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A diesel engine is an internal combustion engine that uses compression ignition to ignite the fuel as it is injected into the engine.
DIESEL ENGINES VS. GASOLINE ENGINES
It is helpful to an understanding of how diesel engines work to compare the differences between a diesel engine and a gasoline engine. The main differences between a gasoline engine and a diesel engine are:
A gasoline engine takes a mixture of gas and air, compresses it, and ignites the mixture with a spark. A diesel engine takes air, compresses it, and then injects fuel into the compressed air. The heat of the compressed air ignites the fuel spontaneously. A diesel engine does not contain a spark plug.
A gasoline engine compresses at a ratio of 8:1 to 12:1, while a diesel engine compresses at a ratio of 14:1 to as high as 25:1. The higher compression ratio of the diesel engine leads to better efficiency.
Gasoline engines generally use either carburetion, in which the air and fuel are mixed long before the air enters the cylinder, or port fuel injection, in which the fuel is injected just prior to the intake stroke (outside the cylinder). In a gasoline engine, therefore, all of the fuel is loaded into the cylinder during the intake stroke and then compressed. The compression of the fuel/air mixture limits the compression ratio of the engine - if it compresses the air too much, the fuel/air mixture spontaneously ignites and causes knocking. Diesel engines use direct fuel injection i.e. diesel fuel is injected directly into the cylinder. A diesel engine compresses only air, so the compression ratio can be much higher. The higher the compression ratio, the more power generated.
Diesel fuel injectors, unlike gasoline injectors, must be able to withstand the temperature and pressure inside the cylinder and still deliver the fuel in a fine mist. To ensure that the mist is evenly distributed throughout the cylinder, some diesel engines are equipped with special induction valves or pre-combustion chambers. Newer diesel engines are equipped with high-pressure common rail fuel systems. See Diesel Fuel System Basics for more information on this type of fuel system.
Diesel engines may be equipped with a glow plug. When a diesel engine is cold, the compression process may not raise the air temperature high enough to ignite the fuel. The glow plug is an electrically heated wire that facilitates fuel ignition when the engine is cold. Glow plugs are typically found on small diesel engines. Gasoline engines do not require glow plugs as they do not rely on spontaneous combustion.
This post will introduce the working principle and components of diesel engine cooling system in detail. It is worth taking a few time to read it.
Diesel engines are heat-generating sources. They are cooled by circulating a water-based coolant through a water jacket, which is part of the engine. The coolant is circulated through pipes to the radiator to remove the heat added to the coolant by the engine and then back to the engine.
The typically components of the cooling system are:
1. Water pumps
2. Heat removing device (radiator or heat exchanger)
3. Coolant expansion tanks (surge tanks)
4. Temperature control valves
5. Temperature and pressure switches and indicators
6. Pipes
Please note that the engine water cooling systems are either closed or open systems. Closed system is designed to use the same coolant with a closed circuit, preventing the losses of the coolant. While the open system uses the coolant once and discharges it or recirculates the coolant through systems, which cool the coolant by evaporation. Most of the stationary diesel engines use closed systems to control the chemistry of the coolant to prevent fouling of heat transfer surfaces and to closely control the temperatures.
In general, diesel generator cooling system has the following functions:
1. Cooling the engine cylinders via water jacket
2. Cooling the lube oil via lube oil cooler
3. Cooling combustion air via after cooler on turbo-charged engines
Although there are various types of pumps used in diesel engine cooling systems, two pumps are often used for two circuits systems. One is Engine driven pump, the other is electrical driven pump (It is used to circulate the coolant to keep the engine warm when the engine is not running.)
A high-powered diesel engine is very hard on the coolant. Additive-depleted coolant will not only allow liner cavitation but cause premature failure of the head gaskets, radiator, water pump, freeze plugs, heater core and thermostat.
Maintenance
Many diesel engines issues are caused by lacking proper maintenance.
First, check the additive level should be a part of maintenance schedule. Since the diesel engines have such a large liquid capacity, cooling system test strips are offered to check the level of additives. If the level is low, a bottle of SCA can be mixed in to renew the coolant without a complete change.
Second, when you are going to buy coolant, make sure it is compatible with a diesel engine, not automotive or light-truck use, which means gasoline powered.
Want to know about which brand of diesel generator is better, email me at: sales@dieselgeneratortech.com
Understanding The Basics Of Diesel Fuel SystemsOil derivatives are the dominant source of fuel for transportation systems. You have probably seen news coverage of “hydrogen” and “electric” powered vehicles, but these sources are still very much in their infancy. Gasoline is the primary fuel source for cars, trucks, and other passenger vehicles, but regular gasoline systems are not the only systems available. Diesel systems are the preferred types for commercial vehicles, cargo ships, and trains.
In theory, gasoline and diesel fuel systems are remarkably similar. They are both internal combustion engines and they both convert chemical reactions into mechanical energy. Both systems use a series of pistons to compress fuel and air before igniting it. The difference between the two systems is how energy is created within them.
In a gasoline engine, gas and air are mixed then compressed and ignited with sparks from the spark plug. In a diesel engine, air is compressed and then the gasoline is introduced. When the air is compressed, it heats up and the compressed air ignites the gas.
The differences between gasoline and diesel fuel systems do not stop at the combustion methods. Both systems also use entirely different fuels. Diesel is heavier and oilier than gasoline, so it evaporates more slowly. Additionally, diesel emits fewer compounds that are associated with global warming, like CO2 and methane. However, diesel fuel does emit more nitrogen compounds, which is associated with acid rain and smog.
Since diesel engines mix in the fuel after the air is compressed, they are able to exercise more control over how much is utilized. In fact, these engines are considered one of the most fuel-efficient transportation systems. This is why vehicles with diesel systems dominate the commercial and freight industries.
The components of diesel fuel systemsA basic diesel fuel system is made up of five essential components. These are the tank, the fuel transfer pump, filters, the injection pump, and the injection nozzles.
The fuel tanks in diesel systems are typically crafted from aluminum alloys or sheet metal. The tanks are designed to contain the diesel fuel and survive its long-term corrosive effects.
The transfer pump sucks the diesel fuel out of the tank to move it into the injection pump. The transfer pump is generally located outside of the fuel tank or on the rear of the injection pump. In a few situations, transfer pumps are also located within the tank.
Diesel, like gasoline, is always mixed with contaminants that can damage the combustion system. The fact that diesel is refined, stored, transported on trucks, then stored again at gasoline stations ensures that contaminants will enter the fuel. To address these concerns, filters are placed between the transfer pump and injection system. The filter removes dirt and other contaminants that could easily damage the fuel injection system.
The injection pump compresses the fuel in preparation for injection. Injection nozzles spray diesel into the combustion chamber of the cylinders. The combustion chamber enables the car to convert the miniature combustions (explosions) into mechanical energy that turns the vehicle’s wheels.
At Kendrick Oil, we distribute a wide variety of wholesale fuels, including diesel and regular gasoline. If your business is in need of wholesale fuel or if you want to learn more about any of our products and services, give us a call at (800) 299-3991. You can also Contact Us by email for details. We have locations in Texas, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
Charge Air CoolingIn modern engines, it is also important to ensure the temperature of the charge does not become excessive. In modern boosted engines, this is a real possibility. Excessive temperatures can lead to reduced charge density and higher combustion temperatures which can affect torque, power and emissions.
While turbochargers and superchargers increase charge air density, they also increase the temperature of the air in the intake manifold. This arrangement with intake air compression with no subsequent cooling was suitable for applications such as North American heavy-duty diesel engines until the 1990s. As emission standards became increasingly stringent, additional increases in charge air density were needed. While this could be achieved through compression to higher pressures, this would require more expensive compression equipment and would further increase cycle temperatures. On the other hand, if intake manifold temperature could be reduced, the intake density could be further increased and more air could be supplied to the engine without necessarily increasing the intake manifold pressure. While this would require a compressor capable of higher flow, the cost would be considerably less than a compressor that was also capable of higher pressures. Cooling the air with a heat exchanger as it leaves the compressor is a common way to achieve this charge air cooling. Such a heat exchanger is referred to as a charge air cooler (CAC), intercooler or aftercooler (Figure 1). These terms are commonly used interchangeably. The term intercooler refers to the fact that this heat exchanger performs its task in between two stages of compression, i.e., between compression in the compressor and compression in the cylinder of the engine. The term aftercooler refers to the charge air being cooled after being compressed in the compressor. Increasing demand for improvements in fuel economy and exhaust emissions has made the charge air cooler an important component of most modern turbocharged engines.
Piston rings seal the combustion chamber. They are set with precision so as to apply the correct pressure on the cylinder wall or liner, which ensures there is a consistent film of oil across the cylinder's working surfaces. This provides sufficient lubrication and protects against wear.
Piston rings from Perkins come as three rings. They are the top compression ring, then the intermediate compression ring and finally the oil control ring. These parts are relatively small in size but play a large role in the main cylinder block of your engine.
Their function is to seal off gases generated in the internal combustion process, help with transferring heat to the cylinder wall and then to both lubricate and scrape down oil from it. Getting the quantities of oil right is vital. Too much oil will cause it to burn off during combustion potentially making your engine produce blue smoke, too little will cause the engine ultimately to seize.
The primary role of the top compression ring is to seal off the majority of the combustion gases to ensure you get the maximum power output from your engine. Any failure or weakening of the piston ring in this area means your engine is working less efficiently than it should.
The bottom ring is responsible for most of the oil control, helping to make sure the right amount of oil is used to lubricate the working surfaces of the cylinder, while the intermediate ring helps with both functions, playing a finishing role in the combustion sealing as well as the downward oil scraping.
The result of these three rings working in harmony is sufficient lubrication within the cylinder bore, ensuring that no undue wear occurs at any time.
How Long Do Piston Rings Last?Piston rings are a vital engine component since they seal the gap between the piston and the cylinder walls. High quality and long lasting piston rings are a must for all types of engines.
So, how long do piston rings usually last? Piston rings are typically built to last as long as the engine. As a result, piston rings usually last somewhere between 50,000 miles to 250,000 miles depending on their maintenance.
