With the Industrial Internet of Things fast becoming the norm in industries, converging IT and OT technologies securely—a cornerstone of the IIoT—is still the Achilles heel for many companies. Thus, choosing the right industrial network solutions for your operation, and this cannot be repeated often enough, is essential. At the same time, this is easier said than done. Too often, this arduous task befalls an IT engineer with little experience of OT protocols and automation systems, or, on the flip side, an OT engineer with no knowledge of enterprise IT networking. In this article, we take a closer look at how new technologies are shaping the role of industrial connectivity and networking solutions in your IIoT applications.

Industrial Connectivity Needs—Now and in the Future
Connecting your previously unconnected industrial devices and assets is the first step to enabling IIoT applications. Accomplishing this task requires a thorough assessment of the types of OT assets you need to connect as well as the specific connectivity requirements, such as connecting OT assets to a local network or a cloud server. Since OT assets in industrial applications mainly use serial or I/O communication interfaces, choosing the right serial and I/O connectivity solutions is essential to enable industrial connectivity. Moreover, you need to keep in mind additional considerations, such as cybersecurity and large-scale device management, when connecting OT assets to remote or cloud servers.
Besides enabling connectivity for previously unconnected OT assets, connecting all of these field devices also requires building a network that can support information flows among multiple interconnected devices, systems, and even remote sites.

Suitable Solutions
With more than thirty years of experience in helping customers overcome industrial connectivity and networking challenges, we have identified several key criteria for selecting the most suitable solutions for industrial automation applications. Download our E-book where you can find considerations for each specific connectivity and networking solution you are looking for.

Before we come to the comparison between inline couplers and keystone jacks, let’s have a brief overview of these two jacks. A small device for connecting two ethernet cables to make a longer cable, usually called an inline coupler or RJ45 coupler. Inline couplers do not provide any amplification or signal boost, and can cause attenuation and signal degradation unless they are of high quality. There are cat5e and cat6 RJ45 inline couplers available on the market.
People who have electrical cable installation experience know clearly what is a keystone jack. A keystone jack is a female connector for mounting a variety of low-voltage electrical jacks or optical connectors into a keystone wall plate, faceplate, surface-mount box or patch panel. A keystone plug is a matching male connector, usually attached to the end of a cable or cord. Traditional keystone jack needs a punch-down tool to help finish cable installation, but this toolless STP keystone jack is different. With the snap-fit cap design, conductors can be terminated simultaneously when the cap is pressed into place, allowing for a simple installation without the need for a punch-down tool.

The eight-position modular plug uses insulation displacement contacts that terminate the conductors and provide the contact interface surface for the mating jack contacts. These plugs are crimp-terminated onto cordage or cable. With these new technologies, we are witnessing the conversion of many commercial building devices and systems from analog, to digital, and now IP-addressable. The resulting migration of these devices and systems to four-twisted-pair cabling represents an additional class of equipment looking to be served by versions of communication cabling.

A network wall plate is a cabling fixture attached to a wall in a work area for connecting computers to the network. Also called a faceplate. Wall Plates can have RJ-45 jacks for 10BaseT networks (which resemble household RJ-11 telephone wall jacks), BNC jacks for 10Base2 networks, or SC jacks for networks that use fiber-optic cabling. The back end of the connector joins a horizontal cable that runs inside the wall or through a false ceiling or floor to a patch panel in the wiring closet for that floor. Computers are then connected to the wall plate by a short unshielded twisted-pair (UTP) cable called a drop cable. Wallplates typically come in mono-port, dual-port, and quad-port configurations.

Premier Inc. has released survey results finding that isolation gowns surpassed N95 masks as the top personal protective equipment (PPE) shortage concern among healthcare workers treating COVID-19 patients.
Up from 56 percent last month, 74 percent of survey respondents said securing a reliable supply of disposable isolation gowns was their top worry. In contrast, concern about N95 masks was cited by 67 percent of respondents, down from 73 percent last month.
In the absence of a reliable supply of non woven isolation gowns, health systems have resorted to alternatives, including coveralls (used by 43 percent of respondents), Tyvek suits (32 percent) and ponchos (14 percent). In addition, 22 percent are turning to alternative suppliers in adjacent industries, striking innovative partnership deals such as LifeBridge Health’s agreement with Under Armour to produce surgical gown alternatives.

Since Premier data first documented N95 respirators as going into widespread shortage, the government has granted a series of waivers or emergency use authorizations allowing providers to reuse and reprocess N95s, access alternative KN95 masks and use non woven face masks beyond their recommended date, as temporary measures to address shortages during the COVID-19 crisis. These government-approved conservation measures are now being followed by a majority of survey respondents.

