By: RK Service

Managing mechanical systems involves a deep understanding of the design, construction, operation and maintenance of the equipment. Asset management relates to the management and enhancement of those mechanical systems.

Importance of Optimal Mechanical Systems

Mechanical systems are comprised of pumps and filters, among other equipment, that are responsible for the efficient flow of liquids and air throughout buildings. They provide water, heating, cooling and ventilation for occupants and remove waste from the building.

The operation and maintenance of mechanical systems are labor intensive and require a technical skill. While mechanical systems can contain components that are hidden inside walls or under floors, most key equipment is located in a utility room that is easily accessible for upkeep. To preserve mechanical assets over their life cycle, regular monitoring of equipment and maintenance needs to be performed, preferably by a certified technician. Large equipment that fails, such as a burst pipe, require urgent repair, as this type of failure could lead to flooding or loss of hot water for tenants.

Asset Management Challenges

Keeping tabs on mechanical assets can be a daunting task as they require extensive record keeping. Because mechanical systems contain many moving parts, they typically have the longest list of assets in the asset inventory, ranging from fans to boilers and pumps. Often, basic supplies are kept on-hand in mechanical rooms, such as replacement filters, but some buildings also have supply rooms for additional spare parts. All of these items, from large equipment to spare parts, need to be accounted for and tracked. Documents must be kept readily available for quick reference in day-to-day operations.

Tracking with Technology

Today, technology has enabled service providers to inventory and track all mechanical assets on a cloud-based platform with easy to use customer interfaces. Warranty status, repair and maintenance history, upcoming scheduled events and end-of-life (EOL) forecasts are all recorded and accessible from a single source.

RK Service offers dedicated account management and a full MEP scope that allows us to be expert advisors for companies looking to transform their current facilities services. Contact us at service@rkindustries.com to discuss your asset management needs and what we can do to help you reach your goals.

By: Jon L. Kinning, Chief Operating Officer and Executive Vice President 

The national unemployment rate is at a shocking low of 4.4% due to growth in the manufacturing, construction, professional and technical services, health care and mining industries in 2017. This statistic indicates that the country’s economy is healthy with increased production, more jobs, steady consumer spending and less government involvement, making it hard for people to recognize the strain so many companies are currently facing due to the shortage of skilled trades employees.

Businesses in the manufacturing and construction industries have more open positions for plumbers, pipefitters, welders, electricians, technicians than qualified candidates to fill them. In fact, the skilled trades is currently the hardest segment of the workforce for employers to staff, and the gap is expected to widen. Following are three reasons leading to the gap between open positions and available employees:

1. Commercial Construction Market on the Rise
   The construction industry is expected to grow, or remain stable, in the next 12 months according to the USG Corporation + U.S. Chamber of Commerce Commercial Construction Index. The latest index score of 73 is based on three main factors: backlog, new business and revenues – meaning, the outlook for the commercial construction industry is strong and the need for qualified trades workers remains high. Companies affected by the continued market growth are fighting to hire from the same limited pool of skilled trades employees.
2. Aging Workforce
   Manufacturing and construction work can be tough due to the physical demands of the job. Most skilled trades workers can’t sustain the stress to their body much past age 65, with most employees retiring between 55 and 64 years of age. Right now, 53{daeb8d662f58e4975bc93960761d671bdf0aa2ad049ea8a375d2717d280ef80b} of skilled trades workers are over the age of 45 and for every one skilled trades employee who enters the workforce, five retire.
3. Stigma Around Skilled Jobs
   High schools, student counselors and parents are conditioned to believe that academic prep for college is the best way to go. There is a stigma that skilled jobs are low-paying and offer little advancement, but that does not hold true today. Although some parents would prefer their child to become a doctor rather than a plumber, the truth is that skilled jobs earn a good living and offer real career paths – often into white-collar management roles – and without college debt. However, this stigma results in few young people being interested in pursuing skilled professions. There are now defined pathways to bachelor degrees by starting out in an accredited apprenticeship program. Apprentices now have stackable credits that can be deployed if they choose.

