Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of 113 known cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. While CBD as we know it has been around for over 70 years, it has recently skyrocketed in attention and popularity. Unlike THC (another cannabinoid found in cannabis plants), CBD does not cause an altered mental state and may even have huge potential for medical applications. While limited research has been done on CBD, many are hopeful that as research progresses, CBD will become a more readily-available treatment option for issues like epilepsy, pain management, anxiety, depression, and even cancer.

What is a Cannabinoid?

A cannabinoid is a chemical compound that acts on cannabinoid receptors in cells and alter a neurotransmitter release in the brain. Cannabinoids fall under two categories: endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids.

Endocannabinoids

Endocannabinoids are produced naturally in our bodies and are believed to help regulate important neurological functions. The endocannabinoid system has only recently been recognized for its importance and relatively little is known about it.

Phytocannabinoids

Phytocannabinoids occur naturally in plants. Limited research indicates that phytocannabinoids could help resolve issues that come from endocannabinoid imbalances. Phytocannabinoids are extracted from cannabis plants (marijuana and hemp). The predominate cannabinoids found in cannabis plants are THC and CBD.

 

Cannabis Plants: Marijuana vs. Hemp

Often, the terms “cannabis”, “marijuana”, and “hemp”, are used interchangeably. It is, however, important to understand the differences between the three. “Cannabis” is the family classification that marijuana and hemp fall under. While marijuana and hemp share some similarities, there are some crucial differences between the two. Most notably, while marijuana strains are typically between 15 and 40% Tetrahydrocannabinol  (THC), hemp is less than 0.3% THC. The bulk of hemp’s composition is CBD, accounting for approximately 40% of the plant’s extract.

THC vs. CBD

THC and CBD are the predominant cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. Put simply, THC gets you “high,” while CBD is thought to provide more medical applications.

 

THC

THC is the most potent psychotic found in cannabis plants. As mentioned above, it’s found in higher percentages in marijuana. Besides giving you  a “high,” THC can cause feelings of lethargy and dysphoria and may even make anxiety and seizures worse.

 

CBD

CBD does not have intoxicating effects like THC. CBD oil is often used to treat epilepsy and pain. Some claim that CBD relives sleep issues, depression, anxiety, and other mental health disorders. It may even counteract the psychoactive effects of THC. CBD usage has been linked with side effects like decreased appetite, fatigue, weakness and sleeping problems.

 

A Brief History of CBD

 

While CBD awareness and interest has skyrocketed in recent years, CBD as we know it has been around for over 70 years. Let’s take a quick look it’s history:

 

1940: CBD was first extracted by chemist Roger Adams. It wasn’t until a few years later, however, that Roger Adams realized he may have stumbled upon something useful and began performing further research on the substance.

 

1946: Dr. Walter S. Loewe conducted tests that supported the theory that CBD didn’t cause an altered mental state.

 

1946: Dr. Raphael Mechoulam documented CBD’s three-dimensional structure. Mechoulan is often credited as the scientist who discovered CBD.

 

1960s: The first CBD oil designed for therapeutic use was released by the British Pharmacopoeia

 

1980: Dr. Raphael Mechoulam conducted research that supported the theory that CBD could treat epilepsy.

 

2013: Charlotte Figi, a girl who suffered from chronic seizures, all but eliminated her seizures using high-CBD strain cannabis; her story gained national attention.

 

2017: the FDA advisory panel approved the CBD medication Epidiolex to treat two forms of childhood epilepsy.

 

CBD Today

 

Limited Evidence

Some experts say that evidence for CBD’s benefits is scant. Most claimed benefits of CBD have only been evaluated by one or two human studies and most studies do not compare results to a control group. Some researchers argue that any beneficial effects could simply be a placebo. Furthermore, it’s unclear which specific biochemical interactions are affected by CBD.

This scant evidence, however, is not necessarily because CBD is ineffective; there simply hasn’t been enough reputable research conducted. Many are confident that continued CBD research will confirm the widespread claims of its medicinal potential.

 

What CBD is Used For

Throughout the world, CBD users claim the phytocannabinoid helps alleviate issues and symptoms like pain, inflammation, anxiety, depression, psychosis, antibiotic-resistant infections, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders. Let’s take a look and some of the most common symptoms CBD is used to treat and the research backing its effectiveness:

 

Epilepsy- Epilepsy is the only condition with significant scientific evidence that supports CBD as a viable treatment option. Three separate clinical trials have indicated that pharmaceutical-grade CBD reduces seizures with minimal side effects. The CBD-based medication Epidiolex is currently used to treat two rare forms of epilepsy: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.

 

Pain/Inflammation- While there hasn’t been enough human trials to confirm CBD’s effect on pain and inflammation, animal trials indicate it could be a successful treatment. Some research has found that CBD reduced levels of chronic inflammation in rats and mice.

 

Anxiety- Some human clinical trials suggest that CBD could be an effective treatment for anxiety disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, obsessive–compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

 

Cancer- An article published in the British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology that CBD can prevent cancer cells from spreading. While more research is needed to further support this claim, CBD’s anti-cancer properties are currently being researched throughout the United States.

 

Legality

 

While CBD is legal across the US, states have varying limitations on its use. Where limitations exist, the most important factor in determining legality is whether the CBD is extracted from hemp or marijuana.

 

Even though CBD is legal, lack of regulation can make it difficult and sometimes unsafe to use. Besides Epidiolex, a CBD epilepsy medication, no forms of cannabis are recognized by the FDA. This means that CBD supplements and products are produced without regulation. CBD users must take care to purchase CBD from a reputable distributor; labels may not have the correct information about actual CBD content.

 

Extraction

 

The goal of CBD extraction is to generate a high-concentrate CBD product for potential beneficial use.

 

Timothy Welty, chair of the department of clinical sciences at Drake University’s College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, in Des Moines, Iowa, explains that “CBD is kind of a tricky drug because it’s not very well absorbed orally. Less than 20 percent of the drug is absorbed orally. If it isn’t made in the right way, you may not be getting much drug into your systemic circulation.”

 

CBD Extraction begins with CBD-rich plant material. There are a few different methods for extracting the phytocannabinoids (including CBD) from the plant trimmings. Here are a few of the more popular methods:

 

CO2 Extraction

The CO2 Extraction method uses pressurized carbon dioxide to pull phytochemicals from cannabis plants. While this method is extremely effective in producing high-quality CBD oil, it requires expensive machinery and the hand of an experienced chemist.  

First, CO2  gas is turned into a liquid; this is done by dropping the temperature to under -69°F and increasing the pressure to over 75 psi. Next, the temperature and pressure are both raised until the liquid becomes supercritical. Supercritical liquids possess qualities of both a liquid and a gas. This state is ideal for phytochemical extraction because:

1. Supercritical CO2 can move through materials like gas and
2. Supercritical CO2 can dissolve materials like a liquid

 

The supercritical CO2 passes through cannabis trimmings in an extraction chamber where it dissolves and collects extracts from the plants. The CO2 / extract solution then enters a lower-pressure separator chamber. The lower pressure causes the CO2  and plant extracts to separate. The CO2 returns to the CO2 chamber and the cannabis oil is drained from the separator.

 

Solvent Extraction

This simple extraction method works by using ethanol as a solvent to remove extracts from cannabis plant trimmings. While fairly easy, this method can be dangerous (ethanol is extremely flammable) and potentially damage or create harmful toxins within the cannabis extract.

 

First, ethanol is added to trimmings and mixed for a couple of minutes to allow the ethanol to dissolve extracts from the plant materials. Next, the ethanol is strained from the trimmings. Finally, the ethanol/extract mixture is slowly heated until all ethanol evaporates and only the plant extracts remain.

 

Dry Ice/ Ice Water Method

Ice water extraction creates a powdery resin extract often referred to as “hash” or “bubble hash.” This is another fairly easy extraction method that can produce high yields if done correctly. As with other methods, if done poorly, it will produce low-quality product.

 

First, finely-chopped plant trimmings are mixed with either ice or dry ice. This step is supposed to help separate extracts from the plant material. Next, water is added to the ice and trimmings and the entire mixture is strained through a mesh bag. The extracts will settle to the bottom of the strained water. Often, the mixture is strained multiple times through progressively smaller-micron mesh bags until the purest-possible extracts are obtained. Finally, excess water is drained from the strained mixture and the extracts are left to dry.

