Natural Cleaning Solutions for Hardwood Floors

It's almost impossible to research natural cleaning solutions without coming across baking soda and/or vinegar as recommended solutions.

For a change, we promise not to offer baking soda or vinegar as natural floor cleaning solutions for sealed hardwood floors. Although these ingredients dominate the search results, they're worthless at best and potentially harmful as finished floor cleaners.

What we do offer are simple, common sense solutions and products for organic or non toxic floor cleaners.

Reasons for Using Natural Hardwood Floor Cleaners

Safe for Pets and Children
Families with children, especially those young enough to play on the floor, may want to avoid harsh chemical floor cleaners so their children aren't exposed to harmful fumes and residue.

Reactions to Strong Chemicals
Some people have very sensitive skin and allergies that limit their ability to be around potent odors or caustic chemicals that are often found in commercial floor cleaning products.

Sealed or Finished Hardwood Floor Cleaners
Finished or sealed hardwood floors have a coating of polyurethane or a similar clear protective finish.
As the Saying Goes, "An Once of Prevention..."

Personally we always felt awkward at homes where we had to take our shoes off upon entering. But you know what? They might be on to something.

Not only is this preventative measure good at keeping carpets fresh, but shoes track dirt onto hardwood floors and then grind the particles against the wood with their hard soles. Obviously this is not good for the finish.

But whether or not you insist visitors take off their shoes, at least performing regular vacuuming or damp mopping on the floor to pick up particles will remove these tiny pieces of grit that act as sandpaper against the finish.

What's Wrong with Baking Soda and Vinegar?
Any search of natural or organic or non-toxic floor cleaning solutions is bound to return a lot of results suggesting baking soda and vinegar, sometimes mixed together. These can be effective cleaning agents in some situations but they're not the right the answer for cleaning hardwood floors.
The first problem with these compounds is that they are mildly corrosive. Baking soda is mildly alkaline which means it has an above average pH level and vinegar is mildly acidic with a below average pH level.

And as far as the advice to mix them baking soda and vinegar goes, this makes little sense. When you mix an acid and a base together they neutralize each other in an fizzy yet worthless mess.
It might make sense to use these ingredients to scrub your tiles, shower stalls, windows, countertops or grout, but don't bother mixing baking soda and vinegar together. And don't put them on your hardwood floor, either alone or together.

Good Cleaners, Wrong Application
The same is true with cleaners offering wax-based finishes or those that contain ammonia. These cleaners can cloud the nice shiny finish of a hardwood floor

These types of floor cleaners are appropriate for tile, vinyl or laminate floors, but they're not right for use on finished hardwood.

Natural Organic and Non-Toxic Cleaning Solutions for Sealed Hardwood Floors

Use Dishwashing Soap
So what are good mild cleaning solutions that won't harm your hardwood floor? Actually the dish soap you use in the kitchen sink can be mixed with water for a safe mild mopping solution that won't harm or dull the finish.

There is a company called Method that makes non-toxic, biodegradable soaps including dish soaps, laundry cleaners and a wood floor cleaning product.
Biokleen is another company making natural cleaning products. Their Citrus Essence Bac-Out Multi-Surface Floor Cleaner is safe for sealed hardwood floors. Their products are concentrated to reduce packaging and non-toxic to be safe for people and the environment.
Even big brand Clorox has a line called Clorox Green Works has a neutral flor cleaner which is pH neutral and 99% natural made primarily of mineral and plant-based ingredients.

A company called Bona also offers non-toxic floor cleaning products. Considering what a growing market green products are there are sure to be other lesser known, regional and upcoming products entering the market all the time

Trewax also offers a pet safe, no fragrance, all natural and pH neutral sealed floor cleaner.
A Word About Wood and Water

The thing to be careful about when using water on wood is to not leave it on the floor for long. If you've ever kept a toothpick in your mouth for a long time you can understand the problem.
Even though the floor has a urethane finish, pooled water left on a finished floor for even a few minutes can leave a mark. This is why we use coasters under cool drinks sitting on a wood table.
Some people recommend only letting the mop get damp, but if you prefer to see soapy suds on the floor just be sure to wash a small area at a time and towel dry all the water completely before moving on to the next section to avoid leaving marks from any remaining droplets.

We recommend using an old bath-size towel for drying the floor to be sure the towel remains absorbent when cleaning a large area.

Steam Mops and Steam Cleaners Are Safe on Sealed Floors
While excessive water on a hardwood floor is bad, using steam mops and steam cleaners are actually quite safe.

Plus steam cleaners and steam mops don't require any additional products at all so they're a great way to safely clean floor with no chemicals, fragrances or residue.

By using only heat and water vapor your floors and your home will be left clean and safe your children, family, pets and the environment.

