A new force on the block
Enhancing firefighting and dust suppression
SUPPLY CHAIN NEWS
A new force on the block
Terraforce designed the original interlocking and reversible hollow-core earth-retaining blocks almost 40 years ago. While they are versatile, the most significant aspect of the blocks is that, by being fully permeable, reversible, and plantable, they offer a sustainable solution to anyone who needs to consider landscaping or erosion control on site, as an alternative to impermeable( and often unsightly) solid concrete methods. Not only has this been part of Terraforce’ s marketing approach from the beginning, but it goes beyond strategy. It is the passion of Terraforce founder / MD Holger Rust that steered him to create a product that allows a concrete retaining wall to blend into the surrounding, be it for environmental or aesthetic considerations— often forgotten aspects of maintaining a native balance in urban or rural environments. The company’ s motto is“ Go green, go clean”, wherever you can. At present, the product range includes rock face and smooth face blocks in eight sizes( adopted to the various machine types used to make the blocks), as well as the 4 × 4 Multi Step block used for creating affordable seating and stairs, the Terrafix and Terracrete blocks for permeable paving and hard lawn applications, and lastly, the Terralite block for smaller landscaping applications.
Terraforce
Once filled with plants, the product will allow a concrete retaining wall to blend into the surrounding environment.
I-CAT
The macromolecules function as an active surface agent to lower the surface tension of water and other liquids.
Enhancing firefighting and dust suppression
Surfactants developed by I-CAT boost the fireextinguishing and dust-suppression capability and effectiveness of water. Known as iFire and iMist, respectively, these new products are the result of extensive research and development. The macromolecules function as an active surface agent to lower the surface tension of water and other liquids. The properties of the liquid in question are effectively manipulated to reduce the magnetic charge of the constituent particles, thereby reducing the surface tension. The system is an ideal water-treatment agent to improve the wetting capability of water, which, in turn, enhances its firefighting capability. It also results in a dramatic reduction in the quantity of water used, thereby contributing to the conservation of this scarce resource. On the other hand, iMist results in water being adsorbed faster by substrates. This significantly improves the dust-suppression capabilities of water, as well as reducing the quantity of water needed for effective dust suppression. The application of wet dust suppression requires the formation of liquid films to increase the adhesion of dust particles by means of hydrogen bonding. The resultant large surface area adsorbs on the dust particles spontaneously and efficiently. Applications include iMist being used as an additive to dust mist systems, dust cannons and sprayers, and also for road-dust suppression.
40- CEC April 2018