By: RK Steel

Aluminum and stainless steel are considered non-ferrous materials, in other words lacking iron, which means they don’t rust or corrode and are much more malleable than ferrous metals. These materials are commonly used in place of carbon steel for areas of high moisture, salt or architectural exposure to the elements.

ALUMINUM
Aluminum originates from bauxite ore.  Once mined, it is chemically extracted into alumina which is then smelted to form pure aluminum metal.

Aluminum was used for building and construction beginning in the 1920s primarily for decorative detailing and artistic structures. However, in the 1930s, structural elements of the Empire State Building were built with aluminum opening up the material to new opportunities.

Weather-proof and corrosion-resistant aluminum structures require no painting, little maintenance and, unlike concrete, require no framework or cure time. Aluminum is lightweight yet durable which allows it to support large glass structures and solar panels. Structures built with aluminum can weigh up to two-thirds less than steel, while providing the same amount of strength. Aluminum is pliable which means that it can be formed into a variety of shapes. Its flexibility also makes it less susceptible to stress fractures than other metals. The modern skyscraper could not exist without aluminum.

Aluminum is now mainly used in construction for windows, roofing, curtain walling, cladding, architectural hardware, prefabricated buildings, shop fitting, partitions and HVAC. In addition, the material is still used for decorative detailing applications from facades to ornamental trim, windows, doors and balconies.

STAINLESS STEEL
Stainless steel is made by adding ten percent or more of chromium to low carbon steel. This combination is what gives stainless steel its unique ability to resist stains and corrosion.

One of the most impressive properties of stainless steel is that it’s self-healing. The addition of chromium provides an extremely thin transparent layer on the exterior of this alloy. If the surface is scratched or damaged it will immediately begin to rebuild itself, as long as there is oxygen present.  For this reason, stainless steel will remain shiny after many years of use without needing an additional coating to protect it.

Another major benefit of stainless steel is its strength-to-weight ratio, which allows for a thinner and lighter finished material.

Stainless steel provides a good-looking and low maintenance material that many industries rely heavily on for its durability, easy cleaning and sterilization. It can be made into bars, wire, sheets and tubing, making it ideal for surgical instruments, appliances, hardware, cookware and cutlery, industrial equipment, building material and more.

ALUMINUM AND STAINLESS STEEL ARE BOTH INFINITELY RECYCLABLE
The fact that these materials can be melted and reused time and again makes them a great choice for eco-friendly construction projects. As much as half of all new stainless steel and aluminum made in the United States is created from melted scrap metal. The sustainability of these alloys can often assist projects in qualifying for green building status under the LEED standards.

RK STEEL HAS A CLEAN ROOM DEDICATED TO ALUMINUM AND STAINLESS STEEL
It is important to segregate these materials from carbon steel materials, which contain iron, while cutting and welding so that they do not incur carbon precipitation which would cause rust and potential weld failures. For more information about RK Steel and our aluminum and stainless steel capabilities, contact us at rksteelestimating@rkindustries.com.

By: RK Energy

Pipelines are the main transportation method of the oil and gas industry. It’s essential for pipelines to be monitored and maintained in order to continue working effectively. A pigging system, which consists of PIGs and PIG launchers and receivers, cleans and inspects the pipeline without stopping the flow.

PIGs Separate Products within the Pipeline
PIGs are devices that are placed inside pipelines to clean, inspect and maintain them as they pass through. They are also used to separate products within the pipeline. They are usually cylindrical or spherical and sometimes bullet shaped.

There are two theories as to why they are called “PIGs”. One is that PIG is an acronym for Pipeline Intervention Gadget. The other is that the original PIGs were made from straw wrapped in wire and when they were sent through a pipeline they screeched against the walls creating a sound like a squealing pig.

PIG Launchers and Receivers
PIG launchers and PIG receivers are attached to an end of the pipeline and allow the PIG to enter and exit. They can be pressurized or released and then opened safely to insert or remove PIGs. They come with safety valves and a locking system to help prevent accidents. Most systems use two-way launchers and receivers that can work in either direction, as it is sometimes necessary to retrieve the PIG by the launcher if there is a clog in the pipeline which prevents it from getting to the receiver.