Training and Awareness Alleviate Labor Shortage Pressure 

Vocational schools offer students a fast-tracked career path, typically two- or four-year programs, into a high demand career without student loans. Apprenticeship programs, like the RK Apprenticeship Program, offer students training in plumbing, pipefitting, HVAC, sheetmetal, ironwork, electrical and structural fabrication while working as a full-time employee with benefits and opportunities for advancement – plus, apprentices can earn up to 45 credit hours towards an Associates in Applied Sciences (A.A.S.). 

RK knows that you cannot build a business off of buying talent and believes that we must attract and train the next generation of skilled labor through work-based learning not only for our own success, but also for the future success of the manufacturing and construction industries. We continue to make significant investments in training and developing our talent pool through in-house training programs and by raising awareness. Check out our free whitepaper on the Swiss Apprenticeship model and see how RK is incorporating similar practices.

By: RK Electrical 

Over the next two decades, energy consumption is expected to increase by 30%, according to Oil & Gas Journal, meaning the need for better energy efficiency is necessary to keep up with our power-dependent lifestyles. To move towards a more energy-efficient future, corporations need to measure how effectively their electricity usage is through power factor.

WHAT IS POWER FACTOR?

Power factor is the ratio between the real power (what is used for heating, lighting, etc.), reactive power (what is pulled to create magnetic fields) and the apparent power (real and reactive power combined) consumed by an alternating current (AC) electrical system.

Power factor measures how efficiently electrical power is converted into useful output. Ideal power transmission is 100% efficiency or a power factor of one, anything less means that additional power is needed to achieve the same task. Unfortunately, a power factor of one is nearly impossible to sustain. Electrical devices connected to a network may use or produce power, causing variation in the power factor. If the variation isn’t corrected, higher currents are pulled from the network which can lead to:

• Grid instability or an imbalance between production and consumption of energy
• Higher fees from utility providers
• Diminished transmission capacity

Major causes of poor power factor are inductive loads on equipment. Inductive loads resist changes in current and create lag.

HOW IS POWER FACTOR CORRECTION PERFORMED?

Adding power factor correction capacitors to the electrical system is the simplest way to improve the power factor. These capacitors act as reactive current generators, which help to offset the non-working power used by inductive loads and improve the power factor. Capacitors are cost-effective, easy to install and the return on investment is typically achieved within one to two years of usage.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF IMPROVING THE POWER FACTOR?

The power distribution system in a network can be overloaded by excess current. Improving the power factor can offer many benefits, including:

• Lower electric bills by eliminating utility penalties for a poor power factor
• Improved energy efficiency due to reduced power losses
• Increased capacity of the current
• Improved voltage to equipment
• Environmentally friendly – less power needs to be generated, so less CO2 is produced
• Increased lifecycle of equipment with less heat generation within cables, switchgear, transformers and other equipment.

RK Electrical performs a variety of electrical work including repair, installation and equipment replacement for all types of electrical systems. Contact us at rkelectrical@rkindustries.com today for a free consultation.

By: RK Electrical 

An arc flash is a type of electrical explosion that occurs when electric current travels through the air between two conductors or a conductor and the ground. More specifically, the arc flash is the heat and light created by an electrically energized arc.

What Causes An Arc Flash?

• Accidentally touching the wrong surface or dropping a tool
• Sparks from breaks or gaps
• Equipment failure from faulty installation or normal wear and tear
• Dust, condensation or corrosion

What Are The Dangers?

Arc flash injuries can be violent and often cause serious injury and even death.

FIVE MOST COMMON DANGERS TO WORKERS

• Being thrown to the ground, blown into a wall or off a ladder by large shock waves
• Concussions that cause loss of memory or brain trauma
• Ruptured eardrums due to the deafening blast can cause hearing loss
• Receiving a strong shock by accidentally touching energized conductors
• Skin burns caused by heat from the blast

Because of these dangers, The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) has developed specific approach boundaries designed to protect employees while working on or near energized equipment. The further from a potential blast that a worker is, the lesser chance they have of being severely injured.

