Steel consists in the majority of iron but with high levels of carbon e.g. 4% removed and a controlled amount remaining. The amount of carbon in the steel is very important to the way the material behaves after heat treatment. Table 1 gives some indication of these properties.
Various additives are used to improve the basic carbon steel properties; for example molybdenum is used to improve the hot strength and hardness, nickel improves toughness and ductility. The different properties required of the steel for different uses (e.g. hammer head, car body) will dictate the type of steel used and the way it is treated by controlled heating and hot and cold rolling. Table 2 gives further details on steel additives.
Molten iron from the blast furnace is transported in specialized refractory brick lined ‘torpedoes’ on rail cars (varying in capacity from 200-450 tonnes) to the BOS plant where the iron is refined to produce steel of desired quality and composition.
At the BOS plant, the iron is treated in two stages; firstly to remove carbon and secondly to receive additives which modify the steel’s properties.
In the first stage, the iron is mixed with scrap and fluxes, agitated with inert gas and burned with oxygen until required carbon levels are reached as measured by dip-sampling probes. This oxygen ‘blowing’ process is in large tilting vessels called converters. In the modern steelworks it is typical to see BOS vessels able to convert 350 tonnes of metal in one ‘blow’. A converter vessel itself, see Figure 1, would weigh 650 tonnes. Typically, a BOS plant has two or three converters available for converting iron to steel, with usually one or two in operation at a time and occasional operation of multiple converters simultaneously.
In the second stage, the raw steel is mixed with additives in smaller vessels, and receives a short ‘blow’ cycle prior to casting in the CONCAST (CONtinuous CASTing) plant.
Impurities within the iron due to the powerful reducing conditions of the blast furnace have to be removed by oxidization. Residual carbon and silicon are oxidized with the help of the added basic fluxes.
BOS is a sequential process centering around the converter positioning and contents processing. Automation of the total process is possible from centrally stored process recipe information to the front end instrumentation, while still allowing manual intervention and re-processing steps.
The converter is a vessel that tilts 180° from the upright vertical on the charging side, and over 90° on the tapping side. The converter is tilted to one of several pre-determined angles during the sequence as shown in Figure 2.
The converter is rotated to its charging position to be loaded with scrap metal (50 tonnes), molten iron (300 tonnes), lime (15 tonnes) and the ‘basic’ fluxes magnesium and limestone (6 tonnes).
The converter returns to the vertical and the main lance lowers, injecting oxygen at high velocity onto the molten metal surface for 15 to 20 minutes.
After injecting a pre-determined quantity of oxygen, the ‘blow’ is complete and the main lance is withdrawn. At 80% and 100% oxygen flows as calculated by a thermochemical model, a sub lance is lowered to measure temperature which is used to calculate carbon arrest.
Assuming that temperature and sample analysis are acceptable, the converter is rotated from vertical to tapping position.
After tapping, the converter is rotated back to its slag position for emptying occasionally, returned to the vertical for addition of thickeners, then gently rocked for slag-wash prior to emptying which is conducted by taking the converter to the opposite (180°) vertical position.
Practically, there are other intermediate steps depending on other variables. For example:
Throughout the cycle, inert gases such as nitrogen and argon (during blow and re-blow) continuously flow to agitate or stir the converter contents, and to keep the converter stirring elements clear for the duration of the converter campaign.
The result is steel of very low carbon content. The percentage needed for the type of steel being manufactured will be higher than this, so a controlled amount of carbon is added to meet the specification.
After the metal has been poured, the cycle starts again and if no problems delay the steelmakers, typically 8 ‘blows’ will be achieved in one shift of 8 hours producing nearly 3,000 tonnes of steel.
To stir the converter contents, Argon or Nitrogen is injected through a number of cans on the converter base as shown in Figure 3. The total flow and type of gas for each sequence step are pre-determined from the loaded recipe for the current blow. Figure 3 BOS bath agitation control
The total flow is divided equally to a number of controllers, one for each can to maintain an even distribution, and becomes the controller remote setpoint. The measured flow is mass-compensated for temperature and pressure for each can and gas type and input to the control module. The 4-20mA control output then modulates the valve position.
