Plastic Badge Holders – How to Choose the Best Style for Your Needs

Posted on by

When considering the size, you want to make sure the holder is not too bulky for continuous wear. If a larger holder is needed for brochures, leaflets and things of that nature, consider partnering it with a lanyard so it can be worn around the neck preventing the holder from weighing down the event goers clothing. If the plastic badge holder is to be worn daily, you will likely not want to go any larger than 3″x4″ for ease of movement. Many business card size holders are available which is a great size for wearing on a daily basis.

 

Plastic Badge holders also come in a variety of thicknesses of vinyl. 10 gauges is a common thickness that you will find in most badge holder styles. This thickness is suitable for limited or occasional use. 10 gauge holders should hold up well for the duration of an event or meeting. If you are looking for a holder to be used daily or that will experience harsher wear and tear, consider a heavy duty style with a thickness of 30 gauge or higher. You may also consider acetate material or rigid holders for high use environments.

 

When choosing your fastener type, you will need to consider your employees and/or guests. Keep in mind what will be most comfortable and practical for the use of the holders. A standard pin is common and generally is the least expensive option. Pins are secure to the clothing, however, they can sometimes cause damage with pin holes or possible ripping if the holder is caught on something. Bulldog clips are another option. Clips are a great alternative to prevent damage to clothing, but you do need to ensure uniforms will have an appropriate place for attachment such as a pocket or collar.

 

You can also find badge holder styles referred to as “combo” which include both a clip and a pin. This gives your event goer an option to choose which fastener they prefer to wear. A most popular option is to attach the badge holders to the end of a lanyard. Lanyards are worn around the neck eliminating the attachment of the holder itself to the clothing. Lanyards are generally offered with key ring, bulldog clip, or swivel hook fasteners. Most badge holders come with either an oval slot and/ or a circle in the top for fastener attachment. Bulldog clips work perfectly with most oval slots while swivel hooks are a better option for circle holes. Key rings can be used for either style, however, they are a bit more time consuming to attach. You can also find badge holders that have an elastic style lanyard already attached to the lanyard on each end. These are an easy and convenient option because there is no need for assembly.

 

Many plastic badge holders are offered blank without customization which are great for a quick turnaround and are certainly more cost effective. Customization is often offered on a variety of sizes. You may want to consider customizing with text and color for easier identification at your trade show, meeting, or even your workplace. “Exhibitor” and “Attendee” are popular titles that are used for customization of your plastic badge holder. You may also choose to include your company name and/ or logo. Choosing to add customization adds a special touch and importance to your badge holders while also making your guests more easily recognizable.

 

Shuen Fuh is specialized in manufacturing a wide variety of plastic badge holders to protect and to display your ID cards. Plastic ID badge holders are ideal for advertising and promotional purposes, such as trade show, office, school and other events. For trade shows or conventions use, you can consider using ID badge holders with a pin or strap clip to save budget. If you need more information about plastic badge holder, welcome to check out Shuen Fuh’s website now!

 

 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4960371

Plastic Recycling Process and Plastic Recycling Machinery

Posted on by

Thermal depolymerization, polymer plastic. The use of the plastic is increasing now a day like water is coming in the plastic bottle and the colas are also coming in the plastic bottles. Both of the different types of drink use in a huge amount by the people and it is not only using in some countries but the usage of the plastic bottle is in huge amount in each and every country. After drinking the material from the bottle most the people throw it in the bin as they consider the empty plastic bottle as the waste.

 

The recycling of every type of the plastic is necessary because the plastic which is empty and which has no use in the world and pollute the environment in one and the other way. If the empty plastic bottle will not recycled and it if burn then by the plastic the carbon will evolved in the air which pollute the environment and is also dangerous for the human being living near the area in which this type of activity is going on. The plastic recycling can save the environment and it also effect on the consumption and making the new plastics.

 

It is also not necessarily important that if the bottle of the plastic is recycled then after the process the recycled plastic will not use in making the same type of the commodity again. Once the plastic is recycled the is melted it can be used in making the different commodities like the plastic of the pet bottle is recycled then the chair of the plastic can be made through that re cycled plastic. Recycling is important because it also affect the cleanliness of the city. Especially the recycling of the pet plastic bottle is more important as the pet bottles after consumed is throw in the waste and is seen in the third world countries that the bottle made of the plastic can be found on the ground.