On an average, the life expectancy of piston rings is around 100,000 miles. One has to replace piston rings if they are damaged or worn out.
Life Expectancy Of Piston Rings
Piston rings are typically built to last as long as the engine. Since motorcycle engines last somewhere between 50,000 miles to 250,000 miles, piston rings should last around the same lifetime as well. On an average, piston rings should last around 100,000 miles.
Again, this is a highly subjective number depending on how good your maintenance is, the piston rings quality, and several external factors including engine oil levels, riding conditions (dusty regions are bad), etc.
If the piston rings are worn out or get damaged at a faster rate, then you might have to replace the piston rings far far earlier than their expected lifetime.
When Should You Replace Piston Ring
Firstly, if your engine has run more than 100,000 miles, then probably it is time for replacing the piston rings. But, do not go to all the lengths of removing the engine cylinder and taking the piston just to replace the piston rings if you are not facing any issues with the engine.
Rather, let things continue as long as there are no problems occuring.
However, as soon as you face a problem and have to repair an engine component, it is best practice to inspect piston rings and replace them if the engine has run more than 100,000 miles.
This is because if you are reworking on an engine component, its best to inspect all parts since you don’t want to go back to it again after sometime. Any work on the engine components like piston, piston rings, crankcase components, cylinder – are all cumbersome, time consuming and most of all, a costly affair.
Other times when you need to replace piston rings are when these rings are damaged or worn out.
Bad piston rings will cause more damage to both the cylinder walls as well as the engine itself. It’s better to replace the bad piston rings early rather than wait for it to damage other components.
Also, you cannot repair piston rings. Any sign of damage, just replace it. There is no easy way out here.
Replacement Cost Of Piston RingsWhile piston rings cost around $50 to $200, replacement cost of piston rings is more than $2000.
This is because replacing piston rings is a laborious task. Although piston rings themselves doesn’t cost much themselves, the labor charges will be too high since piston rings replacement means taking out the engine cylinder head, removing piston from the engine, and then replacing the rings.
Typically, all this process will take around 10 hours altogether. As a result, the labor cost is far too high and costs so much for a simple piston rings replacement.
How Do I Know If My Piston Rings Are Bad
If the piston rings are damaged or worn out, there is no direct method to determine it. However, there are several symptoms which combined together will indicate that the piston rings have gone bad and should be replaced immediately.
First and foremost sign of bad piston rings is if you are seeing white or gray smoke coming out of the exhaust. White smoke is a clear indication that the engine oil is getting burnt in the combustion chamber. And the oil can only enter the combustion chamber if the piston rings are not sealing the piston and cylinder correctly.
In the same vein, if the engine is being consumed excessively and you are constantly seeing low engine oil levels despite several top ups, it is mostly likely because the piston rings are bad and are allowing the oil to moves into the combustion chamber to get burnt.
Apart from the indications from oil, you can also suspect bad piston rings from the engine. If the engine power and acceleration is consistently low, then the culprit is either the inlet and exhaust ports or the piston rings.
To pin point the culprit, you can test the engine compression. If the engine compression is considerably lower, then it is without a doubt certain that the piston rings are damaged and are not working properly. Here is a detailed post on on
To pin point the culprit, you can test the engine compression. If the engine compression is considerably lower, then it is without a doubt certain that the piston rings are damaged and are not working properly. Here is a detailed post on on signs of bad piston rings for more details.
One last sign of bad piston rings is piston slapping. If you hear piston slapping noise across the inner cylinder walls, then the piston rings are worn out and the gap between the piston and the cylinder walls have widened out.
Reasons for Cylinder Liner Wear and Ways to Measure itAll types of ship machines and parts get worn out due to continuous usage and working. Proper maintenance and routine checks are necessary to ensure that the machines work for a longer time. In this article, we will have a look at various reasons that lead to cylinder liner wear and how it can be minimised.
Reasons for Cylinder Liner Wear
The wear in the cylinder liner is mainly because of following reasons:-
1) Due to friction.
2) Due to corrosion.
3) Abrasion
4) Scuffing or Adhesion
Frictional Wear:
Whenever two surfaces slide over each other, friction is produced which leads to wearing down of both the surfaces. In liner wear, the surfaces are piston rings sliding over the cylinder liner. The frictional wear depends upon various factors like speed of movement between the surfaces, material involved, temperature, the load on engine, pressure, maintenance, lubrication, and combustion efficiency.
Corrosion:
The cylinder liner wear due to corrosion is caused due to these reasons:
– Burning of heavy fuel oil in the combustion space:
This happens because heavy fuel oil contains high sulfur content. During combustion, acids are formed inside the space which should be neutralised by cylinder oil which is alkaline in nature. The production of acids will be more if sulfur content is more, leading to the formation of sulphuric acid. Sulphuric acid is formed due to absorption of the condensate or moisture present inside the combustion space.
– Lower combustion chamber temperature because of reduced service load:
As the low load operation of the marine engine is gaining popularity, it also leads to low temperature in the combustion chamber. If the cylinder oil quantity is not matched properly with the load, it may lead to corrosion of liner.
Sulphuric acid corrosion is found more in the lower part of the liner as the temperature of jacket water is very low. Corrosion due to sulfur will be high due to the presence of water in fuel and condensate in the air. This wear is generally seen between the quills. The wear near the quills enlarges and gives a characteristic of the clover leaf shape to the wear pattern. This phenomenon is called clover leafing.
How the piston worksWhen the engine is running, the piston moves up and down in the cylinder. When the piston reaches the turning point, it slows down and then accelerates again suddenly. This produces inertia forces that act on the piston. When considered together with the forces generated by the gas pressure, this forms the piston force, which is transferred to the connecting rod and crankshaft. Connecting rods are only perfectly vertical at the upper and lower turning points. The angle of the connecting rod presses the piston against the side of the cylinder wall. The amount and direction of this force constantly change during the combustion cycle, as they depend on the piston force and the angle between the piston crown and connecting rod axis. Pistons are equipped with piston rings. They seal the combustion and working chamber in relation to the crankcase. They also remove the oil from the cylinder walls, thus controlling the oil consumption. Piston rings also discharge the heat absorbed by the piston during combustion to the cooled running surface of the cylinder liner.Many of our kits include reagent bottles for steeping and storing bitters. This type of bottle has been used to store chemicals for at least 150 years, though the idea for the ground glass stopper dates back to the late 1700s. The combination of glass bottle and stopper makes the container very resistant to chemical corrosion with a few exceptions. Very strong alkali should not be stored in these bottles because the alkali can cause the stopper to corrode and fuse to the neck of the bottle. Also, hydrofluoric acid should never be stored in glass containers because it will actually dissolve the glass.
Reagent bottles that have been used in a laboratory or otherwise used to store chemicals should not be used for storing food or drinks. The bottles in our kits are always brand new but they may contain a white residue from the process of grinding the neck and stopper so they should always be washed before use.
Bottles typically come in two colors: clear and amber. Clear bottles are ideal for displaying items and amber bottles protect the contents from light. Sizes range from 30 ml (1 ounce) up to 20000 ml (about 5 gallons) and the larger ones may be used to store preserved biological specimens in the lab. The large ones also make excellent terrariums or miniature aquariums.
Because glass expands and contracts with changes in temperature, care must be taken when reagent bottles are heated and cooled. When a reagent bottle is heated, the neck expands, allowing the tapered stopper to drop farther into the bottle. When the bottle is then cooled, the neck shrinks around the stopper, locking it in place. The rough surface of the neck and stopper prevents the stopper from sliding up as the neck shrinks. With a large enough change in temperature, the neck of the bottle can actually crack if it shrinks too tight around the stopper. Additionally, if hot liquid is poured into the bottle, the liquid will form an air-tight seal between the stopper and bottle, and as the liquid and steam in the bottle cool and shrink, the stopper will be pulled down into the bottle neck. This is the same principle that makes the center of a canning jar lid pop down until the seal is released.
Things You Should Know Before Using BottlesWhen pouring hot liquids into a reagent bottle or placing the bottle in the refrigerator, the lid should be propped open with a toothpick or other small object until the liquid and bottle are cool. Another way to seal the bottle while preventing the lid from sticking is to place a sheet of plastic wrap loosely over the bottle neck before pushing the stopper down.
If the lid of your bottle does get stuck, there are ways to rescue it without breaking it. (You may want to wear leather gloves while trying to remove a stuck stopper in case the bottle or stopper breaks.) Stuck stoppers often cause small chips around the mouth of the bottle. Use a small piece of fine grit wet sandpaper to smooth the edges of the chips.
Grasp the bottle in both hands with your fingers around the bottle and your thumbs against the edge of the stopper. Push against the edge of the stopper. Rotate the bottle and try again until you feel a small pop. It may take several rotations and "pops" before the lid is loose enough to remove.
If the first step didn't work, try running the bottle under warm water while keeping the lid dry. The greater the temperature difference between the bottle and stopper, the more likely the stopper will come loose. Once the bottle is warm, dry it and repeat the steps above.
If that still doesn't work, place a slightly crumpled piece of foil on a rack in the middle of an oven. The foil should be about 1.5 times the height of the bottle or larger. Lay the bottle on its side on the foil with enough extra foil under the top of the bottle to keep the lid from hitting the oven rack if it falls out. Heat the bottle gently by starting at 250°. Increase the temperature by 10-20° every 15 minutes until the stopper loosens. You can pull the bottle out and try step one wearing heat-resistant gloves but the lid should eventually get loose enough to fall out on its own.
If all of that fails, let the bottle slowly cool to room temperature. Wearing a heat-resistant glove and safety glasses, hold the bottle upside down over a folded towel, and use a torch to heat the neck of the bottle. The lid should eventually fall out onto the towel. This rapid heating can cause the bottle to crack so use caution.
If none of those things work and you absolutely must get the contents out of the bottle, use a chisel and hammer to gently chip away the neck of the bottle around the stopper. If the contents you are rescuing are your bitters, filter them thoroughly to remove any glass slivers.