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Cleaning Green

The cleaning products we buy at the local grocery store usually contain strong chemicals that cause side effects such as eye and lung irritation. The same chemicals that allow us to easily spray and wipe away grime, remain in our environment long after we've rinsed them away. Since many people have become chemically sensitive, it becomes even more of a puzzle to find a cleaning product that works well, but is non irritating.

For a solution, we need to go back to the future. The truth is that almost any dirty surface in your home can be cleaned with one or a combination of the following:

Water Water is a natural solvent--think of the Grand Canyon. We just aren't patient enough to allow it to do its job. Saturate a dirty surface with water and leave it. Then come back and scrub. More than likely it will be clean.

Castile Soap Castile soap has been around since the sixteenth century. While most soaps are made from animal fat, castile soap is made from vegetable oil. It's commonly used as a body soap because of its gentleness, but this versatile cleanser has been used as a toothpaste, shampoo, and laundry detergent. How's that for versatility? Mixed with baking soda it makes a wonderful creamy cleanser for tubs, toilets, etc. For those of you addicted to your fruit-flavored bath bombs, not to worry. Castile soap comes in a smorgasbord of of varieties--peppermint, spearment, tea tree, etc.

Baking Soda (bicarbonate of soda) You probably already know baking soda is great for absorbing odors in the refrigerator. As a cleanser, its abrasive texture makes it great for scouring surfaces. For burnt-on food in the bottom of cooking pans, sprinkle some baking soda, then add hot water. Let it soak overnight, and the burnt-on food will wash off much more easily. To keep drains clear, pour in some baking soda then vinegar and cover the drain. The chemical reaction will help dissolve crud that would otherwise clog the drain, not to mention keeping down odors.

Vinegar Vinegar is a powerful cleaner--especially for any mess that involves grease. Keep a spray bottle with a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and water to clean glass surfaces. A quarter cup of vinegar with cool soapy water is great for cleaning stove tops and ovens. Spray on and let it set for a few minutes then wipe clean. This same mixture will clean greasy kitchen cabinets.

One added bonus is the advent of microfiber technology. Microfiber cleaning cloths are fabulous at grabbing and trapping dust, dirt, and debris without scratching surfaces.

With so many people on the planet, the chemical soup of cleaning products that leach into the water is an enormous problem. It's important to use multi-use products. They require less packaging, less transport, and cause less damage to the environment.

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Portable Marine GPS - Have One GPS For The Boat And Truck

Portable marine gps units are incredibly useful for many people. For sailors and marine biologists, fishermen and ocean going vessels, the portable marine gps units are important to their safety and wellbeing in dangerous and calm waters. The portable marine gps helps those who are navigating the ship to stay clear of underwater hazards like large rocks, trees or sunken ships and helps them find there way in the dark of night or foggy mornings. Fishermen use the portable marine gps units to return to their favorite fishing hole time and time again.

There are several models of portable marine gps units that make navigation compact and easy when it comes to going from land to water and back again. Although some of the screens may be small, about 3.8", they are shiny and bright with 480 x 320 pixels of light. Some of the features of a portable marine gps are: displaying the weather forecasts along with the currents and wave temperatures, many store up to 3,000 user waypoints per route, 10,000 point automatic track lock, 15 saved tracks and alarms for anchor drag, off-course, low battery, proximity, waypoint, clock, too deep, too shallow, water temperature and temperature rate of change and arrival.

On the water, the portable marine gps units are durable and dependable, with a built-in autoroute basemap enhanced by marine chartography. They accept pre-programmed or user programmed data cards with MapSource or BlueChart g2 for off shore details. One could add the additional sonar to the marine gps units and be able to locate large objects below the waters edge. They all come with 3D mapping and distress calling capabilities in case of emergencies. On land, the portable marine gps units are just as durable and dependable as on the water. The autoroute basemap allows for street level, turn-by-turn directions and a programmable MapSource city space for in-depth views of certain cities.

The portable marine gps units utilize the sunlight and nightwatch modes to reduce the glares and improve visibility both in the noonday sun and the dark of night. Another feature is the Max anti grounding feature; embedding aerial photos of the marina and harbor entrances; and current arrows show you which way the current is running and the speed and temperature of the tides is all put into the marine gps units.

With the addition of another antenna, you have to buy a special antenna or the purchase of XM satellite radio; you can see the weather changing in real time or hear updated weather reports every five minutes. The weather is constantly changing and that threat of change is an important issue for people on the open waters or about to go into a lake, ocean or any waterways where the water can turn into an enemy instead of a friend in a matter of seconds.

A marine services article by Dougles Chan - Search Engine Guru - The best SEO company in Singapore and globally. Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for more information on how to make your website to be the top in Google.

Carpet Dry Cleaning or Carpet Steam Cleaning: Which Is Better?

A carpet can be considered an investment for both residential housing and commercial buildings. But as time passes by, it becomes dirty due to attached dirt, stains and fibres caused by natural everyday occurrences and constant visitors at home or in the workplace. The best way to remove every sign of rubbish is to clean it. There are two effective ways in doing this task: either by carpet dry cleaning or carpet steam cleaning. How do these two techniques of carpet cleaning differ from each other?

