#top air quality monitors

[zeroloop]

Radoff Now Air Quality Monitors

Questo e un sistema di monitoraggio per controllare la qualità dell’aria e non solo dentro casa . Nella scatola c’è il dispositivo, il caricabatterie e le istruzioni. Per usare il sistema bisogna scaricare l’app “Radoff” e registrarsi con nome, cognome ed email. Poi si può collegare il dispositivo alla rete Wi-Fi e gestirlo con l’applicazione ma anche utilizzarlo con assistenti vocali come Alexa…

[reasonsforhope]

"A team of researchers at Washington University in St. Louis has developed a real-time air monitor that can detect any of the SARS-CoV-2 virus variants that are present in a room in about 5 minutes.

The proof-of-concept device was created by researchers from the McKelvey School of Engineering and the School of Medicine at Washington University...

The results are contained in a July 10 publication in Nature Communications that provides details about how the technology works.

The device holds promise as a breakthrough that - when commercially available - could be used in hospitals and health care facilities, schools, congregate living quarters, and other public places to help detect not only the SARS-CoV-2 virus, but other respiratory virus aerosol such as influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) as well.

“There is nothing at the moment that tells us how safe a room is,” Cirrito said, in the university’s news release. “If you are in a room with 100 people, you don’t want to find out five days later whether you could be sick or not. The idea with this device is that you can know essentially in real time, or every 5 minutes, if there is a live virus in the air.”

How It Works

The team combined expertise in biosensing with knowhow in designing instruments that measure the toxicity of air. The resulting device is an air sampler that operates based on what’s called “wet cyclone technology.” Air is sucked into the sampler at very high speeds and is then mixed centrifugally with a fluid containing a nanobody that recognizes the spike protein from the SARS-CoV-2 virus. That fluid, which lines the walls of the sampler, creates a surface vortex that traps the virus aerosols. The wet cyclone sampler has a pump that collects the fluid and sends it to the biosensor for detection of the virus using electrochemistry.

The success of the instrument is linked to the extremely high velocity it generates - the monitor has a flow rate of about 1,000 liters per minute - allowing it to sample a much larger volume of air over a 5-minute collection period than what is possible with currently available commercial samplers. It’s also compact - about one foot wide and 10 inches tall - and lights up when a virus is detected, alerting users to increase airflow or circulation in the room.

Testing the Monitor

To test the monitor, the team placed it in the apartments of two Covid-positive patients. The real-time air samples from the bedrooms were then compared with air samples collected from a virus-free control room. The device detected the RNA of the virus in the air samples from the bedrooms but did not detect any in the control air samples.

In laboratory experiments that aerosolized SARS-CoV-2 into a room-sized chamber, the wet cyclone and biosensor were able to detect varying levels of airborne virus concentrations after only a few minutes of sampling, according to the study.

“We are starting with SARS-CoV-2, but there are plans to also measure influenza, RSV, rhinovirus and other top pathogens that routinely infect people,” Cirrito said. “In a hospital setting, the monitor could be used to measure for staph or strep, which cause all kinds of complications for patients. This could really have a major impact on people’s health.”

The Washington University team is now working to commercialize the air quality monitor."

-via Forbes, July 11, 2023

-

Holy shit. I know it's still early in the technology and more testing will inevitably be needed but holy shit.

Literally, if it bears out, this could revolutionize medicine. And maybe let immunocompromised people fucking go places again

Also, for those who don't know, Nature Communications is a very prestigious scientific journal that focuses on Pretty Big Deal research. Their review process is incredibly rigorous. This is an absolutely HUGE credibility boost to this research and prototype

[syoddeye]

thinking about a futuristic/dystopian au where the tech company you work for moves you into one of their r&d flats under the premise of being a paid, live-in tester. you can't refuse—it'd be foolish to refuse. free rent, a pay bump, and all the latest gadgets available at your fingertips? goodbye, communal bathroom and capsule bunk. hello, filtered air and privacy.

of course, in your hurry to get out of your shitty flat, you skip the fine print. you miss the bit about the new ai that will be monitoring your every move to provide real-time feedback and, at times, tangible nudges to improve your quality of life. the part about the extensive research on your person that's been done and will continue to fine-tune. it's just a pilot program, a temporary arrangement, but it doesn't know that.

a deep, rumbling voice wakes you on the first morning of your indefinite lease, a voice you've unwittingly imagined more times than you'd care to admit. your eyes open to the projection of a bearded man at your bedside, looming, staring down his nose. he blithely observes how hard your nipples are in the flimsy little top you wore to bed. are you trying to catch a cold or impress him? he informs you that you're succeeding in both endeavors.

when you jump up, snatch your robe from the hook, and page your superiors—they're unimpressed. you signed on the dotted line. you shouldn't complain, and no, you cannot opt out. they instruct you to deliver your complaints to john directly to test his receptiveness to human-suggested corrections.

they assure you he cannot harm you* and that he is programmed to view your well-being as his primary priority. if you'd like to learn more, refer to the provided documentation or ask john for assistance. the call ends with a dismissive handwave, and you're left alone. well. not alone alone.

john chuckles as you frantically scroll through your tablet, trying to find ways to filter or limit his speech.

"think we're goin' to get along just fine, user." he dematerializes, his voice drifting from the unit's hidden speakers.

"why don't you sit down, relax, and have a cup of tea? then, when you're ready, i will turn the shower to your preferred temperature so that you may perform your customary morning masturbatory ritual."

your head spins, steam practically billowing from your ears. what kind of sick fuckery is this—

the door to the bathroom whooshes open, and you hear water gush from the bath spout.

"hm, your stress spiked, user. i think a bath would be best. would you prefer to adjust the jets manually, or would you like me to take the lead?"

*please be advised that the ai assistant's physical interference capabilities, if any, remain largely speculative and are not fully documented by the manufacturer. users are encouraged to operate the assistant within recommended guidelines, as the system's limitations in physical engagement have yet to be comprehensively understood.

[hermannsthumb]

hiiiii im a HUGE fan of your work. i was wondering if you would care to do #23-bonfire or #15-bobbing for apples off the fall prompt list?

23. Bonfire

from autumn fic prompts here

i had enough time today to bang this one out really fast, because i desperately wanted to write something halloweeny after spending all month working on the hallozine! take a short fic with some dumb boys (the best kind of boys) making out! (ALSO THANK U!!!)

---------------------------------------------------------

Newt usually doesn’t bother hitting up Shatterdome parties, mostly because he’s become too high-strung, like, 80% of the time to actually enjoy himself at anything that cuts into time that could be spent doing something useful in the lab (he can’t believe he’s actually saying that), but the flyers posted semi-discreetly on corkboards around the base for this year’s Halloween bash caught his eye. A rooftop Halloween bonfire. The brazenness of advertising something so clearly a massively illegal fire hazard impressed him, and in the spirit of sticking it to the man Newt felt like he was obliged to go.

