The Different Types of Structural Steel and Their Uses in Construction
Steel is well known for providing structure and strength unlike any other when it comes to construction. The durability and potency that steel provides is not matched by the likes of wood or concrete. More often than not, it's the case that steel is the material of choice for construction, and people prefer steel due to its various advantages.
Steel buildings tend to be built using various frames too, for example clearspan, modular and single slope. Due to the fact that steel is much easier and less time-consuming when it comes to building, along with its numerous other factors that have proved advantageous, steel, these days, has become the most sought after way of constructing buildings.
With steel, we can create structures like no other material when it comes to construction. No other material has the potency and durability that steel does. Structural steel has undoubtedly become the preferred choice for construction due to the various benefits it has. The buildings that are made from steel require various structural frames. Also, constructing with steel entails much less time which makes it the most sought after way of constructing structures.
With this in mind, in this blog, we outline some of the various types of steel and the benefits it can offer you. Read on to discover more about this versatile and timeless building material.
Structural Steel
Firstly its beneficial to know what structural steel actually is and how it is formed. Structural steel shapes are made out of this kind of steel, which is formated from a precise cross section. Yet, at the same time it follows definite standards for mechanical properties and chemical composition.
Structural steel comes in various shapes like L-beam, Z shape, HSS shape, L shape (angle), structural channel (C-beam, cross section), T shaped, rail profile, bar, rod, plate and an open joist of web steel.
Standard structural steel varies in different countries with various specifications. For example, European I-beam is Euronorm 19-57, whereas structural steel in the USA comes in carbon, low alloy, corrosion resistant high strength low alloy, quenched and tempered alloy steel etc.
Structural steel is versatile, strong and durable, so it's hardly surprising that it can be morphed into almost any shape based on the construction project at hand; it can be constructed almost immediately the moment it is received on the building site. Structural steel is fire-resistant in itself but fire protection methods should be put in place in case there is a possibility of it getting heated up to a point where it starts to lose its durability and strength.
Corrosion has to be prevented when it comes to structural steel, but tall buildings are known to have withstood various kinds of adversities when built using structural steel.
Steel construction is increasing in popularity all over the world, with every region benefitting from steel throughout the years.Many of the best architectural wonders have been constructed through the use of steel, be it structural, carbon or rebar, including The Empire State Building and the Sydney Harbour Bridge. More importantly, the usage of steel is beneficial in terms of eco friendliness than other modes of construction, and due to this factor alone, it is given more preference.
Taking into consideration the rate of marvellous constructions, steel has proved favourable. With the usage of steel increasing within the construction industry, there is no doubt that it will take over the entire construction field soon in the future.
Here we take a look at the various types of structural steel and its uses in construction.
A Lesson on the Ultimate Load-Bearing Structural Solution
The construction industry is embracing a younger and stronger framing material that delivers benefits for architects, contractors, developers and tenants. Discover why this versatile steel design is outmatching everything else.
Light-gauge steel (also known as cold-formed steel and cold-rolled steel) is a cold-formed material that is used to make construction processes smoother and products stronger. It does not deteriorate, like wood. It is not bulky, like structural steel. It is not heavy, like concrete. It is something completely different, and if you have ever worked with it before, you know that there is a practically endless list of benefits. Let's look further into this wonder material and how iSPAN Systems' light-gauge steel structural solutions can benefit you on your next project.
Light-Gauge Steel's Inception for the Benefit of Contractors
Early in the 1900s, builders began searching for new ways to use steel. Hot-rolled structural steel was extremely strong, but expensive and difficult to install. The innovation and housing shortage after WWII spurred research into light-gauge steel as a load bearing and non-load bearing element. It was found to be 20% stronger than hot-rolled steel with a far superior strength to weight ratio, with significantly less material and energy use than anything else.
Once American design standards came around in 1946, builders quickly began moving forward on constructing homes and mid-rise buildings out of this newly approved building material. In the 1950s and 1960s, as the economy grew, so did the number of cold-formed steel structures in the commercial market.
Today, after further research and engineering support, light-gauge steel is standard use in many new single homes and mid-rise buildings, such as hotels, apartments and condominiums.
What is Possible With Light-Gauge Steel?
The question should be “What isn't possible?” because there is an endless list of uses for this versatile steel product: everything from cars and bridges to storage racks and furniture.
iSPAN Systems has mastered light-gauge steel in building structures and continues to research new possibilities. No matter the building use, iSPAN can pursue and work with its clients on coming up with a cold-formed solution: trusses, joists, walls, floor decking (Composite TotalJoist) and other components.
What is the Big Deal about Light-Gauge Steel?
It's fairly new, but it's rapidly growing in popularity. Why is that? This light and strong material makes the building process better for everyone, whether you're an architect, contractor or developer.
Light-Gauge Steel Benefits for Architect
iSPAN is a single-source supplier, backed with a design/engineering team
Allows for large spans resulting in more spacious spaces
Reduces/eliminates bulkheads
Results in fewer plan changes and costly mistakes since materials are prefabricated
Environmentally friendly choice using recyclable materials
Each detail is planned prior to construction

Multi Storey Steel Buildings
Here's why multi storied buildings are an affordable and convenient solution for your construction needs
Multi storied buildings are a cost-effective solution owing to considerable reduction in initial foundation and infrastructure expenses.
It speeds up construction time due to relative ease of installation.
Multi storied buildings are extremely strong and durable and are earthquake and weather resistant.
There are lesser dead loads as compared to regular concrete buildings.
The need for lesser columns enables the construction of longer spaces.
It is an eco-friendly solution as the steel structures are 100% recyclable and don’t cause material wastage and pollution.
It is corrosion resistant and requires minimum maintenance.
Features
The buildings are also fire resistant owing to the following features
Intumescent paint
This is a coating that swells as a result of heat exposure, thus increasing volume and decreasing in density and offering passive fire protection.
Gypsum board
This is also a passive fire protection material containing chemically combined water which under high heat releases steam and prevents heat transfer.
Vermiculite spray
This fire protectant spray is coated on structural steel to build a fire barrier and protect the steel building.
Column encasing
This is designed to protect the structure by preventing it from reaching the critical failure temperature of 550 degrees celcius. Various systems can be installed for the purpose such as fire-rated insulation boards, concrete cladding as well as spray coating and intumescent paints.
Steel bridge structure – advantages, elements and components
Steel bridges are widely used around the world in different structural forms with different span length, such as highway bridges, railway bridges, and footbridges. The main advantages of structural steel over other construction materials are its strength, ductility, easy fabrication, and rapid construction. It has a much higher strength in both tension and compression than concrete, and relatively good strength to cost ratio and stiffness to weight ratio. Steel is a versatile and effective material that provides efficient and sustainable solutions for bridge construction, particularly for long span bridges or bridges requiring enhanced seismic performance.
Amongst bridge materials steel has the highest and most favorable strength qualities, and it is therefore suitable for the most daring bridges with the longest spans. Normal building steel has compressive and tensile strengths of 370 N/sq mm, about ten times the compressive strength of a medium concrete and a hundred times its tensile strength. A special merit of steel is its ductility due to which it deforms considerably before it breaks, because it begins to yield above a certain stress level.
Advantages of Steel bridge structure
The multiple advantages of steel equate to a more cost-effective option than other building materials. Smaller crews working with smaller scale construction equipment can install and erect steel-based projects because of its light weight. This lighter weight also allows for faster installation, so projects are erected more quickly. This timeliness also affords key cost-savings advantages to construction companies. Some of its advantages are-

• Lower construction costs compared with other materials helps save money for municipal governments. Faster construction reduces traffic and business disruption.
  
