#liquid transport tanks

[fluidflexitanks]

Leading Flexitank Suppliers in India for Bulk Liquid Transportation

The demand for efficient bulk liquid transportation is increasing, especially in industries like food, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals. Flexitanks offer a cost-effective and reliable solution, maximizing container capacity while ensuring safety. Choosing the right flexitank supplier in India is crucial for optimizing logistics, as they can significantly impact cost savings and product integrity. Key factors to consider include experience, quality standards, custom solutions, and comprehensive services. Investing in a reputable supplier not only secures a product but also fosters a valuable partnership for your business's growth.

Read to Know More: https://www.fluidflexitanks.com/flexitank-suppliers-in-india-for-bulk-transportation/

[heater-pads-for-flexitanks]

Understanding Liquid Transport Tanks: A Comprehensive Guide

What is a Flexitank?

Flexitanks are innovative and efficient solutions designed for the transportation of non-hazardous liquids in bulk. Essentially, a flexitank is a large, flexible container made from multiple layers of polyethylene and one outer layer of woven polypropylene. These liquid transport tanks are placed inside a standard 20-foot shipping container, converting it into a safe and effective bulk liquid transportation system. Flexitanks are suitable for transporting a wide range of liquids, including food-grade products like wine and edible oils, industrial liquids, and even certain chemicals.

Features of Liquid Transport Tanks

Flexitanks boast several key features that make them a preferred choice for liquid transport:

Capacity and Flexibility: Flexitanks typically hold between 16,000 to 24,000 litres of liquid, maximizing the container's capacity. Their flexible nature allows for efficient storage and handling.

Material and Construction: Constructed from multiple layers of polyethylene, flexitanks ensure durability and resistance to punctures and tears. The outer layer of woven polypropylene adds an extra layer of protection.

Compatibility: Flexitanks are compatible with standard 20-foot shipping containers, eliminating the need for specialized transport equipment. They are also suitable for a wide range of non-hazardous liquids.

Environmental Impact: Made from recyclable materials, flexitanks are environmentally friendly. They also reduce the need for cleaning and returning empty containers, further minimizing environmental impact.

Advantages of Liquid Transport Tank

The use of liquid transport tank offers numerous advantages over traditional liquid transport methods:

Cost-Effectiveness: Flexitanks significantly reduce transportation costs. By maximizing the use of container space, they lower shipping expenses. Additionally, there are no costs associated with cleaning and returning containers.

Efficiency: Loading and unloading flexitanks is quick and straightforward, saving time and labor. This efficiency translates into faster turnaround times and increased productivity.

Safety and Hygiene: Flexitanks are designed to meet stringent safety and hygiene standards. The materials used are food-grade, ensuring the safe transport of consumable liquids. The single-use nature of flexitanks also eliminates the risk of contamination from previous loads.

Reduced Environmental Footprint: By reducing the need for cleaning and reusing containers, flexitanks contribute to lower water and chemical usage. Their recyclability also promotes sustainable practices.

Why Choose Fluid Flexitank?

Fluid Flexitank stands out in the market due to its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Here are compelling reasons to choose Fluid Flexitank for your liquid transportation needs:

Quality Assurance: Fluid Flexitank adheres to the highest industry standards, ensuring that each flexitank is rigorously tested for durability, safety, and performance. Their products are certified and meet international regulations.

Innovative Solutions: Fluid Flexitank continuously invests in research and development to offer cutting-edge solutions. Their range of products includes specialized flexitanks with heater pads, designed to maintain the optimal temperature of the transported liquid.

Customer Support: Fluid Flexitank provides exceptional customer service, offering support and guidance throughout the entire transportation process. Their team of experts is always ready to assist with any queries or concerns.

Customization: Understanding that every client’s needs are unique, Fluid Flexitank offers customized solutions to meet specific requirements. Whether it’s the type of liquid being transported or specific logistical needs, they tailor their products accordingly.

In conclusion, liquid transport tank (flexitank) are revolutionizing the way liquids are transported globally. Their cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and safety make them an ideal choice for businesses looking to optimize their logistics. Fluid Flexitank, with its superior quality and customer-centric approach, is the go-to provider for reliable and innovative liquid transport solutions.

[surabhi098]

Bulk Chemical Transport Service in India | Surabhi Group Ltd

Transport your bulk chemical supply efficiently with our reliable transport and logistic services. contact us now!

[technogroup-blog]

Top 10 Liquids That Companies Bulk Ship

Are you looking to start getting into bulk liquid transport? If you haven’t already started in this industry, you’ll first need to know what kind of liquids can be shipped in bulk across the world. Also, you need to know what’s in demand right now. Here are 10 of the top liquids that companies ship, so you can start researching and find your market.

1. Water

You wouldn’t typically consider shipping water out in a bulk liquid transportation tank, especially when most people have access to water in their own homes. Instead, water is typically shipped out when there are natural disasters or other incidents where access to water is more difficult.

With flexible tanks that are able to be attached to helicopters, this makes it easy for companies and organisations to move water where it needs to go. That’s especially helpful when access by road or rail is blocked.

2. Alcohol Products

When it comes to bulk liquid shipping, this is always a popular option. Any kind of alcohol can be shipped, such as beers, wines, gins, vodkas, and more. Food grade ethanol is also able to be shipped using bulk liquid solutions.

It’s a good market to research, as there may be a market for a particular beverage that’s made in your area. For example, there are many companies in California that ship locally made wine to other areas of the USA and further afield. If you’re just getting started, alcohol products are a good way to get into the industry.

3. Dairy Products

This is another fairly typical product that can be shipped using bulk liquid transport. Dairy products covers things like milk, cream, milk balancer, pasteurized or raw whey, and so on. It’s a product you’ll typically sell on to manufacturers to make other products, or to restaurants and other businesses that use these liquids in bulk.

Again, you’ll likely find a market for these goods near by, so it’s a good one to research if you’re just starting out as a shipping company.

4. Vegetable Oils

When you think of vegetable oils, you’ll think of a whole host of other oils that can be used in cooking. That can range from palm oil to canola oil, coconut oil, corn oil, peanut oil, sunflower oil, and much more besides.

These oils are used in a wide range of manufacturing plants, whether it’s for creating other food goods or for bottling and selling as cooking oils. This is something to consider if you’re getting into bulk liquid solutions, and you have oil production companies you can work with.

5. Juices

For those looking to create business deals with food manufacturers or bulk sellers, juices are always a good choice. They’re easily transported in a bulk liquid transportation tank, and some juices will stay shelf stable for a long time.

It’s not just fresh juice that can be shipped. You can ship concentrates and single strength juices, fruit punches, beverage bases, and vegetable bases too.