Survey findings show 79 percent of respondents caring for COVID-19 patients are extending the wear of N95 respirators, up from the 60 percent reported just last month. In addition, 70 percent of providers are reusing N95s (up from 40 percent last month); 59 percent are using N95s beyond their recommended date (up from 29 percent); 67 percent are using industrial versions (up from 31 percent); and another 47 percent are using KN95 products, a measure that was approved at the beginning of April by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to allow providers to use masks produced and approved by Asian regulators.

In addition to conservation measures, manufacturing capabilities increased globally over the last month to meet the demand for face masks and respirators. While this was universally lauded, it did produce an unintended consequence for isolation gown supply, as N95s and many isolation gowns are made using the same spunbond and meltblown textile processing capabilities (also known as SMS textiles). As manufacturers prioritized capacity to produce disposable face masks and respirators, the supply for isolation gowns was compressed.
Reduced concern over face shields and hand sanitizer is likely due to the fact that many health systems have found alternative suppliers to produce these products for them. For instance, 43 percent of respondents are working with alternative suppliers to produce face shields, including 3D printers, and 33 percent are working with alternative suppliers like local distilleries to make hand sanitizer.

Arguably, there are advantages to hospital gowns. They are functional, allow doctors to gain easy access to the patient to conduct a physical examination. They are also cheap and easy to clean. But researchers in Finland have argued that wearing a patient gown is often unnecessary and can even be traumatic for some patients. A recent study found that patients are often asked to wear hospital gowns even when there is no medical reason for them to do so.

With the rapid growth of the global economy and the continuous improvement of people's living standards, medical and health services are also advancing at a high speed. There are continuous medical operations every day. The demand for surgical drapes, mattresses and other medical surgical drapes is even more immeasurable.
Medical disposable surgical drapes are made of hydrophilic non-woven fabrics and ordinary non-woven fabrics, with rapid water-absorbing materials in the middle, and then cut and sewn into various specifications. It has excellent air permeability, high resistance to hydrostatic pressure and bacterial barrier, and has the characteristics of anti-alcohol and anti-blood isolation and absorption.

From kitchenware to our vehicles, plastic products have permeated every aspect of our lives and are integral to our day-to-day activities. Plastics can be divided into two main groups: thermoplastics and thermosets. Thermoplastics, like Polyethylene, soften easily when heated. Thermosets do not. Manufacturers must be able to efficiently and permanently join plastic components into complete assemblies, such as in vehicles, and that means using hot melt glue adhesives.

Advantages of Adhesive Bonding
Adhesives have several advantages over other types of bonding, like welding, or even using screws or nails.

• Adhesives distribute the weight between two substrates more evenly, reducing stress on joints.
  
  
• Adhesives are invisible, which means you get a nice, clean seamless line where the materials join.
  
  
• Adhesives form a seal, as well as a bond, which protects the joint from corrosion.
  
  
• Other hot melt adhesives can join irregularly shaped surfaces, quickly and easily bonding the substrates.
  
  
• Assembly line operations are much easier, as there is less need for customization in the bonding process.
  

• Printing
  
  
• Bookbinding
  
  
• Taxidermy
  
  
• Textiles, including applique bonding
  
  
• Shoe manufacturing
  
  
• Wood processing
  
  
• Automotive, including interior and exterior finishing work like cushioning, headlights, taillights and wheel covers
  
  
• Electronics manufacturing
  

• The polymers in the adhesives provide strength and flexibility.
  
  
• Resins provide immediate tack needed for adhesive action. Wax in the adhesive thins it making it easy to apply.
  
  
• Antioxidants help protect the adhesive from losing its bonding ability even at elevated temperatures.
  
  
• Tackifiers boost bonding strength.
  
  
• Waxes alter the surface properties and reduce the viscosity.
  
  
• Fillers, like tackifiers, also increase bond strength, as well as increasing the melting point and viscosity.
  

1. Begin by choosing the right size tubing with the correct shrink ratio. It should comfortably cover the wire or components before it has been shrunk into place to ensure a tight fit afterwards. Remember that it will be across both its breadth and its length.
   
   
2. If the components to be covered could change size after application, ensure that the tubing has sufficient expandability by comparing its diameter when shrunk (called the ‘recovered’ diameter) with its size before shrinking (called the ‘expanded’ diameter). Check the recommended heating temperature for the tube to avoid uneven application or melts.
   
