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Month: June 2019

Using GPR to Locate Utilities

GPR has many uses, for surveying, planning, archaeology, and for preparing a work site. Using GPR to locate utilities is one of the primary functions of Ground Penetrating Radar. It is a simple and effective way of finding pipes and cables without having to dig up roads, pavement or driveways.

How GPR Works

Using GPR to locate utilities is surprisingly simple. GPR relies on radio-waves which are sent into the ground, and bounce back to be picked up by receivers in the radar device. The length of time it takes the waves to come back gives an indication of the density of the material under the ground and where it is. GPR is not completely perfect, but it is quite accurate and useful for detecting voids, pipes and dense objects. For this reason, it is often used by the military, geologists, archaeologists, builders, and planners.

How GPR Can Find Utilities

Finding buried pipes can be tricky. Sometimes, if the pipes are metal, builders will energize the metal pipes with electric currents, and then make use of a magnetic field sensor to pick up that current. Unfortunately, not all pipes are made of metal, and it is easy for the flow of electrical current to be disrupted if there is a break in the pipe or if the join of the piping is made from a non-conductive material.

GPR offers a good alternative since it can pick up on not just metallic objects but also non-metallic objects, and it can also detect voids in the pipe, as well as buried structures and disturbed soil. It will give an indication of where the pipes are and how deep they are likely to be.

GPR waves will be absorbed by clay or by saline, and this means that there are limits to the type of ground you can work with as well as how deep the utilities can be buried before it becomes ineffective.

For this reason, many technicians will work with multiple types of tool. Where GPR is employed, it can either be operated manually, with the technician marking potential utilities or other anomalies as they are found or by creating larger subsurface maps and ‘depth slices’. The latter method is the best one to use in complex and difficult ground because it creates a broader image which means that there is more tolerance for error.

Locate and mark is useful if the ground is favorable and the subsurface is generally uncluttered because any reading is simply ready to be investigated. Where more anomalies are expected, it makes more sense to plot a full map so that the readings can be compared against each other. The end result is a map which can be used to inform plans to dig up an area, ensuring that utilities do not get damaged in the process.

GPR is particularly helpful in older towns and cities where plans are not available, or where utilities may have been extended or modified without proper permissions being obtained from the local authority.

Factors To Consider When Shopping For Leaf Blowers

A leaf blower is a handy gardening tool commonly used to get rid of debris from the yard and sometimes, the roof. Although you could use a rake to rake of grass clippings and leaves from your yard, leaf blowers make the work much easier and fun. This equipment is commonly used during fall when trees start shedding of leaves in readiness for the winter season. You could also use the leaf blower in other times of the year to clear walkways, patio, decks, driveway, and the yard of leaves, sand, snow, grass clippings, and dirt.

With several different types of leaf blowers on the market, identifying the best one to buy can be quite a challenge. Some of the critical factors to consider when shopping for a leaf blower are discussed below.

1. Electric or Gas Powered

Most leaf blowers on the market today have either electric motors or gasoline engines that drive the powerful fan. While each of these has its advantages and disadvantages, you need to decide wisely on the mode of power you wish your blower to use. Gas-powered leaf blowers are considerably more powerful and capable of moving larger masses of wet leaves easily. These, however, need to be serviced and maintained regularly to function optimally. Gas-powered blowers are however noisier than electric ones. Electric leaf blowers, on the other hand, come in two varieties. It can either be corded or cordless. Cordless blowers use batteries hence can be taken almost anywhere. Electric blowers are however only recommended for smaller tasks.

2. MPH and CFM Ratings

This is basically the pressure and amount of air the blower can move in a second. CFM (cubic feet per minute) is the unit used to measure how much air the blower can move in a minute, while MPH (miles per hour) is the speed that air will be coming out of the blower nozzle. Both these figures are vital for they determine if the blower is meant for light or heavy applications. That said, it would be advisable to choose a blower powerful enough to move whatever debris you wish to move.

3. Wheeled, Backpack, Or Handheld

Handheld blowers are the least powerful of the three. They are however powerful enough for simple jobs especially if you only need to move small masses of leaves and debris. Backpack blowers, on the other hand, are much larger and heavier than handheld ones. As the name suggests, these are worn on the back and have a handheld nozzle that makes blowing leaves and other debris more comfortable and easier. These units can either be gasoline or electric powered. Wheeled blowers are the heaviest and most powerful of the lot. As the name suggests, they are mounted on a wheeled base which makes moving from one area to another easier – considering the weight. This is the ultimate choice if looking to move large volumes of leaves and snow. The blower is also capable of blowing of damp leaves from your yard.

These are basically the three key factors to consider when shopping for a leaf blower. Talking to sales agents about this can help you make a more informed decision. Be sure to check customer reviews and testimonials before making the order.

Everything You Need to Know About Juicers

Juicers are a very popular product that is used by a huge range of different individuals around the country. In light of this, you’ll find that there is a tremendously large variety of different models of juicer on the market. Many people aren’t able to discern the differences between one model of appliance and another. Considering that one type of appliance can cost many multiples of another, it’s important to be able to accurately weigh up the positives and negatives of going with one appliance over another. Hence, here’s everything you need to know about juicing machines.

Lots of brands manufacture juicers, however, the reputation of each of these brands will differ. Some brands simply create a lackluster model of juicer to simply take advantage of the great demand there is in the market. On the other hand, other manufacturers have dedicated their entire business model to create the most innovate and most efficient juicers on the market. You should definitely look towards buying these appliances from brands that have great reputations. In this case, you should go with brands that have dedicated themselves to creating the best juicing equipment available.

As presented earlier, there are thousands upon thousands of different models available when it comes to juicing equipment. With this in mind, you can be practically guaranteed that there will be a juicer that is perfect for you. Lots of people often think that getting an appliance like this is a waste of money. However, when you consider all of the different designs available, such as mini juicers, it’s clear that there is a model that is perfect for anyone. Indeed, this type of product is seen to be an essential in any kitchen as so many people love to enjoy fresh juice in their diets.

Considering the huge influx of these products, there are lots of opportunities for you to get a great price on juicers. Lots of the biggest retailers that stock a huge amount of various different juicer brands will be open to negotiating the price. These retailers are looking to clear a vast number of these units in a given month, thus, if there are certain products that are not selling as well, they will definitely be incentivized to provide you with a discount. Hence, whenever you’re looking at a particular product you should always ask whether a discount is possible. Many times, you’ll be surprised to find that you’ll be able to buy the juicer for a fraction of the originally listed price.

Having a juicer will allow you to enjoy juices and other liquid products at your home, which can lead to tremendous health benefits. Considering just how many models of juicer are available, you’ll definitely be able to find something that not only suits your needs, but also your budget. Make sure to remember the fact that many retailers are very open to providing a discount on the juicing appliances that they stock. You should take into account all of the advice presented so that you can get the best deal possible on your next juicer purchase.