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Digital Lux Meters: Types, Specifications, and Common Uses

May 4, 2015 1 Comment

Measuring the intensity of light is important in a range of industries. For instance, art museums seek to find an optimal range of lighting to illuminate a painting without damaging the artwork. Emergency exit signs also need to be clearly visible with the right light intensity.

Digital lux meters are specialized tools that measure light intensity. These meters closely match the amount of light that is perceived by the eye and account for the color sensitives of the eye. For example, the eye perceives a range of light colors, and some are more intense. The lux meter gauges intensity based on what the eye sees, and can determine the optimal lighting in a classroom, office, outdoors, in photography, and anywhere light is cast.

Light intensity is measured in luminous flux (lx), and there are a broad range of lux ratings. In a darkened environment, the intensity might be .01 lx, while direct sunlight achieves an intensity of 100,000 lx or more. Digital lux meters enable users to quickly and accurately gauge this intensity, accounting for the type of light and the color of light.

Digital Lux Meter Parts and Configuration

Lux meters are available in digital and analog versions, and they both contain similar elements. Each lux meter has a built-in photodetector, which is attached to a handheld readout screen. The biggest difference is that the readout screen for a digital lux meter is an LCD display, compared to an analog dial.

The photodetector can be fixed or articulated from the readout screen, or it can be tethered to the screen, and this is what gauges the brightness of a light source. These sensors are generally made of two types of materials, including silicone and selenium. Silicone is best for measuring a broad range of intensities, while selenium-based sensors don’t provide accurate measurements for low-intensity light. For a proper read-out the photodetector is placed perpendicular to a light source, and the intensity is measured quickly and displayed on the screen. These light meters feature a few common specifications:

Range: This is the range of intensity the meter measures. For instance, many are capable of measuring broad ranges of intensity, from 0-200,000 lux, like the BENETECH GM1010. The readout box also usually has a few different range settings, which you can select based on the intensity of the light.
Accuracy: Lux meters have an accuracy range, with the most precise at about 3%. In addition, the ranges may change based on light intensity. For instance, the accuracy may drop for high-intensity light.
Common Features: Automatic On/Off, Cosine correction, auto calibration

Common Applications for Digital Lux Meters

Digital light meters are used by a wide range of professionals, including electricians and photographers, for accurate lighting measurements. For instance, an electrician uses a lux meter to determine light output, enabling output to be tailored to an environment’s needs. They are used in a variety of settings:

Interior Lighting: Electricians and building code professionals measure the lighting in interior spaces with lux meters. Each environment requires a specific intensity. For instance, in an office or school, light intensity should enable students or employees to work effectively without straining their eyes. Other facilities like production plans and hospitals require specialized lighting, and the digital lux meter makes it possible to ensure that.
Using a Lux Meter
Outdoor Lighting: Parking lots and roadways are two common examples of outdoor environments that require certain intensities. For instance, in both of these situations, the area should be well-lit but not over-intense, as that would distract drivers.
Lighted Signage: Emergency exit signs must be illuminated so that they can be seen in a variety of conditions. Digital lux meters are often used to measure and ensure the intensity is up to code.
Lighting Displays: Art galleries and museums require optimized lighting – not too intense as to damage the artifacts, yet illuminated enough for easy viewing.
Photography: Photographers commonly use light sensors in the studio and on location to gauge light intensity, enabling them to adjust camera settings for proper exposure.

Shop for digital lux meters on Deelat.com. We offer a high-quality Benetech G1010 digital lux meter, which features quality construction and an affordable price point.

Rigging Hardware: Double Swivel Hoist Rings Uses and Tips

April 30, 2015 Leave a comment

Double swivel hoist rings are a modern piece of rigging hardware, and in general, they offer more flexibility compared to eye bolts in applications that require heavy duty lifting and rigging. That’s why swivel hoist rings are often used for moving loads in manufacturing, logging, the automotive industry, construction, and mining.

Essentially, a swivel hoist ring is made up of six components. The bail, body, bearing, screw, shoulder pin and washer. The bail is a U-shaped ring that connects to the body, which contains a bearing, screw, shoulder pin and washer. Then when hoisting, the screw is bolted into the load at a predetermined torque. The design is what sets the swivel ring apart from eye bolts, because the connection is flexible. Thanks to the bearing in the body, the bail can rotate 360 degrees around the body, and it is also capable of pivoting 180 degrees.

In turn, the swiveling action eliminates many alignment issues, and it also enables the ring to follow the direction of the force. So, for instance, if the direction of force was at a 45-degree angle from the load, the bail would pivot in that direction. Because eye bolts do not pivot, the bolt would not align with the direction of force, which might lead to the bolt being ripped off or cracking under the pressure.

