Home Improvement

Harnessing Nuclear Power with Fission or Fusion Processes?

Posted in Energy-Efficiency on November 7th, 2011 by Jim – Comments Off

Let me just start this article with the fact that nuclear fusion is highly experimental, and even if the research has come a long way, we are still several decades away from using this energy source commercially. However, nuclear fusion has several major advantages over convectional energy sources today, and even though the principles behind are somewhat similar to nuclear fission, the potential is on another level.

What is Nuclear Power?

Nuclear power is the source of energy that fuel most of the processes in the Universe, responsible for the creation and destruction of starts, as well as the being the life force behind them. It is the solely most potent form of energy we have so far discovered and scientist have been working the last 70 years on how to tame and harness these processes for generating useful energy.

They have come a long way. It did not take many years after the nuclear bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, before nuclear fission reactors started popping up around the globe.

Nuclear Fusion

Nuclear fusion is the name of the process where two lighter atoms merge into one (the opposite of nuclear fission), and in the process has net loss of mass. This mass is converted into massive amounts of energy through Einstein’s formula E = mc^2, where the constant c is the speed of light. There are several large obstacles when it comes to harness nuclear fusion, one of them being finding the right material to sustain the amount of heat that is required to actually make these atoms merge together.

Abundant Fuel

Nuclear fusion can use (unlike nuclear fission that requires uranium or similar heavy atoms) seawater as fuel. That is we extract the deuterium hydrogen isotopes out of seawater. It has been estimated that about 1 liter of seawater is equivalent to 100 liters of petrol.

Relatively Low Radioactivity

The other major advantage of nuclear fusion is the fact that the radioactivity (both in half-life and strength) of the byproducts of nuclear fusion are much milder than that of nuclear fission.

Fusion is The Future

If we one day are able to harness the awesome power of nuclear fusion (the same source that fuel’s and keeps the sun alive and burning), then we have reached a major milestone in human history. This is the day our energy system is transformed, our dependency for non-renewable and polluting energy sources is lost, and we are closer to a completely green and clean future. You might want to read more up on nuclear fusion in How Does Nuclear Fusion Power Plants Work?

Alternatives To Classic Loft Ladder Stairs

Posted in Home Improvement on February 6th, 2011 by Jim – Comments Off

The classic loft ladder stairs, also known as telescoping ladder stairs, or folding ladder stairs, have been used for centuries, albeit with slight variations in materials, dependability, and convenience. They have proven to be a practical tool for accessing otherwise inaccessible regions beneath the roofs of the most traditionally constructed residential sites. In the Western Hemisphere, there are few human beings who would not be able to identify the door in the ceiling of many hallways, especially with the tethered cord attached.

Though a universally recognizable sight for many people, traditional loft ladder stairs often lose their practicability and convenience with age. They become warped, difficult to operate, and downright dangerous to use due to imbalance and material degradation. What child has not been warned not to use the stairs under penalty of an extended “time-out, and for a good reason. Additionally, since the doors and frames change shape over time, the openings tend to lose their ability to insulate, if it ever existed.

Recently, thanks in part to new technologies, loft ladder stairs have taken on a new look. Unlike their predecessors, which had to be fitted and constructed by expensive carpenters, the newer versions can be bought in stair kits at the local do-it-yourself hardware stores, much like the individual components for any staircase can be purchased off the shelf. Whether you are in the market for replacement spindles for stairs, or new banisters, today’s attic ladder stairs can be ordered by the greenest amateur, who, with a little help, can assemble the parts, if need be, and mount the stairs herself. Today’s models are made of the lightest of materials to match any surrounding architectural features, modern or vintage. The latest versions of the older stair models are unique, stylish, and maximize their utilization of space. They come pre-finished, with heavy-duty railing and stair threads. In some cases, the conventional folding attic ladder can be replaced with a disappearing, sliding stair, which , with its insulated doors and weather-stripping, often proves to be more energy efficient than its grandfather. In some cases, today’s attic ladders come at an angle of 53 degrees, which means there is no climbing involved: you simply walk up. No more “time-outs” here.

Whatever your specific needs may be, make certain that your new loft ladder stairs are able to bear at least 350-800 pounds and that the structure is counterbalanced. Innovative metal versions are often the lightest and easiest to install. Keep in mind that accurate measurement is of the essence and that the railing should be the last place to skimp: use heavy duty railing, even with modular space-savers.

Cheap Small Step Ladders

Posted in Tools and Equipment on January 26th, 2011 by Jim – Comments Off

If you are looking for a quick and easy way to reach those awkward places around the home, such as high up shelves, the tops of cupboards and even light bulbs that need changing, then a set of small step ladders could be just the thing you are after. Easy to use and compact to store, folding step ladders can make a multitude of jobs in and around the home so much easier.

There is a great range to choose from, so you can find a set of folding steps that suits your needs perfectly. It might be that you just need a little extra height to reach the top shelves in your kitchen, in which case a folding step stool will more than likely work well for you as they are small and compact, folding away almost flat, but can still add those few extra inches of height that make all the difference when you are trying to reach for things. If you are looking for something a bit more substantial, then small step ladders might be more suited to you. These come in a range of different heights so you can have a 2, 3 or even 4-step step ladder to use around the home. These are still quite compact, although you won’t be able to fit them in a drawer when you are not using them, however they fold away neatly enough to be stored behind a door or even under the kitchen cabinets if you have a gap under there.

With so many different types of folding steps on offer, you will find that there are some excellent deals to be had, so if you are looking for a set of cheap folding steps, you won’t be disappointed. Folding step stools don’t have to be expensive at all, so if you are looking for something to help you are bound the home, but don’t have a huge budget, you will more than likely find a step ladder you can afford.