They are developed to be suitable to the needs of each pipeline and may be horizontal or vertical based on the requirements of the pipeline. Because every pipeline is different, there isn’t a set schedule for pigging a line. Two factors that may increase the regularity of pigging are the amount of build-up contained within a pipeline and deterioration from overuse.

Why is a Pigging System Important?

Maintenance
PIGs scour through pipelines to remove build-up and push it safely into the receiving catch. This process increases the movement and efficiency of the pipeline and avoids damage to the pipes.

Monitoring
Smart PIGs can examine and store information about the pipeline and provide data and locations in regards to defects or issues inside. The necessity to unearth functioning segments of the pipeline is greatly reduced because of this. It allows for close monitoring, including damage progression, of the affected sections.

Inspection
Some PIGs can inspect the pipeline for welding defects, fissures, internal flaws and other problems as well as provide estimates of the interior layout of the pipeline.

Separation and Environmental Benefit
PIGs can separate different products such as diesel fuel, gasoline, fuel oil and other liquids within a pipeline. Alternatively, without PIGs, the pipeline would need to be cleaned out, often with solvents, between products or risk contamination, both of which result in waste.

Safety
PIG launchers and receivers are essential to a pigging system. Their safety valves, security locks, and ability to pressurize and release ensure that PIGs can be loaded and removed safely without risk of damage to equipment, the pipeline or workers.

RK Energy specializes in fabricating PIG Launchers and Receivers in our 110,000 square foot climate controlled facility. If you are interested in finding out more about RK Energy’s products and services, contact us at rkenergy@rkindustries.com.

By: RK Mission Critical

In my blog post entitled, “Top Ten Data Center Predictions for 2016.” I predicted that 2016 would be The Year of Modular. This year we saw an increasing number companies in data-intensive industries such as healthcare, retail and financial services add prefabricated modular (PFM) data centers to their technology portfolios. Yet despite this surge in popularity, many organizations are still reticent to adopt them. I get it – there are a lot of mixed messages circulating in the marketplace. Read on as I debunk the five most common myths about PFM data centers.

Myth #1 – PFM data centers are an unproven, risky investment

This is a common misconception. According to 451 Research, there are at least 50 vendors that claim to provide PFM data center solutions. Since each of them has their own service offerings and construction methods, it pays to do your research. In the case of RK Mission Critical, the technology used in our off-site constructed data center is the same as can be found in traditionally constructed data centers.

Myth #2 – PFM data centers aren’t secure

Beginning in 2014 (aka – “The Year of the Breach”), industry stalwarts such as Target, Anthem and JPMorgan Chase all fell victim to expensive, high profile data breaches. Each of these cyber attacks led to fines, executive departures, lost revenue – and IT teams scrambling to figure out what went wrong. As a result, many of them mistakenly assume that PFM data centers are less secure than those that are traditionally constructed. However, PFM data centers can offer even higher levels of security. For example, indoor data center units are designed for colocation providers to maximize the mechanical and electrical infrastructure within their existing real estate asset, but also leverage the existing security system. Unlike building out existing space with the standard raised floors and cages, enclosed modular units offer another layer of security for customers that demand it – which is pretty much everyone these days.

Myth #3 – PFM data centers result in increased capital costs

With so many new vendors entering the market, it’s easy to get confused about what services and solutions they really offer. There are a limited number of “stock” PFM data center vendors that have difficulty deviating from their standard offerings. So any changes you request can lead to a bigger bill. However, most PFM data center providers such as RK Mission Critical only offer custom-designed, purpose-built solutions that meet an enterprise’s current needs with the ability to scale easily. Our solutions often result in less capital expense.

Myth #4 – PFM data centers are only good for certain workloads

People get thrown off by the term “modular.” They often envision small, enclosed spaces that are limited by their dimensions. Which is why RK Mission Critical refers to its solutions as “off-site constructed data centers.” Our PFM data centers can be used to create larger contiguous spaces that have a similar look and feel as traditional data centers. They provide almost limitless design flexibility, allowing enterprises to create structures that meet their exact requirements.