   
3. Cut a suitable length of tubing using standard scissors and lay or slide this over the target components. It’s now time to heat the shrink wrap. This can be done with a handheld heat gun or a heat shrink oven. The latter are specialist appliances for more precise and advanced heat applications.
   
   
4. If you use a gun, move the heat back and forth across the tubing and avoid staying in one place to minimize the risk of burns. Continue until the wrap has been tightly secured.
   

In this day and age, especially with the convenience of hundreds of beauty-related articles online, more and more women are starting to get skin conscious from a younger age. With that comes the usual suspects, loading up on hyped-up skincare products, investing in a proper skincare routine, makeup products with better ingredients, and even various oft-overlooked facial procedures.
Now with facials there comes a whole slew of other questions and decisions to contend with: What kind of facial is suitable for my skin? What price range of facial should I splurge for? Should I try that really exotic sounding procedure that really should give me baby bottom smooth skin for the price I’m paying? Facial beauty machines… what’s that all about?
Now I’m not here to contend with you the results of the ever traumatising-to-look-at Vampire Facial procedure, with its equally traumatising-to-pay price tag that comes along with it. We simply do not have the time nor the word count. Instead, we’re going to tackle the similarly multi-faceted world of the LED Facial machine.
So get your sheet masks and your green teas ready, we’re about to dive into this fascinating world of beauty machinery.

Do Facial Machines Work?
Right off the bat, we have to address the fact that there are just so many kinds of different machines and products available out there in the beauty industry, be it a more affordable and user-friendly home device, or a more powerful and designed-for-professional-use only device. Here’s a couple of the more common ones that you are likely to come across especially in your local beauty salons:

Wrinkle removal machine targets many common skin problems, such as sunspots, age spots, wrinkles, acne scars, wrinkles, and lines. It’s such an effective industry that there have been many new developments in the laser world for procedures and machines that target different specific concerns, although the exact method/procedure should only be determined during the consultation with your beautician as to which suits your skin needs best.
The Laser Facials are extremely versatile, with some, the Laser Genesis procedure, even being dubbed lunchtime cosmetics as you can be in-and-out in 15 mins with no downtime. Those are good for collagen production for wrinkle therapy and helping in diffusing rosacea. For the big guns, you have the Fraxel Laser therapy, made popular by one Kim Kardashian, which is known to be a powerhouse in a complete overall rejuvenation in one’s complexion. Although there is some downtime of a few days, during which you might look like you’ve suffered a minor sunburn, the results are apparently so good you look 10 years younger!

Put simply the mesotherapy solution is introducing into the skin molecules that encourage the skin cells to function at an optimum level. The formula injected into the skin makes all the difference as to the results you’ll achieve, but a small amount of plumping, moisturizing hyaluronic acid is a common inclusion to replace the skin’s natural stores, and vitamins and amino acids you’ll be familiar with from your skincare labels are also often delivered via mesotherapy. A typical mesotherapy blend might contain 50 ingredients to nourish, repair and rejuvenate skin, delivered via tiny needles or a mesotherapy gun, which sounds terrifying but is apparently painless during treatment, although a numbing cream may be applied beforehand to minimize discomfort.

Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure. It involves a skincare specialist removing the top layer of skin with a small hand-held device. Microdermabrasion can exfoliate the skin, reduce signs of aging, and make the skin appear more even. The procedure is safe for all skin types. A microdermabrasion machine is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure. The specialist sprays or rubs fine crystals onto the skin with a wand that gently exfoliates the surface, removing the top layer. The aim is to make the skin appear younger. The procedure should not be painful. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) estimate that it takes 30–40 minutes for the face and 20 minutes for the neck. Afterward, there may be slight swelling or sunburn-like symptoms for a few days.

On first blush, you may not know what to do with this eye care machine (or where to use it for the matter). But, if you suffer from under-eye bags, puffiness, or dark circles. Or if people keep asking you if you are tired (when you aren't) then this next device is an absolute must-have. Also, created by FOREO, the IRIS is an ophthalmologist approved eye massager that utilizes the company’s alternating T-Sonic technology to reduce the above-mentioned symptoms taking 30 seconds to treat each eye.

Every disposable diaper manufacturer knows that the most difficult machine to buy is always the first one. Based on their earned experience with this first machine, diaper manufacturers become more knowledgeable and more cautious when buying their second or third machine. If only this level of knowledge was available to them from the beginning, they would have saved tens of thousands and in many cases even hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Make sure you ask for the same exact items or the same diaper machine modules from all potential vendors; make sure each machine module is really equivalent in terms of the technology and process control; the acceptable performance for your equipment has to be well defined as part of the purchasing contract. It is easy to promise, some vendors do whatever it takes to try to close a deal, but to deliver against a well-defined contract is something else, few will take the risk. It is always better to visit an actual factory running the equipment instead of just visiting the equipment manufacturer. Of course, this is not always possible, but at least try.
Make sure you have enough money left after the purchase of the machine to use for working capital. Keep in mind that the baby diaper machine and the building are probably just half of the total investment you will need to operate your new business, that is unless you already have excellent credit ratings to use for working capital. Starting up a new diaper factory without money in your pocket is the very worst thing you can do.

