Building Ventilation

Energy recovery systems have become a popular way to heat and cool homes as well as commercial buildings. Energy recovery applications typically use two fans that provide air through a heat exchanger that "treats" the air by heating or cooling it before it enters the building. Buffalo Blower's plenum and forward curved fans are typically used for energy recovery applications and offer a wide range of performance and flexibility. Generator rooms require a wide range of fans to optimize the performance of generators and other equipment. Exhaust fans are used to prevent heat buildup within the generator room, while supply fans are used to provide fresh air for combustion and efficient generator performance. Room size, space limitations, and mounting capabilities will determine the exact type of fan needed for each specific application. As a leading manufacturer of air moving equipment, Buffalo Blower offers numerous fan types for meeting any generator room specification.

Rooftop exhaust fans are designed to remove heat and odors from buildings to improve air quality and occupant comfort. Areas such as cafeterias, locker rooms, office spaces, restrooms and warehouses often have unique requirements specified by local codes and utilize a wide range of rooftop exhaust fans. To accommodate these various types of environments and ventilation systems, Twin City Fan offers a complete line of products to support every rooftop exhaust application. These applications can range from clean airstreams with minimal filtration all way to high density offices and health care facilities that must comply with extremely stringent regulations. Gravity ventilators are used to equalize a building's positive or negative pressure created by other fans in the system. These ventilators provide natural ventilation and are used for intake and relief applications. Twin City Fan offers both spun aluminum and hooded ventilators, featuring a low silhouette for low roof-lines. Louvered penthouse ventilators are available when aesthetics are not an important factor and feature extruded aluminum louvers. Sidewall exhaust and supply applications require panel fans to move large volumes of air at low static pressures. Panel fans are commonly used on the walls of warehouses and manufacturing facilities to supply outside air or to remove hot or noxious gases in exhaust configurations.

Ceiling Metal Pipe Exhaust Fan

Five exclusive features of a class a motor home

If you are looking for a Recreational Vehicle (RV) that allows you to enjoy all the comforts of home on the go yet fits your budget, used Class A motor homes are a great option. While you do get RVs that come with just the basic amenities, Class A motor homes are high-end versions that offer the sophistication and convenience that you would typically not associate with motor homes. Highly maneuverable and compact in size, despite their feature-packed interiors, these Class A vehicles are easy for you to drive over long distances, too. Take a look at five exclusive features that you can expect in your pre-owned Class A motor home.

Shower and changing room:

A reasonably spacious shower lets you clean up quickly and efficiently in your used Class A motor. However, if you are also looking for some extra space and privacy while changing, many Class A's also come with a special feature — a private changing room as an extension of the shower! Now, traveling with your family and friends is easier than ever.

Driving safety:

The exteriors of top notch Class A RVs come with some very attractive features that enhance your safety on the road. Panoramic windshield improves your field of vision while the side mirror cameras ensure that you are never taken by surprise by vehicles bearing down upon you in your blind spot. If lane changes are a challenge for you when you are driving your RV, these exclusive features eliminate these troubles for sure.

Living area:

The last thing you would expect in a compact motor home is a living area where you can chill with your partner or buddies but that's exactly what you will always find in a high-end used Class A motor home. Some of these come with compact cockpit seating, complete with a stowaway table. This living-sitting area is positioned so that it takes up minimum space within the RV.

 Bthroom window mounted exhaust fan

Exhaust Fans

Exhaust fans help to force out stale air and pull fresh, clean air through your facility for a more comfortable working environment. Belt-driven exhaust fans have durable galvanized steel blades to handle large volumes of air at low static pressures, and are available in vertical roof and horizontal mount wall configurations.

They feature variable pitches and adjustable pulleys to optimize performance. Direct-drive models are available in a wide range of sizes and airflows. These medium-performance and high-performance exhaust vent fans can be found with polypropylene propellers and fiberglass frame construction for corrosion resistance.

High quality window-mounted exhaust fan, with indicator, with Italy hot switch to control the front shutter
Installation: Wall window Mounted
Material: ABS
Power (W): 20
Voltage (V): 220-240
Size: 6''
Motor: Full copper motor
Certificate: CE/CB/SASO

Auto-shutter bathroom exhaust fan

Dry Ice Blasting -- a Better Cleaning

What Is Dry Ice?

