highlight a different safety topic for each week in June. Spearheaded by the National Safety Council, the organization is focused on Emergency Preparedness, Wellness, Falls, and Driving.
Work safety is of paramount importance, especially in manufacturing plants. When accidents occur, employees are left to file workers’ compensation claims. Preventable mishaps lead to higher insurance costs for employers, and lost productivity on the floor. Thus, employers have an obligation to promote work safety among workers and colleagues.
Central Metal Fabricators, Inc. takes employee safety seriously. Our internal safety programs cascade the latest safety standards to our personnel through video demonstrations screened during monthly meetings.
Moreover, CMF runs drug-free testing for all employees upon hiring. Initial screenings help to avoid the potential pitfalls and consequences of plant machines run by any worker under the influence. Given that manufacturing equipment can prove potentially harmful to distracted employees, the importance of this program cannot be underestimated.
In addition, CMF runs continuous training programs for employees tasked with handling possibly dangerous equipment such as press breaks and large metal-bending machines. Our most experienced employees are assigned to these machines, minimizing the dangers of accidents that may be caused by a less experienced hand.
CMF also provides safety equipment to minimize potential injuries during work. For example, our team enforces the use of automated safety helmets. Face shields protect vision and any potential eye damage to welders using our welding machines.
Founded in 1948 and headquartered in Miami, FL, CMF manufactures gas turbine silencers, gas turbine silencer components, and provides gas turbine silencer services. Our other industrial products include dampers for gas turbines and turbine enclosures, boiler accessories and casings, busbars, steel hoppers, storage tanks, filtration systems, enclosure panels and doors, and acoustical-thermal panels, turbulators, and turning vanes. We also provide engineering design services for sheet metal fabrication, parts replacement, flux core arc welding, gas metal arc welding, and shielded metal arc welding services.
Remember to follow our blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn to stay up to date on current industry news.
For more info on our products, services, and safety, contact us today.
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Gas turbines are efficient machines for transferring fuel energy into mechanical energy. This involves using compression and combustion systems, as well as turbines. To better understand how gas turbine power plants work, you must understand the primary sections and how they break down.
The Main Equipment
One of the gas turbine’s main components is the compressor. It pulls in air and compresses it using rows of blades along a shaft. The air pressurizes more with each row it passes. The shaft connects and rotates along with the main gas turbine.
Next, the air moves from the compressor into the combustion system. In this process, the air mixes with fuel injectors built into the combustion chambers. Combustion results in very hot temperatures and a pressurized gas steam that goes through the turbine with a high level of energy.
Most energy conversion happens in the turbine system. It features rows of aerofoil-section blades attached to the shaft that gets rotated by kinetic energy from hot gases. The rotating blades spin a generator to create electricity. It also encourages the compressor to inhale more air into the combustion area. Electricity is produced when the turbine shaft connects to a generator.
More on Gas Turbines
Industrial gas turbines are widely used in manufacturing. The turbine is picked according to the engine, effectively generating electricity via the compressor, combustor, and turbine.
Over time, gas turbine power plants have become dependable conversion objects. Their performance depends on factors such as the pressure of the moving air (from compressor to combustion system), the temperature of the hot gas (leaving the combustor), and the exhaust gas temperature (escaping the turbine).
Trust in the Experts
Energy conversion efficiencies are complex phenomena. In-depth knowledge of a system is necessary to manufacture parts that are dependable and efficient within the overall plant. Thus, a gas turbine needs to be made with quality parts by experts in the field.
Our Central Metal Fabricators team manufactures precise, strong industrial products to use in accordance with combustion turbine units. Our product line includes dampers for gas turbines and gas turbine enclosures, enclosure panels and doors, exhaust diffusers, and more. Our reputation for crafting gas turbine silencing equipment dates back to 1948. At CMF, we also assemble and install parts properly for your convenience.
Stay up to date with Central Metal Fabricators, Inc. by following us on LinkedIn and Twitter, as well as our blog. For your gas turbine plant-related projects, find out how our products can have a positive impact when you contact CMF today.
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A boiler is not sensational. A steam turbine doesn’t sound revolutionary. But the duo keeps most of the industrial world ticking.
2018 will be a positive and stable year for these key industries. With strong growth will come the promise of new jobs. The anticipated turn-around of the state of manufacturing in the country may just be evinced in their numbers.
Power Plants are Driving the Turbine Demand Curve
The turbine industry in the US is valued at a whopping 17 billion dollars and the market keeps expanding by 3.4% every year.
With the question of green and clean energy receiving a lot of attention, a major reason behind the escalating turbine momentum is the eschewing of coal-based power plants. Electricity requirements are expected to peak over 2018 to 2025. But the concern for the environment means power suppliers will try to balance fossil fuel output with clean and renewable output.