 

Olive Oil Extraction

Unlike previously mentioned methods, this technique results in cannabis-infused oil, not pure cannabis extract. It’s a popular option for at-home extraction because it’s safe, simple, and inexpensive. Olive oil extraction, however, produces very low yields of cannabis oil.

 

Essentially, cannabis plants are placed in olive oil (or any other cooking oil) and warmed for 1-2 hours. Next, the infused oil is strained from the plant trimmings.  

Temperature Control During Extraction

 

No matter which extraction method is used, careful temperature is control is an important element of high-quality yield. Extreme temperatures can denature CBD. Additionally, some processes require very specific temperatures; if certain steps are not performed at correct temperatures, the extraction process could fail completely.

 

Powerblanket offers a wide range of temperature control solutions that could be the perfect addition to your CBD extraction set-up. Our products are easy to install and remove and won’t disrupt your current process. If you’d like more information, you can give us a call at 888.316.6324.

 

Do you know any interesting facts about CBD we didn’t include in this article? Let us know in the comments!

Cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid found in cannabis plants, is becoming more and more popular as an alternative solution to common ailments. Unlike Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another cannabinoid found in cannabis plants, CBD does not have psychoactive effects. When CBD oil is ingested, however, only 20% of it is absorbed. This means that for CBD to be effective, the CBD extraction process must be carried out carefully.

There are several options for removing cannabis plant extracts from the plant materials; to be effective, however, each approach must begin with a CBD-rich plant material. Let’s take a quick look at some of the most common CBD extraction methods and the pros and cons of each:

Extraction Methods

CO2 Extraction

The CO2 Extraction method uses supercritical carbon dioxide to pull phytochemicals from cannabis plants. Supercritical materials are not quite a liquid but not quite a gas and possess the properties of both. This state is ideal for plant extraction because supercritical CO2 can move through materials like gas and dissolve materials like a liquid.

 

CO2  extraction typically follows these steps:

 

1. The CO2 is prepared in a compression chamber. First, CO2  gas is turned into a liquid; this is done by dropping the temperature to under -69°F and increasing the pressure to over 75 psi. Next, the the temperature and pressure are both raised until the liquid becomes supercritical.
2. The supercritical CO2 passes through cannabis trimmings in an extraction chamber where it dissolves and collects extracts from the plants.
3. The CO2 / extract solution then enters a lower-pressure separator chamber. The lower pressure causes the CO2  and plant extracts to separate. The CO2 returns to the CO2 chamber and the cannabis oil is drained from the separator.

 

CO2  Extraction Pros:

• Safe when done by professionals- CO2 is used in countless food products and is perfectly safe for consumption
• Yields high-quality CBD- machines leave very little room for error

CO2  Extraction Cons:

• Very expensive- setup costs start at approximately $40,000
• Not for novice chemists- it’s best to leave this method to the professionals

 

Solvent Extraction

This simple extraction method works by using ethanol as a solvent to remove extracts from cannabis plant trimmings. It usually looks something like this:

 

1. Ethanol is added to trimmings and mixed for a couple of minutes to allow the ethanol to dissolve extracts from the plant materials.
2. The ethanol is strained from the trimmings.
3. The ethanol/extract mixture is slowly heated until all ethanol evaporates and only the plant extracts remain.

 

Solvent  Extraction Pros:

• Inexpensive- This method doesn’t require any fancy machinery.
• Simple- This method is pretty straightforward and can even be done at home.

 

Solvent  Extraction Cons:

• Dangerous- Ethanol is extremely flammable.
• Could Damage CBD- Ethanol could potentially denature the CBD if overheated or overmixed.

 

Dry Ice/ Ice Water Method

Ice water extraction creates a powdery resin extract often referred to as “hash” or “bubble hash.” There are several variations to this method, but they all follow these general steps:

 

1. Finely-chopped plant trimmings are mixed with either ice or dry ice.  This step is supposed to help separate extracts from the plant material.
2. Water is added to the ice and trimmings and the entire mixture is strained through a mesh bag. (Often, the mixture is strained multiple times through progressively smaller-micron mesh bags until the purest-possible extracts are obtained)
3. The extracts settle at  the bottom of the strained mixture. The excess water is drained from the top and the extracts are left to dry until they become powdery.

Ice Water Extraction Pros:

• Inexpensive- Again, no fancy machinery needed!
• High Yield- If done correctly, this method produces a relatively large amount of plant extract.

Ice Water  Extraction Cons:

• Not always practical- This method can be labor intensive and time consuming.

 

Olive Oil Extraction

This technique results in cannabis-infused oil, not pure cannabis extract. It follows these two simple steps:

 

1. Cannabis plant trimmings are placed in olive oil (or any other cooking oil) and warmed for 1-2 hours.
2. The infused oil is strained from the plant trimmings.  

Olive Oil Extraction Pros:

• Easy- This is by far the easiest extraction method and is a popular home option.

 

Olive Oil Extraction Cons:

• Low Yields- This method produces low yields of heavily diluted CBD.

 

Temperature Control During Extraction

 

Regardless of the method used, careful temperature is control is an important element of high-quality yield in CBD extraction. Extreme temperatures damage CBD. Additionally, many processes need specific temperatures to have success; if ideal temperatures are not maintained, the extraction process could completely flop.

Powerblanket offers the best of the best when it comes to total temperature control. Our products are easy to install and remove and won’t disrupt your current process. Additionally, our products are made to order and can be customized to fit your specific needs.  If you’d like more information, you can give us a call at 888.316.6324.

 

Do you have a favorite CBD extraction method we forgot to mention? Let us know in the comments!

Polyurethane spray (spray foam) is an excellent option for building insulation. The r-value for spray foam 3.2-3.8 per inch for open cell polyurethane foam and 5-6.5 for closed cell which means it provides impressive thermal resistance properties. Additionally, polyurethane spraying provides moisture protection and soundproofing properties.

What Is Spray Polyurethane Foam?

Polyurethane spray, or spray polyurethane foam (SPF) is a chemical product comprised of isocyanate and polyol resin; when these two components are combined, the chemical reaction causes the mixture to expand up to 30-60 times its liquid volume.

Polyurethane spraying is often used as an alternative to traditional insulation (i.e. fiberglass insulation) in building and construction. It can be sprayed directly onto roof tiles or concrete slabs, into wall cavities or into holes drilled into walls. Most commonly, it’s used in roofing and wall insulation applications.

R-Value for Spray Foam

Long Term Thermal Resistance (LTTR) of spray foam is measured in r-value. Put simply, r-value demonstrates a material’s ability to resist heat flow. The higher the r-value, the better the thermal resistance. The r-value of spray foam ranges from approximately 3.2 to 6.5 per inch and is heavily dependant on the type of spray foam being used.

(R-Value SVG Image)

Two Types of SPF

Spray Polyurethane Foam falls into two categories: closed cell and open cell.

Medium-Density Closed-Cell Spray Foam

Medium-Density Closed-Cell Spray Foam (ccSPF) otherwise known as 2 lb foam is dense and rigid. It boasts some pretty impressive properties and benefits. For example, its r-value (thermal resistance) ranges from about 5-6.5 per inch. By comparison, the r-value of traditional fiberglass insulation is about 3-4 per inch. Additionally, when installed at a thickness of at least 2 inches, it becomes a barrier to both air and vapor transfer. This prevents heat transfer via air and mold or mildew issues that can arise from unwanted moisture. Also, closed-cell spray foam rigidity makes it an excellent option or exposed walls or other exposed applications. It’s durable enough to hold up against regular wear and tear without needing repair. The drawback is that ccSPF can be difficult to work with. After the insulation process, it can be difficult to make any changes.

Light-Density Open-Cell Spray Foam

Light-Density Open-Cell Spray Foam (ocSPF), commonly referred to as ½ lb foam, is semi-rigid; while it holds its shape extremely well, it’s sponge-like after installation and can be crushed in your hand. As it expands and dries, it creates small open cells that fill with carbon dioxide. While its r-value isn’t as high as closed-cell foam, it still has great thermal resistance properties with an r-value around 3.2-3.8 per inch. When applied in a thickness of at least 3 inches, it acts as an air barrier. Unlike its closed-cell counterpart, ocSPF cannot become a vapor barrier. While not quite as thermally resistant as closed-cell foam, open-cell spray foam is more sound-dampening. Because it’s less dense and applied more thickly, it effectively absorbs more sound waves.