 

One of the challenge faced in recycling of the plastic is that as compare to the glass the recycling of the plastic need long process and so it require the time and the plastic recycling machinery rather that it is the fact that after the recycling of the plastic it is more useful than the glass or any other thing with which the same things can made. The structure of the plastic bottles are very intense type of the structure as it is made up of the polymer plastic so that the heating is not enough to melt the plastic it need more process than simple heating the bottle in the machine like one again the example of the glass is consider.

 

As there are many type of the plastic so that before the plastic goes in the recycling it should be categories. The plastic is categories on the level of the polymer used in making the plastic. The process in recycling is monomer recycling then thermal depolymerization and last step is heat compression.

 

Song Ming Machinery Industries Co., Ltd. is the pre-eminent plastic recycling machinery manufacturer and also provides waste plastic recycling plant, granulator, shredder, high speed mixer, vertical cooling blender, PVC compounding line, EVA, TPR, PVC, rubber & masterbatch pelletizing plant, PET bottles washing, crushing, & separating system and others.

 

In order to supply the best recycling machinery to the valuable customers, Song Ming strains every nerve to constantly upgrade the designs, products and knowledge of plastic recycling machine. They are proud of their superior standard of recycling machinery that keeps them being one of the leading companies in the recycling machine industry. Please feel free to ask them any further information or send your requirements to them.

 

 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5715408

DC Electrical Motors for Cars

Posted on by

Electric cars are rechargeable vehicles powered by electric motors. Electric motors for cars convert electrical energy into mechanical energy. Controllers regulate and control power received from rechargeable batteries to run the motors. The motors could be AC or DC motors. DC motors for electric cars could be further classified as permanent magnet, brushless, and shunt, series and separately excited. The DC uses electricity and a magnetic field to produce torque, which rotates the motor. The simplest DC electrical motor comprises of two magnets of opposite polarity and an electric coil forming an electromagnet. The properties of attraction and repulsion are used by the DC electrical motor to convert electricity into motion — opposing electromagnetic forces of magnets generate torque causing the DC motor to turn. Characteristics desirable of electric motors for cars include peak power, ruggedness, high torque-to-inertia, high peak torque, high speed, low noise, minimal maintenance and ease of use. Current generation electric motors are combined with inverters and controllers for a wide range of torque.

 

The abundance of series DC motor has allowed it to be tested on a variety of vehicles. The Series DC are robust and long-lasting, and the power density provides the best value for money. The torque curve suits a variety of traction applications. However, it is not as efficient as the AC Induction motor. The commutator brushes wear out and maintenance activities are required periodically. It is also not suitable for regenerative braking, that allow vehicles capture kinetic energy to recharge batteries.

 

DC motors are simpler and cost less, and have been widely used in demonstration electric vehicles. Brushless DC has no commutators, and is more powerful and efficient than commutator motors. Such DC motors, however, require more sophisticated controllers. Brushless DC in electric cars can give efficiencies up to 90%, and no servicing is required for up to hundred thousand kilometers. Experts at Floyd Associates (2012) argue that electric cars with DC Brushless motors can achieve the highest speed but slowest acceleration; AC Induction can achieve the fastest acceleration with average top speed; Permanent Magnet motors can achieve top speed and average acceleration; and Switched Reluctance motors provide the most cost-effective solution.

 

Hsiang Neng is the professional manufacturer of DC electrical motors. Our DC electrical motor is designed and manufactured in high precision and superior quality. If you need further details about DC motors, welcome to check out Hsiang Neng’s website and feel free to contact with us.

 

 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7016419

How to Succeed with Smart EDM Operation

Posted on by

The benefits of EDM have become clear to many mold manufacturers throughout the past several years. It allows for the super-precise machining of delicate, complex parts and hard-to-machine materials, and eliminates downstream operations such as polishing and deburring. Still, some moldmakers may not be getting the most from their EDMs. Several factors can contribute to the success of EDM or be detrimental to the process.

 

Choosing the Right Machine

First and foremost, machine selection is a huge part of operational efficiency in EDM. Depending on the application, moldmakers can choose from wire, drilling, sinker or some combination of the three.

 

  • Wire EDM:

Choose a machine with the latest cost-saving features. For example, some machines have an operational mode that minimizes wire consumption by slowing down the wire feed. The right wire EDM can also help manufacturers save on energy and consumables, with features that control and optimize dielectric fluid volume and pressure, pump and filter operation, and resin consumption.