Facility managers and safety teams should work together to explain risks to employees.

Qualified employees should always wear appropriate personal protective equipment, use insulated tools and follow safety precautions when performing work on electrical equipment. The overall most effective way to eliminate the risk of an arc flash is to de-energize equipment before working on it.

DANGERS FOR BUSINESS OWNERS

It is in the best interest of business owners to regularly maintain their equipment, continue safety training for employees and provide appropriate safety precautions for anyone working with electrical equipment. Some of the most common dangers for business owners resulting from an arc flash are:

• Fire spreading throughout the building/property
• Damage to nearby equipment due to flying objects from the blast
• Extreme heat melting materials and equipment
• Increased costs due to employee injuries and equipment damage

NFPA 70E Electrical Safety Compliance standards require building owners to complete an ARC flash risk assessment on the facility’s electrical distribution system to minimize the risk of arc flash, shock hazards and injuries. RK Electrical can conduct these complex studies and provide the reporting you need for safety compliance. Contact us at rkelectrical@rkindustries.com to schedule a risk assessment.

By: RK Service

Facilities management is the maintenance of buildings and equipment. It’s a complex and difficult job which is necessary to support and help improve the effectiveness of any business. Effective facilities management aids in providing a safe and efficient working environment; and contributes to the delivery of strategic and operational objectives.

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT GOALS

Facilities teams often lack the appropriate resources needed in order to meet their facilities management goals. Many times they are overworked and can’t keep up with routine maintenance. They are too busy handling day to day duties and emergencies, requiring outside assistance in order to get back on track.

FACILITIES MANAGEMENT PARTNERSHIP

When companies need assistance reaching their facilities goals, they create a facilities management partnership. A strong partnership can formulate and realize the overall facilities management strategy. While there are many benefits to utilizing a facilities management partnership, these are the top five.

1. ASSET MANAGEMENT
   Keeping tabs on each mechanical asset is a daunting task. Today, technology has enabled service providers to inventory and track all mechanical assets on a cloud-based platform with easy to use customer Warranty status, repair and maintenance history, upcoming scheduled events and EOL forecasts are all recorded and accessible from a single source.

2. LONG-TERM CAPEX/OPEX BUDGET PLANNING
   Are you haunted by budget planning season? Eliminate the element of surprise with your CFO by creating a ten-year budget plan based on asset life expectancy. The cost of repairs and replacement are inevitable, the surprise doesn’t need to be.

3. STAFFING AUGMENTATION
   Hiring additional full-time employees can be very time consuming and expensive. A facilities management partnership reduces your staffing needs by allowing you access to licensed engineers and technicians when you need them for significantly less money and headache.

4. SCHEDULED SERVICES
   A facilities management partner will manage your ongoing maintenance schedule. Technicians will perform the maintenance tasks and supply you with a report of their findings, along with advice as to what should be done next.

5. ON-CALL SERVICES
   Find a trusted advisor who will be there when you need them. When situations arise that are outside of your skill set or you simply don’t have the coverage, a strong service partner will quickly mobilize for critical repairs and replacement.

RK Service is dedicated to maintaining an outstanding partnership in support of our clients. With our team of 80 technicians and 24-hour on-call emergency services, we are there for you when you need us the most. Utilizing our GPS-located vehicles, we’ll dispatch the nearest technician to assist you. Our diverse experience, dedicated account management and full MEP scope allow us to offer expert advice to companies looking to transform their current facilities services. A close and strategic partnership with us can limit risk and increase opportunities to add value. RK Service is backed by the power of RK, drawing on the knowledge of over 1,600 employees in a variety of trades. Contact us at servicesales@rkindustries.com to discuss your facilities management partnership needs and what we can do to help you reach your goals.

