Steam –the ideal source of power!
Steam is a derivative of water. It is a result of a change in phase from liquid to gas for this substance (water) due to the introduction of heat.It is a preferred media for powering engines and turbines in many situations. For one, water is relatively inexpensive and in abundance in most parts of the earth. Water can easily change phase from liquid to gas, too, and vise-versa, and has the capability to store a large amount of heat energy called latent heat per kg of mass compared to many substances. …Other substances, have been explored to take the place of water. To this day, however, its commercial value has not been supplanted. –an excerpt from my blog on “Engineering and Technical Knowledge Arena .”
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME/MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte ; http://Viralnetworks.com/a/28285 ; http://www.sncgroup-sany.ws/home
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Showing posts with label engineering. Show all posts
Showing posts with label engineering. Show all posts
Monday, June 21, 2010
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Water seeks its own level…
Water seeks its own level…
I finished engineering from a University that was very involved in hydrological research, considering that the biggest challenge of the City, where my university is situated is painfully challenged by sea water intrusion, towards inland, due to increasing draw down of water from the ground by deep well pumps. This city in the orient is well known as a tourists vacation spot due to its nice beaches and coast lines, but the main source of its water is by deep-well pumping. It seems that some engineers are toying the idea of drawing large volume of water from the ground in another city, without doing a thorough hydrological research of the state of the water level in the area. Take note that, as an engineer and man of science (for our engineers at the city waterworks and engineering office) that, we know that water always seeks its own level. Where the ground water is displaced, the sea water will always have the tendency to seep and replace the water that has been drawn. Are we prepared to use now salty water? Why not draw directly from the sea , if that’s what we are aiming for? That’s a lot of desalination work to do of course. I think, every city and locality should look carefully into the matter, before a decision is made to increase the pumping of water from the ground, especially for the low lying areas, relative to the sea level.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME/MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte ; http://Viralnetworks.com/a/28285 ; http://www.sncgroup-sany.ws/home
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I finished engineering from a University that was very involved in hydrological research, considering that the biggest challenge of the City, where my university is situated is painfully challenged by sea water intrusion, towards inland, due to increasing draw down of water from the ground by deep well pumps. This city in the orient is well known as a tourists vacation spot due to its nice beaches and coast lines, but the main source of its water is by deep-well pumping. It seems that some engineers are toying the idea of drawing large volume of water from the ground in another city, without doing a thorough hydrological research of the state of the water level in the area. Take note that, as an engineer and man of science (for our engineers at the city waterworks and engineering office) that, we know that water always seeks its own level. Where the ground water is displaced, the sea water will always have the tendency to seep and replace the water that has been drawn. Are we prepared to use now salty water? Why not draw directly from the sea , if that’s what we are aiming for? That’s a lot of desalination work to do of course. I think, every city and locality should look carefully into the matter, before a decision is made to increase the pumping of water from the ground, especially for the low lying areas, relative to the sea level.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME/MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte ; http://Viralnetworks.com/a/28285 ; http://www.sncgroup-sany.ws/home
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Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Scientific methods!
Scientific methods!
Why should we approach each engineering problem scientifically and support our solutions with scientific findings? Doing so, will help us avoid the cut and try method, which have often plagued the industry, due to the incompetent ideas of many practicing professionals, who over a long period of time have failed to update themselves, and had stagnated. Many individuals continue to carry with them the childish attitude of throwing their books away after school and get out to the world to play without the facts and figures and proven principles taught in school. The justification? School and practice is entirely alien from each other. Theories don’t agree with experience. Well, my experience is different in my 30 years of engineering and management experience, not to add my doctoral studies. Whenever there is conflict between field practices and theory, chances are, we only see it as such, because we have not thoroughly understood and digested our theory and its conditional requirements or assumptions. Watch always that conflict, and try to check, where the fault line is located, and you will always end up more wiser and more experienced. Review therefore your knowledge of scientific methods of questioning and hypothesis testing.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME/MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte ; http://Viralnetworks.com/a/28285 ; http://www.sncgroup-sany.ws
Why should we approach each engineering problem scientifically and support our solutions with scientific findings? Doing so, will help us avoid the cut and try method, which have often plagued the industry, due to the incompetent ideas of many practicing professionals, who over a long period of time have failed to update themselves, and had stagnated. Many individuals continue to carry with them the childish attitude of throwing their books away after school and get out to the world to play without the facts and figures and proven principles taught in school. The justification? School and practice is entirely alien from each other. Theories don’t agree with experience. Well, my experience is different in my 30 years of engineering and management experience, not to add my doctoral studies. Whenever there is conflict between field practices and theory, chances are, we only see it as such, because we have not thoroughly understood and digested our theory and its conditional requirements or assumptions. Watch always that conflict, and try to check, where the fault line is located, and you will always end up more wiser and more experienced. Review therefore your knowledge of scientific methods of questioning and hypothesis testing.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME/MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte ; http://Viralnetworks.com/a/28285 ; http://www.sncgroup-sany.ws
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Rules of Thumb!