 

  • Drilling EDM:

Moldmakers should look for machines that combat hole tapering—otherwise known as bullet nosing. To avoid this common problem, machines must not only use high-quality electrodes, but also feature a power supply with a low unload voltage—ideally less than 35 volts. This maintains a high speed, but reduces wear and tear on electrodes. The right type of dielectric fluid can also combat bullet nosing. Try tap water with the appropriate additives instead of de-ionized water.

 

These are ideal for cavity and rib machining, and as with wire EDM, selecting the correct machine is the key to productivity. Features such as c-axis, lateral servo, high-speed jump and state-of-the-art power-supply technology can reduce electrode wear and improve productivity. CNC sinkers with high-speed spindles can also perform the same job as an EDM drilling machine, but at a much smaller hole diameter and with more precision.

 

When it comes to purchasing any type of EDM, remember to consider its control technology. Many machines now have sophisticated software that incorporates 3-D modeling, which can significantly improve ease-of-use and operator efficiency.

 

Maintaining EDM Performance

Proper preventative maintenance is crucial in keeping EDM machines running as efficiently and economically as possible. Operators need to check and maintain consumables—such as power feeders, filters and resin—regularly to prevent unstable, inaccurate machining.

 

Cleanliness can also affect an EDM’s performance. Contaminants such as sludge, dirt and spray from dielectric fluid as well as burrs can compromise filter life, cause corrosion and reduce overall accuracy. Check and clean the worktable, lower arm and head, seal plate, conductivity sensor, fan cooler, filter pump and auto-threader to maintain peak performance. Also be sure to keep the machine well lubricated.

 

Check the power feed and ground cables regularly. Problems with them are the number-one cause of speed loss in EDM machines. The wire transport system, rollers, bearings and flush cups are other elements of the machine that are often the culprit of faulty performance.

 

Summary

With the pressures to compete on a bigger and more global scale, moldmakers have been forced to do more with less. Increasing productivity while lowering costs is a goal on every mold manufacturer’s list. Fortunately, the opportunities to succeed and grow with new EDM technologies—and several tried-and-true best practices—have never been greater.

 

OSCAMRAX has been totally dedicated to design and manufacturing of electrical discharge machines and CNC sinker EDM. If you are interested in learning further details about EDM, welcome to browse our website or contact with us directly!

 

 

Article Source: http://www.moldmakingtechnology.com/articles/how-to-succeed-with-smart-edm-operation

An Introduction to Precision Machining Services and CNC Machining

Posted on by

From a simple coin and electronics we use every day to parts of an airplane, everything comes from a very sophisticated process known as the precision technology service. It is a process of removing materials from a workpiece while gripping close to great finishes. This precision machining service has many types, which include machining, milling, electrical discharge and tuning. Nowadays most manufacturing companies use advanced precision machining performed by an EDM machine. Generally, however, high precision lathes are controlled by the use of CNC or Computer Numerical Controls.

 

A precision technology service contributes to each and every object that we see. Most metal products go through precision machining to achieve consistent, quality products usually from intricate blueprint designs. Also, wood and plastic materials use this machining method operated by highly trained and specialized machinists. The process in precision machining involves cutting tools, which are responsible for removing material from a workpiece. For the tool to do its cutting properly, it moves in a specific direction for a correct and precise cut. This main motion is what we call the cutting speed. The secondary motion is called feed in which the workpiece can be moved while in the process. Simultaneously, the motions and sharpness of the tool allow the precision machining service to operate.

 

One type of precision technology service is a milling machine, which shapes and cuts materials. This machine can either be horizontal or vertical based on the spindle orientation. It works in a manner wherein both the milling cutter and the workpiece move, which is controlled mechanically, manually or controlled by a CNC milling machine. One advanced milling machining used by most manufacturing companies is the CNC Milling Machine. It is mainly controlled by a computer and is normally used with horizontal or vertical milling machines and can also move the shaft along the Z axis. The first CNC machine, eventually called NC (Numerically Controlled) machine, was made in the 1940s. The CNC machining of today work with Computer Aided Design (CAD) and Computer Aided Manufacturing (CAM) softwares.

 

The lathe machine was dated back to ancient Egypt. As years passed, it has transitioned from something made out of wood, to something made of metal. Nowadays, lathe machines are operated by a computer. In some countries where technology is advanced, a CNC Lathe Machine is used. It is a lathe machining in which it is controlled by computers. Thus this method generates more varieties of dimensions, features and shapes while holding very close tolerance.