6. Chocolate

Here’s another liquid you may not have considered when setting up your bulk liquid transport business. While of course you’ll think of chocolate as a solid good, it comes in liquid forms too. These can be simply liquid chocolate on its own, or with added ingredients such as milk or sugar. These are again used in manufacturing, and you may find a market for it.

7. Cleaning Products

This covers a wide range of products, including cleansers and detergents, surfactants, and more. As a product there’s always going to be a demand for this, so it’s something that you can help meet.

You can look into companies that create and bottle cleaning solutions, or companies that need bulk liquid solutions for cleaning agents. If you have access to these kinds of goods, that could be a steady job for your business.

8. Adhesives

Adhesives are another bulk liquid that you wouldn’t think of right away, but are always in demand. Think of all the ways that an adhesive can be used in manufacturing. If you find a market for it, you can provide the goods needed.

As adhesives may come with special requirements, you’ll need to find the right bulk liquid transportation tank for them. Plus, you’ll need to ensure your staff are protected from the liquid if they’re exposed to fumes.

9. Industrial Oils

There’s a whole host of industrial oils that you can look into shipping around the country, and even around the globe. Think furnace oils, bunker oils, mineral oils, machine oils, and a whole lot more. There’s so many widespread uses for them, you can look into using them for your business.

Again, you’ll want to make sure you have the right tanks for your bulk liquid transport business, so you’re keeping the oils in top condition and protecting your staff in the mean time.

10. Toiletries

Finally, there are many toiletries that come in liquid form, such as shampoos, conditioners, and shower gels. They often need to be shipped in bulk, either in their finished form to be bottled and sold, or in their separate parts to be made.

These are just a few of the different liquids that can be shipped in bulk. If you find the right market for you goods, you’ll be able to get your bulk liquid shipping business up and running with ease. Start looking to see what’s in demand near you.

[arunrazer]

IBC Tank Transportation and Logistics: Best Practices and Considerations

Intermediate Bulk Containers (IBCs) are widely used for the transportation and storage of liquids and dry materials in various industries. They provide an efficient and cost-effective solution for moving large quantities of materials. However, IBC tank transportation can be challenging and requires proper planning, execution, and compliance with regulations to ensure safety and prevent damage. In this article, we will explore the best practices and considerations for IBC tank transportation and logistics.

Transportation Regulations:

IBC tank transportation is regulated by various organizations, including the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA). It is important to comply with these regulations and guidelines to ensure the safe and legal transportation of IBC tanks. This includes obtaining the proper permits and certifications, as well as properly labeling and packaging the tanks.

Routing and Planning:

Proper routing and planning are crucial for successful IBC tank transportation. This includes selecting the most efficient routes to avoid traffic, construction, and other delays. It also includes considering the weather conditions, and planning for any necessary detours or alternative routes.

Loading and Unloading:

Proper loading and unloading of IBC tanks is essential to prevent damage and ensure safety. This includes properly securing the tanks in the transportation vehicle, and using the right equipment and techniques to load and unload the tanks. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions and guidelines for loading and unloading IBC tanks.

Maintenance and Inspection:

Regular maintenance and inspection of IBC tanks are necessary to ensure they are in good condition and fit for transportation. This includes checking for leaks, damages, and other issues that may affect the safety and integrity of the tanks. It also includes performing regular cleaning and disinfection to maintain the hygiene and quality of the stored materials.

Temperature Control:

IBC tanks are often used to transport and store materials that require specific temperature conditions, such as food or chemical products. It is important to ensure that the transportation vehicle is equipped with the necessary temperature control systems to maintain the integrity of the stored materials.

Insurance and Liability:

Transportation of IBC tanks involves inherent risks, and it is important to have insurance coverage and liability protection in case of accidents or damages. This includes obtaining cargo insurance and liability coverage, as well as ensuring that the transportation company has adequate insurance coverage.

Conclusion:

IBC tank transportation and logistics require proper planning, execution, and compliance with regulations to ensure safety and prevent damage. By following best practices such as routing and planning, loading and unloading, maintenance and inspection, temperature control, and insurance and liability, you can ensure successful and safe transportation of IBC tanks. It is important to work with experienced and reputable transportation companies, and to consult with professionals to ensure the safe and efficient transportation of your IBC tanks. If you are looking for IBC tanks for sale in UAE, look no further get in touch with us. We offer a high-quality Intermediate Bulk Containers to our clients at best possible price.

[midnightbears]

✿ duskbound, afterlight.

#STARRING: cybertronian femme reader & other characters.

#TAGS: a lot violence. death. anxiety and angst. mc goes haywire for a few minutes. flashbacks. mentions of cybertronian blood. anxiety. no appearance of canon characters.

#NOTES: here's the third chapter of my fic which i've officially named duskbound, afterlight. enjoy!

part one | part two | part four | part five

taglist: @buubblegum

You were knocked back a meter or two before you clutched your mid-section, your tank twisting and the sizzling air of Kaon burning inside you. Clumsily, you tried to counter his next jab, but the kick sent to your knee plates caused you to buckle and fall like a sack of stones.

Panic gripped you like a vice as you desperately attempted to defend yourself, your movements erratic, uncoordinated. But your efforts proved futile against the experienced maneuvers of the mech. Blow after blow rained down upon you, each sending shockwaves of pain through your circuits.

The sharp, metallic tang of energon permeated the atmosphere, curling around you like a shimmering veil. It intertwined with the pungent aroma of oil and various fluids, creating an intoxicating compound that stung your olfactory sensors. Your ventilators whirred incessantly, battling against the oppressive heat that threatened to overwhelm you at any moment.

A heavy blow landed squarely on your chassis, sending you crashing to the ground with a resounding clang. As you struggled to regain footing, your opponent loomed over you, their optics gleaming with malice.

With a surge of adrenaline, you lashed out with renewed determination, striking back with all the strength you could muster. But it was too little, too late.

The mech quickly overpowered your feeble attempts at resistance, driving you back with relentless force, and suddenly, you lay sprawled upon the unforgiving floor of the arena. You gasped as your servos instinctively clad around the mech’s, which were pressing against your neck plates. Darkness surrounded you as the mech towered over you, swallowing you whole.

The volume of the crowd was loud enough to sound as if the whole of Cybertron had packed into the small stadium. With coolant and energon streaming down your cheeks, you surrendered to the inevitable. This was it. You were going to die here. Your spirit broken, your hope extinguished in the merciless light of the arena.

Only, gazing into the light, you were transported to a much simpler time.

"If you could change anything in the world, what would it be?"

