For something as common as water filtration ,the modern technology that enables it, is built upon some serious materials engineering. Polymer fibers,the active components of any filtration process, are spun using special coaxial extrusion techniques into what are known as hollow fiber membranes. These membranes are then submerged inside the semi-treated water tank or wound around a plastic core for a more compact arrangement as water is drawn through these hollow sections the tiny pores on the surface trap impurities —suspended solids,bacteria,viruses,protein molecules depending upon the pore size. Achieving this pore size tuning is in itself a quite complex process that relies on phase inversion where polymer solvent is replaced by non solvent on the solution, dissolved polymer coagulates but is diluted by a non solvent that evaporates leaving behind pores in the main structure. Ceramic membranes offer a different class of materials that are more rob...
Power transmission plays a defining role in the energy security of a region but because the industry is more operationally intensive it rarely makes headlines, often working silently in the background to ensure critical services are kept running at all times. Fluctuations in demand directly affects the rotation of generators leading to more or less watts on the line as required. Power systems engineering controls that. Behind the scenes there is a complex system of tools from transformers and switchgears to HVDC converters and actual power lines to make this transmission happen. These tools require highly standardized conductors and insulators to operate and their manufacturing is specialised. At events in New Delhi I was fortunate enough to connect with engineers who specialise at component level engineering whether its automated systems that close the power line on towers ,the so called isolators, to manufacturing of electrical grade insulators whe...