  
• Steel bridges last longer than other types, which means they don’t have to be replaced as quickly. Steel components require less maintenance and don’t need to be replaced as often.
  
  
• Steel is highly adaptable to different climates and geographic conditions. The relative lightness of steel compared with other materials reduces energy use during delivery and construction.
  
  
• Steel components are less likely to be damaged during extreme events like hurricanes and earthquakes. Steel components are used to transmit critical utility services across bridges.
  
  
• Steel has a remarkably high strength-to-weight ratio. This minimizes the weight of bridge superstructures, which reduces the cost of building the substructures that support them.
  
  
• One of the biggest advantages of steel is weight savings, which means lower erection costs, since the bridge pieces can be handled with lighter equipment. In addition, for the same span and load, a steel girder requires less depth than a concrete girder, which can be helpful when constrained by vertical clearance requirements.
  
  
• Generally, it’s easier to make spans continuous for both live and dead loads and to develop composite action with steel designs rather than with concrete ones.
  
  
• It’s easier to inspect and determine the structural state of a steel bridge where all the components are visible. The long-term durability and cost effectiveness of steel bridges will be further enhanced by the use of high performance steels with weathering capabilities.
  
  
• Steel permits cost-effective longer spans for crossing streams, lakes, wetlands, and environmentally protected areas. The long spans may eliminate or at least minimize environmental impact.
  
  