The chamber was extremely quiet, save for the occasional tinkle from Starlight’s digits as she caressed her daughter’s helm, comfortably snuggled on her carrier’s breastplates and sleeping her questionably-earned exhaustion away.

"Mmh," you hummed out loud, turning to look at your friend from your berth, "I don’t know, what would you change?"

Starlight smiled harder, though the rest of her face plates remained the same, so it was quite the rare expression. "I wish Vaportrail was born in a nicer place, Cybertropolis, maybe."

"You wouldn’t wish to change anything for yourself?" you asked.

"I have you, and there’s not another you anywhere in all of Cybertron."

Starlight, was this what you felt before dying?

Starlight, was this what you felt before being killed?

Starlight, was this what you felt before being murdered?

You couldn’t breathe. Black tinged the edges of your vision. Then it turned red, scarlet, maroon. In that moment, something snapped inside you like a sea wave crashing against the rocks at the beach, like the snapping of a rubber band, like a balloon being popped, and all semblance of fear evaporated, replaced by a singular focus: revenge.

An awful rage so deep it reminisced the sun started bubbling inside you. A wave of anger so profound it dried up every drop of liquid in the world and replaced it with sand. Indignation blurred everything you’d ever been and ever would be, and you felt yourself gaining colossal strength. You needed revenge. You needed it like you needed to breathe. You wanted him to hurt.

And so, when your tremoring was at its greatest, your resentment was beyond bitterness and revenge, and the mech was about to enclose you in a makeshift grave—you just let go.

With a guttural scream that echoed across the arena, you unleashed your pent-up fury upon your assailant. You struggled and battled with a wild intensity fueled by nothing but the sweet, cold feel of revenge, scratching and gnawing as you attempted to escape from the hold that confined you.

Dams broke, and your processor slipped into a high of adrenaline so strong you didn’t know whether your body would purposely overheat. You couldn’t feel the pain of your wounds or the shooting pains in your gauntlets and your mandible. Had you inwardly deactivated your pain receptors?

You wrestled the weapon from your opponent's grasp with a lethal cascade of adrenaline-fueled strength and swung the blade in his direction.

The keen clangor of the blade hitting the mech's helm wreaked the arena into a hysterical state.

The mech stumbled backward with a scream as he gripped his facial plates.

But you didn't just stop there.

You leaned over him and swung the blade.

It found the base of his helmet.

A sickening crunch of metal against metal.

The mech staggered. He even dared to gasp in shock.

You swung again, a pained cry leaving his dermas.

Another crack.

You pulled back your elbow, a spray of energon hitting you on the plates of your face.

You swung again.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Again.

Ag̷̹͈̭̟͎̰̳̳͙̞̃̈́̌͑͒̍̐͠͠ain.

Agá̷̧̡̨̛̪̫͍̻͓̭̖̠̿̎̾̍͛͝in.

A̸̖̳̠͊g̷̹͈̭̟͎̰̳̳͙̞̃̈́̌͑͒̍̐͠͠á̷̧̡̨̛̪̫͍̻͓̭̖̠̿̎̾̍͛͝i̵̝̖̬̬͐̿̓̒͆̐̄̀͠ņ̷̤͕̣̙͈̏͌̎̃̎̾̀̃͒̓͊͗̽̚͝

W̸̧̘̣̝̻͎͕͉̥͖̋͊̍̌̅̚ì̷̝͋͠th a final, cathartic scream of defiance, you drove the blade deep into the mech’s helm, watching with grim satisfaction as sparks flew and circuits sputtered.

There was a brief, abrupt silence while the mech moaned more quietly, attempting to move. It crumpled inward with a low huff.

A pool of energon gushed out from his wounds, soiling the ground around him as you backed away to watch him die. You were shaking—breathing heavily, limbs quivering with exhaustion—and moments later, the other gladiator went limp.

You willed yourself to raise a hand toward your dermas, coolant pooling around your optics.

But the spectators erupted as your servos went up to your face.

And when the adrenaline finally wore off, you were almost sent to the ground at their sheer volume.

They were cheering for you.

It only took a moment to register the blinding pain.

You turned around and stumbled away from the pit and into the building, your optics tracing the ground and your servo scratching at the metallurgic skin over your sternum to ensure that your spark was still whole.

You stumbled down the corridors, the roaring cheers from the arena fading distantly and morphing into something you could not comprehend anymore, but their echoes still haunted your audials. The steady drip of energon from your body was driving you crazy, some of it your own, but most of it not.

Your servos trembled uncontrollably, the once-raw adrenaline slowly draining from your systems, replaced with an overwhelming surge of panic. I killed him. I killed him. The words repeated in your processor like a damaged disk, a nightmarish chant you couldn't silence no matter how hard you tried. Your optics darted around wildly as you moved deeper into the complex.

The tunnel's cool metallic walls closed around you. You forced yourself to keep moving, your breathing shallow and frantic, as if the very walls themselves were constricting around your chassis, squeezing tighter with each second. 

Your servos—trembling, bloodied—kept reaching for the walls, hoping to steady yourself, but every step sent your processor spinning. You were panting, desperate not to overheat your body, vision blurring as your optics struggled to focus. What have I done?

Then, you saw it.

In the dim light of the tunnel, your optics caught a glint—a flash of silver reflecting the low glow of the overhead lights. You staggered toward it, desperate for something, anything to ground you. The surface of a discarded metal panel gleamed like a mirror, and it was there that you saw yourself.

Your breath caught in your throat.

Your reflection stared back at you, but it was a version of yourself you didn’t recognize.

Your armor, dented and scratched, was smeared with dried energon, your own, and the mech’s you had killed. Your pale and trembling faceplates were streaked with the liquid, your optics wild and wide in disbelief. You could barely make out your features beneath the mess of fluids and grime.

You looked... feral. Broken.

But alive.

You were alive.

Somehow, against all odds, you had survived.

Your trembling slowed. The ragged, panicked breaths you’d been drawing in deepened as you stared at your reflection, the horrible truth settling into the pit of your spark. You had made it through that pit of death. You had won.

Slowly, your servos reached up, brushing over the dried fluids and scratches as if confirming that the wrecked reflection was indeed yours. You were bruised, battered, drenched in energon—but you were still standing.

That strange, cold realization started to settle in your spark.

"I’m… alive."

Then, cutting through the fragile silence, a voice crackled through the speakers above you, the distorted sound making you cringe.

"Winner," the voice declared.

You recognized the voice immediately.  Bullway. His tone was cold, devoid of emotion, and very different from the charming facade he’d put on in your old satellite. "I want to see you. Now."

A chill ran down your spinal strut. Bullway. If he wanted to see you, it wasn’t because he wanted to congratulate you on your victory. Had you done something wrong? You had won. You had given them the entertainment they wanted!

