Technology – Shanghai Metal Corporation

METAL – THE NEXT BIG FUEL?

According to a new report from researchers at McGill University, powdered metal fuels could be an effective replacement for the fossil fuels we currently rely on: coal, oil and natural gas. As well as providing an alternative energy source, powdered metals would significantly slash carbon emissions and environmental damage.

Not only do grains of powdered metal contain more energy per liter than any conventional fuel, but the fuel may be recyclable in some cases. By grinding the metal, the ratio between the surface area and volume of the grains is vastly increased – making a ‘better’ burning product.

However, it is important to note that the powder would not be a primary energy source like petroleum, but rather a storage medium for energy sources such as nuclear or hydroelectric power.

Whilst this technology may seem promising, there are considerable downsides in that: this method is currently not cost-competitive, and the investment in heavy mining equipment to obtain these metals would likely off-set any carbon saved in the actual burning of the metal. Additionally, developments in battery capacity and efficiency still lag behind, making it difficult for powdered metals to be used effectively as an alternative fuel source.

Despite this, the rapid pace of development and modern technology may mean that we see powdered metal as a viable energy alternative in the not-so-distant future!

Image: Stabilized flames of different metal powders burning with air, compared to a methane-air flame (Credit: Alternative Fuels Laboratory/McGill University)

CHINA STRIDES INTO THE WORLD OF EXPERIMENTAL PHYSICS

China is planning the construction of a particle accelerator seven times more powerful than the CERN Large Hadron Collider (LHC), which discovered the Higgs boson.

The collider will form part a 100km loop (3 times more powerful than the LHC) and will allow for deviations in readings to produce accurate data for theoretical physicist to use in their hypotheses.

The Chinese particle accelerator differs from the LHC in that it only produces Higgs bosons, making a ‘cleaner’ environment for data analysis.

Whilst the project is indeed ambitious, the pace of construction is impressive – with estimates for completion of design in 2018 and work commencing in 2020.

Image: Large Hadron Collider in Switzerland [Getty Images]

GO GREEN WITH SOLAR PANEL!

Nowadays, pollution is getting worse and worse. It can be one of the biggest killers, affecting more than 100 million worldwide. You don’t want to die fast, right? Let’s save the world and be green with solar panel!

Pollution is one of the biggest issues that every nation faces right now. Every nation only competes to be the number one in economic development and sometimes ignore about environmental condition. The fact is every nation should attain sustainable development, which is balance between economy, environment, and social community.

Energy which is very important for economic development of nations is getting fewer. Every nation exploits energy in order to achieve rapid economic growth. Total energy needs in the world currently reach 10 Terra Watt and this number will increase until 30 Terra Watt in 2030. The increasing number of total energy needs collide with the sustainable concept that human needs to pay attention to. Solar panel as alternative energy source can solve this problem.

Solar panel is a panel designed to absorb the sun’s rays as a source of energy for generating electricity or heating. Solar energy is actually the most promising energy sources because it is unlimited and sustainable. The sun is expected to address future energy needs problem because most of energy sources are limited and not environmental friendly.

Solar panel work using p-n junction principle, which is the junction between p-type and n-type semiconductor. This semiconductor consists of bonds in which atoms are electrons as the basic constituent. N-type semiconductors have an excess of electrons (negative charge) while the p-type semiconductor has excess holes (positive charge) in the structure of the atom. The role of p-n junction is to form an electric field so that electrons (and holes) can be extracted by contact material to produce electricity. When the p-type semiconductor and n-type contacted, then the excess electrons will move from the n-type semiconductor to the p-type to form a positive pole on the n-type semiconductor, and conversely the negative pole to the p-type semiconductor. As a result of the flow of electrons and holes is to formed electric field which when the sun light on the composition of the p-n junction will push electrons move from the semiconductor toward the contact negative, which in turn is used as electricity, and vice versa hole moves toward the positive contact waited electrons come.

Solar panel consist of substrate/metal backing, semiconductor materiel, contacts metal/contact grid, antireflective coating, and encapsulation/cover glass. Substrate/metal backing is material that sustains all components of solar cells and it must have a good electrical conductivity. It can be made by metal material such as aluminum.

