Maintenance Archives - Page 2 of 3 - Corporate Mechanical

What To Know About Eddy Current Testing

Eddy current testing is a way for those who work with specialty metals to test for imperfections, such as cracks or gaps. These flaws are detected by electromagnetic induction. It can catch these flaws on the surface of the material, but also in the sub-surface. Not only that, but eddy current testing can also be used to measure the conductivity and thickness of a material. Here are some things that you might find interesting about eddy current testing.

Nondestructive Testing (NDT)

Eddy current testing is categorized as a nondestructive testing method. This means two things. For one, the system is reliable, safe, and cost-efficient. The other is that the testing is conducted without causing harm to the material or any parts connected to it. It will also do nothing to affect the use of them in the future. There are several NDT techniques, including simply using the eyeball test, and eddy current testing is one of the most important.

It is Vital in Everyday Life

It may surprise you to hear that eddy current testing is an important part of our lives, but it is absolutely true. Eddy current testing is used in many industries and for many of the products we interact with daily. As an example, eddy current testing is the preferred method to use for testing oil and gas pipelines, chemical manufacturing, nuclear reactors, and our local water systems. There is portable equipment for eddy current testing to perform inspections on site, such as on bridges. Public safety is greatly enhanced by using eddy current testing, which makes it important to us. Not only can it be used for those large components, but it can also be used for smaller parts that also have an impact on safety.

Different Probes Depending on the Mode

ECT uses test probes that come in several styles and sizes. They do not just have different shapes, but also have varying modes of operation. Take, for example, an absolute measurement probe. This probe creates eddy currents by using a coil. These currents then track any changes in the current field. Another probe has two coils, so that the operator can use comparisons to find flaws. If there is a coil lingering over an imperfection, and the other is over a good spot, then the operator gets a signal.

There are Several Factors That Can Affect Eddy Current Testing

Eddy current testing equipment generally comes with several settings. There is amplitude, frequency, and sensitivity, among others. These all need to be considered when performing ECT. That said, there are other factors in play as well. You must consider anything that might affect the flow of the currents, such as any properties of the material you are testing. If there are obstructions, then an adjustment to the settings may be required.

Magnetic permeability is one of those factors that can affect how easily the currents flow through a material. When measuring permeability, there can be interference created when using ferrous materials. That makes it hard to use eddy current testing for accurate results. To get over this, technicians can use magnetic saturation or different coil arrangements to get accurate readings.

When it comes to interference, even ambient room noise can cause problems for eddy current testing. The best option is to try to filter out any noise in the environment to get a good signal. There can also be issues if the part or material being tested has sharp or geometrical edges. Technicians can use a special scanning technique to overcome this.

The eddy current testing procedure is used on several materials, such as tungsten and molybdenum rods. It is an effective way to inspect materials for damage, cracking, fractures, and pitting.

If you want your HVAC system to run more efficiently, the experts at Corporate Mechanical can help. Reach out online or call 763-533-3070.

A Guide to Pneumatic Control Systems

You may have heard of pneumatics before, but may not really know what it means. At its most basic, pneumatics involves using pressurized air or gas. A pneumatic control system helps to control an HVAC system by using compressed air. Here is how a pneumatic control system works.

Process

The compressed air used by a pneumatic control system is pushed through plastic and copper tubes. It starts from a controller, and travels to a controlling device, which is most often a damper or a valve actuator. There are sensors attached to the lines that measure any changes in temperature, humidity, static pressure, and other factors. In effect, the compressed air is the method by which all of this data is communicated. A thermostat will be connected to these lines and will regulate the air accordingly.

Actuators

Pneumatic actuators are the motors that drive the whole system. They control the valves and dampers. They are extremely durable and reliable, and are very cost-effective. There is no need for regular maintenance on these actuator types, either. In just about every factor, whether it be durability or affordability, these actuators are superior to electric actuators.

Modular Control Components

The components that make up the system provide excellent performance and versatility. These components, such as receivers, thermostats, and pneumatic relays, can be custom configured to fit your building’s needs. No matter what, they will relay the necessary data accurately regardless of how the system is configured.

Limitations

Despite it being an uncomplicated system, there are some limitations to pneumatic controls. Because of its simplicity, building managers often overlook or forget the need for quality preventative maintenance. It is not a process that can be handled by just anyone. The air supply should be checked regularly to make sure that it is clean and dry. Also, a regular maintenance program is required to inspect all components of the system. Every two years or so, components should be adjusted to make sure there is no shifting of the setpoint.

Maintenance and adjusting are best handled by professional contractors who know the ins and outs of pneumatic controls. They will make sure that your system is running smoothly and efficiently at all times.

If you want your system to run more efficiently, the experts at Corporate Mechanical can help. Reach out online or call 763-533-3070.