He half-asses a costume an hour before the bonfire starts with the help of some random shit he finds around the lab and shows up fashionably late with a six-pack of low quality beer he shoved into the back of the lab minifridge a couple months ago. The bonfire is being held at the same rooftop he and Hermann sometimes sneak off to to bitch at each other in private when they need some fresh air, to Newt’s surprise, since he’s been operating under the assumption for several years now that they're the only two who know about it. Hermann was the one to pick the lock on the maintenance access door, after all.

The bonfire is more of a controlled campfire in a metal fire pit and being heavily monitored by a j-tech with a poker in a Frankenstein’s monster costume, but Newt finds it admirable all the same.

He trades his six pack in for something that looks moderately less awful from a booze table and takes in the party. There’s Halloween party garland and orange-purple string lights strung around the railings, a few lit up Styrofoam jack-o-lanterns smiling on the snack tables, and generically spooky instrumental music blasting from someone’s Bluetooth speaker. Most of his fellow partygoers are unrecognizable in their costumes.

Well, not everyone.

He’s more than slightly astonished to see Hermann hunched in on himself at the far end of the roof (their spot, Newt would call it, if he wanted to get all sentimental about it), illuminated by string lights, the hood of his massive green parka tucked down low over his face and his fingers wrapped tight around what looks like the same kind of beer as Newt. Hermann doesn’t really do stuff like this, you know, the whole socializing, making an effort to make an effort thing, and—on top of that—he scoffed when Newt tried to subtly imply yesterday over lunch that he should tag along with Newt to the party. Fire hazard, he said, I have no desire to be written up by the Marshal because I’m a huge kiss-up nerd with absolutely zero Halloween spirit, Newton, or, you know, something like what.

Newt makes a beeline for his colleague before Hermann can look up and make a beeline of his own straight out of here. Then again, Newt was the one to invite Hermann in the first place, so he has to imagine the guy won’t completely mind breathing the same air as him for a few minutes.

“Nice costume,” Newt says, sidling up next to Hermann. Hermann doesn’t bother greeting him like a normal human being, just sighs in the put-upon way he likes to direct at Newt alone. “What are you going as, a big nerd?” He plucks at the sleeve of Hermann’s parka. “How are you not dying in that thing right now?”

The Octobers here are very different from the quaint, chilly little New England falls Newt grew up with: warm and humid, and absolutely way too warm and humid for Hermann’s ridiculous big coat. Hermann ignores him, so as payback Newt steals and takes a swig from his beer while Hermann makes a noise of protest. "Did you at least sterilize that equipment before coming up here?" he finally says. “I don’t believe anyone will be very pleased if you get kaiju slime all over the punch bowl. What are you meant to be, anyway?”

“Obviously I’m a mad scientist,” Newt says. He snaps his work goggles down awkwardly over his glasses and pops the collar of his white labcoat, which he’d painstakingly splattered with some blue dye that vaguely resembles kaiju blood. (He was tempted to use actual neutralized blood for authenticity’s sake but ultimately decided that would be a stupid, possibly biohazardous idea.)

Hermann arches his eyebrows, apparently unimpressed.

“Whatever, dude, at least I put in some effort,” Newt says. He pushes the goggles back up and makes a face at Hermann. “I thought you weren’t gonna come to this thing anyway?” Hermann had been pretty adamant about it being a stupid idea.

“I wasn’t intending to,” Hermann says, scowling, and in retaliation swipes Newt’s untouched beer. “I happened to be here when it started—I didn’t realize it was being held at this particular rooftop. I thought I may as well stay. I haven’t got anything better to do, after all.” He takes a sip of Newt's beer.

“Ooh, you party animal,” Newt says.

He tugs Hermann’s hood down off his head so he doesn’t have to think about how bad Hermann must be sweating under it anymore. Beneath it Hermann’s hair is messy and a little staticky, sticking up in the back, and his cheeks and ears are flushed red from either alcohol or heat or both, visible even in the low light. It’s really pretty cute.

Feeling bold, Newt tugs him forward by the parka’s zipper and kisses him. He feels Hermann’s frown gradually smooth out to a stoic just-there smile beneath his lips. Hermann taps his chest gently. “Newton, not in public,” he mumbles.

Pavlovian response to kiss Hermann, Newt thinks; they make out here at least every other week. And anyway, it’s dark enough and they’re far away enough from the crowd around the bonfire that you’d really have to squint to tell who they are, so it's not really that public. Newt recognized Hermann immediately, obviously, but that’s because he instinctively looks for Hermann upon entering any given location on the base. Newt’s being so sentimental tonight. He’s not sure what’s gotten into him.

“You can just admit you wanted to check out the bonfire,” Newt says. “That’s a significantly less weird reason for lurking around in the dark than being too stubborn to leave when everyone crashed your super emo brooding time. You can have fun sometimes, Hermann.” Newt could maybe use that reminder too. “We can have fun,” he amends.

“I wasn’t brooding,” Hermann says.

“Then what were you doing?” Newt says, and at the little embarrassed flick of Hermann’s eyes to the ground, he quickly develops a hypothesis. “Dude, were you waiting for me to get here? And in our spot? Why didn't you just say you changed your mind?”

“I was not,” Hermann says, but he’s the one to close the gap between them this time. Hermann always kisses a little hesitantly at first, like he’s not sure if he’s doing it right, or that Newt is suddenly gonna change his mind three seconds in, but he also gets into it just as fast, and the payoff is always worth it. Soon he’s sliding his hand up the side of Newt’s face and toying with the strap of his safety goggles, his lips parting under Newt’s.

In public! Newt thinks to exclaim, but that’s definitely enough to cut things very, very short, so he keeps his stupid thoughts to himself and grabs the front of Hermann’s parka. “How long do you think we have before they shut this down?” Newt gasps when Hermann slides down to kiss under his jaw. “The—the bonfire, I mean.”

“Not very long,” Hermann says against his throat. “I’ll be fast.”

[hmshermitcraft]

Bringing back Team GIGGLS

The squad have been called in on a mission to a new location. They see a lot of townhomes, a few asylums and campgrounds, but this is the first time they’ve been called to a lighthouse.

Gem was on van-duty, watching as her partners set up cameras throughout the building, checking for any suspicious activity. Or really, any activity at all. But then a crackle came through her little earpiece.

“Gem, will you come to the top of the lighthouse?”

“I’m on van-duty, Lizzie.”

“Pleeeeaase?”

You know it’s serious when Grian joins in. So Gem leaves the rickety folding chair and cracked monitors in the van (they really need to replace those things) and heads up all the dang stairs to see what her partners want. And what a sight.

It was a clear night, and with the lighthouse being out of order, the only illumination out there was the pale full moon. Grian and Lizzie were standing at the top, leaning against the railing and staring out at the sea. Despite being so high up, you could still hear the lapping of the waves on the shore below. The air smelled of salt, and the sky was littered with stars.