There’s a lots of advantage using solar panel, especially solar panel doesn’t cause any pollution and it’s free energy! You can be go green, save the world, and less money! So, you still doubt to save the world with solar panel? We, Shanghai Metal Corporation can provide you good quality of aluminum that can support your solar panel!

As a representative of the metal industry, Shanghai Metal is one of the leading businesses in the manufacturing of metalworking industry. We can produce and export the best quality of aluminum, other metal products, shipping containers, and service. We prioritize the efficient of manufacturing and environmental sustainability.

Want to know more about our company? Please visit our website and you can follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Feel free to download our new mobile application by scanning the QR code below.

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Source: Teknologisurya, Technologystudent, Wikipedia, Esdm.go.id

Ardelia Sassie/SMC Editor

“GUNS, GERMS AND STEEL”: A PERSPECTIVE OF PROGRESS BY JARED DIAMOND

Guns, Germs and Steel is a famous Pulitzer Prize-winning book written by Jared Diamond, an American scientist and author of other well-known science books like The Third Chimpanzee (1991) or Collapse (2005).

Guns, Germs and Steel serves to answer to why some civilizations, like the Europeans, have survived and conquered others. Jared Diamond explains that this hegemony is primarily based on their technological and intellectual superiority. To sum up everything, the success of a civilization is essentially a question of environmental luck.

The title of this book sums up the general theory of Diamond’s ideas: farm-based societies conquered and spread influences on other populations of other areas and maintained their dominance. By using weapons and technology (guns), these elements serve immediately as a form of military superiority. Diseases (germs) – can be seen indirectly as a form of biological weapon- weakened and reduced local populations, therefore making it easier to maintain superiority over them. The last “ingredient” of power concerns steel which means the development of basic infrastructures and transport and therefore enabled imperialism.

Hence according to Jared Diamond, the success or the fall of human societies are determined by geographical luck and it’s technological means. The ideas written in this book essentially describes different factors that could contribute to a better development of any civilization. Although this book provides a different perspective of development, it is also subject of various critics.

As an international corporation, we too share the same idea that steel is an amazing material that contributes to the development of every progressing society. It is both economic and sustainable. Steel for a very long time, is a material that represents progress and innovation. Shanghai Metal Corporation manufactures and distributes a large range of Steel products of high quality all over the world. For more information, you can visit the company’s website or contact us for any inquiry.

Let us know your opinion about this famous book by Jared Diamond.

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Maria // SMC Editor

Metal industry driving force behind fast growth in dry bulk shipping demand.

According to MarketReportsOnline.com the demand for steel in 2015 will grow at a tremendously fast pace. This fast paced growth will consequently send the dry bulk shipping sector a boost that will drive up the demand growth for that industry. In the research report of 56 pages published by MarketReportsOnline.com it states that Iron ore and coal will be the driving forces behind the anticipated growing demand for dry bulk shipping.

The dry bulk shipping industry is predicted to have a much better year in 2015. Growth rates for the first quarter of this year are expected to be higher than they were in 2014. The global dry bulk shipping industry holds an essential place in maritime transport, carrying large volumes of unpacked products. These products are carried in 20 feet bulk containers, that can carry up to 192 tons of bulk goods.

The latest innovation on these containers, like the one designed by Shanghai Metal Corporation, offer fast and efficient ways to load the bulk goods via the roof and unload through the latch on the bottom of the front door.

Scan the QR code below or follow us on these social media outlets.

By Youssef el Issaoui//SMC Editor

Credits: SMC website, Google Images

Keep it Fresh!

As one of the leading manufacturers and suppliers of metal products in China, one of our most popular products is the shipping containers. We offer shipping containers in different sizes and variations, among which is the Reefer Container, also known as the refrigerated container.

At SMC we ensure that your perishable goods are kept cool and fresh through the long journey of reaching the export market; or as they are being transported from the place of origin, that is the farm to the market place in our temperature controlled cargo. Our professional handling of perishable goods in these reefer containers is specifically beneficial to businesses that trade in the horticulture business farming products such as flowers, fruits, vegetables, sea food ,meat and other fresh produce.

Much like a cold room with controlled temperature, our reefer containers have a controlled atmosphere to ensure that the goods being transported remain as fresh as can be, thus quality products is not compromised.

This intense temperature control is particularly useful in ensuring food quality; so it comes a long way as a great benefit for countries that aren’t self sufficient in food production and are dependent on imported fresh produce.

