Although the application of anti-seize compounds is widespread and varied across industrial environments, the use and selection of these products is often misunderstood. Anti-seize compounds, which are engineered to prevent the corrosion, galling, seizing, and stripping of bolts and fittings, are as diverse as their operations and must be properly chosen to ensure product success. Consider first, that anti-seize compounds are formulated from a variety of agents including copper, aluminum, graphite, zinc, molybdenium disulfide and nickel. The composition of your product will have a direct influence on how effective that compound is in harsh industrial settings where high temperatures and exposure to chemicals can lead to complications with the seizing and galling of fasteners. Be sure to check your product’s temperature rating and metallic composition to be certain that you are choosing the appropriate blend for your job.

Some Things to Remember:

– As a rule, nickel can withstand extreme high temperature applications up to 2,600 degrees Fahrenheit and is chemically nonreactive.

– Similarly, molybdenium disulfide (Moly) is chemically static and can withstand temperatures up to 2,400 degrees Fahrenheit.

– In standard settings ranging from 1,500-1,800 degrees Fahrenheit, anti-seize compounds composed of aluminum or copper tend to work well but, due to their reactive properties, should not be exposed to substances such as ammonia and acetylene.

– Zinc and copper based anti-seize lubricants are not recommended for use with stainless steels.

– Graphite based anti-seize compounds may be utilized where electrical conductivity is required, or in temperatures up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit.

In addition to composition, the application of anti-seize compounds is also of high significance, as issues can arise from improper application of these products. Anti-seize compounds serve as a lubricant and are applied to the threads of bolts and other mechanical fasteners to eliminate corrosion that causes a fastener to “seize” over time. When pieces such as these lock, the removal of a piece of equipment, or any of its components, becomes very difficult. To avoid such issues, anti-seize lubricants should be applied to the plain part of the bolt and under the head, thread, the face and both sides of the nut, plus all parts of the washer, if used. Doing so, eliminates the risk of mechanical seizing due to metal-on-metal contact. Subsequently, anti-seize compounds can also serve as a barrier to water penetration since the threads are sealed by the use of the compound. In marine environments, petroleum or synthetic blends of anti-seize are used to seal the thread or other joints. In operating environments such as these, a water washout product is required and can be tested according to ASTM D1264, “Standard Test Method for Determining the Water Washout Characteristics of Lubricating Greases”.

Advancements in LED technology are having a significant impact on energy consumption in the United States. With products boasting up to 85% energy savings, extended operational lifetimes and low carbon dioxide emissions, it is no surprise that LED flashlight bulbs have also gained immense popularity with consumers as a portable lighting option. LED flashlights emit light through a light-emitting diode (LED), rather than a traditional filament wire which depends upon electricity from the batteries to heat the wire and, consequently, produce light. With LED alternatives, energy is conserved and bulbs do not need to be replaced regularly due to burned out wires. LED flashlights, in fact, only draw 5-10% of the the power of an equivalent light bulb and can hold up under 5-10 years of consistent use!

Distinguishing between truth and hype, however, can be tricky in a market saturated with products toting superior performance, durability and prolonged battery life. When determining which LED flashlight is right for you, the following factors should be duly noted.

1.  Lumens:  Light output is measured in lumens and can range from 20 lumens all the way to 3500! However, one must note that beam intensity, distance and type all impact the effectiveness of a light in different applications and should be thoughtfully considered in conjunction with light output properties.
2.  Beam distance:  Beam distance is measured in meters and indicates how far a light will shine before the brightness diminishes to that emitted by the full moon.
3.  Run time:  Run time is measured in hours and is determined by the length of time it takes the light output to drop to 10% of the rated output on new batteries, rounded to the nearest quarter hour.
4.  Impact Resistance:  Impact resistance is measured in meters and illustrates how susceptible a flashlight is to damage after suffering some accidental drops.
5.  Water resistance:  A rating of IPX4 suggests that the light is splash resistant from all angles, while an IPX7 rating implies that the light can withstand temporary immersion; up to 30 minutes at a depth of 1 m. Flashlights bearing an IPX8 rating may be submersed in water up to 4 hours at the specified depth while remaining protected.

Aside from the aforementioned characteristics, the type and availability of batteries for your flashlight is also worth noting. Some available options include disposable, rechargeable and renewable batteries. Although conventional alkaline batteries, such as AA or AAA, are readily available and have a longer shelf life, they are more prone to leaking if stored for long periods of time. On the other hand, built-in, rechargeable lithium batteries pack a heavier price tag, but limit waste and render lower operational costs over time.

