Monday, January 19, 2009
What's All the Fuss About Home Water Filters?
I write about this subject because I have always been a water drinking enthusiast. My picky taste buds have fueled my search for home water filters that deliver a refreshing, sweet-tasting drink of water. However, I never understood, until recently, how using one of these purification systems could have a tremendous impact on my health and well-being.
During my research I have learned that scientific experts have identified over 75,000 different toxic chemicals that have the potential for being present in our water supplies at any given moment. I know that sounds unbelievable, but just consider that the federal government requires water utilities to provide every customer with a detailed report that lists everything that is in their water.
So now that the problem has been officially recognized its easy to see where all the fuss comes from. But just how do water filters work and how do you know which systems are the best? Well, I've examined the more popular systems and have reached some clear conclusions about the home water filters that do the best job.
Reverse osmosis and distillation are popular systems that were developed for industry but then adapted for home use. The problem with these two systems is that they have major drawbacks when it comes to getting rid of a particular type of organic chemical toxins. These toxins include herbicides and pesticides. These two systems also have problems filtering out certain bacterial cysts. These two filtering processes are incompatible with the molecular size of these contaminants.
In order to be effective home water filters, r.o. and distillation need the addition of a carbon filter system to make up for their filtering deficiencies. These filters must be changed on a regular basis to avoid the build up dangerous chemical toxins.
Since these systems are expensive to begin with, it doesn't make sense to add on an additional expense (and inconvenience) when there is a more affordable and effective alternative. But I'll come to that in a moment..
These two filtration systems have another serious drawback that you should be aware of. Reverse osmosis and distillation strip important mineral content out of the water. The natural calcium, magnesium and potassium that is present in water is vital to your good health.
Medical experts have noted the dangers of drinking demineralized water. They caution that small children, whose bodies are still developing, are among the people who most need to be mineral water healthy.
So how do the best water filters work to get rid of most toxins while leaving minerals untouched? Well, this is where the effective alternative comes in. I have found that home water filters based on a new technology called multi-stage filtration comprehensively purify the water without removing minerals.
In addition to the health and safety benefits that multi-stage filtration provide, you can find a variety of water purification appliances designed to meet every household need. Multi-stage filtration comes in the form of affordable kitchen faucet, shower and whole home water filters. You will also find these appliances easy to install and maintain.
Make no mistake. When it comes to your health and well-being, the fuss about home water filters makes sense. I have more information that answers the question, "how do water filters work?" at my web site. I invite you to drop by and see what all the fuss is about.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Spa Water Treatment Options
Minerals can be used to treat the spa water with less harmful effects. First, Copper can be used to treat your water and keeps stuff from growing in your water. It is a lot safer for your skin, hair and health, and won’t cause premature break down of your pump and jet components. Still, because it does a good job of killing things you need to use care when you empty your spa. Some areas have banned using copper to treat water because if it does end up in the water shed it will kill fish and algae.
Another popular choice is Silver and zinc. I would just recommend sticking with the liquid based versions. You should never use anything directly in the filter area of the spa because you do not want the risk of anything being sucked into the water pump.
Ozone can also be effective in water treatment. It works by exposing ultra violet light to air which forms an energetic oxidizer. It destroys algae, viruses and bacteria. Again you should know how to use your system properly. Avoid over exposure to ozone while using the spa. No ozone bubbles should be entering the spa during occupancy. Also you should not be able to smell ozone while you are in the spa.
One thing that a lot of spa owners forget about is checking your spa water pH. Maintaining the proper pH level can greatly improve the effectiveness of the water treatment. Spa water that is not properly balanced can cause irritation to eyes, and mucous membranes. Just because you keep a handle on your chemical treatment, do not get lazy about checking the pH.
Finally, circulation of the water. Stagnant water, especially warm stagnant water is a breeding ground for life. Regular circulation of the water for significant periods of time will reduce the need for chemicals and increases the effectiveness of the spas filtration. It is better overall for your spa pump to run for three to four hours at a time for two to three times per day as opposed to running for thirty minutes at a time ten times per day. If your spa only runs for thirty minutes it does no have enough time to properly filter all the spa water.