Refridgerated containers are also essential for transporting other sensitive goods such as plants,medicines and vaccines which need to be under certain temperatures all the time.

These containers are also handy in transporting food products to military personnel living in bush camps and are out of reach of fresh produce.

Our reefer containers are equipped with low power consuming refridgeration technology, which is essential for energy saving.

Seasons Greetings! Look no further and contact us for a free inquiry about to get more information about the reefer containers. They are essential for transporting all those flowers and Christmas trees during this peak season!

Stay up-to-date with our latest updates by scanning the QR code below or follow us on these social media platforms:

Visit our website for more product information.

Lebo Seopane//SMC Editor

Credits: SMC homepage, Google Images

The Evolution of Bridge

The bridge is used to provide a way over an obstacle, such as water, valley or road. Its size differs according to its destination, it can be used to cross a river or even from one city to another. In some cases, it may symbolize an important point in your life. According to Freud, a bridge may symbolize any sort of transition in the dreamer’s life, for example, moving to a foreign country, changing from a job to another, etc. In this article, we are going to focus about the physical-real-life bridge. Let us see how bridges have evolved throughout the human history and how ancient bridges show us that structure theory is not the only vital factor in the realization of building construction.

We can divide the evolution of bridge technology into 2 eras :

1. The Arch Era

The Arch Era goes from 2000 BC until the end if the 18th century. Arc bridges were well developed by the Romans and were for the majority stone arches. The Viaduct in Segovia, for example, is over 2000 years old and is still intact until today.

Roman Viaduct in Segovia

We can also find another example of ancient stone bridge in China. The elegant Zhao Zhou Bridge were built around 600 AD and can still be used until today.

Zhao Zhou Bridge

Another famous ancient bridge still in use today is the Siosepol Bridge in Iran, built during the Safavid Dynasty (around 16th Century).

Siosepol Bridge

These bridges were built before the appearance of structural theory. The ancestors of engineer didn’t use theory to guide their design. The type of bridge structure they used (still used until today) was intuitive and their construction materials were readily available in nature. Stone arches have a very wonderful structures and blend very well into the natural landscape.

2. The Contemporary Era

This modern era goes from the 19th Century until today. The construction of bridge changed after the Industrial Revolution in the 19th Century, with the introduction of steel.

One of the most spectacular early bridge is the Firth of Fourth Bridge in London, built during the end of the 19th Century. Some may not be fond of its structures but it has been successfully serving its objective until now.

Firth of Fourth Bridge

Other steel bridges were built around the same time in the United States, such as, the St. Louis Bridge and the Brooklyn Bridge

The improvement of wire technology with steel allowed long span suspension bridges possible. Research in aerodynamics offered a way to design bridges with wind resistant. Some early examples of this type of bridge are the Golden Gate Bridge and the George Washington Bridge. One of the longest one today is the Akashi Kaikyo Bridge.

Akashi Kaikyo Bridge

Another type of Contemporary Era bridge is the cable-stayed bridge. Attempts were not successful before high strength steel was available. Since 1970, many long cable-stayed bridge were completed around the world, such as The Stromsund Bridge in Sweden and the Normandy Bridge in France. One of the newest is the Stonecutters Bridge in Hong Kong, completed in 2009.

Stonecutters Bridge

As we can see from these examples, the availability of construction materials is a dominant factor in the evolution of bridge (stone, steel,…). Bridges are one of the most important infrastructure program in China. Shanghai Metal Corporation supply various steel bridges & steel bridge materials. Check our website if you’re interested other construction materials. You can also send us your inquiry, we have English-speaking that will help you to find the best product for you. Don’t forget to follow us on social media and download an application by scanning QR code below.

Read this article for a more detailed information about the evolution of bridge technology.

Pictures from Google image.

Ayu P.//SMC editor

A clock without clock hands – what time is it?

Knowing the current time is quite important for people. We want to be on time (well at least some of us), we check it every minute whether it is time to go home from work, we wish we had more time with our beloved ones. Although many of us have replaced the regular watches or clocks at home by mobile phones, but this brand new design of clock will impress you. The next challenge will be guessing what the time is.

