Strut channel is a standardized formed steel (or sometimes aluminum) structural system used in the construction and electrical industries for light structural support, often for supporting wiring, plumbing, or mechanical components such as air conditioning or ventilation systems.

The main advantage of strut channel in construction is that there are many options available for rapidly and easily connecting lengths together and other items to the strut channels , using various specialized strut-specific fasteners and bolts. It can be assembled very rapidly with minimal tools and only moderately trained labor, which reduces costs significantly in many applications.

1) Surface preparation:H.D.G, Pre-galvanized,Electrogalvanized
2) thickness: 1.0mm~3mm
3) back to back: 41x41,41x62,41x82...
Strut channel
1)Standard: 41*41, 41*21
2) thickness: 1.0mm~3mm.
3) Length: according to customer's requirement.
4) BH4141 (BH4125) is also available in stainless steel or other thickness on special order.
5)Many different sizes shape of the slotted hole are available
Strut Channles Performance:
A:convenient in construction and save much time and labor
B:light and cheap
C:high mechanical strength
D:various kinds of fittings can make up of many combinations also for sale
E:attractive in appearance

source:blogigo njwanze

TEX reported that a major integrated steel company of Japan is considering setting the target price level at USD 850 per tonne CNF in its H beam and sheet pile exports to Asian destinations, mainly to China, for June and July shipments, on which the company's export negotiations are expected to start shortly. The company has already negotiated part of its sheet pile exports to China at around USD 840 per tonne CNF for June shipments. As a result, it is likely that the company will seek a higher price level of USD 900 per tonne CNF in its sheet exports for July shipments.

In Asia, transaction prices of various steel products(such as steel sheet pile ,strut channel steel ) are shooting up after it has become clear that the prices of raw materials will advance considerably from April onward. Until recently, prices of steel products such as heavy plates stood at a low level. At present, though, even prices of heavy plates for shipbuilding border on USD 800 per tonne FOB in shipments out of Japan to South Korea. It was once considered difficult for a price increase to take effect in those Japano Korean heavy plate deals.

Under the existing circumstances, Japanese exports of sheet piles and H beams should fetch appropriate prices of at least USD 850 per tonne CNF, a price level that is commensurate with the going prices of other steel products(such as c channel steel ,u channel steel ), believe the Japanese parties concerned. As a result, no Japanese exports of sheet piles and H beams would be made for June shipments unless the price is agreed at USD 850 per tonne CNF or beyond.

Until now, a price settlement of USD 800 per tonne CNF has served as the norm of a Japanese integrated steelmaker's sheet pile exports to Asian destinations. In China, construction is under way for a spate of athletic facilities in southern coastal provinces in relation to the Asian Games to open in Guangzhou in November 2010.

Accordingly, local demand for sheet piles is surging, in which firm supplies of around 5,000 tonnes are already under contract for June shipments. Also, negotiated prices of sheet piles in wide sizes are said to have hit a slightly less than USD 850 per tonne CNF.

Meanwhile, an adequate price increase is slow to take hold when it comes to H beam exports by a Japanese integrated steelmaker to South Korea. Having an impact are local H beam stocks at a high level in the repercussions of H beam imports from China. Import arrivals from China totaled 80,000 tonnes in March 2010 and they are expected to total around 40,000 tonnes in April 2010. As far as South Korea's Hyundai Steel Co is concerned, the company has increased its domestic sales price of H beams by KRW 50,000 per tonne to KRW 910,000 per tonne. At the same time, the company is said to have abolished its volume discount of KRW 50,000 to KRW 100,000 per tonne. Still, local steel manufacturer haven't necessarily accepted the whole of Hyundai Steel's H beam price increase. As a result, continued transactions of H beams are reported at KRW 860,000 per tonne.

In this connection, the going prices of are approaching USD 800 per tonne CNF after they have topped USD 780 per tonne CNF both in Japanese and South Korean H beam exports to Asian destinations, market observers point out.

source:bloggum njwanze

Basic strut steel channel comes in the open box section, 1 5/8 by 1 5/8 inch square cross section. A half height (1 5/8 inch wide, 13/16 inch tall) cross section version is also available, used mostly where mounted directly to a wall as it has significantly less stiffness and ability to carry loads across an open space or brace. A deep channel 2 7/16 inches tall and 1 5/8 inch wide is also manufactured.