Gem now understood what she was called up here for. She, Lizzie and Grian all shared a love for the sea, it was something they bonded over when they first started seeing each other, and they never pass up an opportunity for that little bit of quality time together, enjoying the view, sounds and scents of the sea(even if it’s on the job.

Unbeknownst to them, while they were having their moment, Skizz had also made his way up the lighthouse, curious about what Lizzie and Grian were talking about. And he’s happy he did, because he was able to snap himself a new phone background. His sea-loving partners sharing a moment, illuminated by the light of the moon.

It might have wasted some of the film in the camera (digital cameras are always a bit weird when it comes to the paranormal, best to keep it traditional.) But he thinks it's worth it.

He'll just, uh... Edit out the ghost in the background.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Telescope for NASA’s Roman Mission complete, delivered to Goddard

NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope is one giant step closer to unlocking the mysteries of the universe. The mission has now received its final major delivery: the Optical Telescope Assembly, which includes a 7.9-foot (2.4-meter) primary mirror, nine additional mirrors, and supporting structures and electronics. The assembly was delivered Nov. 7. to the largest clean room at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, where the observatory is being built.

The telescope will focus cosmic light and send it to Roman’s instruments, revealing many billions of objects strewn throughout space and time. Using the mission’s Wide Field Instrument, a 300-megapixel infrared camera, astronomers will survey the cosmos all the way from the outskirts of our solar system toward the edge of the observable universe. Scientists will use Roman’s Coronagraph Instrument to test new technologies for dimming host stars to image planets and dusty disks around them in far better detail than ever before.

“We have a top-notch telescope that’s well aligned and has great optical performance at the cold temperatures it will see in space,” said Bente Eegholm, optics lead for Roman’s Optical Telescope Assembly at NASA Goddard. “I am now looking forward to the next phase where the telescope and instruments will be put together to form the Roman observatory.”

Designed and built by L3Harris Technologies in Rochester, New York, the assembly incorporates key optics (including the primary mirror) that were made available to NASA by the National Reconnaissance Office. The team at L3Harris then reshaped the mirror and built upon the inherited hardware to ensure it would meet Roman’s specifications for expansive, sensitive infrared observations.

“The telescope will be the foundation of all of the science Roman will do, so its design and performance are among the largest factors in the mission’s survey capability,” said Josh Abel, lead Optical Telescope Assembly systems engineer at NASA Goddard.

The team at Goddard worked closely with L3Harris to ensure these stringent requirements were met and that the telescope assembly will integrate smoothly into the rest of the Roman observatory.

The assembly’s design and performance will largely determine the quality of the mission’s results, so the manufacturing and testing processes were extremely rigorous. Each optical component was tested individually prior to being assembled and assessed together earlier this year. The tests helped ensure that the alignment of the telescope’s mirrors will change as expected when the telescope reaches its operating temperature in space.

Then, the telescope was put through tests simulating the extreme shaking and intense sound waves associated with launch. Engineers also made sure that tiny components called actuators, which will adjust some of the mirrors in space, move as predicted. And the team measured gases released from the assembly as it transitioned from normal air pressure to a vacuum –– the same phenomenon that has led astronauts to report that space smells gunpowdery or metallic. If not carefully controlled, these gases could contaminate the telescope or instruments.

Finally, the telescope underwent a month-long thermal vacuum test to ensure it will withstand the temperature and pressure environment of space. The team closely monitored it during cold operating conditions to ensure the telescope’s temperature will remain constant to within a fraction of a degree. Holding the temperature constant allows the telescope to remain in stable focus, making Roman’s high-resolution images consistently sharp. Nearly 100 heaters on the telescope will help keep all parts of it at a very stable temperature.

“It is very difficult to design and build a system to hold temperatures to such a tight stability, and the telescope performed exceptionally,” said Christine Cottingham, thermal lead for Roman’s Optical Telescope Assembly at NASA Goddard.

Now that the assembly has arrived at Goddard, it will be installed onto Roman’s Instrument Carrier, a structure that will keep the telescope and Roman’s two instruments optically aligned. The assembly’s electronics box –– essentially the telescope’s brain –– will be mounted within the spacecraft along with Roman’s other electronics.

With this milestone, Roman remains on track for launch by May 2027.

“Congratulations to the team on this stellar accomplishment!” said J. Scott Smith, the assembly’s telescope manager at NASA Goddard. “The completion of the telescope marks the end of an epoch and incredible journey for this team, and yet only a chapter in building Roman. The team’s efforts have advanced technology and ignited the imaginations of those who dream of exploring the stars.”

TOP IMAGE: Upon arrival at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, the Optical Telescope Assembly for the agency's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope was lifted out of the shipping fixture and placed with other mission hardware in Goddard's largest clean room. Now, it will be installed onto Roman's Instrument Carrier, a structure that will keep the telescope and Roman's two instruments optically aligned. The assembly's electronics box –– essentially the telescope's brain –– will be mounted within the spacecraft along with Roman's other electronics. Credit NASA/Chris Gunn

CENTRE IMAGE: In this photo, optical engineer Bente Eegholm inspects the surface of the primary mirror for NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope. This 7.9-foot (2.4-meter) mirror is a major component of the Optical Telescope Assembly, which also contains nine additional mirrors and supporting structures and electronics. Credit NASA/Chris Gunn

BOTTOM IMAGE: This photo shows the Optical Telescope Assembly for NASA's Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, which was recently delivered to the largest clean room at the agency's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. Credit NASA/Chris Gunn

[loudlooks]

Day 13 - Nursing a baby animal back to health

30 day challenge notes: quantity over quality, limited editing, stand-alone/unrelated stories unless specifically stated otherwise, not always tiva, chronologically randomly set in whatever pre-s11 season seems to fit

A/N: Tony's curiosity could get Abby into trouble. Big thanks to @living-in-unreality for the prompt inspiration (please don't feel obligated to read this).

Prompt: Nursing a baby animal back to health

Word count: 850

-

The lab was mostly silent, except for the usual beeping and whirring of machines he would never quite grasp—Abby’s manuals were helpful, but without McGee’s help he surely would have made something blow up. He looked at the various monitors, trying to figure out if any of them were showing something related to their current case, but quickly realized he needed about five more years in college to even come close to deciphering any of that.

Tony blew air through pursed lips and checked his watch. Abby had ordered him downstairs immediately, and now there was no sign of her, or her tell-tale music. Not that he was complaining about the latter.

He sat down on a stool, spun around five times, and stopped facing the wall with the team’s photos. There was new one of Abby and Ziva, he noticed, and got up to get a closer look. Maybe snap a shot of it for his own team album, which contained a disproportionate amount of Ziva, but that was neither here nor there, and totally coincidental, doesn’t prove anything.