Processing wood into tissue paper is a complex technological procedure. However, using complex machines to transform big jumbo reels of tissue paper into the form of high-quality napkins or toilet tissue is real high tech. The tissue paper machines perform many work steps to manufacture the finished product. They unwind, print, emboss, rewind, fold, cut, wrap and bundle within seconds and fully automatically.

According to a specific application inside a market segment, the hygienic tissue paper products are manufactured to meet the desired performance. The most important properties used to evaluate the performance of tissue products are - softness, water absorbency, disintegration, and strength (dry or wet). A vast number of fiber types, chemical additives, sanitary machine technologies are available in the market for the manufacturing of tissue products. The right combination of additives, fibers, additives, and technologies have to be chosen by the tissue paper manufacturers to produce specific tissue products capable of achieving the desired performance while providing enough profitability to the producer. Paper products can be placed in three main categories, based on their function.

Even if you’re fully vaccinated, you’ll likely run into situations in which masks are strongly recommended, if not required. Which means unfortunately we’ll all need to have some masks on hand. While not as sustainable as reusable cloth masks, disposable masks are also a good option — especially if you find the right ones.
The very best disposable face masks, of course, are KN95 masks — the gold-standard pandemic masks, approved by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which filter out 95 percent of airborne particles. These are closely followed by the disposable surgical masks worn by doctors and other health-care professionals, which are cleared by the FDA as meeting certain standards.
Early in the pandemic, the CDC did not recommend that the public buy these masks in order to ensure a steady supply for health-care workers, but those restrictions have relaxed slightly now that such masks are more regularly available. So while it’s still not a good idea to hoard KN95 or medical masks, you can feel better keeping one or two around for especially high-risk occasions, like a plane ride or spending a long period of time in a crowded enclosed space. Our mask making machine is sold well in the world market and worth recommendation for its excellent quality and reasonable price.

Basketball goal and basketball stand are two terms that are often used interchangeably. Our customers frequently ask us if there is a difference between basketball stands and basketball goals. When it is time to shop for sports equipment, it is helpful to understand the terminology, after all. Technically, the movable basketball stand refers to the orange rim that is mounted to the backboard, but in common language, the terms are used when people are referring to the complete sets that make up basketball systems. Here at First Team Sports, we use the term basketball goals when referring to either complete basketball goal systems or the rims themselves. We offer a comprehensive line of made in the USA indoor and outdoor sports equipment: basketball backboard systems (wall mount basketball goals or on a post) for team sports, adjustable goals for kids, portable goals for indoor games and driveway outdoor play, and commercial basketball goals that can stand up to the most aggressive playgrounds. Our basketball buying guide and basketball goal pictures can help you understand the differences between the types of basketball equipment for sale. Call First Team today to get started!

Parts of a Basketball System
A complete basketball system consists of the same general parts, whether it is an in ground basketball goal, a portable basketball goal, or an adjustable portable goal.
What are the basic elements of a basketball goal system?

1. Backboard: Backboards can be rectangular or fan shaped, and are available in many different sizes and materials. First Team offers everything from regulation size tempered glass wall mount backboards for colleges to an affordable acrylic backboard and rim combo-portable basketball system units for home use. (Acrylic provides a better rebound than a polycarbonate backboard). We also offer backboards in steel, perforated aluminum, fiberglass, and smoked tempered glass.
   
   
2. Rim: The orange basketball ring from which the net hangs. Can also be called the goal or stand. Options include the competition breakaway steel rim, heavy-duty or recreation flex goal, and the fixed rim. First Team also offers ultra heavy double rims for playgrounds where aggressive play is the norm.
   
   
3. Net: Made of nylon or metal chain (for playgrounds).
   
   
4. Extension Arm (or boom): The extension arm projects forward from the vertical post to create the overhang for the safe play area. On fixed inground basketball goals, the extension arm does not move. On a First Team portable basketball goal, the extension arm folds down to a height that can easily fit under a door frame for storage next to your outdoor power equipment in the garage or roll into a storage closet in your gymnasium. Many of our wall mount acrylic or glass backboards offer an adjustable arm that allows you to set a custom distance from wall to backboard to align with your existing basketball court markings. Some models also feature an arm that folds back to one side to store the backboard safely to make room for other sports in multi-use facilities.
   
