#global trap

[mansorus]

SMURK x CENT 🦅🐺

[ciaran]

narratives of american exceptionalism creep into every part of life

and there is just something extraordinary about seeing a bunch of people be so blissfully unaware of what it means, on a very fundamental level, to live in the heart of empire. it actually does not matter which way you vote, your government will commit and fund war crimes in other countries regardless. your voting blue makes not the least bit of difference to someone in another country who dies in the wreckage of american imperial projects. and your government works in the interests of american citizens. in the interest of the universal purchasing power of the dollar. in the way that the flow of global capital maneuvers to bring groceries to your supermarket shelves. and it doesn't matter what you feel about this, and it doesn't even matter how oppressed you are in the heart of empire, because you live in its centerfold and everyone always knows about your problems. i know exactly how complicated american life is, i know your movies and your cities and your music and even your laws, sometimes better than i can know my own, not because i wanted to see it but because i have to. because the narrative of America plays out everywhere, all the time. because there is a domination of civil and cultural life that america imposes on all the rest of the world, but somehow americans always think we know as little about them as they know about us. but i do know you. i have to know you. i am left with no choice. this is uncomfortable for me. i want you to feel uncomfortable about it too. a little discomfort is good for both of us.

[retrocgads]

UK 1987

[bitchfitch]

help people are mistaking the opening chapter of my psych horror story about a man getting trapped in a demented game of house with a personification of the US Military's rot for a cute gay romcom about veterans relaxing after achieving glory

[sillykiu]

hey enstarries how are we doing

[troythings]

a week or so ago there was a really good article on the “girlbossification” of war and warfare itself, but specifically centering on the IDF’s thirst traps (ie, showing off the female body along with some nice nationalist propaganda to go with it, because sex sells with angry horny men looking for purpose) and “enlightened feminist” social media branding

this is nowhere near the first piece on it, it’s been pointed out by literally everyone

“hello, young and impressionable woman looking for purpose! want to defy traditional gender roles and empower yourself by committing genocide and war crimes? tee heeeeeee!”

yeah, unfortunately we have some of those at home too. we know where that messaging leads:

pictured at the abu ghraib prison are lynndie england and sabrina hartman. the (living and dead) bodies have been censored out. look up these pictures at your own risk, they are NSFL.

the “girlbossification” of global warfare also made me remember the coverage of this disaster from a few years back. which, funnily enough, stars an IDF soldier in what is basically the worst superhero casting of all time.

jesus christ lmao.

“woman fighting in war….is good?”

this stupid sentimental garbage is literally followed by not-diana massacring through overwhelmed, non-powered human soldiers who can’t hold a melting candle to her. oversimplified, caricature depictions of people in a war, which in reality, was fought between equally shitty colonialist imperial powers and was more grey vs grey than anything else.

me personally? i sat through that nonsense and forgot about it within a day. except when people try to lecture me “it’s just a superhero film!! forget the politics!!” funny you say that for a medium based on nationalist pro-war propaganda since the very beginning.

and weirdly enough. that’s what wonder woman (2017) is. not only is it zionist (starring an unrepentant IDF soldier as the premier superheroine) americentric propaganda (condensing the nuances of world war i into some cheap “fantasy world war ii lite” copium), it feeds into the lie that, if you are a woman, whatever bad or morally dubious thing you do is not your fault and might even be called ‘empowering.’

because hey, “girls can do anything boys can! including heinous war crimes! more 👏female 👏 war 👏 criminals!! slayyyyy!”

hahaha…no. we already have various assorted scum around the world devaluing the lives of other humans. how is it any better if they are female?

tell me again how empowering your “strong independent woman” label is, when you end up on trial at the hague or come home with dehabilitating trauma and all of your limbs blown off.

[chronal-anomaly]

Today I'm ruminating on Lena's oh so important relationship with the Blackwatch boys. Cole and Genji being the closest to her in age, aside from Angela maybe, Lena being the last of the child soldiers that Overwatch recruited for the strike teams. Them watching the cycle repeat one more time with the plucky pilot that's been flying since she was 12, and a soldier since 16, recruited on for one hopeless mission. How she looked up to them so much to guide her in the right direction, how she latched onto them as confidantes and family moreso than other members of the team. Overwatch thrust her into the spotlight, with her name and picture slapped across every picture until Tracer became the persona that everyone looked to, but with Cole and Genji she could just be Lena. She missed being Lena.

[mysteriousboo]

i miss the untamed! i miss reading phm! i miss house md! i miss reading sha po lang and global university entrance examination!! i miss watching cherry magic and history 3 trapped!! i miss being so consumed by something that i forget how depressing my life is!! i miss stuff that just made me forget!!