Rapid and reliable identification and validation of incoming raw materials is critical for drug manufacturing
Impurities and adulterants in raw materials pose potential health threats when present in the manufacturing of pharmaceutical APIs and drug products. These same impurities and adulterants may also result in lower production yields and greater needs for product purification. Thus, their identification and quantification within incoming raw material play an important role in the pharma industry, ensuring product safety & quality, and an overall smooth and cost-efficient manufacturing process.
Bruker offers a complete portfolio of analytical systems for quick and accurate identification of raw materials.
X-ray fluorescence (XRF) is a reliable, precise, and accurate technique with the potential to analyze inorganic impurities at ppm or even sub-ppm level in many types of raw materials used in the pharma industry. XRF is also ideal for quick identification of certain substances, such as the differentiation of KCl and NaCl. Modern high-end laboratory energy-dispersive XRF spectrometers allow for high throughput, are easy to operate, and comply with applicable data management regulations (e.g. 21 CFR Part 11). Portable XRF units can be used for a quick assessment of a new delivery upon arrival.
Key advantages of XRF compared to more classical wet chemical techniques are the fast and simple sample preparation, the ease-of-use, and the low operation costs (no toxic/expensive chemicals/gases required!
Uniquely, XRD directly probes the atomic and molecular arrangements in solid forms. X-ray powder diffraction, therefore, enables detection, identification, and quantification of crystalline and amorphous APIs, excipients, and other any materials via fingerprinting. Raw materials can be quickly screened to control purity, crystallinity, and polymorphism as well as absolute phase abundance in mixtures.
FT-NIR spectroscopy via fiber optic probes is rapidly becoming a standard method of accomplishing this crucial material validation, providing unprecedented speed and flexibility for the identification of both solid materials and liquids.
Both MPA II and MATRIX-F FT-NIR spectrometers can be equipped with fiber optic probes for direct analysis of raw materials in their containers. Complete identification software guides the user through the library creation process and provides single-click identification even at the loading dock. The MATRIX-F system comes with a NEMA rated enclosure enabling it to withstand the toughest plant environments.
Incoming goods inspection and quality control using FT-IR spectroscopy are mainly performed using the so-called ATR (Attenuated Total Reflection) technique. It allows measuring IR spectra of almost all types of liquid, solid, and paste-like samples within some seconds. For identity control, the sample spectrum is compared against the spectrum of a reference substance.
The growing demand for portable Raman systems for material verification is constituted in the vast capabilities of this spectroscopic technique. High selective information content and no need for sample preparation combined with the capability to probe materials directly through transparent packaging material often make Raman spectroscopy as the method of choice.
Bruker developed the BRAVO to overcome the limitations of handheld Raman spectroscopy like fluorescence or safety issues. As a class 1M laser product, BRAVO combines maximum user safety with the utmost ease of use, of course fully compliant to regulations like CFR 21 Part 11. BRAVO is the lab in your hands for material verification in the pharmaceutical industry.
NMR on the other hand, being a structural rich technique and inherently quantitative, offers the advantage of testing the identity of raw materials and their quantification in the same experiment, which can take less than 1 minute. Should impurities be detected, NMR and MS are the techniques of choice to elucidate the unknows, providing go- or no-go information.
The Benefits of Plant Extracts for Human Health
Nature has always been, and still is, a source of foods and ingredients that are beneficial to human health. Nowadays, plant extracts are increasingly becoming important additives in the food industry due to their content in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and carotenoids, which have antimicrobial and antioxidant activity, especially against low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) oxidative changes. The aforementioned compounds also delay the development of off-flavors and improve the shelf life and color stability of food products. Due to their natural origin, they are excellent candidates to replace synthetic compounds, which are generally considered to have toxicological and carcinogenic effects. The efficient extraction of these compounds from their natural sources and the determination of their activity in commercialized products have been great challenges for researchers and food chain contributors to develop products with positive effects on human health. The objective of this Special Issue is to highlight the existing evidence regarding the various potential benefits of the consumption of plant extracts and plant extract-based products, along with essential oils that are derived from plants also and emphasize in vivo works and epidemiological studies, application of plant extracts to improve shelf-life, the nutritional and health-related properties of foods, and the extraction techniques that can be used to obtain bioactive compounds from plant extracts.
In this context, Concha-Meyer et al. studied the bioactive compounds of tomato pomace obtained by ultrasound assisted extraction. In this review, it was presented that the functional extract obtained by ultrasounds had antithrombotic properties, such as platelet anti-aggregant activity compared with commercial cardioprotective products. Turrini et al. introduced bud-derivatives from eight different plant species as a new category of botanicals containing polyphenols and studied how different extraction processes can affect their composition. Woody vine plants from Kadsura spp. belonging to the Schisandraceae family produce edible red fruits that are rich in nutrients and antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids. Extracts from these plants had antioxidant properties and had shown also key enzyme inhibitions. Hence, fruit parts other than the edible mesocarp could be utilized for future food applications using Kadsura spp. rather than these being wasted. Saji et al. studied the possible use of rice bran, a by-product generated during the rice milling process, normally used in animal feed or discarded due to its rancidity, for its phenolic content. It was proved that rice bran phenolic extracts via their metal chelating properties and free radical scavenging activity, target pathways of oxidative stress and inflammation resulting in the alleviation of vascular inflammatory mediators. Villedieu-Percheron et al. evaluated three natural diterpenes compounds extracted and isolated from Andrographis paniculata medicinal herb as possible inhibitors of NFκB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells) transcriptional activity of pure analogues. Yeon et al. evaluated the antioxidant activity, the angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition effect, and the α-amylase and α-glucosidase inhibition activities of hot pepper water extracts both before and after their fermentation. These water extracts were proved to have potentially inhibitory effects against both hyperglycemia and hypertension. The hydrolyzed extracts of Ziziphus jujube fruit, commonly called jujube, were examined for their protective effect against lung inflammation in mice.
Fine chemicals: Membrane technology in the fine chemicals industry
Fine chemicals are chemicals produced in small-to-medium quantities but their definition is imprecise and wide ranging, including pharmaceuticals. Here we concentrate on agrichemicals, specialist chemicals and high purity chemicals typically synthesised in small batches for producing products such as dyes, pigments, coatings, flavors, fragrances, lubricants and microelectronic grade chemicals.
In an issue of Filtration+Separation, published in July/August 2008, Ken Sutherland outlined the range of products produced in the chemicals industry. He focused on bulk chemicals but gave a useful summary of the chemicals industry as a whole, including pharmaceuticals and biotechnical products. This represented the largest sector of the membrane market in 2007, with 30.6% of the global total. The fine chemicals sector represents around a quarter of the whole membranes chemical market. This smaller sector is characterised by a range of diverse applications for membrane technology, covering three main aspects:
• production of process water, subsequently utilised in the manufacturing process or in the dilution of fine chemicals;
• filtration and separation of the fine chemicals themselves; and
• treatment of effluent from fine chemicals production processes.
Fine chemicals are pure, single substances that are typically produced by chemical reactions for highly specialised applications. The fine chemicals produced can be categorised into active pharmaceutical ingredients and their intermediates, agrichemicals, speciality chemicals and high-purity chemicals for technical applications.
In contrast to bulk chemicals, which are produced in massive quantities by standardised reactions for subsequent direct use, fine chemicals are custom-produced in smaller quantities for special uses. The methods of production need to be flexible, and owing to the relatively small volumes required and the diversity of types, the definition of fine chemicals is wide ranging. Production is more expensive than for bulk chemicals, generates more effluent that can be difficult to treat, and requires a higher research investment per unit weight produced. Fine chemicals are, however, produced in industrial quantities unlike research chemicals, but batch production tends to be common as opposed to continuous production for bulk chemicals.
Safety and Application of Food Additives
Introduction
With the advent of food processing, food additives play an important role in providing a safe food supply as well as meeting the consumers' need.
Food additive means any substance, either natural or synthetic, intentionally added to food for a technological purpose in the processing, packaging, transport or storage of such food. The technological functions of food additive include but not limited to the following
enhancing the safety and quality by the inhibition of microbial growth;
extending the shelf-life by protection against any oxidative deterioration;
enhancing the flavour and odour;
stabilising or retaining the colour; and
improving the texture and consistency of a food, etc.
Food additive is not normally consumed as a food by itself and not normally used as a typical ingredient of the food. The term does not include contaminants or substances added to food for maintaining or improving nutritional qualities as well as seasonings such as salts, herbs and spices.
There are many types of food additives and the commonly used ones include preservatives, antioxidants, sweeteners, colouring matters, flavour enhancers, thickeners, emulsifiers, etc.
Safety and Public Health Significance
The toxicity of food additives is generally low. The major food safety concern of food additives is in fact due to their chronic exposure at levels above the safety reference.
The Joint Food Agriculture Organization / World Health Organization Expert Committee on Food Additives (JECFA) is the international food safety authority responsible for collecting and evaluating scientific data on food additives and allocate a safety reference (i.e. acceptable daily intake (ADI)) to the food additives evaluated. JECFA also makes recommendations on safe levels of use.
The ADI of a chemical is the estimate of the amount of a substance in food or drinking-water, expressed on a body-weight basis, that can be ingested daily over a lifetime without appreciable health risk. A dietary intake above the ADI does not automatically mean that health is at risk. Transient excursion above the ADI would have no health consequences provided that the average intake over long period is not exceeded as the emphasis of ADI is a lifetime exposure.
A small proportion of the population may be intolerant to some food additives and may have acute effects, e.g., small amount of sulphur dioxide may cause bronchoconstriction and asthmatic reaction for certain people with allergic conditions.
Why Single-Use Gloves are Essential
Single-use or disposable type gloves are beneficial when it comes to protecting the skin against chemicals, contamination, fluids or infection, in the healthcare profession as well as food handling, law enforcement and dentistry. Disposable gloves keep everyone safer because they minimize the spread of germs and bacteria.
Disposable gloves are worn practically everywhere nowadays. Latex-free styles such as nitrile and synthetic vinyl are the most popular styles. You see them in doctor's offices, restaurants, tattoo salons, hair salons, and anywhere else that workers need inexpensive hand protection at the ready. Single-use gloves might get dirty quickly, but they're very easy and cheap to replace. There's always a new pair waiting, and they don't need special laundering. For workers who need a tactile protective hand barrier but don't require a specialized protection such as cut resistance, disposable gloves are the best option.
Here Are Four Things That Make Disposable Hand Protection Indispensable:
Single-use gloves prevent cross-contamination or touch contamination
Cross-contamination is a daily risk for a number of workers. In the food processing and preparation industries especially, cross-contamination can spread bacteria such E.coli or Salmonella throughout very quickly. In a lab, it can destroy research and make specimen samples unusable. In the dental exam room, it prevents the spread of blood borne pathogens such as MRSA, HIV or Hepatitis C. Disposable gloves reduce contamination from occurring in both an inexpensive, effective manner and keep environments clean which ultimately elevates compliance.
Cross-contamination happens when you handle one substance or item and your gloves pick up and transfers its residue when touching something else. Disposable gloves let you change hand protection quickly and easily when moving from one material or action to the next. This ensures that everything from your food to your specimens stays clean of contaminates.

How to Sharpen a Pencil
Sharpening a pencil correctly can be important, especially if you are an artist or just want your handwriting to look smooth. In fact, it can be an artisanal skill. There are several different ways you can sharpen a pencil.
Use a portable, manual sharpener. These usually come with two holes in a small plastic square. One hole is for a smaller pencil, and one is for a larger one.

• The benefit of using a manual sharpener is that they are cheap and portable. Again, if you're not careful, you can create an irregular pencil point.
  