If the can becomes covered with heavy slag, the downsteam pressure increases. Should it increase beyond a preset limit, control changes from flow control to pressure control and the control valve then responds to a different control algorithm. On reduction of pressure (less a hysteresis value), control reverts to flow control. Changeover between control modes is automatic and bumpless, as the non-active loop tracks the output of the active loop.
The converter is positioned to the desired angle by comparing the corresponding absolute desired angle with the absolute actual angle and driving the positioning motors in the correct direction.
The positioning motors are driven progressively at increasing and subsequently decreasing speeds according to the error size and time intervals until the position is within the tolerance band set.
The BOS process uses expensive gases (Argon, Oxygen and Nitrogen) and the accurate measurement and totalization of these gases assists economic operation and tight quality control by using these values in the generation of spreadsheet reports and logs.


Bleeding hemorrhoids are said to be the most terrible form of hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids are, however, not the only cause of rectal bleeding. Anyone who has symptoms of rectal bleeding should consult a doctor at the earliest. Depending upon the results of the investigation, the doctor will pronounce whether the hemorrhoid is internal or external. Normally, external hemorrhoids do not lead to bleeding. Symptoms of bleeding hemorrhoids may include irritation, itching, fissures, abscesses, fistulae or other anorectic problems. Remember, bleeding hemorrhoids are likely to be internal.
What is Bleeding Hemorrhoids?
Bleeding hemorrhoids may occur inside or outside the anus caused by increased pressure on venous plexus in the rectal region. While some types of hemorrhoids may be cured through minimally invasive treatment, bleeding hemorrhoids is a chronic condition that requires serious attention. The main signal of bleeding hemorrhoids is the discharge of blood internally or externally. Individuals suffering from this condition usually experience release of blood during bowel movement, find blood in the toilet bowl and on the toilet paper.
It is important to get the problem evaluated by a doctor as soon as it occurs. Bleeding hemorrhoids is likely to get worse in case of constipation or diarrhea. This is because sitting for long hours on the toilet seat and straining during bowel movement increase pressure on the veins causing increased bleeding. Bleeding hemorrhoids is a very uncomfortable condition and may also cause pain and itching in the anus.
To treat bleeding hemorrhoids, drugs aimed at reducing inflammation are generally prescribed. To avoid discomfort, home remedies can also be tried. Positive lifestyle changes can also bring some relief.
Medical Treatment for Bleeding Hemorrhoids
The treatment of bleeding hemorrhoids must be followed only after a firm diagnosis. Bleeding hemorrhoids generally do not lead to anemia; however, it may be a sign of colon or rectal cancer in some cases. It can be treated using over-the-counter medications like hydrocortisone creams. This may be helpful is preventing the condition from worsening and alleviating itching and swelling in external hemorrhoids. Internal hemorrhoids
can be treated using suppositories.
It is advisable to not consume aspirin and other anti-inflammatory medications. This is because such medication tends to increase bleeding from the hemorrhoids. There are a number of treatments available that are aimed at treating bleeding hemorrhoids. Some of these are as follows:
- Injection sclerotherapy, which involves injecting a chemical solution around the blood vessel that leads to the shrinking of the hemorrhoid
- Laser coagulation
- Infrared photocoagulation, which is a special device used to burn hemorrhoidal tissue
Bleeding hemorrhoid is often treated through surgery. Rubber band ligation and laser surgery are some common methods of treating bleeding hemorrhoids. The procedure followed during rubber band ligation involves placing a rubber band around the base of the hemorrhoids. It is placed inside the rectum. This results in loss of blood supply to the infected area, causing the hemorrhoid to wither and fall off in a few days. The purpose of laser surgery is also to stop blood supply to the hemorrhoid, causing it to shrivel. Laser surgery is relatively less painful, but more expensive. In case of extensive internal or external hemorrhoids
, hemorrhoidectomy is the ultimate solution.