Dry Cleaning
This often utilizes chemical compounds to get rid off dirt from the carpet. This carpet cleaning method is beneficial to both home and business owners because it requires a small amount of water and moisture which leads to faster drying. Some techniques that dry cleaners use are scrubbing and encapsulation. Carpet dry cleaners scrub the dirt from the carpet to a dry compound and then suck the dirt up by vacuuming. While encapsulation is performed by spreading a special compound to the carpet and wait for it to encapsulate the dirt. When it comes to drying, carpets that undergo this traditional cleaning method usually take a few hours to dry.

Steam Cleaning
This is the best choice for those who want their carpets to be cleaned deeply. This carpet cleaning technique combines hot water with chemical cleaning solutions that are expected to shatter dirt particles and remove them from the carpet. A machine that functions like a vacuum cleaner is often used to suck out dirt from carpet strands. When it comes to drying, this cleaning method usually takes a few days for the carpet to totally dry up. This is the main drawback of using this method. It creates inconvenience to carpet owners because of the longer drying time.

So which is the better carpet cleaning method? From the facts presented above, it can be concluded that carpet dry cleaning is the better choice for home and business owners who want their carpets cleaned. Why is this so? This method allows carpets to dry in just a matter of hours as compared to a few days of the steam cleaning. The time it takes for a carpet to dry up is very important because it has effect to the quality of the carpet. The longer it remains wet, the higher the possibility for it to become sticky. It can also grow mildew and carpets can easily get dirty and stained again.

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A Description of Shell and Tube Heat Exchangers

Shell and tube heat exchangers are needed for high-pressure applications; they are durable products, which can withstand the demands of many working environments. Their design plays a large part in ashell and tube exchanger's ability to endure exceedingly-challenging situations.

Shell and tube heat exchangers are made from a series of tubes, which can be made of durable material such as fluoropolymers. Fluoropolymers are highly-durable plastics such as PTFE, FEP, and PFA. Fluoropolymers, like heat exchangers, have a place in a variety of industries such as the automotive, medical, and aeronautical.

In a exchanger's shell, one set of tubes contains fluid, which is either heated or cooled. Another set of tubes also contains liquid, which facilitates the heating or cooling of the primary set of tubes. A tube set is referred to as the tube bundle and can take on a variety of shapes depending on what is most conducive for the intended job.

Engineers of shell and tube heat exchangers need to consider several components of construction:
A smaller tube diameter enables the shell and tube exchanger to be economical and compact, yet a tiny diameter can facilitate malfunction and difficulty of cleaning. Larger tubing can be instituted to eradicate potential flow and cleaning problems. Engineers must factor cost, space, and the propensity of liquids to foul when constructing a heat exchanger.

Tube thickness is important to make sure there is room for corrosion; vibration existing in the product has resistance; and, the shell and tube exchanger can withstand pressure coming from both in and outside of its internal tubes.

Folding or wrinkling the inner tubes increases the flow of the liquid, which facilitates the transfer of heat, producing better performance from the exchanger.

Designers also consider the layout of the inner tubes. Tubes can be fashioned in a triangular, square, rotated square, or rotated triangular fashion. Particular, internal designs are conducive to specific jobs and the elimination of potential problems such as fouling of the liquid.

Shell and tube heat exchangers also host baffle components. Baffles serve several purposes such as holding the tube bundles in place; making sure tubes do not sag or vibrate; and, facilitating fluid flow.

Finding a reliable supplier for u-bundle tube in Singapore, visit http://heatecholdings.com today.

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Choosing Marine Carpet Easily For Your Boat

Choosing carpet for you boat can be an overwhelming experience. There are lots of different styles, types, and colors to choose from. However, with this guide, choosing your boats carpet can be simple and painless. First thing is getting to know your marine carpet:
Regular marine grade carpet is a UV stabilized piece of carpet made from polypropylene.

Polypropylene is a material which is considered an engineered plastic. Meaning that not only will your marine carpet not stain but it is also mold resistant. Another benefit of marine grade carpet is that many manufacturers include a rubberized backing. This is perfect for snap-in carpet because not only can air flow throughout the bottom of it, but also help stabilize the carpet inside the boat without the need for snaps. Marine carpet also comes without the rubberized backing for glued down applications. Marine carpet usually comes in widths of 6 ft, 8 ft, and 12 ft.

Another option many people go with is indoor outdoor carpet. This can be beneficial because it isn't labeled with the "marine" tag which often costs much more money. There are many different styles and more options of indoor outdoor compared to marine carpet. Indoor outdoor is often UV protected and mold resistant as well. However, indoor outdoor carpet usually has a plastic look compared to marine carpet. Careful when ordering indoor outdoor types for your boat as some comes with a latex backing which will break down when water is repeatedly placed onto it. Indoor outdoor carpet usually comes in widths 12 ft and 15 ft but can sometimes be found in widths of 8 ft.

