WHAT CAUSES ODOUR & HOW DO YOU TACKLE IT ???

Odour generates from the bacteria in the un-cleaned uric acid, usually found on the floor or walls of the restrooms. To effectively get rid of this odour, all the surfaces of the restroom need to be cleaned and scrubbed. In case one doesn’t find the source, a UV- Light can make a patch in the dark room, glow. The glowing indicates the source of the odour which needs cleaning.

Strong odour fumes also originate from the floor drain. Any kind of smell if noticed must be addressed by the concerned janitor, supervisor or the manager. What one needs is a proactive team.

It is also observed that the janitors use the same mop & bucket, used in the other rooms leading to spreading odour and cross contamination. On completing the task in each room, the water should be drained. This would prevent continuous use of the same bucket and mop multiple times and also allows the drain to have flowing water in the trap.

Bad odour can be found not only in the washrooms but also in work areas. One must check the exhaust systems, the ventilation for regular circulation of fresh air and any water blockage or seepage.

Another reason for bad odour is when the sewer gases escape into the air due to dry trap or because of water stationed in the trap with food for too long.

A regular check on the Sewage Treatment Plant water used in the washrooms for flushing, a track on the trap and the drain line, regular briefing to the janitors about identifying the cause of the odour and deep cleaning the areas are feasible solutions.

De-ozonisers should be used in hospitals and pathology centres to cut through the strong odours of spirit and other chemicals along with some advice on how to prevent bad odour generated from Bio medical waste. 

SCAN TO BIM

The technology of 3D scanning and converting it into a 3D model has its applications into various fields. In relation with the Building Industry (AEC), scan to BIM is the process by which a Building Information 3D Model (BIM model) is created from scanned point cloud data to accurately represent the ‘As Built’ environment.

Scan to BIM is helpful and used in sectors like building industry, process industry and digital factory for the purpose of reverse engineering, ship building, documentation of accident and forensic scenes and facility management and others. The laser scan point cloud survey data is collected and registered by certified surveyors and it is this registered point cloud from which the BIM model is produced.

What is a point cloud model?

A point cloud model is a set of millions of data points within a coordinate system. These points represent the outer surface and the shape of an object. However, a point cloud model cannot be used as a BIM model. This point cloud data is used as a reference, and BIM experts trace upon this data to reconstruct a 3D model that is ready for BIM. Scan-to-BIM process consists of three major steps: scanning, registration, and modeling. There are many inaccuracies and inefficiencies associated with each of the aforementioned processes that lead to inaccurate end product, as-built BIM, and also that increase the cost of Scan-to-BIM operations.

Benefits of Scan to BIM

The major advantage of the technology is in the ‘As Built’ sector. Especially on the much older buildings, there are almost no details available in terms of drawings or details. Laser scanning technology for a building is much quicker, more accurate and more detailed than compared to the traditional surveying methods.

It helps in creating an ‘AS Built’ accurate BIM model from the point cloud data, which saves significant time and cost for the client on the design side of the project. This helps in giving the design team, a much accurate and detailed 3D BIM model. Additionally it is possible to create a full set of ‘As Built’ 2D plans, sections and elevations from the BIM model.

This BIM modeling service and deliverable helps in providing a streamlined workflow for the design, planning and construction stages of retrofit, refurbishment and renovation projects, and also provides architects, engineers, government agencies and facility managers with a 3D model which contains the intelligent part as well.

For Scan to BIM tasks, what counts is the practical experience. Based on the experience and learning’s,

the professional gets while working on the various projects, the below mentioned points are taken care of:

Detailed Inputs

It is very much essential to get the precise and detailed brief of the project, as it can be challenging due to the nature of Scan to BIM project and especially for the project involving the interior modeling. There comes a situation, where client can request for a pricing without providing the scanned data. In such cases, one needs to make sure to receive the photographs and/or videos of what is going to be scanned and study them carefully. It is very likely that the service providers either provides under price and suffers heavy loss or over price and lose the contract. If possible, it would be advisable to make a site visit and study the building components such as beams and columns and their junctions. One needs to study the site condition as well, as it would also influence the modeling process.

In case where client provides with the scanned point cloud data, it would be much beneficial to get the 3600 colored panoramic views, which gives a clear idea to the modelers about the existing conditions. Many of the recent scanning machines have this facility.

Level of Detailing

This is a very important point to be received from the client or to be mentioned in the scope of work provided by the client. The Scan to BIM projects is quite different as compared to the visualization projects. The former one mainly requires focusing on detailing part, whereas the later one is mainly for a presentation in a 3D format. The level of detailing applies to architectural, structural and MEP part of the project.

For the regular BIM projects, it mainly deals with the LOD 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500, which are mainly related to the design part. For the Scan to BIM projects, there are levels 1-5 which are referred to while discussing the details to be considered while modeling. Here, one need to make sure that one understands is on same lines with that of the client.

Knowledge Imparting

As evident, the Scan to BIM is comparatively very new technology and process. There are cases, where the client is not fully aware about what he is asking for in reality, while the project is being discussed. It would be required to educate clients thoroughly about the process and about the output that would be delivered. This would help avoid any disputes during the project process or at the time of final deliverables. The practical scenario differs from the theoretical part.