The bottom line is that yo want to be able to enjoy your spa for years to come. However like your car, regular maintenance can have a profound influence on that. If you maintain your car, change the oil, replace the filters, rotate the tires, you stand a much better choice of enjoying your vehicle with fewer unpleasant surprises. The same goes for your spa.
Source: Free Articles
Monday, January 5, 2009
Hydrogen The Future Energy Sources For Fuel
Burned or used in fuel cells, hydrogen is an appealing option for powering future automobiles. This nontoxic gas could serve as a pollution-free energy carrier for machines of many kinds. When it burns, it releases no carbon .dioxide, a potent greenhouse gas.
And if hydrogen is fed into a fuel cell stack a battery like device that generates electricity from hydrogen and oxygen it can propel an electric car or truck with only heat and water as by products. Fuel-cell powered vehicles could offer more than twice the efficiency of today's automobiles. Hydrogen could, therefore, help ease environmental problems, including air pollution and its hazards.
Weight for weight, hydrogen contains three times the energy of gasoline (petrol) but it is impossible to store hydrogen gas as compactly as the conventional liquid fuel. One of the most challenging technical issues is how to efficiently and safely store enough hydrogen onboard to provide the driving range and performance the motorists demand. Feasible storage devices hold sufficient hydrogen to support today's minimum acceptable travel (driving range--almost 500 kms)--on a fuel tank that does not compromise on luggage room. These tanks have to be filled or recharged in a few minutes. Lot many researchers in the U8 Internal Energy Agency are expending considerable effort to overcome these limitations. Infact, 17 governments are committed to advancing hydrogen and fuel-cell technologies. In 2005 the US Department of Energy provide4 $ 30 million to fund the 80 research projects.
A 500 km. minimum driving range is one of the principal operational aims of the auto industry. Engineers believe that a~allon of gasoline is equal,on an energy basis, to a kilogram of hydrogen.(One US gallon is almost 3.8 litres) Whereas today's automobile needs about 20 gallons of gasoline to travel 500 km.,the typical fuel-cell vehicle would need only 8 kilograms of hydrogen. Several automakers have tested about 60 hydrogen -fuelled prototypes and demonstrated driving ranges of 200 to 300 kms.
By 2010 some auto companies expect the first production of fuelcell cars to hit-the road. A hydrogen storage system must carry enough fuel for at least a 500 km trip and also be light enough to haul around a car. For a system weighing 600 kilograms (a reasonable~ size of a vehicle) ,six kgs. would be stored hydrogen. Liquified stored hydrogen can improve it's stored energy density and could be used in cars, it drawbacks notwithstanding. Neverthe less, One world-renowned carmakerBMW is pushing this technology onto the road. The vehicle called HYDROGEN-7 will incorporate an ,internal combustion engine capable of running on either gasoline for 500 Kms.or on liquid hydrogen for 250 kms.
Chemical compaction: to raise energy density scientists have been able to take advantage of the chemistry of hydrogen itself. In it~ liquid phase, hydrogen molecules contain two bound atoms each. But when hydrogen molecules are chemically bound to certain other elements, they can be packed even closer together than in liquid hydrogen.
Some researchers are focusing on a class of substances called reversible metal hydrides, which were discovered by accident in 1969 at the Philips Laboratories in the Netherlands. Investigators found that a Samarium-Cobalt alloy when exposed to pressurized hydrogen gas it would absorb hydrogen, somewhat like a sponge soaks up water. When the pressure was then removed ,the hydrogen within the alloy reemerged in other words, the process was reversible,
In the US, scientists like Jame Reilly and Gary Sandrock,pioneered the development of hydride alloys. This work formed the basis for today's widely used Nickel-Metal hydride batteries.The density of hydrogen in these alloys is 150 % more than liquid hydrogen! Such properties of metal hydrides are well suited to automobiles. Although the current metal hydrides have limitations, many automakers see them as the most viable low-pressure approaching the near future. Toyota and Honda automotive engineers, are planning a so-called hybrid approach in a system that combines a solid metal hydride with moderate pressure (lower than 10,000 psi) ,which they predict could achieve a driving range of more than 500 kms.