   
5. Post / Pole: Also called the support structure or standard, this is the vertical piece to which the backboard is attached. Depending on the model, our adjustable units can easily moved from as low 5'6” up to the full 10' regulation basketball goal height. Wall mount and roof mount products will not have a vertical post.
   

Centrifuge tubes range a lot in terms of quality and performance. There are multiple factors that contribute to the overall quality of the tube that we will discuss in this article. It’s important to take into account your own requirements of a tube medical and then choose a tube that is going to best suit these requirements.

Relative Centrifugal Force
A centrifuge tube will have a maximum speed rating at which the tube can withstand. The speed capacities of tubes will vary greatly between brands so it is important to determine what speeds you will require and go for a tube that will be able to withstand these speeds. When looking at speeds, it is best to look at RCF rather than RPM as RCF takes into account the gravitational force being applied. RPM, on the other hand, only takes into account the rotors spinning speed.
Pricing can vary depending on the maximum RCF a tube can handle so firstly, work out the RCF you will require and find a tube that fits to these requirements. If you are not dealing with high speeds, you may be able to choose a tube with a lower RCF to save on costs of the tubes. If you are a volume user, any potential savings on the tubes can add up to a sizeable amount over time.

Chemical Compatibility
Depending on the type of material the centrifuge tube is made out of, it will obviously have different resistance capabilities to different chemicals. It is important to take into account the types of chemicals you will be using and ensure that the tube you choose has satisfactory resistance to these chemicals. Centrifuge tubes are available in an array of materials such as polypropylene (PP), polyallomer (PA), polycarbonate (PC), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET). PP is a popular type of tube due to its ability to be used for high speed applications, is autoclavable, and is resistance to most organic solvents. Be sure to check a chemical resistance chart to determine what tube will be most suitable for your laboratory.

Volume
Note that you should never overfill a centrifuge tube as it can cause leakages. The maximum you should ever fill a centrifuge tube is ¾ full. Some ultracentrifuge tubes, however, must be filled to the top to prevent collapse. You also need to ensure that you don’t underfill the tubes either. It is always best to make sure you check the product specifications from the manufacturer as they will provide filling guidelines. With this is mind, the tube you select will need to be based on the volume you will be using. If you find that the tube most suitable for the volume you are using will not fit the rotor capacity of your centrifuge then consider an adapter for the rotor. Most manufacturers will have these adapters available so speak to your supplier about an adapter to suit your needs.
A centrifuge tube is an important consumable in any laboratory and the decision upon what tube will best suit your laboratory should not be taken lightly. Suppliers will be able to provide samples for testing prior to committing to order. This gives you the opportunity to put the tube through its paces to ensure that it performs. If you can, get a few different brands to sample and run the same tests on each, this will further assist you in making your decision.

There are many questions about what a rapid test, swab and PCR are and how they are different. All three are terms related to the diagnosis of Covid-19. Equipping yourself with knowledge about these three things is important in this pandemic. Swab and PCR are inseparable test methods to diagnose Covid-19. Swab medical is a way to obtain examination material (sample). Swab is done on the nasopharynx and/or oropharynx. This collection is done by rubbing the nasopharyngeal cavity and/or oropharynx using a tool such as a special cotton swab.

The collection of whole air or gas "grab samples" with commercially available gas sampling bags is a widely used sampling method in fields such as environmental science and industrial hygiene, as well as in a variety of laboratory and technical applications.
The traditional grab sampling method with gas sample bags requires the use of a pump to fill the sampling bag in one of two ways. The Direct Method uses a vacuum pump to draw air from the ambient air being sampled, which then passes through the pump and is loaded into the sample bag. This method is easy to use but allows for potential cross-contamination from the inner parts of the pump fittings and any connection tubing. The Indirect Method employs a hard-walled, hermetically sealed box that is commonly referred to as a lung box. The sampling bag is fixed inside the lung box and connected to the interior fitting inlet. When the lung box is evacuated by a vacuum pump, the sample bag inflates and a sample is collected.

For many researchers, selecting a sample collection kit is one of the first steps in beginning a small- or large-scale clinical study/biobanking project. Deciding how to go about collecting and storing patient/donor samples is paramount to ensuring the success of future assays, and there are a lot of factors to consider. Commercially available collection kits are a good option, but some researchers may prefer to rely on bulk collection supplies.