(Strictly Engineering)-
Rules of Thumb
There are the so called rules of thumb in engineering. There are also things called empirical formulas. These things may be called convenient tools, and could be discounted as to their value and usefulness sometimes. But, come to think of it, they are often near to the truth or safe solutions, when used. The often called rules of thumb are actually methods that are used for expediency, but when detailed calculations are made theoretically, the results are near to that one , arrived at using the rule. Similarly, empirical formulas, when conditions are well understood and defined provide very useful solutions.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME/MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte
Rules of Thumb
There are the so called rules of thumb in engineering. There are also things called empirical formulas. These things may be called convenient tools, and could be discounted as to their value and usefulness sometimes. But, come to think of it, they are often near to the truth or safe solutions, when used. The often called rules of thumb are actually methods that are used for expediency, but when detailed calculations are made theoretically, the results are near to that one , arrived at using the rule. Similarly, empirical formulas, when conditions are well understood and defined provide very useful solutions.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME/MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Water Storage!
An alternative plan for a Water Storage!
In the past several decades, the conventional thinking in having a domestic water supply storage tank for home use was to have an elevated water tank of full (100%) capacity, separate from the house. This idea made necessary the construction of a strong structure and foundation that would support a heavy tank, which nowadays can be very expensive. One way to avoid a heavy structure and foundation is to use a large concrete ground tank, and an elevated small steel tank that would not require a heavy structure and foundation. The arrangement should allow the small elevated tank refill by means of a small electric water supply pump from the large ground tank. Refilling is done on as needed basis, instead of putting to elevated requirement all the water in storage, which would require a lot of (pumping) electricity. This way, your electric usage and energy bill is spread more evenly throughout several days or months, and helps cash flow requirement to ease a home budget, when the volume of water in storage is quite substantial.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME/MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte
In the past several decades, the conventional thinking in having a domestic water supply storage tank for home use was to have an elevated water tank of full (100%) capacity, separate from the house. This idea made necessary the construction of a strong structure and foundation that would support a heavy tank, which nowadays can be very expensive. One way to avoid a heavy structure and foundation is to use a large concrete ground tank, and an elevated small steel tank that would not require a heavy structure and foundation. The arrangement should allow the small elevated tank refill by means of a small electric water supply pump from the large ground tank. Refilling is done on as needed basis, instead of putting to elevated requirement all the water in storage, which would require a lot of (pumping) electricity. This way, your electric usage and energy bill is spread more evenly throughout several days or months, and helps cash flow requirement to ease a home budget, when the volume of water in storage is quite substantial.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME/MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Steam Pipes!
Steam pipe sizing!
Two approaches can be used for sizing steam piping in a steam system. It could either be by: a) steam velocity method or b) pressure drop method. In the case of steam velocity method, the preferred velocity is between 15-35 meters/sec. The lower end is more ideal, in order to minimize pressure drops. In the first approach, the specific weight of the steam will have to be averaged, and assumed. When the pipeline is short, the higher velocities can be used. In long pipe runs, however, wherein the pressure drops are critical and important, the pressure drop method is a better approach. Special tables from OEMs and handbooks can provide the empirical data for the piping table data, and help in the pipe size specifications writing. Note that too high a velocity in a steam piping can produce erosion of pipes, high pressure drops and too much noise. Correct pipe sizing would preclude such problems to the benefit of the installation owner and operator.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME/MBM; Http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte
Http://businessmanage.sosblog.com
Two approaches can be used for sizing steam piping in a steam system. It could either be by: a) steam velocity method or b) pressure drop method. In the case of steam velocity method, the preferred velocity is between 15-35 meters/sec. The lower end is more ideal, in order to minimize pressure drops. In the first approach, the specific weight of the steam will have to be averaged, and assumed. When the pipeline is short, the higher velocities can be used. In long pipe runs, however, wherein the pressure drops are critical and important, the pressure drop method is a better approach. Special tables from OEMs and handbooks can provide the empirical data for the piping table data, and help in the pipe size specifications writing. Note that too high a velocity in a steam piping can produce erosion of pipes, high pressure drops and too much noise. Correct pipe sizing would preclude such problems to the benefit of the installation owner and operator.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME/MBM; Http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte
Http://businessmanage.sosblog.com
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Engineering Mastery!
Mastering Engineering!
One of the basic strength of an engineering practitioner is in the knowledge of the basic system of units, and the conversion of units from one standard system to the other. This knowledge is as basic as learning the letters of the alphabet , and knowing the vowels and the phonetic sounds. Without mastering these basic things by heart, one will always find difficulty in mastering engineering, and figuring out how much quantity in units of measure is involved in the calculations. Engineering is a quantitative profession. Time and again, calculations are made and units of measures are used to describe quantities of almost anything that one can think of. Even the description of the ratings and capacities of things are quantifications of what a thing can do, what it can be used for, and can not be used for. So, if you want to master engineering, be comfortable with your system of units. Learn it by heart like your ABCs and your multiplication table.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME/MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte
One of the basic strength of an engineering practitioner is in the knowledge of the basic system of units, and the conversion of units from one standard system to the other. This knowledge is as basic as learning the letters of the alphabet , and knowing the vowels and the phonetic sounds. Without mastering these basic things by heart, one will always find difficulty in mastering engineering, and figuring out how much quantity in units of measure is involved in the calculations. Engineering is a quantitative profession. Time and again, calculations are made and units of measures are used to describe quantities of almost anything that one can think of. Even the description of the ratings and capacities of things are quantifications of what a thing can do, what it can be used for, and can not be used for. So, if you want to master engineering, be comfortable with your system of units. Learn it by heart like your ABCs and your multiplication table.
