FALL LEAVES AND WATER QUALITY - Fall leaves are beautiful to look at but they can cause problems. They can clog up your gutters, and can also affect your water quality. While leaves are naturally biodegradable, fallen leaves can also transfer phosphorus, nitrogen, and other substances into the ground – and what goes into the ground winds up in your well water. Leaf debris can even create a harmful algae blooms in your water supply.

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Fall Leaves And Water Quality

How Fall Leaves Affect Your Water Quality

Pinckney Well Drilling and Geothermal

Beautiful fall colors are making their way to the South Carolina Lowcountry.

While the leaves are beautiful to look at, they can cause problems.

You know they can clog up your gutters, but did you know they can also affect your water quality?

Here are some interesting facts from Pinckney Well Drilling on this problem and the benefits of water filtration.

·          Leaf debris contains more than you think. While leaves are naturally biodegradable, fallen leaves can also transfer phosphorus, nitrogen, and other substances into the ground – and what goes into the ground winds up in your well water.

Leaf debris can even create a harmful algae blooms in your water supply.

·         How can you protect your well? The most important thing you can do is to clean up leaves on your property.

When you dispose of them, move them to an area that’s far away from your well.

If you live in a neighborhood, encourage those around you to join in this practice, too. That way everyone’s well water will be purer.

·         Water filtration systems are a great solution. Investing in a whole house water filtration system is another great way to protect your water quality.

One of the many benefits of water filtration is that it acts as a first line of safety for your water supply.

The system you choose will ensure that only the purest water comes out of the tap for drinking, cooking, showering, and other household uses.

If you suspect any type of impurities may be in your water, call Pinckney Well Drilling for a free water analysis.

You can rely on our well drilling company in South Carolina to help you get the best water possible for your family.

Contact us today for service in Charleston, Bluffton, Beaufort, Hilton Head, Kiawah, and surrounding areas of South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia.

Pinckney Well Drilling and Geothermal provides water well drilling, geothermal wells, irrigation wells, and water filtration services for the Lowcountry. Contact us for service in the Beaufort and Bluffton, SC area.

https://www.pinckneywelldrilling.com/blog/leaves-water-quality/

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http://puricarechronicles.blogspot.com/2018/06/autumn-leaves-nat-king-cole-falling.html

SUBMARINE PRINCIPLES AND DESIGN - Submarines travel smoothly underwater and can be powered by nuclear reactor or fuel to propel it. A submarine operates using the principle of buoyancy by Archimedes which says that upward buoyant force acting on a body that is fully or partially immersed in the liquid is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the body. This buoyant force acts in the upward direction at the center of mass of the fluid displaced. The equipment is not generally mounted on the pressure hull and elastic mounting system because it increases the vibration on the ship. To fit these requirements, suspended platforms and cradles are used. Sonar is the system that plays the main role in navigating the submarine. It is an eye for submarine during underwater operations.

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Submarine

principles and design

How does it work?

engineeringinsider

A submarine is a self-propelling craft that is designed to work underwater and complete various operations.

Submarine designs can have a single or double hull system that contains all the important systems and manpower to complete their missions.

Unlike ships, submarines travel smoothly underwater and can be powered by nuclear reactor or fuel to propel it.

Working & Design Principles of submarines-

The submarine works very differently than other crafts.

It operates using the principle of buoyancy by Archimedes which says that upward buoyant force acting on a body that is fully or partially immersed in the liquid is equal to the weight of the fluid displaced by the body.

This buoyant force acts in the upward direction at the center of mass of the fluid displaced.

In a submarine, the equipment is not generally mounted on the pressure hull and elastic mounting system because it increases the vibration on the ship.

To fit these requirements, suspended platforms and cradles are used.

A submarine mainly consists of following components

§     Pressure hull

§     Planes

§     Ballast tanks

§     Engine

§     Tower

§     Navigation systems

§     Life-support systems

Apart from these components, Sonar is the system that plays the main role in navigating the submarine. It is an eye for submarine during underwater operations.