The Petri dish has been around for over a decade and yet the simple cell growing tools remain a permanent fixture in many laboratories around the world. The shallow cylindrical glass or plastic lidded dishes are most commonly used by biologists to make agar plates, which bacteria can be cultured upon. They are also useful for examining the efficacy of antibiotic drugs in development.

Finding the perfect pipettte and optimizing its use depends on a myriad of factors—some obvious, like the importance of precision and accuracy, and some more specific, like the ability to use the pipette while it is charging.

When the world is moving towards healthier choices, you shouldn’t be left behind either. Let’s take a peek at the what's and whys of this Bidet sprayer and you can see for yourself if it is worth all its hype!

What is a bidet spray?
The bathtub sprayer is essentially a hand-held toilet shower, which is used for cleaning after relaxation.
The shower head is connected to the end of the long hose connected to the water inlet. By pressing the trigger, the water flow can be easily controlled from mild injection to high-pressure injection. Release the lever to turn off the water immediately.
Bidet shower is very common in India, most other Asian countries and Islamic countries. It is also called sanitary faucet, shattaf bidet spray or layman's burning gun.

Why consider installing one?
There are many reasons for choosing to use a handheld bathing basin spray. We list two important issues below.
Reduce the chance of bacterial infection: wiping with toilet paper may still leave some feces. Washing with water is just like washing your hands after going to the toilet. It is cleaner, so it is safer and more hygienic.
Eco friendly: as you may have realized, it no longer needs to spend a lot of money on toilet paper. This is fully manually controlled and therefore replaces the electric water jet toilet being used.
This is a perfect DIY project!
If setting up and repairing things is your business, then setting up the handheld bathtub sprayer kit in the toilet may be your next project, or even your first project, because it is very simple!
The kit includes a T valve adapter, a flexible hose, a sprayer bracket, an oil tank side hook and a sprinkler head.

Buying and installing a hand-held bidet shower is a one-time cost, and the increased water consumption will not be offset by your savings. Therefore, this zinc shattaf bidet spray will certainly reduce your pocket, especially considering the long life of the product.
As you search for a new bathroom & kitchen faucet, you’ll see a number of other options to choose from that influence the overall style and operation of the faucet in your home. It’s a good idea to understand the basic configurations before you choose, to be aware of the product information and ensure you get exactly the features you want.
In a counter- or deck-mounted installation, kitchen faucets can be mounted on the counter or sink edge. Deck mounted is the more common style, and it helps draw attention to the sink as a design element in your kitchen. Here you’ll find the largest variety of faucets, ranging from single-hole mounts to up to three-hole mounts, in all sizes and finishes. Wall-mounted kitchen faucets are often found in more commercial or industrial locations, with a unique and modern style. Home kitchens, laundry rooms, garages, and greenhouses often rely on wall-mounted faucets for their space-saving design. In smaller kitchens with limited counter space, wall-mounted faucets free up the counter and allow different design options for the sink, and unique plumbing profile lines.

Valves are mechanical or electro-mechanical devices that are used to control the movement of liquids, gases, powders, etc. through pipes or tubes, or from tanks or other containers. In most instances, valves rely on some form of mechanical barrier—a plate, a ball, a diaphragm, for example—that can be inserted and removed from the flow stream of the material passing by. Some valves are designed as on-off varieties, while others allow very fine control of the passage of media.

Ball Valves are quarter-turn valves incorporating ported spheres that swivel in the pipe stream to either block, or allow, flow. Special designs are available which enable a degree of flow regulation. Key specifications include the number of ports, port configuration, port connections, valve size, and the materials that make up the valve body, its seat, seal, and stem packing. Ball valves are used practically anywhere a fluid flow must be shut off, from a compressed-air line to a high-pressure, hydraulic system. Ball valves can provide low head-loss characteristics as the port can exactly match the pipe diameter. Ball valves also tend to seal better than butterfly valves, but they can be costlier to purchase and maintain. Typically they are actuated with a lever which provides a visual indication of the valve status.

Float Valves are mechanical devices that use hollow spheres or other shapes mounted on levers or tracks which open and close fluid inlets. A float valve is used primarily for maintaining fluid in a tank at a specific level. Key specifications include the intended application, port connections, valve size, float size, and the materials that make up the valve body, its seal and float. Float valves are used in bathroom toilets to replenish the water level after a flush and in many tank-level control systems.

Globe valves are used for shut-off and regulating, and are used in wastewater plants, food processing facilities, and process plants, for example. The most common variety is the Z-style valve, so-called because of the path through which the fluid follows through the valve body. These two right-angle turns that the fluid must make through the valve account for the design’s relatively high head losses. A less restrictive design is the Y-style valve, which orients the valve stem at 45° to the valve body. Another style is the angle valve, which turns the flow 90°.