Designeer Materials: recent developments in nanoscale engineering have yielded a host of new high-surface-area materials, some with ~ more than 5,000 sq.mt. of surface area per gram of material. Carbon -based materials are mostly light weight and low cost. Over the centuries ,the basic promise -and challenge-of using hydrogen for transportatiQ1has remained fundamentally unchanged. Nevertheless finding a suitable container to store hydrogen in automobiles will soon permit people tp travel across the globe in the next decade without fouling or polluting the sky above us.
--
Archna Gupta is a veteran in the marketing of Internet and writing of the articles on the range of subjects. For any information on currently working on India Holidays and Amarnath Yatra
Source: http://www.articletrader.com
Friday, January 2, 2009
Water - A Precious Tourist Resource
biza is confronting these challenges. Ibiza is located in the Mediterranean Sea and is the third largest of the Balearic Islands autonomous community of Spain.
The island rests approximately 80 kilometers off Spain's coast. Ibiza's largest cities are Ibiza Town, Santa Eula, ria des Riu and Sant Antoni de Portmany.
Ibiza is spending approximately 13.5 million Euros or more than 17.3 million U.S. dollars to get fresh water. Spain's Ministry of the Environment is spending this to upgrade the islands water infrastructure.
On the island, three plants produce fresh water for residents and tourists. These plants are in Ibiza Town, Santa Eulalia and San Antonio.
Only certain parts of the island have access to this desalinated water. Some areas of Ibiza still get their water from wells. The problem is that water from these wells has high concentrations of calcium and salt. This is not the best for washing hair, dishes or clothing.
The hard water is also not good for dishwashers and washing machines. The mineral deposits from the water build up in pipes and tanks. It's the same when hard water build up mineral deposits in kettles and coffee machines, which require de-scaling. This is the problem locals and visitors face in certain parts of Ibiza.
The upgrade by The Ministry of the Environment will provide connections to the three desalination plants on the island. Towns and villages on the island will be able to enjoy fresh water. This will make the island even more attractive to visitors who wish to explore this holiday destination who aren't just visiting for the weather in Ibiza
Ibiza is not the only area facing water challenges. Las Vegas has a continuing battle on their hands with H2O. Las Vegas has been experiencing droughts in recent years.
A trend that may continue for the near future, it has officials concerned. In 2007, some news reports in the city said that proposed water projects are falling short of what the area will require.
There is also significant population growth in Las Vegas. This is putting a strain on the water supply in itself. Then couple that with the influx of tourists daily, and their water needs. Water levels at neighbouring Lake Mead in Nevada have dropped. In recent years, they are half of what they were seven years ago.
The Southern Nevada Water Authority has spent millions for new pumps to bring water in from the lake. This expenditure doubled the capacity of the second water intake drawing drinking water from Lake Mead.
The Water Authority is also working to pipe in groundwater from White Pine County. The first water will not flow into Las Vegas until 2012.
Las Vegas fears a larger crisis. Officials fear continuing droughts and lack of pipelines bringing in water from sources other than Lake Mead will cause water shortages. They believe the gap in water use and water supply will affect half a million people by 2012.
Worldwide the problem of fresh water is a serious one. Mexico has a problem with clean drinking water. Much of their water supply is contaminated by pollution.
Some areas of this popular tourist country do not have running water. Some areas of Mexico have no sewage service. Tourists often receive warnings not to drink the water in Mexico, to drink bottled water from quality sources instead.
This past March, Cyprus faced their battle with continuing drought. This led them to purchase water from Greece. The country ordered emergency water rationing and imports from Greece.
This was to get a grip on a growing shortage caused by a fourth year of drought. Cyprus saw their reservoir reserves drop significantly. In March, the island's reservoirs were 10.3 percent full. Desalination plants could not cope with the growing demand.
It seems fresh water is the new oil for some areas. It's in great demand and in short supply. It is vital to regions that rely on tourist dollars and euros for economic survival.
It costs money for governments to install the infrastructure for fresh water. To serve citizens and visitors properly, this investment will be necessary in years to come.
