The Advantages of Vertical Wind Turbines Over Horizontal Ones

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A windmill-shaped wind turbine, aka a horizontal wind turbine, is no longer the only model available for wind farms. A vertical wind turbine is now a viable electrical energy generation machine as well.

The main difference between these two models is the blades’ movement and shape differences. The blades of traditional turbines spin perpendicularly to the ground. In the meantime, the blades of vertical turbines spin parallel to the ground. 

Many experts also believe vertical turbines can surpass horizontal ones in many areas. 

A Vertical Wind Turbine Is Shorter and Smaller

A vertical-axis wind turbine (VAWT) is much shorter than its horizontal counterpart. Several advantages come with this size reduction. 

One of these is that the VAWTs don’t block any scenery. A wind farm made of traditional turbines can easily obscure a nice mountain view. Vertical wind turbine wind farms are short enough not to obstruct this scenery. 

Another is that the vertical models can easily fit in urban areas. For example, they can be placed on the tops of buildings. This isn’t the case for the massive horizontal models. 

Vertical Wind Turbine Wind Farms Can Be Smaller in Area

A wind farm full of horizontal turbines must be huge to be most efficient. This is because a horizontal wind turbine creates a wake that affects the efficiency of other turbines in the group. Thus, the turbines in traditional wind farms have to be spaced far apart.

Vertical turbines don’t lose much electrical energy generation efficiency when they are placed close together. This is because vertical turbines create winds that are less turbulent in general. Thus, vertical turbine wind farms can be much smaller. 

Different Vertical Wind Turbine Models Have Different Advantages

Not all vertical wind turbine models have the same advantages, though. For example, the Savonius rotor model, which has blades shaped like cups/bowls or semi-cylinders, is less efficient at energy generation than other models. However, it is excellent for pumping water. 

In contrast, the Darrieus model spins much faster, and looks almost like an egg beater, spins much quicker. Thus, it would be much preferable to use it for energy generation. 

Contact Us for High-Quality Wind Power Supplies and Equipment

A vertical wind turbine can be the best option in several situations. Contact us if you need wind turbine parts. We’re the leading provider of industrial supplies and equipment in several areas. Contact us through this page to get a free quote. 

The Future of the Steel Industry: What Does It Hold?

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The United States produced 1,742,000 net tons of raw steel this week alone. About half of this steel will be used in construction as it is robust and cost-effective. Steel has long been a staple of the United States economy and will continue to do so by the looks of it.

Despite the pandemic and supply chain disruptions, the steel industry is as strong as ever. In a fast-changing world, steel is adapting and evolving just as fast. Continue reading below to learn more about the future of the steel industry.

Zero Slag Process

The steel industry is committed to keeping pace with environmentally-safe practices. One way they can do this is by reducing or eliminating slag from steel production.

Slag is a waste product produced from dephosphorization, the removal of phosphorous from steel. While some steel slag can be recycled,  most of it is disposed of in a landfill.

Some countries, including Japan, have been working towards a zero-slag production process in recent years. This involves limiting the amount of silicon and allowing lime to react with the phosphorus oxides. In this way, dephosphorization can be initiated without producing slag.

ero-slag, zero-waste steel production is more sustainable and will bring steel production to the next level.

Innovations in Recycling

Steel is already highly recyclable, being the most recycled material on earth. Recycling just one car’s worth of steel can offset the greenhouse gas equivalent of 300 gallons of gas.

Even so, there is room for improvement. For example, the steel industry can improve the recycling process by reducing copper concentrations in steel.

Stronger Steel

With the same materials but different heating and alloying processes, researchers can make more robust steel, but sometimes at the expense of flexibility.

However, through a new process called grain-boundary delamination, it is possible to make stronger steel than traditional steel while maintaining its flexibility. Because this more robust steel uses many of the same materials, it costs the same. 

Steel in Space

Steel is headed to space. For decades steel has been the go-to choice for building rockets and is a standard metal in the International Space Station. Because steel performs better at high temperatures than carbon fiber, it is perfect for rocket construction.