Your optic twitched as Bullway’s voice echoed in your audials again. You swallowed hard, your stabilizers shaking as you tried to regain your footing. There was no time to hesitate. You had no choice in this. If he wanted to see you, then you had to go.

Taking one final look at your reflection—bloodied, battered, but alive—you wiped a trembling servo across your faceplates as if trying to erase the horror of what you had just done. But it didn’t come off and just smeared across your cheek like a second paintjob.

You turned just in time to see a mech waiting for you across the hall.

"Hey, come with me."

Not trusting your voicebox to articulate what you wanted to say correctly, you wordlessly nodded, following after him.

Albeit a small part of you felt smug about it, you didn’t comment on how the mech visibly cringed at the energon staining your faceplates, quietly realizing that he was walking a great distance from you, as though if something he said would set you off the wrong way. As if you would repeat your previous actions upon him.

A few clicks later, you noted that the hallways were different, and with great dismay, you realized that he wasn’t leading you to the bosses’ offices. An ugly thought of what they might do to you now that you had unexpectedly won the match knocked on your processor. It would explain why the guard was leading you somewhere else. Your optics widened as it appeared and disappeared just as quickly.

"Hey," you called out to him, waiting until he briefly turned his head to glance your way. "Where are you taking me? This is not the way to see the bosses."

"The lobby." he said curtly, "You’ve won your place there with us, gladiators only."

"You’re a gladiator?"

"Yeah," he nodded, turning to look at you. "We were told there would be a match worth watching, so we all knew that Bullway had snatched a new batch of rookies from somewhere. Normally, rookies lose, bloody fights and all."

"I didn’t lose."

"That you didn’t," he answered, a ghost of a smile pulling at his dermas. "It was a horrible fight, you know. You finished it quickly and left right after. You gotta drag it out nicely if you want the audience to go crazy, but knowing that you are a rookie, I guess that’s why the crowds went wild."

The mech's relaxed demeanor grated on you, sharply contrasting with the turmoil still bubbling under your armor. You could sense the adrenaline coursing through you, the lingering echoes of the bloodlust that had propelled you through that arena, and now this gladiator was speaking as if it were just another routine battle.

As if the brutality you’d unleashed was nothing more than an expected performance. His words only heightened the gnawing discomfort in your spark, but you forced yourself to stay calm.

"Is it like that for everyone?" you asked, voice strained but steady. "Just... another fight?"

The mech glanced at you from the corner of his optics, his pace slowing just enough for you to fall in line beside him. "For some, yeah. For others, it's a way of life. Once you’ve been in the arena long enough, it’s just routine. You win, you survive. You lose, well... you don’t have to worry about much after that."

His matter-of-fact tone, almost automaton-like, grated on your nerves incessantly. There was nothing routine about what you'd just done. You looked away, staring down the dimly lit hallway as you walked, trying to ignore the thick, cloying scent of oil and energon still clinging to your frame.

"I didn’t expect it to feel like that," you muttered, almost to yourself.

"Like what?"

"Like I became someone else."

He gave you another sidelong glance, his optic ridge rising slightly as he considered your words. "Yeah, that happens. You change in the pit. It's not always for the better."

You stopped walking for a moment, your steps faltering. He paused too, turning to look at you, his expression unreadable. You could feel the rage from earlier simmering again, but it was different now—colder, more focused. Disdainful.

The mech took a step toward you, saying, "First time’s always the hardest. But you fought, and you lived. That’s what matters. No one’s going to ask you how you feel about it."

You scoffed, the bitterness in your processor spilling into your voice. "I bet they won't. As long as I keep bleeding for them."

He shrugged, as if that was just the way things were. "That’s the game. But hey, at least now you’re in it. There are worse places to be."

"Yeah?" you muttered, bitterness twisting your words. "Like dead?"

He didn’t answer immediately, his optics studying your face for a beat too long. "Something like that."

Before you could respond, the hallway opened into a larger space, a sprawling, multi-leveled chamber. Above and around you, several balconies arced around the space in a tiered structure, almost like a coliseum turned inside out. Each level was packed with mechs—some leaning over rusted railings, others pacing along narrow walkways, their heavy footsteps echoing through the chamber.

From these balconies, stairs spiraled down to the main floor, where groups of gladiators clustered together, some repairing their armor, others sharpening weapons or talking in hushed tones. A few glanced up at you as you entered, their optics lingering on your energon-stained form for a moment before they returned to their own business.

The smell of energon hung thick in the air, integrated with the acrid tang of oil and the metallic scent of freshly-welded parts. Overhead, dim lights flickered erratically, casting long shadows across the grime-slicked floor. In one corner, a group of mechs were hunched over a makeshift table, clearly gambling away whatever shanix they had earned in the pits.

Here and there, you could spot racks of weapons—blades, maces, guns—lined up along the walls like trophies. Some mechs were testing them out, and the sound of sharpening blades and the low thrum of power cells charging filled the space. Despite the noise, an underlying tension threaded through the room, like a wire stretched too thin.

You caught a few mechs eyeing the stains that marred your armor, their optics narrowing with curiosity and something else—respect, maybe, or wariness. It wasn’t clear. You knew what they saw when they looked at you: a newcomer, fresh out of the pit, still drenched in energon—both yours and your opponent's. And yet, you had survived.

The mech beside you nudged your shoulder gently. "This is it. Gladiators’ lobby."

Everything was interrupted by the sudden, sharp clang of a door being thrown open.

All optics snapped toward the entrance as Bullway stormed in, his heavy frame rattling the metal grating beneath his peds. His presence was electric, and even the more seasoned gladiators went quiet at the sight of his fury.

No one was scared of him, not really, but everyone agreed it'd be better if they didn't anger the one bot who controlled rations and the few things allowed for entertainment.

You, of course, weren't aware of this rule.

His optics, blazing with indignation, zeroed in on you.

"You," he barked, jabbing a thick servo in your direction, his frame practically vibrating angrily. "You just cost me one of the best gladiators I’ve ever had."

Bullway’s voice reverberated through the chamber, louder than even the murmurs of mechs on the balconies. His tone was sharp and accusing, and the heat in his optics made it clear that he hadn’t come to congratulate you.

You straightened your frame but didn’t get a chance to speak before he stomped closer, his bulk imposing.

"I thought it'd be a good fight, figured he’d rough you up a bit, maybe teach you a lesson. But no, you had to go and kill him!" His fists clenched tightly, the metal creaking. "Do you have any idea how long it took me to build him into the fighter he was? And you—you just walk in there and ruin him in your first damn match!"

