Posted by Central Metal Fabricators, Inc. on | Leave a Comment
For decades, coal and other fossil fuels have been instrumental for the generation of electrical power in the United States. However, the burning of fossil fuels has, over time, come at a tremendous cost. The chemical processes that allow coal to generate energy also contribute to its harmful effects on the environment.
As coal burns, the chemical bonds that hold the carbon atoms in place are broken, causing the release of hazardous and potent greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide and methane. These gases rise into the atmosphere and act as a heat-trapping blanket, warming the earth’s surface. If left unchecked, continuous greenhouse gas emissions can lead to increasing temperatures, elevated sea levels, droughts, heat waves, intensified rainfall, and loss of animal species.
The Trump Administration & the EPA’s Push
The Trump administration’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is seeking to replace the Clean Power Plan (CPP) implemented by the former administration. The newly drafted proposal still aims to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases, albeit with regulations far less stringent than the CPP finalized in 2015.
In October 2017, former head of the EPA, Scott Pruitt, signed a measure to repeal the CPP. In summary, the previous CPP outlined several goals for limiting emissions by employing methods such as shifting from coal to natural gas and building wind or solar farms. However, newly drafted regulations from the current administration, while still favoring coal, aim to regulate greenhouse gas emissions by making modifications to existing coal plants without changing utility modes.
Coal Vs. Clean Energy
The CPP was widely heralded by fossil fuel advocates as “the war on coal.” However, despite attempts to breathe new life into the coal power industry, coal struggled to compete with cheaper and cleaner sources of energy. Many coal-fired power plants are either being retired or converted to natural gas. Additionally, the construction of new coal power plants has halted since they are more expensive than natural gas, solar, and wind energy facilities.
According to several studies, the amount of electricity generated from coal power in the United States declined from 51% in 2008 to 31% in 2016. Natural gas has now surpassed coal, supplying 32% of total U.S. electricity (up from 21% in 2008). Furthermore, solar and wind energy sources have increased from 3% in 2008 to 10% in 2016.
Stricter Environmental Regulations
Ultimately, stricter environmental regulations and the gradual shift from coal to cleaner sources of energy bodes well for the environment and public health. Not only can the reduction of greenhouse gases prevent or slow down the progression of global warming and climate change, but it can also stop the spread of harmful toxic airborne pollutants into the atmosphere.
EPA regulations regarding air, water, and noise pollution must be taken into account by those in the power generation sector. The implementation of emission-reducing equipment is, therefore, instrumental when adhering to federal regulations.
Learn More
At Central Metal Fabricators Inc. our state-of-the-art silencing equipment aims to tackle the least-discussed form of pollution often produced by coal-powered gas turbines: Noise pollution. Constant loud noise, such as that emitted by turbines, can have a harmful effect on workers and others who are exposed to it.
We custom manufacture several types of gas turbine silencer equipment to reduce harmful noise to acceptable levels in accordance with EPA regulations. We also work with professionals in the power industry to custom manufacture equipment and accessories to reduce the emission of standard pollution.
To find out more about our solutions and products, feel free to contact our technical team today. Also, be sure to follow our blog, follow us on Twitter, and follow our LinkedIn page to stay up to date on current industry news and trends.
Posted by Central Metal Fabricators, Inc. on | Leave a Comment
Around the country, nuclear plants are in the midst of the threat of being shut down. From New Jersey and Pennsylvania to Ohio, workers are concerned about the loss of good employment, high paying jobs, and the need to move to find work. The benefits of nuclear power are many; it is efficient, clean, and inexpensive. It keeps the economy going by providing affordable energy and employing thousands of skilled workers. Currently, the U.S. is the world leader in producing nuclear energy.
In a recent study done on potential nuclear plant closures, the study found that annual emissions of CO2 would dramatically increase, upwards of 20 million metric tons. NOx and SO2, both of which are harmful to the air, would also increase. For consumers in the states impacted, the cost of electricity would considerably jump up. Residents in Pennsylvania would see an overall increase by $285 million while Ohio natives would see a $400 million increase.
If/when nuclear energy is back burnered, it will be replaced by another form of energy, that likely of natural gas. FirstEnergy Corp., which is linked to many of the plants facing closure, has asked the Federal Government for a “202-C” grid emergency in an effort to keep the plants afloat after filing for bankruptcy earlier this year. Opponents to the grid emergency cite it as a bailout for a company that has been mismanaged. Rick Perry, U.S. Energy Secretary, does not seem to be interested in the 202-C option, but is looking at other options to help FirstEnergy Corp. and its employees.
At Central Metal Fabricators, we’re closely following what’s happening in the U.S. with nuclear power plants. We are a leading manufacturer of industrial products, dampers for gas turbines, boiler accessories, boiler casings, busbars, steel hoppers, dampers for turbine enclosures, and tanks for storage, exhaust, and inlet silencers, 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. We offer engineering design services for sheet metal fabrication, replacement of parts and flux core arc welding, gas metal arc welding and shielded metal arc welding services.
For more about CMF, we invite you to read our blog, connect with us on LinkedIn, and follow us on Twitter. To find out more about how we can help you with your next project, we invite you to contact us today.
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.
Posted by Central Metal Fabricators, Inc. on | Leave a Comment
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.
Posted by Central Metal Fabricators, Inc. on | Leave a Comment
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.