  
• Simply put the pencil into the sharpener’s hole, and turn it several times to create a point. Sharpen over a garbage can, unless the sharpener has a plastic bubble designed to capture the shaving remnants.
  

• A downside of electric pencil sharpeners can be irregular sharpening. However, they are the easiest to use. Choose a pencil that is worth sharpening. The pencil’s lead (the graphite core) should not be off-center or it will be hard to shape into the normal conical point shape. Make sure the pencil is not bowed.
  
  
• Use an old rag in order to wipe the residue off the pencil after you sharpen it.
  

• You want to make sure the utility knife is sharp. You can sharpen your knives (carefully) with a knife sharpening stone or steel. Position the knife about ¾ of an inch up the shaft of the pencil. Start to remove the wood. Expose the graphite that is within the pencil itself.
  
  
• Push the blade of the knife through the pencil’s wood with your thumb holding the pencil. Push the knife toward the unsharpened end of the pencil as your non-dominant hand rotates the pencil. A thumb knuckle’s length away from the end of the pencil is how deep you want to go. Once you’ve exposed the graphite, you can shape it into a point.
  

Hallo alle,

wer hier von euch war eigentlich mal vor kurzem auf einer LAN Party und wenn ja, wo genau?

Guten Tag alle,

ich habe nun vor kurzem in einer Apothekenzeitschrift gelesen, dass Smartwatches
aufgrund des Elektrosmogs irgendwie gefährlich sein sollen,
was meint ihr dazu?

Moin Leute,

was ich echt sehr gerne wissen wollen würde ist, was ihr euch eigentlich
so alles zu Essen macht, wenn ihr gerade mal so eine Nacht durchspielt?

The Differences Between Forged Flanges and Cast Flanges
ARE FLANGES FORGED OR CAST?
Flanges can either be forged or cast. Both manufacturing methods have their advantages and disadvantages, depending on the application you have in mind for your flange. Here at Texas Flange, we primarily deal with forged flanges due to the outdated nature and lower standard of quality of cast flanges. Below, we will delve into the advantages and disadvantages of both forged steel flanges and cast iron flanges.
CAST IRON FLANGES
Casting is the process in which the metal is heated until molten then poured into a mold or vessel to create the desired shape. They are often used in cases that are too large, complicated, or other wise not suitable for forgings. Some of the advantages of flanges manufactured in this way include lower costs of production, the ability to make more intricate parts at lower costs, as well as having no true upper limit on size when it comes to your part.
There are, however, some drawbacks to cast iron flanges. The most important of these being how susceptible they are to internal defects. Due to this, cast flanges are not suitable for high pressure applications or applications in which the probability of corrosion is high. Despite advancement of casting technology and computer optimization of the casting process and designs, it is still difficult to meet the standards required for petrochemical industry applications.
FORGED STEEL FLANGES
Forging is the application of mechanical and thermal energy to steel billets or ingots to cause material to change its shape while still in solid form. Forgings offer consistency in composition and structure. Due to the nature of the production of forged flanges, the production costs are higher than that of cast flanges. Though they cannot have the complex shapes that cast flanges can be made in, their internal structure is more compact and therefore seldom have the defects the often affect cast flanges. Forging eliminates defects found in casting such as shrinkage, porosity, cavities, or cold pour issues.
Generally, forged flanges are stronger and more reliable than cast flanges because the grain flows of the steel are altered, confirming to the shape of the part. The tight grain structure of forgings makes the pieces mechanically stronger, and more resistant to general wear and tear than cast flanges. The higher quality, reliability, strength, and durability are why we deal mostly in forged flanges rather than cast flanges.
Here at Texas Flange, we offer forged flanges from 1/2″ nominal pipe size to 203″ OD in over a dozen different material grades. We value quality and strive to ensure that you are getting the right part for your application at a price and lead time that works for your business. Our salesmen work with you to ensure this. If you need a flange, give us a call at 281-484-8325 or send an e-mail to sales@texasflange.com to begin your inquiry. While you’re here , feel free to peruse our free informational blog posts, free 3-D and CAD drawings, or flange charts.
Different Types of Flanges and Their Uses
Used to connect valves, pipes and other equipment, flanges are forged rings that come in many different shapes and sizes and are used in a wide range of industries around the world. With so many varieties and specifications, it might be difficult at first to recognise which is the right one for you. Here's a rundown of some of the most common and popular types of the flange and their uses:
Weld Neck Flanges
Named for their protruding necks, these bulky flanges share the environmental stress of the pipe to which they are affixed and can, therefore, be used in extreme temperature or pressure situations.
Slip-on Flanges
Slip-on flanges slip onto the pipe – aptly named indeed – and are then welded on both the inside and outside. They're cheap, popular and best used in low-pressure, low-temperature applications.
Threaded Flanges
Threaded pipe flanges are similar in design to slip-ons but has a tapered thread, meaning it can be attached to pipes without welding. Like slip-on flanges, they're best used in low-pressure, low-temperature environments.
Blind Flanges
Blind flanges don't have a bore and are used to shut off sections of pipe. They're suitable for high-pressure applications, as well as for testing the flow of gas or liquid through a pipe.
Socket Weld Flanges
Typically used on small, high-pressure pipes like hydraulic pipes, socket weld flanges are able to accept pipe into the socket to create the fitting.
Orifice Flanges
Orifice flanges are used in conjunction with orifice plates to measure or restrict pressure or flow of gases and liquids in pipelines. They're often sold together with the plate and jack screws as a complete product.
The railway wheel
A typical railway wheel carries a load of about ten tonnes, roughly twice the equivalent for a road-going truck. The outer surface is called the tread. With a diameter typically of 1.0 m or less, the tread is roughly 100 mm wide. Like a pneumatic tyre, the railway wheel must handle the various forces needed to propel the vehicle forwards, slow it down, and hold it centrally on the track. But there are three striking differences. First, each railway wheel has a narrow lip or flange on the inside edge whose purpose is to stop the wheel from slipping off the rail. Second, the contact stresses between the wheel and the running surface are much more concentrated than those associated with a pneumatic tyre, reaching values that, paradoxically, exceed the yield point of the steel from which they are made. Third, railway wheels are almost always coupled together in pairs, each pair joined by a rigid axle to form what is known as a wheelset. A wheelset is extremely heavy by comparison with its equivalent on a road-going vehicle, and when you look at the various components, it’s not difficult to see why. Let's start with the disk.
One can think of a railway wheel as a solid disk whose tread is machined into the desired profile. In practice, some wheels have a separate ‘tyre’. The tyre, usually about 60 mm thick when new, is made of hardened steel. It is heated and pressed onto the wheel disk, where it shrinks as it cools and tightens its grip so that no bolts are needed to hold it in place. Ideally, for a smooth ride the diameter of the wheel should be as large as possible (see Section G1209), and in fact, the driving wheels on some early steam locomotives were 9 feet (over 2.7 metres) in diameter. They were magnificent examples of craftsmanship, and they needed to be large because they were driven by connecting rods, pistons and valve gear that were liable to fail if worked too fast, and a large wheel compensated by carrying the loco further along the track for each piston stroke. Later, when these limitations were overcome, the driving wheels were scaled down to a more manageable size. Nowadays, they are made of pressed steel, and for many the cross-section is wavy rather than flat. A wavy cross-section provides resilience and allows the rim to expand and contract slightly with changes in temperature without putting the disk under too much stress; useful properties for tread-braked wheels and those with separate tyres. Rubber inserts make the wheel more resilient still, helping to reduce any impact on the suspension when it passes over a gap in the rail.
What Is an Axle Shaft?
An axle shaft is a solid steel shaft that runs from the differential and gear set of an axle housing to the wheel. Used in two distinct configurations, the axle shaft can be a straight shaft with splines machined into each end to engage both the differential on one end and a drive flange on the other. It also can be a straight shaft with splines machined into the differential end and a flange on the other to mount a wheel to the axle. The first design is primarily used with a full floating axle design, while the latter is commonly used on passenger cars and light pickup trucks.
As a rule, this shaft is the thickest piece of steel on any given vehicle chassis. Designed to withstand the twisting force of the drive train as well as to support a portion of the vehicle's weight, an axle shaft is hardened to further enhance the natural strength of the steel used to manufacture the axle. Each specific shaft is hardened in a particular manner and design to best withstand the purpose for which it is designed to function. This hardening is the defining factor in creating an axle that will not break under stress from intended use.
On the typical passenger vehicle, the axle shaft has the wheel flange machined into the axle itself and comes as a single component. The wheel bearing is commonly pressed on to the outside end of the axle nearest to the wheel flange, and the wheel studs are installed through the flange. This design utilizes the wheel bearing to support the weight of the vehicle by placing the wheel bearing at the outer edge of the axle housing. In this configuration, the axle flange delivers power to propel the vehicle to the tire and wheel assembly.
Pressure Vessels
A pressure vessel is a closed container designed to hold gases or liquids at a pressure substantially higher or lower than the ambient pressure. Examples include glassware, autoclaves, compressed gas cylinders, compressors (including refrigeration), vacuum chambers and custom designed laboratory vessels.
Pressure vessels, autoclaves and steam sterilizers operating at pressures greater than 15 pounds per square inch gauge (psig) and larger than five cubic feet (ft3) volume fall within the Washington State Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code. As such, they have strict requirements for design, testing and approval.
The pressure differential between the inside and outside of the pressure vessel, over pressurized glass vessel whether created from chemical reaction, compressed gas, heating, chilling, cooling or vacuum, is a potential hazard. Many serious or fatal accidents have occurred when a pressure vessel or a component failed and generated flying projectiles or released hazardous broken glasswarematerials.