The material used to form the C steel channel is typically 12 gauge (0.1046 inch) or 14 gauge (0.0747 inch) thick sheet metal.Several variations are available with different hole patterns for mounting to walls and supports. Solid channel has no holes predrilled, and must either be drilled on site or mounted in another fashion. Punched channel has round holes, large enough for 5/8 inch threaded steel rod or bolts, punched in the top of the channel at regular 1 7/8 inch centers. Half-slot channel has short, rounded end rectangular slots punched out on 2 inch centers. Slot channel has longer slots on 4 inch centers.

In addition, shapes are manufactured with two lengths of channel welded together back to back, or three or four welded together in various patterns, to form stronger structural elements.An overhead electrical wire hanger manufactured from two lengths of strut channels and two lengths of threaded rod.A length of standard half-slotted strut channel used as a brace, connected to a length of half-channel mounted directly to a wall, joined with a purpose-built channel connecting steel angle.A shelf supporting electrical conduit and pipe, manufactured from strut channel

Steel channels are used to mount, brace, support, and connect lightweight structural loads in building construction. These include pipes, electrical and data wire, mechanical systems such as ventilation, air conditioning, and other mechanical systems. Strut channel is also used for other applications that require a strong framework, such as workbenches, shelving systems, equipment racks, etc.

source:blgoigo njwanze

In particular to such strut channels made from a single piece of metal and having a cross-section of generally 'M'-shape in transverse cross-section with end flanges which are inclined at angles of greater than 90° to the longitudinal axis of the strut so that in use the strut is inclined when it is secured between two joists.

Presently, most timber floors including joists incorporate a form of herringbone strut to stiffen individual joists by providing support from adjacent joists when any individual joist is loaded to a degree where deflection is likely to occur. This form of stiffening has been used for many years and is a traditional building technique. In the past, such stiffening was often provided from suitable timber found on site surplus to normal requirements. Of more recent times strutting has been specially made to order. Generally, the strutting is achieved by two individual timber struts located between adjacent joists in the form of crossing diagonals the strut steel channels being arranged at intervals across the main span of the joists and one extending from a lower corner of one joist to an upper corner of the other and the other extending from the upper corner of the one joist to the lower corner of the other. Occasionally, however, but serving the same purpose instead of two individual struts in the form of a cross, a solid length of timber having similar dimensions to the joists bridges the gap between the joists.

Strut is normally manufactured out of sheet steel, with a zinc coating (galvinized), paint, epoxy, powder coat, or other finishes.

Somewhat more rarely, strut steel channels are manufactured from stainless steel or aluminum alloy, in cases where the strut rusting might become a problem (outdoors, chemical facilities with corrosive materials) or where weight is an issue (aluminum particularly).

source:blogigo njwanze

Strut channel steel can be used effectively in both vertical and horizontal orientations and numerous accessories and fittings are available for connecting framing members or anchoring equipment to the strut. One such typical fitting, a spring nut . The spring nut is usually rectangular in shape with two opposing beveled corners and parallel grooves along the narrower edges, so that it may be inserted anywhere along the slot of the strut and then turned 90° to clamp onto the inside edges of the strut. A spring is attached to the underside of the nut to hold it in position while bolts are inserted into the nut to anchor various fittings, connectors, brackets, etc., to the strut. Although time-consuming, this procedure is relatively simple when the first connectors and fittings are attached to the strut. However, as more joints and fittings are mounted to the slot of the strut channels , the strut becomes more congested and correspondingly, it becomes more difficult and even more time-consuming to add or remove a nut or other fitting.

When constructing a utility trailer or even one specifically built for a single purpose, consider making it into a "tilt" trailer. The tilt feature can increase the usefulness of the trailer, eliminate the need for special ramps to load and off-load equipment and extend the life of the trailer's deck by insuring rain and snow will run off, rather than sitting on the deck when it's stored in a level position.