Eclipse clock by Rachel Suming — Rachel Suming’s eclipse clock – circle

The clock designed by Rachel Suming, graduated from University of Art and Design Lausanne, is made of engraved three pieces of 1.5-millimetre aluminium plates that overlap every three hours to reveal the time. These aluminium plates are powder coated in matte white. She created different shapes for the whole day and these aluminium motorized parts rotate independently. There are three ways of telling time during the day. The outer shape of the clock tells us which part of a day it by morphing from a circle into a hexagon over six-hour period time.

The engraved lines form the number 3, 6, 9 and 12 every three hours. The arrow pattern in engraving points is in the same direction where the traditional clock’s hour marker would be. She thinks that the hands of the clock can be stressful for people and she would like to design a clock which shows just hours. This was the starting point for creating Eclipse, a project’s name. Rachel Suming said : “I hope my clock will help people let go for a while and lighten our present perception of time”.

Shanghai Metal Corporation sells variety kinds of aluminium, aluminium plates and sheets, aluminium strips and others. For more information visit our website or send us inquiry. English speaking staff will be more than glad to help you to find the best product for you. Download a new application by scanning QR code below or follow us on Social Media.

Silvia M.//SMC Editor

Read more articles written by this author here.

Credits : google.com, googleimages, dezeen.com

Hover over copper and aluminium!

As I am a bit shorter, I have always wanted to fly or at least hover over places, so that I can see what is going on. How great would it be to just hover during the concerts or when you want to reach something but it is too high for you. I admit, these are my problems, but hovering over the places looks more real than ever before and it can make our lives more exciting. And now it doesn’t seem as hoax.

A couple from California, United States, Jill and Greg Henderson say that they have developed a working hover-board and they want to bring it to common households.

Greg used Magnetic Field Architecture (MFA), an electronic principle that magnetic energy is conserved, as Maglev trains uses for humming along and he designed the hoverboard, The Hendo. Although the hoverboard floats only one inch off the ground but couple claims that this is just the first step in improving transportation technology. The Hendo uses four disc-shaped motors to lift it off the ground carrying 140 kg (about two people) for around 15 minutes.

Now they are looking for $250,000 in funding to refine the working technology and start the production. The price of Hendo will be $10,000.

The only small problem of this Hendo hoverboard is that it can hover just over metals like copper or aluminium so you would be able to ride it just in special arena.

Shanghai Metal Corporation will make it possible as we sell aluminium, copper and other products. For more information visit our website or send us inquiry. English speaking staff will guide you further. Download the application by scanning QR code or follow us on Social Media.

Silvia M.//SMC Editor

Read more articles written by this author here.

Credits : inhabitat.com, motherboard.vice.com, kickstarter.com, itp.ner, googleimages

The Many Architectural Applications of Shipping Containers vol.8

An interesting phenomenon related to shipping container architecture is that it has also pushed the development of other technology. One these technologies is water recycling and power generation technologies that have already been applied in container greenhouses.

Companies such as Freight Farms and PodPonics have introduced a new business model that converts second hand shipping containers into high-quality greenhouses that can be relocated almost everywhere. The technology associated with the business ensures a safe plantation of fruits, herbs and vegetables.

Damien Chivialle‘s model of urban farm units (UFU) has a system that uses live fishes and to to fertilize and recycle the farms water. Every container has a fish tank whose water flows in a closed circuit. The fish feces are broke into pieces that are utilized as fertilizers. The system also produces some methane for the farms secondary energy source. (source)

One major advantage of container farms is that now farms can be located closer to the places where the food will be eaten. Thereby, say, restaurants can minimize their shipping costs and still offer their customers fresh and high quality food. What’s more the greens are produced without any chemicals cutting the amount of pesticides to zero.

Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft has also contributed to container related power producing technology. His competition for designing toilets for developing countries has produced many ideas including Duke University’s innovation. The creative solution sanitizes human waste and creates electricity as a by-product. You can read more about it in our former article.

If you are looking for containers to start or expand your business, we in Shanghai Metal Corporation can offer them. We have many kinds of containers with different door solutions. You can check our website for further details or send us a message through this form. Check also our social media platforms for new updates.

Tuomas P. // SMC Editor

Pictures and Original articles: Singularityhub, Designboom, Forbes, Overgrow the System, Pando Daily, Motionpictures blog

Continue to chapter 9.

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