The crowd watched you both closely, their optics flicking between Bullway and you like they were watching another fight unfold. He was livid, but there was more behind his anger. It wasn’t just the loss of a fighter—there was humiliation, too. Bullway had bet on the wrong outcome, and now he was making it your problem.

You felt your spark flare with defiance. The words tore out of your mouth before you could stop them.

"I didn’t ask to be here," you shot back, stepping forward, the energon staining your frame somehow making you more confident in yourself. "But I won. Fair and square."

Bullway sneered, towering over you now. "Won? You think this is about winning? That mech was supposed to be my winner. You were just a piece of bait! A rookie!"

"Y/N."

His visage morphed into confusion at the single word that left your mouth, though there were still traces of the anger that had previously plagued his faceplates.

Your optics narrowed, and you repeated yourself. "Y/N. That is my name. Use it."

Bullway blinked, taken aback for a split second before his expression twisted into cruel amusement. "A name? You think that matters? In this place, you don’t have names. You’re all just numbers, commodities, pieces of metal to be used up and thrown away when I’m done with you. And I couldn’t care less what you want to call yourself."

His words stung. Bitterly, he was reminding you of what you’d been reduced to in this violent, brutal world. Yet, despite his callous dismissal, you held your ground. You were more than just a number now, more than the faceless gladiator he wanted to make you. You weren’t H-08 anymore, at least, not to yourself.

You hadn’t been since the day Starlight changed everything.

"My name," you said slowly, wiping energon from your cheek as your voice trembled with both defiance and strength, "is Y/N."

Bullway’s optics flared, but you didn’t stop. His words, his mockery—none of it could erase the truth of who you were.

You had once been H-08, a nameless designation in the cold, sterile halls of the satellite where you’d been force to mine until your protoform ran out of strenght—a number, nothing more. You hadn’t even thought it mattered, hadn’t known it could matter, until Starlight came along. She’d been the one to look past the designation, to see you for who you were, not what they made you to be.

She didn’t see you and think, "What is she for?" but instead, "What is she like? What are her hopes and dreams?" She didn’t once think to see you above or below her. Nor did she ever think you were better than her or she better than you. You were her equal; she drilled that into you.

Starlight had always pushed you to choose a name, something that was yours and no one else’s, just like how she had chosen Vaportrail’s name.

"You deserve that. Not a number, not some cold code in a system. A real name. One that means something to you."

At first, you hadn’t understood why it mattered. Why choosing a name felt like reclaiming something, like grabbing hold of a piece of yourself that had been hidden away. But as time passed, you’d grown into it, and when you finally said it out loud for the first time, Starlight’s optics had gleamed with pride.

That name was all you had left of her now, and you weren’t about to let Bullway or anyone else take it from you.

Bullway snorted, his optics narrowing. "Whatever you call yourself—it doesn’t change the fact that you’re still standing here because I let you. Don’t forget that."

But his words fell flat against the wall of resolve that had built up inside you. You met his glare without flinching, the weight of your name grounding you. You were Y/N, and no matter how many battles or insults Bullway threw your way, that wouldn’t change.

"I didn’t ask for this," you said, your voice initially a whisper, but soon growing into words that the entire room could hear, "but you threw me in that pit, and I survived. I earned my place here, and I’ll keep earning it. Don’t talk to me like I’m some scrap metal to be tossed around. I won. He lost. That’s how this works, isn’t it?"

The defiance in your voice seemed to shock him, and for a moment, the entire lobby went deathly silent. The mechs perched on the balconies leaned forward slightly, some in surprise, others in thinly veiled approval.

"You think that makes you special?" he spat, "Killing one gladiator doesn’t make you invincible."

"I don’t need to be invincible. Just strong enough to survive."

Bullway glared at you for what felt like an eternity, his faceplates tight with frustration. Finally, he exhaled, stepping back just enough to let the tension drop a fraction. His optics roamed over you as if sizing up what you had left after that brutal match.

"Well, congratulations," he said, turning on his heel sharply. "You survived. But don’t think this is over. There’s always someone bigger and stronger waiting, and next time, I won’t care how long they’ve been in the pit. You better be ready."

The door slammed behind him, the echo reverberating through the lobby.

"Don’t just stand there like a lamppost!" A mech seated by the stairs raised his voice, causing you to look his way instinctively. "For Primus’ sake, look at her. Somebot take her to the infirmary!"

[sanctus-ingenium]

Saint Taurus & a handy size chart based mostly on relative size rather than Actual Size (so ignore the little human figure).

Once the church threw itself into the hunting of dragons and subsequent harvesting of their ichor, a new problem arose: the transportation of thousands upon thousands of gallons of highly volatile, toxic dragonsblood. The harvesting process takes months, and it is a continual race against time; dragonsblood in liquid form will become gas at very low temperatures, and a good 50% of all spilled blood is lost to evapotranspiration after a battle. Transporting this precious liquid safely is a greater challenge than harvesting it.

Taurus provides a simple solution. Stationed in the most central region of the empire, Taurus can reach the site of a battle and start transporting ichor before the dragon has even died. Taurus is the biggest of all the beasts and by far the strongest, and his harness & transport barge consist of the largest manmade structures within the empire (and potentially beyond it, as well). In fact, the fire shield at the front of the barge is the single largest continuous piece of metal ever designed by the armoursmiths, but it serves a vital role of keeping sparks from the exhaust flames from reaching the dragonsblood. Although the barrels are sealed, the danger of dragonsblood ignition is so great that all caution must be taken.

As if the logistical and metalworking challenges of this venture were not enough, Taurus must also be heavily armoured, with his main connection points to his barge reinforced. Poachers who can't bring down dragons to get their own dragonsblood engine fuel frequently choose to attack the barge. Taurus is considered to be unstoppable, too large and tank-like to even attempt to take down, but he still needs an escort of ground soldiers to watch the back of the barge, or occasionally a companion beast if the risk is high. It's a tricky operation - the scale of the barge is such that it becomes difficult to watch every inch, and on nearly every single excursion there is some ichor lost to theft, even if it is only as much as a single person or horse can carry.

The knight rider of Taurus, Sir Bounty, always rides with an inspector in his throne chamber, after an incident fifty years back wherein the previous Sir Bounty was found to have been taking bribes from poachers from outside the empire. He would linger at certain points on the route long enough to allow significant theft of ichor from the barge. Since then, all knights are regularly tested to ensure they do not succumb to the sin of greed, and that their vows of poverty remain unbroken. The punishment for the crime matches that which the old Sir Bounty suffered; death by immersion in hydrargyrum.