Cut all pieces of chassis steel, lay them out and weld them solidly.Weld the additional chassis cross member 4 inches ahead of the position where the axle will be located.Lay the tubing for the trailer's tongue into the U-channel steels so that one end of the tubing and the channel are even.Drill a 5/8-inch hole 2 inches from the end of the U-channel/tongue steel with the tubing nestled into the channel. Center this hole half way from the top to bottom on the U-channel. Drilling both pieces of steel at the same time will ensure the holes will line up exactly.Insert a 5/8-inch bolt into the hole, just drilled, through both the tubing and U-channel to ensure the holes stay lined up.Drill a second 5/8-inch hole through the U-channel, again with the tongue tubing nestled inside it. Drill this hole 2 inches from the opposite end of the U-channel, centered half way top to bottom.

Just as before, drilling both pieces of steel with one stroke of the drill press insures the holes will line up perfectly.Remove the bolt from the tongue/steel channels assembly to separate the two pieces.Center the U-channel on the bottom of the chassis cross member positioned just ahead of the axle and to the underside of the cross member at the front of the trailer deck so the open end of the "U" will be pointing down toward the ground when the trailer is upright. Weld the U-channel securely to the frame and cross member.Bolt the tongue at the end of the U channel steel into position under the trailer with a 5/8-inch bolt and lock into place with a 5/8-inch hitch pin in the holes just ahead of the deck of the trailer. The 5/8-inch bolt is the tilt system pivot point and the hitch pin is the lock-down mechanism.Finish assembling the trailer by attaching suspension, axle, wheels, and adding sides, tie downs, jack-stand, lights, fenders and any other custom features desired.

source:news njwanze 

An elongated strut which has a pair of inwardly depending flanges formed to receive and secure fittings inserted into the continuous slot of the strut anywhere along the length of the slot. The flanges define an interior cavity to receive and hold strut fittings and accessories. " Strut" is a structural member defined in metal framing construction industry as continuous slot steel channels with inturned lips. Strut has been widely used since World War II as a framing member in buildings for supporting fixtures and equipment, piping, conduit, etc. needed for the operational systems of commercial buildings, refineries, power plants, and other industrial and commercial applications.

The strut channels support system may be either attached to the building structure or independent of it, thus making it useful also in a number of industrial applications where freestanding support structures are needed. Metal strut, which can be cold rolled from steel or extruded from aluminum into a variety of sizes and lengths, is a stronger framing member than wood and more versatile than welded construction because it requires only hand tools for assembly and, unlike welded structures or framing, can be disassembled.

When constructing a utility trailer or even one specifically built for a single purpose, consider making it into a "tilt" trailer. The tilt feature can increase the usefulness of the trailer, eliminate the need for special ramps to load and off-load equipment and extend the life of the trailer's deck by insuring rain and snow will run off, rather than sitting on the deck when it's stored in a level position.Draw up the plans for the trailer and use the dimensions to determine the amount of materials to purchase.Determine the maximum load that will be carried on the trailer. That will dictate the size of wheels, axle and suspension springs needed, as well as the size and strength of the steel that will be used to construct the trailer chassis and deck support framework.Purchase a length of U channel steel one foot longer than the distance from the trailer's axle to the front of the trailer's deck. The U-channel needs to be sized so the steel tubing used to make the trailer's tongue will fit inside the "U" of the strut channel steel .

source:news njwanze 

Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become evident from the following description of preferred embodiments given with reference to the drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a mainly schematic representation of a fire grate ;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the top side of two grate bars;
FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the bottom side of two grate bars;
FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view through two grate bars along the line IV--IV in FIG. 3;
FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a clamping element;
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a partially cut clamping element with pressure spring;
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a clamping element with fuse element.