Steel in Cars

Steel will continue to dominate the car-manufacturing business. Although other metals, like carbon fiber, may be lighter, they are also more expensive and harder to repair and replace. 

The Future Is Bright for the Steel Industry

Steel is a renewable resource worthy of space travel. The steel industry is strengthening, creating more flexible, recyclable, sustainable, and reliable steel. For more information, contact us today.

 

How to Choose the Right Industrial Material for Your Project

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The United States produces around 7.6 billion tons of industrial waste every year. Some of the waste results from choosing the wrong industrial materials for the project. So, what factors should go into selecting a suitable material?

Below, we list the four factors you should consider when choosing manufacturing materials. By the end, you should have a much better idea of how to pick the best tool for the job. This way, you will avoid adding to the waste.

Environment

Consider the physical environment that the finalized project must endure. Are there factors you need to consider that might hamper how well the materials stand up to stresses?

The following are a few examples of the kinds of things that you might need to be aware of:

  • Corrosive liquids
  • Dust or detritus buildup
  • Gases and vapors
  • Inclement weather
  • Temperature extremes

Any of the above might cause wear and tear to the product and need specific material choices to counteract their effects. Some materials will stand up to certain stresses, and some will not react with specific corrosive liquids.

Durability

When debating the materials for manufacturing, you need to consider how much physical pressure the object will incur. This might happen from someone using it, but it is still as valid to consider how people will store it.

If the construction material needs to carry a load, it needs to be made of hardier materials that are not brittle. Should it need specific breakage points, these should break in a way conducive to what the item needs to do.

You must also ensure that any customizations you make to the material will hold. For example, If you plan to create latticework, it should remain strong enough even when formed into such a structure.

Cost and Budget

One of the most important things that will factor into whether you use a specific material or not is how much it costs. Before pulling the trigger on any particular material, you should consider your budget and what you can afford before pulling the trigger on any specific material.

It may be that hardier materials cost more. As such, you or your company should discuss whether you are willing to accept a less superior material due to budgetary constraints.

More on Industrial Materials

With the above information available to you, likely, you can now choose the best industrial materials for a job. First, consult us if you are still trying to find the best way to solve an industrial issue.

We have experts ready to discuss your material requirements and what you need to get a job done. So send us a message to get the best advice on the market.

 

How to Maintain Your Wind Turbine for Longevity

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The average lifespan of a wind turbine is around 20 years. However, some wind turbines can last up to 25 years. Others can have lifespans as short as ten years. 

The quality of different wind turbine brands and models is a sizable part of this lifespan difference. Yet, specific actions you take can extend your turbine’s lifespan. Performing proper wind turbine maintenance is one such action. 

How Often Should a Wind Turbine Get Inspected? 

There are two kinds of manual turbine inspection: regular and thorough. Regular inspection should involve visual inspections and perhaps function tests. Both of these actions usually involve only the most crucial turbine components. 

A thorough inspection is more involved. During these inspections, the technicians should examine all components. In addition, a disassembly of specific internal components often takes place during this time. 

Regular inspections should take place first around 360 hours after the initial installation. After that, they should happen semi-annually. More specifically, they should take place every 6 to 7 months. 

A thorough inspection can take place every five years. However, it’s probably best for them to happen with more regularity. 

Remember, though, that proper maintenance schedules vary between turbine types. Windmill-shaped horizontal turbines, for example, require more maintenance. On the other hand, vertical turbines, which look like egg beaters, mostly require less maintenance. 

Which Actions Should Happen During Wind Turbine Maintenance? 

There are also a few actions that technicians can take during their turbine inspection appointments. These include turbine cleaning, lubrication, and other tasks. Beyond that, technicians can tackle issues as they notice them. 

Certain turbine areas need regular cleaning. For example, techs often need to remove debris, like vegetation, from the rotor. They should also remove dust from the nacelles. 

In addition, they should change the oil regularly. The bearings and gearbox also need lubrication to prevent too much wear. 

Beyond that, maintenance mainly involves damage control. If a part, such as the brakes, is damaged, the techs can attempt to fix it. If they can’t, they’ll replace the part. 

What Are the Different Maintenance Strategies? 