Benefits

Because spray foam has such great thermal resistance properties, it provides some pretty impressive benefits. The pros of using spray foam insulation over traditional fiberglass insulation include:

 

Save on Energy Costs

According the the US Department of Energy, 40% of home energy loss happens via air infiltration through walls, doorways, and windows. Spray foam creates an air barrier that minimizes this air permeation.

 

Better Insulation

Spray foam insulation insulates up to 50% better than traditional insulation. It blocks conductive, radiant and convective heat transfer; this makes it easier to keep rooms at comfortable temperatures. As mentioned earlier, the r-value (thermal resistance) of spray foam is approximately 3.2-3.8 per inch for open cell foam and 5-6.5 for closed cell.

 

Moisture Protection

Because spray foam can fill in every nook and cranny of the space into which it’s sprayed, it provides excellent moisture protection. Moisture protection prevents expensive issues and damage such as mold, mildew, and rotting wood.

 

Noise Reduction

Polyurethane spray  provides an effective barrier to airborne sound. When used as wall insulation, it hinders sound movement from room to room.

Getting the Most From Your Spray Foam

 

When spray foam materials and equipment get either too hot or too cold, product waste and equipment malfunctions can easily occur. Spray foam cylinder pressure fluctuates with temperature; when the pressure gets too high or dips too low, the cylinder will stop working optimally. Cold conditions can be especially frustrating. Pressure drops as temperatures go down and even though it seems like there is plenty of product remaining, inadequate pressure will render it unusable.  Keeping things at ideal temperatures helps to make polyurethane spray go as far as possible.

Powerblanket spray foam heaters help eliminate temperature and pressure issues with your equipment. They cover the entire spray foam cylinder which maximizes the effectiveness of temperature maintenance. If you’re interested in maximizing the yield of your spray foam equipment, give us a call at 888.316.6324.

When you think of molasses and honey, you probably think of Memaw’s cookies over clogged pipes and industrial concrete blankets. Well, welcome to Powerblanket, where new applications for our electric blankies pop up like daisies. Customers including…bakeries? There is a long list of common baking ingredients that congeal, harden, thicken, freeze, or crystallize as temperatures drop. Coming from a perspective of manufacturers, packaging, and shipping, this can be a problem. They need heat to keep them liquid and transportable. Check out some of the melting points of common baking ingredients.

Runny Honey: What is Honey Made of?

Honey is made of different complex and simple sugars, water, vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes, and minerals. These different parts lead it to eventually crystallize, which is an issue in bulk. To help you visualize, imagine having a 55 gallon barrel full of honey you have to bottle and ship out. If that entire honey drum has crystallized due to cold weather, are you going to scoop it out with a spoon and hand-squish it into every bottle? That would be both sticky and inefficient. The same goes for other products that harden or thicken and aren’t liquid enough to be poured or pumped.

Melting Point of Honey, Honey

Honey becomes almost impossible to spread or work with when it crystallizes (you’re probably familiar with the ole’ “pop the honey in the microwave” trick). When honey is crystallized, it’s melting point ranges between 104 and 122 °F (40 and 50 °C). This range accounts for the fact that the chemical makeup of honey will vary due to differences in bees, impurities, climate, flower supply, and geographical location of the particular hive.

Raw vs. Processed

Honey must undergo extremely minimal straining to be considered “raw” by the FDA. This indicates how important it is to heat honey with great care. Processed honey on the other hand, is blasted by high heat (161 ºF and higher!), straining, and pasteurization, which process destroys helpful yeast cells, enzymes, and antioxidants in raw honey.

Overheating honey destroys the properties of honey that are most nutritional for our bodies. Around 200 components, including antibacterial properties, are lost if honey is heated over 98.6 ºF (37 ºC). Higher than 104 ºF (40 ºC) and valuable enzymes are destroyed. In short, the danger of just sticking honey in a manufacturing microwave is denaturing, devaluing, and scorching it. Heating solutions for crystallized honey include generic electric heating blankets. However, these run the risk of scorching the honey, or overheating it. Because of this, it is crucial to heat and decrystallize raw honey carefully.

If you heat honey above 104 ºF (40 ºC), it will caramelize. For those apiarists and manufacturers that want to preserve their raw honey and still be able to bottle it, they need a specialized solution. The BeeBlanket has been engineered to the temperature of a beehive, which preserves the valuable raw aspects of the honey, while warming it enough to liquify it.

Coconut Oil : Put the Heat in the Coconut

Coconut Oil is used for a huge variety of purposes, not just for food. Depending on the makeup of your specific coconut oil, it melts at a temperature between 76-78 ºF (24-25 ºC). The melting point depends on how pure the oil is. Impurities spark crystallization. The purer the oil, the lower the melting point. Overall, at average room temperature and below, coconut oil is solid. Since coconut oil applications range from hair products to treating eczema, it is important that manufacturers package their coconut oil properly and accurately in a liquid state. Luckily, heating coconut oil back into liquid doesn’t affect the oil’s quality at all. The biggest issue is heating it slowly and evenly, so it doesn’t scorch.

Molasses Assets

Memaw and I appreciate molasses for its sweet, smoky flavor. Molasses is usually made from boiled down sugar cane, and can also be made from sugar beet juice, dates, pomegranate, and sorghum. It will crystallize due to lowered temperatures or condensation. Molasses doesn’t freeze in any industrial grade freezer due to the sugar acting as an antifreeze to the water molecules. The water will evaporate out, leaving crystallized, grainy molasses. The key is to keep it at normal temperatures with light heat. Molasses is made primarily from sucrose, depending on the source: sugarcane, sugar beets, and sorghum are all sources from which molasses is made. The more sucrose, the more likely crystallization will occur. Slow, even heat will solve any crystallization problems. After fixing any problems with heat, molasses crystallization is less likely to happen again by adding citric acid or pure fructose.

Melting Point of Vegetable Oil

Believe it or not, oil congeals as it gets colder as well. The melting point of vegetable oil varies greatly depending on the type: sunflower oil and safflower oil (2 ºF, -17 ºC), canola oil (14 ºF, -10 ºC), olive oil and sesame oil (21 ºF, -6 ºC), peanut oil (37 ºF, 3 ºC) are just a few.

One company we work with ships vegetable oil overseas. They said, “in the winter, the oil congeals to a white residue because of the cold temperatures onboard the ship.” Like most problems with heating, they needed a solutions that would “heat the totes gently to get the oil back to its original consistency…” Keyword being gently. Uniform heat is important for warming oils just like other food products as to not scorch them or damage their chemical makeup.

Shortening: The Big Short

Shortening is solidified, hydrogenated vegetable oil. When it comes to shortening (think Crisco), customers we’ve worked with are more concerned with softening it than melting it. With a melting point of 117º F, it is almost always in its solid, fluffy form. However, semi-vehicles will ship the product in cold weather, where it will freeze and become rock hard. In order to get it ready to sell, it needs to be warmed with a slow, uniform heat to about room temperature (68-72 ºF).

Even though all of the products we’ve mentioned are different in composition and chemical makeup, they have something in common: food! To finally get to our table, it is important that manufacturers are able to transport them, and that means finding proper temperature solutions.  

Sources:

Lindberg, Barbara. “The Bee Journal.” Why Does Honey Crystallize? January 01, 1970. Accessed November 19, 2018. http://thebeejournal.blogspot.com/2011/12/heating-and-freezing-honey.html.

The difference between raw honey and pure honey is lost on many. Runny honey? Rock hard? “Who cares! Just pop it in the microwave!” Well, hypothetical person, honey is actually more complex than that. Honey is made of delicate sugars, water, vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes, and minerals that can be damaged when overheated.  Let’s take a proverbial “Magic School Bus” dive into the honey pail. It’s time to educate yourself on the chemistry of this ancient ambrosia, how to keep it from pasteurization, and why.