Tips for Using Double Swivel Hoist Rings

The two most important tips for selecting a double swivel hoist ring:

Choose the right thread types
Determine the correct load capacity

There are double swivel hoist rings with all types of threads, including metric threads. Plus, each ring has a set load capacity. It’s imperative to follow these recommendations, as overloading a hoist ring is extremely dangerous, especially since the load will likely be several hundred pounds or more.

Additionally, double swivel hoist rings are designed to be taken apart and regularly inspected, and inspection is non-destructive. This is important, because you should never use a hoist ring with compromised parts, which could include corrosion, striped screw threading, and cracking. Another tip for safe use of a hoist ring would be occasional load testing.

How to Ensure a Safe Hoist Ring Connection

One of most important tips is to ensure that the screw is tightened to a pre-determined torque setting. This is important when carrying the load, because if the connection is not tight enough, the threads of the screw may begin to strip. This can become extremely dangerous.

Plus, make sure that the hoist ring sits flush with the surface of the load, as this can compromise the connection. For instance, a washer should never be placed between the hoist ring and the surface of the object that will be lifted. Finally, double swivel hoist rings are designed to be flexible, and if they bind up, they should not be used.

Shop for top-quality double swivel rings at the best prices on Deelat.com. We offer a variety of rigging hardware, our prices are extremely competitive, and we ship fast.

What Is An Industrial Blower?

April 24, 2015 Leave a comment

Centrifugal fans, which are often called industrial blowers, are commonly used in industrial applications to circulate and supply air to a given area. Technically, blowers are different from typical industrial fans. Industrial fans circulate air throughout an entire space, while blowers provide a more directional, steady stream.

That’s why a blower, rather than a fan, would be used in applications that require a continuous stream of air. Inflation is one common application for blowers. For example, the nebula blower – which takes in air at its base, and supplies a steady stream of air directly upwards – is commonly used to inflate advertising sky dancers. That’s why the nebula blower is often called a sky dancer blower.

There are many different types of blowers, including portable and mounted options, and inflation is just one common application. Industrial blowers are also commonly used for ventilation, to dry carpets, to circulate air in a workspace, for exhaust, cooling, and in HVAC blower systems. In these situations, portable blowers are preferred to fans, because they provide greater control over where the flow of air is directed. For example, when drying saturated carpets, a blower can be positioned so that air is directly aimed at the wet carpets. With a fan, the flow of air is at a lesser pressure, and thus, the flow is distributed more broadly.

What Are the Differences Between Industrial Blowers and Fans?

The key difference between the two is the way in which they circulate air. As mentioned, blowers provide a more directional stream of air. Plus, another difference is that blowers have a different appearance and are constructed differently.

For example, industrial blowers are often called “snail blowers” or “squirrel cage blowers” because of the way they’re constructed. Some blowers are shaped like a snail shell, for example. The shell, or fan housing, contains a fan wheel, which is driven electrically or by gas to propel the fan blades. Air is drawn into the fan housing pushed out through an outlet, which results in that steady, continuous stream of air.

Therefore, you can tell the difference between fans and blowers by the way that air is drawn into the device. Fans use propellers, while blowers use a wheel, which is where the term squirrel cage comes from. They look like giant hamster or squirrel wheels. Plus, another key difference is the pressure at which the air is delivered. A blower provides a higher pressure stream, which makes blowers better suited for exhaust, inflation, pushing air or gas through a hose or duct, and for pressurizing spaces.

You’ll find a variety of industrial fans, blowers and exhaust systems on Deelat.com. We offer the unbeatable prices and selection on all types of blowers and exhaust fans.

Welded Pipe Fittings: Long Radius Elbow Applications and Uses

April 22, 2015 Leave a comment

In piping systems, an elbow joint is a specially welded fitting that is available in, generally, 90- or 45-degree angles. Elbow pipes create water-tight and durable joints, and enable a pipeline flow to curve and maneuver.

There are two commonly used elbow joints – short radius and long radius elbows. The biggest difference between the short radius and long radius elbow is the length of the curvature. A long radius elbow is, unsurprisingly, longer, and therefore, the elbow’s curve is less dramatic. Short radius elbows, on the other hand, are shorter and have sharper curves. When space permits, long radius elbows are preferred.

Deelat 3A Sanitary T316L Welded Pipe - Long Elbow — Deelat 3A Sanitary T316L Welded Pipe – Long Elbow

Common Types of Elbow Pipes

In addition to the standard 90- and 45-degree angled elbows, there are also 22.5- and 60-degree elbows, although these are much less commonly used. Typically, long elbows are available with ends that are prepared for welding, that are threaded with male or female fittings, or that are socketed. There are also elbows with two ends of different diameters; these are referred to as reducing elbows.

Additionally, elbows are most commonly made from durable metals, including copper, steel and aluminum, cast iron, and stainless steel. Yet, there are also PVC, plastic and rubber options available. The material required is determined by the application. High pressure pipelines require elbows made of sturdy metals, while in some water applications, including in gardening and hosing, PVC or rubber may suffice.

