Tag Archives: chain

Underwater Chainsaws: What They’re Used For (And Why They Cost So Much)

Underwater chainsaws are hydraulic powertools that use compressed air to rotate a bladed chain. As with common chainsaws, that chain is affixed with blades to chop via wooden, and a few may even deal with concrete, metallic, and plastic. They do not all the time have the identical rip-roaring energy or portability as gas-powered chainsaws, however they’re invaluable for underwater purposes. Their waterproof encasings are higher outfitted for moist circumstances, so additionally they serve nicely within the mud and rain. Some fashions even have diamond-grit enamel to stop kick-backs and jams while you’re slicing away at extra-hard supplies. 

Underwater chainsaws are primarily used for slicing the picket pilings of docks, bridges, and different submerged buildings. It sounds area of interest, nevertheless it’s really fairly widespread. The water is a robust catalyst for rotting wooden and eroding docks, so fixed upkeep is vital. 

To use an underwater chainsaw, all you want is a appropriate air compressor and a hose to hook it up. Most customary air compressors will do, however diesel-powered compressors are normally extra moveable in comparison with electrical ones. Many underwater chainsaws have additional security options. For instance, they usually have cooling programs, powered by both water or oil. Options with hand guards and chain brakes forestall damaged chains from taking off a hand. Furthermore, you’ll be able to anticipate interlocking security triggers to assist decrease accidents.

[Featured image by US Navy via Wikimedia Commons | Cropped | Public Domain by Title 17 of the US Code]

Where Are iPhones And iPads Made?

Apple publishes prolonged provide chain reviews annually. These are primarily PR paperwork and the claims made in them ought to be taken with a pinch of salt, however they supply some helpful insights into how the corporate operates. In the latest report, Apple acknowledges that its provide chain spans over 50 international locations. This international community contains over 3 million folks, and hundreds of amenities.

In the report, Apple additionally boasts about supporting numerous human rights and environmental rules, whereas guaranteeing its suppliers are recurrently assessed by third-parties. According to Apple, greater than half 1,000,000 provider workers had been surveyed and interviewed by unbiased our bodies in 2022 alone. The suppliers that fail to fulfill the corporate’s Code and Standards are barred from getting into the chain, the report says.

In a separate document that particulars how Apple works with firms around the globe, it’s acknowledged that suppliers are held to excessive requirements, which incorporates aligning with worldwide labor guidelines and human rights ideas. The doc even touches on little one labor, stating that if such practices are found, the provider is “required to immediately prevent the employee from continuing to work, and return the underage individual to his or her home safely.”

How Canada And The U.S. Could Shake Up The EV Battery Supply Chain

Summary

  • Canada surpasses China as the highest nation in BloombergNEF’s Global Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain Ranking, highlighting its potential in constructing a safe and sustainable battery ecosystem.
  • Canada’s benefit lies in its considerable uncooked materials assets, sturdy integration with the US automotive sector, and clear coverage commitments that assist the event of a home battery provide chain.
  • While China stays the dominant participant within the battery provide chain, different areas like Africa and Asia are making progress and have the potential to reshape the worldwide provide chain panorama sooner or later.

The electric vehicle (EV) revolution is electrifying the world, however its continued success hinges on a important element: the battery. As the demand for cleaner transportation soars, considerations concerning the stability and safety of the EV battery provide chain rise. Currently, China reigns supreme, controlling over 80% of worldwide manufacturing capability. This dominance, fueled by government support, early investments, and resource access, has sparked worries about overreliance on a single supply.

Geopolitical tensions and moral concerns surrounding battery supplies add additional urgency to diversifying the provision chain. Enter the United States and Canada. Recognizing the opportunity and challenges, these North American neighbors are becoming a member of forces to construct a sturdy and sustainable battery ecosystem. According to BloombergNEF’s newest rating, North America is about to disrupt the Chinese established order.

Related

How China Became A Dominant Force In The EV Race

China’s EV dominance did not occur in a single day, and this is what it did to turn into the world’s EV hub.

In order to provide the newest and correct info attainable, the information used to compile this text was sourced from BloombergNEF and different dependable sources. While Canada presently holds the highest spot in BloombergNEF’s (BNEF) Global Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain Ranking, it is essential to do not forget that that is BloombergNEF’s predictive rating and China nonetheless boasts the strongest established provide chain.

Canada Takes The Lead But China Remains The Powerhouse

Polestar Battery Model Prototype
Polestar

The latest edition of BNEF’s annual ranking, published on February 5, 2024, marks a major shift. For the primary time, Canada has surpassed China to assert the primary place. This rating assesses 30 international locations based mostly on their potential to construct a safe, dependable, and sustainable lithium-ion battery provide chain.

What we’re seeing now’s solely the tip of the iceberg of what Canada and the remainder of North America are able to in the case of creating a neighborhood provide chain for EVs. To at the present time, the province of Quebec’s filière batterie financial challenge is estimated to have an financial price of $11 billion. That quantity will develop as extra new investments, such because the latest Northvolt challenge, will assist strengthen the Canada-USA-Mexico provide chain.

– William Clavey – TopSpeed EV Journalist And Expert

Key Factors Behind Canada’s Ascent

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Sodium-ion Battery Is Shaping Up To Be A Viable Alternative To Lithium-ion Battery In EVs

U.S. researchers have achieved breakthroughs in sodium-ion batteries, promising cheaper, sustainable power storage for electrical automobiles.