The part of the oven lamp or light bulb that connects into the light fitting is generally known either as the cap or base. Caps provide the electrical contact to conduct electricity to the light bulb but it also helps to secure the light bulb into its fitting.
There are a vast variety of caps and bases that exist in order to help make sure that only the correct type of lamp is used in any given fitting. This section shows many of the most popular fittings.

Named after the pioneering inventor Thomas Edison, the Edison screw oven lamp or ES lamp fitting is used worldwide in a vast range of applications. The most popular ES or E27 fitting is 27mm diameter and is widely used in UK and Europe. This cap is the standard 27mm diameter screw cap for UK 240V light bulbs – not to be confused with E26, which is a 26mm size and is designed for the 120V US market.

The G9 Oven lamp is specifically used for 240V capsule light bulbs. The light bulb can be identified by measuring the distance between the center points of the pins. The distance of a G9 measures 9mm.
LED Capsule Bulbs are now also available as an energy-efficient alternative to light bulbs. The fitments on LED capsules are exactly the same as those on halogen capsules, so if you’re replacing your current light bulbs with LED light bulbs and your fitting accepts one of the standard types listed here, you should be able to install them without an issue.

Different light bulbs are designed for different needs, environments, and situations. If you need a bulb that will last a long time, save you money and deliver bright light, then an LED light bulb with a high lumen output is best for you. If you want a light bulb that is budget-friendly, stylish and great for decorative lighting, then a candle-shaped halogen bulb with a low colour temperature is what you need.

UNDERSTANDING LIGHT BULB CAP TYPES AND BASE FITTINGS
Choosing the correct cap type or base fitting is the most important step when it comes to finding the right light bulb. The cap type or base fitting both conducts electricity to the light bulb and secures it into the fixture. Buying a bulb with the wrong Oven lamp holder simply means your lamp will not fit into the fixture – so it’s incredibly important you get it right.
The first letter of the code tells you the base or cap type of the bulb - such as a Bayonet Cap or Edison Screw Base.
The numbers reveal the diameter of the base, or the distance between the pins. This is listed in millimeters.
Some codes will also have additional letters after the numbers. This shows the number of pins or contacts the base has – such as ‘s’ for single, or ‘d’ for double.
So for example, the most common Bayonet Cap base fitting is listed as a B22d fitting. The ‘B’ stands for Bayonet Collar, while the ‘22’ means the base is 22mm in diameter. The ‘d’ at the end of the code means the base has two pins.

Candlelight bulbs feature a design based off the flame of a candle. This attractive ‘flame’ shape naturally gives them a decorative, elegant and vintage look perfect for ornamental lighting in hotels, restaurants and bars. As such, candle bulbs are most commonly used as decorative light bulbs in chandeliers, wall lights and exposed fixtures. Candle light bulbs are generally fitted with an E27 Edison screw base, E14 Oven lamp holder or B22 bayonet cap.
The Edison screw base is another of the most commonly seen base fittings in the UK. As their name suggests, Edison screw bulbs simply screw into the socket of a light fixture.
The most frequently seen size of the Edison screw is the E27 – a fitting that measures 27mm in diameter across its base. Other sizes of Edison screw are available, such as the E17, E26 and E39, but the E27 is the most commonly used in the UK and Europe.
E27s are available in a wide range of wattages and are used for a variety of applications.
Capsule bulbs sometimes called capsule lamps, use a push-fit base. Rather than being screwed or twisted into the fitting, these capsules have two pins in the base that allows them to be pushed into a fixture.
These small capsules are named and categorised by the distance between their two connecting pins. The G4 is one of the most frequently used bases for capsule lamps, and has pins that are 4mm apart. The G9 Oven lamp holder is also used for capsule bulbs, and features pins measuring 9mm apart.

Introduction to Pressure Seal valves

    Pressure seal construction is adopted for Valves for high pressure service, typically in excess of above 170 bar. The

unique feature about the pressure seal Bonnet is that the body-Bonnet joints seals improves as the internal pressure in the

Valve increases, compared to other constructions where the increase in internal pressure tends to create leaks in the body-

Bonnet joint.


   



   
        The higher the internal pressure, the greater the sealing force. Easy dismantling is made possible by dropping the

Bonnet assembly into the body cavity and driving out the four-segmental thrust rings by means of a push pin.
   