Yoga Bags - A Helpful Medium
racticing yoga is very easy provided one does the yoga according to ones capabilities. It wouldn't be advisable for a 50-year-old person to attempt yoga for the first time and start doing poses which are done by 20-year-olds. So if you want to get yoga poses right then there are some things which will be handy for you such as mats, straps, physio balls, yoga foam blocks and many more. For all these things to be in one place there are different types of bags which can be helpful. These bags make your life easy and much more comfortable if you are juggling too many things.
Some of the different bags which are used in market
Nylon Zippered Yoga Mat Bag
These bags are very sturdy and are used for carrying yoga mats which are an integral part of practicing yoga.
Cotton Drawstring Yoga Mat Bags
This is made of 100% cotton with a strong strap to hold your yoga mats which have a drawstring closure.
Cotton Zippered Yoga Mat Bags
Made of 100% cotton, the difference between this bag and the drawstring bag is that it has zipper closure with two pockets.
The Journey Bag
With the hectic schedule everyone keeps traveling and many do not want to miss their practice of yoga which can be very easy to carry on while you are traveling.
The Cargo Bag
These bags are specially designed to carry the extra load which can be easily carry the load of your yoga accessories.
The H2Om Bag
To quench your thirst this bag has small pocket which can carry a bottle of your favorite drink or water, so that's the reason for the name of the bag.
There are many more bags in the market which are available and very easy to find.

How To Choose The Perfect Yoga Mat Bag For Easy Travel To And From Studio
A lot of us like a student classroom where you can gain further instruction and learn moves you haven’t seen before or maybe to try a new type of yoga discipline. This could easily mean trying that new yoga studio across town that your friends keep telling you about, or maybe a type of retreat in the outdoors. So, like anyway, sometimes it can be a lot of things to remember to grab and always missing that one essential makes all the difference.
Take for example your water bottle or if it’s hot yoga you won’t want to forget your towel. Perhaps, you want to try aerial yoga but you mustn’t forget straps! It can be a variety of things you need to remember when you’re on-the-go and it’s helpful to have an extra set of hands. That’s where the yoga mat bag comes into play.
Yoga mat bags are specifically designed to help carry all your workout needs including your mat. Depending on what you’re looking for they can accommodate several essentials or simply the mat itself. So, whatever your yoga needs are, there’s a bag to help support your journey.
This can be the tricky part as there are a lot of different types to consider. Think of what type of yoga you like, what your lifestyle is like, and what you would like to bring with you to a class. These are some important notes to make when narrowing down your choices.
Although most yoga mats are the standard size, it doesn’t mean all of them. This is a vital consideration as you may have a longer yoga mat than most and it could be difficult to roll up. In this case, it may be difficult to have a specific fabric size that wraps around a specific dimension as this won’t fit the needs of your mat. Triple check the size of your mat to save you extra time and money.
Just as we have different materials for yoga mats, there are also different materials for the bags that we carry them in. It may not seem like something to give much thought to, but that can lead to some issues. For instance, an eco-friendly mat may require a bag that allows for better ‘breathing’ as these sorts of mats may be prone to holding bacteria. Alternatively, Some other types of material may be easier to clean or provide a stronger defense in the accumulation of bacteria. Some of the popular yoga mat materials are cotton, polyester, canvas or neoprene.
When finding a yoga mat bag that works best for you it may be tempting to select the one that’s most eye-appealing. Yet, there’s a lot more to consider depending on your lifestyle and type of practice. It’s important to make sure you pick a yoga mat bag that is comfortable and that meets your needs.
For instance, if you plan on taking classes after work, it may be valuable to you to have extra room in your bag to keep all your belongings in one area. Perhaps, you simply want to carry in the mat itself inside the studio and just want a simple strap design. It all depends on an individual’s preferences and lifestyle as someone who is looking at the alternative would simply not be as satisfied with the latter.
Here are the different types of yoga mat bags:
Sling Strap: This is the simplest design out of the yoga mat bags as it is only two straps that wrap around the bag itself. You can carry the mat around this way but nothing else.
Sling Bag: This type of yoga mat bag includes the above function but is more of a sack that allows for you to slip in some belongings too. For example, you could slide your keys or a water bottle into this sort of bag and it will rest right next to your mat. It’s a simple, no-fuss kind of design.
Duffle or Tote: This bag is for someone who plans on carrying a lot more in their bag. For instance, if you are commuting to work and then to the gym, this may be a good option as this type of bag generally comes with some sleek designs and offers plenty of room.
Backpack: This is by far the most functional just because it is essentially a backpack. It can hold almost anything and securely straps the yoga mat beneath. It’s easy to use, incredibly handy and can handle almost anything. Perfect for outdoor yoga or if you’re running around and need something that can keep up with you.