‘Green Ductwork’ Gaining Popularity As Industry Standards Improve

We live in an eco-friendly world. Politics, science, business, public safety. Evidently nothing has been left behind when it comes to going green. Hence a new trend that’s making waves in the HVAC industry. ‘Green ductwork’ is a new term that more and more HVAC professionals are becoming familiar with. While there is no finite definition to the new term, most everyone associates it with recycled materials related to ductwork and other HVAC materials. New standards set by the U.S. Green Building Council’s LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) program are continuing to drive improvements in green materials and improved awareness of public health and environmental concerns.

Green Ductwork

Eco-Friendly Materials

According to LEED’s page on the U.S. Green Building Council’s website, “LEED-certified buildings are resource efficient. They use less water and energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.” As a result, new HVAC equipment is being developed from recycled materials that have a lesser impact on the environment. Polyester, for example, is being used to make fabric ductwork. Fabric ductwork is lighter than traditional metal. It requires less roof or tether support and uses linear dispersion to eliminate hot and cold spots. These advances make more efficient HVAC systems that are also simpler to install and create less solid waste.

Cleaner Air

A major component of green ductwork is its ability to remove contaminants from the air. One of the biggest pushes for more eco-friendly building materials is public health. Consumers are more aware of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in various products. Most HVAC systems are lined with insulation for noise reduction. Consequently insulation in building ductwork puts contaminants and other particles into the airways and makes people sick.

Increased Efficiency

Increasing HVAC efficiency is another major part of ‘green ductwork’. Leakage in ductwork forces the system to use more energy. Consequently you end up with higher energy expenses and decreased efficiency. HVAC contractors are currently looking for the most cost-effective way to improve ductwork efficiency. Some apply gasket fittings while others go back in and seal the system with a commercial-grade sealant. Sealants effectively limit energy use and minimize emissions. Consequently you spend less and do more for the environment.

Industry standards are cracking down on faulty HVAC equipment. Consumers continue to look for more eco-friendly products to use in their commercial space. Don’t be left behind. Contact the professionals at Corporate Mechanical today. We are up-to-speed on all the current industry trends. Our representatives are ready to answer your questions and offer you real solutions. Call us today to schedule a consultation and go green with ‘green ductwork’.

This article is based on a news article appearing on archrnews.com. You can read the full article here.

452 https://wpapi.trustmat.com/green-ductwork-gaining-popularity-standards-improve/

Dehumidifier Types and Guidelines

Dehumidifiers are a great way of keeping moisture levels down around your office, especially since high moisture will often become a cause for mold and that would mean harder house cleaning in the end. There are more than a few types of dehumidifiers you can use for that purpose, but not all of them will have the same performance. With a good dehumidifier you will have a much easier time dealing with carpet cleaning and floor cleaning as well. There are a few types you can make use of, such as the following:
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More Ways to Prepare a Building for Winter Weather

People are usually well-versed in ways to winterize their homes, but can sometime neglect to apply the same treatment to their commercial buildings. Understanding the precautions necessary to winterize your commercial property is important to maintaining the operations of your business.

Maintenance for the Building

Make sure that gutters have been cleared of any objects, including leafs or other organic material. This ensures proper draining during the cold months.
Make sure that nothing is blocking your drains. If moisture is not draining properly in the winter, it could cause significant damage. Inspect and roof flashing penetrations or building envelopes as well, and seal them to prevent water from flowing into the building.
Inspect gutters to make sure they are properly attached to the building
Make sure any accumulated debris is removed from basement and foundation drains, especially the storm drains in the parking lot.
Trim any nearby trees or large shrubs to reduce the amount of leaves or branches that could enter the drains
Service your heating equipment early. This will ensure that nothing breaks down when it is being used constantly during the winter.
Test all carbon monoxide detectors
Discourage the use of space heaters, but in cases where they are permitted, make sure they have a UL label

Removing Ice and Snow

A representative for a Denver roofing company offers the following pieces of advice:

Make sure you already have the proper tools before winter. This includes shovels, salt and other material to melt the ice, and anything else necessary to facilitate the removal of snow in your area.
Review any contracts you have with the maintenance crew if you have hired one. This will reduce the amount of unanticipated bills later in the winter, and ensure you receive the service you desire.
Make sure your exterior lighting works. This makes it much easier to remove ice and snow during the evening when the building is closed for business.
Start any parking lot repair before winter begins, especially pot holes and curb damage.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

A spokesperson for Asbestos Abatement in Denver offers the following:

Make sure any irrigation system is turned off. This will keep water inside the pipes from freezing.
Make sure any wall or attic pipes are sealed to prevent airflow near the opening.
Consider a temperature alarm in any high risk areas, and add extra insulation near pipes in your attic or basement
If possible, let a sink drip if it happens to be in an extremely cold area (only if the water cannot be drained or turned off).
Make sure all your windows and doors have the proper sealant, especially if they are in an unheated area of your property.