Written by: Sanoy Suerte, RME/MBM; http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte
Friday, November 13, 2009
Low Compressed Air Problems?
Question: When you have a low compressed air pressure often, do you buy a new unit to increase your plant capacity ?
No. Not yet!
There are certain things that you need to sort out under such situation, and one of these is for you to understand your problem. Meaning, you try to make your problem clearer by getting into the specifics. Some questions you need to answer are:
1.Where is the problem occurring?
2.What causes it? What are the circumstances, when such problem is observed?
3.When does it occur?
4.How often does it happen?
5.By how much is your capacity lacking in terms of pressure drop and cfm, and recovery time?
6.What can you afford to do in the interim? Can you shed off some loads?
You also have to do the following:
1.Lay-down the entire plant piping system in front of you.
2.Put pressure gages at strategic locations.
3.Tag your pressure gages with an identification number.
4.Have your people simultaneously read the pressure gages at specific intervals.
5.Tabulate all pressure readings, and compare all the readings.
6.Analyze the characteristic of each end user load.
7.Quantify your losses for a drop in air pressure.
8.Develop alternative counter-measures.
9.Define the cost of alternative counter-measures.
10.Define the pros and cons of alternative counter-measures.
11.Select and justify your solution.
The cost of buying a new unit may not be the only consideration in an evaluation like this. It may involve the construction of some building cover, additional pipings, some foundation works, electrical supply cabling, and some switch gears. These must be considered as part of the total cost. The project time table will also need to be established and considered.
When selecting new and additional units to operate, one also needs to consider the life cycle cost of the equipment being procured. This means, you have to know the relative efficiencies of alternative units and consider the electric power consumption cost, operating strategy to meet the base loads, and the cost of the spare parts and supplies in the long term. Some supplies have to be imported, and some support dealer -companies may not be situated nearby, so you need to consider availability. There are many more things to consider, when looking into expanding your plant capacity. It may be worthwhile investigating your selection and rationalized them according to your goals, and needed flexibility. You will be married to your choice for a good number of years, and flexibility you require, may not be there from the very start, if your choice is wrong.
The foregoing process steps had been applied and proven effective by the author in past projects, and in one particular case, the procurement of new units and capital investment was ably postponed for six (6) years, which at an interest cost factor of 20% already paid for the cost of the units, when procurement was finally made.
Should you need more advice in this regard, you can contact the author for some help. The author is within reach at http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte and http://businessmanage.sosblog.com .
No. Not yet!
There are certain things that you need to sort out under such situation, and one of these is for you to understand your problem. Meaning, you try to make your problem clearer by getting into the specifics. Some questions you need to answer are:
1.Where is the problem occurring?
2.What causes it? What are the circumstances, when such problem is observed?
3.When does it occur?
4.How often does it happen?
5.By how much is your capacity lacking in terms of pressure drop and cfm, and recovery time?
6.What can you afford to do in the interim? Can you shed off some loads?
You also have to do the following:
1.Lay-down the entire plant piping system in front of you.
2.Put pressure gages at strategic locations.
3.Tag your pressure gages with an identification number.
4.Have your people simultaneously read the pressure gages at specific intervals.
5.Tabulate all pressure readings, and compare all the readings.
6.Analyze the characteristic of each end user load.
7.Quantify your losses for a drop in air pressure.
8.Develop alternative counter-measures.
9.Define the cost of alternative counter-measures.
10.Define the pros and cons of alternative counter-measures.
11.Select and justify your solution.
The cost of buying a new unit may not be the only consideration in an evaluation like this. It may involve the construction of some building cover, additional pipings, some foundation works, electrical supply cabling, and some switch gears. These must be considered as part of the total cost. The project time table will also need to be established and considered.
When selecting new and additional units to operate, one also needs to consider the life cycle cost of the equipment being procured. This means, you have to know the relative efficiencies of alternative units and consider the electric power consumption cost, operating strategy to meet the base loads, and the cost of the spare parts and supplies in the long term. Some supplies have to be imported, and some support dealer -companies may not be situated nearby, so you need to consider availability. There are many more things to consider, when looking into expanding your plant capacity. It may be worthwhile investigating your selection and rationalized them according to your goals, and needed flexibility. You will be married to your choice for a good number of years, and flexibility you require, may not be there from the very start, if your choice is wrong.
The foregoing process steps had been applied and proven effective by the author in past projects, and in one particular case, the procurement of new units and capital investment was ably postponed for six (6) years, which at an interest cost factor of 20% already paid for the cost of the units, when procurement was finally made.
Should you need more advice in this regard, you can contact the author for some help. The author is within reach at http://www.linkedin.com/in/sannysuerte and http://businessmanage.sosblog.com .
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