Myth #5 – PFM data centers force you into using their technology

People often confuse the term “pre-fabricated” with having limited vendor and technology choices. However, RK Mission Critical and other manufacturers offer custom solutions that are vendor and technology-agnostic. This approach provides IT teams the freedom and flexibility to configure their environments using any technology vendors they choose.

Considering investing in PFM data centers, but not sure where to start? The RK Mission Critical team stands ready to help. Contact us to discuss your specific data center needs.

By: RK Steel

For years, spider cranes have been used for applications such as glass and aluminum-framed wall installations in new construction and renovation projects. Recently, they have started to make a mark in mainstream general construction.

Spider cranes can get nearly any job done with ease.

Whether it’s lifting steel for installation inside of an existing structure, working in confined or underground areas or operating in harsh conditions, spider cranes can do it all. They deliver unparalleled heavy lifting capacity for heavy and compact pieces of equipment. They can often provide solutions for challenging lifting problems with the ability to work in tight areas instead of using a larger crane that must be positioned some distance away.

Spider cranes decrease site congestion and increase efficiency.

Spider cranes don’t require the space that a larger crane does to operate. This means that they reduce disruption to the construction area and limit road closures. They are often more cost and time effective. Teams can overcome obstacles including dangerous work areas by sending in a spider crane rather than trying to maneuver a full-size crane that ultimately saves endless man-hours. Transportation of a spider crane is also much easier and cheaper due to its compact size.

Spider cranes are often equipped with a wireless radio remote control system.

The remotes have a wide operating range with multi-channel frequency, which makes it nearly impossible for any type of interference. This system has been used in demanding and secure work environments such as military facilities without any interference with radar. Controlling a spider crane with a remote control opens up opportunities for use in situations that may otherwise be too dangerous.

Erecting steel in a construction setting can be difficult to navigate with a traditional crane. The construction industry frequently requires working in some of the smallest and tightest work areas which no ordinary crane can reach. Spider cranes are engineered to fit into small spaces and easily maneuver, allowing more efficient work. They are able to move through a hall as narrow as a doorway, yet expand to provide impressive lifting capability.

RK Steel has acquired a spider crane to work on steel projects in the future. Do you have a project that requires work in confined or difficult spaces?  RK Steel has just the tool and the team to get the job done!  Contact rksteelestimating@rkindustries.com for more information

By: RK Water

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently reported that Legionnaires’ disease nearly quadrupled in the United States from 2000 to 2015, and most cases could have been prevented with water treatment solutions to prohibit legionella bacterial growth in water.

From 2000 through 2014, legionellosis increased nearly fourfold, from .42 to 1.62 cases per 100,000 persons. The disease is contracted when a person breathes small droplets of water contaminated with the bacteria Legionella. In the past year, about 5,000 Americans were diagnosed, and more than 20 outbreaks were reported. About one in ten infected persons will die from the infection, and most require hospital care to make a full recovery.

The CDC cited that cooling towers are a common source of infection and must be properly maintained to prevent legionellosis, and they recently released a toolkit: Developing a Water Management Program to Reduce Legionalla Growth and Spread in Buildlings: A Practical Guide to Implementing Standards.

Most facilities managers are now familiar with ASHRAE 188-2015 which mandates that everyone with responsibility for centralized water systems-owners, corporate managers, operators and facility managers-must proactively reduce and prevent legionella growth. RK Water provides chemical treatment programs that can be added to existing water treatment programs to reduce the odds of legionella.

We also offer innovative non-chemical technologies like Silver Bullet which uses biocide oxidizers, known as hydroxyl radicals, to kill bacteria and maintain it at low and safe levels-even more effectively than chlorine. In a 2012 University of Pittsburgh study, Silver Bullet™ reduced free-floating legionella bacteria concentration by 78.1{daeb8d662f58e4975bc93960761d671bdf0aa2ad049ea8a375d2717d280ef80b}. It also reduced free-floating Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) bacteria by 98.8{daeb8d662f58e4975bc93960761d671bdf0aa2ad049ea8a375d2717d280ef80b} and immobile HPC bacteria by 85.9{daeb8d662f58e4975bc93960761d671bdf0aa2ad049ea8a375d2717d280ef80b}. The HPC test measures microorganisms such as bacteria, yeast and mold in drinking water.