Reagent bottles are labeled using a system which includes a "hybrid" hazard labeling system.
When reagents arrive from the manufacturer, the labels are intended to communicate the hazards and precautions of handling a particular chemical to the researchers and professionals who will be using the chemical. Much of this information is also included in compliance with HCS legislation, to protect the manufacturer from liability for any accidents which occur during handling of the chemical.
Unfortunately for students in undergraduate-level teaching labs, this information carries little meaning, or is simply not interpreted correctly because the average undergrad hasn't had the training and education to fully understand the information presented. Therefore the CS uses a simpler labeling system for the reagent bottles used by the students in the teaching labs. This system is a "hybrid" because it presents important information in a simpler and clearer format which is easy to understand, and also incorporates elements of both the NFPA and HMIS hazard labeling systems.
The label consists of several parts:
Chemical name: Lists the name of the chemical. Many chemicals have several synonyms due to various systems of nomenclature. This can get a little confusing, so the most commonly-used name (according to the texts used for the teaching labs, but more often the name recommended by the IUPAC nomenclature system) will appear here.
Chemical synonyms: Lists other names of the chemical, if there are any. For instance, "rock salt" would be listed as a synonym of the chemical "sodium chloride."
Hazard rating: The hazard rating of the chemical. These ratings are usually published by the NFPA as Standards (NFPA 49 and 325, for example). If a chemical has no published NFPA rating, then HMIS/HMIG ratings are used instead, based on manufacturer information. A blank hazard rating on a chemical does not mean the chemical is harmless! On the contrary; it means that the chemical has not been rated by the NFPA or is not contained in any other published source of hazard ratings. Chemicals with blank hazard ratings should be treated as dangerous. Reagents which are not pure chemicals (for instance, aqueous salt solutions) will not include a hazard rating diamond on their labels.
Specific hazards: Based on the hazard rating, words appearing here draw your attention to specific hazards of the chemical or reagent. CORROSIVE! or POISON! will appear if the health (blue) rating is 3 or greater. FLAMMABLE! will appear if the flammability (red) rating is 3 or greater. EXPLOSIVE! or EXTREMELY REACTIVE! will appear if the reactivity (yellow) rating is 3 or greater, and WATER-REACTIVE! will appear if the chemical or reagent is water-reactive. In cases where the hazard rating is unknown, specific hazards may still be known and will be identified.
Laboratory bottles and jars
Laboratory bottles and jars hold and store chemicals in a variety of different types of laboratories. They come in a wide range of shapes and sizes for various applications, and can be made of glass or plastic.
Types of Bottles and Jars
The chart below lists the different types and shapes of bottles and jars as well as a description and their application.
Bottle Type/ShapeDescriptionNarrow MouthNarrow-mouth bottles feature a smaller opening that is designed for pouring liquids and can be used for storing or shipping liquids.Wide MouthWide-mouth bottles feature a larger opening for easy filling of various types of liquids and solids.SamplingSampling bottles and jars have straight sides and wide mouths for easy filling and removal of samples. Environmental sampling jars can resist breakage, making them good for collecting, transporting and storing of samples for later analysis.SquareSquare bottles can be easily packed next to each other and allow for more bottles to be stored on shelves or cabinets.WashWash bottles shoot a jet of water out of a spout on the side of the bottle. Use them to rinse chemicals and materials from other labware. Some wash bottles have a chemical name and formula printed on them to help prevent cross contamination with other chemicals.Clear vs. Amber Bottles and Jars
While clear plastic and glass bottles and jars provide maximum transparency of their contents, amber bottles and jars protect light-sensitive products from UV rays that could alter their contents. Amber bottles and jars come in a variety of sizes and materials.
Glass Bottles and Jars
Below are the two most common types of glass used for bottles and jars, their application and temperature range. Type I Borosilicate glass contains at least 5% boric oxide making it more temperature and chemical resistant than Type III Soda Lime Glass.
Both types of glass bottles and jars can be safety coated with a specialized plastic called plastisol that fits tightly to the glass bottle when cooled to provide protection from injuries and leaks should the bottle or jar break.
MaterialApplicationTemperature RangeType I BorosilicateWithstands harsher chemical and thermal conditions than bottles made of soda lime. Bottles and jars made from this glass can go from freezing to hot temperatures or vice versa without breaking.–70°C to 230°CType III Soda LimeOffers some chemical resistance and a smooth surface for easy cleaning. Use for dry powers, buffers or low-heat applications.0°C to 100°CWhat are the Properties of Amber Glass Bottles for Cosmetics?When you're trying to decide on the right kind of packaging and bottles for your product, it's important to know exactly what you’re getting, and what to expect. With so many options and varieties to choose from, knowing the type of cosmetic bottle that will fit your needs (and the needs of your customers) is crucial.
Amber bottles have seen an increase in popularity in recent years a more minimalistic/ natural approach is trending cosmetics, with consumers looking to decrease their carbon footprint and develop a more sustainable lifestyle.
So, what can you expect from amber bottles? Let’s answer a few common questions so you can make a more informed decision on whether you should use them for your product(s).
The roofing industry is full of different names and terms that are hard to understand as a homeowner. This can be confusing and often frustrating.
Especially when different roofing contractors use different terms to mean the same thing. This brings us to a commonly asked question, “Are composition shingles and asphalt shingles the same thing?”
For over 30 years, the team at Bill Ragan Roofing has helped homeowners understand the lingo, terminology, and other aspects of the roofing industry. Now we'll be doing the same thing for you.
To start this article off, we'll clarify if composition shingles and asphalt shingles are the same. After that, we'll give you 3 things that every homeowner needs to know about a composition shingle roof.
Are composition shingles and asphalt shingles the same thing?
Yes, composition shingles and asphalt shingles are the same thing. It's simply just another term the roofing industry uses for asphalt shingles.
The term “composition” comes from the fact that asphalt shingles are a composite of man-made materials. These materials consist of fiberglass, tar, and granules put on a fiberglass mat to make a shingle.
Insurance companies also call them composition shingles on claims for roof damage. So, if you see “composition” on your insurance claim, there's no reason to panic.
At the end of the day, you might hear different roofing contractors use one or the other. But the majority of the roofing industry uses asphalt shingles.
Things to know about composition (asphalt) shinglesNow you know that composition shingles and asphalt shingles are the same thing. After learning this, you're ready to learn the 3 main things every homeowner needs to know about composition shingles.
1. The 3 types of composition shingles
There are 3 types of composition (asphalt) shingles: 3-tab, architectural (dimensional or laminate), and luxury (shake look or slate look). All 3 shingles have different looks to fit the style you're looking for and your budget.
3-tab shingles lay flat and get their name from the 3 tabs on each shingle strip.
Architectural (dimensional) shingles have a random pattern and shadow lines to give your roof more dimension. Some even simulate the look of a wood shake roof.
Luxury (shake roof and slate roof) shingles are larger and thicker than the other shingles. Most luxury shingles are designed to look like slate tiles, hence the name slate look.
3-tab shingles used to dominate the roofing industry, but now architectural shingles are the most common type installed on roofs today. Luxury shingles are as heavily marketed as architectural shingles, but they're around double the price.
No matter your budget or the look you want, you'll be able to find an asphalt shingle that fits your needs.
2. The materials and components that make up a composition shingle roof
While choosing which shingle you want is the fun part; your composition roof system is much more than the shingles you see from the street. It's a combination of key roofing components and materials that come together to form a complete roof system.
These other roofing materials and components are just as important as the composition shingles themselves.
The main materials and components that make up a composition roof are:
Roof decking
Roof flashing
Underlayment
Drip edge
Ice and water shield
Shingles
Ridge capping
Roof vents
Pipe boots
Flashing
These materials come together to make a complete roof system that protects you and your family. To learn more about the functions of each roofing component and material, click on the hyperlinks attached to the materials or check out the 9 materials included in your roof replacement.
3. The lifespan of composition shingle roof
A composition roof's lifespan is the number of leak-free years you get out of it. Remember the 3 types of composition shingles we discussed earlier? Well, each comes with a specified lifespan from the manufacturer.
3-tab shingles can last up to 25 years and live the shortest of the three types of composition shingles. On the other hand, both architectural and luxury shingles have a lifespan of around 30 years.
But the luxury style is thicker and has the possibility to go over 30 years and up to 50 under the right conditions. As long as the composition shingles are properly installed and your attic is adequately ventilated, they'll get really close to the lifespans above.
However, other factors impact how long a composition roof ultimately lasts.
How much does a composition (asphalt) shingle roof cost?Now you know 3 things every homeowner needs to know about a composition roof. However, there's still one more crucial thing you need to learn.
This, of course, is how much a composition shingle roof costs. The problem is, the roofing industry avoids talking about pricing or anything else relating to cost.
But here at Bill Ragan Roofing, we do things differently. That's why we wrote another article that gives you the cost of a composition (asphalt) roof and the factors that impact the price of a replacement.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has provided homeowners in Nashville and surrounding areas with high-quality asphalt roofing services since 1990. Whether you need repairs or a full roof replacement, you can count on our workmanship backed by a lifetime warranty to take care of your roof for decades to come.
To learn what you can expect to pay for a composition roof replacement, check out How Much a New Asphalt Roof Costs: Pricing, Factors & Considerations.
What Are Laminated Shingles?You've just gotten off the phone with another Marietta roofing contractor and he only seemed interested in installing laminated shingles on your roof. He's told you that they are his most popular seller, but does that mean they are the best shingle for your roof? Are laminated shingles really that great, or is it just sales hype?
3-TAB AND LAMINATED SHINGLES – WHAT A MARIETTA ROOFING COMPANY KNOWS ABOUT HOW THEY ARE MADE
The difference between laminated and 3-tab shingles is really quite simple. They are both made from the same basic components, but one just uses more of them.
The laminated shingle is essentially a beefed-up version of a 3-tab shingle, so it makes some sense to discuss the simpler 3-tab shingle, first.