The Sting: A Bee’s Process for Makin’ Honey

So why do bees make honey in the first place? Turns out we’re not the only ones who like honey on our toast. Bees eat honey and save it to live on during the winter. Forager bees collect nectar from flowering plants and take it back to the hive in their honey stomach (also known as honey crop), and transfer it over to house bees. Then, over a 20-minute period they will process the nectar in their crop, absorbing the water and breaking down the larger sucrose sugar molecules into smaller glucose and fructose sugars.

No, honey isn’t “bee vomit,” or “bee-barf” as my coworker likes to call it. This is because regurgitation is voluntary, and never passes through the bees central digestive system. After regurgitation, the bees will then deposit the nectar-turned-honey into honeycomb, and will fan it with their wings. This helps to further dehydrate the honey, which gives it preservative qualities. The low water content in honey, below 20%, also makes it uninhabitable for bacteria. This low water content and acidic properties gives honey antiseptic qualities too, good for topical use and health treatments, like for a common sore throat. 

What is Honey Made Of? A Sticky Situation

Honey is made of different sugars, water, vitamins, antioxidants, enzymes, and minerals. Raw honey comes straight from the hive, after an apiarist lightly filters it by hand to remove any debris. This preserves the nutritional qualities of the honey. Processed honey is heated at 70 degrees Celsius and then rapidly cooled, killing and destroying beneficial bacteria, enzymes, pollen, antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. This, and intense straining “purify” the honey and is done mostly for aesthetic reasons. All in all, processed honey is significantly less beneficial for your body just so it will look pretty on the shelf.

Crystal Clear: Decrystallize Raw Honey

When apiarists and beekeepers remove honey from the hive, they usually keep it in pails. Hive temperatures average between 89º to 95º Fahrenheit. If the weather is cold enough, depending on the type of honey, it will begin to crystallize. A honey bucket heater or honey drum heater is a great solution to decrystallize raw honey without heating it enough to pasteurize it and helping preserve its nutritional value. 

Check out this infographic for more information on what honey is made of!

Sources

Charlotte, Beekeeper, Pete Jones, and Beekeeper Charlotte. “What Do Honeybees Do With Pollen?” Carolina Honeybees. October 15, 2018. Accessed November 13, 2018. https://carolinahoneybees.com/why-pollen-is-vital-for-honeybee-survival/.

Common Disease Problems. Accessed November 13, 2018. https://www.uaex.edu/farm-ranch/special-programs/beekeeping/about-honey-bees.aspx.

“Honey, Recipes, Research, Information.” National Honey Board. Accessed November 13, 2018. https://www.honey.com/faq.

https://www.livescience.com/4255-oldest-bee-fossil-creates-buzz.html

http://www.chm.bris.ac.uk/webprojects2001/loveridge/index-page3.html

https://www.compoundchem.com/2014/08/21/chemistryofhoney/

Roofing can get rough. You run the risk of cuts, injuries, falls, and impact shocks. That doesn’t even include everything that can go wrong with your shingles, product, or roof. Whether you have residential or commercial needs, check out these new products in roofing that will make your project safer and easier.

1. Nailed It! Nailgun

A nail gun will make fast work out of a slow job. With the highest reviews and reliability, the Hitachi NV45AB2 is awesome for contractors and homeowners alike. It’s precise due to its carbide tipped nose; intuitive, easy to use, and weatherproofed so you can use it in difficult weather. It has a rubber grip to prevent fatigue, and is light and easy to carry with one hand.

2. Gloves

Gloves that protect your hands without slowing you down or cutting back your dexterity are a must. MaxiFlex Ultimate gloves, at a reasonable price, are high quality, super thin, flexible, and breathable. They are 100% silicone free, which is impressive for a durable roofer’s glove. These are made of a micro-foam nitrile and a seamless knit nylon.

Their breathability is a unique feature for roofing gloves, since they have airflow on the front and back of the hand. This will keep your hands from sweating.

3. Get a Grip: Automatic Safety Grip

Safety is obviously a top priority when roofing. Safety lines and harnesses are crucial to prevent falls. One recent product is making a difference for productivity in roofing safety. An Automatic Following Rope Grab made by DBI-SALA follows the roofer as they move along their safety line. This product is awesome for carrying supplies to other parts of the roof. It also comes in manual options where the worker would grip the device to move it along their lifeline.

4. Bulk Material Warmer

In cold weather, roofing shingles and adhesive can be negatively affected. Between 100º and 120º Fahrenheit, Hot Boxes, or Bulk Material Warmers can keep your roofing products from freezing with a uniform, evenly heated core technology, for optimal use all year. This helps prevent any voided warranty for roofing in cold weather. They also cost less to run than keeping materials in the cab of a warm truck. This is because the cost for electrical is much lower than the cost of burning fuel to run a vehicle. They even have remote temperature control options for specific contracting needs. Whatever the roofing emergency, Hot Boxes can help solve problems year-round.

Whether you’re a professional roofing company or DIY homeowners fixing your garden shed, these new roofing products can help you most comfortably and effectively in your roofing projects.

Sources:

https://bestroofingshoes.com/best-gloves-for-roofing/

https://toolsfirst.com/best-roofing-nailer/

https://pksafety.com/blog/the-best-fall-protection-for-roofers/

In what seemed like an underserved market, one business has been leading the way in quality gun accessory manufacturing. That’s why the September Power Manufacture Award goes well-deserved to Stealth Gear USA.

 

How it all Began:

Based in American Fork, Utah, Stealth Gear USA was created on the idea of a better gun carrying case. According to the company’s website, founder Paul Laemmlen, it all started with a mishap with his handgun while shopping at a local store.

“It all started the day my loaded handgun fell out of a poorly-designed IWB holster and onto the floor of a busy retail establishment,” he says on the company’s website. “That holster (manufactured by a major US holster company) was retired that day to the reject holster pile. After an exhaustive search for a better IWB holster, I was disappointed with the poorly-conceived and over-priced offerings on the market.”

It wasn’t long before Stealth Gear USA was born, bringing quality and practical gun holsters and accessories to the world.

 

The Product:

What truly sets Stealth Gear USA apart from its competitors is their carefully-crafted, award-winning, American made VentCore® holster. The product was one of Laemmlen’s original creations when he first designed the product out of his garage in 2012. With 30 individual components handmade to order, including parts that utilize rust-free metal and breathable fabric, the holster serves citizens, military and police forces in more than 50 countries.

Not your Average Gun Accessory Maker:

Stealth Gear USA isn’t content in participating in the latest trends in accessory manufacturing. According to a company spokesman, Stealth Gear USA seeks to be on the cutting edge of what’s next in the market.

“We don’t release a product unless its innovative or better than what’s currently available on the

Market,” the spokesman said. “Too many companies ‘pile on’ and just copy their competitors. With our Research and Development Department, Market Research Committee, and New Product Development Committee structure – which is composed of team members with significant engineering and product education experience and backgrounds – we believe we are capable of bringing a more robust and cross-disciplinary product development process to our products.”

 

Creating a Proud Legacy:

Getting into an industry market can be tough in today’s environment for small businesses. Stealth Gear USA knew this to be a fact, and strove to regulate its growth in ways that would allow its top-quality employees to be the drive of expansion and profit.

“Early on, it was very challenging trying to keep up with the overwhelming demand while building an underlying business that could support the demand and grow to meet market needs,” the spokesman said. “It didn’t take long for us to discover that our industry is subject to  hyper-competition, political realities, and knock-offs and imitations. Through all these challenges we focused on what we could control – the quality of our products and our customer service.

Looking to the future, Stealth Gear USA says it’s well prepared to face a world where the market is ever changing.

“We are extremely proud of the team we’ve built and the processes we have refined over the past five years. We’re in a position now to aggressively pursue new and exciting products not only within the concealed carry market, but beyond.”

Powerblanket is proud to award the Power Manufacture Award to Stealth Gear USA due to the company’s excellence in manufacturing a quality product that puts them above the competition. Fore more information on Stealth Gear USA and its products, visit www.stealthgearusa.com.

Viscosity is the measure of a material’s resistance to motion under an applied force. There are several formulas and equations for viscosity calculation.  If youwant a simple science experiment, measure the speed of a metal ball dropped in a container of liquid. The velocity of the ball, combined with the relative densities of the ball and the liquid, can be used to calculate the viscosity of liquids.