[nauticaltrain]

hits you with the napier beam hits you with the napier beam hits you with the napier beam hits you with the napier beam

(headcanons under the cut)

Porter:

Open-top hopper, carries anything, he's not fussy

laidback, observant, leader

big and tall, and i mean big and tall

the most mature, but ultimately a goofball at heart

not afraid to chew out the other freight, hasn't given up on Slick's redemption arc yet

just a good dude

likes showtunes and dad jokes

has a crush on Lumber

Lumber:

Centerbeam flatcar, transports packaged lumber

friendly, intelligent, big-hearted

real environmentalist type, supports sustainability as much as is possible

he and Hydra are besties, they have a surprising amount in common

absolutely oblivious to Porter's crush, just thinks they're friends

could probably survive in the wild

has to be herded back onto the tracks regularly, he gets distracted by flora and fauna very easily, petted a deer once and wouldn't stop talking about it for a week

gets along well with gardeners, lumberjacks, park rangers, and naturalists

Slick:

DOT-111 tank car, can carry anything that doesn't require pressurization, but mostly transports crude oil

vindictive, audacious, manipulative

short and compact little tanker

a real pain to be around, punky and vain

terrible, bitter animosity between her and Hydra, not even the silly sibling rivalry kind, they hate each other

unlike CB who crashes trains because he's cracked, Slick is 100% sane. she does it for money. she would be lying if she said she didn't feel bad at all, there's some remorse buried deep down

you know that saying 'hurt people hurt people'? yeah that

weirdly quick skater, like she moves a little too fast for a car

accessories bitch

Hydra:

DOT-113 tank car, pressurized cryogenic materials only. Liquid hydrogen is his specialty, naturally

confident, mysterious, opportunistic

long and lean, can almost look Porter in the eyes

very proud of his status, loves that he carries such high-profile materials

as for his rivalry with Slick, he thinks she's reckless and she thinks he's uppity. Many nasty arguments

not sure how his friendship with Lumber came about, but is happy about it nonetheless

futurist, believes the advancement of science will benefit society exponentially

will rant about clean energy whenever he can, annoys the rest of the yard with it constantly, a bit of a braggart

got that slinky kapa kitchen energy

(group image not to scale, just wanted them together :))

[honey-dont]

types of freight cars

made a whole post to help ppl design stex ocs as the resident freight enthusiast :) while this isn't every freight car in existence, it's definitely a good chunk of them!

FLATCARS

The most basic type of freight car. They’re…well…flat! Designed for carrying bulky loads.

Autorack: Transport automobiles. Can have single, double, or triple levels.

Boom/Idler: Placed in front of a breakdown crane to protect the boom or in front of/behind oversized loads to protect the overhang.

Bulkhead: Have walls (bulkheads) on the end. Used to transport pipe, poles, slabs, and lumber. Prone to derailing when traveling empty and put speed restrictions on the freight train.

Centerbeam: Carry lumber. Another type is the opera (round) window style. Have to be loaded/unloaded evenly to avoid the car tipping over.

Depressed Center: Used to carry extremely heavy loads such as generators. Have a lowered (depressed) middle section.

Intermodal/Well: Carry semi-truck trailers and containers. Have a lowered bottom (well).

Skeleton/Spine: Very narrow car used to transport lumber. Has stakes on the sides. Spine cars do not have stakes and are often used for intermodal transport.

GONDOLAS

Open-topped cars that generally transport loose goods. Can also be covered. Differ from hoppers in that they have flat bottoms and have to be manually unloaded or put through a rotary dumper.

Bathtub: Transport coal. Have rounded bottoms for extra space.

Coil: Carry coils of metal. Can be open or have specialized covers to protect the cargo. Typically considered a subtype of gondola, but can also be a subtype of flatcar as well.

Side-dump: Cars tip sideways to dump loads. Often carry ballast or rocks for railbeds.

HOPPERS

Evolved from gondolas but differ in that they have sloped bottoms and discharge doors. Can be covered or uncovered, and have between two to five chutes. Open cars transport bulk goods such as coal, while covered ones carry food items.

Ore Jenny: A small, specialized hopper designed to carry large loads of iron ore from mines.

BOXCAR

Enclosed cars with side or end doors. Used for bulk commodities and for goods that need to be protected from the weather.

Stock: Used to transport livestock such as cattle, horses, sheep, and poultry. Have ventilated sides for airflow. A variant used to carry fish was attached to passenger trains and was more luxurious.

Refrigerator: Insulated and cooled cars used to transport frozen goods.

TANKERS

Used to transport liquids or gases. Can be specialized to carry hazardous materials.

Milk: Specialized tank car variant (as opposed to the boxcar variant) that carries milk. Attached to passenger trains to prevent spoilage.

Pickle: There's pickles in there! The vats were filled with vinegar.

Torpedo: Carry molten iron. Designed to withstand very high temperatures.

Whale Belly: Large tank car with a lowered midsection for additional carrying capacity.

SCHNABEL

These cars are a type all of their own. Used to transport extremely large loads by pinching it between the arms of the car.

[tatooineknights]

Day Four: Hallucinations - Hypnosis

“Obi-Wan never told you what happened to your father,” echoed inside the walls of Luke Skywalker’s head, bouncing off into a darkness that he was just barely cognizant of, desperately looking for an escape. There was no light to be found; the last glimmer of light was his own blue lightsaber, uselessly discarded and tumbling endlessly down an equally dark chasm. There were intense emotions all around, he could feel himself holding back sobs, as he tried to run away from this ever-pervading darkness all around him. “I am your father.”

The wounded youth was unaware of his current state, propped up inside a bacta tank, suspended by a harness hooked under his shoulders as his body was bare save for a modest pair of white briefs. Bacta was known for it’s healing and soothing properties, warm and gelatinous; but for Luke, that warmth made his subconscious feel trapped, stuck in a dreamlike haze he desperately wished to escape, his movements slow and sluggish as droids came and went, monitoring his recovering state.

“I can’t get the visions out of my head,” Luke once said not too long ago to the great Jedi Master Yoda, and now, those same visions forcibly attacked in an unending barrage. The sadness on Leia’s face as she whispered to herself, begging for help; the sudden coldness in Han, as if all life had frozen in an instant; his own face contorting into a pained scream, tears bubbling down his cheeks; and last, but most prominent, the image of Darth Vader’s extended hand, growing larger and larger.

The Sith Lord stood idly by the tank, his hand pressed against the glass, using the Force to peer into the mind of the young man. Luke could feel his presence, but he was unaware, unaware of everything that transpired. Last he knew, he was simply falling down from a weathervane before losing consciousness. There was nothing after; it was all constant vision of what had happened, of failure, and the looming threat of black armor that seemed to envelop a destiny he’d never once imagined.

“Luke,” he heard through the glass, through the depths of the liquid substance, underneath his wet hair and into the traumatized mind of the horrified Skywalker.