According to FIG. 1 a fire grate F comprises series of grate bars 2 which are arranged step-wise, roof-tile-type overlapped by each other and limited by side walls 3.
With the series of grate bars 2 each one stationary series of grate bars 4 is alternating in the direction of flow x of a combustion material, which is not shown, with one movable series of grate bars 5 in the direction of flow x.Each of the movable series of grate bars 5 is connected with the shaft 1 by means of arms; the shaft penetrates the side wall 3 and is connected with a drive 8 through a compound lever arrangement 7. As an example, there is only shown one drive 8 with the corresponding lever arrangement 7 and the shaft 1 in FIG. 1.

The forced draught region is limited towards the top by the series of grate bars 4 and 5, and laterally by the side walls 3.
Both the stationary and the movable series of grate bars 4, 5 comprise a multitude of individual grate members 10 with a claw-type shape according to FIGS. 2 and 3. At one end, for example, the grate members 10 of the movable series of fire grate bars 5 are vertically hinged to the grate bar support 6 by means of a semi-cylindrical recess 11, at the other end they are provided with a claw-cone 12 on the grate members 10 of the series of grate bars 4 which follow in the direction of flow x. Between recess 11 and claw-cone 12 there is a box-type middle part 13 with a cover 14 and two side walls 15.

Close to the recess 11 the grate bar ends are provided with flanges 16.
The side walls 15 carry some ledges 18 which are formed on their rib 17 turned to the forced draught region. The ledges 18 are preferrably equipped as in FIG. 4, so that they allow the adjoining of the outside of side walls 15 of two neighboring grate members 10 on one hand, and on the other hand they have on the inside of the side walls 15 a projection 20 which is formed by a shoulder section 19. There are other possibilities too of forming the shoulder section 20 dovetail-type or semicircular.Two grate members 10 are held together in closed position by a U-shaped clamping element 22 over the projections 20.
According to FIG. 5, the U-shaped clamping element 22 consists of a part of a box-type hollow section profile having a base portion and a pair of parallel leg portions 27 having opposed flanges defining a slot 23 with a breadth b of approximately twice the width of the wall d of the side wall 15.

The approximately rectangular space 24 of the U-shaped clamping element 22 has a height h which corresponds to the height g of the projection 20, and a breadth c which is a little larger than twice the width of the wall plus twice the size f of the projection 20.This shape enables one to slide two neighboring ledges 18 of two side walls 15 into the hollow space 24, the slide-in depth being limited by a simple stop 25.In addition, for better holding of the clamping element 22 a pressure spring 26 according to FIG. 6 is provided on at least one leg portion 27 in the hollow space.The relative motion that exists during operation between two neighboring fire grate manufacturer members 10 of the movable series of grate bars 5, could cause an undesired loosening of the clamping element. Therefore, in order to secure the clamping element, there is provided a bolt 29 which inserts into the hollow space 24 at a grate member 10, for example, and reaches into a blind hole 30 of the ledge 18. The bolt 29 may be removed from the blind hole 30 by means of a rocker arm 32 which can be turned against the power accumulator 31, in order to reloosen the clamping element.

Another security measure for the clamping element ensues by a wedge 33 which is inserted into the cut 34 and held by a sheet 35 at both sides. When using this security measure, the shoulder sections 19 and the adapted ledges 18 are also cut in. The breadth of the cut 34 allows a relative motion of two neighboring fire grate bars.Both the pressure springs 26 and the bolts 29 with the rocker arm arrangement 32, 31 are just examples, therefore, according to the invention, they may be replaced by other well-known means (e.g. impression rollers, locking-bolts, stops, wedges).It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the illustrations described and shown herein, which are deemed to be merely illustrative of the best modes of carrying out the invention, and wich are susceptible of modification of form, size, arrangement of parts and details of operation. The invention rather is intended to encompass all such modifications which are within its spirit and scope as defined by the claims.

from:freepatentsonline

A fireplace grate includes a log supporting portion disposed at an angle to the horizontal such that self-feeding of logs is effected while providing a source of radiant heat from the underside of the logs. Also provided are support means below the log supporting portion for a food carrying member.A fire grate for a combustion furnace having a pair of parallel spaced apart frame walls and a plurality of alternately arranged stationary and movable grate bars extending between and secured to the frame walls. The grate bars are formed of a plurality of grate members wherein at least two neighboring grate members are connected together by means of a removably secured clamping element.