Twenty or so years ago, 3-tab shingles were used almost exclusively to cover residential roofs. Today's 3-tab shingle has not changed much, in terms of basic construction and size.
A 1-ft. tall X 3-ft. wide shingle slab is cut with slots at one end to create three tabs, each about 5-in. tall X 12-in. wide. What results is the well-known and widely used “3-tab shingle.”
The shingles are overlapped and nailed in place during installation. After a roof is finished the tabs are the only visible part of each shingle. Those unfamiliar with roofing often assume each tab is an individual shingle.
Of course, now you know what every professional Marietta roofing contractor knows. Each visible “shingle” is, in fact, one of the tabs in a 3-tab shingle.
As suggested earlier, laminated shingles are actually an enhanced, stronger version of a standard 3-tab shingle. Unlike a 3-tab shingle, a laminated shingle has an extra layer under its lower half. This gives the tabs on a laminated shingle a thickness that is twice as deep as it would be otherwise. But why is this thickness necessary?
The primary goal of a laminated shingle is to provide a more natural and deeper look than that offered by a conventional 3-tab shingle. That is why laminated shingles are sometimes called architectural shingles.
A laminated shingle creates depth by featuring tabs of varying widths that are separated by large, randomly spaced gaps. The large spaces between the cut tabs highlights the thickness of the tabs, creating a wonderful, visually appealing effect of depth.
Some laminated shingles employ different shades, tones and even contrasting colors to create an even more distinctive, yet natural appearance.
3-Tab And Laminated Shingles – A Performance Comparison That Every Marietta Roofing Contractor Understands
The next questions to ask is, how does the extra material used in a laminated shingle translate into performance?
By virtue of their heavier construction, laminated shingles are able to last longer than 3-tab shingles. With more protective asphalt, granules and fiberglass per square foot, laminated shingles can resist sun, heat, impact and water damage more effectively and for a longer time than 3-tab shingles can.
This is reflected, in general, by longer warranty times and higher wind ratings for laminated shingles.
A side-by-side comparison of 3-tab and laminated shingles is presented below. Note that the warranty information provided is generic in nature and provided for reference, only. You should confirm product specific shingle warranty details with your Marietta roofing contractor before you make any purchasing decisions.
How Long Can You Expect Your Asphalt Roof to Last?When investing in a new roof, you're expecting to get as many years out of it as possible. This is especially true for an asphalt roof.
One of the most crucial questions customers ask is how long their asphalt roof will last. While a roofing contractor can say 25 or 30 years, you're probably wondering if it'll actually last that long.
Luckily, we're here to help you understand the lifespan of your asphalt roof.
The team at Bill Ragan Roofing has been installing asphalt roofs in the Nashville area since 1990. We know what it takes to maximize the life of your roof with our workmanship and attention to detail.
The truth is, you should get pretty close to the manufacturer's lifespan of your roofing materials. But there are a number of factors that ultimately determine how much life you'll get out of your asphalt roof.
By the end of this article, you'll know how long your asphalt roof should last and the factors that affect its lifespan. And to help save time and make your research a little easier, grab the Asphalt Roof Replacement Cheat Sheet at the very end.
How long will your asphalt roof last?
There are three types of asphalt shingles, 3-tab, dimensional, and luxury. But for this article, we're going to use the two most common asphalt shingles, 3-tab and dimensional, as examples.
3-tab shingles generally come with a 25-year manufacturer warranty. Dimensional shingles come with a 30-year manufacturer warranty.
Vented properly and installed correctly, you should get around 80-85% of the life span out of an asphalt roof. That means you can expect to get about 20-22 years out of your 3-tab shingle roof and 25-28 years out of your dimensional shingles.
Whether putting food in the refrigerator, the freezer, or the cupboard, you have plenty of opportunities to prevent foodborne illnesses.
The goal is to keep yourself and others from being sickened by microorganisms such as Salmonella, E. coli O157:H7, and C. botulinum, which causes botulism. Keeping foods chilled at proper temperatures is one of the best ways to prevent or slow the growth of these bacteria.
These food storage tips can help you steer clear of foodborne illnesses.
Storage Basics
Refrigerate or freeze perishables right away. Foods that require refrigeration should be put in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home. Stick to the "two-hour rule" for leaving items needing refrigeration out at room temperature. Never allow meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, or produce or other foods that require refrigeration to sit at room temperature for more than two hours—one hour if the air temperature is above 90° F. This also applies to items such as leftovers, "doggie bags," and take-out foods. Also, when putting food away, don't crowd the refrigerator or freezer so tightly that air can't circulate.
Keep your appliances at the proper temperatures. Keep the refrigerator temperature at or below 40° F (4° C). The freezer temperature should be 0° F (-18° C). Check temperatures periodically. Appliance thermometers are the best way of knowing these temperatures and are generally inexpensive.
Check storage directions on labels. Many items other than meats, vegetables, and dairy products need to be kept cold. If you've neglected to properly refrigerate something, it's usually best to throw it out.
Use ready-to-eat foods as soon as possible. Refrigerated ready-to-eat foods such as luncheon meats should be used as soon as possible. The longer they're stored in the refrigerator, the more chance Listeria, a bacterium that causes foodborne illness, can grow, especially if the refrigerator temperature is above 40° F (4° C).
Be alert for spoiled food. Anything that looks or smells suspicious should be thrown out. Mold is a sign of spoilage. It can grow even under refrigeration. Mold is not a major health threat, but it can make food unappetizing. The safest practice is to discard food that is moldy.
Be aware that food can make you very sick even when it doesn't look, smell, or taste spoiled. That's because foodborne illnesses are caused by pathogenic bacteria, which are different from the spoilage bacteria that make foods "go bad." Many pathogenic organisms are present in raw or undercooked meat, poultry, seafood, milk, and eggs; unclean water; and on fruits and vegetables. Keeping these foods properly chilled will slow the growth of bacteria.
Following the other recommended food handling practices will further reduce your risk of getting sick — clean your hands, surfaces and produce, separate raw foods from ready-to-eat foods, and cook to safe temperatures.
Marinate food in the refrigerator. Bacteria can multiply rapidly in foods left to marinate at room temperature. Also, never reuse marinating liquid as a sauce unless you bring it to a rapid boil first.
Clean the refrigerator regularly and wipe spills immediately. This helps reduce the growth of Listeria bacteria and prevents drips from thawing meat that can allow bacteria from one food to spread to another. Clean the fridge out frequently.
Keep foods covered. Store refrigerated foods in covered containers or sealed storage bags, and check leftovers daily for spoilage. Store eggs in their carton in the refrigerator itself rather than on the door, where the temperature is warmer.
Check expiration dates. A "use by" date means that the manufacturer recommends using the product by this date for the best flavor or quality. The date is not a food safety date. At some point after the use-by date, a product may change in taste, color, texture, or nutrient content, but, the product may be wholesome and safe long after that date. If you're not sure or if the food looks questionable, throw it out.
The exception to this is infant formula. Infant formula and some baby foods are unique in that they must be used by the use-by date that appears on the package.
Freezer Facts
Food that is properly frozen and cooked is safe. Food that is properly handled and stored in the freezer at 0° F (-18° C) will remain safe. While freezing does not kill most bacteria, it does stop bacteria from growing. Though food will be safe indefinitely at 0° F, quality will decrease the longer the food is in the freezer. Tenderness, flavor, aroma, juiciness, and color can all be affected. Leftovers should be stored in tight containers. With commercially frozen foods, it's important to follow the cooking instructions on the package to assure safety.
Freezing does not reduce nutrients. There is little change in a food's protein value during freezing.
Freezer burn does not mean food is unsafe. Freezer burn is a food-quality issue, not a food safety issue. It appears as grayish-brown leathery spots on frozen food. It can occur when food is not securely wrapped in air-tight packaging, and causes dry spots in foods.
Refrigerator/freezer thermometers should be monitored. Refrigerator/freezer thermometers may be purchased in the housewares section of department, appliance, culinary, and grocery stores. Place one in your refrigerator and one in your freezer, in the front in an easy-to-read location. Check the temperature regularly—at least once a week.
Every year consumers call the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Meat and Poultry Hotline and Michigan State University Extension asking if food items are safe in their home freezers. Understanding the concepts from the USDA can help avoid some of the freezing confusion.
Freezing food and maintaining it at 0° Fahrenheit will keep it safe. The quality could suffer during lengthy freezer storage. Freezing keeps food safe by slowing down the movement of molecules, causing microbes to enter a dormant stage. The freezing process preserves food for extended periods because it prevents the growth of microorganisms that cause both food spoilage and foodborne illness.
Proper packaging materials for freezing food protects the flavor, color, moisture content and nutritive value of foods from the harsh climate inside the freezer. Using inappropriate containers will give your food inadequate protection and reduce the quality of the product.
Exactly which container to choose depends on the type of food to be frozen and your personal preference. Do not freeze fruits and vegetables in containers with a capacity over one-half gallon. Foods in larger containers freeze too slowly which results in an unsatisfactory product. In general, packaging materials must have these characteristics:
Moisture vapor resistant
Durable and leak proof
Do not become brittle and crack at low temperatures
Resistant to oil, grease and water
Protect food from absorption of off-flavors or odors
Easy to seal
Easy to mark
Cartons for cottage cheese, ice cream and milk do not resist moisture vapor sufficiently to be suitable for long-term freezer storage.
Rigid containers and flexible bags or wrapping are two general types of packaging materials that are safe for freezing.
Rigid containers made of plastic or glass are suitable for all packs and are especially good for liquid packs. Straight sides on rigid containers make the frozen food much easier to remove. Rigid containers are often reusable and make storage in the freezer easier because they can be stacked.
Regular glass jars break easily at freezer temperatures. Choose wide mouth, dual-purpose jars made for freezing and canning if you wish to use glass. These jars have been tempered to withstand extreme temperatures and the wide opening allows easy removal of partially thawed food. Covers on rigid containers should fit tightly, if they do not, reinforce the seal with freezer tape. Freezer tape is especially designed to stick at freezing temperatures.