Alternative therapies, such as homoeopathy and herbal treatment, can also be used to treat bleeding hemorrhoids, apart from allopathic treatment. Change in diet and bathroom habits also provide relief from bleeding hemorrhoids. Intake of fibrous diet helps in softening the stool, preventing strain during bowel movement, relieving constipation and ultimately helping with bleeding hemorrhoids.


With the anticipated return of ospreys to the area in the coming weeks, Met-Ed utility personnel partnered with its environmental staff and wildlife officials to proactively remove a large, unoccupied osprey nest from a substation in Upper Mount Bethel Township.
Birds of prey like ospreys and eagles often seek out tall structures, including electrical substations and utility poles to build their nests, which can measure up to three feet in width. These nesting habits often place the birds near energized electrical equipment – jeopardizing their well-being and potentially causing power outages.
“Ospreys typically arrive in Pennsylvania in late March and return to the same nesting sites from the year before,” said Amy Ruszala, an environmental scientist and avian expert at Met-Ed’s parent company, FirstEnergy Corp. “That’s why it was important for us to take advantage of their absence in the winter and remove unoccupied nests that are situated on our equipment.”
The nest was originally believed to belong to a bald eagle because the bird had been recently perching and hanging around the nest. Because of the tight environmental regulations pertaining to nest removals, the company consulted with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to conduct a 10-day survey of the nest. Their findings were consistent with those of FirstEnergy – the nest was inactive and belonged to an osprey.
“Had the nest truly been an eagle nest, the pair would likely have begun using it with the start of the current breeding season, since the ospreys were presumably absent,” said Ruszala.
Met-Ed utility personnel also teamed up with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Northampton County Parks & Recreation Division to install an osprey nesting platform on top of a 60-ft. pole at Totts Gap Conservation Area in Upper Mount Bethel Township. This structure will help prevent electrical service disruptions by discouraging the birds from nesting on poles with energized equipment.
While the birds were south for the winter, utility personnel from Met-Ed's sister company, Penn Power, also worked closely with FirstEnergy’s environmentalists to install single fiberglass crossarms on utility poles that had nesting issues due to the wooden, double crossarms. Ospreys are a month away from their peak breeding season and will lay their eggs between April and July.


Engine vacuum tests are another great method of pinpointing engine problems as well as determining the overall health of your vehicles power plant. Manifold vacuum is tested with a vacuum gauge.
The downward movement of the piston forms vacuum during the intake stroke. If the cylinder is properly sealed a maximum amount of vacuum will be formed. This will also improve the volumetric efficiency and the power created by the engine. Why not make sure you are getting the most out of the intake cycle. You can interpret or identify many engine conditions by monitoring vacuum.
You can test for proper valve timing, that works together with the spark or ignition timing to insure proper combustion. If the base timing setting is retarded ( opposite of advanced ) a low steady reading can be observed on the test gauge.
You can also verify a free-flowing exhaust system with no clogs or restrictions. This is a great way to pinpoint the problem without having to drop the exhaust. A clogged exhaust will show on the vacuum gauge as a low and steady reading that decreases, with increasing part throttle engine rpm.
A common restricted exhaust problem would be a collapsed catalytic converter. Ideally, each cylinder of an internal combustion engine will produce the same amount of vacuum. This is why the vacuum gauge readings should be steady and give a reading of at least 18 to 20 at closed throttle.
If one or more cylinders produce less vacuum than the others the needle of the tester will fluctuate. When performing the engine vacuum test the intensity of the fluctuation of the needle indicate the severity of the engine problem.
For example, if the reading on the vacuum gauge fluctuates between 9 and 19. You should then look at the rhythm of the needle. If it stays at 19 inches of mercury but drops to 9 and then quickly rises we know that reading is probably caused by a problem in one cylinder.
If the gauge reads low all the time let's say a reading of 10 inches and has no fluctuation. This would be a good or strong indication of a clogged exhaust system or large vacuum leak.
This could be an intake manifold gasket failure or a broken hose. As I touched on above an exhaust malfunction can include problems like clogged converter, restricted muffler a smashed or damaged pipe or even vandalism such as the old banana up the tail pipe trick. If you disconnect the exhaust system in front of the catalytic converter and the vacuum returns to full strength, this would verify a clogged catalytic converter or other parts behind it.