 

If you are interested in learning more information about high precision lathe and other machine tools, welcome to visit the website of Jenn Wei Machinery Company. More details, please don’t hesitate to contact with us.

 

 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8784017

What Are the Different Types of Plastic Raw Materials?

Posted on by

There are hundreds of different types of plastic raw materials. Additionally, each type of plastic may vary in certain specifications, such as density and strength. By definition, plastics are able to be molded, so most plastic raw materials are available in various forms. The choice of plastic rolls, sheets or pellets is usually determined by the type of molding machinery used by product manufacturers. Selection of which plastic compound to use is a matter of what properties are desired in the finished product.

 

Plastic is an organic polymer. Chemically, most are very long chains of repeating hydrocarbons, consisting exclusively or primarily of hydrogen and carbon atoms. There are a few plastics, still relevant to modern civilization, made from very natural organic sources. Rubber is made from the sap of a plant; celluloid is made from cellulose, the ingredient that gives all plants their structural form. The majority of plastics in the modern world have been made from petroleum oil or natural gas.

 

Recyclable plastics are called thermoplastics because their chemical structures are the same in both solid and hot molten states. Less common thermosetting plastics establish their permanent structures once solidified. Plastic raw materials can also be categorized according to whether their polymers line up in an orderly, almost crystalline matrix, or else in a more random, or amorphous structure.

 

When it comes to plastic raw materials, a manufacturer’s buying decision is principally based on the physical requirements of the product they are making. There are many different types of plastic precisely because each has a different mix of properties. Disposable polyethylene (PE) bags are relatively lightweight, but they tolerate a great amount of stretch before easily tearing apart. High density polyethylene (HDPE), on the other hand, is well-suited to form into beverage bottles. Low density polyethylene (LDPE) is particularly tolerant of cold temperature and is often used in furniture and building materials.

 

At the other end of the scale, polyamides (PA) such as variants of Nylon® can withstand very high temperatures and is therefore used for applications such as insulation and mechanical parts. Other technical specifications of a given plastic include its flexibility and elasticity. These variables determine whether a product should be made with polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), or another plastic. Some types of specialized plastic were custom formulated to a single product’s specifications.

 

Plastic raw materials come in many different forms, and this choice is also made in part on the intended product. Bags are made from rolls, for example. More often than not, the choice is influenced by the type of molding equipment the manufacturer employs. Raw plastic in sheet form are needed for compression-molding and vacuum-molding equipment, whereas rods and bricks are fed into most extrusion-molding machines. Small pellets, which are usually the form of any recycled plastic supply, are the preferred form for injection-molding equipment.

 

Prochase Enterprise Co., Ltd. not only provides protective film series products, also offers plastic raw materials to clients. If you are interested in learning more information about this company and its plastic raw materials, welcome to browse the website and feel free to contact with Prochase!

 

Article Source: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-different-types-of-plastic-raw-materials.htm

The History of Barbed Wire

Posted on by

Life in the American West was reshaped by a series of patents for a simple tool – barbed wire – that helped ranchers tame the land. Patents for improvements to wire fencing were granted by the U.S. Patent Office, beginning with Michael Kelly in November 1868 and ending with Joseph Glidden in November 1874, that shape the history of this tool.
Barbed Wire

THORNY FENCE VS. WILD WEST

The swift emergence of this highly effective tool as the favored fencing method changed life in the Wild West as dramatically as the rifle, six-shooter, telegraph, windmill, and locomotive.

 

Without fencing, livestock grazed freely, competing for fodder and water. Where working farms did exist, most properties were unfenced and open to foraging by roaming cattle and sheep.

 

Before barbed wire, the lack of effective fencing limited farming and ranching practices, and the number of people who could settle in an area. The new fencing changed the West from vast and undefined prairies/plains to a land of farming, and widespread settlement.

 

WHY USE WIRE?

Wooden fences were costly and difficult to acquire on the prairie and plains, where few trees grew. Lumber was in such short supply in the region that farmers were forced to build houses of sod.

 

Likewise, rocks for stone walls were scarce on the plains. Barbed wire proved to be cheaper, easier, and quicker to use than any of these other alternatives.

 

MICHAEL KELLY – FIRST BW FENCING

The first wire fences (before the invention of the barb) consisted of only one strand of wire, which was constantly broken by the weight of cattle pressing against it.