By: RK Service

Colorado is known for its severe spring and summer storms, and they typically include large hailstones. Hail forms when updrafts in thunderstorms pull rain up into frigid areas of the atmosphere where they freeze into ice pellets. When the storm can no longer support the weight of the hailstones or the updraft weakens, the hail falls to the ground. The larger the hailstones, the more damage they can do.

Hail can cause serious damage to a building’s roof or ground-mounted machinery and equipment. It often damages the facility’s condenser unit, reducing its ability to dissipate heat. This excess heat not only greatly reduces building efficiency and creates unhappy occupants, it is likely to cause the compressor and condenser fans to fail, resulting in much higher repair costs.

An RTU damaged in a major hail storm.

AFTER A BIG STORM YOU NEED TO HAVE YOUR EQUIPMENT CHECKED!

• Assess equipment exposure:
  Conduct an on-site inspection to alert you of potential problems and possible solutions.
• Repair or replace equipment:
  Hire a qualified technician to perform necessary repairs or replace your damaged equipment, if necessary.
• Prevent damage from the next storm:
  Install hail guards to protect the longevity and energy efficiency of your equipment.
• Prolong asset life and reduce your operating costs: 
  Keeping up with planned maintenance is the most efficient way to keep your equipment up and running.

Contact RK Service at servicesales@rkindustries.com to conduct a free inspection of your rooftop or ground-mounted equipment, make any emergency repairs or replacements and help you prevent damage from the next storm. If you experienced additional hail damage to your roof or windows, our team can also connect you with other experienced and reputable contractors, getting you back in business as soon as possible.

By: RK Electrical

MAY IS ELECTRICAL SAFETY MONTH

Have you been testing, cleaning and maintaining your equipment? Electrical Safety Month was created in the mid-1990s by Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI) to raise awareness of potential electrical hazards and fire safety. This is a great time to remember the importance of regularly testing, cleaning and maintaining your equipment.

Electrical equipment is used in most businesses today, but they often don’t think about the potential hazards that come along with it. If improperly used or maintained, equipment can cause serious shock, burns or even death.

10 TIPS FOR BUSINESSES TO CHECK ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT

1. Have a licensed, qualified heating technician regularly maintain your heating system and electrical equipment to prevent future problems.
2. Routinely change heating system filters to keep air properly flowing.
3. Verify that ground fault circuit interrupters are installed in areas near water, including bathrooms, kitchens, basements and outdoors.
4. Do not overload outlets, electrical circuits or motors. If it feels hot, is making a strange noise, sparking or smoking, turn it off immediately. Do not turn back on until it has been repaired by a licensed technician.
5. If an appliance appears to be damaged or repeatedly blows a fuse, unplug it and contact a technician for repair or replacement.
6. Avoid using light bulbs that exceed the recommended wattage.
7. Light switches that feel hot or spark should be immediately turned off and inspected by a qualified electrician.
8. Make sure that all circuit breakers and fuses are properly labeled.
9. Inspect extension cords for wear and tear frequently. Immediately replace any that show signs of damage.
10. Do not run electrical cords through walking areas to avoid tripping hazards.

Training and preparation are some of the most important practices a business owner can implement to increase electrical safety. Workers should be properly educated to ensure a workplace that is safe and free from electrical hazards.

5 TIPS FOR EMPLOYEES TO WORK SAFELY

1. In the case of an emergency, such as equipment malfunction or electrical fire, make sure that you know where the power source is and how to shut it off quickly.
2. If a power or extension cord feels warm, unplug it. This is a sign that it is overloaded.
3. Don’t use electrical appliances around wet areas. Also, be sure to dry your hands before using electrical appliances.
4. Always unplug equipment by gripping the plug and not the cord.
5. Never touch someone who has been electrocuted and is in contact with a live wire. Contact emergency services right away.

If you experience electrical issues, hiring a licensed electrician for repairs is the safest route. It is also important for a qualified technician to perform new installations and routine maintenance. Having a licensed professional examine your facility can help to identify potential risks and create a plan to fix the problems.