Flexible freezer bags and moisture vapor resistant wrapping materials such as plastic freezer wrap, freezer paper and heavyweight aluminum foil are also suitable for dry packed products with little or no liquid. Bags can also be used for liquid packs. Bags and wraps work well for foods with irregular shapes. Remove as much air as possible before closing for best results.
Ensure that your efforts to freeze foods result in delicious meals at a later date. Remember that the type of container you choose when freezing food can make a difference in the quality of the end product. Your choice of proper freezer packaging materials makes for tastier food.
The Absolute Best Way to Organize Any Freezer (and Keep It That Way, Once and for All)An organized freezer means a few things. It means no more boxes of frozen spinach falling on your sensitive little toes. It means your roommates will know better than to move your favorite $12 pint of ice cream to the door where it will likely melt. It means you'll never waste money buying loaves of bread when you already have plenty on hand. And it means you won't have to spend time wiping down packages, should a package of meat leak before it freezes. The point? An organized freezer is incredibly important for any home cook.
So we all want it; why is it so hard to get it? Maybe it's because freezers come in a lot of different sizes and shapes (and so do groceries, obviously). There's no one-size-fits-all formula for organizing a freezer, but we do have plenty of rules and tips that you can keep in mind. Certain items should go in certain zones of your freezer, and there are plenty of things you can do to add order. Find your freezer type (or types, if you have a bonus freezer in the basement!) below and get to organizing. Our first tip: Have a cooler and/or insulated bags on hand to hold your groceries while you work.
First, the 8 Organizing Rules for Any Kind of Freezer
Let's start with some general tips to keep in mind — no matter which type of freezer you have.Line things up from back to front. Always put stuff new towards the back and pull the older stuff (the stuff that needs to be eaten first) to the front.
Label and date anything homemade. The most important tool for an organized freezer is a Sharpie marker (and masking tape, should you need it). Everything homemade in there needs to be clearly labeled and dated the day it's frozen.
Freeze things in usable portions. It might be tempting to just throw the whole value-pack of chicken pieces straight into the freezer, but you'll regret this shortcut later when you only need a few pieces and the whole thing is one frozen mass.
Freeze things flat. As much as possible, freeze things flat. Put that leftover chili in a freezer bag, seal, and lay the bag flat in the freezer until frozen. Flat things of an even thickness are easier to stack or organize upright in a container.
File things vertically. With your stuff nice and flat, you can file it vertically in an organizer and grab what you need, rather than dealing with stacks.
Take things out of boxes when possible. Anything that comes in a box (waffles, ice pops, and chicken nuggets, for example) can likely be taken out of said box to save room. If you need the cooking instructions, cut them out and tape them to the bag.
Pick the right containers. Air circulating around frozen foods can lead to freezer burn, so your best bet is to find a container as close to the size of what you want to freeze as possible. If you're using plastic bags, make sure you use thicker freezer ones, and press out as much air as possible before freezing. If you're using foil, make sure foods are tightly double-wrapped. Doing these things mean you maximize freezer space and keep air out.
Keep a freezer inventory. This will help you keep your freezer organized moving forward. You'll know what you have on hand and what you've used up. Starting (and maintaining) one is easy.
Plastic vs. glass: Which food storage container makes sense for you?While it can come as a shock to some, plastic and glass storage containers are not wholly interchangeable. Each material provides unique benefits when it comes to organizing the kitchen. If you're unsure which container makes sense for you and your home, it might be time to draw up some conclusions on why these two materials outperform one another in different ways.
Below are our comparisons between glass vs. plastic containers to help you decide which is truly a better option for your kitchen.
Glass is better for the environment
When it comes to durability, longevity, and its ability to be recycled, glass outperforms plastic on environmental impact. If properly cared for, glass can outlast the lifespan of plastic in the kitchen. Where plastic is prone to melting or discoloration, glass remains a durable and long-lasting solution for food storage.
Additionally, glass is one-hundred percent recyclable, and so long as it is properly disposed of, you can recycle glass at a designated facility. Unfortunately, due to the wide variety of plastic products available, many recycling plants only offer recycling to a few types of plastic. Anything non-recyclable is tossed into a landfill, where it remains for many years.
Therefore, glass wins the argument for most environmentally friendly.
Glass provides a healthier alternative
When it comes to health benefits and safety in the kitchen, glass is a better material. But, unfortunately, even BPA-free plastics are prone to releasing toxic chemicals if heated. This makes washing, microwaving, and heating plastic containers a threat to your health. Plastic containers are also prone to warping and melting, creating a challenge when placing them in the dishwasher.
Luckily, glass is heat-tolerant and can be microwaved, heated in the oven, or placed into the dishwasher. Since it is non-porous, glass materials do not absorb or release any toxic chemicals or microscopic particles when used.
If you are looking for a food-safe and family-safe storage solution, glass is the better choice.
Bauxite is a mineral with a dull, earthy luster which is usually white or gray, though sometimes can be found stained by yellow, orange, red, pink, or brown by iron or included iron minerals. It has no cleavage, a low specific gravity, and the Mohs Hardness Scale score is between 1 and 3. Its streak is usually white, but its iron stain can discolor. It has a variable chemical composition but is always rich in aluminum oxides and hydroxides. These are most of the identifying properties for bauxite and are useful for identifying the mineral; however, bauxite is most often processed into another material with properties much different than bauxite.
Interesting Bauxite Facts:
Bauxite is the principal ore of aluminum and crushing it is the first step in producing aluminum, and then purifying it using the Bayer Process.
Bauxite is washed in a hot solution of sodium hydroxide using the Bayer Process, which filters the aluminum from the bauxite.
Aluminum is usually produced where electricity costs are very low.
Bauxite is used as an abrasive. Sintered bauxite is often used as a sand-blasting abrasive produced by crushing bauxite to a powder, and then fusing it using a very high temperature into spherical beads.
The bauxite spherical beads are very hard and durable. They are sorted by size for use in sandblasting equipment and other sandblasting applications. Their spherical shape reduces wear on the delivery equipment.
Sintered bauxite can also be used as an oil field proppant, which ultimately allow for the flow of oil or natural gas out of rocks and into a well. A process known as hydraulic fracturing.
Bauxite resources are adequate throughout the world at current rates, but other materials could be used instead of bauxite include clay minerals, alunite, anorthosite, power plant ash, and oil shale, but at an increased cost.
Silicon carbide could also be used in place of the abrasives made from bauxite, and synthetic mullite may be used in place of bauxite-based refractories.
Small amounts of bauxite can be found in Arkansas, Alabama, and Georgia. Overall, though, there is very little mining of the mineral in the U.S., with 99% of it being imported from other countries.
Around the world, Australia, China, Brazil, India, Guinea, Jamaica, Russia, Kazakhstan, Suriname, and Greece are the top ten leading bauxite producing countries.
The top producers of bauxite have enough reserves for many years of continued production, with some having reserves lasting 100 years.
What is Bauxite?Bauxite is primarily a metallic mineral though it is also used as an industrial mineral. It is the only ore used for large scale aluminium production. Although aluminium is the most abundant metallic element in the earth’s crust constituting about 8%, it usually occurs in clays, soil and rocks that cannot be utilized for its extraction.
Bauxite ore is soft and red clay, rich in alumina, and its name originates from Les Baux de Provence, It was a French geologist Pierre Berthier who first discovered bauxite near a village southern France in 1821. Later, a French chemist named Henri Sainte-Claire Deville officially termed the substance as “bauxite” in 1861. In any case, Bauxite is a form of sedimentary rock and is the principal source of the popular metal aluminium.
It is usually obtained from the topsoil in various tropical and subtropical regions. The ore is acquired through mining operations and currently, it is concentrated in most developed countries. More than 160 million metric tons of bauxite are mined each year.
Bauxite Formula
From mineralogy point of view, the bauxite formula and chemical composition are tabulated below.
OxideFormulaChemical composition (%wt)MineralogyAluminaAl2O335 to 65Gibbsite, boehmite and diasporeSilicaSiO30.5 to 10Quartz, chalcedony, kaoliniteFerric oxideFe2O32 to 30Geothite, hematite and sideriteTitaniaTiO20.5 to 8Rutile and anataseCalciaCaO0 to 5.5Calcite, magnesite and dolomiteIn terms of physical properties, Bauxite formula has a different composition. What it means is that bauxite contains a mixture of oxides like aluminium hydroxides, hydrous aluminium oxides, and minerals like gibbsite, boehmite and diaspore including some clay minerals. It also contains, insoluble materials namely magnetite, quartz, siderite, hematite and goethite. It is usually, yellow, white, beige, grey, reddish-brown, pink and brown.
Mullite - An IntroductionMullite is the mineralogical name for the only chemically stable intermediate phase in the SiO2–Al2O3 system. The mineral rarely occurs in its natural form and can be found on the Isle of Mull off the western coast of Scotland.
Composition
Mullite is generally represented as 3Al2O3⋅2SiO2 (i.e. 60 mol% Al2O3). But in reality, it is a solid solution that has the equilibrium composition limits of 60–63 mol% Al2O3, below 1600 °C.
Synthetic Mullite
Different starting materials and preparation techniques are used to produce synthetic mullite ceramics. For instance, a mixture of sols, a mixture of solids, or a mixture of salt and sol can be used as the starting materials. Likewise, there is a range of preparation procedures, such as hydrothermal treatment of mixtures of sols, reaction sintering of mechanically combined powders, and chemical vapor deposition.
The properties of mullite are governed by the starting materials used and the preparation technique. Reaction-sintered mullite prepared from mechanically blended powders typically exhibit low fracture toughness (1–2 MPa m-1/2) and low strength (<200 MPa) because of the occurrence of amorphous grain boundary phases. On the other hand, gelation routes yield thoroughly mixed sub-micrometer particles that can be hot-pressed or sintered to make single-phase materials with excellent mechanical properties.
Mechanical properties can be further optimized by creating composites. The addition of Zr2O and SiC yields a fracture toughness of 7 MPa m-1/2 at room temperature.
