up the luggage space just so you can have an easier time changing your tires? Some would and some wouldn't. Individuals who own small cars actually won't give up what little space they have at the trunk for it. This is fine because it's a lot easier to change the tires of a small car compared to a four wheel drive or a truck.

If you have big vehicles, however, and you do have the extra space at the back, you wouldn't regret bringing hydraulic jacks instead of manual ones. Most four wheel drives have baggage compartments that can fit the luggage of two people, so a hydraulic jack and its floor base shouldn't take up too much space. The spare tires of big vehicles like these are also places on a separate compartment outside the trunk. Buy a hydraulic jack only if you feel that your vehicle is heavy enough for you to need this jack type's power. Don't buy one if you think your vehicle is too small to carry the extra weight.

How a Hydraulic Gear Pump Works in a Dump Truck

The hydraulic gear pump is an amazing invention that can be used to any construction machine that can carry heavy loads. Just imagine the strength of this kind of equipment. It can be used even in car brakes.
The idea behind the hydraulic system is quite simple. The force being manipulated in a certain point is transferred using fluids (specifically oil fluids) that can be compressed to push the other gear.

A good example to this is: Two pistons with a fluid inside. When a force is applied on the first piston, the other piston will be pushed up because the force of the other piston exerts pressure with the fluid hence the 2nd piston will move upwards.

The basic design is a gear pump is placed in an airtight or vacuum cylinder or casing. Another gear is placed outside the casing to add reinforcement to the seal. A smaller gear is placed inside to be used as a force to push the fluid inside creating an upward and downward movement.

As the suction ports are meshed together, there will be three gaps wherein the other gap will have an opening to let the fluid flow out. A motor is the attached to the gears to manipulate the process of hydraulic pump.
Remember that it is very important that there should be no air bubbles in a hydraulic pump. It is best to "bleed" the machine first so that the maximum efficiency of the hydraulic equipment is attained.

There is a lot of fluid oil that is used in heavy equipment. The hydraulic oil needed to pump the gears can range up to 100 gallons. This is not surprising especially if there are six to eight pumps in a single heavy equipment machine.

These hydraulic pumps can be fitted to any kind of machines and this includes a dump truck. This kind of heavy equipment machine is not quite complicated than the other machines. Usually, it needs only about 1 or 2 cylinders to drive the gear pumps.

The cylinder of the dump machine truck is quite unique because it moves just like a "telescope". Meaning, the cylinders can push up from the largest to smallest cylinder. It also doesn't need a lot of force to push the heavy load since it only uses 1 to 2 cylinders.

The set up of the gear pump equipment in a dump machine works just like any other heavy equipment machines. Levers, clutch pedals and gear sticks are the basic set up to run the hydraulic pump.

It is very important to follow the basic steps in running the equipment so that it will properly run and the gears will not be damaged when used. Maintaining the fluid oil should also be done so as not to damage the cylinders. It is best to ask the help of an expert hydraulic mechanic so that the pumps are properly maintained and it will last longer.

The Exceptional Features Of A Hydraulic Press Brake

Hydraulic press brakes are more flexible and have a higher capacity than mechanical ones because hydraulic brakes are controlled through fluid pressure to a piston. The use of pressurized fluid allows you to program different strokes and speeds within a stroke as needed. Depending on the cylinder length, stroke lengths up to 250 cm or 100 in can be easily obtained in hydraulic press brakes. The number of strokes can be as high as 600 per minute, as it is in the case of a high-speed blanking operation.

You have three types to choose from: conventional, NC, and CNC. In conventional machines, the stroke length and speed are manually adjusted, which means that the operation is based on the operator's experience and knowledge. In NC machines, a program is feed through the NC controllers, which are fitted to the hydraulic press brake. These programs control the machine parameters. NC machines feature speedy stroke cycles for all jobs as well as a reduced setup time. Therefore they are extremely well suited for this kind of repetitious job. In CNC machines, the computer fed program exclusively operates the hydraulic press brake. Bulk pressing operations are possible with these hydraulic press brakes by changing the parameters of the program on the computer.

For operation in the United States, hydraulic press brakes have a 50,000-ton maximum capacity. This is a far greater capacity than mechanical press brakes, which can only handle up to 18,000 tons. Since hydraulic press breaks can have multiple cylinders, it is possible to apply the programmed load entirely to the main ram while applying separate force and timing to the blank holder.

The number of rotating components is minimized on the hydraulic press brake, resulting in less need for maintenance. The machine has hydraulic fluid, which acts as a lubricant, circulating through it. Because the fluid keeps the machine continually lubricated, there is less wear on the components; this means less time and money spent on maintenance. The welded steel frame provides strength and rigidity, reducing vibration. You'll find modern hydraulic press brakes much quieter and easier to adjust.