RK Electrical offers electrical installation, wiring, repair, system testing and cleaning, energy efficiency upgrades and more for all types and sizes of facilities. All our electrical services are performed to ensure your facility is safe and up to code. Contact us at rkelectrical@rkindustries.com to schedule electrical maintenance or repair.

Wind energy is growing across the United States, with nearly a quarter of the states producing 10 percent or more of their electricity from wind farms. Triple the amount produced just a few years ago.

Over the past decade, Colorado has doubled the number of wind turbines in the state to nearly 1,900. According to a report released by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, wind energy produced 14 percent of Colorado’s electricity in 2015 with more turbines planned for the near future.

Decreasing Emissions, One Blade at a Time

Wind power is a cleaner source of energy than fossil fuels, and because Colorado is one of the country’s leaders in wind energy production, it’s helping the state comply with the EPA’s Clean Power Plan. The plan was established to focus and take action on climate change by reducing carbon pollution. Wind power has grown both nationally and internationally in recent years and has drastically reduced carbon dioxide emissions worldwide.

According to the American Wind Energy Association, “Wind energy is leading the United States to a low-carbon future. Not only is wind energy reliable and affordable,” said Emily Williams, Senior Policy Analyst, “but it’s providing sustained emissions reductions in the sector that contributes the most to climate change, the power sector.” Each wind turbine avoids approximately 4,200 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year, which is equal to taking 900 cars off the road. Multiply that by 1,900 wind turbines in Colorado alone and it’s like removing 1.75 million cars from our roads.

Technology Advancements Increase Production

Over the last 10 years, innovative technology breakthroughs have increased reliability, efficiency and capacity of wind turbines making them more affordable than ever.

Improved Weather Forecasting: Better forecasting has been a major factor in the increase of wind energy production. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration meteorologists examine the forecast for energy potential from wind and notify utility companies so that they can adjust the turbines to pull the maximum wind power.

Larger Turbine Blades: To continue the shift to cleaner energy, more wind has to be captured. One solution has been to increase the length of turbine blades by a few additional feet. This small increase could generate more than double the electricity. Taller towers and longer blades could make wind the leading producer of energy worldwide.

Better Gearbox Design: Improvements in gearbox design have reduced their maintenance costs and increased their lifespan, reliability and load sharing between gears.

Transmission Improvements: Energy is collected from the wind farms, typically in rural areas, and transported through large transmission lines to urban areas where the majority of electricity is used. The electricity then travels through smaller distribution lines delivering electricity directly into buildings. New technologies, such as Dynamic Line Rating (DLR) which increases ampacity, High-Temperature Low-Sag Conductors (HTLS) which doubles capacity load and Flexible AC Transmission Systems (FACTS) which enhances controllability and increases power transfer, have allowed for increased capacity within the transmission grid.

Job Growth for Colorado and Beyond

The wind energy sector currently employs nearly 90,000 Americans, with 300,000 more jobs expected by 2030. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Wind Turbine Service Technician ranks as the fastest-growing occupation over the next decade. Wind energy is continuing to expand in Colorado, which will not only provide hundreds of new jobs to Coloradans but will also save energy customers money.

RK Steel has been assisting in the design, engineering and fabrication for the production and maintenance needs of one of the world’s leading wind turbine companies in Colorado. Some of our major projects in the wind energy sector have included custom-built shipping stands to steady blades during transportation on trucks and railroads, special lifting equipment tools and custom metal parts, such as those used to assemble the hubs of wind turbines. For more information about custom-built products that RK Steel can build for you, contact us at rksteelestimating@rkindustries.com.

By: RK Electrical 

What is Infrared Thermography?

Infrared thermography is the science of measuring temperature through detectors that are sensitive to infrared energy and displaying the result as an infrared image. All objects emit thermal energy in the form of electromagnetic radiation. The hotter the object is, the more intense the infrared radiation emitted.

How Does it Work?

Most equipment failures experience a significant rise in temperature long before the failure occurs. Infrared thermography detects heat which can help identify deteriorating pieces of equipment before they fail.