There are two types of maintenance strategies for wind turbines—one is predictive maintenance, and the other is preventative maintenance. 

Preventative maintenance involves the steps described above. In addition, technicians inspect and maintain the components of a turbine regularly. 

Predictive maintenance is less hands-on. Instead, it involves a software program connected to the turbine components. This software analyzes the components and predicts when will need maintenance. 

Contact Us to Get High-Quality Wind Turbine Brakes 

In a nutshell, high-quality wind turbine maintenance requires only organization. Maintenance appointments need to be scheduled and performed. A predictive software needs to be installed. 

Unfortunately, despite your efforts, turbine parts can fail. When that happens, check our inventory. We offer a multitude of high-quality aftermarket turbine parts. 

Contact us today for a free price quote at this link.

 

The Different Types of Industrial Braking Systems

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Braking systems are a critical part of industrial machinery. Through friction, they stop or slow the movement of mechanisms. Without them, machines would just keep moving even through dangerous situations.

It’s crucial, therefore, that each of your machines has an effective braking system. The best way to ensure this is to give each device the proper braking system. To do this, you’ll need to know the differences between different braking systems. 

Read on to learn more about some of the different industrial braking systems. 

Braking System Types According to Actuation

Actuation refers to how a system is activated or deactivated. For example, a brake system refers to the specific mechanisms that help a brake stop or slow mechanical movement.

There are a few different actuation constructions. This article will detail these further in the list below. 

Mechanical Braking System 

Mechanical brakes utilize manual power to operate. Therefore, an operator cannot use an automatic mechanism to actuate the brakes. Instead, they have to use their own hands or feet for this. 

The force resulting from this isn’t powerful. However, this braking system type is still useful in applications requiring little force. An excellent example of this is the handbrake on a bicycle.  

Hydraulic Braking System 

The actuation of a hydraulic braking system relies on hydraulic fluid. This is usually a mixture of glycerine, alcohol, and additives. The mechanism will transmit pressure through this liquid.

This braking system type is one of the cheapest, most common, and most reliable. Also, passenger vehicle brakes often rely on hydraulic systems. 

Electric Braking System 

Electric braking systems use magnetic force to actuate brakes. However, the magnets within the system are not always drawn to each other. Therefore, an operator must run an electric current through them to activate a magnetic force. 

These systems tend to be expensive but very effective. They also engage quickly. 

The Parts of Braking Systems 

Within the different actuation mechanisms are certain brake types. As a result, various systems may or may not share the same brake models.

The drum brake and disc brake are two of the most well-known. You can learn more about each of these below. 

Disc Brake 

A disc brake is named for the disc-shaped part that is often connected to a wheel. Above the disc is a C-shaped part known as a caliper whose sides extend over the disc.

When an operator applies the brake, a piston on one side of the caliper moves forward. This eventually squeezes the disc against the other side of the caliper. As a result, the disc stops spinning. 

Drum Brake 

All of the mechanisms of a drum brake are inside a cylinder-like house. Like the disc brake, a drum brake also has a piston. However, when activated, this piston pushes C-shaped ‘brake shoes’ against the inner sides of the drum. 

For High-Quality Industrial Brakes and Other Parts, Check Out Our Products

Check out our products when you need to replace a braking system. We’re the leading provider of industrial supplies and equipment. Contact us now for a free price quote. 

 

Different Types of Crane Parts and Their Uses

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The crane is a powerful piece of machinery for hoisting and moving materials. It can lift vertically and horizontally, making it useful in various scenarios.

Yet, for the crane to work effectively and safely, it’s essential to understand how a crane is set. This is because the crane parts work together not only to lift and move materials but also to keep the crane securely on the ground, too. 

Read on to learn a little more about the different crane parts and their role in the safe operation of a crane. 

Crane Mast

The crane mast is the part of the crane that acts like a tower lifting the other components into the air, so they have room to work. Therefore, this part is sometimes called a tower. 

The wire to handle the hook and pulley system used by the crane runs up through the tower. 

Climbing Frame

The climbing frame is a section built over the crane mast. It contains many of the components that allow the crane to operate. 