Plants that run on natural gas offer a sustainable alternative.
From Disney Land to Industrial Operations, Boiler Sales Pick up “Steam”
The iconic Disney trains that circle the amusement park are driven by boilers which consume a soy-based biodiesel. And many other public attractions have been inspired by this creative effort on part of the brand.
There are hardly any factories in the US where hot water boilers do not have the responsibility of seeing operations to completion.
Even the HVAC systems in homes depend on chiller boilers to maintain desired ambient temperatures.
Thus it’s no small wonder that the global boiler market is all set to touch a record high of 11.6 billion dollars in 2018. The strictly industrial segment is smaller at $803 million, but even this niche will experience growth of 2.8% by the end of the year.
Central Metal Fabricators is a Leader Serving These Industries
Lauded as a quality manufacturer of dampers for gas turbines, boiler accessories, boiler casings, busbars, steel hoppers and dampers for turbines, the positivity that’s on the horizon for the turbine and boiler markets also promises to make 2018 significant for Central Metal Fabricators.
We’ll continue to develop our existing product catalog and invest in perfecting services like sheet metal fabrication, replacement of parts and flux core arc welding, gas metal arc welding and shielded metal arc welding services.
We’re fully equipped to be a reliable partner for the manufacturing industries doing brisk business over the next 12 months.
If you are interested in staying abreast of the trends sweeping strategic production sectors, please follow us on the blog, Twitter and LinkedIn.
You can also connect with us here for a custom quote.
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U.S. Energy Secretary Rick Perry recently called for a report on the dependability of our electricity grid to ensure it continues to provide Americans with the power they’ve come to expect.
The grid is undergoing substantial changes in order to keep pace with rising energy demand — some of the most profound changes since its inception, as a matter of fact — and the study is intended to assess “how certain policies are affecting, and potentially putting at risk, energy security and reliability.”
A dependable electrical grid is essential across all industries, but especially for manufacturing and fuel production.
The significant changes in how the U.S. generates its power is greatly tied to the Marcellus shale gas boom within the past ten years. The affordable, plentiful supply of natural gas from the shale formation in Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia and New York lessened U.S. dependence on imported gas and, in part, marginalized coal and nuclear power plants. The use of wind and solar power continues to rise, too.
The U.S. electricity system is a complex network of power plants, transmission and distribution wires, and electricity consumers, and ensuring it remains reliable will be no easy task. As we wait for the study to shed light on the grid’s dependability now — and in years to come — modernization efforts continue and integrate new technologies with the existing grid infrastructure.
Central Metal Fabricators is an industry leader in the production of silencers for exhaust stacks, inlet stacks, and enclosures. We also supply exhaust plenums, filtration systems, enclosure panels and doors, exhaust diffusers, turning vanes, vandal-rain-snow roof/guards, exhaust stack eductor assemblies, and acoustical-thermal panels, turbulators and turning vanes.
Let us help you with your gas turbine silencing needs. Contact us today, and follow our blog, as well as connecting with us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
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The annual National Manufacturing Day is the first Friday of October, so mark your calendars for Friday, October 6th, 2017. The initiative brings together manufacturers and communities in an educational way to address common industry issues.
MFG DAY events near you are listed on the site for interested personnel such as students, educators, media, politicians, and businessmen alike.
Industry Issues to Address
Although manufacturing is key to the economy, it still has its share of disputes. Current concerns being addressed are the manufacturing skills gap, public misconceptions about the industry, the amount of male versus female workers in the field, and the outsourcing of jobs overseas for cheaper labor.
National Manufacturing Day is one of the biggest initiatives supporting methods to overcome each hurdle.
What the National Manufacturing Day Entails
During both public and invitation-only visits, manufacturers have the opportunity to dissolve any myths about the manufacturing industry. Common misconceptions include dirty shop floors and low-paying positions, but today’s industry happens to be quite the opposite.
Step foot inside a facility and you will see that today’s manufacturing industry means technological advancements, STEM skills, secure job placement and benefits, as well as economic benefits across the country and across the globe.
The Importance of Manufacturing Today
The manufacturing sector has grown faster than the rest of the U.S. economy since the recession that ended in 2010. Manufacturing significantly impacts today’s economy, spurring economic growth, as well as encouraging innovation with its technological improvements in machinery. Plus, services are dependent on manufactured items. Let’s not forget that manufacturing creates employment too.
Central Metal and National Manufacturing Day
Central Metal Fabricators supports each National Manufacturing Day initiative, including bridging the skills gap, supporting male and female student proficiencies in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math), and encouraging reshoring of manufacturing activities.