[writerofweird]

Mr. Venus-Fly-Trap's Worries

Mr. Venus-Fly-Trap,Knows the world is doomed,So even his dates with Bill,Have a little gloom, Mr. Venus-Fly-Trap,Owes his very being,To attempts to combat climate change,And fires animals will be fleeing, Mr. Venus-Fly-Trap,Makes sure to donate,To those with similar worries,And yells, ‘For heaven’s sake! I’m Mr. Venus-Fly-Trap,And I am a plant,Try to save us and the natural world,Try to save…

[dykesynthezoid]

Every time someone says “some historians and anthropologists believe (x) culture may have once been a matriarchy” and by matriarchy they mean women were just Kind Of Important. If men aren’t oppressed I don’t wanna hear it

[inflagrante-delicatessen]

&&

[snake4everr]

Best song ever

[reasonsforhope]

"With “green corridors” that mimic the natural forest, the Colombian city is driving down temperatures — and could become five degrees cooler over the next few decades.

In the face of a rapidly heating planet, the City of Eternal Spring — nicknamed so thanks to its year-round temperate climate — has found a way to keep its cool.

Previously, Medellín had undergone years of rapid urban expansion, which led to a severe urban heat island effect — raising temperatures in the city to significantly higher than in the surrounding suburban and rural areas. Roads and other concrete infrastructure absorb and maintain the sun’s heat for much longer than green infrastructure.

“Medellín grew at the expense of green spaces and vegetation,” says Pilar Vargas, a forest engineer working for City Hall. “We built and built and built. There wasn’t a lot of thought about the impact on the climate. It became obvious that had to change.”

Efforts began in 2016 under Medellín’s then mayor, Federico Gutiérrez (who, after completing one term in 2019, was re-elected at the end of 2023). The city launched a new approach to its urban development — one that focused on people and plants.

The $16.3 million initiative led to the creation of 30 Green Corridors along the city’s roads and waterways, improving or producing more than 70 hectares of green space, which includes 20 kilometers of shaded routes with cycle lanes and pedestrian paths.

These plant and tree-filled spaces — which connect all sorts of green areas such as the curb strips, squares, parks, vertical gardens, sidewalks, and even some of the seven hills that surround the city — produce fresh, cooling air in the face of urban heat. The corridors are also designed to mimic a natural forest with levels of low, medium and high plants, including native and tropical plants, bamboo grasses and palm trees.

Heat-trapping infrastructure like metro stations and bridges has also been greened as part of the project and government buildings have been adorned with green roofs and vertical gardens to beat the heat. The first of those was installed at Medellín’s City Hall, where nearly 100,000 plants and 12 species span the 1,810 square meter surface.

“It’s like urban acupuncture,” says Paula Zapata, advisor for Medellín at C40 Cities, a global network of about 100 of the world’s leading mayors. “The city is making these small interventions that together act to make a big impact.”

At the launch of the project, 120,000 individual plants and 12,500 trees were added to roads and parks across the city. By 2021, the figure had reached 2.5 million plants and 880,000 trees. Each has been carefully chosen to maximize their impact.

“The technical team thought a lot about the species used. They selected endemic ones that have a functional use,” explains Zapata.

The 72 species of plants and trees selected provide food for wildlife, help biodiversity to spread and fight air pollution. A study, for example, identified Mangifera indica as the best among six plant species found in Medellín at absorbing PM2.5 pollution — particulate matter that can cause asthma, bronchitis and heart disease — and surviving in polluted areas due to its “biochemical and biological mechanisms.”

And the urban planting continues to this day.

The groundwork is carried out by 150 citizen-gardeners like Pineda, who come from disadvantaged and minority backgrounds, with the support of 15 specialized forest engineers. Pineda is now the leader of a team of seven other gardeners who attend to corridors all across the city, shifting depending on the current priorities...

“I’m completely in favor of the corridors,” says [Victoria Perez, another citizen-gardener], who grew up in a poor suburb in the city of 2.5 million people. “It really improves the quality of life here.”

Wilmar Jesus, a 48-year-old Afro-Colombian farmer on his first day of the job, is pleased about the project’s possibilities for his own future. “I want to learn more and become better,” he says. “This gives me the opportunity to advance myself.”

The project’s wider impacts are like a breath of fresh air. Medellín’s temperatures fell by 2°C in the first three years of the program, and officials expect a further decrease of 4 to 5C over the next few decades, even taking into account climate change. In turn, City Hall says this will minimize the need for energy-intensive air conditioning...

In addition, the project has had a significant impact on air pollution. Between 2016 and 2019, the level of PM2.5 fell significantly, and in turn the city’s morbidity rate from acute respiratory infections decreased from 159.8 to 95.3 per 1,000 people [Note: That means the city's rate of people getting sick with lung/throat/respiratory infections.]

There’s also been a 34.6 percent rise in cycling in the city, likely due to the new bike paths built for the project, and biodiversity studies show that wildlife is coming back — one sample of five Green Corridors identified 30 different species of butterfly.