 

Michael Kelly made a significant improvement to wire fencing, he twisted two wires together to form a cable for barbs – the first of its kind. Known as the “thorny fence,” Michael Kelly’s double-strand design made fences stronger, and the painful barbs made cattle keep their distance.

 

JOSEPH GLIDDEN – KING OF THE BARB

Predictably, other inventors sought to improve upon Michael Kelly’s design; among them was Joseph Glidden, a farmer from De Kalb, IL.

 

In 1873 and 1874, patents were issued for various designs to compete against Michael Kelly’s invention. But the recognized winner was Joseph Glidden’s design for a simple wire barb locked onto a double-strand wire.

 

Joseph Glidden’s design made barbed wire more effective, he invented a method for locking the barbs in place, and invented the machinery to mass-produce the wire.

 

Joseph Glidden’s U.S. patent was issued November 24, 1874. His patent survived court challenges from other inventors. Joseph Glidden prevailed in litigation and in sales. Today, it remains the most familiar style of barbed wire.

 

BW IMPACT

Living patterns of the nomadic Native Americans were radically altered. Further squeezed from lands they had always used, they began calling barbed wire “the Devil’s rope.”

 

More fenced-off land meant that cattle herders were dependent on the dwindling public lands, which rapidly became overgrazed. Cattle herding was destined to become extinct.

 

BW & WARFARE & SECURITY

After its invention, barbed wire was widely used during wars, to protect people and property from unwanted intrusion. Military usage of barbed wire formally dates to 1888, when British military manuals first encouraged its use.

 

During the Spanish-American War, Teddy Roosevelt’s Rough Riders chose to defend their camps with the help of barbed fencing. In turn-of-the-century South Africa, five-strand fences were linked to blockhouses sheltering British troops from the encroachment of Boer commandos. During World War I, barbed wire was used as a military weapon.

 

Even now, barbed wire is widely used to protect and safeguard military installation, to establish territorial boundaries, and for prisoner confinement.

 

Used on construction and storage sites and around warehouses, barbed wire protects supplies and persons and keeps out unwanted intruders.

 

Jiu Tai Precision Industries Corp offers barbed wire machine, welding equipment, and welding machine etc. If you have any barbed wire machine or welding machine questions, please fill out our information form and we will send you any additional information you may need. Enjoy your visit

 

Article Source: https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-barbed-wire-1991330

Public Seating Is Not Only For the Public but Also For Your Business

Posted on by

Public seating serves only one function, and that is to seat the public. It can be in open or closed spaces, indoors or outdoors. The public cannot be expected to think that having seating is a guaranteed right, but it does help if the seating is comfortable and made memorable by its construction and design.

 

Public seating can be used for many different purposes. It can be used to make a statement, and this is one of the areas where design firms can use public seating to their advantage. In open outdoor spaces, where there is little concern for matching or complimenting decors, a strategically placed custom- designed setting can be used as to drawn attention to design capability, products or services. While there are no legal requirements or legislation for seating in the public sector, there are some regulations that should be followed when seating is installed in commercial enterprises.

 

Since public seating is not a guaranteed right, there can be some open discussions concerning the use. If it is installed indoors as a courtesy to your visitors, you are free to do whatever you wish with it, but there are a few precautions. Your primary concern will be that of the quality. Over the life of your establishment, there may be thousands of people who will visit your premises, and your seating should be constructed to handle the heavy use.

 

In the U.S., seating that meets the Business and Institutional Furniture Manufacturer’s Association American National Standards Institute/ (ANSI/BIFMA), is certified as meeting performance requirements. Metals such as steel and aluminum usually last longer, and injected-molded foam cushions are likely to retain their shapes for longer periods. It may be better to avoid cloth or similar fabrics, because they are difficult to clean, and degrade quickly with frequent use.

 

There is no reason why your seating should not be comfortable. Although your concern may initially be that of durability, your visitors will be impressed and retain a more favorable impression with comfortable seating. You can offer as many accessories that you consider appropriate, such as matching end tables, and arm rests. Many of your visitors may also appreciate attached cup holders and a special touch can include power outlets for charging and operating mobile electronic gadgets such as cell phones and tablets.

 

The arrangement and layout of the seating governs the functioning. Some degree of flexibility may be desirable, as changes may be sometimes necessary. Your system should be easy to re-arrange in different configurations, and one of the most efficient ways to do this is to use a modular design that allows you to place or replace parts independently.