Project Work

The scan to BIM conversion is a very specialized service which involves complexity and exactness, of the modeling especially for the ‘As Built World’. The precision is of utmost importance linked to the modeling part.

The future of scanning is immense and the different ways we scan will continue to evolve and become more customized to the specific industry problems presented. Point cloud data is still the best data that exists for capturing and studying existing conditions. The future will be exciting to watch for sure. Final BIM Model.

THERMAL IMAGING FOR HVAC MAINTENANCE

In hospitals, climate control is of critical importance to ensure both hygiene and comfort for the patients and personnel. A Swedish hospital was introduced to the Flir thermal imaging camera when it hired an external consultant for electrical maintenance who used the technology. Since then, the hospital used it to inspect and maintain its HVAC system. According to hospital technicians, the camera provides with the right information and allows making well based decisions with regard to maintenance of the heating and ventilation, troubleshooting all kinds of building issues.

The air temperature in the hospital should be 22°C and the air coming from ventilation ducts should be 18°C. To maintain the same, the thermometers installed in certain parts of the building provide feedback for the automated HVAC system used by the hospital. If the technical staff wants more specific information about the airflows and temperature distribution in a room, thermal imaging camera is used.

“From time to time complaints might arise from patients about a room being too hot or too cold but with the thermal imaging camera the staff can quickly assess whether there is actually something wrong in that room. If nothing is wrong, the screen of the thermal imaging camera allows staff to immediately show the patient that the temperatures are perfectly normal in the thermal image. And if there is a fault the thermal imaging helps us to find the problem much faster, allowing a quick repair. The two faults that the technicians sometimes find in the hospitals are HVAC system is clogged radiators or blocked ventilation ducts. The camera also helps inspect fuse cabinets and mechanical components in the ventilation system for faults, check whether the district heating shunt group is cooling the warm water down to the right temperature and even the backup batteries in the server room.

Operation Room:

For different types of operations different ambient temperatures are necessary. And a close control of air circulation is an obvious necessity to prevent contamination with airborne pathogens. The hospital staff therefore regularly checks and closely monitors the HVAC systems of the operation rooms with the thermal imaging camera.

Insulation Defects:

During a recent building project large parts of the hospital where renovated. The Flir thermal imaging camera was used to verify whether the insulation was working perfectly. Inspections showed that there was some warmth leakage at the window stills and that there was insufficient insulation in the attic roof. Also detected was incorrect installation of some of the radiators. Based on the information from the thermal imaging inspections these faults were corrected, ensuring that the new renovated parts of the building are well insulated.”

Thermal Imaging Vs Spot Pyrometers:

Before the use of thermal imaging camera, hospital technicians had to base the maintenance inspections on contact measurements. The personnel had to either touch warm components manually or use a spot pyrometer. Thermal imaging cameras have important advantages compared to spot pyrometers. For instance, the spot meter just gives a value of a small area. Using it for inspections is very labor intensive and it lacks the overview that a thermal imaging camera gives. On a thermal image one can immediately scan an entire area for thermal hot or cold spots and see at once where the problem is located. The details may vary, but a spot pyrometer is basically similar to a thermal imaging camera with one pixel as in that it tells the temperature of one spot. A thermal imaging camera will provide the same accurate temperature readings, but it gives you not one, but thousands of temperature readings at the same time.

Also, with a spot pyrometer it is very easy to miss crucial information as it gives a number while; thermal imaging presents an image of the entire area. Thus, one can immediately see the temperature distribution in the entire area and quickly spot problems that would otherwise remain undetected.

Versatile Tool

Flir Ebx-Series-models have an image quality of up to 320x240 pixels and include the features needed to make well informed building decisions like built-in insulation and dew point alarms. The cameras are specifically designed for building inspections such as, HVAC heating and cooling issues, air flow, moisture detection, insulation problems and other heat related building issues. Other features include Wifi connectivity, iPad compatibility, easy use and built-in picture-in-picture & thermal fusion.

FURNITURE EFFECTS ON IAQ

The reclassification of Formaldehyde by the International Agency for research on Cancer as carcinogenic to humans has triggered enormous concern globally. Lack of awareness in India on the formaldehyde emissions from UF bonded panels is even more worrisome.

Furniture is a functionally needed utility, keeping in view the ergonomic design needed for good working conditions. One of the most neglected aspects in India is the knowledge of acceptable level of formaldehyde emissions in the office or home interiors. It is mostly released from the wood panels used in the fabrication of furniture like Plywood, Block board, Particleboard and Medium Density Fiberboards (MDF). Therefore, it is preferable that the furniture manufacturers use wood panels with E1 certification.

Formaldehyde exposure potentially causes a variety of symptoms and adverse health effects, such as eye, nose, throat, and skin irritation, coughing, wheezing, and allergic reactions. Long-term exposure to high levels of formaldehyde has been associated with cancer in humans. Formaldehyde can affect people differently. Some people are very sensitive to formaldehyde at a certain level while others may not have any noticeable reaction to the same level.