Additionally, the angle of an elbow’s curvature is extremely important when selecting the correct fitting. For instance, in high-pressure systems, the impact of a substance in a 45-degree elbow is greater than it would be in a 90-degree elbow, and that can cause disturbances for highly sensitive materials. Additionally, this can cause extreme changes in temperature. That’s why in high-pressure applications, an elbow made of a durable metal is preferred.

Deelat 3A Sanitary T316L Welded Pip - Short Elbow — Deelat 3A Sanitary T316L Welded Pip – Short Elbow

Common Applications and Uses for Long Radius Elbows

Compared to short elbows, long radius elbows provide a few advantages. In addition, these types of longer elbows are used based on the fluid or substance that’s passing through the pipeline, gases and some liquids require less resistance, which is provided by a long elbow. Other advantages include:

The pressure drop within the pipe is less dramatic when long radius elbows are used. This is ideal for gas pipelines, as well as food and beverage piping.
Since less resistance is created, long elbows reduce the risk for backups or clogs.

Yet, there are some instances where shorter elbows are preferred. For instance, in areas that have space limitations, short elbows can be used to change the direction of a pipeline. Additionally, short radius elbows are generally more affordable than long radius elbows, which, in some cases, can be a deciding factor.

Elbows are made of all sizes, and they’re used in a variety of pipeline systems, including industrial and chemical facilities, oil and gas, water and plumbing, and food and beverage applications.

What to Consider When Purchasing Elbow Fittings

There are some important factors to consider, when choosing an elbow fitting. These factors include:

Material: Elbow fittings are made from a variety of materials, including copper, aluminum, stainless steel, rubber and plastic. Choose a material that can withstand high temperature or high pressure, if needed.
Size: Elbows are available in all Nominal Pipe Sizes, which is the United States standard for piping. Thus, you’ll need to choose the correct pipe size to fit your existing pipeline.
Threading Type: Elbows are available with all types of threading, including male and female threading. You need to match the thread of your existing pipeline to the new fitting. Generally, male threading requires a female thread, and vice versa. Plus, there are some pipe fittings without thread that require a weld.

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Compression Fittings: Uses, Types and Benefits

April 17, 2015 Leave a comment

Commonly used in conduit systems by plumbers, electricians and in the oil and gas industry, compression fittings are used to seal connections of piping or tubing. Generally, a compression fitting is made up of several pieces, including a compression nut and a copper ring.

The copper ring, or ferrule, and nut create a water tight seal around a pipe, when joined together. Essentially, the ferrule is fitted around the pipe or tubing, and it sits between the compression nut and receiving fitting. Then when the nut is fitted and tightened onto a receiving fitting, the ferrule clamps onto the pipe, and effectively seals the space that would have been left open between the pipe, nut and fitting.

Generally, there’s no need to over-tighten the seal, because over-tightening can lead to leaks. Instead, compression nuts are recommended to be tightened by hand, and then lightly with a wrench. Then, the seal can be tested and if water seeps through the fitting, the nut can be tightened until that stops. This installation can be done with standard tools, and it is much less time-intensive compared to other types of pipe fittings.

Compression Fittings: Common Types

There are two main types of compression fittings which are both readily available: Standard compression fittings and flared compression fittings. These two types are used in different applications, and they both provide advantages. The standard compression fitting is used most commonly by plumbers or in compressed air applications and they are slightly less robust compared to flared fittings.

The biggest difference between the two is that standard compression fittings do not require the pipe to be altered. With flared fittings, the tubing has to be altered to match the flare of the fitting. This flared joint creates a tighter, more reliable seal, which is why these compression fittings are more commonly used in oil and gas pipelines and chemical piping. In these applications, a more reliable fitting is necessary for added protection against costly or dangerous leaks.

Deelat Compression Fitting for Copper Pipe

Compression Fittings vs Soldering Fittings

Cost and ease of installation are two of the biggest advantages of using standard compression fittings. First, they’re generally a low-cost item, depending on size and materials used. A standard compression fitting made of durable copper may cost just a few dollars or less, and thus, it’s a low-cost solution for creating a reliable seal. Compared to soldered fittings, the ease of installation for compression fittings is also much simpler. There is no need for a heating element, and they can be installed using standard tools. That makes compression fittings ideal for application in areas where a hot solder presents a danger, i.e. in gas pipelines, and it makes disassembly much easier.

Deelat Compression Fitting - Female Elbow — Deelat Compression Fitting – Female Elbow

The biggest concern for a compression fitting is in durability and reliability. They provide extremely tight seals, but in some applications where the joint is prone to flexing, a soldered fitting will likely provide a sturdier fitting. Yet, on the other hand, soldered fittings are more time intensive and they can be more costly.

Shop for affordable, built-to-last compression fittings on Deelat.com. We offer competitive pricing and a wide selection of industrial and plumbing fittings of all types.