He hated that it was so calming to hear his name said, in such a deep baritone, lower than any he’d heard before. There was something… paternal… about it, on an instinctive level. “Father,” he tried to choke out in his unconscious state, but the respirator stopped him from expressing it.

“It is your destiny.”

Destiny?

The black walls soon shifted into greys and a crimson sheen, with the Sith Lord standing with his back turned, looking out into a window of space. A smaller and lean figure approached him from the side, dressed in a slim jumpsuit consisting of white with black accessories, a thin red cape clasped to his narrow shoulders. His hair was slicked back, poking out into curls around the base of his neck. Luke prayed that the man wouldn’t turn around – a sick part of him knew who it must be.

A great battle played out in the window, with seemingly three different sides at war. Luke could see the rebellion flagship in the middle of the battle, taking an onslaught of damage from all sides: and then, a great explosion. The image all went white, transporting Luke to another area, where he saw two individuals locked into a ferocious duel.

His suspicions were right – that young man was himself, drunk on the glory of the Dark Side, delusionally trying to contain himself from fully falling. His lightsaber was activated, a haunting red light shining out of it, on the defensive as a woman faced him. Her attacks were equally as imprecise, untrained as his own, but with increasing rage in an onslaught that this dark mirror of himself could no longer keep up with. Wait, it couldn’t be; Leia? As the realization dawned on him, her blue lightsaber caught his in a bind, gliding down along the core, before slicing into his wrists—

The familiar sound of his own anguished scream took Luke out of the trance, staring blankly through the blue liquid at the black glove on the glass. What happened at Cloud City? How did he end up here?

Leia… where were you?

Now, trapped in this tank, Luke was resigned to whatever might happen next.

Father, he wished out through the Force, swallowing in shock at his own use of the Force.

[papapandashipyards]

Designing the OSP Ships for Nebulous Fleet Command

A good long while ago, I had the honour to design the second faction for the supremely excellent game Nebulous Fleet Command. (Get it here, don't hesitate, what are you waiting for? Get the game!) That faction being the OSP. The OSP's main thing being, that almost their entire fleet is made up of retrofitted civilian ships, hastily pushed into service. Almost. The first ship on the design block was The Ocello class Command Cruiser. The idea behind it was, that it used to be a state of the art Warship, but that time had passed a good 100 years ago. Many of these were mothballed withing OSP territory, and quite frankly you don't look a fully armored 12000 ton gif horse in the mouth, when a battle hardened navy is knocking at your door asking "you and what army?"

From the Tip of the spear we move over to what was avaliable. Civvies. Not to fret though, what they lack in class, they make up for in mass, either by numbers or by tonnage. We'll start with the numbers first, and this is where we meet the clippers. Clippers are the small fry of vessels, shuttles tugs, transport feeders, the small guys of the blue collar world. This may not bless them with lots of armor, but they sure as heck makes up for it in versatility. The Design brief asked for everyday civilian vessels in the size range of 60 to 95 meters, so I gave it my best shot with this lot.

Ultimately only three of these made it into the game, to uphold the delicate balance of the amount of work it takes the team to actually make one of these ships happen and also the gameplay balance of what their exact roles are and wether or not they are redundant, gameplay wise. I think the Team went with the right vessels, and I would only lament that I'd love to have had the "Mantis" as well. This leads us to the final and perhaps most interesting subject: The Freighters. The design document asked for three distinct types of freighters: -Bulk Freighters -Container Freighter -Liquid Gas Freighters Adittionally these ships were meant to be Randomizable in two ways: -be made out of three interchangeable sections, front, middle, engine

-lots of little doodads, like bridges, cranes, tanks etc. So I got to work and these are the results: Bulk freighter base models:

Bulk Freighter with Doodads example:

Finally some remixed Bulk freighter Hulls:

This worked out quite well for my sensibilities, so I went along with the other designs. Base Container Freighters:

Versions with Doodads:

And finally the LNG Freighters You know the drill by now. Base models:

Doodad examples:

And finally some remix variants.

And that is all! What a great and wild ride! The LNG Freighters unfortunately also ended up on the chopping block, but it's also understandable why; there's just too much hollow tank on these, to make for anything useful in combat. There we are. One whole like diary entry about my short and super sweet work for Nebulous Fleet Command. The Team there is doing wonderful work, and it has been one of my proudest moments seeing my scribbles turn into actual things in a video game that you can use to fight with - surreal! Shoutout to Mazer Ludd for Commissioning me on this awesome project and of course to Stephmo for making such cool models from my puny drawings!

[fluidflexitanks]

Fluid Flexitank’s Liquid Transport Tanks is The Smart Choice for Efficient Bulk Liquid Shipping

Optimize your bulk liquid logistics with Fluid Flexitank’s Liquid Transport Tanks. Designed for versatility and efficiency, our tanks provide a safe and cost-effective solution for transporting a wide range of non-hazardous liquids. Whether you choose Flexitanks or ISO Tank Containers, you can trust Fluid Flexitank to deliver superior performance, reducing shipping costs and ensuring the integrity of your products throughout the journey. Discover the ideal transport solution tailored to your business needs.

[green-hoedrogen]

Ok so in my fic Slip I vaguely based Hydra off of a DOT-114 tanker because i could find the specification really easily they're sometimes used for pressurised gasses, but GOOD NEWS! I was wrong and also stupid :)

I've been recreationally overthinking this all day, for funsies. The interesting thing is, in Europe we don't really have H2 on the rails in that way yet- DB cargo is doing a lot of work there, but not in any formats that match up with the green bean. We know he doesn't carry ammonia or methanol because his fuel is usable without pre-processing, and we know he's not any sort of MEGC. The only other option in europe is cryocontainers of LH2, but they're intermodal- you can put one on a ship, unload it onto a lorry or a flatbed or whatever, and go about your merry way. so not that neither.

(sidebar: I know he is a creation of andrew lloyd webber's twisted mind and also a twink on rollerskates, but shh. im playing touys.)

The likelier option, imo, is that he's carrying cryogenic liquid hydrogen. This would track with some sliiightly older technologies (and i really do mean slightly) like liquid natural gas, which has already been used in duel-fuel locomotives. At time of writing, the only thing I could scrounge up that's actually authorised for cryogenic hydrogen transport on US rails are DOT-113 tanker cars, which are usually designed for other cryogenic liquids but. Uh. Im sure its fine. Nowt in the UK yet, we've got all of it on the roads at the minute. He's some kind of freaky half-to-spec pilot project to me anyways, I just need to ballpark.

According to the Railway Association of Canada's Railway Emergncy guide, DOT-113A60W tankers have a working temperature of -423F, which is the temperature hydrogen becomes liquid at.