Silver Bullet is safe, quick to install and doesn’t require a large capital investment. The equipment is installed at a facility as an adjunct to its existing water system and the facility pays a monthly rental fee. No large equipment to purchase, and RK Water handles installation, service and maintenance. Want to protect your water system from Legionella? Consider Silver Bullet if you prefer a non-chemical, sustainable solution.

By: RK Service

When organizations plan their facilities maintenance budgets, drain cleaning and maintenance is often overlooked as most funds are allocated to HVAC, climate control and general plumbing.

For many businesses, once or twice a year is an acceptable schedule for drain maintenance. But for businesses that pass a lot of water or liquids on their floors, or for restaurants whose drains capture grease, drain maintenance is best performed quarterly because clean drains will help reduce the severity of future back-ups.

When too much stuff gets inserted down drains, they will back-up – this is an issue that can’t always be prevented in advance. However, planned maintenance CAN keep drains more clear and open year-round, helping them to pass more stuff through that could have otherwise caused a back-up.

Key components of a planned maintenance program for your drains.

1. Get on a planned maintenance agreement to reduce issues:
   Organizations typically don’t know they have a drain problem until a drain is already backed up. While no company can prevent all back-ups, regular annual to quarterly drain maintenance will help keep lines clear to reduce the frequency or severity of back-ups.
2. Restaurants: Schedule drain cleaning when you have grease traps pumped:
   Many restaurants have a maintenance agreement to have their grease traps pumped. This is an excellent time to remember to have your drains inspected and cleaned out too. Schedule a concurrent maintenance agreement for planned drain cleaning and get both done at the same time.
3. Only hire a firm that’s capable of resolving the core issues:
   Lots of plumbing companies will clean out a drain, but they may not be able or willing to carefully inspect your drain systems to uncover and resolve the root causes of repeated problems. For example, our technicians are trained to use video cameras for line locates and to view lines for obstructions, corrosion or other issues. Then we can work toward improving the entire drain system.
4. Find a firm with multiple capabilities so they can treat your facility holistically:
   Drain issues can uncover the need for more extensive plumbing or excavation work. RK Service offers a wide variety of services, including excavation, HVAC and more. If your drain issues point to other areas that need to be serviced, we can service them all with an intimate knowledge of all aspects of your facility and equipment.
5. Why is planned maintenance important in addition to repairs as-needed?
   Outsourcing drain cleaning and annual to quarterly planned maintenance calls can ensure that maintenance occurs on regular schedule and is conducted in a thorough manner, and also helps drains function optimally to help avoid or reduce back-ups and other issues.

Questions? Contact RK Service at service@rkindustries.com – We can answer any questions about your facility, drains and what steps you may need to take to improve their performance.

By: RK Energy

Excessive costs associated with maintaining oil and gas sites are risky, the smart solution is to rent equipment instead of purchase it.

Due to limited resources, profits can drop drastically because of the substantial up-front cost that comes with buying new equipment. Rental equipment is a great alternative that can also greatly reduce industry barriers allowing for multiple projects to occur simultaneously. In addition, many oil field and construction equipment suppliers rent out specialized equipment for individual needs and often streamline the process by delivering and installing it on site as well.

There are several hidden costs to owning oil and gas equipment.

Besides the decrease in value that comes with years of use, owners are also responsible for equipment repair, maintenance, transportation and more. Renting reduces these concerns and often allows renters the option to buy the equipment down the line. Ongoing maintenance costs are typically included with a rental which avoids unexpected expenses if a piece of equipment suddenly needs service.

During a downturn, companies focus on increasing production to remain competitive and profitable.

With an increase in production comes more exploration, projects and equipment to do the job. Renting equipment allows a business to have multiple on-going projects without tying up too much cash in equipment.

Companies should look beyond rental rates when deciding on a piece of equipment or rental company.

It’s important to understand the rental company’s ability to service and obtain parts quickly which can affect long-term savings and peace of mind. Customers should consider operating costs, emissions generation, increased performance and maintenance requirements as well.

Government regulations can also increase costs when purchasing equipment. Renting equipment ensures that operations are in compliance with regulations rather than having to invest in new equipment when a regulation changes.