A somewhat muted chirping coming from the office was all it took to distract him and investigate the new noise. It didn’t sound like anything he had heard in the lab before. In fact it sounded suspiciously like a bird. Tony grinned, assuming Abby had changed the ringtone on her phone, and had left the device unguarded in her office. What kind of a friend would he be if he didn’t make sure there wasn’t an emergency.

With a quick glance in the direction of the sliding doors, he slipped into the office, zoning in on the direction of the chirping.

“Ha!” he exclaimed, as he pulled open the top drawer with confidence.

Victory made room for confusion as he stared at the source of the chirps. He tilted his head as if that would change, or rather, explain anything, and completely missed the sound of sliding doors and heavy footsteps.

“Tony!” Abby admonished. “Stop going through my stuff.”

With raised eyebrows, Tony said, “Your stuff?”

Abby made a disgruntled sound and stepped in between him and the open drawer.

Tony looked over her shoulder, and deadpanned, “It’s high time you do some spring cleaning here, there are birds nesting in your desk.”

Abby turned around abruptly, facing him and pushing him back a few feet, while shushing him. “You’re scaring it.”

“Abby, why is there a bird in your drawer?”

“I found it this morning.” She glanced at the hungry baby bird, not quite a fledgling, but getting close. “If you tell anyone I’ll-“

“Yeah, yeah, not an atom of evidence left behind, I know.” He looked at her seriously. “You really shouldn’t keep it here, though, you know that, right? If any of the evidence gets contaminated-”

The sound of the sliding door was quickly followed by Ziva’s hurried footsteps. She rushed into the office with a triumphant look on her face, and held up a cardboard box. “Abby, I have the…” Her eyes went wide as she spotted Tony. “Crickets.”

Tony looked at her in disbelief. “You know about this?”

“It’s just a baby bird, Tony, what was she supposed to do?”

He shook his head. “You can’t have live animals in a lab full of evidence and dangerous chemicals.”

“Shush!” Abby admonished, and took the box of crickets from Ziva, and tweezers from the desk.

Ziva played with one of her earrings, and glanced at Tony. “We can keep it in your desk, then, you always brag about how good you are at attracting birds.”

He narrowed his eyes at her. “I have never referred to women as birds, and you know it.”

“Never?”

He shrugged half-heartedly. “Not since I was a teenager.”

“Fine, I’ll keep it in my desk,” Ziva said matter-of-factly, and turned her attention to the nestling being fed. “It’s so round and puffy,” she said with a bright smile.

Tony frowned, and shook his head. “That’s not going to go down well with Gibbs.”

Ziva stood up straight and crossed her arms in front of her. “I was a Mossad officer, do you really think I’m afraid of Gibbs?”

He looked her square in the eye. “Yes.”

Ziva pursed her lips.” Okay, maybe a little.” She held up a finger. “But, Abby is his favorite, so all I have to do is survive his glare long enough to explain…” Freezing for a split second, she quickly glanced over her shoulder, certain Gibbs had snuck up on them.

Tony scoffed. “A little, huh?”

“You guys, it can’t even fly yet, it can’t go anywhere near the evidence.” Abby looked at Tony expectantly and gripped his arm with both hands. “You know how careful I am with evidence, it’ll only be for today.”

Tony sighed and rolled his eyes, then looked at Ziva for backup. Ziva, who was staring at him with a puppy dog look he had never seen, nor expected from her.

His shoulders slumped, and he nodded imperceptibly. “Fine, but if Gibbs finds out, you two are on your own.”

-

Tagging (let me know if you want to be added or removed): @hopeless-nostalgiac, @mrsmungus, @indestinatus, @happygirl-0408

[uae-valves]

Control valve supplier in Dubai

UAE Valves is one of the top Control Valve Supplier in Dubai. A control valve is a mechanical device used in various industrial processes to regulate the flow of fluids, such as gas, steam, or liquid, through a pipeline or duct. It achieves this regulation by adjusting the size of the flow passage according to signals received from a controller.

Control valves are crucial components in systems requiring precise control of flow rate, pressure, temperature, or liquid level. They are widely used in industries such as oil and gas, chemical processing, power generation, and water treatment.

Working Principle:

The working principle of a control valve is straightforward. In an industrial setting, a control valve adjusts the size of an opening to control the flow of fluid through a pipeline. When the valve is fully open, it allows maximum flow, and when fully closed, it stops the flow completely. Between these extremes, the valve can be precisely adjusted to allow a specific amount of fluid to pass through.

This adjustment is typically performed automatically based on signals from a controller, which monitors conditions such as pressure, temperature, or flow rate. Essentially, a control valve acts like a gatekeeper, regulating the flow of fluid to meet the system's requirements.

Parts of a Control Valve:

Valve Body: The main structure that contains the fluid and through which the fluid flows.

Actuator: A device that moves or controls the valve's mechanism, often powered by air, electricity, or hydraulic fluid.

Closure Element: The component that makes contact with the seat to restrict or allow flow.

Trim: Internal components such as the plug, seat, and stem that modulate the flow.

Seat: A surface against which the closure element seals to stop flow.

Positioner: A device that adjusts the valve actuator's position based on control signals.

Bonnet: The top part of the valve body that houses the stem and provides a seal.

Yoke: A support structure that holds the actuator in place and connects it to the valve body.

Stem: A rod that connects the actuator to the closure element and transmits motion.

Packing: Material that provides a seal around the stem to prevent fluid leakage.

Advantages:

Precisely controls the amount of fluid passing through a system.

Maintains the desired pressure levels within the system.

Helps maintain a stable temperature by regulating fluid flow.

Reduces energy consumption by optimizing fluid flow.

Enhances system performance by maintaining consistent operating conditions.

Prevents system overpressure and potential hazards.

Easily adjustable for various operating conditions.

Allows for control from a distance and integration into automated systems.

Designed for durability and ease of maintenance.

Ensures consistent production quality by maintaining optimal conditions.

Meets industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Industries Using Control Valves:

Control valves are used across numerous industries, including nuclear power, oil and gas, power generation, manufacturing and process industries, automotive, aerospace, mining and minerals processing, water treatment and distribution, pulp and paper, refining, marine, renewable energy, chemical and petrochemical, and steel and metal processing. These valves play a critical role in ensuring operational efficiency, safety, and compliance within these diverse sectors.