Best Baseball Gloves: A Guide of What Models the Top Pros Use
Highlight-reel plays happen all over the diamond. Shortstops track down grounders in the hole, outfielders make diving catches and corner infielders snag hard-hit balls down the line.
While the defensive gems are applauded and replayed, the gloves themselves rarely get attention. Well, why would they? Gloves are inanimate objects controlled by players, after all.
But have you ever thought about the brand of baseball leather responsible for the defensive masterpieces?
Wonder no more. Between information on What Pros Wear, social media and photo database searches, we've tracked down some of the most popular gloves worn by top players in Major League Baseball.
While not limited to mitts, All-Star is a popular choice for catchers. The brand's chest protectors and leg guards are also regularly used.
Martin Maldonado won a Gold Glove in 2017 with the All-Star CM3000 on his left hand. He posted a .998 fielding percentage while throwing out 38.7 percent of would-be base stealers. All-Star advertises the CM3000 as exclusively using Japanese tanned steer hide.
Two-time All-Star Jonathan Lucroy has a similar mitt, and Gary Sanchez, Salvador Perez and Russell Martin have all previously used the brand.
Nike puts an emphasis on catcher's gear, likely because the players at the position spend the most time on camera during a game. Beyond shrewd marketing, though, Nike also has a handful of top players wearing gloves.
Boston Red Sox closer Craig Kimbrel, New York Mets ace Noah Syndergaard and San Francisco Giants starter Johnny Cueto all wear leather from the Sha/Do series. Los Angeles Angels second baseman Ian Kinsler has a similar glove.
Washington Nationals standout Stephen Strasburg and Yankees veteran CC Sabathia also rock Nike mitts. George Springer of the Houston Astros counts on the Vapor series to squeeze fly balls.
Prior to the 2018 season, Marcus Stroman rocked a can't-miss Blue Jays-colored glove by the brand.
Chris Sale has relied on Mizuno throughout his career, and the Boston Red Sox star has celebrated six All-Star appearances.
The most popular line is the Pro series, and Corey Kluber, Didi Gregorius, Andrelton Simmons and Tucker Barnhart all sport one. That's quite an impressive list.
Kluber has earned a pair of Cy Young Awards in his career, and Gregorius is a highly valued shortstop with the Yankees. Simmons is a three-time Gold Glover, and Barnhart earned his first such award during the 2017 season.
According to What Pros Wear, Ian Desmond—a versatile piece for the Colorado Rockies—relies on several Mizuno gloves, depending on the position he's asked to play.
Tips On Choosing Pet Carriers
The secret is out on Pet Carriers. They are really a convenient and easy way to travel with. When traveling with your small pet, what could be easier than with a smart, portable and stylish carrier for your dog or cat. Pet carriers contain your pet in a small confined and a safe place for transportation. It comes with a handle on the top for ease of carrying and loading.
The carrier allows your pet to feel safe and secure in their environment. This is a great choice for nervous and hyper pets. Many things can frighten your small dog or cat, such as new places, strangers, a crowd or even other pets. By confining their space and familiar surroundings, the carrier can help to calm your pet.
It may take an adjustment for them when you bring your carrier home for the first time. It will be new to them and they may balk at the first time you try to put them in their carrier. So letting them adjust slowly to this new space, will help them to become more familiar and less frightened. Adding their favorite blanket and toys helps them to adjust to their pet carrier also. Beginning with short trips at first allows your pet to adjust and relax in their carrier. Making for a peaceful and happy outing.
Pet Carriers come in a wide variety of styles, shapes, and sizes. But choosing the right type carrier for your pet may take a little time and research to find just the right one. Looks and style are nice, but the right size, proper ventilation and comfort for your pet are some of the best things to look for when choosing your carrier. Start out by measuring your pet for height and width. You want to make sure they are able to stand up and turn around easily. Also, are they grown are do they still have some growing to do? Take in mind they may be in their pet carrier for extended periods of time. If you are traveling with them always remember to carry small tote-able break resistant pet bowls for their food and water, as your pet will become thirsty and hungry.
If you plan to fly with your pet you need to know the rules. Most carriers are airline approved, but before traveling on a plane with them you should always check with the airlines you will be flying with for all their rules and regulations on flying with your pet and their requirements on carriers. Some of the small carriers can fit right under the seat. Also, keep in mind you will have to carry your pet and carrier through security.
Pet Carriers do come in different styles and colors. So this enables you with many more choices when deciding on the best carrier for your pets needs. There is no better way to keep your pet safe and secure when traveling than with a pet carrier. And you will arrive at your destination with a happy and safe pet.
Measuring the impact of an equipment bag for on call physiotherapy staff
Purpose: Respiratory physiotherapy on call is provided across a variety of specialist areas at Leicester Royal Infirmary (LRI) and not all wards stock necessary respiratory equipment but can have deteriorating patients requiring on-call input. Not all staff work at the LRI site and or have completed a respiratory rotation there. Staff were reporting difficulty and increased time spent locating equipment which increased stress and anxiety levels both before and during on call shifts, and delaying patient care. The aim was to examine whether a on-call bag stocked with essential respiratory equipment was conducive to improving efficiency and reducing stress levels on and during on call shifts.
Methods: An equipment bag created at two sites (LRI and Glenfield) which are staffed by different rotas with the bags stocked identically in the event of cross site cover. The contents of the bag were decided by two senior physiotherapists, and guided by informal feedback from the adult and paediatric respiratory teams. It was launched in August 2019 at LRI site and it's use was encouraged to all staff on-call. Survey monkey questionnaire was sent out to all on call staff at LRI 3 months later to collect data and feedback regarding its use.
Results: 14 responses collected in total from LRI site. 8/14 had used the equipment bag and 8/14 reported it had all the equipment necessary for on call work. All 14 responses reported the bag was beneficial. 9/14 reported it had ’improved efficiency’ and 3/14 reported it ’reduced anxiety about being on call’. Those who had not used the bag stated this was due to ’not needed to’.
Conclusion(s): Everybody who responded to the survey felt the bag was beneficial. Based on the feedback, we can conclude that everybody who used the on call bag felt it had everything they needed for their on call treatment. It could be assumed that those who did not feel the need to use the on call bag were more familiar with the site. Majority felt it improved efficiency which was one of the primary aims. Only 3/14 felt it had reduced anxiety however. Only 14 responses were collected after a relatively short period of usage therefore future work could collect feedback from a larger sample size. It may be also beneficial to compare average time spent on call pre and post implementation.
Impact: Overall, implementation of an equipment bag was positively received by staff across LRI hospital site and it's use was continued after the initial 3 months as a result of this. It is relatively cheap to buy and easy to maintain. It could be implemented across other NHS trusts to improve efficiency on call and reduce stress levels, particularly amongst new band 5 physiotherapists - although more data would need to be collected to concretely prove this hypothesis.