The main rile of some subsystems is to detect any passive or active mode, localization, tracking and avoid any obstacle.

How does submarine work?

Using the Archimedes principles, the buoyancy is controlled on the submarine by ballast tanks.

Submarine resting on the surface is less dense than water that means it has positive buoyancy and it will float. In this condition, the ballast tanks are full of air.

In order to submerge the submarine, it should be made less dense than water, thus negative buoyancy is generated by venting out the air from the ballast tanks.

The sea water comes in the tanks through flood ports and forces the air out, thus submarine starts to sink.

The depth of the submarine is controlled by controlling the ratio of water to air in the ballast tank.

Moreover, a submarine can get neutral buoyancy when its weight is equal to the amount of water it displaces. In this case, the submarine will neither sink nor rise.

To make the submarine rise again on the surface of the water, air is blown into the ballast tanks, forcing seawater out, hence gaining positive buoyancy.

How does its propelling system work?

Nuclear submarines use steam turbines and a nuclear reactor to provide drive in their propeller shaft.

Electric power is also used to operate the equipment; however, batteries are used to store electric power and get charged from the diesel engine.

A nuclear submarine has an advantage of remaining submerged for a longer time than diesel submarines because diesel engine requires air to work which is only available at the water surface.

  

https://engineeringinsider.org/submarine-principles-design-working/

AIR CONDITIONERS - Air conditioning is the process of removing heat from the interior of an occupied space, to improve the comfort of occupants. Air conditioning is often used to lower the temperature of the certain area, to achieve more comfortable environment. Air conditioning is not only done to ease temperature for a better environment for humans or animals, but is also done for various other purposes like to cool/dehumidify rooms filled with heat-producing electronic devices, such as computer servers, power amplifiers, and even to display and store artwork.

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Air Conditioners

Working Of an Air Conditioner

engineeringinsider

Air conditioners are the devices that perform air conditioning.

Air conditioning is the process of removing heat from the interior of an occupied space, to improve the comfort of occupants.

Air conditioning is often used to lower the temperature of the certain area, to achieve more comfortable environment. air conditioner

It can be used for both commercial and domestic purpose.

Air conditioning is not only done to ease temperature for a better environment for humans or animals, but is also done for various other purposes like to cool/dehumidify rooms filled with heat-producing electronic devices, such as computer servers, power amplifiers, and even to display and store artwork.

Air conditioners often use a fan to distribute the conditioned air to an occupied space such as a building or a car to improve thermal comfort and indoor air quality.

Electric refrigerant-based AC units range from small units that can cool a small bedroom, which can be carried by a single adult, to massive units installed on the roof of office towers that can cool an entire building.

The cooling is typically achieved through a refrigeration cycle, but sometimes evaporation or free cooling is used.

Air conditioning systems can also be made based on desiccants (chemicals which remove moisture from the air) and subterraneous pipes that can distribute the heated refrigerant to the ground for cooling.

https://youtu.be/NSUeRlJ2P0g

-   The air flows over some chiller pipes through which a coolant fluid is circulating. This part of the machine works just like the chiller cabinet in a refrigerator. It cools down the incoming air and a dehumidifier removes any excess moisture.

-   The air then flows over a heating element (similar to the one in a fan heater). On a cold day, this part of the unit may be turned right up so the HVAC works as a heater.

-   A fan at the top blasts the air back through another grille into the room. If the heating element is turned down, the air re-entering the room is much cooler, so the room gradually cools down.

-   Meanwhile, coolant (a volatile liquid that evaporates easily) flows through the chiller pipes. As it does so, it picks up heat from the air blowing past the pipes and evaporates, turning from a cool liquid into a hotter gas.

It carries this heat from inside the room to the outside of the building, where it gives up its heat to the outside air. How?

Just like in a refrigerator, the coolant flows through a compressor unit and some condensing pipes, which turn it back into a cool liquid ready to cycle around the loop again.

-   What happens to the heat? In the unit outside the building, there are lots of metal plates that dissipate the heat to the atmosphere. An electric fan blows air past them to accelerate the process.