Other cities are already taking note. Bogotá and Barranquilla have adopted similar plans, among other Colombian cities, and last year São Paulo, Brazil, the largest city in South America, began expanding its corridors after launching them in 2022.

“For sure, Green Corridors could work in many other places,” says Zapata."

-via Reasons to Be Cheerful, March 4, 2024

[techninja]

Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Solutions in the Steam Trap Market

Introduction

The global steam trap market is a dynamic and crucial segment of the industrial landscape, characterized by the continuous development and deployment of advanced steam management technologies. Steam traps are essential for the efficient operation of steam systems, preventing steam loss and ensuring optimal performance. This article delves deeply into the current state, growth drivers, and future prospects of the steam trap market, offering a detailed analysis for industry stakeholders.

Market Overview

Definition and Functionality of Steam Traps

Steam traps are automatic valves used in steam systems to discharge condensate, air, and other non-condensable gases while retaining live steam. They are critical for maintaining the efficiency of steam distribution systems in various industries, including oil and gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverages. The primary types of steam traps include mechanical, thermostatic, and thermodynamic steam traps, each with unique operational mechanisms suited for specific applications.

Market Size and Growth Trends

The global steam trap market has witnessed substantial growth over the past decade, driven by the increasing demand for energy-efficient solutions and the modernization of industrial infrastructure. According to recent market research, the steam trap market was valued at approximately USD 3.2 billion in 2023 and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% from 2024 to 2030.

Key Market Drivers

Energy Efficiency and Cost Savings

One of the primary drivers of the steam trap market is the growing emphasis on energy efficiency and cost reduction. Steam traps play a vital role in minimizing steam loss, thereby enhancing the overall efficiency of steam systems. This leads to significant cost savings for industries by reducing fuel consumption and lowering operational costs.

Stringent Regulatory Standards

Governments and regulatory bodies worldwide are imposing stringent regulations on industrial emissions and energy consumption. Compliance with these regulations necessitates the adoption of efficient steam management solutions, including the installation of high-performance steam traps. This regulatory push is a significant driver for the market.

Technological Advancements

Advancements in steam trap technology, such as the development of smart steam traps with real-time monitoring and diagnostic capabilities, are propelling market growth. These innovations enable predictive maintenance, reduce downtime, and enhance the overall reliability of steam systems.

Industrial Expansion

The expansion of industries such as oil and gas, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and food and beverages is fueling the demand for steam traps. The need for efficient steam management in these sectors is critical for maintaining production efficiency and product quality.

Market Segmentation

By Type

Mechanical Steam Traps

Mechanical steam traps operate based on the difference in density between steam and condensate. They include float traps and inverted bucket traps. Mechanical steam traps are widely used due to their reliability and efficiency in various industrial applications.

Thermostatic Steam Traps

Thermostatic steam traps function based on temperature differences. They include bimetallic and balanced pressure thermostatic traps. These traps are favored for their ability to handle varying steam pressures and temperatures.

Thermodynamic Steam Traps

Thermodynamic steam traps operate on the principle of thermodynamics, utilizing the difference in kinetic energy between steam and condensate. They are compact, durable, and suitable for high-pressure applications.

By End-User Industry

Oil and Gas

The oil and gas industry is a significant consumer of steam traps due to the extensive use of steam in refining processes and petrochemical production. The need for reliable steam management solutions is critical for operational efficiency and safety.

Chemicals

In the chemical industry, steam is used for heating, sterilization, and processing. Steam traps are essential for ensuring the efficient use of steam and maintaining process integrity.

Pharmaceuticals

The pharmaceutical industry requires precise steam control for sterilization and production processes. High-performance steam traps are crucial for maintaining the stringent quality standards required in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Food and Beverages

In the food and beverages industry, steam is used for cooking, cleaning, and sterilization. The use of steam traps ensures the efficient and safe use of steam, enhancing product quality and safety.

Regional Analysis

North America

North America holds a significant share of the global steam trap market, driven by the presence of major industrial players and stringent regulatory standards. The region's focus on energy efficiency and sustainability is contributing to market growth.

Europe

Europe is another major market for steam traps, with strong demand from the chemical, pharmaceutical, and food and beverages industries. The region's emphasis on reducing carbon emissions and enhancing energy efficiency is driving the adoption of advanced steam management solutions.

Asia-Pacific

The Asia-Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate in the steam trap market. Rapid industrialization, urbanization, and infrastructure development are key factors contributing to the increasing demand for steam traps. Countries like China, India, and Japan are at the forefront of this growth trend.

Rest of the World

Regions such as Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa are also experiencing growth in the steam trap market. Industrial expansion and the adoption of energy-efficient technologies are driving market demand in these regions.