Dry ice pellets are made by taking liquid carbon dioxide (CO2) from a pressurized storage tank and expanding it at ambient pressure to produce snow. The snow is then compressed through a die to make hard pellets.

The Process

With the dry ice blasting process, dry ice (CO2) particles are propelled to supersonic speed impacting and cleaning a surface. The particles are accelerated by compressed air, just as with other blasting methods. Overall, there are three steps involved in dry ice blasting. Also, it can viewed in diagram form (see below).

Step #1 - Energy Transfer

Dry ice pellets are propelled out of the blasting gun at supersonic speed and impact the surface. The energy transfer knocks off the contaminant without abrasion. The force of this impact is the primary means of cleaning.

Step #2 - Micro-Thermal Shock

The cold temperature of the dry ice pellets hitting the contaminant creates a micro-thermal shock (caused by the dry ice temperature of -109F) between the surface contaminant and the substrate. Cracking and delamination of the contaminant occurs furthering the elimination process.

Step #3 - Gas Pressure

The final phase has the dry ice pellet explode on impact, and as the pellet warms it converts to a harmless CO2 gas, which expands rapidly underneath the contaminant surface. This forces off the contaminant from behind. The contaminant is then relocated, typically falling to the ground. Since the dry ice evaporates, only the contaminant is left for disposal.

Operating Details

To operate dry ice blasting equipment a few details need to be considered. First, though using dry ice is extremely safe, basic safety matters need to be followed including wearing hand, eye and ear protection. First, the process is noisy and ear protection should be used. Second, the temperature of dry ice is -109 degrees Fahrenheit. Gloves should always be worn when working with it. Thirdly, in dusty areas, a mask is recommended for eye and nose protection. Otherwise, wearing standard eye and ear protection would be acceptable just as with sand blasting or pressure washing. Fourthly, the gun should never be pointed at another individual or serious injury could occur.

Also, blasting in an enclosed area is safe with proper ventilation. Because CO2 is 40% heavier than air, placement of exhaust fans at or near ground level is necessary when blasting in an enclosed area. In an open shop environment, existing ventilation is sufficient to prevent undue CO2 buildup.

Window mounted copper motor round exhaust fan

Selecting the Proper Bathroom Exhaust Fan

A bathroom exhaust fan provides good ventilation, which prevents moisture and excess build-up of mold and mildew.

Bathroom ceiling fans are called intermittent ventilation and are used to capture and remove pollutants quickly at the source. The purpose is to exhaust excessive moisture or pollutants before they can spread to other parts of the house. Areas requiring this type of ventilation are bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms, exercise rooms, workshops, garages and home offices.

Q. Where should I install the fan?

A. Typically the exhaust points should be located over or near the shower or tub and in an enclosed water closet.

Q. If mirrors stay steamed up or the grill is dripping water, is the fan(s) operating correctly?

A. You could try leaving the bathroom fan on longer to carry out more moisture, or check the design of the duct work. Poor design or damage may prevent the fan from moving the moisture out. You can insulate the ducts and check the roof jack which may be allowing rain to come into the duct, or it could be that condensation from warm, humid air in the house is striking the cold duct surface.

Q. What is a sone level

A. Sound levels are measured in sones. The higher the sone level, the noisier the fan. Buy as quiet a fan as you can afford. The way a fan is installed will affect its noise level. A low-sone fan attached to a duct that twists and turns, or is kinked or too small, will be just as noisy as the noisiest model.

Ceiling Metal Pipe Exhaust Fan

Restaurant Kitchen Exhaust Cleaning

In order to maintain high standards of cleanliness in your kitchen, it is important that the Stewarding Department regularly do kitchen exhaust cleaning. In fact, every establishment is advised to do this. This is important for public safety. You will be able to avoid possible customer complaints.

In truth, public safety is not the sole reason why you should regularly clean your kitchen exhaust. You will be able to get more insurance discounts if you clean your exhaust regularly. Lower rates on insurance coverage are definitely something you should take advantage of. When there is less insurance risk, insurance companies are willing to offer lower insurance rates. You just have to make sure that you clean your exhaust four times a year. If you show compliance to insurance requirements, there is no reason why you would not be able to enjoy discounts on your rates.