Lastly, the option of placing regular home carpet on your boat is available. This type of rug is rarely UV protected as well as almost always having a latex backing. This type is available in nylon (easily stained), wool, and polypropylene as well as others. Using regular carpet should always be a last option because it will rarely last longer than a couple of months when exposed to the environment. If you want the carpet on your boat to last a long time and always looking beautiful it is best to choose a marine grade carpet. However, if the carpet is to be glued down; indoor outdoor carpet is always an option.

A marine services article by Dougles Chan - Search Engine Guru - The best SEO company in Singapore and globally. Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for more information on how to make your website to be the top in Google.

How to Clean Your Air Ducts

Can you clean your own air ducts? The answer is yes! But, for the DIY'S there is some information you will need to know. There are several methods used to clean air ducts. Most of these methods require special equipment and training! So, there is only so much the DIY'S can do to clean their air ducts. It's more of a partial clean! Also, some air duct cleaning companies will use Biocides or Ozone to rid your ducts of contaminants. Biocides are chemicals that are used to rid your air ducts from bacteria and mold.

Ozone is a gas that is used to kill biological contaminants. Chemical biocides are regulated by the EPA under the Federal Pesticide Law. Any chemical can be dangerous, so do your research or hire a professional! Using chemicals without proper training is not recommended. Also, before cleaning your air ducts it's important to know what type of ducts your home or business has installed.

The most common type is flexible ducts and are typically insulated to conserve energy, reduce condensation and temperature control. Most metal duct work is used for industrial purposes and is typically more expensive. Air duct cleaning is much easier on metal air ducts than flexible ducts. Also, the insulation in flexible duct work is more likely to re-soil with dust and mold. You will need to clean more often. If you choose to clean air ducts yourself here are some tips.

1. Air ducts cannot be cleaned without tools! So, you will need a ladder, screwdriver (look at duct vents to determine), flashlight, wet/dry vacuum with long hose and soft bristle attachment. Also, you need to wear rubber gloves and face mask (respirator) for safety. You do not want to breathe the contaminants from your air ducts. Once you have the proper cleaning equipment then you must examine the ducts for contamination. First, run your finger along the inside of the ducts. If you see dust on your finger then your ducts are dirty. So, proper tools, training and contamination severity are the first thing you need to determine. Once this is complete you can move forward to the cleaning process.

2. First, remove the vent covers from the walls or ceilings. Be careful not to damage the vents or duct work when removing. If there is paint build-up on the vents you can use a putty knife (run around edges of vent) to remove without damage. Next, you need to set-up your vacuum system for cleaning. Most wet/dry vacuums come with several attachments. You want to use the long hose (attach directly to vacuum) and the hard plastic tube (attach to hose) with soft bristle brush to clean your vents.

Turn "on" the vacuum and begin the cleaning process. When cleaning the ducts make sure to clean with ease.....do not clean with force! Use just enough power to break the dust or mold away from the walls of the duct work. Use whatever cleaning pattern works best for you. Be sure to clean all the cracks and crevices (hard to reach places) so you can achieve the best results. You are only going to clean up into the vent so far with the length of hose. So, when there is no more hose to clean with you have gone as far into the duct work as your going to go. This process may take some time!

If you are going to use anti-bacterial solutions to disinfect (spray after the cleaning). Be sure to read the bottle for mixing instructions and "How to Use" on the label. After the ducts are cleaned then you need to clean the vents. A good cleaning solution is bleach and water. You can use the "Rubber Stopper" in your kitchen sink (fill up sink to half) and then add 3 caps of bleach. Use warm or hot water. Let the vents soak for about an hour. Once the vents have soaked to remove debris then dry off and reinstall. Make sure the vents seal correctly around the edges. Next, you need to clean the wet/dry vacuum. Do not use the vacuum again until it's been cleaned!

Read your owner's manual for cleaning instructions. Also, you need to replace the air filters in your system. You can purchase good quality filters from most hardware stores. This process will achieve quality results if done properly.

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Carpet Cleaning Methods - Chem-Dry Cleaning

There are several methods that can be adopted for cleaning carpets. Wet cleaning methods are, however, used more commonly. As a matter of fact, professional cleaning companies have recently come up with a technique that involves low moisture levels. This cleaning technique is known as dry-cleaning or chem-dry cleaning.

About Chem-dry cleaning
The chem-dry cleaning method is done with dry foam or dry chemicals. This technique usually works well on carpets used in high traffic areas, where wet cleaning might create a problem. Additionally, this technique is used specifically with deep cleaning.

It is a misconception that this technique does not involve water. However, little dampness is a part of the process.