TRY THIS OUT

Calculating the Density of the Ball

1. Measure the mass of your ball, using your balance. For instance, suppose the mass of the ball is 0.1 kilograms (kg).
2. Find the radius of the ball by first measuring the diameter (distance of a straight line through the ball at the widest part). Divide the diameter by 2; this gives the radius of your ball.
3. Calculate the volume of the ball by plugging the radius into the equation for the volume of a sphere. Suppose the ball bearing has a radius of 0.01 meter (m). The volume would be:  Volume = 4/3 x pi x (0.01 m) ^3 = 0.00000419 m^3
4. Calculate the density of the ball by dividing its mass by its volume. The density of the ball in the example would be:  Density = 0.1 kg ÷ 0.00000419 m^3 = 23,866 kg/m^3

 

Calculating the Density of the Liquid

1. Measure the mass of your graduated cylinder when it is empty. Then measure the mass of your graduated cylinder with 100 millilters (mL) of liquid in it. Suppose the empty cylinder had a mass of 0.2 kg, and with fluid its mass was 0.45 kg.
2. Determine the mass of the fluid by subtracting the mass of the empty cylinder from the mass of the cylinder with the fluid. In the example:  Mass of liquid = 0.45 kg – 0.2 kg = 0.25 kg
3. Determine the density of the fluid by dividing its mass by its volume. Example:  Density of fluid = 0.25 kg ÷ 100 mL = 0.0025 kg/mL = 0.0025 kg/cm^3 = 2,500 kg/m^3*
4. 1 mL is equal to 1 cm^3 *1 million cubic centimeters equal 1 cubic meter

 

Measuring the Viscosity of Liquid

1. Fill your tall graduated cylinder with the liquid to be tested so it is about 2 cm from the top of the cylinder. Use your marker to make a mark 2 cm below the surface of the liquid. Mark another line 2 cm from the bottom of the cylinder.
2. Measure the distance between the two marks on the graduated cylinder. Suppose that the distance is 0.3 m.
3. Let the ball go on the surface of the liquid and use your stopwatch to time how long it takes for the ball to fall from the first mark to the second mark. Suppose it took the ball 6 seconds to fall the distance.
4. Calculate the velocity of the falling ball by dividing the distance it fell by the time it took. In the example:  Velocity = 0.3 m ÷ 6 s = 0.05 m/s

 

Calculate the viscosity of liquid from the data you have collected:

1. Viscosity = (2 x (ball density – liquid density) x g x a^2) ÷ (9 x v), where g = acceleration due to gravity = 9.8 m/s^2 a = radius of ball bearing v = velocity of ball bearing through liquid.
2. Plug your measurements into the equation to calculate the viscosity of the liquid. For the example, the calculation would look like this:  Viscosity = (2 x (23,866 – 2,500) x 9.8 x 0.01^2) ÷ (9 x 0.05) = 93.1 pascal seconds

 

Viscosity Calculation Formula:

viscosity = shear stress / shear rate

The result is typically expressed in centipoise (cP), which is the equivalent of 1 mPa s (millipascal second).

 

Powerblanket Solutions

Powerblanket makes it easy to lower viscosity of many industrial fluids. Powerblanket offers various ready-to-ship products, from bucket and drum heaters to ibc tote heaters. We can also produce custom solutions for most applications. If you need better flowing fluids, Powerblanket has you covered.

DOWNLOAD THE GUIDE

 

The Fine Art of Inaccuracy:  Predicting the Weather

I wake up, rouse my children for school, then check the weather.  The weather app on my iphone helps me make a lot of decisions about my day and week ahead–especially what kind of outerwear my kiddos need before they walk out the door.  My husband checks out the local forecast online when he gets to work. Some people watch the news while other obsess over what the weather channel has going on. However you get your information, there are numerous methods for coming to similar weather conclusions.

You may criticize the weather man’s accuracy, but he has already recognized his limitations.  Weather forecasters accept the fact that they cannot be perfect. Even with all of the resources available to them, they respect the fact that they are but mere mortals attempting to predict something as dynamic as the earth’s ever-changing weather.  Meteorologist rely on data from satellites, ships, airplanes, weather stations, buoys, and devices dropped from weather balloons, along with their experience, local trends, and history. And according to Nate Silver who wrote “The Weatherman is not a Moron” in the NY Times Magazine, “The one area in which our predictions are making extraordinary progress, however, is perhaps the most unlikely field, [weather forecasting].”

How do meteorologists forecast the weather?

Meteorologists and climatologists use several methods for predicting the weather:

1. Climatology
2. Analog
3. Numerical Weather Prediction

 

Climatology

Climatology is a simple forecasting method that takes data/statistics collected over an extended period and then averages the results.  Meteorologists predict the weather for a specific day and location based on the weather conditions for that same day for several years in the past.

A forecaster could examine the averages for Halloween in Utah, for example, to predict the weather for the upcoming Halloween. The climatology method works when weather patterns remain in place, but in situations where outside factors change the weather frequently, the climatology method is not the best choice for predicting the weather, as it will more than likely not be accurate.

Analog

An analog is a thing seen as comparable to another thing.  The Analog Method is a slightly more complicated method because it involves examining today’s forecast scenario and remembering a day in the past when the weather looked very similar (an analog). The forecaster would predict that the weather in this forecast will behave the same as it did in the past.

For example, suppose today is very warm, but a cold front is approaching your area. You remember similar weather conditions happening last week, also a warm day with cold front approaching. You also remember how a heavy thunderstorm developed in the afternoon as the cold front pushed through the area. Therefore, using the analog method, a forecaster would predict that this cold front will also produce thunderstorms in the afternoon.

The analog method is difficult to use because it is nearly impossible to find a perfect analog. Various weather features rarely align themselves in the same locations they were in the previous time. Even small differences between the current time and the analog can lead to very different results. The argument in favor of analog is that as time passes and more weather data is archived, the chances of finding a “good match” for the current weather situation should improve, and so should analog forecasts.

 

Numerical Weather Prediction

Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) relies on supercomputers to predict the weather. Massive supercomputers, complete with software forecasting models, help meteorologists make weather predictions based on multiple conditions in the atmosphere such as temperatures, wind speed, high and low pressure systems, rainfall, snowfall and other conditions.

Meteorologists review the data to determine the weather forecast for the day. The forecast is only as good as the algorithms used by the computer’s software to predict the weather and the data is overwhelmingly limitless. With advanced calculations and the ability to analyze numerous factors at once, NWP provides the best means of forecast the upcoming meteorological conditions when compared with the other methods.

 

Alternative Weather Predicting Methods

Did your mom ever say, “Red sky at night, sailors delight.  Red sky at morn, sailors take warn”? Mine did. Outside of the standard and more advanced methods used by professionals, there are numerous, less-conventional ways to predict the weather.

Here are a few signs to watch for when predicting a hard winter:

1. Woodpeckers sharing a tree.
2. Early arrival of the Snowy owl.
3. Early departure of geese and ducks.
4. Early migration of the Monarch Butterfly.
5. Thick hair on the nape (back) of the cow’s neck.
6. Raccoons with thick tails and bright bands.
7. Mice eating ravenously into the home.
8. Early arrival of crickets on the hearth.
9. Spiders spinning larger than usual webs and entering the house in great numbers.
10. Pigs gathering sticks.
11. Insects marching a bee line rather than meandering.
12. Early seclusion of bees within the hive.
13. Muskrats burrowing holes high on the river bank.
14. “See how high the hornet’s nest, ‘twill tell how high the snow will rest”.

The Persimmon Method

One particularly interesting method of winter-weather prediction comes via the persimmon seeds. According to folklore, if you crack op

en a persimmon seed from a ripe fruit and the shape inside (called a cotyledon) looks like a fork, winter will be mild; if you see a spoon, there will be a lot of snow, and if there is a knife, winter will be so cold it will “cut like a knife.”

Melissa Bunker of North Carolina, “The Persimmon Lady,” sends Farmer’s Almanac her winter predictions based on seeds she opens from the persimmon fruit grown on her tree in central North Carolina.  This year (her tenth year making predictions as a partner with Farmer’s Almanac), Melissa checked 100+ seeds and only two came out as forks– the rest were spoons, no knives at all.  In all of her years, she has never seen a prediction like this. She said, “This will be a winter for the record books in central North Carolina!” According to Melissa, “If you look back on the past years readings you can see the seeds follow 95% accuracy with the almanac.”