Types of Control Valves:

Three-way control valve

Cage type control valve

Double seat control valve

O type shutoff control valve

Single seat control valve

Water control valve

Globe control valve

Angle type control valve

We are a Control Valve Supplier in Dubai, supplying valves in the following descriptions:

Available Materials: Stainless Steel (SS316, SS304), Ductile Iron, Super Duplex (F51, F53, F55), Cast Iron (WCB, WCC, WC6), LCC, LCB

Class: 150 to 2500

Nominal Pressure: PN10 to PN450

Medium: Air, Water, Chemical, Steam, Oil

Operations: Electro Pneumatic Operated and Pneumatic Operated

Size: 1/2” – 24”

Ends: Butt Weld, Flanged, Threaded, Socket Weld

Electric Actuator Details:

Torque: 3 – 9 nm

Operating Pressure: 8 Bar

Port Connection: NPT 1.4”

Mounting Base: ISO 5211

Temperature: -20°C to +80°C

Configuration of a Pneumatic Actuator:

Torque: 3 – 9000 nm

Operating Pressure: 8 Bar

Port Connection: NPT 1.4”

Mounting Base: ISO 5211

Temperature: -20°C to +80°C

Temperature Ranges:

Standard: -4°F to 200°F (-20°C to 93°C)

Low: -40°F to 176°F (-40°C to 80°C)

High: 0°F to 300°F (-18°C to 149°C)

Visit us: https://www.uaevalves.com/product-category/control-valve/

[headstrongblake]

[ swat ] your muse swatting mine's hand away from something they're not supposed to touch. / kassy & o / @thewholecrew

for the afternoon it's nice to be outside. to breathe fresh air instead of the sterile hospital, she'd been dying to escape the second she woke up. this normal quality time in the sun with everyone surrounding her is exactly what she needs. & if octavia ignores the painful twinges in her stomach when she moves, it's almost like nothing terrible has happened at all.

she's still sitting on the picnic table with grant as nick begins to corral the group back toward them with his large plate of food. hunter and bellamy join them first before alec and kassy saunter up the hill together. alec encouraged rev to join them while it looked like kassy had enjoyed a nap under the tree, rubbing the sleep from her eyes before they sparkled as her arm linked through octavia's. "hi baby," o greeted her warmly, smiling as grant and her moved off the top of the table to the benches below. "alright, i cooked, you lot can serve yourselves." nick told the group as he smirked, setting out the last of the bbq while alec unpacked different sides and fruit trays from the coolers.

although her appetites had been low ever since the surgery, octavia couldn't pass up reaching for a plate to grab some strawberries before she withdrew her hand at kassy's smack. "hey!" her brows drew together, shooting her best friend a look. kassy simply shrugged her shoulders, "i will get you a plate all set," was all she offered as an explanation as octavia rolled her eyes, watching her best friend dish up an array of foods for her. even if she wanted to argue that she could get herself food, she knew it would do no good. it brought kassy joy to take care of them, and who was she to deny kassy after all she'd put her friends and brother through?

"o," bellamy's hand at her elbow startled her as she turned toward him. he held out some water for her before emerald hues watched his fingers leave her arm, moving to his pocket as he pulled out a bottle of medication. her teeth clenched as her insides excitedly reacted to seeing the pills her brother dispensed into his palm, "time for your meds," he said, offering them to her like she was still a child. it's for the best. both of them know it, but it only makes her feel weak. pitiful for needing her brother to monitor her pain meds until the stitches come out, and she can work toward kicking this again.

quickly, octavia washed down the medication with a silent thank you to her brother before she turned her attention back to grant and the plate of food kassy had created for her. while everyone chattered around the table, octavia slowly picked at the fruit on her plate, basking in the sounds of her family. grant's right...this feeling right here, how they support each other and linger in each other's company...this is what it's like to have a family. "hey guys... i have something to say," spilled out of her before octavia could really consider the consequences. this is her family, and she's only ever survived her addictions because of bellamy. his unwavering support as her family. maybe this time...it didn't have to be on just the two of them.

as the chatter ceased around her, emerald hues flickered to her big brother. she knew he already knew. he knows her better than anyone. has been there to experience her blissful highs and devastating withdrawals. "i wanna thank you all; really, these past few weeks are not how i wanted summer to end but it means the world to me the way you all rallied around bell while i was out, how all of you supported me while i was in the hospital..." she begins with her gratitude because although she feels incredibly undeserving of it, she loves all of them immensely. as she spoke her eyes wandered along her group, the addict side of her screaming to leave it at that. but she pushes it aside for her sake.

"i haven't been the most honest with any of you this summer..." she admitted, her eyes moving between grant and her best friend. by telling them the truth, she's accepting the long hard road to recovery. accepting that she no longer wants to shove everything beneath a glorious high. if she tells them everything, she admits the oxy is a problem too big for her to contain herself. "the massive drug debt chase had that got us shot? it wasn't just his. i've been using a lot of oxy and coke since july...thousands of dollars worth and um," shamefully, her head dipped from everyone's gaze as her hand curled against her sweatpants. "after this is all healed," she gestured toward her side where she'd been shot, "i'm going to stop using...i want to, but um, i guess you all are my family and i just...wanted you to know. tried of lying..."

[rjzimmerman]

One of the World’s Biggest Health Risks Is a Philanthropic Blind Spot. (New York Times)

Excerpt from this New York Times Op-Ed:

The Air Quality Life Index at the University of Chicago, which measures the impact of air pollution on life expectancy, shows that people living in the most polluted places on Earth breathe air that has six times as much pollution as the air breathed by people in the least polluted places — and those in the most polluted places are seeing their lives cut short by more than two years because of it. An estimated 8.1 million people globally died in 2021 from the health impacts of breathing dirty air, according to a 2024 report by Health Effects Institute and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation.

Private philanthropy could do much to turn the corner on this problem in some of the most polluted parts of the planet. But just an average $41.3 million in known philanthropic funds are devoted to air pollution each year, according to a recent report by the Clean Air Fund, a philanthropic group based in London. That is less than 1 percent of the more than $5 billion spent annually by one major funder, the Global Fund, to combat malaria, H.I.V./AIDS and tuberculosis.

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This is especially disconcerting because particulate matter in air pollution has become the world’s largest contributor to the global disease burden — a metric quantifying premature death and sickness — and one of the greatest threats to life expectancy, outstripping the impacts of malaria, H.I.V./AIDS and transportation injuries combined. Polluted air does not just cut off a few years at the end of a long life. It is the second highest risk of death for children 5 and under.

Europe, the United States and Canada are barely affected by the health impacts of air pollution when compared with the rest of the world. But they receive roughly 60 percent of the philanthropic funds devoted to combating it. Africa is home to five of the top 10 most polluted countries. From 2015 through 2022, the entire continent received an average of $238,000 per year in philanthropic grants aimed at reducing air pollution.

Data — or, more precisely, a lack of data — is the most immediate problem. The paucity of data makes it difficult to stir public opinion, develop policy or measure progress. It also makes it hard to attract funding. But when air quality data is available, pollution declines. And when air quality improves, decades of research make clear that people live longer, healthier lives. Yet, 39 percent of the world’s countries aren’t producing air quality data for their citizens. Those countries are also some of the most polluted.

A recent study showed that when American embassies installed air pollution monitors at some of their locations and began sharing the real-time air quality data publicly, pollution declined and led to decreases in premature mortality, suggesting that local governments and perhaps residents took steps to reduce pollution once they learned of it.

[ariesgamesandminis]

Big restock for BattleTech Miniatures is in from Iron Wind Metals!