With this technology, thermal information can be captured from operating equipment at a safe distance. This allows viewing of irregular temperature readings under normal operating conditions and the ability to pinpoint the problem before the equipment breaks down.

Infrared thermography is ideal for a wide range of situations because it does not require direct contact with the equipment. It is most useful in testing parts that are unable to be shut off, difficult to reach, hot, moving, dangerous or might be damaged through direct contact. Infrared cameras are also very helpful in detecting energy or moisture-related problems in a building.

Top 5 Benefits of Infrared Thermography

1. Live Testing: Testing can be performed while equipment is functioning, reducing service disruption.
2. Detects Defects and Increases Energy Efficiency: Quickly spotting defective areas of energy loss or excess moisture allows for a faster fix and better energy efficiency.
3. More Effective Maintenance: By being able to pinpoint specific areas of need rather than testing every component, maintenance can be done more quickly and efficiently.
4. Low Inventory Costs: Since infrared thermography spots areas that could become a problem before they do, parts can be ordered as needed.
5. Real Time Results Reduce Downtime and Increase Safety: Using technology with predictive abilities and real-time recording allows companies to plan for maintenance shutdowns. This also keeps workers safe by preventing potential injuries from equipment failure.

RK Electrical uses infrared thermography to identify electrical problems, locate thermal patterns and detect hot spots in motors, breakers and switchgear enabling. We analyze this data to improve systems, enhance environmental comfort and increase building efficiency. Conserving energy in this way saves our customers money.  If you are interested in having our team inspect your equipment with infrared thermography, contact us at rkelectrical@rkindustries.com for more information.

By: RK Energy

After a painful two-year price war with The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), the worst may finally be over for the American oil and gas industry. 2016 was one of the most difficult years for the U.S. domestic oil and natural gas industry, but 2017 seems to be taking a positive turn as the industry starts to pick itself up after years of low prices and massive layoffs—plus, surviving companies are now more sophisticated.

Companies that Survived the Down Turn are Doing More with Less

Low oil prices forced companies to figure out how to do more with less, relying on sophisticated technology and lower cost options for personnel and equipment.  These companies have cut their operating expenses in half, paid off debt and increased cash flow. If they continue boosting savings and modestly increasing production, oil companies could be on track to make money this year. In addition, corporate mergers and acquisitions are more attractive as lean and highly productive companies are valuable.

Drilling Rigs are Ramping Up

The excessive amount of oil available on the international market has gradually dissipated, leading the number of drilling rigs in the U.S. to ramp back up. Compared to other states, Colorado producers have weathered the downturn with almost double the drilling rigs currently operating from the low last May.

New Factors Affect Natural Gas Prices

Natural gas prices in the U.S. used to be determined by the seasons, with winter seeing the highest prices. Now that demand is coming from a number of new sources, the weather is no longer the determining factor.

One factor is that a transition from coal to natural gas for electricity generation has begun, driving demand up. The current surplus is above the five-year average, which will slowly strengthen price. However, the real improvement in the natural gas picture lies in the hands of the producing companies. If field efficiency and new technology continue to improve, operators will need to keep a balance between their revenue needs and long-term market trends.

Demand is also picking up through the transition from gasoline to liquid natural gas (LNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicle fuel in both normal and hybrid engines. City buses and taxis are starting to use LNG and CNG along with large-end trucks.

Overall, companies that have weathered the downturn with increased efficiency and financial strength, are able to start operating drilling rigs that have been quiet for two years. Along with expanded uses for natural gas, 2017 is shaping up to be a stable and productive year for oil and gas companies.

RK Energy specializes in custom manufactured and skidded equipment for the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors in the oil and gas industry as well as renewable energy. We use advanced engineering, preconstruction and CAD modeling to fabricate skidded equipment for easy installation and maintenance in the field. If you’re looking to join the oil and gas industry revival, contact us at rkenergy@rkindustries.com to discuss what RK Energy can do for you.