The climbing frame also allows the crane operator to get to the operator’s cab. 

Slewing Unit

The slewing unit is an integral part of the crane for movement. Most people understand that a crane can lift items vertically up and down. 

A crane can also lift and move objects from side to side. It can do this because of the slewing unit.

This part of the crane works to twist the crane, allowing it to turn 360 degrees around. 

Operator’s Cab

The operator’s cab houses all of the controls to operate the crane. The crane operator must go up to the operator’s cab, often high up, sitting on the hoist. 

A crane operator needs to have maximum visibility as they operate the crane. For this reason, the operator’s cab is often quite elevated on the machine. 

Machinery Arm and Jib

You can find the machinery arm on a traditional crane that holds a crane mast. The machinery arm keeps the materials away from the crane for safe movement. 

On a crane with a boom, you’ll often see a jib, similar in function to the machinery arm. The jib is a separate telescoping arm that projects from the crane’s boom, allowing it further reach so the crane doesn’t need to get moved. 

Concrete Counterweight

A crane couldn’t operate without the counterweight. It’s the part of the crane that counteracts the weight being lifted. 

When operating a crane, it’s critical to know the weight you’re lifting, so the appropriate amount of counterweight can be in place. 

This keeps the crane from tipping while it swings and moves heavy loads. 

Hook

The crane also couldn’t operate without a hook or a device like it. The hook gets used to connect the material being lifted with the crane. 

The hook holds onto the lifted material so the crane can move it. 

Know Crane Parts Before Operation

The crane is an essential part of a worksite and warehouse because it can do the heavy lifting to places you might not be able to get other equipment to. Understanding how the crane parts work together will allow you to use the crane effectively. 

If you’re operating a crane and need parts, we can help. Contact us today to discuss all your parts needs. 

A Complete Guide to the Different Types of Clutches

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The industrial machinery market in America is currently worth more than $162.9 billion per year. However, if you use this type of machinery in your business, you will already know this doesn’t just include the cost of buying new equipment. 

It can cost a lot to maintain your equipment properly. Preventative maintenance can help reduce these costs. It will also help you pick the best equipment for your industry.

For example, understanding different types of clutches will help you decide which one will do the right job for you. Read on to learn everything you need about different types of industrial clutches.

Industrial-Toothed Clutches 

Industrial-toothed clutches are popular clutch options in a range of industries. 

They feature a lockable stationary coil, and the teeth allow for additional grip. This makes them ideal for use in wet conditions.

Torque-Limiting Clutches 

As the name suggests, torque-limiting clutches are designed to respond to excessive torque loads. You may have heard people refer to these clutches as friction plate slip-clutches.

When there is a spike in torque, the torque-limiting clutch slips, disconnecting the driving shaft from its driven components. As a result, some systems will partially disengage while others disengage entirely.

Different clutches do this using: 

  • Shear pins 
  • Synchronized magnets 
  • Small hardened balls 
  • A pawl and spring release

This helps to protect equipment that the torque overload would otherwise damage.

The Expanding Clutch 

Expanding clutches also respond to the forces around them. However, unlike torque-limiting clutches, they react to speed rather than torque pressure. 

As the engine speed in your equipment increases, so does the centrifugal force. So the wedges in your clutch’s EXP start to exert an outward pressure and expand. As this happens, the clutch engages.

These clutches are also known as centrifugal clutches or centrifugal force clutches. They were initially invented in 1858 when they were used in railway trains.

Electromagnetic Clutches 

Electromagnetic clutches (or electromechanical clutches) are known for working fast and seamlessly. These clutches operate electrically, but they transmit torque in your machinery mechanically. 

The most simplistic type of electromagnetic clutch is the friction-plate clutch. However, you can also get: 

  • Multiple disk clutches 
  • Electromagnetic tooth clutches 
  • Electromagnetic particle clutches 
  • Hysteresis-powered clutches

These clutches engage when they come into contact with the electromagnet. This produces a magnetic field through the clutch and magnetizes the clutch’s rotor. This draws up the armature to the rotor, which creates friction. 

