Entries in Category ‘General’
Computational Fluid Dynamics Capabilities
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) is a computer-based numerical flow model originally developed for the aerospace industry. With CFD software, the three-dimensional behavior of air and fluid flow, as well as heat and mass transfer, can be clearly visualized. Computational Fluid Dynamics simulations provide in-depth analysis of fluid flow characteristics, and physical and chemical processes such [...]
Landfill Gas Regulations Under Review in California
California is considering the removal of legislative barriers prohibiting Landfill Gas (LFG), or Biogas, from being introduced into the state’s natural gas pipelines. Such issues are central to the LFG community’s efforts for continued growth. For some projects, the economics in play with developing LFG to High BTU gas may depend on this type of [...]
Witch-Hunts, Opportunists, Agendas, and Engineers
Competition is a wonderful thing. In its purest sense it makes engineers better. What offends me is how competitive instincts unrestrained by a moral compass can have outcomes so at odds with performance. I refer to this aspect of our profession the witch-hunt. TheFreeDictionary.com defines a witch-hunt as “an investigation carried out ostensibly to uncover [...]
Up Front Engineering is the Key to Successfully Managing Capital Projects
The end of the fiscal year is quickly approaching and capital budget plans for next year are due. Operations, Engineering and Maintenance have ideas of where funds can best be utilized, but day-to-day requirements only allow them to develop rough cost numbers and schedule durations based on “similar” projects from years ago. The project gets [...]
Update Regarding PADEP Proposed Treatment Standards for High TDS Wastewaters
The following is an update concerning what framework the PA Department of Environmental Protection (PADEP) will propose in a revised TDS regulatory approach. PADEP had proposed a uniform 500 mg/l TDS effluent limit on all new or increased “High-TDS” dischargers. In response to a request for public comments, PADEP received the message that the 500 [...]
Stimulus Money – Geothermal Energy
Geothermal energy is usually associated with the western states and Yellowstone National Park or “The Geysers” field in Northern California. However, geothermal energy can be utilized just about anywhere in the US and is economical when employed in residential applications in the Northeast. Homeowners who install a qualified geothermal heat pump system in 2009 and [...]
PADEP to Adopt New Treatment Standards for High TDS Wastewaters
In an effort primarily to address the potential impacts from the development of the Marcellus Shale reserves, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (“PADEP”) has announced its intention to adopt new treatment requirements and water quality standards to control total dissolved solids, sulfates and chlorides. According to PADEP, the justification for its new permitting strategy [...]
No Cost Stimulus Plan
Twenty four months. That is the average time it takes to get most major industrial greenfield projects from the concept phase through the permitting process in this country. Twenty four months. Twenty four months of no engineering, no buying of equipment, no fabrication, and no construction. All of which means no jobs. In fact no [...]
R&D Tax Credit – Congress? Hello?
We’ve all heard about taxes and tax credits this election season. The mainstream media (that being TV and radio) has been bombarding us about plans that include more taxes, less taxes, taxes on the rich, income tax break for the middle class, ‘death tax’, child tax credits, increase in payroll taxes, capital gains tax, alternative [...]