Competitive Landscape

The global steam trap market is highly competitive, with numerous players vying for market share. Key market participants include Spirax Sarco, Armstrong International, TLV International Inc., CIRCOR International, Inc., and Velan Inc. These companies are focusing on innovation, strategic partnerships, and mergers and acquisitions to strengthen their market position.

Innovation and Product Development

Leading companies are investing in research and development to introduce innovative steam trap solutions. The development of smart steam traps with IoT capabilities is a notable trend, enabling real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.

Strategic Partnerships

Collaborations and partnerships with industrial players, distributors, and technology providers are common strategies adopted by market leaders to expand their product offerings and reach new markets.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers and acquisitions are strategic moves employed by companies to enhance their market presence and technological capabilities. These activities help companies to diversify their product portfolios and tap into new customer segments.

Future Outlook

The global steam trap market is poised for sustained growth in the coming years, driven by technological advancements, regulatory pressures, and industrial expansion. The increasing adoption of smart steam traps and the emphasis on energy efficiency will be key factors shaping the future of the market.

Emerging Trends

Smart Steam Traps: The integration of IoT technology in steam traps for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.

Energy Efficiency: Continuous focus on reducing energy consumption and operational costs.

Sustainability: Adoption of eco-friendly steam trap solutions to comply with environmental regulations.

Challenges

High Initial Costs: The high cost of advanced steam trap solutions can be a barrier to adoption for small and medium-sized enterprises.

Maintenance and Reliability: Ensuring the long-term reliability and performance of steam traps is a critical challenge for manufacturers.

Conclusion

The global steam trap market is an essential component of industrial operations, contributing to energy efficiency, cost savings, and regulatory compliance. With continuous technological advancements and increasing demand from various industries, the market is set to experience robust growth. Industry stakeholders must focus on innovation, strategic partnerships, and sustainable practices to leverage the market's potential fully.

[northgazaupdates]

10 February 2024

After 12 days with no updates, the PRCS announced the deaths of 6 y/o Hind Rajab and the ambulance team who volunteered to go save her. Despite the PRCS working with the IOF to coordinate safe passage for the ambulance, the ambulance was found destroyed by IOF bombs, with both volunteer crew members Yusuf Zeino and Ahmed Al-Madhoun murdered inside. Hind was murdered inside the car, where she had been trapped for hours with the bodies of her family members.

Hind’s 15 y/o cousin Layan Hamadeh had called PRCS emergency services after the car in which she and her family, including her younger cousin Hind, came under heavy gunfire by the IOF. Layan was shot to death while on the phone with PRCS emergency dispatchers, a fact which is documented via recordings of the phone call. Hind then took the phone and begged the dispatchers to send help to take her away, as the IOF was still showering the car with bullets. Ambulance crew members Yusuf Zeino and Ahmed Al-Madhoun volunteered to go rescue Hind. Dispatchers soon last contact with the child. They then lost contact with Yusef and Ahmed when the ambulance arrived near the location of the vehicle by Fares petrol station in Tal Al-Hawa.

This point cannot be emphasized enough: the PRCS worked with the IOF, getting their agreement not to attack the ambulance as it arrived at the scene. The IOF agreed, and then knowingly bombed the ambulance anyway, while also knowingly killing 6 y/o Hind inside her family’s car. They knew there was a 6 y/o child inside that car, and kept firing until they murdered her. They knew the entire time what they were doing, and lied about cooperating with emergency services in order to maximize the number of lives they could take.

The depravity and impunity of the occupation is truly boundless. Hind’s final hours were spent in absolute terror, and Yusuf and Ahmed’s courage and selflessness were rewarded with their murders. The PRCS did everything right. They coordinated with the IOF and sought their permission for the ambulance to pass, something which was already required under international law. The IOF abused this attempt at cooperation by lying about their compliance, then deliberately murdering Hind, Yusuf, and Ahmed, in addition to Layan and her entire family.

We write this update in tears, having hoped and prayed for a different outcome like everyone else. This round of aggression by the IOF has already seen unimaginable cruelty, suffering, and impunity. The complete, deliberate, and flagrant violation of international law and human decency is a stain on the conscience of the Global North and every president, staffer, soldier, and bureaucrat who made this happen. May the recorded voices of Layan and Hind, begging for rescue before dying alone, haunt them for the rest of their days.

Remember Hind, Layan, Yusuf, and Ahmed. Do not let despair consume you. Fight for them, for a permanent ceasefire, for accountability, and for whatever justice can be achieved, even if it seems small and pointless. Tell the world what the occupation has done, share the recordings and the updates from people on the ground. No matter how bleak things are, it is always worthwhile to tell the truth and fight for what’s right.

Keep Hind’s mother, grandfather, and surviving relatives, and the families of Yusuf and Ahmed in your hearts.

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Recordings: Layan, Hind

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