Stuck or burned valves and weak valve springs can cause in proper sealing of the combustion chamber. Therefore providing low test results. If you think this applies to your vehicle I put a page together about the old fashioned valve job.
Uneven compression caused by worn piston rings or damage cylinder walls can also cause a fluctuating vacuum reading. Leaking cylinder head gaskets can also lower the ability of your engine to create vacuum. And of course a manifold vacuum leak will also affect the readings. Engine vacuum testing is a cheap and easy diagnostic step in the right direction.
itself can be found for less than $20. The tests procedure is basically
just connecting the gauge to a strong manifold vacuum source. Most
engines will have a few places where you can pull a vacuum line off the
manifold and insert the vacuum tester. I have also used the hose that
goes to the power brake booster for a quick test. Just make sure that
you reconnect the hose before driving the vehicle.
Bookmark or share this engine vacuum testing procedure resource page.
If you need help with your engine troubles consider asking a professional auto mechanic. For more information on this service visit my page about car repair help.
When it comes to learning about automotive engines and how to perform simple inexpensive testing I have some more information that may prove helpful. This next link takes you from engine vacuum tests to engine diagnosis repair.
If you would like more information on how to test for engine problems on your specific vehicle take a look at my online car repair manuals page. Here you can see a video of the auto repair program in action.
Learn more about the car mechanic that built this auto repair website. Also find more information about what is covered on this website that provides automobile repair advice.


In this paper I would like to compare and contrast 3 doctrines in the Chinese tradition. In Chinese history, Taoism and Buddhism are two great philosophical and religious traditions along with Confucianism. Taoism, originated in China around the sixth century B.C.E. and Buddhism, came to China from India around the second century of the Common Era. We can say that together they have shaped Chinese life and thought for nearly twenty-five hundred years.
Eastern society is an enigma to many Westerners. Its cultural and technical traditions vary so greatly from those of western thought. What influences shaped China, the largest eastern civilization? It is said that the basis of western thought stems from the ideas and principles set out by Socrates and Plato and their contemporaries. In a similar vein it can be said that Confucian and Taoist principles are the basis of eastern thinking. Blending with Buddhism these doctrines shaped Chinese culture and traditions along Chinese social and political life.
It may not be so evident today, as technology shrinks our world, and western thought, carried on the back of commerce, invades the east, but Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism are the principle philosophies and belief systems that shaped ancient and dynastic China, both culturally and politically.
The original believers, most of whom where Chinese believed that there are three basic dimensions related to the living of life:
-The search for spirituality in the inner self and its relation to the world that is the province of Buddhism.
-The right relations with one's neighbor which is the province of Confucianism.
-The right relations with the cosmos which is the province of the Taoism.
These three belief systems are not mutually exclusive so that Taoism deals with one's relations with one's neighbor, and Buddhism deals with one relations with...


A number of insects can cause damage and irritation to horses. These insects include biting flies, nuisance flies, lice, and bots. Occasionally other arthropods such as mites and ticks may cause problems.
Several types of biting flies bother horses. These include mosquitoes, black flies, deer flies, horse flies and stable flies. Of these pests, the stable fly is probably the most important biting fly pest during the summer.
Both male and female stable flies feed on blood. They are persistent feeders that cause significant irritation to the host animals. Adults are approximately 1/3 inch long and resemble house flies. Females stable flies deposit clusters of up to 50 off-white coloured eggs at a time. A single female can lay up to a thousand eggs during her lifetime. Stable fly larvae have a typical maggot shape and are similar to those of the house fly. There are three larval stages. The last stage larva is about 2/5 inch long and is a cream/white color. After the third stage larva finishes feeding, it shortens, hardens and darkens in color.
Stable flies will feed on blood from practically any warm blooded animal including horses, humans, pets and other livestock. Peaks of feeding activity commonly occur during the early morning and again in the late afternoon. Stable flies prefer feeding on lower parts of the horse such as the legs and belly. Both male and female flies feed on blood; the female requires blood meals to produce viable eggs. Eggs are deposited into a variety of decaying animal and plant wastes but are rarely found in fresh manure. Larval development requires 11 to 21 days, depending on environmental conditions. Mature larvae then crawl to drier areas to pupate.