The process is preceded by a pre-cleaning process wherein the carpet is cleaned for existing heavy soiling and grit with a pre-conditioner. Thereafter, the carpet is dusted with chemicals that are worked in by vigorous and repeated brushing using a brushing machine.

The carpet is then left to dry for about an hour, followed by deep vacuuming to extract the dirt suspended by chemical.

Benefits of Chem-dry cleaning
The chem-dry cleaning technique has many benefits associated with it. These include:

• Reduced drying time
As this carpet cleaning method uses less water, it hardly takes any time to dry the carpet. In fact, it is quite possible to walk over the carpet right after the cleaning process.

• Prevents over-wetting
Since the water is just sprinkled in little quantities, this cleaning technique prevents the carpet from getting too wet.

• No residue
With zero use of detergent and negligible amounts of water, this carpet cleaning technique does not leave behind any mold or residue. There is no risk of germ incubation, as no liquid is involved in the process.

• Completely organic and safe
Most professional carpet cleaning companies use chemicals that are completely organic. These chemicals are toxin-free and thus safe for pets and humans. Moreover, use of these cleaning agents doesn't affect people suffering from asthma and allergies.

Precautions
The chem-dry cleaning method is quite effective, as it provides deep cleansing of your carpet without making a mess or leaving behind residues. There are certain precautionary factors that should be considered during the process. Primarily, it is very important the technician is trained about the cleaning agent and equipment involved in the process.

Furthermore, the dry foam machine should be used with the flow or grain of the pile, if any. This might require turning the machine off and then going back to the initial edge to foam an adjoining area in flowing direction. Also, make sure the foam is completely dry before it is vacuumed. If the technician is not trained, desired results might not be achieved.

When hiring a professional cleaning company, make sure to ask about the cleaning agent used in the process. It is very important to use agents that are non-toxic and completely organic for an eco-friendly carpet cleaning approach.

Seeking for chemical cleaning services? Visit us today over this URL.An article by Dougles Chan - Search Engine Guru - The best SEO company in Singapore and globally. Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for more information on how to make your website to be the top in Google.

How Cargo Marine Insurance Can Be Useful To You

The business of importing and exporting cargo from one part of the world to the other can be fraught with numerous risks. However, this has not deterred people from doing it. This can be attributed to the availability of insurance coverage to protect against such losses.

Cargo marine insurance, for insurance, has been around for quite some time, but not everyone has had the good mind to make use of it. This is despite its many benefits. As a businessperson, you should identify services that can help you save costs and make more profits. Insurance exists to enable you invest in ventures that carry various risks but which are lucrative in the end.

Cargo marine insurance is a coverage that was initially meant to cover people who importing and exporting goods across waterways, such as seas, oceans and canals. This coverage can protect you against loss or damage of cargo, ships or terminals. If you are not covered for these, you can incur incredibly irrecoverable losses. Many businesses have gone under for lack of a comprehensive cargo marine insurance cover. You don't have to experience such predicament to know the importance of insurance.

You can find a cargo program that allows you to import, forward, and export your cargo anytime and anywhere in the world with no fear of the risks. Some insurance do not restrict coverage for maritime shipments only. They can also provide coverage for air shipments as well. If you want to insure your cargo safely, you must ensure that your approach a registered insurance company whose activities are certified by the government. The company should provide you with a quote of the rates that you will be required to pay. If the rates are acceptable to you, the company will make an agreement with you.
Some companies provide great rates, a quick turnaround and amazing coverage. You can receive timely and helpful attention whenever you want to preempt professional liability. Some of the businesses that have benefited from such kind of insurance include those that involve shipping vehicles abroad or exporting and importing different types of merchandise.

Acquiring cargo marine insurance is not as hard as it used to be in the recent past. Now, you can receive estimates of annual premiums within a few hours. Your cargo will determine the market through which your coverage will be placed. Regardless, you will get awesome claims service and high level of professionalism.

A Singapore marine services article by Scotts Digital - Top SEO company in Singapore.

Importance of Marine Surveys

Marine survey is a process during which surveyors inspect vessels of different types. Vessels inspected during these surveys include passenger vessels, pleasure craft, oil rigs, dredges, barges, tugboats, warships, cargo vessels and ferries. In addition, you will also come across marine surveys examining marine engines, marine cargo and facilities like loading docks, dry docks, canals and so on; these inspections are carried out for checking regulation compliance, pre-purchase estimation, and assessment of insurance claim and insurance eligibility.

So, what happens during a marine survey? The process usually involves thorough inspection of the vessel and for that one would need to appoint an intelligent, qualifies, honest and qualified surveyor. The expert carries out the inspection with the aim of finding out whether the boat or yacht in question is suitable for hitting the sea. In other words, the surveyor tests the marine vehicle's seaworthiness.
The test is conducted mainly to determine whether the vehicle is safe for being used in conditions it is meant to operate in. In addition, the expert also checks vessels for defects and take decisions on the kind of repair works they need to undergo.

