By: RK Service

Boilers are one of the most important pieces of equipment for facilities in many industries. They play a critical role in energy production and other industrial processes as well as provide comfortable working conditions in commercial buildings. Although proactive boiler maintenance improves efficiency and lowers costs, the primary benefit is peace of mind, something you simply can’t put a price on.

A Planned Maintenance Agreement for boiler systems helps prevent shutdowns. If a boiler breaks down, operations can grind to a halt and cause a loss in productivity. Proactive maintenance uses scientific techniques and analysis to predict and fix boiler problems before they arise. Maintenance reduces the stress a heating system undergoes during regular operation. A boiler can begin to develop corrosion and loose connections if it does not receive routine maintenance.

Here are some of the main benefits of a Planned Maintenance Agreement:

Some signs that your boiler may need servicing:

Startup, Shutdown and Layup: Under an Agreement, We Take Care of it!
Each year, when fall rolls around, specific procedures need to be followed prior to restarting a boiler that has been dormant for the summer months. The entire system should be checked over and operating procedures carefully reviewed by a service technician before putting the boiler back into operation. Proper startup is required to keep a boiler operating efficiently throughout the year.

A proper layup in the spring is also necessary for the protection of the boiler while in storage. The quality of a layup in spring will translate to the quality of the startup in fall. Startup, shutdown and layup and proactive maintenance throughout the year all contribute to keeping the system in good working condition.

RK Service can help provide you the peace of mind of knowing that your system is maintained properly throughout the year and will work when you need it most. Contact us at service@rkindustries.com for more information or to schedule maintenance.

By: RK Energy

When companies in the oil and gas industry need to keep a pipeline flowing, improve well production or neutralize corrosive substances, they use Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) technology such as water injection. Water injection systems are typically skid-mounted. In other words, the equipment is permanently mounted in a frame or onto a metal pallet during the manufacturing process. Skid-mounted equipment allows for easy, secure and safe transport as a unit to the field.

How It Works

Water injection involves drilling injection wells into a reservoir and adding water to stimulate oil production. The water helps to increase pressure within the reservoir which, in turn, helps to move the oil. An added bonus to this technology is the reduction in emissions. Water injection cools the combustion temperature which limits the level of Nitrogen Oxide that is released.

Water injection wells are drilled or production well can be converted into injection wells. Water is then pumped into the reservoir or gravity can help move the liquid along the pipeline.

Various sources of water are used for water injection. Filtration and processing of the water is sometimes required to avoid materials clogging the pipeline and to prevent bacteria growth. In order to reduce corrosion within the reservoir oxygen is also often removed from the water.

Increased Oil Recovery

Whether water injection occurs after oil has been depleted from the reservoir or before production has been drained, the injection of water pushes remaining oil to production wells where it can be recovered. Normally only 30% of the oil in a reservoir can be extracted, but with water injection anywhere from 5% to 50% of the remaining oil can be recovered, greatly enhancing the productivity and economics of the development.

Methods of Water Injection

There are a number of techniques for determining where water-injection wells should be drilled and what patterns they should be drilled in. Here are some of the most popular drilling techniques and patterns:

Quality Fabrication

RK Energy specializes in all oil field related products and services and is proud to be the National leader in the fabrication of water injected skidded equipment. The ease of maintenance is considered in the design of every building that RK Energy fabricates. Each water injection skid includes a simplex or duplex charge pump with low Net Positive Suction Head (NPSH) requirements, a filtering system, horizontal centrifugal water injection pumps, a flow transmitter and a flow metering valve. All parts are produced with stainless steel or coated carbon steel pipe. Water injection skids can also be built with enclosures for noise reduction and protection from the outdoor elements. Every enclosed building fabricated by RK Energy includes a North Dakota wiring certificate and is Colorado Resolution 35 compliant. Contact us at rkenergy@rkindustries.com for more information or a free consultation.

By: RK Mechanical

Whether a project is large or small, there is always a skilled team building and installing the systems that make facilities safe, efficient and dependable. Today, many general contractors and subcontractors have a special projects team dedicated to projects that have a fast schedule or a sensitive working environment. All contractors define their special projects parameters differently.

Operating in Unique Conditions at a Fast Pace
Special projects have always been a large part of RK’s business. The RK Mechanical Special Projects group incorporates all aspects of mechanical construction and maintenance and provides the same preconstruction services as RK’s traditional Mechanical business unit, but typically in sensitive or occupied environments and almost always at a fast pace. RK defines a special project as one with unique criteria or size that requires ingenuity and construction excellence.