Stable flies are active during the summertime and are one of the most important pests of horses and livestock. Stable flies prefer to feed outdoors and rarely are found feeding or resting indoors. These flies are strong fliers and dispersion from one livestock facility to the next is common. They remain active into October. However, larval development slows as autumn temperatures decrease. At temperatures near freezing, larvae can survive but continue to develop slowly in habitats such as manure where fermentation generates heat.
Horse and Deer Flies
Horse and deer flies are large biting flies which can inflict painful bites on horses and humans. Several species may become abundant enough to constitute a problem for grazing horses, particularly animals near stream or low wet areas. Further, because the bite is painful, horses may become restless and unmanageable when they attempt to ward of attacks by these flies. Immature larval horse flies are aquatic or semi-aquatic and the last stage lava overwinters. Life cycles are long, most species have only one generation per year and some species may have a two year life cycle. Only female flies feed on blood. Control is difficult; individual animal treatment using repellents or insecticidal sprays may reduce fly bates.
Black flies are small, long, humped-backed biting flies which can produce large populations in the spring and early summer, particularly in pasture areas along streams. The immature stages are found in flowing water. Pupation occurs under water and the adults float to the surface, ready for flight, feeding and mating. Adult feeding on horses and other animals can pose serious animal health problems and the irritation caused by black fly bites can make horses unmanageable. Anemia may occur in the vertebrae host as a consequence of black fly feeding on its blood when the black fly population is high. Bites may cause severe reactions such as toxemia and anaphylactic shock; these reactions can result in death. Control is difficult, species which feed in the ears of horses can be controlled using insecticidal applications or by using petroleum jelly in the interior of the horses ear. When possible at-risk horses should be stabled during the day and pastured at night. Black flies only feed during daylight hours and do not usually enter stable areas. Area sprays or general topical applications of insecticides are not very effective.
Biting gnats can be a serious pest to horses. Blood loss and irritation associated with the feeding of these very small, blood feeding flies can be very significant. Direct treatment of horses with wipes or sprays containing insecticides or repellents may provide relief for the horses.
The horn fly is normally a pest of grazing cattle. However, when cattle and horses are pastured together this fly will also feed on horses. Horn flies are about half the size of stable flies. The horn fly usually remains on the host animal almost continually, both day and night. Females lay eggs on fresh cattle droppings. Control of horn flies on cattle using established treatment methods such as self-treating devices provides the best approach to this problem if horses are pastured with the cattle. Sprays or wipes can be used successfully on horses.
Stable Fly Management
A sound sanitation program is of paramount importance to fly control. Control of stable flies in stables usually incorporates several methods. These methods also apply for the house fly. Chemical control directed at larval and adult stages of both insects is usually required periodically during the fly season.
Sanitation around stable
The basic aim of a sanitation program is to reduce or eliminate larval development sites on the yard. A number of areas require attention because of the varied habitats suitable for larval development of these flies. Manure management is essential in limiting fly production. Timely spreading of manure promotes drying and prevents larvae from developing. Even small areas, where manure mixes with straw, are ideal breeding sites for large numbers of both stable and house flies. Wet areas where manure, mud and plant debris accumulate also form ideal breeding habitats for these fly species. Improvement of the drainage systems around stables can eliminate these fly reproduction sites and make chemical control efforts much more successful.
A variety of chemical control techniques are available to the horse owner. Generally, control of adult flies using residual insecticides as surface treatments and knock-down sprays to kill existing adult flies are the most effective techniques. In stables a combination of residual and space sprays is used, often on an alternative schedule. Treatments applied directly to horses are not as effective for control of stable or house flies as residual surface treatments. In practice, both techniques are usually needed. It is important to always follow the label recommendation for rate and frequency of any pesticide treatment.
Direct animal applications of sprays and dusts may be used in some situations to protect animals. Products used for direct animal application usually have short residual activity and this type of application is labor intensive.