 

A Goose Wishbone as a Weather Predictor

Back before the turn of the last century and before the National Weather Service was in place, many looked to the breastbone of a goose for winter predictions.  Around Thanksgiving, a goose would be killed and cooked. The cook  would roast it, carve it, and serve it, always being careful not to cut the breastbone from the carcass.

After the goose had been eaten, they would carefully remove the breastbone and cut away all the meat and fat left clinging to it. Then they would take the bone and put it on a shelf to dry, keeping an eye out for the coloration that would follow. If the bone turned blue, black, or purple, a cold winter lay ahead.

• White indicated a mild winter.
• Purple tips were a sure sign of a cold spring.
• A blue color branching out toward the edge of the bone, meant open weather until New Year’s Day.
• If the bone was a dark color, or blue all over, the prediction was for a real bad winter.

An overall dark color meant that the goose had absorbed a lot of oil, which acted as a natural protection against the cold. The darker the blue coloring, the tougher the winter would be.

 

The Legend of the Wooly Bear Caterpillar

The Woolly Bear caterpillar has 13 distinct segments of either rusty brown or black. The wider the rusty brown sections (or the more brown segments there are), the milder the coming winter will be. The more black there is, the more severe the winter.

In the fall of 1948, Dr. C. H. Curran, curator of insects at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City, took his wife 40 miles north of the city to Bear Mountain State Park to look at woolly bear caterpillars. He collected as many caterpillars as he could in a day, averaged the reddish-brown segments, and then forecasted the coming winter weather through a reporter friend at The New York Herald Tribune.

Dr. Curran’s experiment continued for eight more years and attempted to prove scientifically the weather rule of the Wooly Bear Caterpillar. The resulting publicity made the woolly worm the most recognizable caterpillar in North America.

While most scientist do not take the wooly bear research seriously, there is a Wooly Worm Festival in Banner Elk, NC every October that celebrates this mini forecaster.  After a caterpillar race, the retired mayor inspects the winner and then predicts what the coming winter will be like.

 

Be Safe this Winter

Whatever way you slice it, dry it, or count it, Winter 2018 it tiptoeing in.  All predictions are pointing to winter coming sooner, with more intensity, and with increased snow.  Powerblanket encourages you to take the necessary steps to prepare for the cold ahead.

If you’re like me, you didn’t care about the chemistry behind propane, you just wanted to grill some burgers. That was until your tank started freezing up and sucking your wallet dry. We’re here to help unveil your mysterious propane tank and put money back in your pocket.

What is Propane?

Propane, a clean-burning fuel, is an economical source of energy. Also called liquefied petroleum gas (LP or LPG), propane is a part of the hydrocarbon gas family, along with others like butane and methane (“wasn’t me!”). This means propane occurs as a natural gas and can be bottled, making it convenient to transfer with the right safety precautions. Many homes, cabins, RVs, and even tiny houses use propane as their primary source of energy.

Are Propane Heaters Safe?

The answer is yes! When used correctly, propane is one of the safest sources of energy out there. Understanding the nature of propane, the necessary safety precautions, and the different functions of the valves on your tank will help you feel more comfortable using it (See figure below).

Like your ex, propane is so cold, it acts hot. Since propane functions at temperatures much lower than most natural environments, it can cause freeze burns on your skin if it makes sustained contact. For this reason you should always wear protective gloves if you are dealing with your tank or valves, and wear protective eyewear if possible. Propane is flammable, so never have an open flame around your tank. If you are interested in heating your tank, there are certified propane tank heaters that can help.

One thing to be aware of is that manufacturers add a rotten egg or skunk smell to propane–which is naturally odorless–in order to alert users if there is a leak. Since it is possible to have a leak so small you can’t smell it, you should definitely install carbon monoxide detectors in your home. Many fire alarms have CO detectors already built into them.

If you do start to smell something ripe and it’s not your dog or spouse, extinguish all flames, turn off the supply valve on your tank (if it’s safe), and leave the premises as soon as possible. Contact your supplier or a professional for assistance. If they are unavailable, call the police. Don’t try to handle propane on your own if you haven’t been trained professionally. Grab lunch and check out the new Marvel movie while things get cleared up!

Can Propane Freeze in Cold Weather? Propane Liquid Temperature

Just like how water boils into steam, liquid propane also boils into a gas. However, compared to water, the point where propane boils is much lower: it boils at -44 degrees Fahrenheit! When temperatures are below -44°F, propane gas condenses back into a liquid. Additionally, temperature change is tied to pressure change inside a propane tank: as temperatures increase, pressure inside propane tanks also increases. Thus the liquid propane expands as a gas. Decreased pressure also causes propane to condense back into a liquid. The colder the weather and lower the temperatures, the more dense and liquified propane becomes. This liquid state is inefficient: propane needs to be vaporized to pass through your supply lines!

 

Why is My Propane Tank Frosting Over? Can Propane Freeze in Cold Weather?

Many people are confused by the freezing point of propane because tanks will stop functioning in cold temperatures or start frosting over. Propane’s melting point is -306.4°F (-188 °C): below this point and propane will freeze into a solid. That is pretty bleeping cold. This means that, unless you’re in a research laboratory, liquid propane won’t freeze in any natural environment. It is, however, important to be aware that as propane vaporizes into a usable gas form, the temperature of the liquid left in the tank drops. If the heat of the weather outside is high, this will keep the pressure in your tank high and you’ll be good to go. But if temperatures outside are too low to keep pace with the cooling that is occurring inside the tank, frost will begin to form on the outside of the tank. This isn’t because the propane itself is freezing, but because its temperature is dropping below the temperature at which the water vapor outside freezes. This frost acts as insulation and resists any further heat from helping the situation. Frost can also form if there is a leak around your valves or lines, or if it is a particularly humid day.

How to Keep a Propane Tank from Freezing Up

Propane has a boiling point of -44°F, which means that in most normal climates propane is in a gaseous form. Like we mentioned before, this is important for the gas to be able to pass through the supply lines. As temperatures get colder and approach -44°F, propane gets denser and is less likely to perform at its maximum capacity. This, and the aforementioned frost that can develop on tanks, require some sort of insulation or heating. Without this, the life of the propane tank will shorten significantly, leading to pricy refills, exchanges, or even emergency visits from your propane distributor (accompanied by steep fees).

Gas Cylinder Blankets

No matter your tank size, Powerblanket® industrial-grade electric blankets provide you with a uniform barrier of heat across your entire tank. This heating solution lowers costs by optimizing temperatures and increasing your tank’s efficiency.

Powerblanket’s new residential product, Powerblanket lite, was released last year. With a few studies already in progress, we will have really powerful data in the near future on how these blankets help homeowners save big in the long run. Tune into this article toward the end of this season for an update on what we find. Powerblanket lite is an excellent and affordable option for homeowners who use propane. Stay tuned on how you can save money and increase the life of your propane!

For more information on your propane tank, download the free E-Book for homeowners and businesses!

Resin curing + heat. This is something that isn’t discussed too much because, let’s be honest, it’s not a great selling point. The quicker and easier you can get your epoxy to cure the better, right? Resin curing temperature and curing time will vary depending on the mixture and manufacturer. While some systems are designed to ‘cure’ at room temperature, heat must be added for epoxies to reach optimal performance properties. Heat can be added via composite curing ovens, radiant heat, or epoxy curing blankets.

Types of Epoxy Resin Systems

There are probably several ways to categorize resin systems, but we’ll be focusing on two:

1. One-part systems vs. two part systems
2. Systems that cure at room temperature vs. those that require heat.

One-part systems vs. two part systems

While some systems are one part, most resin mixtures require two components. In one-part systems, heat is required to “kick-start” and maintain the curing process. More specifically, temperatures must be maintained around 250°F-350°F for a few hours (specific requirements vary).

Two part systems require the following elements: resin and a curing agent. Mixing the two initiates the chemical reactions necessary for curing.

Resin Curing Temperature: Room Temperature vs. Added Heat

As we’ve briefly touched on, heat requirements for epoxy curing vary from system to system. Quite often, all that’s required of two-part systems is mixing the resin and curing agent; the epoxy or composite is them able to finish curing at room temperature. However, some systems require additional heat. Again, the specific requirements of each system vary and can be obtained from the manufacturer.