Pre-planning Regardless of Project Size
RK Mechanical’s Special Projects group believes that all projects should have careful pre-planning, such as budgeting, estimating and value engineering, regardless of their scope. The team provides insights on technology, design, building codes, energy standards, and changing market conditions in order to successfully lead and manage projects from start to finish. The group also uses tools like Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Building Information Modeling (BIM), as well as Design Build and Design Assist to ensure that projects are successful from the start.

$1,500 or $2 Million, 1 Day or 3 Years – They’re All Covered
RK Mechanical Special Projects’ contract values are generally around $2 million or less but can vary depending on the project. The majority of the work performed by the group is equipment refurbish and replacement or tenant improvements. The two main leading indicators of a special project is the need for a quick response time and speed to market. Project length can be anywhere from one day to multiple years, depending on the specific circumstances. The average duration for a project is around three months long. Although some projects can last multiple years, those are generally owner direct time and materials work.

A Strong Team is a Great Asset
The RK Mechanical Special Projects group is run by two operations managers, Jim Martin and Mark Rawlings.  There are a total of five project managers, eight project engineers, five estimators, a project/estimating coordinator, a project accountant and two dedicated account executives. The group is fully staffed to work on any design build, design assist or hard bid project.

Project owners can expect friendly service, commitment, experience and responsiveness from the RK Mechanical Special Projects team with the financial strength and buying power of an established, award-winning company. For more information about RK Mechanical Special Projects’ capabilities contact us at sales@rkindustries.com.

By: RK Service

Colorado residents are no strangers to hail damage. In fact, all of Colorado east of the Rocky Mountains (including the Front Range) is prone to frequent hail exceeding ¾ inches in diameter and up to golf ball-sized 1.75 inches. Hail this size can cause serious damage to roof or ground-mounted machinery and equipment. September and October are big months for hail, so now’s a good time to consider how to protect your equipment.

RK Service is often called to repair hail damage to rooftop HVAC system condenser units. Condensing units typically feature a coil made of copper (which has high thermal conductivity) that is covered with many thin aluminum fins (to provide high surface area). The condenser coil uses these copper coils and aluminum fins to dissipate heat from the building.  Hail damages the condenser unit by crushing the fins and denting the coils which reduce its ability to dissipate heat. This excess heat not only greatly reduces building efficiency, it is likely to cause the compressor and condenser fans to fail resulting in much higher repair costs.

Tips on Reducing Rooftop HVAC Hail Damage
Although RK Service can repair most hail damage, there are ways you can reduce or prevent it!

Assess equipment exposure: First, it’s a great idea to physically inspect all rooftop equipment to gauge its potential exposure to hail and other weather elements. If you’re not sure how to conduct an inspection, just ask us—RK Service will conduct an on-site inspection and alert you to potential problems.

Install hail guards: These are a good investment for protecting the longevity and energy efficiency of your equipment. If you don’t want to do the install yourself, RK Service can install them for you.

Perform planned maintenance to keep equipment free of dirt and debris: Don’t have the staff to do it yourself? RK Service performs routine inspection, cleaning and maintenance on rooftop condensers and can attest that a planned maintenance agreement will keep your equipment running longer and stronger—plus, no staffing headaches for you!

Already Hit by Hail? Work with a Service Repair Company that Knows Insurance
At RK Service, our service goes well beyond repairing hail damage. One of our most valuable services is interfacing with customers’ insurance companies to help them take full advantage of their premiums.

Make sure your service repair company is good at communicating with insurance companies: You want your service provider to represent you well, not cause additional problems. RK Service excels at getting the best out of insurers.

It’s ideal if your service repair company can help you identify other contractors: What if you also need roof repairs, or need to replace broken windows? RK Service can connect you with other reputable contractors that are also experienced at dealing with insurance agencies on your behalf. We can even coordinate other contractor’s work for you.

Choose One Provider that Knows your Equipment
When you choose one service company that offers prevention (such as hail guards), emergency repairs and on-going planned maintenance, you take advantage of a firm that knows your equipment inside and out and has the historical knowledge of your equipment to more accurately and quickly troubleshoot issues, resulting in repairs done right the first time. Contact RK Service at service@rkindustries.com – we’ll conduct a free weather protection inspection of your rooftop or ground-mounted equipment, or make any emergency repairs that September hail may bring.

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.