The type of flashlight that you ultimately choose to purchase will depend on your unique needs.  LED flashlights come in a variety of sizes and weights, ranging from tiny coin cell key chains to large, stand-mounted work lights that are perfect for industrial applications. Larger flashlights are typically tougher and exhibit longer run times due to their larger battery capacity, while plastic bodies are lighter, but far less durable. Understanding these various components, however, will take you a long way in finding the flashlight that is just right for you.

The versatility of oil-based paint markers have made them an ideal solution for many industrial applications that require a specialized paint marker to withstand harsh environmental conditions. Ideal for use on a variety of surfaces including metal, wood, iron, plastic, glass, rubber and cloth, these markers tote excellent durability and wear resistance from common solvents and extreme temperatures. Although some paint markers come with an already primed paint tip, most solvent-based paint markers do not.  To use these markers, first shake and mix thoroughly before removing the paint cap. Next, push down gently on the spring loaded tip and pump it once.  This process will help move the paint from the barrel of the marker to the non-charged empty tip. However, you may notice that no paint appears at first. Be patient and do not over-pump. Repeat one or two additional times, until you see the paint begin to materialize. Once your work is complete, be sure to put the cap back on tightly. When not in use, paint will harden when exposed to air.  This hardened tip can obstruct the flow of additional paint through the marker making it unusable. Look for caps with vapor seals which will are designed to keep the air out and help extend the life of your marker.

Although the uses and applications of oil-based paint markers extend well beyond the industrial realm, users must be mindful of the fact that many oil-based markers contain toxic chemical solvents and should not be used by unsupervised children. Fortunately, manufacturers such as Markal, now offer xylene free paint products that help reduce user health risks and  and eliminate California Proposition 65, EPA HAPS and SARA 313 concerns in the U.S.A..

Did you know that there are more than 200 diseases spread through food alone? The CDC estimates that each year roughly 1 in 6 Americans (or 48 million people) get sick, 128,000 are hospitalized, and 3,000 die of foodborne illnesses. Everybody has a role to play in keeping food safe, including governments, industry, producers, academia and consumers. It is important that we, as producers and consumers, not only understand how to handle food safely, but also familiarize ourselves with common hazards that may present indirect health risks. For the most part, we take great care to handle, prepare and store food in ways that make it safe for us to eat.  We make sure that our foods are cooked at proper temperatures, use clean water and take appropriate measures to keep raw foods away from cooked foods in order to prevent contamination. Although we take great strides to assure that food is handled safely, did you realize that just about every area of a food processing facility comes into contact with chemicals that present a potential cross contamination risk? Think about it. Everyday our food is being produced on equipment that requires the use of chemicals, anti-rust products and cleaning agents to properly maintain and operate such machines. In an effort to combat these potential hazards, in 1999, the USDA developed product registration codes to ensure that all products intended for specific applications are reviewed equally against the necessary criteria for that product’s end user. Today, NSF International, a not for profit health organization oversees the evaluation of food grade lubricants and other food processing substances. In order to register a food grade product, manufacturers must submit their product formulation and label to the NSF, where it is subject to independent review before being approved and listed. When sourcing out chemicals to use in the food industry it is critical that you acquaint yourself with the following product category codes and their acceptable applications in an effort to help protect public health and safety.

Lubricants: 

• H1 lubricants, such as Vibra-Tite 908 and Sprayon LU 210, are food-grade lubricants safe for use in food-processing environments where there is the possibility of incidental food contact. Although this category implies the potential for food contact, it is recommended that the minimum amount of lubricant be used in order to prevent residual buildup which can present an authentic risk.
• H2 lubricants, on the other hand, are not intended to be in contact with food at any time.

Cleaners:

• Al cleaners, general cleaners, can be used on all surfaces and around food processing areas, but are not intended for direct food contact.
• A8 degreasers or carbon removers are safe for use on food cooking or smoking equipment, utensils or other food processing areas where it does not come into direct contact with food.

Non-Processing Area Products:

• C1 general cleaners are approved for use in inedible product processing areas, non-processing areas, and/or exterior areas of food processing establishments. Such cleaners, however, must not be used to mask unsanitary conditions and fragrances cannot penetrate into edible product areas.
• C2 cleaners may be used in toilets and/or dressing rooms of food processing establishments where edible products are neither processed or stored in open containers.