What is a ground-mounted solar panel?
Ground-mounted solar panels are solar panels that are installed at the ground level Ground-mounted systems function very similarly to rooftop solar systems – panels are exposed to sunlight which is converted to electricity by solar cells in order to power a single building or, in the case of solar farms, communities.
Here are the top three things that you need to know about ground-mounted solar panels and energy production:
1. In many cases, ground-mounted solar panels can be your best option
While rooftop solar arrays are the most common choice for homeowners, there are many reasons to consider a ground-mounted solar panel system.
Generally, ground mount solar panels cost a bit more than rooftop solar on a per-watt basis because of additional labor and permitting that may be required for the installation. That being said, if your property isn’t ideal for rooftop solar, installing a ground-mounted system can actually save you more money in the long run.
Rooftop solar arrays are restricted by the characteristics of the roof on which they are installed. If your roof isn’t at the right angle, doesn’t face south, or has obstructions like chimneys or skylights, then your solar array will be less productive. On the other hand, ground-mounted solar panels can be located wherever the conditions are best.
In addition, if your home uses a lot of electricity, your roof might not be big enough for a solar energy system that meets your electricity needs. In contrast, ground-mounted solar systems can be sized to match your electricity consumption without the space restrictions of a rooftop system.
2. Not all ground-mounted solar panel systems are created equal
There are two basic types of ground-mounted solar panel systems:
Standard ground-mounts use metal framing driven into the ground to hold your solar panels up at a fixed angle. Some standard ground-mounted solar panel systems can be manually adjusted a few times a year to account for seasonal shifts of the sun.
Pole-mounted solar systems support multiple solar panels on a single pole and elevate panels higher off the ground than a standard ground mount. Pole-mounted solar often incorporates tracking systems, which automatically tilt the solar panels to capture the optimal amount of sunshine.
Tracking systems can increase the production of your solar panels by 25 percent or more. If you decide to add a tracking system to your ground-mounted solar array, you have the option of either a single-axis or a dual-axis system. Single-axis tracking systems move your solar panels over the course of the day to follow the sun as it moves through the sky. Dual-axis tracking systems can also adjust based on seasonal variations in the sun’s position.
Solar Mounting Structures: Racking Matters
Globally, solar installations have been growing at an impressive pace. A large share of growth has been contributed from India, and with 100GW of target by 2022 in its hand, India is on the verge of becoming the world’s biggest solar nation. Continuous reduction in the solar system prices with respect to higher grid rates is resulting in increasing global demand for solar solutions and thus leading to its rapid growth. Solar is undeniable the future and a leading source of renewable energy. Solar panels work best when they receive shade free sunlight for maximum number of hours, mounted at precise tilt angle with face directed towards the south. This is where Solar Panel Mounting Structures comes into the picture. One of the largest areas of innovation within solar panel installation involves the mounting system.
Module Mounting Structures play a vital role in efficient working of a solar power system, both in utility and rooftop. While most of the components of balance of system (BOS) such as inverter, DC cables, junction boxes, transformers, etc. are readily bought from the equipment suppliers, the workmanship of an EPC contractor is reflected mainly through module mounting structures and wiring management.
These structures help panels to rest com-fortably, prevent from being damaged and more importantly position them at precise tilt angle to harness maximum sun’s energy. Mounting structures can be made for rooftops, ground mounting, carports and sun tracker solutions which now have seen a lot of developments in terms of weight, material, adaptability and ease of installation. There have been many technological innovations that have led to reduced cost, faster and better installation, high durability and with enhanced output.
Recent installation of solar project in India has adopted various Solar Mounting Tech-nologies and design which include the structures made of galvanized iron as well as aluminum structures. Some of the projects have adopted a combination of steel structure and aluminum structure where in vertical legs are made off hot dipped galvanized steel and rest of the members are made off extruded aluminum structure. Typically module mount structure comprises of following components.
Moreover, falling cost for module mounting structures has been one of the biggest contributor to the fall in project cost. They have fallen by almost 60% in the past 4-5 years. The manufacturing of structures is a fairly consolidated market with the top five companies in India controlling 80% of the market share. These players have a cumulative capacity of 2,300 MW per year. This might seem like a solid base for future growth. However, the demand in India is cyclical and driven by policies. Timely deliveries for the entire 2,300 MW will already be an issue, leave alone catering to a 4,000-5,000 MW market. The costs for mounting structures can also go up if there is a spike in capacity addition. However, this increase will be short lived as companies can start buying parts of the structure from other steel fabricators.
Any solar system is designed to function for 20 to 25 years thus material plays an important role in the overall solution. The strength of the material is defined by the geography and environment of the location being installed. Hence, there is a growing need for highly durable, rust-free, corrosion-resistant materials in the industry. This is leading to the emergence of evolutionary products like rust-resistant steel that have become highly popular in the solar panel market with its competitive pricing and greater durability. There are several types of steel depending on its weight, strength grade and coating which involves different prices. While selecting the material one should look at the warranty provided by the company for maximum return on investment. Probably, the most competitive solar product market, mounting systems are an important element of solar arrays—they secure solar panels to the roof or the ground. Here, we go over the basic categories of roof-mounted solar systems to help new installers get a grasp on installation.
Types of Solar Mounting Structures
The correct and proper choice of the Mou-nting Structures for solar system projects is very essential in terms of the overall production, efficiency and lifetime of the solar panels. Since it is a costly investment, the choice of mounting systems should not be disregarded as a minor consideration. Solar modules need to be secured, mounted and tightened on a very stable and durable structure, protecting the array against imp-acts from wind, hail, rain, snow and even minor earthquakes. They are either mounted on ground, on roofs or on poles. There are five basic types of mounting structures of which four are fixed-angle types and one variable-angle type:

1. Roof Mounted Racks
   
   
2. Ground Mounted Racks
   
   
3. Top-of-pole Mounted Racks
   
   
4. Side-of-pole Mounted Racks
   
   
5. Tracking System Mounted Racks
   

• weather protection (water proofing, sun protection);
  
  
• thermal insulation;
  
  
• noise protection;
  
  
• daylight illumination; and/or
  
  
• safety.
  