Renting can help operators test out the latest technologies and models, gain equipment knowledge, obtain access to specialized or temporary-use equipment, analyze equipment before buying and avoid high start-up costs and maintenance.

By: RK Mechanical

Hospital construction requires perfection from conception to completion. To ensure safety, healthcare building design is governed by codes, standards and regulations.

The most recent change in healthcare building standards was to the NFPA 99: Health Care Facilities Code. This code establishes criteria for healthcare systems or services based on the risk to the staff, patients or visitors in healthcare facilities in order to minimize the hazards of fire, explosion and electricity. This code applies to all healthcare facilities other than home care. It’s intended for professionals involved in the design, construction, inspection and maintenance of healthcare facilities, as well as to the design, manufacture, and testing of equipment and appliances used in patient rooms within healthcare facilities.

This latest edition, 2012 NFPA 99, presents significant changes for the first time since 2005. It has undergone a complete restructuring from prior editions and is now a risk-based code document instead of a facility-based document. The occupancy-based approach was replaced by a categorization of each healthcare facility system regarding its risk to patients’ welfare. Earlier requirements have been removed and replaced by a focus on risk instead of occupancy. New chapters have been introduced for IT and communication systems, HVAC, plumbing, security, emergency management and features of fire protection unique to healthcare facilities.

NFPA 99: Health Care Facilities Code guides users to first determine the level of system category contingent upon the risks to the patients and caregivers within the facilities. The system categories are determined by following a defined risk assessment procedure. Depending on these results, and the system category classification of the healthcare facility, the minimum criteria for gas vacuum, gas equipment, gas electrical system, electrical systems and equipment, plumbing, HVAC, IT and communication systems, emergency management, security management and fire protection features are then determined.

RK Mechanical has worked on several major healthcare facilities both locally and nationally. We understand the complex requirements and have the experience to keep your staff and patients safe­—and your facility operational.

Looking to build or renovate a healthcare facility? RK Mechanical would be happy to discuss our services with you. Contact RK Mechanical at communications@rkindustries.com for more information.

Sources:

www.csemag.com, NFPA 99: Health care facilities code overview
www.nfpa.org, NFPA 99: Health Care Facilities Code

By: RK Electrical 

When organizations plan their facilities maintenance budgets, electrical maintenance is often overlooked as most funds are allocated to HVAC, climate control and plumbing systems.

It’s good to reassess the budget, because proper preventive electrical maintenance helps organizations stay compliant with NFPA 70E, the standard for electrical safety in the workplace. Maintenance also ensures a safe electrical system and work environment that complies with OSHA electrical safety standards.

Organizations that perform electrical maintenance also save money on utility bills. It is estimated that U.S. businesses lose roughly $4 billion a year in energy costs due to inefficient equipment and operations. Improving energy efficiency can lower utility costs up to 30{daeb8d662f58e4975bc93960761d671bdf0aa2ad049ea8a375d2717d280ef80b}.

The key components of a preventive electrical maintenance program.

Infrared thermography scanning every three years
Infrared thermography is an effective method of scanning your electrical system for “hot spots” in motors, breakers and switchgear that indicate problems. The data shows what’s needed to improve systems, enhance environmental comfort and increase building efficiency. Infrared thermography scans should be performed every three years and are ideal before cleaning and torqueing as it may point out issues that can be fixed in the cleaning and torqueing process.

Cleaning and torqueing electrical equipment every three years
The lugs in electrical gear constantly get heated up, then cooled off, causing repeated expansion and contraction that, over time, loosens them up. It’s important to have a qualified electrician clean electrical panels and switch gear, and then torque the lugs and any other loose components to meet the manufacturers’ equipment specifications.

Without maintenance, the loose lugs can start arcing, increasing the risk of fires and shock hazards. Motors can burn out, which can cause outages and electrical issues throughout the building. The building will also suffer from decreased energy efficiency. If you don’t have qualified electrical personnel for three-year cleaning and torqueing, you can easily outsource it under a Planned Maintenance Agreement with a provider like RK Electrical.