Mullite in Porcelain
Mullite is also one of the vital ingredients used for making porcelain. Clays with less than 60% Al2O3 turn into mullite. The amount of mullite yielded is directly associated with the calcining temperature and the amount of Al2O3.
Good electrical resistivity
Optimal high-temperature strength
Superior thermal stability
Good thermal shock resistance
Resistance to abrasion
Resistance to oxidation and attack, in furnace atmospheres
Resistance to a range of chemical attacks; it exhibits outstanding stability in acid metal slags, and is insoluble in a majority of the acids.
These two rock groups are easily identified by their color and texture. Unweathered specimens of both have distinctive red, orange, yellow, or brown colors.
Ironstone is very hard, and if you scrape a powder with a knife blade, it will effervesce weakly with dilute hydrochloric acid. Ironstones are usually composed of iron-carbonate minerals such as siderite and iron oxides such as goethite, hematite, and limonite, but the exact mineral composition is not required for classification. Most shales contain some ironstone as nodules or void fillings, and this class is restricted to rocks that have more than 50 percent ironstone.
Flint clays are highly variable in color, have a distinctive milky luster, and a conchoidal fracture. Flint clay is a variety of clay-rich rock in which the clay mineral is predominantly kaolinite.
Ironstones and flint clays have additional fabrics according to one of the following categories:
0X4 Massive: Homogeneous material with no obvious lines or marks
0X5 Mosaic: Divided into fragments; each piece maintains it original position relative to adjacent pieces
0X1 Brecciated: Divided into fragments; pieces have rotated relative to adjacent pieces
0X6 Nodular: Rounded or irregular masses floating in a matrix of different material
0X7 Oolitic (Pisolitic): Numerous, small rounded grains set in a matrix of different material
Kaolin is a type of clay found in nature. It can also be made in a laboratory. People use it to make medicine.
Kaolin is used for mild-to-moderate diarrhea, severe diarrhea (dysentery), and cholera.
In combination products, kaolin is used to treat diarrhea and to relieve soreness and swelling inside the mouth caused by radiation treatments. Some of these combination products are used for treating ulcers and swelling (inflammation) in the large intestine (chronic ulcerative colitis).
Some people apply kaolin directly to the skin in a wet dressing (poultice) or as a dusting powder. It is used to dry or soften the skin.
Kaolin is also used in laboratory tests that help to diagnose disease.
In manufacturing, kaolin is used in tablet preparation and to filter materials and remove color.
Kaolin is also a food additive.
How does it work?
Kaolin acts as a protective coating for the mouth to decrease pain associated with radiation-induced damage.
When it is applied to the skin, kaolin acts as a drying agent.
The Impact Of Fragranced Products
For many people, home wouldn't be the same without scents from candles, room sprays, plug-ins, incense sticks, and oils, filling the air. However, in addition to adding scent, they may also be adding health risks from:
Paraffin wax
Lead-core wicks
Synthetic fragrance
While people with asthma, allergy, or chemical sensitivity are more likely to be impacted by scented candles, exposure to the chemicals they contain isn’t a great for anyone.
Toxins In Scented Candles
Most candles are made of paraffin wax (a petroleum waste product that is chemically bleached), which creates highly toxic benzene and toluene (both are known carcinogens) when burned. In fact, the petro-soot released from paraffin candles are the same as those found in diesel fuel fumes and can be as dangerous at second-hand smoke. In 2001, the EPA concluded that burning paraffin candles emit harmful toxins and increase health risks with multiple exposures.
Candle wicks can also be a source of toxins in scented candles. In the US, candle wicks are supposed to be made of cotton or paper, but lead-core wicks can still be found, especially in products manufactured in China or Taiwan. A candle with a lead-core wick releases five times the amount of lead considered hazardous for children and exceeds EPA pollution standards for outdoor air. You don’t even need to light the candle to be exposed to chemicals, simple evaporation from an uncovered candle can release pollutants into the air and touching a candle can cause absorption of chemicals through the skin.
Don’t want to give up the warm glow of candlelight? Make healthier choices and avoid the toxins in scented candles by opting for candles that are:
Unscented
Made from all-natural products like beeswax or soy
Have paper or 100% cotton wicks
In addition, if you are burning candles to cover up an unpleasant odor, you may be masking a real problem, such as mold or mildew, that can impact your health. If there is a scent in your home that you find unpleasant, track down the source of the odor so you can remedy the problem and not just cover it up!
For more useful tips on improving the health of your home, get your free, personalized Hayward Score report today.
What Are the Benefits of Crystal-Infused Candles?Crystal-infused candles help you relax, while filling the space with peace and love. But crystal candles do so much more than that.
Also known as intentional or gem candles, crystal-infused candles have been used for thousands of years. Being infused with the energies of various crystals, these candles have different benefits depending on the stones they contain.
Benefits of Crystal-Infused Candles
Bring love and romance into your private life
Reduce stress and anxiety
Promote spiritual and emotional healing
Bring calmness into your life
Help you with sleep problems
Help you feel more grounded and focused
Elevate the energy of the space around you
Protect you from negative energy
Bring clarity of mind and deep peace
At the Village Rock Shop, we offer a wide collection of crystal-infused candles, each with its unique benefit.
Forgive Tin Candle: contains Soy Wax, Juniper Berry, Bergamot, Frankincense, Myrhh, Thyme and Rhodonite crystals.
Healing Tin Candle: contains Soy Wax, Ylang Ylang, Chamomile, Lavender and Bergamot Essential Oils, Clear Quartz, Lapis Lazuli, Lepidolite, Citrine and Amethyst crystals.
Let Go Handmade Travel Candle: contains Soy Wax, Eucalyptus Oil, Lavender Oil and Plant, Rosemary Oil and Plant, Selenite crystals.
Energy Clearing Tin Travel Candle: contains: Soy Wax, infused with Dragon's Blood, Sage, Palo Santo, Juniper, Rosemary and Cedar, Black Tourmaline, Obsidian, Hematite, Tiger's Eye Crystals.
Here at Assembly we love to DIY candles. There are so many options for personalization when making your own. Of course there's the scent to think about, but you can also get creative with the container!
If you're interested in making your own one-of-a-kind candles, join us for a future Soy Candle Making Workshop in the studio where we share all our insider tips and tricks. We also have a Soy Candle Making Kit to make your own at home!
Once you have your candle making equipment and supplies, one of the big decisions is the container for the candle. Curious about what’s safe and what’s not? We thought we’d help you out with some do’s and don’ts when it comes to picking one out! Because while that coconut shell looks like it would make a great tropical candle, it could in reality cause more flames than vacation vibes.
Stating the obvious, your container needs to be heat-safe. Most glassware, ceramics, and tin will work, but there’s a few things to consider:Glassware
When picking glassware, keep in mind it needs to withstand heat, hold wax well, and is not likely to crack. A crack while your candle is lit could be disastrous! Some glassware can be too thin. Canning jars are a great option. Not only are they cute, but they also meet the guidelines of withstanding heat and holding wax well. Besides picking an acceptable glass, there are a few best practice precautions you can take to make sure your glass doesn’t crack.
Firstly, always pick the right size wick for your candle. Overwicking your candle can lead to too much heat on your glassware, potentially causing cracks. If you’re unsure of what size wick to use, check out this “Wick Guide” that generates the perfect wick for your candle based on the diameter of your container and the type of wax you're using. Secondly, make sure your wick is centered. An uncentered wick could cause an excess of heat on one point of the glass, potentially causing cracks.
Ceramics
You also want to make sure your container is not porous (able to absorb liquid). Ceramics are great to use for candle containers, but they need to be properly treated so that they are no longer porous. Porous, unglazed materials, such as clay flower pots, can actually act as a wick, making your flame grow to the rim of your container, and you could wind up with a much bigger flame than intended. So stick to something that doesn’t soak in liquids such as ceramic bowls and mugs.
Make A DIY White Concrete Candle Holder As A GiftHere’s another sweet idea for a handmade Christmas gift- a white concrete candle holder for tealight candles.
Concrete decor has unlimited options in what types of handmade products you can make.
And this particular candle is especially versatile for use in home decoration because it can be made into an “anytime of year” candle instead.
Rather than decoupaging it with Christmas mesh, you could use any decorative mesh for a unique look.
You can also replace the tealight candle and just switch the color from red to any other color.
I bet you’re wondering —is concrete safe for candles? Yes, concrete is safe for candles. But it’s important to note that high heat can cause cracking with certain types of concrete cement.
However, a candle generally doesn't produce enough heat to cause cracking.
How do you seal concrete candles? You seal concrete candles the same way you seal concrete by using an acrylic based sealer.
Some sealers do a better job of sealing than others. I have found this concrete sealer to do a very good job of preventing oil from candle wax from staining the concrete.
Get started early this year and make this unique Christmas gift that people will never believe was handmade.
Did You Know You Can Make A Candle Last Longer?Anyone who follows my Instagram feed won't be surprised to hear that I realized I’d become a bit of a candle connoisseur. Many of my close friends refer to me as the Candle Making Guru. What is it about candles that I love the most? Candles are equivalent to perfume as the last touch to make a personalized, complete, and welcoming space.
But, it's not just the scent that intrigues me. It's the size, shape, style, and ambiance only a candle can create that captivates me. Votives, tea lights, wax melts, tapers, you name it – we have some type of candle in every room of our home.
With so much a candle has going for it, many of us never give candle burn time much thought. But, if you want to make a candle last longer, there are a few things you should consider before purchasing or making a candle. Let's start with the average burn time for six candle types, where I've included a printable candle burn time chart for 14 candle sizes. Then look to five essential tips to make a candle last longer, including how to make a candle burn evenly.
Round dropper bottles
Square dropper bottles
Oval Dropper Bottle
Opal glass has been around a long time, it was first manufactured by glass blowing houses in 16th century Venice! Opal glass is made by adding opacifiers to the melt. The particles in the opacifiers scatter light via the Tyndal Scattering Mechanism. The way light is scattered and the secondary colors produced depend on the size of the particles in the opacifiers added to the melt. Modern opal glass typically has the appearance of opaque white glass, but has also been manufactured historically in pink, blue, yellow, brown and black. When the thinner parts of the glass, like around the neck finish are viewed in the light they can appear slightly blue or sometimes orange, like in the photo shown above. This is the effect of the Tyndal Scattering Mechanism.