When cleaning your kitchen exhaust, you have to shut down your restaurant before you do anything else. So, it is best to schedule the cleaning on days when business is slow. It is important that you do the cleaning fast and thorough. Restaurants cannot shut down for long periods of time. This is particularly true if the restaurant is in a hotel with a lot of hungry guests.

Compact Axial Flow Fan

How to Clean Kitchen Exhaust Fan

Turn off the power at the fuse or breaker box.
Remove fan cover if it removable. Place the fan in hot water mixed with ammonia. If it is not removable, just use sponge to wipe what you can clean. Make sure to dip the sponge in hot water mixed with ammonia. Soak for 20 minute and then brush the fan. Use a sponge dipped in the same mixture for cleaning the fan blades. Use a soft-bristled brush. Use rubber gloves at all times. It is also best to do this in a well-lit area.
Place the fan on a dry cloth or newspaper. Wipe it dry and remove excess grease or dirt. Avoid getting the motor wet. Remove the filters and soak it in hot water mixed with dishwashing detergent for 15 minutes. Afterwards, rinse the filters and dry.
We will do a series on kitchen cleaning, so you can probably train your stewards on how to do this properly. Again, it is important that you clean your kitchen exhaust at least 4 times a year in order to make sure that your kitchen is safe from potential danger which can be caused by filthy exhausts.

Ceiling Metal Pipe Exhaust Fan

Selecting the Proper Bathroom Exhaust Fan

A bathroom exhaust fan provides good ventilation, which prevents moisture and excess build-up of mold and mildew.

Bathroom ceiling fans are called intermittent ventilation and are used to capture and remove pollutants quickly at the source. The purpose is to exhaust excessive moisture or pollutants before they can spread to other parts of the house. Areas requiring this type of ventilation are bathrooms, kitchens, utility rooms, exercise rooms, workshops, garages and home offices.

Q. Where should I install the fan?

A. Typically the exhaust points should be located over or near the shower or tub and in an enclosed water closet.

Q. If mirrors stay steamed up or the grill is dripping water, is the fan(s) operating correctly?

A. You could try leaving the bathroom fan on longer to carry out more moisture, or check the design of the duct work. Poor design or damage may prevent the fan from moving the moisture out. You can insulate the ducts and check the roof jack which may be allowing rain to come into the duct, or it could be that condensation from warm, humid air in the house is striking the cold duct surface.

Q. What is a sone level

A. Sound levels are measured in sones.  The higher the sone level, the noisier the fan. Buy as quiet a fan as you can afford. The way a fan is installed will affect its noise level. A low-sone fan attached to a duct that twists and turns, or is kinked or too small, will be just as noisy as the noisiest model.

 Full PP material copper motor ventilation fan

Learn How To Start A Handyman Business And Earn A Great Income

There are literally hundreds of reasons why people hire handymen but the whole point here is this.  People who do not have the skills, or do not have the time, or simply cannot do the work themselves, will gladly trade you dollars for your skills.  These people are your willing, paying customers!

Now I want to clear something up right here.  When we talk about a handyman, we usually think of men performing the work.  This is not always the case!  There are many equally talented women making a great living in the handy"person" occupation.  So do not think for a minute that this field is for men only.  Nothing could be further from the truth.
What skills do you need to start a handyman business?

To be a good handyman, you do not need to have skills in every type of repair work.  You will not be building a house by yourself and you probably will not be performing full-blown home renovations.  What you want to focus on providing the best possible service with the skills you already have.  Of course, you can always learn other types of repair work, if you want to.

But focusing on a couple of specific niche areas can be very, very lucrative.  Carpentry, simple plumbing and electrical work are the Big Three of handyman work.  Don't let the electrical stuff scare you.  These services can include simple stuff like changing light fixtures, installing ceiling and exhaust fans, replacing outlets and switches.  Most, if not all, of these components come with complete installation instructions.

Avoid trying to be "all things to all people".  Focus on being very efficient and quality oriented at those services you do provide and you should make out just fine.

Ok… Let's move on.

Besides skills, of course, what do you need to start a handyman business?  No, you do not need to start out with a big white panel van.  This is especially true if you narrow your services (in the beginning) to things like minor plumbing and electrical work.  Your car trunk will be more than adequate to carry all the tools and parts you need to perform this type of work.