About the Author
Ibiza's airport and cheap flight to Ibiza deals are online along with a host of other cheap holidays in Ibiza information.
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Convert Your Vehicle To Hydrogen Fuel
The Earth is made up of 75% water and that you learned in your elementary days. With this fact, scientists conducted various studies to prove that water can be a source of fuel energy. Unfortunately, water alone can't be used to power a vehicle. What you need is a conversion tool and an HHO generator. Still, water is an integral part in hydrogen technology.
One of the greatest scientists who studied about the viability of water as source of alternative fuel is Nikola Tesla. Although he had made a lot of discoveries, all his studies were not revealed to the public. Most of Tesla's inventions were futuristic and ordinary individuals can't understand them.
Hydrogen technology is not new and it has been in existence for many years now. Recently, hydrogen powered cars are gaining much popularity. This knowledge brought tension in the market because gas-producing companies will be terribly affected if more hydrogen powered vehicles are manufactured.
On the other hand, the invention of hydrogen powered vehicles has brought much attention to the problems here on Earth like pollution and global warming.
At present, thousands of converted cars are now using water to fuel their vehicles. But of course, you need to convert first your car before you can make use of water to power your car. Will you believe that you can increase mileage from 75-100%? That sounds unbelievable, right? But the facts prove it; in fact, if you try to check online customer testimonials and product reviews, you will read positive testimonials about hydrogen fuel.
Perhaps you've also seen TV interviews about satisfied car owners who are already using hydrogen technology. If you're a car owner and your head hurts badly because of the expensive cost of gasoline, convert your car now. You don't have to take the car to a mechanic because you can either do the conversion on your own or purchase a ready-made HHO generator and conversion tool.
The latter is a bit expensive because it can cost about $800. But once the hydrogen fuel cell technology is installed in your car, you can enjoy many years of driving with reduced gasoline expenditures. Aside from saving massive money, your car will function at its best. It will make your car less noisy and the gears can be shifted smoothly. You will surely enjoy traveling without worries.
So, do you want to be a happy and contented driver too? Use hydrogen fuel, covert your vehicle now. This is a very important decision that you have to make. Anyway, if ever you're not satisfied with the performance of the hydrogen technology, you can readily remove it from your car. You can again use gasoline to power your vehicle.
Since a great percentage of car owners who converted to hydrogen fuel are happy, then maybe you might find it cost-effective as well. So far, this is the best alternative source of fuel energy for cars. Join the happy drivers, earn savings, and save the planet.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008
How to build your own Natural waterfall
Buy this book
The ebook has quality information that helps you build exactly that’s in your mind. If you are unsure about the quality, costs or designs required to come up with a great, above all, natural and professional looking waterfall, How to build your own natural waterfall will help you out.
Want to have a waterfall of your dreams? Click here
Here is what you would benefit from:
a) Steps to build a waterfall perfectly if you are a novice
b) Tested and tried tips and tricks of a professional water feature builder. This makes your creation more reliable and natural in appearance
c) All that you require for you fixed budget to create a waterfall.
d) Different ways in which one or more people can create a waterfall all alone
e) Instructions to hook up the electrical if you are an absolute novice
f) Amplifying the sound volume coming out of your waterfall
g) Creating a realistic waterfall
How to make waterfall in low budget
h) Advice on any sort of situation for waterfall creation
i) Selecting rock and place the rocks for good water flow thereafter
j) Many pictures and diagrams to give boost to your ideas and imagination
k) Working with materials that you own such as props and rocks
l) Planning your project
I would call this ebook an absolute an outstanding piece of online literature! How to build your own natural waterfall will teach you everything on building your own natural waterfall. I have been highly benefited by this ebook. It is simply superb.
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Five Tips for Getting Started With Kayaking
Five Tips for Getting Started With Kayaking
Author: Jay GaulardKayaking is a great sport that combines physical activity with the beauty and tranquility of nature. If you would like to get started with this sport, there are a few things you need to know. As with any form of outdoor recreation, learning the basics before you begin will make your kayaking adventure much more enjoyable.
Tip 1 - Choose the Right Kayak
Choosing the right kayak is the first step on your adventure. There are many different types out there. The boat that is right for you will depend on your goals as a kayak enthusiast.