Opal glass gets it's white color from the addition of bone ash, tin dioxide, or antimony compounds, which are also sometimes added to ceramic glazes to produce a milky white color. Opal glass is also sometimes also referred to as Milk glass, although Milk Glass is a relatively new term.
Opal glass has been used throughout the ages for everything from lamps to marquees to clock faces to tableware and more recently, personal care containers. With O.Berk's comprehensive supplier network, this beautiful heirloom form of glassmaking can become part of your brand's identity!
Key Benefits of Glass Bottles to Package Food and Beverage ItemsMJS Packaging has long been considered an industry leader in glass, and has sold and stocked glass bottles since being founded.
Since ancient times, glass has proved to be a great packaging option for the beverage industry, and it remains true today. Glass bottles provide excellent uses for the food and beverage industry by maintaining the quality of their contents and protecting the product from external factors.
Flavor Brilliance and Freshness: When it comes to packaging food and beverages, there’s no need to worry about products losing flavor in a glass bottle. Glass is an impermeable material that keeps air and other liquids out, which means that glass bottles never affect the product’s flavor or freshness. Additionally, external temperatures, such as heat, do not affect the material or shape of the glass, unlike plastics that could melt and affect the product quality. Because of this, food and beverage products remain extremely fresh when packaged in glass. Glass bottles also help the packaging’s internal temperature stay the same, so products don’t spoil.
Product Safety: Glass is one of the safest materials you can use for your consumable products. It’s non-toxic and doesn’t require any other material lining. Recognized as GRAS (Generally Recognized as Safe) by the FDA, and being the only widely-used food packaging material to do such, proves why glass is a great choice for food and beverage manufacturers.
Display Appeal: Glass has been, and will always be, considered premium quality. A glass bottle’s shelf life extends for years and its color never fades. MJS Packaging’s glass bottles are transparent and can show off your product. Utilizing various glass colors can also incorporate your brand’s colors and/or overall identity.
Sustainable: MJS Packaging supplies glass bottles that are made from 100% natural sustainable raw materials, which are infinitely recyclable. Using glass helps reduce additional waste, which is an ideal benefit of all product packaging since recycling is becoming an even bigger topic and action for many consumers.
As illustrated, there are plenty of reasons to consider glass for your food and beverage products. Let MJS Packaging be your choice for glass bottles for your food and beverage packaging needs.
It's Time for Glass Again — Can We End Beverage Industry's Use of Plastic?When was the last time you were able to purchase a soft drink in a reusable glass bottle? When was the last time you even saw a soft drink in a glass packaging? Today, single-use plastic packaging is still omnipresent, despite our increasing environmental awareness. According to a World Wide Fund for Nature study, an average person consumes 1,769 tiny plastic particles and fibers every week just from drinking water. That accumulates to around a half-pound of plastic every year!
And we aren't the only ones feeling the impact of plastic. We might be the last link experiencing the results in the huge chain that makes up our environment. Unfortunately, the beverage industry plays a significant role in plastic pollution of the Earth. Let's have a closer look at how plastic impacts our environment and whether we could turn the bleak trend around by going back to glass bottles.
In the 1960s, plastic waste was observed in the oceans for the first time, which ended the reputation of plastic materials as entirely positive and great to use. Even though plastic helped our industrial advancement, especially in the years after World War II, we did not have enough foresight to predict its environmental impact.
And it is dire, mostly because that plastic, made from synthetic materials not found in nature, can take forever to decompose on its own. Most plastic bottles take at least 450 years to biodegrade, and only if they weren’t made with Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET).
Today, plastic pollution is a huge problem — it has contaminated our oceans most of all. Toxins from plastic find their way into plankton, which is the base food of most marine ocean species. It travels through the entire food chain, ending up on our own tables.
But our air and land are also polluted. When plastic is burned to dispose of it, toxins are released into the air. While it waits for its turn to be disposed of in landfills, we end up needing more and more space for storing garbage.
Tips to Help You Pack and Ship Makeup and Cosmetics1. Wrap it!
Pack makeup in dunnage, bubble wrap, a shipping box, or other leak-proof packaging material to protect it from any shock damage while it's being shipped. For more fragile items like pressed powders or eyeshadows, make sure to wrap it at least four times — the more padding the better!
2. Stick with high-quality warehousing
A high-quality, well-organized warehouse will ensure your products are stored in a safe and secure place. Many tech-enabled third-party logistics (3PL) companies offer multiple warehousing locations so you can store your inventory closest to your customers, also known as distributed inventory. That way, an order can reach its destination faster, which lowers the chance of any damage during shipping.
3. Opt for insurance
From loose pigments to small pieces like eyeshadow palette applicators, makeup is highly prone to shipping damage. Even if you prepare the order properly before shipping, anything can happen while it's being shipped via truck, rail, or air — especially if it has a long way to go before it reaches its destination. Most of the time it is out of your control, so opting in for shipping insurance to protect your shipments is worth the extra cost.
4. Add package fillers
Adding extra dunnage can help keep your product in place, especially if it's a fairly small makeup item. Kraft paper is a cheap, eco-friendly option and can help protect your package from movement. You can also consider packing peanuts. For makeup products that come in liquid form or loose pigments, and you're hearing customers complain about damaged shipments, it may be beneficial to wrap your products in a small plastic bag to avoid it from spilling. This will also add extra protection from humidity or moisture.
5. Know the ingredients of your product
Understanding what ingredients are in your product will help you decipher if it will ship safely and comply with carrier regulations. By knowing what your makeup products are made of, you'll avoid the possibility of your products melting in a hot warehouse or finding out it's not allowed to ship to certain locations, especially internationally (e.g., makeup with CBD or alcohol-based products).
6. Understand different carrier rules
Major shipping carriers including USPS, FedEx, UPS, and DHL have their own set of rules when it comes to shipping makeup, especially any that may contain flammable liquids. Be sure to read through your shipping carrier's rules and guidelines beforehand to ensure your products ship on time without any issues.
We use energy constantly – when we're awake, when we're asleep, no matter what we're doing. We tend to take for granted how easy it is for us to obtain the energy required to power devices, appliances, tools, machines, vehicles, and all the things we use throughout the day and night. But how is energy stored so that it's available when we need it?
Let's delve into this topic to understand the basics of this magical concept better.
What Is Energy & How Is It Stored?
If we revisit our memory of high school physics, we may recall that energy is the ability to do work. Energy is the ability of any force to do work. There are many forms of energy, but they can all be categorized into one of two major groups: kinetic energy or potential energy.
Forms of energy
To understand the difference between the two, science teachers often use the example of a rock. A rock that is rolling down a hill has kinetic energy that it could impart to something if it crashed into it. Kinetic energy is the energy of motion.
A rock positioned at the edge of a steep hill has the potential to roll, so we consider that potential energy conserved in the rock.
Electric energy or electricity falls into the category of kinetic energy. Why? Because all electrical energy is in motion. Electrical energy, however, can be converted into other forms of energy we can store. Let's find out how this works!
energy storage dam
While not a rock, water behind a dam is stored potential gravitational energy.
Can You Store Electrical Energy?
No. While you cannot store electricity itself, it can be converted to other forms of energy that are capable of being stored. Then later you can convert that energy back to electricity for use by the consumer.
We can store electrical energy in several ways, including a flywheel (mechanical energy), elevated water or weight (gravitational energy), compressed air (potential energy), capacitors (electrical charge), or, the most common, batteries (chemical energy).
What Is A Battery?
A battery is a storage device that stores chemical energy for later conversion to electrical energy. Every battery contains one or more electrochemical cells. Within those cells, chemical reactions take place, creating a flow of electrons in a circuit. This flow of electrons provides the electric current required to do the work!
Better Understanding Of Batteries – Li-Ion Vs. Li-PoWhen we buy gizmos, we try to make sure that they have a good, long-lasting battery. Although, we only look at battery capacities. The formula seems simple – the larger the capacity, the better the battery life, right? But have you ever tried to find out what do terms like Li-ion and Li-Po mean? These abbreviations denote the types of batteries your device packs, and this plays a vital role in keeping your device juiced up. Let’s take a deeper look at these battery types and how they affect our phones and laptops in our daily life.
Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are used in most of our modern-day smartphones. These batteries are made of three different parts, an anode (a negative terminal) made of lithium metal, a cathode (positive terminal) made up of graphite and a separating electrolyte layer between them to prevent short-circuiting. Whenever we charge our batteries, through a chemical reaction, ions from the negative terminal travels towards the positive terminal where energy is stored. As the battery discharges, ions travel back again to the anode.
Ever wondered how our phones stop themselves from overcharging? Well, these batteries are also equipped with a small electronic controller to do just that. Some brands have made developments in reshaping these batteries into layers to gain even more capacity.
A Lithium-polymer (Li-Po) is quite an old technology that you can find in your old, bar phones or laptops. These batteries have a similar structure like Li-ion batteries, but is made of a gel-like (Silicon-Graphene) material which is quite light in weight. Due to its light and flexible characteristics, these batteries are used in laptops and most of the high-capacity powerbanks.
What Are Cylindrical Lithium Batteries?Cylindrical lithium batteries, as the name suggests, feature electrodes that are encased in a cylindrical cell that is wound very tightly within a specially designed metal casing. This unique makeup helps to minimize the chances that the electrode material inside will break up, even under the heaviest of use conditions.Issues like mechanical vibrations, thermal cycling from charging and discharging, and the mechanical expansion of current conductors are all things that can affect a battery's lifespan. Therefore, the design of these cylindrical units is intended to help mitigate risk from these and other factors as much as possible.
On the inside of a cylindrical battery, a series of cells are combined and operate in parallel to one another. This is done to help increase both the voltage and the overall capacity of the battery pack.