20-210 Battlemaster BLR-4S 20-238 Stiletto STO-4A 20-255 Heimdall Monitor Tank 20-299 Schiltron Mobile Fire-Support Platform Prime 20-305 Scorpion Light Tank (2) 20-330 Burke Tank 20-367 Spider SDR-7K / SDR-7K2 20-387 Mining Mech / MOD 20-418 Huron Warrior HUR-WO-R4L 20-453 Pariah Prime / D 20-469 Thunderbolt TDR-10SE 20-493 Bear Cub 20-5064 Cephalus Prime 20-5080 Vulture MK IV Prime 20-5090 Stinger IIC (Standard) 20-5099 Bruin (Standard) 20-5151 Avalanche AVL-1O 20-5182 Catapult CPLT-C1 / K2 20-5185 Commando COM-2D 20-5192 War Crow Prime 20-5205 BattleMaster BLR-1G / 1Gb 20-5212 UrbanMech UM-R60 / R60L / AIV 20-5223 Savage Wolf Prime / A 20-617 Tempest TMP-3M 20-634 Epona Pursuit Tank Prime (2) 20-639 Kanga Medium Hovertank (2) 20-656 Thunder Stallion (Standard) 20-727 Karnov UR Transport 20-829 Hetzer Wheeled Assault Vehicle (2) 20-830 Von Luckner Hvy Tank VNL-K65N (2) 20-915 Avatar AV1-O Prime 20-9122 Battleforce Hex Base 99-201 Large Flat Top Hex Base #1 99-202 Large Flat Top Hex Base #2 99-203 Extra Large Flat Top Hex Base 99-207 Large Flat Top Hex Base #3 BT-004 Afreet Battle Armor BT-005 Grenadier Battle Armor BT-008 Void Battle Armor BT-009 Trinity (Ying Long) Battle Armor BT-028 Cavalier Battle Armor BT-068 Trinity (Asterion) Battle Armor BT-128 Tornado Battle Armor BT-130 Hauberk Battle Armor BT-187 Djinn Battle Armor BT-188 Nighthawk Battle Armor BT-189 Kobold Battle Armor BT-190 Purifier BA A (standing, wpn. forward) BT-192 Purifier BA C (2 pc) (advancing) BT-193 Purifier BA D (2 pc) (kneeling) BT-194 Purifier BA E (standing, wpn. to side) BT-195 Purifier BA F (prone, firing) BT-197 Aerie Battle Armor BT-198 Tengu Battle Armor BT-199 Asura Md. Battle Armor BT-200 Shedu Assault Battle Armor BT-201 Nephilim Assault Battle Armor BT-202 Rogue Bear Heavy Battle Armor BT-213 Grigori Dominus BT-229 Trinity (Theseus) Battle Armor BT-270 New Sytris Carrier BT-303 Vulture Mk III Prime BT-332 Phoenix Hawk LAM MK I PHX-HK1 (Air Mech) BT-333 Phoenix Hawk LAM MK I PHX-HK1 (Fighter) BT-356 Mortis MS-1A BT-374 Roc Protomech BT-378 Harpy Protomech BT-383 Longinus Battle Armor (3) BT-387 Gnome Battle Armor (3) BT-391 Fenrir Battle Armor (1) BT-439 Black Wolf Battle Armor BT-447 Hippogriff (Standard) ProtoMech BT-467 Hierofalcon B BT-472 Wolverine WVR-7M / 7M2 / 7K FT-020 Avar Mech Scale Fighter FT-022 Xerxes Mech Scale Fighter 20-209D Rifleman Top Plates 20-5182C Catapult CPLT-C1 Arm Sprue 20-693B No-Dachi NKA-1K Arm Sprue

[loanbank]

How do choose a load bank？|EMAX Load Bank

When it comes to maintaining and testing power systems, load banks play a crucial role. They help ensure that generators and other power sources perform optimally under various load conditions. However, choosing the right load bank can be a daunting task, given the myriad of options available. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential factors to consider when selecting a load bank, ensuring you make an informed decision. At emaxloadbank, we pride ourselves on providing top-notch load banks tailored to meet diverse needs.

Understanding Load Banks

Before diving into the selection process, it’s essential to understand what a load bank is and how it functions. A load bank is a device that simulates electrical loads, allowing you to test the performance and reliability of power sources like generators, uninterruptible power supplies (UPS), and batteries. Load banks come in various types, each suited for different applications:

Resistive Load Banks: These load banks use resistors to convert electrical energy into heat. They are ideal for testing the basic capacity of power sources.

Reactive Load Banks: These load banks simulate inductive and capacitive loads, making them suitable for more complex testing scenarios.

Resistive/Reactive Load Banks: Combining both resistive and reactive elements, these load banks provide a comprehensive testing solution.

Electronic Load Banks: These advanced load banks offer precise control over the load and are commonly used in laboratory settings.

Key Factors to Consider

1. Load Bank Type

The first step in choosing a load bank is determining the type that best suits your needs. If you need to test the basic output of a generator, a resistive load bank might suffice. However, for more complex testing, such as verifying the performance of UPS systems or simulating real-world conditions, a reactive or resistive/reactive load bank would be more appropriate.

2. Load Capacity

Load capacity is another critical factor. It’s essential to choose a load bank that can handle the maximum load you plan to test. For instance, if you’re testing a generator with a capacity of 500 kW, you’ll need a load bank that can accommodate at least that much power. At emaxloadbank, we offer load banks with various capacities to cater to different requirements.

3. Portability

Depending on your testing needs, portability might be a significant consideration. If you need to test multiple power sources at different locations, a portable load bank would be ideal. Portable load banks are typically lighter and more compact, making them easy to transport and set up.

4. Control and Monitoring

Modern load banks come with advanced control and monitoring features. Look for load banks that offer user-friendly interfaces, real-time data logging, and remote control capabilities. These features can significantly enhance the efficiency and accuracy of your testing procedures.

5. Cooling Method

Load banks generate a considerable amount of heat during operation. Therefore, the cooling method is an essential factor to consider. Air-cooled load banks are common and suitable for most applications. However, for higher power capacities, water-cooled load banks might be more efficient.

6. Durability and Reliability

Investing in a durable and reliable load bank is crucial for ensuring long-term performance. Look for load banks constructed with high-quality materials and components. At emaxloadbank, we prioritize durability and reliability in all our products, ensuring they withstand rigorous testing conditions.

7. Cost

Cost is always a factor when making any significant purchase. While it’s essential to stay within your budget, don’t compromise on quality. Cheaper load banks might save you money upfront but could cost you more in the long run due to frequent repairs and replacements. Consider the total cost of ownership, including maintenance and operational costs.

Why Choose emaxloadbank?

At emaxloadbank, we understand the diverse needs of our clients and offer a wide range of load banks to meet those requirements. Here’s why we stand out:

Customization: We provide customized load bank solutions tailored to your specific needs.