Friendshoring And Policy Drive Progress

BYD Blade Battery
BYD

The rating displays a broader pattern of North America’s rising potential within the EV battery provide chain. The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) performs a vital function on this, incentivizing friend-shoring – bringing manufacturing nearer to residence. This advantages Canada as a key companion within the U.S. automotive business.

Mexico Is Also Ripping Benefits

Battery research lab
Volkswagen 

Mexico has additionally seen spectacular progress, climbing 9 positions to nineteenth within the rating. While scaling up the home business stays a problem, Mexico’s current mining and automotive actions present a powerful basis. The IRA’s support for the EV and energy storage sectors in Mexico additionally performs a serious function.

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This New Solid-State Battery Design Will Offer 10-minute Charge And 6,000 Cycles

A brand new battery design claims it may possibly forestall stray lithium from spiking its approach by solid-state batteries.

Challenges And Opportunities For Other Regions In The Booming Battery Supply Chain

A front rendering of the Mercedes-Benz Vision One Eleven Concept, its motors and battery pack
Mercedes

While North America basks within the sunshine of considerable assets, sturdy coverage commitments, and tight integration, different areas across the globe are navigating a posh panorama of challenges and opportunities in the lithium-ion battery supply chain. BloombergNEF’s (BNEF) annual Global Lithium-Ion Battery Supply Chain Ranking paints a nuanced image, highlighting each regional strengths and areas for enchancment.

  • “…Long Live The King”: Despite being dethroned by Canada within the rating, China stays the undisputed heavyweight when it comes to established battery provide chain infrastructure.
  • Rising From The Ground Up: African nations, rich in battery metals, are capitalizing on the chance by partnering with world gamers to increase their mining sectors and set up new manufacturing services. The three African international locations included within the rating – South Africa, Morocco, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo – witnessed enhancements of their upstream presence. To absolutely harness their potential, these international locations must prioritize maximizing worth addition inside their very own borders, specializing in actions like metals refining and battery precursor manufacturing.
  • The Rest Of Asia Is Chasing The Dragon: The area noticed essentially the most important progress in comparison with the previous year’s BNEF ranking, with India and Indonesia main the cost. As introduced initiatives materialize all year long, the area’s momentum is predicted to proceed, doubtlessly reshaping the worldwide provide chain panorama. Targeted provide chain roadmaps have been instrumental in propelling these rising economies up the ranks, however sustained efforts are essential to translate potential into actuality.

Maintaining Momentum And Building A Sustainable Future

Audi High-Voltage Battery Project House
Audi

The fast growth of focused provide chain roadmaps has propelled rising economies on this yr’s rating. However, sustained efforts are important to comprehend their full potential. As Kwasi Ampofo, BNEF’s Head of Metals and Mining, highlights;

Trade relations will probably be an attention-grabbing issue to observe in 2024, as overseas coverage efforts within the US and EU proceed to make it troublesome for worldwide corporations to function in main markets like China.

Looking forward, collaboration, innovation, and a concentrate on environmental and social accountability will probably be key to constructing a safe, sustainable, and globally diverse EV battery supply chain. Canada and the US are poised to play a major function on this transformation. However, it is necessary to do not forget that the race is much from over, and different areas have the potential to make important strides within the years to return.

Why Janus Motorcycles Buys Its Engine From China

Janus Motorcycles, a manufacturer of lightweight hand-built bikes, has a unique reason for sourcing its engines from China. Founder Richard Worsham explains that he wanted a suitable engine for Janus’ bikes that would align with their vision of simplicity and reliability.

Worsham explored the possibility of using typical American-made motorcycle engines, such as the big V Twin engines from Harley Davidson or Indian, or even a modified version from S&S Cycle. However, these engines did not match the lightweight and minimalist design that Janus was aiming for.

Instead, Janus opted for a 229cc motor originally designed by Honda in the 1970s. Worsham highlighted the importance of having an engine that is simple, reliable, and easy to service. By choosing a long-established engine design, Janus ensures that parts availability will not be an issue, as manufacturers have been producing parts for this particular engine for several decades.

Ultimately, Janus’ decision to source engines from China was based on finding the right engine for their specific needs and providing their customers with a dependable and easily maintainable product.

CHAIN BREAKER: MR KNOW-IT-ALL

Dear Mr. Know-It-All,

I recently experienced a broken chain when I was far away from my truck. Do you have any advice for this situation? It was a terrible experience because I didn’t have any tools to fix it, and no one in my group had a tow strap. My friend used his leg to push me, but there was a lot of sand. Now, I think my friend hates me! It took us hours to get back.

Stewart S

via [email protected]

I’m going to be completely honest with you, Stewart. The majority of chain problems are caused by the lack of maintenance and failure to replace worn-out parts. You should inspect your driveline after every ride to check for wear on the links, excessive stretching, and degradation of the masterlink. By inspecting the links, you can assess the condition of your chain. Worn plates indicate significant usage and the need for a new system. This includes replacing both the front and rear sprockets! Don’t take shortcuts, and one last piece of advice: Always carry a tow strap, a mini chain breaker (Motion Pro offers these), and a spare master link!

If you don’t mind showcasing your mistakes to the world, we won’t deny you the opportunity. Send evidence of your failures to [email protected] or Mr. Know-It-All

Dirt Bike P.O. Box 957

Valencia, CA 91380-9057