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