So! That means we're working with DOT-113A60W!Hydra, or at least something similar! :D He's got a tank-within-a-tank system, weather-shielded loading/unloading valves, and DO NOT HUMP OR CUT OFF WHILE IN MOTION stenciled somewhere easy to see. Thank you for coming to my ted talk!

[we-ezer]

FFVII X BATMAN AU LESS GOOO

i had been struggling to come up with an idea for a crossover like this just bc i wanted to combine two of my favorite fandoms when BAM green glowing eyes that make u act up r u kidding me???? am i BLIND?????

SO cloud slips into a natural mako pool that had shinra’s dirty reactor run-off leaking into it that he had been investigating for the WRO. he is revived via lazarus pits into the batman universe. like we’re talking rising from the pits standing and covered in green glowing goo revival. in a pit-induced rage he burns the league hideout to the ground sephiroth-style. his eyes are slitted as he drags his sword behind him in the sand away from the wreckage.

ra’s shows up in the batcave to tell damian his mother is dead. damian believes it a trick until ra’s takes out a jar and pours it onto the ground. he claims it is her ashes and leaves. the batfam test it and the test confirms it. talia is dead. damian is conflicted and the rest of the batfam scrambling to figure out what happened. they find out about the destruction of the hideout and make to travel to the site to look for evidence.

cloud is stuck in a haze. he doesn’t know what day it is, where he is, and sometimes who he is. sometimes the sand looks green and he’s back in hojo’s tank, swimming in mako. other times he is desperately gulping down the liquid in hopes of quenching his thirst. then he’s back in a desert wasteland. finally he comes upon a house. a woman rushes out to help him as he collapses.

cloud stays at the house helping the family there until the batfam eventually find him. they connected him with the description of the hideout’s attacker. he is confused until they start describing the destruction and then he is seeing flashes of sephiroth’s ravaging of nibelheim overlaid with his own. he clutched his head then looks up with glowing cat eyes and attacks.

cloud overpowers them all until the little boy from the family that helped him jumps in the way when he goes to finish them off. cloud sees denzel then in place of the boy and backs off. his head starts pounding and he collapses.

the batfam transport cloud back to gotham. there he is processed and stuck into arkham with meta-cancelling shackles/collar. he’s deemed a joker-level risk and made his cell neighbor. joker’s constant needling mix with sephiroth’s. cloud is spiraling until poison ivy is brought in one day. she sits next to cloud in the cafeteria when he is given his only reprieve from joker and asks about his ribbon. cloud is startled to be reminded of it and tells her it is from a dear friend. poison ivy confesses she felt a pull towards him like the planet was telling her to help him. a tear runs down cloud’s face and he wipes it away. he’d thought he was abandoned here but gaia and aerith were still looking out for him.

cloud and poison ivy become fast friends and when harley is caught she quickly latches onto cloud too. someone has to protect him from the joker (no one protected her)! harley especially likes to treat cloud as a “long lost twin brother” considering how alike they look. she insists cloud is unfairly prettier than her tho. eventually they bust out together and get an apartment for the three of them. cloud loves cuddling on the couch with bud and lou. the girls do their best to help cloud heal.

one day red hood is waiting in their apartment in the dark. he wants to talk to cloud (he wasn’t there when ra’s showed up and the following investigation. he hacks the fam’s files regularly to keep up with their intel and saw the case flagged and locked under mountains of encryption. bruce didn’t want him finding out).

[lonestarflight]

Comparison between the enlarged VentureStar and the X-33.

"This artist's rendering depicts the NASA/Lockheed Martin X-33 technology demonstrator alongside the Venturestar, a Single-Stage-To-Orbit (SSTO) Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV). The X-33, a half-scale prototype for the Venturestar, is scheduled to be flight tested in 1999. NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center, Edwards, California, plays a key role in the development and flight testing of the X-33. The RLV technology program is a cooperative agreement between NASA and industry. The goal of the RLV technology program is to enable signifigant reductions in the cost of access to space, and to promote the creation and delivery of new space services and other activities that will improve U.S. economic competitiveness. NASA Headquarter's Office of Space Access and Technology is overseeing the RLV program, which is being managed by the RLV Office at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center, located in Huntsville, Alabama. The X-33 was a wedged-shaped subscale technology demonstrator prototype of a potential future Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) that Lockheed Martin had dubbed VentureStar. The company had hoped to develop VentureStar early this century. Through demonstration flight and ground research, NASA's X-33 program was to provide the information needed for industry representatives such as Lockheed Martin to decide whether to proceed with the development of a full-scale, commercial RLV program. A full-scale, single-stage-to-orbit RLV was to dramatically increase reliability and lower costs of putting a pound of payload into space, from the current figure of $10,000 to $1,000. Reducing the cost associated with transporting payloads in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) by using a commercial RLV was to create new opportunities for space access and significantly improve U.S. economic competitiveness in the world-wide launch marketplace. NASA expected to be a customer, not the operator, of the commercial RLV. The X-33 design was based on a lifting body shape with two revolutionary 'linear aerospike' rocket engines and a rugged metallic thermal protection system. The vehicle also had lightweight components and fuel tanks built to conform to the vehicle's outer shape. Time between X-33 flights was normally to have been seven days, but the program had hoped to demonstrate a two-day turnaround between flights during the flight-test phase of the program. The X-33 was to have been an unpiloted vehicle that took off vertically like a rocket and landed horizontally like an airplane. It was to have reached altitudes of up to 50 miles and high hypersonic speeds. The X-33 program was managed by the Marshall Space Flight Center and was to have been launched at a special launch site on Edwards Air Force Base. Due to technical problems with the liquid hydrogen tank, and the resulting cost increase and time delay, the X-33 program was cancelled in February 2001."

Date: September 23, 1999

source

NASA Identifier: NIX-ED97-43929, ED97-43938-1

[materialsscienceandengineering]

The search is on worldwide to find ways to extract carbon dioxide from the air or from power plant exhaust and then make it into something useful. One of the more promising ideas is to make it into a stable fuel that can replace fossil fuels in some applications. But most such conversion processes have had problems with low carbon efficiency, or they produce fuels that can be hard to handle, toxic, or flammable. Now, researchers at MIT and Harvard University have developed an efficient process that can convert carbon dioxide into formate, a liquid or solid material that can be used like hydrogen or methanol to power a fuel cell and generate electricity. Potassium or sodium formate, already produced at industrial scales and commonly used as a de-icer for roads and sidewalks, is nontoxic, nonflammable, easy to store and transport, and can remain stable in ordinary steel tanks to be used months, or even years, after its production.

Read more.