A fire grate for a combustion furnace, especially for the combustion of garbage with consecutive, stationary and movable series of grate bars covering a forced draught region. The grate bars are placed with their side walls parallel to each other and are at least partially connected by means of clamping elements.With the combustion of garbage on fire grates with both movable and stationary series of grate bars, consisting of single grate bars which are also movable towards each other, arises the problem of tightness within one series of the grate bars. In case there are spaces between two grate bars, combustion material, pieces of slag or other impurities may fall in between, thus causing a fouling of the forced draught region. At the same time these interspaces allow an undesired flow away of the forced draught.

On the other hand grate bars may not be fixed too inelastically, since in case of damage even single parts must be removed fast and easily. In order to eliminate these disadvantages, e.g., a bolt which is formed at the head of a grate bar, may be inserted into a blind hole of the neighboring grate bar.However, this does not prevent the grate bars from spreading in the direction of flow of the combustion material. There is just the possibility of exchanging them easier.Another possibility provides the connection of all heads of the grate bars of a series by means of a bar being placed transverse to the direction of flow of the combustion material, the grate bars are laterally pressurized by a spring in order to allow thermal expansion. It is a disadvantage that for the exchange of one single grate bar element, the whole fire grate has to be put out of order. Besides, a too high lateral spring pressure could make arcuating a series of grate bars.

Cleaning the fireplace grate is one of the bigger drawbacks of owning a wood burning fireplace. Wait until spring when possible and move the grate outside for a good thorough cleaning. Wear old clothing that can get dirty, and slip on a sturdy pair of rubber gloves to keep your hands clean and protected.Lay a tarp or piece of thick plastic out in front of the fireplace. Spread out a second tarp or piece of plastic outside if you are cleaning the grate outside.Remove ashes and soot from the fireplace. Test the ashes to be sure they are completely cool before removing them from the fireplace.Lift the fireplace grate out of the fireplace using both hands. Set the grate on the plastic. Wrap the grate in the plastic and take it outside, or clean the grate on this sheet.Use a wire brush to scrub stubborn debris and soot off of the grate. Work over each area of the grate. Turn the grate upside down for ease of cleaning the underside.Get an old cloth wet and ring out the excess water. Wipe the fire grate manufacturer with the wet cloth to remove fine debris and ashes.

Rinse the cloth frequently while wiping the grate down. Change the water in the bucket if it becomes murky and gray.  Scrub the grate a second time to remove any debris missed on the first go round. Wipe the grate down with a clean cloth and water.In view of these facts it is an object of the invention to eliminate these disadvantages and to create a grate bar clamp which is simple in design and operation and which facilitates the exchange of defective grate bars. The clamp should be form-closing but it should also allow for a thermal expansion as well as the relative motion of two grate bars towards each other. At the same time it is another object to keep down the uncontrolled flow quantity and the riddlings between two grate bars. This object is achieved by way of the invention in that there are shoulder projections formed at the edges of the side walls of at least two neighboring grate bars towards the forced draught region being connectable with each other through a removable clamping element.

There are preferably ledge-type shoulders which are such formed to the edges that on one hand they allow a close adjoining of two neighboring side walls and on the other hand there is a distance between the side walls because of a projection formed on top of a shoulder section. Thus in a transverse view in the region of the ledge the side wall shows the shape of a foot, the side walls being adjoined with their heels. This allows to hold down the space between the two grate bars as far as possible.

The clamping element for the ledge consists of a part of a rectangular hollow section profile with a slot on one side, this slot showing a breadth which approximately corresponds with twice the width of the side wall. The hollow space itself has the same height as the projection and a breadth of approximately twice the width of the side wall plus twice the width of the projection.

The clamping element equipped like this is qualified to simply slide it over two neighboring ledges and holding them--and the corresponding fire grate bars--together. In case a defective grate bar has to be exchanged, the two or more connected grate bars must be lifted, the clamping element slid off the ledges, the grate bar taken out of its tie-down position, a new one set in and the clamping element newly slid over the ledges. There is extremely few time needed for this repair work.

from:ehow