-   Over time, the heat inside the building gradually pumps away into the outside air.

 

https://engineeringinsider.org/working-air-conditioner/

BETTER FUEL ECONOMY: MANUAL OR AUTOMATIC - The mechanics of continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) differ from those of automatic transmissions, but for drivers, the operation is the same: You put the car in drive and go. Unlike manual and automatic transmissions, which have a fixed set of gears (and a fixed set of ratios), CVTs can continuously vary their gear ratios (hence their name) for maximum fuel efficiency. That helps them achieve better fuel economy when compared to a traditional manual transmission.

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Better Fuel Economy

Which has better fuel economy: manual or automatic?

BY JAMIE PAGE DEATON

·          One thing that's helping automatic transmission catch up is the wider use of continuously variable transmissions (CVTs).

Now, to be clear, the mechanics of CVTs differ from those of automatic transmissions, but for drivers, the operation is the same: You put the car in drive and go.

Unlike manual and automatic transmissions, which have a fixed set of gears (and a fixed set of ratios), CVTs can continuously vary their gear ratios (hence their name) for maximum fuel efficiency. That helps them achieve better fuel economy when compared to a traditional manual transmission.

·         Traditional automatic transmissions can also beat manual fuel economy.

Today's automatics tend to have more forward gears (those are gears that move the car forward, not in reverse) than manual transmissions do. Those extra gears help the engine deliver the same power to the wheels while working at a lower engine speed, which saves gas.

Car makers have also gotten really good at working with the new technology in automatic transmissions to make them more efficient.

Part of that is due to simple economics: Most cars sold in the United States are sold with automatic transmissions, and car companies are finding that they can pass the costs of developing new transmission tech on to their consumers, who will happily take it in exchange for vehicles promising better fuel economy.

It helps as well that car companies are also having to meet stricter government-mandated fuel economy standards. That also helped drive (heck yeah, that pun is intended) the development of more fuel-efficient automatics.

·         So, why buy a manual-equipped car if you're not guaranteed better fuel economy?

A manual transmission gives you a little more control over how hard your engine works and how much power gets to the wheels, so if that's something you want, go for the manual.

·         If you think manuals make you look cool, you're right — and you should buy a manual. But if you want the best fuel economy, a manual transmission isn't always the best way to go.

Jamie Page Deaton is the executive editor of the U.S. News Best Cars team. A juror for the North American Car, Utility, and Truck of the Year awards, she is regularly turned to for expert commentary on the automotive industry and buying advice for everyday car shoppers.

As part of the team that launched the U.S. News Car Rankings in 2007, Jamie developed the U.S. News Best Cars review format and new car rankings methodology. Since then, she has overseen the addition of used car rankings, and she leads the team’s annual Best Vehicle Brands, Best Cars for the Money, and Best Cars for Families awards. Jamie has a bachelor's degree from the College of William & Mary and a master's degree from the University of Delaware.

You can connect with Jamie on LinkedIn.

https://auto.howstuffworks.com/fuel-efficiency/fuel-economy/better-fuel-economy-manual-or-automatic.htm

Times (and transmissions) have changed — manuals might not be the best choice for improved fuel economy anymore.

WATER SOFTENERS AND HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES - Water softeners reduce the “hardness” of the water, which can have several benefits for consumers: smaller amounts of soap and detergents are necessary for cleaning processes; reduced staining, spotting and scaling; energy saving in water heating due to less scaling. Water softening is best for showers and bathrooms as it reduces the chances of itchiness to the skin and leaves it with a softer and smoother texture. Clothing fabric is said to be more durable and also retain their initial colors. This keeps your appliances running more efficiently as there is little chance of chemical build up which could clog systems and eventually rust the appliances.

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Water Softeners And Household Appliances

How water softeners can extend the life – and performance – of your appliances

Hydro Solutions

What is a water softener and what the difference is between hard and soft water?

Water softeners are substances used to remove certain minerals from hard water.

There are many great health benefits from the use of a water softener as well as general usability of the water itself.