The Benefits of Back To Wall Toilets
With so many styles of sanitaryware to choose from, it can be difficult to know where to start. On choosing your preferred style of toilet, you'll want to know if it will entail any additional work. From your single washroom at the back of a restaurant to a multi-site rollout, the devil is in the detail.
What is a back to wall toilet?
A back to wall toilet essentially means that the user's back will sit flush against the wall when seated, as opposed to a cistern. When entering the cubicle, you'll be presented with the toilet pan, but the cistern, which holds the water for flushing, will not be visible.
Why choose a back to wall toilet?
A lot of people go for this option as it can make the space inside the cubicle seem much bigger. However, sometimes it's a move to prevent tampering or accidental damage. When the cistern is exposed like on your traditional domestic toilet, users can remove or damage moving parts. Back to wall toilets can also look very slick and smart, maintaining a simple design aesthetic throughout your wash space.
Things to bear in mind
Although back to wall toilets have no cistern on show, the water for flushing them has to come from somewhere. Most often, it is hidden within a false wall known as a duct set. This conceals all the pipework and the cistern within. This creates what’s known as an integrated plumbing system (IPS). The panels, which conceal the cistern can be removed with a key or special tool, making maintenance simple, but protecting your washroom from vandalism and accidental damage.
Hidden benefits
Because back to wall toilets are partnered with an IPS system, the cubicle has reduced surface areas. This is because you essentially have four flat wall surfaces and a small protruding toilet pan. This makes the washroom easier to clean and when used across large sites like schools, museums, and universities, can bring significant value. With fewer moving parts on display, they often need less maintenance compared to close coupled toilets too.
Wall Hung WC Pans
Cleaning Accessibility
Perhaps the most obvious advantage of the wall-hung toilet pan is down to the fact it hovers several inches off the floor. This allows you to easily clean around and underneath it. Unlike with a more conventional toilet style, there are no nooks and crannies for dust and dirt to get trapped in, no sealant holding it to the floor to discolour over time, and pretty much no hard-to-reach areas.
Many wall-mounted toilets have smooth sides that are easily wiped clean, and a good quality pan such as the Britton Compact Wall Hung Toilet have a special antibacterial coating for easy cleaning.
Superior Use of Space
Wall hung toilets are a great space-saver. Without the extra bulk of a visible cistern sitting on the pan they take up much less space in the bathroom, and can be placed closer to furniture, shower enclosures, or whatever else you are planning for your bathroom.
You do of course have to account for the space needed to conceal the hidden cistern and frame, but clever planning, use of stud walls and the latest compact designs means that overall, wall-mounted toilets are an excellent option for smaller spaces.
And it's not just the physical space they save. The fact that they are not sitting on the floor creates the illusion of a more spacious bathroom, with less clutter taking up floor space.
Wow-Factor & Style
Whilst taste is very much a subjective thing, most people are at the very least intrigued if not impressed by a toilet floating off the wall. They are certainly popular, but not prevalent enough to have become the norm in modern bathrooms, so a stylish wall-mounted toilet combined with a beautiful bathroom design always impresses.
Wall Mounted Toilet Weight Limit
A properly installed frame and wall hung toilet combination should comfortably support 200kg (30 stone) or more. If you're of a stocky build we don't recommend that you 'drop' down on it heavily but in all our years as a bathroom retailer we have never heard of a wall-hung toilet breaking off from the wall, or pulling down the entire stud wall.
Again, it stands to reason that you be selective with your choice of bathroom installer. An experienced plumber will know exactly how to install the toilet so it safely stands the test of time.
What is a Close Coupled Toilet?
There are so many different styles of toilets these days that our customers often get a bit overwhelmed. Sure it's easy for us, because we work with these products every day and it's our job to know them inside out, but that doesn't mean you have to. That's why we've put together this helpful guide that will explain exactly what a close coupled toilet is as well as a Q & A of the style too, to help you make the right choice for you and your new bathroom. Ready? Let's go…
Why is it called a close coupled toilet?
It's called a close coupled toilet because the bowl and cistern are closely coupled together, unlike the old fashioned edition in which the cistern was suspended overhead, often a few feet from the bowl. A close coupled toilet is a modern take on the traditional form and has been adapted to look modern or traditional to suit your style and bathroom theme.
How does a close coupled toilet work?
The toilet bowl and cistern are connected together allowing the water to evacuate from the cistern into the bowl using either a flush button or handle. Most models will have the option of either a 3 litre or 6 litre flush, which puts you in control of your home's water consumption.
How popular is a close coupled toilet?
A close coupled toilet is one of our bestselling styles. They are easy to install, low cost, durable and hard wearing, most come with a dual flush button, they're available in short projections which is ideal in a small bathroom or en-suite and they're immune from water damage.
Is a close coupled toilet old fashioned?
Only if you want it to be. We have a huge range of close coupled toilets to choose from with highly modern designs or classic traditional designs depending on the look you want to achieve.
One Piece vs. Two Piece Toilet: What's The Difference?
It's simple: A two piece toilet has a separate tank and bowl, while a one piece is all connected. But there are other differences, too. One piece toilets are typically heavier and easier to clean, and there's less space for bacteria to grow. Because two piece toilets feature a detachable tank, they're more customizable for preferred styles and heights.
Both styles can include bells and whistles like bidet attachments or low-flow energy saving. Also, either can be shaped in the standard styles: elongated, which is slightly longer, and round.
Because one piece toilets are heavier, they can be more expensive to ship if you order one online.
Pros and Cons
One piece toilets
Pros:
More durable;
Easier to clean;
Higher end look.
Cons:
More expensive;
Heavier.
Two piece toilets
Pros:
Less expensive;
More options for look/height.
Cons:
Less durable (more likely to break);
More complex installation;
Greater chance of a leak;
Lower end look.
What Exactly Do Smart Toilets Do?
Smart Toilets have revolutionized the bowel movement experience. Many people do not have the slightest idea what a smart toilet could offer other than the conventional experience. But the features and functionalities of the modern intelligent toilet might surprise you.

Smart toilets provide a completely touch-free and hygienic bathroom experience. They have automated systems that eliminate the need to ever open or close the lids. The toilet will water-rinse, clean and air dry you afterwards. It will also thorough-clean, sanitize and deodorize itself after use.
We have compiled a list of the most important and interesting functions smart toilets have to offer. If you want to find out more we invite you to keep on reading.
Smart toilets have sensors to detect your movement and will auto lift the lids once you approach them. The automatic lids will open upon anticipating your arrival with preheated seats ready for your descent. After having done your business you can walk away, and the lids will automatically shut.
Being a favorite feature in the industry, this alone might make it worth the money. This will at least avoid any future arguments with your significant other.
A pre-mist will wet the bowl when sitting down which prevents anything from sticking to it. It prevents any matter from adhering when the bowl is dry, and it helps to keep the bowl clean afterward for you to have less cleaning to do. It is 80% more effective than a dry bowl. It keeps everything clean without harsh chemicals.
During the winter months, freezing toilet seats are an unpleasant chill on the butt cheeks when sitting down.
Most smart toilet manufacturers have thought of this and have built-in automatic preheated seats. This feature eliminates the morning unpleasantness.
They also work together with the sensors that detect your movement. After having used the toilet for a few months the system will figure the most effective times to preheat the toilet seats.
Your device will certainly have an energy-saving mode like your smart TV which is only activated when in use. Most manufacturers also have built-in functions to fit your needs.