Quality: Our load banks are built with high-quality materials, ensuring durability and reliability.

Support: We offer excellent customer support, guiding you through the selection process and providing ongoing assistance.

Innovation: Our load banks feature advanced technologies, enhancing control, monitoring, and overall performance.

Conclusion

Choosing the right load bank is critical for ensuring the optimal performance of your power systems. By considering factors such as load bank type, capacity, portability, control features, cooling method, durability, and cost, you can make an informed decision. At emaxloadbank, we are committed to providing top-quality load banks that meet your specific needs. Whether you need a basic resistive load bank or a sophisticated resistive/reactive load bank, we have the right solution for you.

Invest in the reliability and efficiency of your power systems with a high-quality load bank from emaxloadbank. Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you choose the perfect load bank for your needs.

[reactor-four-official]

Rare photographs of one of the bathyscaphes used to lower liquidators into the ruins of Reactor 4.

The Sarcophagus of Chernobyl Unit 4 was constructed on top of the ruined reactor hall, using the existing structure as support for its massive weight. Engineers were unsure at the beginning of construction if the building could even support parts of the Sarcophagus. Initially, engineers could only find locations to place the prefabricated pieces of the Sarcophagus using photos taken from the helicopters above the reactor building. On a few occasions, men were sent to scout out potential locations for these structures on foot via passages in the plant. This proved extremely dangerous, and so another solution was brought forward by NIKIMT, a Soviet think tank responsible for several other innovative solutions within the zone; a twenty-one ton lead box with a single leaded glass window 30 centimeters thick. It was equipped with air filters that filtered the air to nearly 100% purity, allowing liquidators to work around the reactor for several hours at a time. Designed to accommodate up to four men, they were affectionately named the batiskaf, or bathyscaphe. These monstrous boxes would be attached to the hook of one of the cranes operating at the site by a short cable and lowered into the reactor hall. This allowed engineers to more closely assess the condition of the structure and find locations to rest the massive beams that held the roof of the Sarcophagus up. Those who worked in the bathyscaphe, known jokingly as “Cosmonauts”, communicated with the operators of the cranes via radio. Work could also be conducted through ports in the walls, through which a manipulator arm could be extended. It was also used on the rare occasion that welding was required on the Sarcophagus. Without this equipment, the Sarcophagus would not have been completed safely. It was also used after the completion of the Sarcophagus to monitor the condition of the construction and reactor hall, until it was retired in 1988 due to instability issues.

Once again, my apologies for low quality images. A few of these images are so rare that I could only find them in one place.

[Image descriptions: Top left image: The bathyscaphe is a large white metal box about seven feet tall, four feet long, and four feet deep, with a single square window. It has several lifting cables attached to its roof and several pipes jut out from it pointing towards the ground to keep it from falling over.

Top right image: they bathyscaphe in ‘flight’.

Bottom left image: The bathyscaphe from another angle, showing the single porthole.

Bottom right image: This is a photo of the bathyschape’s interior. Two manipulator arms sit below the window, and a small stool is welded onto the floor where an operator could sit.

PS feedback on my image descriptions is very much appreciated and helpful. I am new to this, but I think everyone has the right to learn and experience history and if you have any suggestions or comments on how to improve my descriptions please do not hesitate to reach out! I am more than happy to provide more detailed image descriptions as well upon request. Many thanks for your interest!]

[ppc-for-air-ticketing-website]

BEST PPC SERVICES FOR AIR TICKETING WEBSITE

Looking for the best Google Ads PPC for air ticketing website? We can help you setup PPC for flight booking campaigns at a low cost per acquisition, which was managed and run by our experts at a low cost per click. Get Call only Ads for Travel Call Leads Campaign, Google Ads for Flight Booking, Airlines Calls Campaign in Spanish, PPC for flight booking.

Why choose PPC for air ticketing website

instant visibility: PPC ads provide instant visibility, in comparison to organic search techniques, which may require months to show results. As soon as the marketing effort launches, your ads display at the top of search results, bringing rapid traffic to your website.

targeted advertising: PPC makes it easy to target users precisely on the basis of different factors that include their location, interests, search history, and even the device they are using. this meeans you can now coonect with different travellers looking for flights to particular location

Cost-effective Marketing: PPC is an affordable method of drawing highly-intent visitors to your website because this pay-for-performance model guarantees that you are going to get response for your investment. PPC advertising only costs you when a user clicks on your advertisement.

Key Strategies for Effective PPC Campaigns in Travel

To create effective PPC campaigns in the travel industry, several key strategies can be employed. These include:

Thorough Keyword Research: As the cornerstone of every successful PPC campaign for travel companies, conducting extensive keyword research is crucial.

Target High-Intent Keywords: In order to increase conversions and attract consumers who are prepared to make a purchase, concentrate on targeting keywords that show a high level of purchase intent.

Location-Based Targeting: Since almost half of experience bookings take place after a tourist reaches their destination, targeting location-based searches might be beneficial.

Landing Page Optimization: Make sure your landing pages are set up to effectively convert site visitors into paying clients. They have to be easy to use, load rapidly, and provide appropriate material that lives up to the advertisement’s claims. Conversion rates can be considerably raised by a smooth reservation process.

Monitor and Adjust Campaigns: For PPC campaigns to be successful, ongoing monitoring and modifying are necessary. Examine performance indicators including cost-per-click (CPC), conversion rates, and click-through rates (CTR). Make adjustments to your bidding tactics, ad wording, and keywords using this data.

CONCLUSION

An effective PPC campaign may hold the key to greater visibility, more traffic, and higher sales in the highly competitive marketplace of online travel. Your airline booking website can achieve unparalleled profitability by collaborating with professionals and employing effective pay-per-click strategies. With our expert PPC services, you can get started on the path to success right now.

[amityalvarez]

Guide to Candle Making at Home

Learning to make candles is a pleasant way to add warmth, aroma, and personal flair to your living spaces at a time when handcrafted and personalized design is more appealing than ever. Making your own candles at home is not just a fun pastime, but an artistic endeavour that may help you relax with the peaceful flicker of a handmade candle or give loved ones a token of your creativity and heart. With the help of this beginner candle-making tutorial, you will learn all the fundamentals of candle-making and become an expert candle maker from the comfort of your own home.

Getting Started: The Basics of Candle Making

Candle-making combines simplicity and creativity, allowing you to customize everything from the scent to colour to shape. The basic supplies you need include:

Wax: The soul of your candle. Soy wax is popular for its clean burn and environmental friendliness, while beeswax enchants with its natural, sweet fragrance and air-purifying qualities.

Wicks: The heart of your candle. Cotton wicks are a go-to for a steady burn, crucial for an evenly melting candle.

Fragrance Oils: The personality of your candle. Essential oils or specially designed candle fragrances allow you to tailor your candle to any mood or preference.