Central Metal Fabricators has been a leading designer and manufacturer of gas turbine silencing equipment in the U.S. for more than half a century. Our gas turbine and utility parts such as hoppers, bus bars, boiler panels, and tanks are top quality. Our team works efficiently to fit within your project timelines.
To discuss how we can help your company initiatives, please contact us today.
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What are the future expectations of wind and solar energy for supplying global power? Here at Central Metal Fabricators, we fabricate, assemble, and install gas turbine silencing equipment and associated metal items. Our panel of industry experts delve into the matter below, and the findings might surprise you.
IEA Projections on Renewable Energy
As per data from the International Energy Agency (IEA), wind and solar power will generate more of the world’s energy by 2040 than it does today. But, while primary energy demand (TPED) renewables, which includes solar and wind, have higher usage than 1990, it likely amounts to less than you imagine.
In 2014, solar cells or photovoltaic (PV) cells and wind contributed a meager 0.6% of total global energy. Fast forward to 2040 and this number increases, but only to 2.9%. Respectively, coal, oil, and gas will continue to dominate as the top three energy power sources around the world.
Plus, the IEA prediction assumes that every country complies with the Paris Agreement on climate change. The US is currently not in the climate accord, and compliance is not likely to be gained by every other country, so the IEA’s estimate of less than 3% is likely more than it will be come 23 years from now.
Natural Gas and Nuclear Power Estimates
Natural gas will grow faster as an energy resource than any other TPED, accounting for 25 percent of global demand by 2040, based on projections by a recent ExxonMobil report. This will be less than oil, which will be the biggest resource, providing about 32% of the world’s energy, and more than nuclear power at 7%.
While renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind will grow over the next few decades, its development will be considerably slower than the rate and volume of natural gas.
Applying the Research
Regarding the above, you have an idea of the world’s energy picture for the near future, including only about 3% renewables. Understanding the energy supply for Central Metal Fabricators and many other industrial manufacturers is important so that we use the sources wisely to craft optimal products and plan for the future.
Internally, we manufacture an array of industrial products including dampers for gas turbines, boiler casings, steel hoppers, and busbars. Our top quality engineering design service replacement parts, gas metal arc welding, flux core arc welding, and more.
Stay on top of relevant trends by following us on our blog, Twitter, and LinkedIn. Be sure to contact us to place your next industrial product order or if you have any questions.
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As renewable energy sources, namely solar and wind energy, increase in popularity, many manufacturers are wondering where this leaves them.
What is the Dilemma?
As an industry, manufacturing is a large energy consumer. The paramount worry for many in the field is that their own energy sources will be siphoned off by grid operators when solar and wind drop short of expectations. The unreliable true nature of renewables is an unfortunate reality; if it is not a sunny or windy day, then neither energy source is strong.
From a manufacturing standpoint, the growing number of large-scale solar and wind facilities makes for an unreliable grid and reduces power quality, all of which are worrisome because they can equate with safety and reliability issues at the manufacturing site. These risks lay squarely on the shoulders of the energy consumers, with some of the biggest being manufacturers. While the eco-friendly nature of solar and wind as power sources are plentiful, there are issues with adopting them across the board.
Recently, the Industrial Energy Consumers of America (IECA) spoke to the Washington Examiner. As per IECA CEO and President Paul Cicio, “Industrials are not in the business of generating and selling power. We are in the business of producing manufactured products.” Cicio adds that manufacturers cannot meet internal demands for power or steam if they act like a consumer power plant.
Looking for Solutions
It is the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), federally chartered regional transmission organizations, and self-regulating system engineers of these markets that look over the issues. But the FERC’s latest Primary Frequency Response notice of proposed rulemaking will likely only serve to exacerbate the problems and put more responsibility on manufacturers. Unfortunately, utility operators and mechanics often do not have in-depth experience of manufacturing processes, thus not understanding the reliability that is vital for manufacturers.
Currently, the North American Electric Reliability Corporation is assessing the situation based on manufacturers’ grievances and any changes will occur through the standards design process.
Central Metal Fabricators
As a leading manufacturer of gas turbine silencing equipment, it is our responsibility to bring awareness to various circumstances that influence the manufacturing industry.
Here at Central Metal Fabricators, our experts will continue to keep you abreast of developments as we fabricate, assemble, and install top-quality gas turbine silencing equipment and related metal products.
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Although turbine engines create energy in an efficient way, along with the energy comes a lot of noise; noise so loud, if not properly diminished, could kill a person. Hearing loud noises repeatedly, even if not at a level to kill, can cause ear damage, both short term and permanent. To prevent noise levels from being dangerous, mufflers must be used to protect anyone working nearby.