 

What is achieved with your public seating system will depend on your supplier. A solid trusting relationship forms the base for achieving satisfactory results. Many suppliers may have the expertise in design architecture, engineering and manufacturing of seating for public places, but they may lack the necessary skills that relate to developing relationships. As a result, you may not feel comfortable, working with ineffective communications or poor explanations.

 

You can help the perception of your business with public seating. There should be some careful planning when buying public seating for your business. You can try to visit the website of VOXIM Co., Ltd., the professional manufacturer of public seating.

 

Ergonomic design and comfort with vast range of options makes this the ergonomic public seating choice for any type of facility requirement. VOXIM offers various types of public seating to satisfy different needs!

 

 

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8181128

How Does a Surface Grinder Work?

Posted on by

Basics

A surface grinder is a device that is used to accurately and intricately remove unneeded layers from a surface in an effort to smooth the target layer. The reason that a surface grinder is used is that it provides a great level of accuracy and detail that is sometimes difficult to achieve by hand. The use of a surface grinder is concentrated in heavy industry, especially in the automotive industry. Surface grinders are used on various types of metal and woods. The surface being worked on is directly related to the blade being used as they are specialized for different surfaces. This is a better option than trying to grind a surface by hand as it is less time consuming.

 

The amount of time it takes to grind a surface depends on the skill of the user and the surface being ground. The best safety guideline with a surface grinder is to take your time. Most accidents happen by using the wrong blade with the wrong material or running the blade on the grinder faster than the speed it was meant to run at. A surface grinder can be used to prepare surfaces such as floors and sheet metal for cars.

 

How It Works

The typical surface grinder has a table that is capable of moving forward and backward as well as side to side. When moving side to side, the table uses hydraulics to move. The machine also has a grinding wheel that rotates and has an adjustable height. The grinding wheel is generally made of diamond, aluminum oxide, silicon carbide or cubic boron nitride. The majority of surface grinders used in the modern era are at least partially automated. The work material is held on the table of a magnetic chuck and sometimes an electro-magnetic chuck depending on the specific machine.

 

What a Surface Grinder Does To Material

A surface grinder produces a high level of heat which will create stress on the material. After being run through a surface grinder, a material will be more apt to breakage or fracture than before it was run through the machine. A material can also lose its magnetic properties if its temperature is raised too high.

 

Tong Yi Machinery Inc. is the professional surface grinders manufacturer in Taiwan. Kinds of surface grinding machine series all can be provided by them. If you need further details about surface grinders, welcome to browse Tong Yi’s website or contact with them via email or telephone!

 

Article Source: http://www.ehow.com/how-does_5315080_surface-grinder-work.html

Protect Your Diesel Forklift Trucks from ‘Bad’ Fuel

Posted on by

Tackling chemical effects, water and microbes

Diesel is one of the materials handling industry’s most basic requirements, but like other fuels it deteriorates with age. Chemical degradation, contamination with water and infestation with microbes can turn it into an unhealthy cocktail that damages your forklift trucks and your operation.

 

At best, ‘bad’ diesel reduces the efficiency of your lift trucks’ performance. At worst, it causes serious and expensive damage. If you think you can avoid this by buying only ‘good’ diesel, you are mistaken. The changes that turn good diesel bad usually take place on your own premises.

 

Suppliers of diesel in the EU and other economically developed regions are governed by rules on its quality, content and storage, so you can expect it to reach you in good condition. Always buying from a supplier with a good reputation lessens the risk of careless handling and storage in the supply chain from the refinery to your business. The differences between brands of diesel tend to be in the mix of additives used.

 

The problems

Even under the best conditions, chemical activity will eventually change the nature of stored diesel. The products of that chemistry include solid materials which form a slimy layer on surfaces and sludge at the bottom of tanks. Water is bad news for engines on its own, but it also encourages microbial growth which speeds up the chemical degradation.

 

Let’s look at each of those interacting factors in turn to see where they come from and what effect they have. As soon as diesel is exposed to air it reacts chemically. This starts off chain reactions that result in more and more undesirable molecules and solid breakdown products. As well as causing blockages, these substances are often corrosive. If you store diesel, they can become a problem within a few months – and even sooner if water and microbes increase their production.