Here are a few tool tips:

Buy the best tools you can afford.  Good tools make the work easier and they definitely last longer than the cheaper grades.
It is always wise to have both a corded and a cordless drill with you at all times.  Some jobs just don't lend themselves to using a drill with a cord, but… a dead battery charger for you cordless drill will cost you time.  Yes, time is money and you don't want to be running home or to your shop to get more tools.
Invest in an array of flat-bladed and Phillips screwdrivers.  Also get a set of the smaller jeweler type screwdrivers.  Other small tools you should carry with you at all times are slip-joint pliers, channel lock pliers, vise grips, flashlight, trouble light, hammer, utility knife & blades, hacksaw, pry bar and a voltmeter (if you are doing electrical work).
Buy an assorted machine screw and nut kit.  These kits contain all of the most commonly used screw sizes and they will come in really handy for many jobs.  These kits are available at Lowes, Home Depot , hardware stores and even Ebay.
You should also carry a roll of black electrical tape, masking tape and McGyver (duct) tape with you at all times.  You will use one of the just about every day.
Bring your own black plastic trash bags, a bucket, sponge, rags, plastic sheeting and a shop vacuum to every job.  Thoroughly cleaning up after yourself is a definite sign of quality workmanship and your customers will be quite pleased with the care you show for their home.
What about advertising your new handyman business?

Ultra-thin window mounted ventilation fan

The Difference Between Charcoal, Gas and Electric Barbecue Grills

There are two alternatives to charcoal fired barbecue grills are those that are heated by either gas or electricity. These barbecue grills are available in all sorts of shapes and sizes from compact countertop type bbq grills to bigger free standing grills that are suitable for balconies or patios.
Probably the most obvious benefits of using a gas or electric grill is you don't have to light any fires or clean up any ash after wards. Also, there is less time to wait for pre-heating the grill or griddle then a charcoal grill.

Electric grills are the most popular indoors grills because they are easy to setup and use. And you all able to use them when due to hire fire danger season when open barbecue grills are not permitted.
Indoors, permanently installed gas or electric units are often located near range tops so that they can share the existing overhead exhaust fan. Some barbecues have their own, though.

Gas grills are simple to use and are very convenient because they can be ready at a moments notice. Volcanic rock is usually spread out below the grill and is heated by gas burners to give the food an authentic barbecue flavor. Rotisserie cooking is also an option for most of the larger gas grills. Most gas grills have cooking surfaces that are normally half open grill for direct open flame cooking and the other half a griddle.

You may want to include a grill basket for holding and turning fish and smaller meat cuts and vegetables, packages of aluminum pans in different sizes to use as drip pans under large roasts and when rotisserie food, a meat thermometer and a roast holder is a must for cooking roast, turkeys lamb or vegetables.

If in case you have a fat fire and your gas grill is a natural gas type, shut off the supply at the mains, put out any open flame. if the smell continues, without delay phone your gas supplier or fire department.

 Compact Axial Flow Fan

Silo Waterproofing

Silos are storage structures of agricultural products such as grain and wheat. It is necessary that silos are waterproof because grain and wheat would be useless if they become wet in storage due to rains or storms. It is therefore important that silo waterproofing must be done in all existing silos.

The silo waterproofing process for grain storage is divided into two parts. The first part is the structural upgrade while the second is the actual waterproofing process.

Before a silo can be made waterproof, the structure itself should be assessed first. Most grain silos are not equipped with the mechanism to control the atmospheric conditions inside the storage, so modifications will be done before the actual silo waterproofing process begins. The structural upgrade begins with the repair of existing damages within the structure, such as the covering of holes and other openings. The silos will also be strengthened. Then, silo features such as doors, exhaust fans, conveyor belts and ventilators will be altered to prevent leakage from those areas. Structural upgrade also includes the following: fitting of internal pressure controls; the installation or modification of a fumigation system; the upgrade and improvement of lighting, safety and maintenance devices. It is during the assessment of the silo that the extent of the waterproofing work will be determined.

The process of silo waterproofing begins with the filling out of large gaps and voids, specially the parts between the roof and walls. The next part is the application of a membrane seal over smaller holes and joints. Afterward, there will be the sealing of wall and floor surfaces. Then, there will be an application of the heat reflective coating on exterior surfaces. The last procedure of silo waterproofing is the sealing of the doors and other openings that are essential with loading and maintenance operations.