Water softeners reduce the “hardness” of the water, which can have several benefits for consumers: smaller amounts of soap and detergents (non-synthetic) are necessary for cleaning processes; reduced staining, spotting and scaling; energy saving in water heating due to less scaling.

Studies have suggested that water softening is best for showers and bathrooms as it reduces the chances of itchiness to the skin and leaves it with a softer and smoother texture.

Furthermore, clothing fabric is said to be more durable and also retain their initial colors.

Natural water comes down to earth in soft form, but whilst making its journey through the ground, wells, water pipes and faucets it picks up minerals on its way.

Most people attempt to combat these hard water cleansing problems with a water softener, as this is the easiest way to deal with hard water.

It installs in with your home’s plumbing and the water runs right through it.

This keeps your appliances running more efficiently as there is little chance of chemical build up which could clog systems and eventually rust the appliances.

Protect your plumbing and appliances from hard water damage and save water and energy. With a highly efficient water softener from Hydro Solutions, you’ll also use less soap and save time spent rewashing spotted dishes and glassware.

Hydro Solutions has provided professional installation, repair and maintenance services for wells and water treatment systems to South Florida residents of Palm Beach County and Martin County for over 20 years. Our talented technical team at Hydro Solutions is backed by a management team with decades of collective experience in providing the highest level of quality customer service. Our friendly staff was handpicked for his or her training, experience, skills and abilities to communicate effectively with our residential and business clients.

https://www.flwatertreatment.com/blog/how-water-softeners-can-extend-the-life-and-performance-of-your-appliances/

SOLDERING COPPER PIPE JOINTS - A tube cutter gives you a cleaner cut than a hacksaw. Use a good-quality tubing cutter rather than a hacksaw. You'll be assured clean cuts with square ends that fit neatly into the fittings. Use a steel brush for complete cleaning of pipes and fittings. Apply tinning flux rather than regular flux. Tinning flux contains a powdered metal alloy that's similar to solder. After a thorough cleaning, coat the pipe and fitting with flux before heating the joint. This helps solder flow into the joint. Assemble the pipes, then solder the joints all at once. Heat the joint just enough to melt the solder

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How to Solder Copper Pipe Joints

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

Learn to solder copper pipe like a pro.

With a little practice, anyone can solder copper water pipe.

Learn how to cut, clean and flux pipe and fittings, how much solder to use, and how to check for a leak.

We'll show you how to solder like a pro so you can tackle your next DIY plumbing job.

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

TIME : One day

COMPLEXITY : Simple

COST : $20 – $100

Buy a self-lighting torch

Good torches work faster

A self-lighting torch eliminates the hassles of a striker or match.

After years of using a regular, inexpensive torch, I finally splurged on a fancy model with a built-in lighter. They cost more, but boy, what a difference.

Just pull the trigger to light the flame. No more fumbling with a striker or match. And it's safer, too.

I used to leave the torch burning just to avoid relighting it. Now I turn it off when I set it down to avoid accidentally igniting my blue jeans.

In addition to the self-lighting feature, look for one that burns MAPP gas.

MAPP gas produces a hotter flame, which is better for soldering larger diameter pipes (1-in. and larger) and brass valves.

Once you're comfortable with how much heat to apply for a good solder joint, you can switch to MAPP gas to speed up all of your soldering jobs.

Use a good-quality tubing cutter

Make clean, burr-free cuts

A tube cutter gives you a cleaner cut than a hacksaw.

Use a good-quality tubing cutter rather than a hacksaw. You'll be assured clean cuts with square ends that fit neatly into the fittings.

The cutting process leaves a small burr inside the pipe. To avoid creating undesirable turbulence inside the pipe, remove the burr with the flip-out burr remover on the back of the cutter.

Use a steel brush for complete cleaning of pipes and fittings

Brush joints thoroughly before fluxing

A 4-in-1 cleaning tool cleans pipes and fittings quickly and cleanly.

Oils, oxidation and other impurities on the outside of pipes and inside of fittings prevent solder from sticking.

To clean them, you can use just about anything that's abrasive, including sandpaper and emery cloth.