 

Diesel can become ‘wet’ through leaks in storage tanks and absorption from a moist atmosphere. Water in diesel is directly damaging to some engine components and it interferes with fuel combustion. It also reduces the fuel’s lubricating effect, exposing engines to excess wear and damage. In a metal storage tank, water can lead to corrosion and further contamination. In addition, the presence of water helps microbes to thrive.

 

Diesel is an organic substance which can be used as food by a variety of bacteria, fungi and yeasts. Arriving via the air, in moisture or from a contaminated supply, these microbes can multiply hugely. Their acidic by-products, along with the slime created by their own biomass and by breakdown of the fuel, can be highly damaging. They form a layer or biofilm on surfaces, often collecting in pits and crevices where their corrosive effect becomes even more concentrated.

 

Slime and sludge produced by these factors blocks filters and fuel lines, while the acids affect engines, fuel systems, storage tanks and any other vulnerable surfaces coming into contact with them. Combustion efficiency decreases, engine life is shortened and bills for replacing components become more frequent. Once microbes have infected a diesel forklift truck they are very difficult to eradicate.

 

For completeness, it should be mentioned that other materials can contaminate fuel. Abrasive particles of rust, dirt and sand are particularly to be avoided in engines.

Before discussing solutions to diesel problems, it is worth noting that the composition of this fuel has changed over the years and is likely to continue changing.

 

Regulations on reduction of sulphur, to clean up exhaust emissions, have led to the use of ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD). Sulphur increases the lubricant properties of diesel, so engines using ULSD may wear more quickly.

 

Throughout Europe, biodiesel (biologically produced diesel) is now blended with the fuel to improve lubrication. Unfortunately biodiesel breaks down more quickly, absorbs more water and is more hospitable to microbes. With biodiesel, even greater care must be taken to protect the fuel from contamination.

 

The solutions

The first steps toward avoiding diesel quality problems are to buy it from a reputable supplier, as already mentioned, and to store it in suitable, well-maintained tanks. Regulations on storage of diesel vary a little between countries in Europe and mainly concern the potential environmental impact of leaks reaching water bodies and other natural habitats. For diesel users, avoiding the loss of expensive fuel should be a strong enough incentive to ensure vigilance against leakage.

 

Safety legislation is stricter for petrol than for diesel, but it must always be remembered that all fuels are flammable. Keeping storage tanks away from sources of heat is essential, and a cool environment also helps in maintaining the diesel’s condition.

 

Some people may believe that the fuel filter in their diesel forklift truck’s engine will remove any contamination. This is unlikely. The fuel you put into the truck must be kept clean and in good condition within the storage tank. If diesel is stored at a low temperature, and certainly below 70 ºF (21 ºC), and care is taken to avoid contamination, it should last for a few months. To extend its life further, fuel stabilisers, biocides and other treatments may be needed.

 

A storage tank should be regularly checked for any defects that could let diesel leak out or water leak in, while openings should be water-tight and caps should be secured. The space between the fuel and the top of the tank is filled with air, which can be a source of moisture. Ideally that space should be kept to a minimum, allowing only enough for expansion of the fuel. This is another good reason for topping up frequently with fresh diesel from the supplier rather than storing large amounts.

 

A variety of fuel stabilisers can be bought for use if diesel has to be stored for relatively long periods. Regular, routine testing of stored fuel for water and microbial contamination is a sensible precaution. Simple-to-use test kits are available for this. The sooner these problems are detected, the easier and less costly they are to tackle.

 

If fuel is heavily contaminated by microbes, a large dose of biocide can be used to kill them. The dead bodies of the microbes, along with the solid material they have helped to create, need to be filtered out before the fuel is fit to use. Killing all of the microbes is difficult when they are living deep within slime and sludge, so biocide treatment will not work unless the storage tank is thoroughly cleaned.

 

Simple measures to reduce contamination risks include using a filter whenever moving fuel from one storage vessel to another, or into the tank of a forklift truck, and always doing this in a dry, dirt-free place. At the other end of the scale, for operations that really do require long-term storage of diesel in large quantities, there are specialists who can supply automatic systems for cleaning and removal of solids, water and microbes. Having invested heavily in your diesel forklift trucks and your business, it makes absolute sense to protect them.

 

Tailift is the professional manufacturer of producing diesel forklift trucks. If you are interested in learning more information about forklift truck series, welcome to visit Tailift website to see what products we can offer you!

 

Article Source: http://eurekapub.eu/fleet-management/2015/04/14/protect-your-forklift-trucks-from-bad-diesel-fuel