Full ABS material copper motor ventilation fan

Lowering Your Home's Humidity Can Drastically Lower Your Air Conditioning Cost

The muggy summer heat can make air conditioning a very welcome treat but you could get burned once you see your next electric bill. Living comfortably inside an air conditioned house has its own downside

- an increased monthly electrical consumption. You can decrease your air conditioner's work load - as well as your monthly power bill - by lowering the humidity level in your home which your air conditioner would otherwise do. The air conditioner's two-way cooling process An air conditioning unit delivers comfortably cool air in your home through two processes:

- By lowering the air temperature - By taking out humidity from the air inside your home. Cold air cannot tolerate high humidity levels, unlike warm air. Humidity of 30 to 50% level in the air makes it feel more refreshing. During the hot summer months, the air inside your house can carry humidity level of 80% or higher.

- Always keep your doors and windows shut, especially on sweltering hot weather. Keep going in and out of the room at a minimum because humidity comes every time a door is opened. - Install exhaust fans in "moist" areas of your house like the bathroom, laundry room and kitchen. They will blow humid air outside your home and thus free the air conditioner from doing the job.

- Go outside and check if any water from outdoor is making its way in through your walls. Also ensure that drainpipes and downspouts are directing water away from your house.

- Cook according to the weather you're having. On hot days, don't raise the temperature inside your house further by boiling water in the kitchen.

- Take your houseplants out during the summer to decrease the humidity in your home.

Ultra-thin window mounted ventilation fan

The Basics of Hazmat Incident Management

Whether at home or work, there is a chance you could be impacted by a hazardous materials incident (such as a chemical spill, train derailment, or industrial explosion). It is important that you think ahead and know what to do to ensure safety. If you are at work, chances are your employer will have a detailed emergency action plan and information for you to follow. But, if you are not at work - or even if you are, the more you know, the better - it is vital you are educated on what to do in such an emergency.

You should add the following supplies to your disaster kit:

Plastic sheeting
Duct tape
Scissors

During an incident:
Listen to local radio or television stations for detailed information and instructions. Follow the instructions carefully. You should stay away from the area to minimize the risk of contamination. Remember that some toxic chemicals are odorless.

If you are asked to evacuate:

Do so immediately.
Stay tuned to a radio or television for information on evacuation routes, temporary shelters, and procedures.
Follow the routes recommended by the authorities - shortcuts may not be safe. Leave at once.
If you have time, minimize contamination in the house by closing all windows, shutting all vents, and turning off attic fans.
Take pre-assembled disaster supplies.
Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance - infants, elderly people, and people with disabilities.

If you are caught outside:

Stay upstream, uphill, and upwind! In general, try to go at least one-half mile (usually 8-10 city blocks) from the danger area. Move away from the accident scene and help keep others away.
Do not walk into or touch any spilled liquids, airborne mists, or condensed solid chemical deposits. Try not to inhale gases, fumes, and smoke. If possible, cover mouth with a cloth while leaving the area.

Stay away from accident victims until the hazardous material has been identified.
If you are in a motor vehicle
Stop and seek shelter in a permanent building. If you must remain in your car, keep car windows and vents closed and shut off the air conditioner and heater.
If you are requested to stay indoors
Bring pets inside.
Close and lock all exterior doors and windows. Close all vents, fireplace dampers, and as many interior doors as possible.
Turn off air conditioners and ventilation systems. In large buildings, set ventilation systems to 100 percent re-circulation so that no outside air is drawn into the building. If this is not possible, ventilation systems should be turned off.
Go into the pre-selected shelter room. This room should be above ground and have the fewest openings to the outside.
Seal gaps under doorways and windows with wet towels or plastic sheeting and duct tape.
Seal gaps around window and air conditioning units, bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans, and stove and dryer vents with duct tape and plastic sheeting, wax paper, or aluminum wrap.
Use material to fill cracks and holes in the room, such as those around pipes.
If gas or vapors could have entered the building, take shallow breaths through a cloth or a towel. Avoid eating or drinking any food or water that may be contaminated.
After an incident
Return home only when authorities say it is safe. Open windows and vents and turn on fans to provide ventilation.
Act quickly if you have come in contact with or have been exposed to hazardous chemicals.

Ultra-thin window mounted ventilation fan