Why Add Heat?

Knowing that room-temperature curing is an option, you might ask yourself “why would I want to go to the effort of adding heat during curing?” The key phrase here is “trade-off”. Adding heat usually means additional equipment and planning. However, epoxy mixtures that require heat boast the following properties:

• Chemical resistance
• Electrical insulation
• Heat resistance

Hotter is Better!

It’s important to note that all epoxy mixtures (even those that ‘cure’ at room temperature) will technically not fully cure unless heat is added. Properly adding heat to systems designed to cure at room temperature will always boost the performance of the final product. However, curing at room temperature makes more sense when increased performance isn’t needed.

Let’s take a quick look at what this looks like in practice. Specifically, let’s look at how adding heat can increase the temperature resistance of a room-temperature cured system. Temperature resistance is measured by Glass Transition Temperature (Tg). Let’s say we have a room-temperature cured composite with a Tg of 100°C (212°F). When the composite is kept at 150°C (302°F), the Tg will increase by approximately 10-15°C (5-8°F). Keeping the product at the temperature for an additional 4 hours will increase the Tg by roughly an additional 5-8°C (1-4°F)

Post-Curing

Many manufacturers use heat in a “post-cure” to achieve desired properties. This typically follows two simple steps:

1. 1. The epoxy is first left to cure at room temperature overnight. This allows the mixture to “gel” before heat is added. When heat is added to early, it can affect the viscosity. Drops in viscosity can cause the mixture to “run” and can lead to uneven texture in the final product.
   2. Heat is applied for a few hours. A good rule of thumb is to keep temperatures 50-100°C above the Tg of the epoxy. This “post-cure” boosts the epoxy’s performance without disrupting the texture or consistency.

 

 

Heat: What Are Your Options?

There are a few effective options for adding heat during the epoxy curing process. Knowing the pros and cons of each can help you determine which is best for your needs. 1

1. Curing Ovens

Composite curing ovens are a highly effective option that allow for precise and even temperature control. Additionally, ovens come in a variety of sizes; whatever needs to be cured, there’s an oven that can fit it. However, this option can be expensive to install and cannot be scaled up or down. Additionally, lack of mobility means projects must be transported to ovens for curing. 

2. Radiant Heaters

Radiant heaters are a more versatile and mobile option. They are notably less expensive than composite curing ovens and can be scaled up or down depending on the size of the project. Unfortunately, radiant heaters can cause uneven curing which leads to discoloration, bubbles, and brittle patches.

3. Heating Blankets

Heating blankets provide all the mobility and scalability of radiant heaters with significantly more precise and even temperature control. Unlike ovens, composite curing blankets allow the heat to be brought to the project (vs. transporting the project to a curing oven). This can save significant time and headache. For example, when repairs are done on wind turbine blades, rather than disassembling the turbine and transporting the blade to a curing oven, repairs can be done on the spot.

 

Powerblanket Epoxy Curing Blankets

Powerblanket Epoxy Curing Blankets utilize top-of-the-line heating technology to ensure even heat distribution throughout the curing process. Additionally, Powerblanket offers custom options; whatever your curing needs, we can help you develop a solution.

You’ll find heavy-hitting distributors like Pipeline Packaging are at the top of Powerblanket’s asset list. When it comes to getting our products to the people who really need them, companies like these are worth recognizing.

Pipeline Packaging: A Powerblanket Product Provider

A frontrunner in commercial and industrial packaging, Pipeline Packaging pushes everything from eye droppers to giant totes. Servicing an enormous range of industries, including HAZMAT, spill containment, health, beauty, food & beverage, paint, automotive, janitorial, pet and veterinarian, Pipeline has newly expanded their product line to Powerblanket heating and cooling solutions.

“We’re thrilled to expand our offering to include Powerblanket products,” says Tim Winings, VP of Marketing and Sales at Pipeline. “Our footprint inside the industrial and food markets makes this arrangement exciting for both companies.” Powerblanket affirms the sentiment.

 

Founded in 1988, Pipeline has spread to 8 states and 10 offices, and over $100M in sales. With their people-centric vision they always consider “Customer First.” Servicing countless businesses in the United States, Powerblanket is excited to work in tandem with Pipeline Packaging. With its reputable history, reach, service, and variety, Pipeline Packaging is an invaluable partner for Powerblanket heating solutions to both of our customer bases throughout the country.

Powerblanket Heating Solutions at Pipeline Packaging Include:

• Bucket Heaters
• Tote Heaters
• Barrel/Drum Heaters
• Bulk Material Warmers
• Cooling Solutions

Asphalt shingles are the most used roof covering in the U.S. because of their affordability and versatility. However, there are many issues with asphalt roofing shingles that are misattributed to wind damage (Marshall, 2010). What some would call “wind damaged shingles,” are actually results of poor installation, natural aging and weathering, roofing in cold weather, contaminated glue, and expansion and contraction due to changes in climate. Read on to find what qualifies as wind damage and what doesn’t.

Wind Damage to Shingles

If you think you have a wind damaged roof, it could be helpful to know what actual wind damage to shingles look like and how it happens. For a shingle to be wind damaged, an uplift force from the wind has to occur. This causes a pressure dissimilar between the front and back faces of the shingle. The more the shingle lifts off the roof, the more surface area is exposed between the shingle and the roof, leading to a greater uplift force and faster degradation.

As wind blows, it will cause inward and outward pressures on the walls and roof of a building. Any force, including wind, will seek the path of least resistance. This means that when wind hits the side of a house it will move up and over the roof to continue flowing. As it passes the ledge it will create a suction force on the face of the roof, similar to what occurs with an aircraft wing. This is understandable since an aircraft is able to fly due to this uplift force; granted, with a smooth metal wing. On a roof, textured shingles begin to lift because of this turbulence and can cause issues over time. If any problems of faulty manufacturing, climate, or installation occur, this is especially true.

A Note to Contractors

The highest uplift pressures on a roof are in areas of change, such as along corners, eaves, ridges, and rakes (Marshall, 2010). This means that it is particularly important to add additional anchoring in the areas of the most uplift.

Climate Effects on Shingles

We can’t blame all roofing repair on the wind: some problems stem from environmental temperatures. When shingles start lifting in a uniform, diagonal stairway pattern, they are known as “racked.” When they lift in a straight-up line like a zipper, it is known as “zippering” (go figure!). These are usually a result of climatic expanding and contracting. This is self-evident, since wind blows in all directions, and wouldn’t lift shingles in a uniform fashion. In this case, the line where they lift typically follows the way the contractor installed them. If new roof installation happens in extreme conditions of cold or heat it won’t last as long either.

Other uniform roof anomalies include cupping and clawing, where shingles curl up around all edges of the tab (cupping), or suction downward on all edges (clawing). These most likely have to do with the uneven absorption of water and not with the wind.

Natural Wear On Shingles: How Long Does a Roof Last?

One study by the University of Florida revealed that lifted shingles were more likely due to “a systematic failure of the shingle’s sealant strip” than some other external factor (Dixon, 2013). This is because the sealant strip naturally loses adhesion over time. This natural occurrence leaves the shingle partially unsealed and susceptible to the uplift force of wind and rain. Dixon et al. (2014) observed that asphalt shingles typically stay sealed for 4 to 5 years, and then begin to naturally deteriorate. The average manufacturer’s estimate for an asphalt shingle roof lifespan is about 20 years. This number obviously fluctuates depending on location and weather conditions.

Faulty installation & Human Error

The study by Dixon et al. (2014) also found that unsealed shingles can occur from poor installation. 70% of roofs studied showed errors including debris in the sealant strip, under-driven nails, and release tape that was accidentally stuck to the sealant strip from packaging mistakes. These roofs all had a distinct pattern in their damage, meaning they didn’t result from wind (Dixon, 2013). Sealant for roofing needs to be handled properly to ensure an optimal seal when installing shingles. Contamination to a shingle’s sealant strip can also happen in industrial areas where exhaust or chemical residues are abundant. This can affect a roof even more than weather conditions (2014).

If you’re trying to verify your roofing warranty, it is important to know whether the weather, contractors, or manufacturing are the culprit behind your roofing damage. Don’t let lack of knowledge keep you from having a reliable, economical, and overall good roof!