Formaldehyde levels in indoor air can vary depending on temperature, humidity, and air exchange rate within the indoor space. In addition, several studies have shown that, in the presence of ozone, formaldehyde levels increase; therefore, the outdoor and indoor ozone levels are also relevant.

Formaldehyde levels in internal office or home spaces may change with the season, day-to-day and day-to-night. Levels may be high on a hot and humid day and low on a cool, dry day.

Major sources of Indoor Formaldehyde emissions

Measuring formaldehyde emissions from individual interior product is difficult because a variety of furnishings in the office or homes can release formaldehyde or trap formaldehyde emitted from other sources. Products with greater emissions and larger surface areas in the office or homes will most likely have a greater contribution to indoor air formaldehyde levels.

Pressed-wood (i.e., hardwood plywood, particleboard, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF)) and wood-based products, especially those containing UF resins, may be a significant formaldehyde source. Moderate levels of formaldehyde initially follow application of wallpaper and paints. Some paints are now available with low-VOC formulations. Formaldehyde can be created from the chemical reaction between ozone and other VOCs during the use of personal computers, laser printers, and photocopiers. Products, such as carpets or gypsum board, do not contain significant amounts of formaldehyde when new. However, they may trap formaldehyde that is emitted into the air from other products and later release it into the indoor air.

RSG: HIERARCHY OF SAVINGS

RSG: HIERARCHY OF SAVINGS: A system that first takes care of fundamental concerns and only then moves to higher levels, can ensure disciplined investing You’ll ...

HIERARCHY OF SAVINGS

A system that first takes care of fundamental concerns and only then moves to higher levels, can ensure disciplined investing

You’ll probably be familiar with Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, if you've studied psychology, or more likely, marketing as part of your business school curricula. This hierarchy was formulated by Abraham Maslow to classify and understand levels of needs that human beings have. Starting from the most basic level, these roughly correspond to physiological needs, safety, social needs and, at the top of the hierarchy, what he called, self-actualization. According to Maslow, needs at a higher level become important only when those at the lower level are met. Someone who does not have enough to eat or whose basic physical safety is not assured is unlikely to worry too much about the deeper meaning of his or her life.

It is interesting to see that this idea of hierarchy of needs can be useful in planning one’s savings and investments. There are types of investments that belong at a higher level of a ‘Hierarchy of Savings’ and shouldn't be attempted before the lower levels are taken care of.

Here’s what I think this ‘Hierarchy of Savings’ should be like.

Level 1: Basic contingency funds: This should be the money that you may need to handle a personal emergency. Should be available instantly, partly as physical cash and partly as funds that can be immediately withdrawn from a bank.

Level 2: Term Insurance: A realistic amount that should be calculated to allow your dependents to finance at least short- and medium-term life goals if you were to drop dead is struck with a debilitating injury or disease.

Level 3: Savings for Foreseeable Short-Term Goals: Money that is needed for expenses that are planned to be made within the next two to three years. Almost all of this should be in minimal risk deposit-type savings avenues.

Level 4: Savings for long-term foreseeable goals: Same as level 3, except the planned expenses are more than three to five years away. This level should be invested in equity and equity-backed investments like equity mutual funds.

One could think of many other levels beyond this and really, the details matter much less than the concept. Also, depending on one’s circumstances, any of the levels may have to be modified. However, this is not an asset allocation tool. The point of this exercise is to prevent yourself from going to higher level unless the lower one is fulfilled. It’s simply a way of reinforcing that there’s little point in trying to fine-tune how much you will earn in an equity investment if you haven’t put away cash for an immediate emergency or adequate term insurance cover.

GREEN FACTS - ECO FRIEDLLY FACTORIES

Sustainable construction practices and eco-friendly operations are becoming the standard in every industry to increases bottom line and protect the future of our planet.

Energy efficiency to cut

Regularly replace HVAC filters, check window seals and use caulking and weather stripping to insulate buildings. Make use of CFL fixtures and programmable thermostats to reduce energy waste.

Renewable energy and

Green energy from wind, solar, hydro, or biomass sources is a reliable and consistent source of clean on-site energy that can even contribute back to the grid. Build your own source of renewable green energy on the premises.

Reduce and reuse cycle

Less waste means less money spent on waste removal, lower costs on raw materials and higher levels of efficiency overall. Use inexpensive post-consumer recycled raw materials and redesign packaging to avoid wasteful materials.

Planned and pre-assembled building components reduce waste to 10%. Because the building parts are factory-made, measurements are precise. Large pieces fit together whereupon the unit is sealed tightly to conserve energy. The construction renders almost zero waste and air & noise pollution.

Conserve water

A water efficiency program is a smart way to conserve water in heating, cooling, treating and disposing of it. Appropriate technology can help to minimize discharges to sewers and waste-water.

Cut back on pollution

Staunch the flow of waste at its source, eliminate raw materials from the manufacturing process that aren't needed in the final product. Use in-process recycling to get the most out of the materials and recycle used equipment instead of sending it to simmer in a landfill.