But for the quickest, cleanest results, buy a 4-in-1 cleaning tool like the one shown. Use it to clean the outside of pipes and the inside of fittings for 1/2-in. and 3/4-in. copper.

Apply tinning flux rather than regular flux

Wipe both sides of the joint with flux

Tinning flux contains a powdered metal alloy that's similar to solder.

After a thorough cleaning, coat the pipe and fitting with flux before heating the joint. This helps solder flow into the joint.

You may find two or three kinds of flux on the shelf. We recommend tinning flux. It contains a bit of powdered metal alloy that is similar to solder.

The alloy melts and coats the inside of the joint and helps ensure a solder joint that's completely filled and leakproof.

Assemble the pipes, then solder the joints all at once

Break the job into sections

Sand and flux one section of pipe at a time.

We don't recommend trying to assemble the entire plumbing run before starting to solder, but cutting, sanding and fluxing a grouping of pipes is a good practice.

It allows you to accurately cut and fit the pipes before soldering. With this done, it's an easy matter to solder the joints one after the other.

Since the pipes are held firmly in position, you don't have to worry about accidentally disturbing a joint before it's cooled.

Heat the joint just enough to melt the solder

Don't overheat the flux

Use the right amount of heat to solder the joint.

If you don't heat the joint enough, the solder won't flow into it. If you heat the joint too long, you'll burn the flux (it'll smoke and turn black) and make it difficult to get the solder to flow into the joint.

Applying just the right amount of heat comes with practice, but it's not hard to learn. Here's how. Light the torch and, if possible, adjust the torch until the blue part of the flame is about 1 to 2 in. long (this depends somewhat on the type of torch and tip you use).

Then position the tip of the blue part of the flame on the fitting and heat the joint about five seconds or until the flux starts to bubble and sizzle.

Test the joint by touching the solder to the seam on the side opposite the flame. When the copper is hot enough, the solder will melt like butter.

Move the flame away from the joint and feed about 1/2 in. to 3/4 in. of solder into the joint. The solder will flow into all areas of a properly cleaned and fluxed joint.

Then to make sure the joint is completely filled, run the tip of the solder quickly around the seam. It's easier to reach around the backside of the joint if you bend a hook on the end of the solder before you start.

If the solder beads up and rolls off rather than flowing into the joint, you've probably burned the flux or the copper isn't clean enough.

You'll have to take the joint apart to clean and reflux it before trying again.

Make sure the joint is filled

Cutaway of soldered joint

Complete cleaning and proper fluxing and soldering result in a joint like this that's completely filled with solder.

With practice, you'll know by feel when you've successfully soldered a joint. The solder will flow easily and completely around and into the fitting. But when you're just starting out, it's a good idea to inspect the joints for voids.

A good solder joint should have an even band of solder showing all the way around.

If you see an area that looks as if it needs more solder, brush a little flux onto the joint. If the joint is still warm, the flux will melt and flow into the void. Then reheat the joint and resolder.

Don't Burn Down the House!

I'm always a little nervous when working so close to wood with a flaming torch, especially when the water is turned off.

That's why I make a point of filling a bucket with water first. I also keep a fire extinguisher handy and protect flammable materials with a flame protector.

Required Tools for this Project

Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.

·                     Soldering torch

·                     Tube cutter

4-in-1 pipe cleaning tool, Flux brush, Flame protector cloth

Required Materials for this Project

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time. Here’s a list.

·                     Lead-free solder

·                     Tinning flux

The Family Handyman is the DIYers best friend, offering a variety of print and digital resources for do-it-yourself homeowners. Our forte is accurate and complete how-to instructions for improving homes, yards and vehicles. We publish The Family Handyman magazine, the oldest and largest publication for DIYers, and a variety of newsstand publications in addition to this web site.  The Family Handyman is part of Trusted Media Brands, Inc. family of brands, including Taste of Home, Birds & Blooms, and of course Reader’s Digest.

https://www.familyhandyman.com/plumbing/how-to-solder-copper-pipe-joints/