The piston, cylinder, and guide ways are the only sliding parts of a hydraulic press brake. In addition, wear-and-tear resistant materials are used in hydraulic press brakes. Lubrication also helps reduce the damage.
Adjustable slanting wedges are installed on top of the hydraulic press brake. Manually controlling the accuracy of the job to be pressed is simplified by the ability to adjust these wedges. It is possible to adjust the piston stroke by utilizing the electric motor by the hand wheel. The indicator shows the length of the stroke.

Safety guards on the hydraulic press brake mean operators don't have to worry about safety issues. Hydraulic press brakes are in compliance with safety regulations at almost any machine shop and factory since they have a high capacity and can be adjusted easily.

Machines That Employ Hydraulic Use

Since from the beginning of time, man has been using machinery and tools to improve his quality of life and perfecting work efficiency. We are the only species on earth with the intelligence to design and implement tools that are able to assist us in our daily tasks. Over the past generations, technological advancements have improved the tools we use today, and have continuously revolutionized industries through each generation, in particular those of the past 150 years. The hydraulics industry in particular can be credited with significantly impacting and changing the face of human machinery forever. Hydraulic systems are tools and machines that rely heavily on high pressure liquid power to fulfill its functions. The state of purity of this liquid is crucial to be able to perform its purpose, which means the hydraulics liquid has to be run through an oil distillation system to filter out any impurities.

Wide varieties of cylinders and motors will transfer this hydraulic liquid by means of control valves, hoses and tubes to the cylinders and motors. A lot of machinery used to perform important functions in our everyday use makes use of hydraulics in their function. Bulldozers, which are classified as crawlers, move making use of rigid plates joined to each other set on wheels, using continuous tracks. The purpose of this continual track movement is to allocate the mass of the machine over a much larger surface than mere wheels would be able to dispense. The bulldozer comes equipped with a 'dozer blade'. Even though a bulldozer is the term assigned to various types of machinery, the correct use of the term is only to describe a tractor with a dozer blade.

This blade is utilized in moving debris, sand and soil, especially in construction work. In the first bulldozers, its blade was controlled by a brake, or winch system. They are now fitted with hydraulic cylinders, allowing much more exactitude in the blade's operation. Another piece of machinery which uses hydraulics in its function is a backhoe. It is a kind of excavating tool commonly referred to as a digger. In essence it is a tractor, fitted with an articulated arm with a digging bucket at the end, used in excavation scenarios. The arm which is closest to the vehicle is referred to as a boom, and the other part of the arm is the dipper. The bucket and the arm are powered by sophisticated and highly developed hydraulics that allow for accurate movement.

Forklifts are powered by hydraulic systems as well. Such machines are powered by industrial trucks which are used in the lifting and transporting of heavy materials, especially moving and lifting pallets in warehouses and stock distribution centers. The mast of the forklift is what performs most of the work in raising and lowering the loads. It is obvious that hydraulics are used in our daily lives, even if we don't see it in our every day.

V-Fit Improver Dual Hydraulic Rowing Machine Review

This machine is skillfully composed as well as sturdily designed. With its tailored exercise settings, you are able to maintain ultimate control of the equipment and you can achieve upper limit performance. It has an 80mm / 40mm Oblong and 38mm Diameter Round Tubular Steel Main Frame plus 25mm Round Tubular Steel Row Arms. This unit additionally is equipped with a Sit-Flat Frame End which has support caps. It also has Twin Independent Hydraulic Cylinders with a 42 PSI rating along with pivoting oversize PVC and adaptable Velcro foot straps. These features add to the comfort of the unit. The machine is built with foam padded grips covered in PVC. Also, making the machine exceptionally powerful, it has pressed mild steel and composite lower seat guide rollers along with composite bearing mounted upper seat rollers. A diversity of functions and programs are provided giving you the maximum advantage and facilitating better handling options. It offers 6-Function, 3 Button with Calories, Distance, Stroke Counter, Stroke Tempo and Timer, and Function Scan.

Health Benefits of a Rower

This piece of equipment is perfect for weight loss as they work the large muscle groups in the lower and upper physique. They tone the buttocks and thighs and also firm the arm and back muscles. The user can generate a rhythmic style when exercising which helps the body to transform into the "fat burning zone". The V-fit rower can help you lose weight persistently and successfully.

Maintenance of the V-fit Improver Hydraulic Rowing Machine

Aside from cleaning and dusting your rowing machine thoroughly yourself, it is important to examine your unit before and after each exercise session to avoid breakdowns as a rowing machine is repeatedly subject to vigorous movement and usage.

Always make sure the screws and bolts are tight. Also, when you are moving your machine, be careful not to handle it roughly because this can result in damaging it.

Remember that you must replace any broken, worn, or improperly functioning parts of your rowing machine to ensure ultimate performance. Change out parts that are subject to a great deal of deterioration once a year, predominantly fragile parts like the rowing string or wire, if appropriate. Weak parts can pose a hazard as they could break so easily. Maintaining your rowing machine by using a reputable fitness equipment repair provider will ensure the equipment is always in great shape and ready for your workout routine.