When the current stops flowing through the rotor, the armature turns freely in the shaft. This creates a small air gap between it and the rotor’s surface. This disengages the clutch.

Get Help Looking After Different Types of Clutches 

As you can see, you will find a lot of types of clutches used in industrial machinery. Understanding which one you use will help you perform clutch maintenance and identify clutch problems. 

Are you worried about a clutch in your machinery? Then get in touch today for clutch solutions. We’re happy to help!

7 Common Problems with Industrial Disc Brakes and Their Solutions

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Your industry relies on equipment to run properly, safely, and efficiently. So when a significant part begins to break down, it threatens your business’s health and your employees’ safety. This is especially true when we’re talking about brakes.

How do you know if your disc brakes are beginning to fail before they give out ultimately? Save yourself the pain of a broken-down machine by learning the significant signs of beginning brake failure. 

1. A Hot Rotor

Rotors sustain the most damage when they overheat. All cross-drilled rotors dissipate heat. But they also potentially develop stress cracks because of the heat. 

Overheated rotors will end up warping. You’ll know you have a warped rotor when you feel a pulsating action as you engage the brake pedal. In short, your industrial brakes will fail if you do not have your rotor replaced immediately. 

2. Brake Pad Breakdown

Hard braking, like when you stop quickly at high speed or constantly braking on an incline, can overheat your brake pads. This constant heat will glaze your brake pads, so they are now slippery rather than the gritty surface they should be. Glazed brakes cannot adequately grab the rotor and will put out a bad smell. 

If your brakes shudder or vibrate when you brake, have your brake pads checked by a brake maintenance expert. 

3. Seized Caliper Piston

When your disc brakes overheat, the caliper piston will seize. At this point, your brakes will either fail to disengage or fail to engage. If the brakes don’t engage, you won’t have any brakes, and if they fail to disengage, your vehicle will pull to the side and begin to smoke. 

4. Boiling Brake Fluid

Overheating brakes can also cause your brake fluid to boil. Hot brake fluid cannot compress, reducing your brakes’ efficiency. In short, you won’t be able to stop if your brake fluid gets excessively hot. 

Look for the signs of overheating brakes before the brake fluid gets to this point. 

5. Soft Pedal

When the pedal on your industrial vehicle pushes too easily, you have a problem with fluid level and a possible fluid leak. You could also have air in your hydraulic line. A soft pedal also indicates a potential bad wheel bearing, completely unrelated to the brakes. 

Regardless, if you have a soft pedal, contact a mechanic. You may not need new brakes but should check to be sure. 

6. Hard Pedal

When your pedal pushes hard, you could have a problem with the power boost system and engine vacuum. You could also have a seized or stuck brake caliper. If the problem is the brakes, you will also smell a burning smell and feet dragging on one wheel. 

7. Sinking Pedal

If your pedal begins to sink to the floorboard without touching it, you have a problem with a master cylinder. You could have a bad master cylinder or a leak. Regardless, you can’t brake adequately if your pedal is already on the floorboard, so you need to have a brake maintenance expert look at it. 

Check Your Disc Brakes

Your disc brakes are essential in your industrial vehicle. Without them, you put your driver and anyone they come in contact with at risk. 

Do you need brake parts? If so, contact us. Our vast supply of parts in our inventory can help you get your brakes working again. 

The Ultimate Guide to Maintaining Hydraulic Clamps

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Operating with hydraulic clamps may be your underlying savior if you regularly work with industrial equipment. The hydraulic clamp has become a must-have in the workplace by offering various advantages, such as a safer workplace and machine-tool efficiency.

These clamps can cut manual labor by almost half and make working feel like a breeze.  So, it’s vital to maintain them properly, or you’ll be stuck with a deficient tool.

Are you curious about how to make your hydraulic clamps last? Do you want to ensure your operations run smoothly in the future? Luckily for you, we have a comprehensive guide to help you learn how to maintain your clamps.

Continue reading to guarantee you don’t ever lose your favorite workplace tool!

Clean, Clean, Clean

It’s vital to ensure all your machine tools are clean, especially your hydraulic clamps. Having rusty machines will sacrifice your workplace’s safety. It also makes your hydraulic clamp work less effectively. 

