Category Archives: Technology

3 Surprising Facts About Electronics Waste

Technology is moving faster than ever before. These advancements are exciting, but it’s causing a huge number of obsolete and unwanted electronics to pile up in landfills worldwide.

Electronic waste, sometimes called e scrap or e waste, is one of the fastest-growing waste streams on the planet. E waste is a broad term that includes devices such as cell phones, computers, televisions and many more tech gadgets.

1. Electronic Waste Can Cause Big Problems With Personal Data Security.

There are many obvious problems with electronic waste, and data security might be the most important overlooked concern. When you discard your old phone or computer in the regular trash, you could be subjecting your personal information to theft by criminal hackers.

Even if the device is broken, bank account numbers, social security numbers, tax documents and more may still be available. To safeguard your personal data, devices should always be recycled, which includes wiping and fully dismantling the technology prior to disposal.

2. Recycling Can Save Precious Metals.

Did you know that cell phones and laptops contain precious metals such as gold and silver? These metals are valuable and reusable if recycled properly. When you recycle your devices, the center will carefully remove these elements and repurpose them to be used in future projects.

Although the recycling process is effective, only about 15% of gold used in technology is ever recovered.

3. Recycling Can Prevent Hazardous Leaching.

Your devices contain much more than plastic and glass inside – they also contain trace elements of hazardous materials such as lead and chromium. In fact, the average color TV screen can contain up to 8 pounds of lead!

When these items are thrown in a landfill, these materials can leak out of the device over time. Eventually, the chemicals make their way into rivers and streams which can negatively impact both people and animals.

Although the situation may sound dire, there is a lot you can do to help, and it all begins with responsible recycling. Before you throw your old device in the trash, consider these facts and contact your local recycling center.

What Is a Filter Press?

Filter presses are used for separating liquids and solids. It is used in a variety of manufacturing industries to produce goods. This article will give a brief overview of filter presses and their applications. Continue reading if your business is considering the need for one.

How is material filtered?

The key to a filter press’s operation is pressure. To separate mixtures, the unprocessed material is fed into a filter press. The filter press then applies enormous pressure and “dewaters” the solid material. Due to the wide variances of materials, filter presses need to be built specifically for the application they are used in. In other words, not every filter press is suitable for every application. Commissioning a filter press custom-built for your business might not be a cost-effective option. You may want to consider a filter press rental, depending on your business model.

Filter presses pump the mixture through the filter so that solids will be distributed evenly. A filter cloth is used to separate the solids from the liquids. The filtered fluid exits the machine, leaving the solid, or cake, in the machine. The solids build up in the filtration chamber until it is full and then removed. This can either be done manually or automatically, depending on the size of the job. A filter press is often used continuously with an automatic release valve for the solid waste in chemical plants.

What industries use filter presses?

In terms of applications, filter presses range from large, industrial-scale production to small, specialized filtration. You will find filter presses in such industries as chemical manufacturing, power plants, steel mills, food and beverage production, and many more.

Deciding on the right filter press for your business is a significant financial decision. Consult with a professional before making any decisions. There might be a filter press available that is used in your industry. Otherwise, many businesses must rely on custom-made filter presses for their manufacturing needs.

How Asphalt Construction Works

Asphalt construction involves more than just laying down the material and moving on. Several processes need to be accounted for to pave asphalt successfully. To learn more, continue reading this article and get a basic overview of the pavement process.

Asphalt paving will vary depending on the road and the type of traffic it will hold. Below are some of the common steps that are required when laying down asphalt.

  • The soil and terrain need to be evaluated before starting construction. In addition, paving contractors South Bend IN must be aware of the traffic volume that will be using the road.
  • Often the asphalt will be constructed on a thoroughfare that is currently in use. The contractors need to account for traffic control and the best way to proceed with construction. Contractors might close an entire highway or take a sectional approach to asphalt paving.
  • Contractors need to plan out the asphalt delivery system. For larger projects, construction crews need to have continuous loads of asphalt delivered from the factory, so there needs to be coordination between the plant and delivery crew.
  • A construction crew needs to clear out any large brush and other vegetation if a new road is being constructed.
  • For road repair projects, the old material needs to be removed.
  • Heavy equipment is brought in to grade the road properly. The road needs to be elevated in the center so rainwater and other condensation will drain off.
  • Once preparations are complete, the foundation needs to be installed. The design will vary depending on the ground quality and terrain.
  • The first layer of asphalt can be installed once the foundation is compacted. The number of layers depends on traffic and weather conditions for the area.

Installing asphalt is a process that requires engineering skills and knowledge of traffic and weather patterns. If your road is in poor condition, reach out to your municipality and start the repair process today.