Supporting Renewable Resources

It is true we currently depend highly on expendable resources (“The Future of Oil & Gas,” Industrial Market Trends, Jan. 21, 2003). Many projections go to 2025, and we are way behind on developing renewable resources. It took us about 200 years to get to where we presently are and we have 50 years to make a transition. This is not a question of which one we need or want. The reality is we will need both. The only question is how smoothly the transition will be.

Getting renewable organizations to the place where traditional energy providers will invest in them or buy them has been a real challenge and it will continue to be. The government provides financing and financial help, but they more often than not fail to adequately check on what our financial help is doing. This is shaping up to be the greatest challenge in the history of civilization, and traditionally has been left to others to handle.

We have already reached the state where conservation is touted. But make no mistake; conservation is not a solution, only a delay. The impact on economies, transportation, and lifestyle is apparent. We have much work to do and many ignorant obstructions to overcome.

Sincerely,
Hugh Coleman
Kelso, WA

Ceiling Paddle Fans

While this recent article (“Warming Up Your Warehouse,” Industrial Market Trends, Jan. 21, 2003) is a fine examination of different types of heat, one avenue that should have been discussed is the use of industrial ceiling paddle fans to reclaim heat that stratifies at higher levels.

As the cost of energy continues to rise, the use of properly placed and matched industrial ceiling paddle fans can help reclaim heat, thus reclaiming dollars. In facilities with many loading docks, the positioning of ceiling fans about 18″-24″ below ceiling level will provide a warm flow of air down into the dock area. This has many benefits (especially when the fans are run 24/7). The air itself is warmed. The concrete floor is turned into a heat sink. Moisture on the floor (from windblown or tracked rain, snow, etc.) is more quickly dried, thus lowering the company’s exposure to liability issues and lost time due to slips and falls. A 60″ paddle fan of this nature runs on less than 1 amp while moving over 40,000 cfm of air and covering an area of 5500 sq. ft.

Before additional heating is added to warehouses, it would make more sense to destratify the air that is already heated and get more heat for every dollar spent. Ceiling paddle fans can be added for MUCH less money than would be involved in adding additional heat-producing equipment.

I really enjoy your e-mail newsletter. Keep up the interesting work.

Larry E. Grabb
VP – Sales/Marketing
HRS Fans, Inc.
Carmel, IN

Dangerous Information

I have to question the wisdom of posting a virtual cookbook with directions on how to infiltrate various wireless technologies. Anyone that knows how to operate a computer and has this article (“U.S. Power Grid Vulnerable to Cyberattacks,” Industrial Market Trends, Jan. 21, 2003) available has directions on what to do; step 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.

I acknowledge a need to alert the industrial arena regarding security issues and an article like this one should have just about every LAN manager steppin’ and fetchin’ to plug leaks. However, in stark contrast, a person who otherwise does not deserve the moniker of “hacker” doesn’t even have to do any original “hacking.” There is a cookbook on the web for lots of people types to look at.

Perhaps the information was already in existence at some other site. But does that remove the responsibility from whomsoever chooses to post the cookbook from spreading inappropriate information?

Perhaps a workable alternative would be to post some alarming, eye-catching passage that does not include critical information. Within the passage would be an opportunity for concerned managers to request additional information. An opportunity for screening inquiries develops in this situation.

So, is this paranoia or prudent thought? It is difficult to discern the line separating these ideas in light of the manner of world terrorist activities. I would conjecture something similar to this article might have been considered as treasonous, say around 1944, regarding some other technology at that time. A paradigm for appropriate e-information has yet to be established. By golly, I don’t know how that would be initiated nor enforced. That depth of knowledge escapes me. But, if I wait and watch the Net, maybe some agency will publish the information and how to circumvent it.

The writing was well done however.

Best Regards,
Bob Wright
Research Associate and
Wood Chemistry Pilot Plant Manager
WoodScapes Editor
Wood Science and Forest Products Department T.M. Brooks Forest Products Center
Blacksburg, VA

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