The majority of the individuals looking to purchase marine vehicles do not possess enough knowledge to identify the rights and wrongs when picking a boat or yacht. As a result, seeking help from an experienced professional is an absolute must for them. Seeking professional help is essential even for people with experience of handling marine vessels; by hiring third-party services they can get the best and the most unbiased opinion.

Why it is important to get a marine survey done? The bluntest answer to this question would be for staying financially and physically alive.

Most vessel owners say that for them purchasing marine surveys is like purchasing peace of mind; and they say so because they are immensely benefited by such services. It's a more or less known fact that open water often turns treacherous; while at times this happens due to bad weather conditions, on other occasions, faults in the vessel are found to be responsible for the mishaps. By ensuring that the vehicle doesn't have any defect, you can reduce its chances of encountering crisis when in water significantly.

It's impossible for an inexperienced owner to carry out an inspection all by himself or herself. Thus, the best way of managing the situation is by getting the survey done by a professional. When you get the inspection done by the expert, you will not only know about the status of your marine vehicle, but will also gather knowledge about the right way of maintaining it.

A Singapore marine services article by Scotts Digital - Top SEO company in Singapore.

Marine Stainless Steel Applications

Introduction
Marine applications are in great demand these days. The ideal material for marine applications is stainless steel because of the fact that it resists rust better than other materials such as bronze, brass or galvanized steel. By now it is very known that stainless steels ranging from AISI 316 up to 6Mo and superduplex do not always resist seawater.

Crevice corrosion and pitting may develop sooner or later. An example of this could be that a 25Cr07Ni super duplex tubular heat exchanger in a marine vessel showed crevice corrosion within half-a-year of service.

A biofilm will develop on the metal surface in natural seawater and it will always promote the corrosivity of the water. Microbiological Induced Corrosion (MIC) often occurs in seawater. Also galvanic corrosion is a major problem found at sea.
This article describes the performance of stainless steel in marine environment. Materials selection in marine environment is rapidly gaining popularity because of the worldwide trend to concentrate major industrial facilities around sea ports in order to increase cooling capacity and save transport cost.

Localised Corrosion
Stainless steel will never corrode uniformly in marine environment. Corrosion is localized, I.e.: crevice corrosion and pitting corrosion. Localized corrosion often is being promoted by a biofilm.

Crevice corrosion is a major problem in marine environment because of the low resistivity of the water (seawater resistivity is about 0.35 Ohm•m). Even 6% Mo SS at 30°C can suffer crevice corrosion in seawater. If chlorinated, seawater below 25°C will not cause pitting corrosion to duplex stainless steel 2205 and alloys with higher PREN-value. PREN value is defined as 'Pitting Resistance Equivalent Number':

PREN = %Cr + 3.3%Mo • X%N where X = 16 for duplex and X = 30 for austenitic steels. The higher the PREN value the better the pitting resistance.

Stress corrosion cracking
Stainless steel 304 and 316 are sensitive to chloride cracking at temperatures above 60°C. Presence of oxygen is a must, which means that produced water from gas or oil production does not cause stress corrosion cracking, even at high temperature. 6% Mo and duplex stainless steel are much less sensitive to this phenomena, however under extreme conditions, I.e. high stresses and high temperature and cold deformation it may occur. Sometimes stress corrosion cracking occurs from the outside; especially longitudinal welded pipes at higher temperature are sensitive to this type of 'corrosion under insulation'.

Galvanic Corrosion
Like crevice corrosion, the low resistivity of seawater also promotes strongly galvanic corrosion. Galvanic corrosion is seen as a major concern for materials performance in marine environment. A well known example is bronze bearings in ships, where sacrificial zinc anodes need to protect the steel hull for galvanic corrosion. Also stainless steel can suffer galvanic corrosion, or it causes galvanic corrosion to other, less noble, alloys.

A marine services Singapore article by Dougles Chan - Search Engine Guru - The best SEO company in Singapore and globally. Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for more information on how to make your website to be the top in Google.

Boat Insurance Companies

Many boat owners forget one important thing when they buy their boat, which is about buying good boat insurance. The reason for this is very simple, many boat owners feel that the risks of getting the boat damaged is very slim compared to get the car or any other motor vehicle damaged. So they feel that insurance for their boat is just an added financial burden. This is partly true however if the boat owners take some time and think about this then they will realize that buying a good boat insurance is truly worth every cent. The insurance policy not only provides financial cover to the huge investment but also gives the boat owners peace of mind. They can enjoy their boat without having to worry about any damage to their boat.

If you are looking for a good boat insurance which does not burn a big hole in your pocket then you have come to the right place. I am gone provide a brief introduction on how to find a good boat insurance companies. The first thing to do is to sit down and write what you are looking for in your insurance. Once you know that the policy should be able to cover then you can go about searching for good boat insurance companies.