   
       

   


    Relying on fairly simple design principles, pressure seal

valves have proven their capability to handle increasingly demanding fossil and combined-cycle steam isolation

applications, as designers continue to push boiler, HRSG, and piping system pressure/temperature envelopes. Pressure seal

Valves are typically available in size ranges from 2 inches to 24 inches and ASME B16.34 pressure classes from #600 to #2500,

although some manufacturers can accommodate the need for larger diameters and higher ratings for special applications.


    Pressure seal gate valves are

available in many material qualities such as A105 forged and Gr.WCB cast, alloy F22 forged and Gr.WC9 cast; F11 forged and

Gr.WC6 cast, austenitic stainless F316 forged and Gr.CF8M cast; for over 500°C, F316H forged and suitable austenitic cast

grades.


    The pressure seal design concept can be traced back to the mid-1900s, when, faced with ever increasing pressures and

temperatures (primarily in power applications), Valve manufacturers began designing alternatives to the traditional bolted-

Bonnet approach to sealing the body/Bonnet joint. Along with providing a higher level of pressure boundary sealing integrity,

many of the pressure seal globe valves

design weighed significantly less than their bolted Bonnet Valve counterparts.


   



    Bolted Bonnets vs. Pressure Seals


    To better understand the pressure seal design concept, let's contrast the body-to-Bonnet sealing mechanism between

bolted Bonnets and pressure seals. FIG. 1 depicts the typical Bolted Bonnet valve. The body flange and Bonnet flange are

joined by studs and nuts, with a gasket of suitable design/material inserted between the flange faces to facilitate sealing.

Studs/nuts/bolts are tightened to prescribed torques in a pattern defined by the manufacturer to affect optimal sealing.

However, as system pressure increases, the potential for leakage through the body/Bonnet joint also increases.


   



    Pressure Seal Gaskets


    One of the primary components involved in sealing the pressure seal Valve is the gasket itself. Early pressure seal

gaskets were manufactured from iron or soft steel. These gaskets were subsequently silver-plated to take advantage of the

softer plating material's ability to provide a tighter seal. Due to the pressure applied during the Valve's

hydrotest, a set (or deformation of the gasket profile) between the Bonnet and gasket was taken. Because of the inherent

Bonnet take-up bolt and pressure seal joint elasticity, the potential for the Bonnet to move and break that set when

subjected to system pressure increases/ decreases existed, with body/Bonnet joint leakage the result.


    This problem could be effectively negated by utilizing the practice of "hot torquing" the Bonnet take-up bolts

after system pressure and temperature equalization, but it required owner/user maintenance personnel to do so after plant

startup. If this practice was not adhered to, the potential for leakage through the body/Bonnet joint existed, which could

damage the pressure seal gasket, the Bonnet and/or the I.D. of the Valve body, as well as creating compounding problems and

inefficiencies that the steam leakage could have on plant operations. As a result, Valve designers took several steps to

address this problem.


   



    Although many manufacturers still recommend hot torquing, the potential for leakage when this is not done is greatly

diminished. The seating surfaces in pressure seal Valves, as in many power plant Valves, are subjected to, comparatively

speaking, very high seating loads. Seat integrity is maintained as a function of tight machining tolerances on component

parts, means of providing the requisite torque to open/close as a function of gears or actuation, and selection/ application

of proper materials for seating surfaces.


    Cobalt, nickel, and iron-based hardfacing alloys are utilized for optimal wear resistance of the wedge/disc and seat ring

seating surfaces. Most commonly used are the CoCr-A (e.g., Stellite) materials. These materials are applied with a variety of

processes, including shielded metal arc, gas metal arc, gas tungsten arc, and plasma (transferred) arc. Many pressure seal

Globe Valves are designed having integral hardfaced seats, while the

Gate Valves and

Check Valves typically have hardfaced seat rings that are welded into the Valve body.


   
Both butterfly valves and

ball valves offer unique benefits, so choosing between them in

certain processes isn't a hard choice. It can be problematic when a process requires valve characteristics that both

valves have. We need a deeper understanding of the butterfly valve vs ball valve in order to pick the correct valve.


   



    Teflon is a polymer compound formed by the polymerization of tetrafluoroethylene with excellent chemical stability,

corrosion resistance, sealing, high lubrication and non-viscosity, electrical insulation and good aging resistance for media

such as strong acid, strong alkali, strong oxidant. Its operating temperature is -200 ~ 180℃, poor fluidity, large thermal

expansion. Teflon lined valves ensures extremely high

chemical resistance and longevity, can be widely used in corrosive applications in the chemical, electric machinery，

harmaceutical, petrochemical, fertilizer, pulp and paper, and metallurgical industries.