7 Ways to Winterize a Building

An unpleasant fact of life is that a lot of the energy in your structure or commercial structure spent on heating is wasted due to failing insulation and lack thereof. If you address a lot of the issues you will have a chance to make that a thing of the past, so consider what you can do to make it happen. With the proper insulation, your structure and its HVAC system will be much easier to work with and they won’t waste as much energy trying to keep your building warm. The biggest consumers of energy happen to be large appliances such as freezers, water heaters, dishwashers and washing machines, but HVAC systems can also eat up a lot of energy when they are working with poor insulation. You can work on this before the winter season, allowing you to install all of these and to deal with house cleaning when the job is done. Be careful when working as you may need to perform upholstery cleaning and carpet cleaning if you work with foam. The following examples will explain how you can winterize your building properly to avoid any issues up ahead:
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Benefits of Regularly Maintaining Your Furnace

With the summer warmth, many people forget that the fall and winter are just around the corner and that soon temperatures will start coming down. Those who are conscious of the coming winter do their best to get ready by inspecting their roofs, cleaning gutters and disconnecting their hoses but forget a very important equipment in the home i.e. to check whether their furnace is working properly. Following are benefits of having your furnace maintained regularly;

It limits surprises. Ensuring a regular maintenance to your furnace has a host of benefits. With such maintenance, you have peace of mind knowing that you are not likely to experience furnace emergencies when the cold is really biting. Imagine the furnace breaking down on a very cold night just because you didn’t have it inspected earlier? Regular maintenance reveals in advance small problems which could turn into big problems if left unchecked. When you get your furnace checked before winter sets in is very wise as it gives you time to order replacement parts if they are needed, you are also able to check its efficiency to ensure it heats your home effectively as well as order a replacement unit if you find your old one in a deplorable working condition. You don’t want to rush to put on the furnace when the chilly weather sets in only to find out that it is not heating effectively and worse it doesn’t heat at all.

Increase your unit’s efficiency and lifespan. Fall furnace maintenance also helps review your unit’s efficiency. If properly maintained, a furnace can last as long as 20 years or more. Having a professional HVAC technician clean, lubricate moving parts, check connections and check its control’s among other maintenance procedures will ensure your unit operates at maximum efficiency. With such maintenance you will greatly save on your energy bills.

It limits unnecessary repairs. Ensuring a regular maintenance to your furnace will limit the need for repairs over the lifespan of your unit. This translates to less operation costs for the unit. In addition, you are able to last all winter long without having a serious furnace repair or breakdown that leaves you spending a number of nights on the cold.

Be wise this fall, call for a certified HVAC repair technician to come and check your unit. Also, if you can, enroll in a regular maintenance program which ensures the repair company will always come to check your unit even when you forget about it.

Chiller Repair in Minneapolis, MN

Commercial Chiller Repair – 763-533-3070

Do you need commercial chiller repair services for your Minnesota business? Contact the HVAC repair professionals at Corporate Mechanical.

The chiller repair professionals at Corporate Mechanical understand that when your business relies on specialized machinery, any time the machine isn’t functioning equals a loss of profit for you. We are committed to helping you maximize the life, efficiency, and output of your commercial chiller, and have devoted years of our careers to understanding these machines. With our expertise, customer-need-driven approach, and technical ability, we are the best choice for anyone looking for assistance in installing, maintaining, or repairing a commercial chilling system.

There are many benefits to having and keeping a commercial chiller. Most importantly, a robustly functioning chiller gives you fine control over temperature, humidity, and ventilation. But there are more upsides that are not so obvious:

Energy efficiency. Commercial chillers are one of the most energy-saving choices out there for your air conditioning needs. This makes them an attractive option for savvy business owners who know that cutting overhead costs results in a broader profit margin. Both employees and customers will sense if the business owner doesn’t value their comfort enough to keep the building sufficiently cooled. Commercial chilling systems allow the business owner to meet both of his or her goals: keeping overhead low while communicating to clientele that the business values them.

Environmental impact. Because commercial chillers use less energy to get the job done, they not only save you money but also help the environment.

Flexibility. You building and business have been crafted according to your specific vision for your company. A commercial chiller allows you to extend that specific vision to your cooling needs. Commercial chillers come in a great variety of sizes, allowing you to tailor your commercial chiller to precisely meet your business’s needs. When assisted by an expert with the right training and expertise, installing a commercial chilling system allows you to alter the number or size of your chilling units with ease until you find the perfect solution.

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