The fact is that not all Boat insurance companies are equal. There are some which are too good to be true and some which not many notice but are offering much more than other companies. This is the very reason why you need to do a thorough research on all the boat companies out there. You can do this by two ways, one approach an insurance agent who can tell you about all the companies and also about various boat insurance available in the market. The second way is to start searching about the companies online.

The age of internet has ushered a new era where you can sit at the comfort of your home and get all the information you need to by just clicking one button. There are literally hundreds of websites which provides complete information about various companies and various policies available. All you need to do is to log on to those sites and provide some basic information about yourself and also about your boat. Then the site will match all your needs and guide you to the list of companies which will be able to offer you good policies at very reasonable quotes.

A marine services article by Scotts Digital - Top SEO company in Singapore.

Basics Of Marine Insurance

If you own a ship or a cargo you should consider getting marine insurance. There are high chances that your business represents a huge investment that is why you would want to be protected in case anything bad was to happen to your ships. This will provide you with peace of mind knowing that any losses which might occur will be covered by the insurance company.

Marine insurance is a special type of insurance meant to cover for loss or damage of cargoes, ships and terminals. Basically it is designed for any type of cargo or transport which transfers property. This insurance is very useful if you are the owner of a business and you work with valuable items.
Now coming to what exactly marine insurance covers for. Like I said earlier, marine insurance can provide coverage for all sorts of property and goods. If your property or goods get damaged during transit across dry land this insurance policy will provide coverage for the losses. Also you will get coverage for the losses that you may incur if during transportation your property and goods are stolen. If you want, this insurance can also cover for your building.

If you want to get a cheaper quote on marine insurance make sure you follow these simple advices that I am going to give you. First of all if you are just starting your business try to get new ships. Also make sure you equip them with safety equipment like fire extinguishers and life rafts. This will attract a lower premium as it will convince the insurance company that there are low chances of accidents to happen in your ships. Another thing which might help you get a lower quote is to make sure that all the sailors have a lot of experience and that they didn't have any accidents in their sailing history. Make sure they were trained by a recognized institute as having a qualified crew with a lot of experience is a plus point that will attract a lower premium for marine insurance.

Before you buy marine insurance do make sure that you check all the details of the policy as you want to make sure it will cover for all your needs and also that you won't get any unpleasant surprises when the time comes for you to collect your money. If you don't have the time to consult an insurance agent you can browse online and you will find many sites that offer marine insurance and provide discounts and reductions.

A marine services Singapore article by Scotts Digital - Top SEO company in Singapore.

50 Offshore Drilling Companies To Get You Started

Are you looking for a list of offshore drilling companies because you are looking for a job in an offshore oil rig? Have you tried the big boys like Shell and BP, etc? No results, or don't want to try them for some reason?

Besides the obvious list of big boys like Shell and BP, you can also look for offshore drilling companies which do wildcatting or provide sub-contracting offshore oil drilling services to the major players. There are potentially hundreds of smaller companies which do this. Rather than cover the whole spectrum of finding oil, drilling for it and then refining and distributing the oil, these relatively small companies (for the oil and gas industry) concentrate on providing offshore drilling services. Some of them were formed during the last slump in oil prices by far-sighted investors with deep pockets, buying up equipment for pennies on the dollar. Many more were popped up just before the current boom in oil prices, or just recently to cater for the spike in demand for oil drilling services.
Here is a list of 50 offshore drilling companies to get you started:

• Nabors Industries
• Transocean
• Diamond Offshore
• Rowan Companies
• Schlumberger
• Stena Drilling
• Tesco Drilling
• Transocean Sedco
• Prosafe ASA
• Abbot Group
• Acteon
• Akita Drilling
• Altinex
• Atwood Oceanics
• Baker Hughes
• China Oilfield Services
• Crosco Drilling
• Dolphin Drilling
• Egyptian Drilling Company
• Franklin Howard International
• Fred. Olsen Energy
• Geoservices
• Global Marine Drilling
• GlobalSantaFe
• IKM Subsea Design
• Japan Drilling Co
• KCA Deutag Drilling
• Maersk Contractors
• Metzke Engineering
• Noble Drilling
• Pajak Engineering
• Parker Drilling
• PetroMena
• Reamco
• Seadrill
• Smedvig
• Smith International
• ENSCO International
• BLAKE Offshore
• CDIS
• Coastal Drilling Company
• Crosco
• Extended Reach Drilling
• Frigstad Offshore
• Jindal Drilling & Industries
• KCA DEUTAG Drilling
• Marine Drilling Companies
• National Drilling Services
• Neptune Drilling
• Ocean Rig

Do note that these are just 50 out of hundreds, with many more new companies formed each month to cater for the growing demand of the oil rush. As the entire oil and gas industry is very fast-moving right now, there is no guarantee that all the companies will still be around. After all, the major players like Shell will almost certainly try to buy them up to secure their own supply of oil rigs and crew. Some of these companies provide both onshore and offshore services and may even provide pipelining services, so be sure to make it clear in your cover letter and resume/cv.