Containers: The body of your candle. From sleek glass jars to rustic ceramic pots, your container says as much about your candle as the fragrance does.

Melting Pot: A double boiler or a dedicated melting pot for wax.

Thermometer: To monitor the wax temperature, ensuring it's perfect for adding fragrance.

Colour Dyes: Optional, if you wish to add a splash of colour to your candles.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Candles at Home

Preparing Your Workspace Make sure everything in your office is tidy and nothing you don't require. Making candles may get messy, so having a designated area is ideal. Cover your work surface with old towels, newspapers, or craft paper. This helps to prevent spills and drips of wax and facilitates cleanup. Arrange all of your supplies and equipment so they are accessible. Included in this are your thermometer, double boiler, container, wick, fragrance oil, and any colouring agents you intend to employ.

Melting the Wax Put the water in the bottom pot of your double boiler on the stove. Fill the top pot with the wax and slowly melt it over medium heat. Check the wax's temperature with a thermometer. The best temperature to add fragrance to soy wax is about 185°F. Burning or evaporating the fragrance oil in the wax might result from overheating.

Adding Fragrance and Colour After the wax reaches the proper temperature, take it off the burner and allow it to cool for a short while. By doing this, the fragrance oil is kept from vanishing too soon. Add your fragrance oil and stir until well combined. As a general rule, one ounce of fragrance should be added to one pound of wax, but pay attention to the directions on the fragrance oil. Now is the time to add dye, if using. Solid dye chips can also be used, but liquid dye blends more smoothly. Add little by little and stir until the desired colour is reached.

Securing the Wick Dip the base of your wick in the melted wax, then quickly adhere it to the bottom centre of your container. This helps keep it in place. To keep the wick centred and upright as the wax cools, place a pencil, chopstick, or skewer across the top of the container and wrap or clip the top of the wick to it.

Pouring the Wax Ensure the wax is around 135°F to 145°F before pouring — this temperature range helps prevent cracking and ensures a smooth surface. Gently pour the wax into the container, leaving about half an inch at the top. Pouring too quickly can create air bubbles.

Cooling and Curing Let the candle cool to room temperature, out of the direct sunlight and drafts. This may require up to a whole day, contingent upon the candle's dimensions. Reheat the remaining wax and slowly pour it over the surface to even it out if a sinkhole appears close to the wick. Cover the candle and allow it to cure for a minimum of 48 hours after it has completely cooled. Curing enhances the perfume by allowing the fragrance oils to completely bind with the wax.

Finishing Touches Trim the wick to about ¼ inch above the wax. This helps ensure an even burn and prevents the flame from getting too large. Use warm, soapy water to clean your tools. Wax is easier to clean while it's still slightly warm.

Why Make Your Own Candles?

Beyond the satisfaction of creating something beautiful, making your own candles allows you to control the quality of the ingredients, ensuring they are environmentally friendly and safe to burn in your home. It's also a wonderful way to personalise candle gifts to friends and family, infusing them with your personal touch and affection.

Ready, Set, Create!

Candle-making is not just an activity; it's a way to personalize your space, create meaningful gifts, and enjoy the tranquillity of crafting something beautiful and functional. With the basics down, you’re ready to embark on a journey of creativity and relaxation, making your own candles at home with ease and confidence.

[countlessrealities]

Kinda 👀 Prompts || Selectively accepting !

@mcltiples sent: [KNIFE] sender uses a knife to rip receiver's clothes { To Evil Rick from Weird Rick >:D }

There were a lot of things that Rick found fascinating about his partner. Some more entertaining, others more frustrating, but all undoubtedly worth his interest and attention. Even when he wasn't directly involved, he liked to watching, observing the other going through his motions, speeches, choices, hows and whys with the same focus he usually reserved exclusively to his experiments.

His alternate's mood were one of Rick's favourite phenomena to monitor. They were so volatile, and mostly unpredictable. They could be as explosive as the weapons the man enjoyed building or as subtle as a the light twitch of an eye. They jumped from an emotion to the other, always close to the extremes, always shying away from mildness.

He could tell that his partner wasn't being honest with his feelings whenever they were played out with strict moderation or calm.

However, this didn't mean, as one could think, that apathy was something unknown to his alternate. It was a rare show to witness, but it did happen. Just as everything else, it was deep, absolute, totalising, and it required a very special, very careful handling.

That, though, wasn't the situation at hand. Rick wasn't dealing with one of his partner's most violent moods, whether on the heated side of anger or with the ice cold quality of pure detachment. The other seemed to be in a quite cheerful mood, lively and playful, with a clear side of mischief.

And, of course, lustful too, judging by the way his alternate had shoved him into the closest wall and was assaulting his neck with his teeth and tongue. Judging by the viciousness of the attack, by the time their encounter ended, he would have sported quite the collection of bruises.

One of those hands was insistently grabbing at the front of his shirt, alternating pulling at it and pressing against his chest, as if to make sure that Rick's back would remain firstly pinned against the wall.

His partner's other hand was somewhere by his side, oddly not trying to touch him as he would have expected, and the reason for it became instantly clear when the sound of cloth ripping filled the air between them without a warning. Oh, so this was the game of the day.

The blade was so sharp that it cut through the fabric as if it had been melting butter and nicked the flesh underneath, drawing a steady red line from the top of Rick's sternum to the line of his navel. Thick droplets of blood gushed out of the wound, their warmth in contrast with the cool air of the underground hideout.

Rick's only reaction was a raised eyebrow, conveying the barest hint of judgement. He didn't mind the sting of the wound since pain had little meaning to him nowadays. If something, under the right circumstances he could even appreciate the way it lit up his nerves, forcing his whole being to feel connected, even if just briefly, with the universe that surrounded him.

In a different situation, he would have given into the urge of voicing what his gaze was already hinting at, but his partner seemed delighted and even more turned on by his handiwork. He could tell by the way the other was leaning more heavily into it, hard, hot and solid against Rick's thigh. Those hips were moving, slow and almost imperceptibly, seeking from his body a hint of satisfaction that could take the edge off.

How could he deny this pleasure to the man who owed each and every atom of him?

His features relaxed back into a more neutral expression and he let his nape rest against the wall, focusing on the feeling of that tongue teasingly lapping at the cut. His alternate's hand had slipped under the torn shirt, wrapping itself around his side, tight and possessive.

Rick's fingers found their way in the other's hair, tugging sharply at those blue locks and using them to press that face more into his chest. He wanted to smear his partner's chin and cheekbones with his blood, so that he could lick it off later.

A hum rumbled in his chest, as the knife worked to get rid of his belt and slash through his trousers, leaving behind more stinging cuts. Clothes could be easily replaced, he mused, distractedly registering the fabric falling off him piece by piece, until he was left bare for his partner's eyes to feast on.

This man who had made himself into a god and the twisted, unbreakable thread that linked them together? It was one of a kind even in a universe made of infinite realities.