For these reasons, cylindrical batteries are usually the kind that are found in the aforementioned medical device systems. Smaller, more specially designed cylindrical cells are also commonly found in portable devices like laptop computers. Notably, Tesla also made headlines recently by selecting cylindrical lithium batteries to power its fleet of popular electric cars.
How lithium-ion batteries works?A lithium-ion battery is a type of rechargeable battery that is charged and discharged by lithium ions moving between the negative (anode) and positive (cathode) electrodes. (Generally, batteries that can be charged and discharged repeatedly are called secondary batteries, whereas disposable batteries are called primary batteries.)Because lithium-ion batteries are suitable for storing high-capacity power, they are used in a wide range of applications, including consumer electronics such as smartphones and PCs, industrial robots, production equipment and automobiles.
Lithium-ion batteries are divided into various kinds according to size, form, the material used for the positive and negative electrodes, and so on.Toshiba's SCiB™ industrial lithium-ion battery uses lithium titanium oxide on the negative electrode, and provides a long life, rapid charging, high input/output power performance, excellent low-temperature operation, and a wide effective SOC range.
Trimmer or ShaverThe real question is how do you want to present yourself to the world.
Men have begun to take a serious interest in grooming their hair in all types of ways! A drastic change in attitude towards facial hair grooming, bald look, and beard styling has created a boom in the electric shaving industry. There are more devices than ever and it can be confusing to know exactly what you need for the look you want. Men take pride in creating their own unique look and you will need the correct tool to make that look a reality.
There are many hair removal devices available. The most widely used are electric shavers and trimmers, but a lot of men don’t know the difference. Choosing which of these two shaving devices can be confusing so we thought we would write up a quick guide to decide if you need a “trimmer” or a “shaver”.
Trimmer: For Perfecting your Unique Look
To maintain a specific facial hair look, it requires regular and precise trimming. Trimmers are for men who want to get their beard and mustache looking just right and are willing to spend the time to achieve it. They are the best choice if you plan on keeping facial hair in line but not getting rid of it entirely. Trimmers provide the versatility to adjust hair length via the comb attachments provided.
Electric Shaver: For a Quick, Close, Painless Shave
The electric shaver focuses on keeping your skin as smooth as possible while also leaving your face free of nicks and cuts. It is meant to replace a razor blade. A razor blade gives a very close shave but takes time and precision to avoid mistakes. An electric shaver gives the convenience to quickly shave large areas while still giving a close shave. It is the easiest, and fastest way to get that clean bald look.
True story: A long time ago, as a lowly magazine assistant with the ink still drying on my grad school degree, I dreamed of a promotion beyond my usual duties of grabbing lunch for my bosses and answering reader mail. When the day finally came and I got my own cubicle, a new title on my business card, and a RAISE, I didn't splurge on Louboutins or a Louis Vuitton tote. (Those came later.) Instead, I marched myself over to Williams-Sonoma and got myself a tangerine stand mixer.
More than a decade later, the stand mixer is still one of my best friends in the kitchen, taking pride of place on the counter and outlasting the fancy bags and shoes collecting dust in my closet. If you want a splurge that actually pays off, a stand mixer is your best bet.
If you're mentally picturing a stand mixer, chances are what you're thinking of is the KitchenAid version — like Kleenex and Q-Tips, the brand name has become the industry standard descriptor, likely much to the chagrin of Breville, Cuisinart, et al. As of 2014, KitchenAid was selling more than 2.5 million stand mixers annually, so for all intents and purposes, that's probably the only brand you've encountered. A stand mixer combines heavy duty steel construction and a powerful motor to make it an indispensable tool for both bakers and cooks alike.
Essentially, a stand mixer is an extra pair of big, beefy arms in your kitchen. Use it wherever you could use a helper to do a mixing task while you busy yourself with another part of the recipe at hand. It's more efficient and better at evenly combining ingredients than a human could ever be; it cuts down on your prep time; and it's built to last. (Yes, as a professional cook, I actually own two stand mixers: the everyday 5-quart KitchenAid Artisan, and the big, badass 7-quart Pro Line version with 1.3 horsepower under the hood.)
What's a stand mixer good for?A basic stand mixer comes with three blade attachments: a beater, a whisk and a dough hook. Which one you want to use depends on your desired outcome:
• Use the flat beater for most tasks, including mixing cookie and cake batters and frostings; for shredding pulled pork or chicken; for mixing meatloaf or meatballs if you don't want to touch it with your hands; and for blending both sweet and savory ingredients, such as incorporating butter into warm citrus curd or mashing boiled potatoes with butter and milk for a creamy comfort meal.
• Use the whisk for beating eggs and cream into fluffy peaks, and if you take it even further, for making marshmallow fluff and homemade butter without lifting a finger. (OK, except for the finger you use to flick the power on.)
• Use the dough hook for kneading any kind of dough you can imagine, from stiff baguette dough and whole grain rolls to soft, pliant pizza dough and cinnamon buns.
Like a Vitamix, the price of a stand mixer essentially correlates to the horsepower you're purchasing. You're buying a powerful motor, so there's no reason to relegate it just to mixing and whipping duties. That's where the attachments come in.
At the very least, get a second beater blade with a silicone scraper edge. This tool should, in my opinion, come standard with every mixer — it scrapes the bowl as you mix, making it even more effective at creaming butter and sugar together, folding dry ingredients like flour and cocoa powder into your batter, and generally keeping everything well-blended.
If you want to go further, you can get attachments that will roll and cut pasta, grind meat, take the place of a food processor for shredding, slicing, and dicing, spiralize fruits and vegetables and even make ice cream. Each add-on isn't cheap, to be sure, but consider the ease in which you can make piles of pappardelle or stacks of spiralized sweet potatoes.
The Best Stand Mixers for Every Kind of Baker, According to Thousands of ReviewsFor home bakers and professionals alike, a sturdy stand mixer is key. The appliance is adaptable enough to whip up everything from airy layer cakes to stiff bread dough, and it cuts down on the time and effort of mixing by hand. What's more, many stand mixers include accessories to tackle other kitchen projects, like from-scratch pasta, DIY ice cream, and freshly squeezed juice.
But like other powerful kitchen appliances, electric stand mixers are an investment. Quality machines retail for hundreds of dollars, and high-end brands can cost more than $1,000. Plus, there are tons of options to choose from, ranging from budget-friendly basics to feature-rich models with stylish hues and designs. So if you're considering buying a stand mixer of your own, it can be a challenge to find the right fit.
How to Choose the Best Kitchen MixerWhile it's entirely possible to make most of the things you'd want to cook or bake without a mixer, why bother? With a mixer, you can save time on many of your current favorite go-to recipes and probably find yourself trying out all new foods you wouldn't have thought to make before. And unless you're especially vigilante when you stir things by hand, a mixer will almost certainly mean better textures and consistency for many of the things you make.
For anybody who bakes regularly (and many people that don't), kitchen mixers are the kind of item that you only think you can live without until you've had one. Once you get used to owning one, the idea of going back to mixing everything manually seems crazy.
That means there are two main categories of consumers for mixers:
Those that are buying a mixer for the first time and are unsure of what to really look for.
Those looking to replace a beloved mixer that recently stopped working (RIP).
Whichever category you fall into, our buyer's guide to mixers should serve as a useful guide in gaining a clear idea of the kind of options are available on the market and which one right for you.
Types of MixersThe first decision you need to make in order to choose the right mixer is which of the two main types to go with.
Hand Mixers
Hand Mixer
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If your main priorities are affordability or finding a mixer that won't take up much space, hand mixers are likely to fit the bill. They have a simpler design than stand mixers, can usually easily fit in a drawer in your kitchen, and can cost less than $20.
You have two choices with hand mixers: electric hand mixers and rotary hand mixers (sometimes called eggbeaters). With rotary models, you use a lever to do the mixing. With electric hand mixers, all you have to do is hold the mixer in place while the movement happens automatically.
On the spectrum of how much easier a mixer can make your life, hand mixers fall firmly in the middle. They're faster and easier than stirring dough by hand, but require more work and time than using a stand mixer.
Benefits:
Hand mixers are more affordable.
These kitchen mixers do not take up any counter space.
Clean up is easy and quick.
You can use any bowl.
Portable.
To Keep in Mind:
Hand mixers involve a little bit of manual work.
Usually not as fast or thorough as stand mixers.
These mixers tend to be somewhat messy.
Stand Mixers
Green Stand Mixer
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Usually if you hear someone talk about not being able to live without their mixer, they're talking about stand mixers. Stand mixers make the process of baking or mixing just about anything considerably easier. They're especially useful for any baking that involves thick dough, like bread or pizza dough, or recipes that require trickier mixing duties like making meatballs.
Stand mixers typically come with a large mixing bowl and several different attachments designed for specific types of mixing – you'd use a different attachment for making meringue than you would for making bread, for instance. Because they're stationary, you can start mixing something and leave it while you work on gathering other ingredients. For recipes that call for adding ingredients while you mix, a task that's nearly impossible for one person to accomplish without a mixer, they make it a breeze.
One of the main inconveniences of a stand mixer is the size and weight. If you don't have the space to keep it on the counter, you may begrudge the process of getting a heavy stand mixer in and out of a kitchen cabinet.
Benefits:
Stand mixers are more powerful than a hand mixer.
These units will mix faster and more thoroughly.
Since it's stationary, you can start it mixing and leave to work on other things.
Usually stand mixers come with (or you can buy) different attachments designed to achieve the best results for various types of mixing.
Some stand mixers allow you to make pasta, ravioli, juice, sauce, ice cream or even mill grain.
To Keep in Mind:
This type of mixer costs more than hand mixers.
Takes up a lot of counter space.
Takes up more kitchen storage space.
Sometimes these are a pain to clean.
For the dedicated baker, there's really no reason you should have to choose between the two. Hand mixers are affordable enough that, even if you've decided to invest in a stand mixer, you can easily grab a hand mixer as well. That way, you can turn to the smaller tool for your more minor mixing needs rather than having to pull out and clean the stand mixer for every recipe.