Lighting audits and improvements annually
Compromised lighting systems can have a serious negative impact on energy efficiency. Your organization should perform a lighting audit once a year by checking all lights in the facility. Do the lights and sensors work? Do the switches work properly? Is the timing system set to on/off at the right times? If not, your facility could be losing lots of money!

Additionally, entry and exit lights near doors and in stairwells are required work properly at all times, per NFPA code, and these lights can go out quickly because they have a short battery life. Batteries require checking and they may need EM balancing. Check these lights first for NFPA compliance, or have a licensed electrical professional from RK Electrical do it!

Why outsource?
Outsourcing electrical preventive maintenance can ensure that maintenance occurs on regular schedule and is conducted in a thorough manner, and also fills staffing gaps if your internal team lacks electrically qualified personnel.

Questions? Contact us at rkelectrical@rkindustries.com.

By: RK Steel

People often admire the skyscrapers which are erected as cities expand and develop.  What many don’t realize is that countless ironworkers get injured every year, often seriously, during the erection of these structures. They frequently work at jaw-dropping heights and, unfortunately, elevated work doesn’t forgive lapses in safety. It also rarely gives second chances. Here are some hazards that ironworkers face and safety practices that could save their lives.

Preventing Falls

As indicated in a 2015 presentation by an OSHA specialist, 9% of fatal falls were from structural steel, specifically during steel erection.

To protect employees from falls at varying heights, companies must establish training and protocol that exceeds safety requirements, creates happier and healthier employees and lowers Experience Modification Rating (EMR). EMR is a number used by insurance companies to gauge the cost of past injuries and future risk for a company. Here are some best practices to follow in order to avoid falls:

• Written job site and hazard-specific plan.
• Employee orientation training and periodic on-going training related to the job.
• Fall protection systems that are appropriate for the work and situation. Train workers in the proper selection, use and maintenance of fall protection systems.
• Contractors and job sites should have established tie-off requirements at heights above 6 feet.
• Rescue and retrieval plan with trained rescue personnel for every elevated job site. Workers hanging from a fall arrest system must be rescued in a safe manner, protecting the rescuer from falls, and quickly to prevent further injury.

Avoiding Trapping / Crushing Injuries

Entrapment and crushing injuries in boom lifts often occur when the operator is reversing, slewing or elevating the platform into an unacknowledged obstruction. Here are a few best practices to avoid accidents.

• When elevating near obstructions use controls in this sequence: drive, elevate, slew, telescope, fine control.
• Do not lean over platform controls while moving.
• Always check the direction of movement of the aerial work platform with reference to the direction arrows on the AWP base and platform controls before activating secondary guarding.
• Consider adding secondary guarding solutions to your fleet of aerial work platforms.

Controlling Loads with Taglines

Taglines are used to oppose uncontrolled rotation of a load, alter the rotation of a suspended load, assist in controlling swinging, and avoid the need for workers to control the load with their hands. They are not intended to pull a load out of its natural suspended line, hold a load against wind forces or help support a load. Here are some best practices:

• Avoid placing hands directly on a load.
• Assuming 45-degree angles from load to handler, the tagline should be at least 1.5 times the height plus six feet.
• Tagline rope should be laid across the palm of one hand and firmly gripped.
• Never wrap the line around a beam, column or rail.

Protecting Hands

Hand injuries account for about 1/3 of all disabling job-related injuries each year. More than 80% of these injuries are caused by pinch hazards. Here are some ways to protect your hands from injury:

• Hands Off: Use tag lines at all times.
• Identify pinch points and provide guards.
• Be aware of hand placement and pinch points.
• Watch for folding or collapsing loads.
• Always wear impact and cut-resistant gloves in good condition.
• Establish a glove policy.
• Do not operate tools or equipment without guards.

At RK we take safety seriously. Our full-time, licensed safety managers empower employees to take responsibility for their own safety, as well as those working alongside them. We have a zero-injury goal on every project. To learn more about RK Steel or our safety procedures please contact Kirk Schoech at Kirk.Schoech@rkindustries.com.

Source: “Keeping Ironworkers Safe Takes Education, Training and a Daily Dose of Reminders” by SEAA Safety Committee – SEAA Connector Magazine, 2016 Spring Edition