First, what type of water will you be using your boat on? Calm water and fast-moving water require different boats. Are you going to paddle by yourself, or will you want someone else with you? How often do you anticipate using your boat? The more often you use it, the more durable you will want the kayak to be.
You can always rent kayaks first to get the feel for the different types that are available. Once you have chosen the right boat, carefully time your purchase. Buying in the off-season will help you get an affordable price. You can also shop online or buy your boat through the classifieds. Before shopping, however, make sure you know what you want. Visit a few showrooms to get an idea of what is available.
Tip 2 - Getting the Right Gear
Other than the boat itself, what do you need to start kayaking? One of the most important pieces of safety equipment that every person in a kayak needs is a PFD, or Personal Flotation Device. These are high-tech life vests that will keep you above water if the boat should capsize. Kayaking requires a Type II or Type V PFD. These are lightweight, fairly easy to put on, and quite fashionable, not like the life vests you are probably picturing.
Typically, the more you pay for a PFD the more comfortable it will be. The more expensive models have softer foam and can be adjusted easier than the cheaper options. If you need to save money, consider buying new.
The other piece of equipment you will need is a kayak paddle. If you can, try out a variety of paddle types. If you do not have this luxury, you will probably be happy with an aluminum shaft adjustable paddle with a flat blade that has blunt or tapered ends as you are beginning your kayaking adventure. After you have learned more about the sport you may want to upgrade your paddle, but this paddle will give you the flexibility you need to paddle in a variety of situations.
Tip 3 - Getting in and out of the Kayak
Now that you have a kayak and your basic gear, you are ready to begin. You take your boat to the river, don your PFD, and suddenly realize you have no idea how to get into the kayak. Here is what you need to know.
If you are in shallow water, dip your paddle into the water and brace it against the side of the kayak to keep it steady. You can also use the dock edge to steady the boat if you are in deep water. Once the boat is steady, sit on the edge of the dock with your legs hanging over the side. Line your feet up evenly with your entry point, and drop the line into the cockpit. Swing one foot and then the other into the cockpit, crouch down, and sit. Grab your paddle, adjust your line so it is out of the way, and you are ready to go. Getting out of the kayak is basically the same, only backwards. Be sure to keep a good hand on your paddle so that you do not lose it.
Tip 4 - Paddle Correctly
Paddling does involve exercise, but it should not be exhausting. Avoid using a motion that is similar to digging into the sand. Instead, lean back in your seat and relax. This not only helps you paddle more efficiently, but it also keeps the boat stable. Hold the paddle in both hands using an over-handed hold. Your thumbs should be underneath the bar. Let your torso make most of the movements. Pull with the arm that is making the downward stroke and push the shaft away with the arm that is making the upward stroke. This sounds complicated, but you will get the rhythm as you practice.
Tip 5 - Be Prepared
There are some things that you need to have ready in order to be safe on the water. Make sure that you have an audible safety signal device clipped to your PFD. Also, be sure that you have a spare paddle, especially if your kayaking trip will be long. Paddles can get lost in deep water, so having a spare is always a good idea. This can be a collapsible paddle if you need to save room.
Before you leave, check the weather and water conditions, not just in your current location, but also at your destination. If a storm is approaching, postpone your trip. This is essential if you are a beginner, because a sudden storm could mean disaster.
A repair kit and first aid kit are also important. Be sure that your repair kit includes some duct tape. Your first aid kit must be contained in an airtight, waterproof container. Finally, pack a flashlight, even if you do not intend to be on the water at night. If you get stranded after dark, a flashlight will keep you safe and help you find your way to shore.
With these tips, you should be as prepared as possible to start kayaking. Remember to go with experienced kayak enthusiasts the first few times you go out, as they can help you with the problems you will face as you learn this exciting sport.
Jay Gaulard writes for a wide selection of websites on various topics. He is a veteran of the internet and has come to be respected in his many areas of expertise. This article was written on behalf of MyBoatMarket, a popular boating parts and accessories website.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/five-tips-for-getting-started-with-kayaking-673129.html