A gas turbine silencer is a type of muffler for industrial turbines. Turbines engines work by forcing air through compressors, which is then typically separated into two sections. One section goes on to cool the engine while another section is sent to a combustion chamber.
In this latter section, the chemical energy that has been created converts to mechanical energy. The air then expands and forces its way out. When the air is recombined, it cools down prior to getting to the first initial turbine set. Then, the turbine is able to convert the airflow from mechanical (or rotating) energy into electrical energy. The exhaust from this process creates the majority of the noise, which comes out of the huge muffler. If there isn’t a gas turbine silencer in place to absorb the noise, anyone working in the vicinity could get serious ear damage, leading to long term hearing loss.
In addition to lowering the chance of harm to employees working nearby or doing routine maintenance, the gas turbine silencer is also able to accommodate intense heat up to 1,200° F. Due to the gas turbine silencer, employees can safely work next to turbines without fear of harming their hearing or working near high temperatures.
At Central Metal Fabricators , we understand just how to keep your employees safe. Our extensive line of gas turbine silencers, exhaust stacks, inlet stacks, enclosures, and components are state of the art equipment designed to meet your needs. We also offer gas turbine silencer services for design, fabrication, replacement, and tech support. We invite you to follow our blog , connect with us on Twitter , or follow us on LinkedIn to keep up to date on news in the gas turbine silencers industry and other things impacting Central Metal Fabricators.
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The use of gas turbines has increased over the past few years. The global preoccupation with lower maintenance costs of power generation equipment and processes that do not adversely impact the environment have dictated the shift from reciprocating engines to gas turbines.
According to Lucintel, the global gas turbine market for power generation will touch a whopping $13.2 billion by 2021 and will continue to grow at a compounded average of 3.3% per year.
Why are Gas Turbines Preferred?
Gas turbines are turbomachines that have high power to weight ratio. They can be much smaller in size than other engines are capable of producing the same level of output. They also happen to be scalable in terms of the basic technology. This is the reason why gas turbines can run the gamut from ones that generate around 38 kW of power to large industrial structures.
The working fluid of choice is air. It is compressed at the inlet, mixed with the fuel and fired to create a heated flow that can then operate the rotor and electromagnet assembly for the desired output of electricity.
A gas turbine as a result produces minimal hazardous wastes. Most of the heated air is reused to drive the compression unit and the rest that is exhausted into the atmosphere doesn’t really contribute to environmental degradation because of complete combustion and low CO emission levels.
Gas turbines can work with a wide choice of fuels and fluids. They require lower pressures and thus the structures can be less robust than alternative engines. The output speed is high. But thanks to fewer moving parts the wear and tear and the cost of lubrication are both moderate.
In a fast paced economy that demands power but is veering towards the sustainable approach, gas turbines fill a void. Over the next few years innovations in the industry will drive sales for the 61-180 MW and more than 180 MW output variants.
CMF is Glad to be a Part of the Movement:
Central Metal Fabricators has been an industry leader in the production of silencers for exhaust stacks, inlet stacks and enclosures. We also supply exhaust plenums, filtration systems, enclosure panels & doors, exhaust diffusers, turning vanes, vandal-rain-snow roof/guards, exhaust stack eductor assemblies, and acoustical-thermal panels, turbulators and turning vanes. For the latest company news and information follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn.
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Being a manufacturer of industrial products for combustion turbine units, we know a thing or two about sheet metal fabrication. In this blog we’ll go over a capability that is important for designing and manufacturing parts and components that stand up to the challenging conditions of power generation equipment.
Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW) is a unique welding process that is versatile, fast, and produces strong joints. It can also be called metal inert gas (MIG) or metal active gas (MAG) welding. To weld metals together a welding gun is used to create an electric arc from a consumable wire electrode and the pieces which melt and join together. What makes this welding process different than others is that a shielding gas is fed through the welding gun to protect the weld from contaminants present in the air. This serves to create a very strong bond between the two pieces of metal.
Inert gases used in GMAW include carbon dioxide, argon, helium, or a mixture of gases. The welding gun consists of an automatic feed consumable wire, the shielding gas, and a current conductor. When passed over the area to be welded, the operator just needs to guide the welding gun over the area. The automatic feed of the electrode makes this a very easy process. But, even though the tools are easy to use the skill of the operator is extremely important for proper position and orientation of the welding gun.
GMAW is very suitable for automation and this fact makes it very popular in manufacturing operations. Low temperatures are generated with GMAW and it is ideal for use on thin sheets of ferrous and non-ferrous metals including aluminum, carbon steel, stainless steel, and copper. At CMF we are experts at producing the equipment and components our customers need to meet their specific applications. Our capabilities, including GMAW, bring all the pieces together quickly, efficiently, and with the highest quality.