Not all of the companies have websites or email. You may need to do some digging to find their snail mail or off-line address so that you can send them you cover letter and resume through the post office.

To get an offshore drilling job, you can go to the major players, or you can try the smaller specialist offshore drilling companies. The major players are of course more stable (at least during the oil boom). The smaller companies, on the other hand, provide more opportunity for advancement if you are bright and hardworking.

A Singapore marine services article by Scotts Digital - Top SEO company in Singapore.

How to Set Out a Building on Site, Landscaping Tips - How to Install a Classic Stone Border

Setting out is the first stage of construction in a site. This involves outlining the structure on the ground. For any new house or extensions or alterations mapping out is very important to avoid costly errors. There are factors to consider when laying out the building plans on site. This include the size of the plot, neighbors, driveways and sun direction. The other factors to note are planning requirements by the local authorities and services required to the site. This are electricity, water, sewers, communication and roads.

When setting out the building on the ground consider the angle to plot boundary line. The house should be offset from the boundary line by at least twenty to forty degrees. A building set parallel to boundary line has a small visual plot size. This offset also gives better usable spaces in the front and backyards. It will also make the sun run through the house east to west giving warmth to the whole house. Set house north to south for maximum sun.

Setting out commences from a plot corner and putting a peg. Offset the peg by four meters at an angle of twenty degrees from plot end. Measure out the length of the building along this angle and place a peg. Mark the width along ninety degrees from this and complete to first peg. With the four corners in place, map out the are with chalk powder. Use the drawing to locate the extent of the building line within the mapped area and mark corners.

The setting out should proceed by making profile boards. This are timber or metal boards set off the building line. They indicate the foundation width and wall thickness. Pull strings along this marks to draw the foundation lines for the whole house. Mark a center line for each wall. Use this to map to the whole house on the ground. Confirm the squareness and all the dimensions at every intersection. After confirming all dimensions work can commence.

Step 1: Planning

The first step to installing a stone border is to PLAN. Choose a stone that matches the architecture (shape and color) of the home and identify the color of mortar that will look best (grey or beige).

Next, decide where the stone border will go. Think about future landscape expansions too, it is easier to add the space now then trying to redo the border later. Sprinkler systems are also an issue, design the border to stay clear of any sprinkler heads.

Tip: Most home improvement stores only carry a traditional grey mortar, but I will explain how to custom mix mortar to make a beige color in Step 4.

Calculations: Figure 1 ton of stone per 100 feet of border, and calculate one bag of mortar per 3 to 5 feet.

Step 2: Layout

Now that all the planning is out of the way and all the materials are on hand, it's time from some fun! It's time to lay the outline of the stone border. I recommend using a garden hose, or some other object that will allow for easy adjustments until the final layout is determined.

Once the final layout is in place, use marking paint to spray the outline. This will act as a guide when digging.

Tip: If there are long curves, use 1/2 inch diameter PVC pipe and grade stakes to help get a smooth curve. Determine the beginning and end points of the curve and drive in one stake at each end. With the PVC pipe wedged against the two end stakes, push the middle of the pipe until the desired curve is achieved. Drive in the middle stake to hold the pipe in place.

Step 3: Preparation

Dig along the outline created in Step 2 to approximately 4 inches deep by 4 inches wide. This may need to be deeper and wider depending on the type of stone used. Once the trench is dug, layout the stone along the border for easy access. Only lay out what can be installed for that day. Also, have the mortar, wheelbarrow, water hose, shovel, rubber mallet, bucket, sponge, level and trowel ready to go.

Step 4: Installation

Now it is time to start laying the stone. First, mix the mortar in the wheelbarrow, adding only enough water until the mortar has the consistency of peanut butter. Start on one side of the trench and lay two to three inches of mortar into the trench. Next, lay the first stone into the mortar and tap slightly with a rubber mallet, only using enough force to set the stone slightly in the mortar. Repeat this process until the border complete, using a level along the way to make sure the border has an uniform height (not necessarily level). 

Fill in the gaps between the stones with mortar, making sure to leave drain holes about every 5 feet to allow water to drain from the landscaped areas. Use a damp sponge to wipe off excess mortar from the stone every ten feet, this will keep the mortar from drying and staining the stone. After allowing the mortar to dry for a day, backfill with dirt along the border to cover up the base.

Tip: Only mix enough mortar that can be used in a 30 minute time period, don't mix so much that it hardens during use. Some stone looks better with a beige mortar. To accomplish this mix four parts masonry sand to one part white Portland cement. Mix these two together before adding water. The stone yard should have both of these in stock. Figure one-half yard masonry sand and two bags of white Portland per one hundred feet of border.

Step 5: Enjoy!

Please visit here for more info on Pipe Marking.