List of questions

Is there an inexpensive way of using RF Heating at 13.5 -27 Mhz to cure and post cure composites?

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Where do pinholes in visible carbon fiber surfaces come from and how can they be controlled?

Pinholes mean that parts have to be re-worked, but they can sometimes reappear. What causes pinholes and how can they be controlled?

Of the current biodiesel production technologies available outside of South Africa, which can offer a reduced cost of manufacture and an improved product quality at a scale of 300 - 500kL per annum?

Advanced technologies for biodiesel production exist for large scale production. However there are few alternatives in South Africa for small to medium scale production (300 - 500 kL per annum) and little is known about the costs, advantages and disadvantages of adopting more advanced biodiesel manufacturing technology in South Africa.

Is it feasible to start a biodiesel analytical laboratory in South Africa that can test fuel according to SANS 1935 standards?

Currently there are no laboratories in South Africa who are able to conduct accredited standard analyses on biodiesel which is hampering the growth of the biofuels industry. Without quality analysis biodiesel producers cannot ascertain and assure product quality and therefore OEM's will not support the alternative fuel.

What is the best way of adding value to crude glycerol as a byproduct of biodiesel manufacture?

With the increase in biodiesel production manufacturers are increasingly needing to find ways to make use of the by-product, crude glycerol. There are many alternatives, manufacturing of degreaser, tile cleaner, window cleaner, various hand cleaners, heavy furnice oil, fertilizer, etc. Information is required regarding the cost of process implementation for each of the alternatives in order for manufacturers to determine which alternative is feasible.

What is the most efficient way to cool liquid wax (which melts at 80 deg C) in a volume constrained manner (ie No space for a drum flaker) to process the solids further in a process ie. Granulation and extrusion. The solution needs to be cost effective and the product cannot come into contact with water as actives are hygroscopic.

How can the process of manufacturing a fibreglass body onto a chassis be modified so that the body can be manufactured upfront without having the chassis available?

We manufacture motorhomes and conversions of any vehicles. It would be a great time and money saver if we could manufacture the motorhome bodies without having the chassis available. This would even be perfect for overseas sales as we could manufacture the motorhome bodies and just export them overseas.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of wood vs. fibre glass for manufacturing of the interior of motorhomes?

We could either use wood like poplar wood for the manufacturing of the interior of motorhomes or we manufacture the interior in fibreglass. What would be the benefit of the one or the other also under the aspect of costs.

How can we improve the usage of fibreglass in manufacturing motorhome bodies to reduce our environmental impact?

Our company is striving to keep as green as possible. However we still need to adjust the usage of fibreglass and would like to know what we can improve in the usage of fibreglass to go green?

How could we optimise the shifts we use to manufacture motorhome bodies in fibreglass?

Would it be advisable to manufacture in day and nights shifts instead of just day shifts?