Resources

Craig R. Dixon. “The Influence of Unsealing on the Wind Resistance of Asphalt Shingles.” Journal of Wind Engineering and Industrial Aerodynamics. Vol. 130. Elsevier. 2014. pp. 30-40.

“Procedure for an Evaluation of Wind Damage to Shingles.” Prugar Consulting, Inc. Accessed October 11, 2018. http://prugarinc.com/shingles/procedure-for-an-evaluation-of-wind-damage-to-shingles/.

RCI. “Misconceptions of Wind Damage to Asphalt Composition Shingles.” RCI, Inc. June 07, 2018. Accessed October 09, 2018. http://rci-online.org/misconceptions-wind-damage-asphalt-composition-shingles/.

T.P. Marshall, S. Morrison, R. Herzog, and J. Green. “Wind Effects on Asphalt Shingles.” 29th Conference on Hurricanes and Tropical Meteorology. American Meteorological Society. 2010. Hyannis, MA. p. 11.

“What Roof Lasts the Longest?” What Roof Lasts the Longest? – Roofing Southwest. Accessed October 12, 2018. http://www.roofingsouthwest.com/blog/what-roof-lasts-the-longest.

Out of Draper, Utah, Grip6 is making a name for themselves through revolutionary, minimalist, recyclable belts. After speaking with Founder BJ Minson, it’s clear to see why. Their ingenuity in the manufacturing process and inventive design makes them Powerblanket’s winner for August’s Power Manufacturers Award.

Origin Story

Grip6 began as BJ Minson’s desire to get design experience after completing his engineering degree. He started making products for himself, including a belt that shed typical notch and buckle conventions. After giving them as gifts to friends and family, word spread quickly. As a result, he created a kickstarter project and soon had over 10,000 orders.

Initially, Grip6 wanted to outsource domestically to US manufacturers, but high prices led Minson to continue producing the belts in-shop. This was even more possible due to his engineering background, which led him to design his own production machines. Swarmed with positive feedback, people began asking, “Where’s your website? I want more.” Minson decided to take things to the next level.

The Belt

Without bulky buckles, pins, prongs, or screws, Grip6 belts redefine minimalism. They use a reinforced, anodized, aluminum buckle and a Nylon 6,6 strap. According to Grip6, “Nylon 6,6 is more rigid [than traditional Nylon 6], has better tensile strength, has superior abrasion resistance, and can withstand higher temperatures before melting.” With an almost indestructible product, Grip6 gives a lifetime guarantee (or “guaran-damn-tee”). Clearly, long-lasting quality is top priority for Grip6, along with style and function.

Unique Manufacturing

Economically-minded and future oriented, Grip6 feels strongly about local manufacturing. After four years of working with various manufacturers in the US, they were left wanting: from slower delivery, to lower product quality, they determined they could do better. With custom-created manufacturing equipment, they efficiently quadrupled their production using the same number of employees. They created better quality products at a lower cost than anyone else, producing close to what a Chinese company would turn out if they were to outsource. In addition, Chinese import tariffs don’t affect Grip6, giving them an edge on the competition.

Powerblanket appreciates Grip6’s process and philosophy as they challenge the status quo. They have taken success into their own hands. Though BJ Minson wouldn’t say so; his humility surrounding the company’s success is heartfelt.

It probably goes without saying, but a 100 lb propane tank is designed to hold 100 pounds of propane. Because propane is stored and delivered as a liquid, it can be helpful to know what this looks like in terms of gallons.  While there’s a fairly simple answer, there are a few different factors that can affect how many gallons are in a 100 pound propane tank.

The Simple Answer

To put it simply, there are 0.236 gallons per pound of propane (at 60°F).

So, 0.236 gallons x 100 pounds = 23.6 gallons

A 100 lb tanks contains 23.6 gallons

Other Factors

Additional factors don’t add a significant difference to the total volume of 100 pounds of propane, but are interesting to consider.

Water Capacity

Each gas cylinder will have a water capacity number stamped on the collar (it will be something like WC 240). This is the total mass of liquid, stated in pounds, that a cylinder could hold if filled entirely with water.

However, when filled with propane, gas cylinders can only be filled up to 42% of the water capacity (this is to accommodate for the fluctuations in tank pressure as temperatures change)

For this example, 240 (water capacity) x 0.42 (max. capacity)= 100.8 pounds

So our tank can actually hold a maximum of 100.8 lb.

As stated above, we know that each pound of propane is 0.236 gallons.

0.236 gallons x 100.8 pounds = 23.789 gallons

Again, this doesn’t make a huge difference, but is still a factor to consider.

How Temperature Affects Tank Pressure

The examples above assume an ambient temperature of 60°F. At this temp, a “full” tank would produce a reading of about 40% on a tank gauge. When temperatures drop, however, that reading will go down. This is not because there is less usable propane in the tank, the propane has just become more dense or compact and the volume has decreased. The reverse happens as temperatures rise; the tank gauge reading will go up, but it’s still the same weight of propane in the tank– the molecules have just become more spread out.

What Happens When Tanks Get Cold?

While there is still the same usable amount of propane in a cold tank, the lower pressure can cause tanks to stop working properly. Keeping tank pressure up may require more frequent refills; even when there is still “usable” propane in the tank, the volume is not high enough and additional propane must be added to bring tank pressure back up.

Heated propane tank wraps can keep you from having to make time consuming and expensive refills by raising your tank temperature and, consequently, your tank pressure. If you frequently use propane during cold weather months, they’re definitely worth checking out! (Give us a call at 888.316.6324 if you have any questions!)

If you participate in projects that require digging or pouring concrete during cold weather, you’ve probably used or considered using  ground heaters. Ground heaters can extend working seasons into the winter and make tasks otherwise complicated by low temps a bit easier. They can be used to thaw frozen ground, cure concrete, and even to warm up surrounding air temperatures. How ground heaters work depends on which type of ground heater you’re using; the most common are hydronic heaters and heated blankets. Hydronic heaters work by heating a propylene glycol mixture and pumping it through long loops of hose that are placed over the area to be heated. Heated blankets work via heating elements that run through the blanket and distribute heat over the surface of the blanket.

Why Use Ground Heaters?

As mentioned earlier, there are a few good reasons to look into using a ground heater.

1. Thaw Frozen Ground

Even with power tools, digging through frozen ground is unnecessarily time consuming and labor intensive (and without power tools, it’s pretty much impossible). Not to mention, most specifications prevent teams from placing concrete on frozen ground. Without ground heaters, that could mean pushing pause on all concrete projects for months at a time! Using a heater will make digging a (relative) breeze and keep operations running all winter long.

2. Cure Concrete

Concrete curing involves a chemical reaction that requires fairly specific temperatures. When temperatures aren’t high enough (above 40-50°F), the necessary chemical reactions will slow down and the concrete can essentially stop curing.

According to the American Concrete Institute (ACI), when concrete is poured at or below 42°F, there must be heat protection for an adequate cure.

Ground heaters can keep concrete at ideal temperatures during the entire curing process and help achieve max cure strength.

How do Ground Heaters Work?

Hydronic Heaters

Hydronic heaters are portable and can be rented out for projects or bought (a better option if you’ll be using a heater frequently). They use a propylene glycol mixture to heat large areas of ground. Here’s how they work:

1. A boiler heats the propylene glycol mixture (this mixture effectively conducts heat).
2. The heated mixture is pumped through a length of hose that is laid in loops over the area to be heated.
3. A vapor barrier is used to cover the hoses and to keep moisture from escaping.
4. Typically, Insulated blankets are also laid over the vapor barrier.

Heated Blankets

Heated blankets offer all the portability and convenience of hydronic heaters and then some — they take less time to install and remove and, because they take up less space, are easier to transport.

Instead of long loops of hose and a propylene glycol mix, heated blankets use electric heating elements that run through the blanket and heat the ground surface.

1. The blanket is spread out over the area to be heated and plugged in.
2. Electricity powers the heating elements that run through the blanket.
3. Heated blankets typically include an insulating top layer that traps heat and keeps the blanket working even more efficiently.

Powerblanket provides ground heating blankets including ground thawing blankets and concrete curing blankets. If you’re interested in these heating options, please give us a call at 888.316.6324.  We’d be happy to answer any questions!