Water Treatment Products: 

• G5 products are acceptable for treatment of cooling and retort water in and around food processing areas.
• G6 products may be used to treat boilers or steam lines where steam produced may contact edible products and/or cooling systems where the treated water may not contact edible products.
• G7 products may be used to treat boils, steam lines, and/or cooling systems where neither the treated water nor the steam produced may contact edible products

(Information courtesy of NSF International)

The cosmetic isles in every store are amok with products that boast their age defying powers and skin solution capabilities.  With so many choices, how do you begin to choose the brand that is best for you? To begin with, it is important to note that moisturizers can be categorized into four different types; occlusives, humectants, emollients and rejuvenators. Occlusives prevent evaporation from the skin by forming a layer on the surface of the skin that repels water and provides an external barrier to water loss. On the contrary, Humectants work to increase the water content of the skin by enhancing water absorption from the protective outer layer of the skin into the epidermis. The third class of moisturizers, emollients, fill in any spaces or gaps between skin cells that are missing moisturizing lipids,  such as fats and oils. Finally, rejuvenators are designed to replace crucial proteins in the skin. (Source: Nolan, K. and Marmur, E. (2012), Moisturizers: Reality and the skin benefits. Dermatologic Therapy, 25: 229–233.   When choosing between these various groups of moisturizers there are several factors to take into consideration. First, consider the environment that you live in. Occlusives are most effective in humidity void regions while humectants, which absorb water from the air, depend upon high humidity levels.  When browsing for moisturizers, keep in mind  that lotions, such as Spezial Lotion D by Peter Greven,  are droplets of water mixed in oil, meaning that they have a high oil to water ratio and work well in the warm, humid summer months. Creams, such as Lindesa and Spezial Creme C,  on the other hand, have a high water and low oil content and are best used during the winter months, as they create a layer of oil that locks moisture in. The water does not evaporate and the skin stays hydrated. (Source: Jeffrey Benabio, MD) In addition, age, genetics, hormones and ethnicity all play a role in determining your skin type and consequently, the type of moisturizer that will ultimately work best for you.

We all know that the sun’s rays can be damaging to the skin, but do you know why? UV radiation is part of the electromagnetic (light) spectrum that reaches the earth from the sun. It has wavelengths shorter than visible light, making it invisible to the naked eye. These wavelengths are classified as UVA, UVB, or UVC, with UVA the longest of the three at 320-400 nanometers (nm, or billionths of a meter). Due to their shorter rays, most UVC is absorbed by the ozone layer and does not reach the earth. Both UVA and UVB, however, penetrate the atmosphere and play an important role in  the development of a variety of major skin conditions.  A seemingly harmless tan results from injury to the skin’s DNA. In this scenario, the skin darkens in an imperfect attempt to prevent further DNA damage. These imperfections, or mutations, can lead to skin cancer. Caring for your skin when outside is a critical part of staying healthy. When choosing a sun protectant look for sunscreens with both UVA and UVB protection that include UVA screening ingredients such as  avobenzone, ecamsule, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide. Sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher filter 93-98% of the sun’s UVB rays and allow your skin to remain protected from reddening 15-50 times longer. (Information Courtesy of the Skin Cancer Foundation)

Stokoderm Sun Protect 30 PURE, by Deb Stoko,  is a perfume-free and water resistant SPF 30 sunscreen that is ideal for those who spend a lot of time working or playing outdoors. Able to withstand heavy perspiration and water immersion, Sun Protect 30 contains vitamin E to soothe and condition skin.  It is quickly and easily absorbed into the skin and will not break down when exposed to sunlight. Available for purchase at: http://www.jdindustrialsupply.com/stokoderm-sun-protect-30.html

We are excited to announce that JD Industrial Supply has teamed up with Schaeffer Oil to bring you some of the best lubricants, fuel additives, grease and motor oils in the business! Schaeffer’s superior products combined with their genuine commitment to people and the environment, has helped create a legacy for this leading manufacturer of specialized lubricants since 1839. Their products can be seen being used in a variety of industries, ranging from large national refineries and trucking companies to local jobbers and individual farmers. Schaeffer’s advanced technologies work to increase fuel economy and performance, protect critical components from damage and extend the engine life of your vehicle.  See for yourself why Schaeffer is the clear choice.