Clean machines will result in a cleaner, faster, and better work environment. So, try to clean your machines often while also slipping in days where you do a deep cleanse. This will involve separating parts and getting into the nitty-gritty places.

Clamp care seems like a hassle, but you’ll be thankful when your hydraulic clamps work for extended periods!

Have Proper Tube Line Support

It’s easy to forget about your tube line support, but it is one of the most critical systems to maintain. Your hydraulic clamps run on a lubrication system, so keeping up with your tube line clamping is vital. In addition, it will ensure you have proper noise and vibration reduction and adequate tube mounting.

Keep Up With Oil Maintenance 

Hydraulic fluid is the blood of hydraulic machines, so you should know how to filter, clean, and change out the oil when needed. Test your oil for contaminants regularly. Make sure you know how often your oil needs to be changed and filtered.

How Often Should You Keep Up With Hydraulic Clamps Maintenance?

Hydraulic clamp care means regular check-ups to ensure it is performing correctly and safely. Don’t be a workplace with a reactive view of hydraulic clamp maintenance; when things go wrong, you’ll fix it then.

Prevent these issues from occurring in the future by keeping a schedule. As a result, you will save time and effort in the future!

Keep Up With Your Favorite Machine Tool

Learning to maintain your machine tools is a sound investment that pays off in more ways than one.

Are you interested in enhancing your maintenance skills? Then, check out a few tips on how to manage other hydraulic machines on our blog today!

Different Ways to Use Universal Joints

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Based on 2021 data, manufacturers contributed $2.71 trillion annually to the United States economy. Manufacturing dramatically impacts the economy, but companies cannot do what’s necessary without the right equipment and parts.

Elements like universal joints are necessary to use and run industrial machinery and heavy equipment effectively. In addition, these can aid in the prevention of downtime and other problems within different industries.

Not sure what their applications are? Keep reading to learn more about the details.

Uses of Universal Joints

Universal joints are used in various machines that have long rotating shafts. Often you can find joints between the rear driveshafts and the transmission.

Some of the typical applications of universal joints include the following:

Universal joints are not limited to the above applications. The universal joint material can impact the quality of use.

Universal Joint Materials

Universal joints are available in thermoplastic body members or steel. Those made of thermoplastic body members have significant advantages, such as:

  • Lightweight
  • Negligible backlash
  • Corrosion-resistant
  • High-speed operation

These are typically used in light industrial applications.

Steel joints have a maximum load-carrying capacity for a given size.

Universal joints can be made from almost any material which helps in their application. Stainless steel and naval brass are common materials as well.

For particular construction usage, ball-jointed universals are also available. These are used in high-speed operation and for carrying large torques.

Types of Universal Joints

Plenty of universal joint options can help with different applications. However, in practice, some universal joints are better than others for specific projects.

For example, variable velocity joints are not feasible in automobiles because the drive shaft stays inclined. However, cross, spider, ring, ball, and trunnion types are all forms of variable velocity joints.

The other types of universal joints include:

  • Single joint
  • Double joint
  • Constant velocity joints

Rzeppa, Bendix Weiss, and Tracta are all joints categorized under constant velocity joints.

The three parts of a universal joint are the spider, the driving yoke, and the driven yoke.

Should You Use Universal Joints?

There are many types of joints, but universal joints are unique. As a result, they have many advantages for users.

Some of the benefits of using universal joints are:

  • Flexible universal coupling
  • Facilitates toque transmission between shafts
  • Cost-effective
  • Simple to assemble and dismantle
  • Permits angular displacements

To ensure toque transmission efficiency is high, it’s important to lubricate the joint properly. In addition, proper maintenance is essential to avoid wear and tear of the joints.

The Bottom Line

Universal joints are couplings or joints that connect rigid rods whose axes are bent to each other. They are commonly used in shafts that complete rotary motion.

Various industries can use universal joints and reap their benefits. For your high-demand industrial applications that require a fix for drive shaft misalignment, choose Kor-Pak.

We are the leading distributor of Ameridrives products and can supply you with their famous industrial couplings. Contact us now for more information.