Event location: WCML
Runs: From 20th Nov 2015 to 14th Apr 2016
Event time: 13:00 to 17:00
An exhibition marking the centenary of the introduction of conscription in early 1916.
The north-west had a vigorous anti-war movement from 1914 onwards. This exhibition looks at some of those involved, both men and women, who fought for peace. Bill Chadwick from Westhoughton and Hugh Hutchinson from Bolton, whose stories were previously known only to their families, can now take their place amongst more famous names. Documents from the Hyde branch of the No-Conscription Fellowship, a unique collection held by the Library, are also on display. This is an alternative narrative of the war that deserves to be remembered as much as we commemorate those who fought and died.
Exhibition opening times: Wednesdays to Fridays 1-5pm and the first Saturday of the month 10am-4pm.
The Library is extremely grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the funding for this project, awarded through HLF’s First World War: then and now programme.
A specially-written 'Living History' performance, No Power on Earth, will accompany the exhibition thanks to the Heritage Lottery Fund. Based on the true story of Salford man, James Hudson, this monologue tells the story of an ordinary school teacher at the start of the First World War who finds himself at odds with the popular mood. The story, scripted and directed by Sue Reddish, celebrates his courage to stay true to his beliefs despite considerable pressure, and asks the audience to consider what they would do in such a circumstance.
We are delighted to announce that Joel Parry (to be found on Twitter at @ will be playing the part of James Hudson.
The 30-minute free performance can be seen at the Library on Wednesday 2 March at 1pm and Saturday 5 March at 12.30pm. It will also be put on in Salford schools during February.


Cartesian to Spherical Coordinates Calculator
Cartesian (Rectangular) to Spherical Coordinates System Diagram
This spherical coordinates converter/calculator converts the rectangular (or cartesian) coordinates of a unit to its equivalent value in spherical coordinates, according to the formulas shown above.
Rectangular coordinates are depicted by 3 values, (X, Y, Z). When converted into spherical coordinates, the new values will be depicted as (r, θ, φ).
To use this calculator, a user just enters in the (X, Y, Z) values of the rectangular coordinates and then clicks the 'Calculate' button, and the spherical coordinates will be automatically computed and shown below.
This calculator can be used to convert 2-dimensional (2D) or 3-dimensional rectangular coordinates to its equivalent spherical coordinates. If desired to convert a 2D rectangular coordinate, then the user just enters values into the X and Y form fields and leaves the 3rd field, the Z field, blank. If desired to convert a 3D rectangular coordinate, then the user enters values into all 3 form fields, X, Y, and Z.
By default, the calculator will compute the result in degrees. However, by using the drop-down menu, the option can changed to radians, so that the
result will be computed in radians.
Example With Rectangular (Cartesian) Coordinates
Convert the rectangular coordinates (2, 3, 8) into its equivalent spherical coordinates.
This answer is calculated in degrees.
Cartesian (Rectangular) to Cylindrical Coordinates Calculator
Cylindrical to Cartesian Coordinates Calculator
Cylindrical to Spherical Coordinates Calculator
Spherical to Cartesian Coordinate Calculator
Spherical to Cylindrical Coordinate Calculator


You may see a mess, but but birds see this.
Seeds! Food, glorious food!
Maybe they haven’t gotten around to picking them out, but they will if you let the flower stalks stand.
Here’s a close up of part of a native plant.
That’s the only hint I’m giving for this week’s mystery!
See you later!
Does this help any?
Our close up is the seeds of a Common Milkweed, lined up in their pod before the wind and weather have lifted them by the fluff and blown them to a new growing location.
Monarch butterflies and other insects are lucky enough to have stands of milkweed on the Reston National Golf Course and many other open space meadows in Reston.
Hey there! Got a good one for you this week, something seen quite commonly in our suburbs.
Give it a guess!
This common wildflower is one of the many Goldenrod or Solidago species that claim old field habitats, roadsides or sunny wood edges. It bloomed in late summer and over the fall months, but we just never caught a photo until it dried up. Here’s what you humans will see if you’re rushing by.
Maybe stop for a closer look next time you see those dried up plants. That’s what Nutmeg is always bugging me to do!