Offer to the Brain Trust Here...

[M.D. Holloway]

I have received a few emails wanting to know what I am writing about as well as wanting to contribute content.

Considering that, I figuered I would let you all know whats up and then see if anyone wished to get involved. This can take the form of emailing over some observations or found content all the way to co-authoring a volume!

Keep in mind, you don't get rich writing a book or two but it can serve as a resume builder as well as a means to understand a topic to the fullest and get your message out.

Here are the volumes I have contracted to produce in the next few years:

2 different sets...

First Set -

Initiatives on Energy Sustainability Series
Volume 1: HydroFracking
Volume 2: Biomass Energy Sources
Volume 3: Nuclear Energy
Volume 4: Natural Kinetic Energy
Volume 5: Thermo and Electro-magnetic Energy Sources

This series explores the history, techniques and materials used in the practice and production of various sustainable energy products beyond crude oil drilling. While these practices utilize many different engineering disciplines, this series explores and explains concepts in an easy to understand format. The primary use of this book shall be to increase the awareness of new and emerging technologies and what the various ramifications can be. The reader shall be exposed to many engineering concepts and terms. All of these ideas and practices shall be explained within the body. A science or engineering background is not required. Technical and non-technical readers will be able to use this book for many reasons; research, investment information, a litigation resource, political research for public policy and as an educational instrument.
The series contents include the history, public and media perception, products produced, methodology, materials used, reserves and production, environmental impact, and economic impact.

Second Set -

Failure Prevention and Operational Excellence Series (7 Volume Set)


Vol.1 to 4 - Failure of Materials, Methods, Machines, Manpower
There are some people who believe everything happens for a reason and then there are those that believe there is a reason why everything happens. Whether you believe in divine design or random occurrence, things fail. Success and reliability occur when failure can be minimized. In general terms, the cause of failures can be grouped into four categories - man, machine, method, and materials. This four volume set categorizes failure according to the source and helps guide the reader to make proper corrective action decisions in order to reduce operation expenses.

Vol. 5 - Diagnostic Tools and Techniques for Increased Equipment Reliability
Every piece of equipment has a heartbeat, blood stream, temperature and so on. Understanding the overall health and well-being of your equipment can improve your profitability and provide a competitive edge. There are various diagnostic tools and techniques that can be used that will provide a better understanding of the health state of your equipment and also provide insight into the longevity. Oil analysis, vibration analysis, acoustic analysis, thermography are just a few methods that are being used by forward thinking companies that are focused on getting the most out of their equipment. This book explains the latest tools and techniques used for equipment diagnostics and the ability to implement such techniques in order to drive down costs.

Vol. 6 - Applied Physics and Chemistry for Industrial Applications
Today’s factories are modern marvels and maintenance technicians are now charged with having to understand the most complicated systems in the history of manufacturing. A comprehensive understanding of applied physics and chemistry and how it relates to the modern factory is essential for world class performance. The science of physics and chemistry has been somewhat out of reach for many maintenance personal until now. This book is written without the need for an advanced degree in the sciences or engineering yet provides great insight and application of sophisticated and elegant concepts of the physical and chemical world as it relates to the assembly, materials, petro-chemical, pharmaceutical, durable goods, textiles or food industry. The content of this book is not limited to maintenance technicians but rather a resource for any engineer and a primer for industrial engineers, physicists and chemists alike.

Vol. 7 - Establishing and Improving the Reliability Profile
Once failure is understood, diagnostic techniques used and personal trained it is now time to begin understanding what the Reliability Profile is for the facility. The process begins with a compressive reliability audit as well as a spend analysis. The information obtained is then used to determine what the Reliability Entitlement is for the facility. A comprehensive reliability plan is established and a targeted spending reduction are used as a goal. This book provides a systematic approach to developing a sound Reliability Profile that will serve as a means to contain costs and improve operation efficiencies across the board.

[vash]

repost this if you ever decide to do a comic book..

i'll be all over it

good luck lubey!

[bell]

If you can work in some boobies i'm in lol

[M.D. Holloway]

always room for da Ta Tas!

[RWebb]

where is the algae chapter?

[Zeke]

When will the movie be out?

[Jim Sims]

What is considered an "Electro-magnetic Energy Source"?

Thunderstorms?

[RWebb]

Gerator

[Jim Sims]

A generator is an energy conversion device not an energy source.

[RWebb]

no, not a generator - the famed thermodynamic law defeater, the Gerator, or was it the Gererator (?)

[john70t]

That a wide swath to cover.
There are specialists in every field who write volumes on the aspect of a single theory.

I'm just guessing here, but what would be the "target audience"?
Mid/upper level management who want an easily digestible breakdown (no pun) of the field?
Entry-level engineers?
Useless university educational bureaucrats?
General public?

Some of the best tech books I've read have a brief overview, a thorough examination, and hints scattered throughout at future possibilities.

[oldE]

Mike,

When you get to kinetic and potential devices and have a moment to catch up on tidal power, drop me a note. I work as a Heritage Interpreter at the only tidal power generating plant in the Americas. The plant is an adaptation of low head hydro, but we try to keep tabs on developments around the world with in-stream current generation as well as wave energy.

If you get to Nova Scotia, we'll give you a tour. If you get to South Korea, check out the largest tidal power plant in the world at Shiwa Bay, near Inchon.

Best
Les

[M.D. Holloway]

Originally Posted by RWebb

where is the algae chapter?

Volume 2 - Biomass

[M.D. Holloway]

Originally Posted by Jim Sims

What is considered an "Electro-magnetic Energy Source"?

Thunderstorms?

Actually there has been interesting work going on regaurding capturing electricity from T-storms. That work has been going on for over ever it seems! Biggest problem is management of 1MM+ volts all at once and then storage (but that is actually becomeing less of an issue). My idea would be to use that high voltage low amp pulse as a means to facilitate some interesting chemical recations that could actually ...(nope, better not mention that yet )

Think of the complete spectra of EM. Photons are there right? As well as other wave form. Also, converting microwaves into electricty has been worked out but the $ balence isn't there yet. With the advent of rare earth and some alloys there has been some very ... ...(nope, better not mention that yet )

[M.D. Holloway]

Originally Posted by Zeke

When will the movie be out?

actually not a movie but rather a PBS special

[M.D. Holloway]

Originally Posted by john70t

That a wide swath to cover.
There are specialists in every field who write volumes on the aspect of a single theory.

I'm just guessing here, but what would be the "target audience"?
Mid/upper level management who want an easily digestible breakdown (no pun) of the field?
Entry-level engineers?
Useless university educational bureaucrats?
General public?

Some of the best tech books I've read have a brief overview, a thorough examination, and hints scattered throughout at future possibilities.

Yes to all to some extent! Technical and non-technical readers will be able to use this book for many reasons; research, investment information, a litigation resource, political research for public policy and as an educational instrument.
The series contents include the history, public and media perception, products produced, methodology, materials used, reserves and production, environmental impact, and economic impact.

And yes, I absolutely agree with your opinion of what makes a 'best tech book' - that's the formula!

[M.D. Holloway]

Originally Posted by oldE

Mike,

When you get to kinetic and potential devices and have a moment to catch up on tidal power, drop me a note. I work as a Heritage Interpreter at the only tidal power generating plant in the Americas. The plant is an adaptation of low head hydro, but we try to keep tabs on developments around the world with in-stream current generation as well as wave energy.

If you get to Nova Scotia, we'll give you a tour. If you get to South Korea, check out the largest tidal power plant in the world at Shiwa Bay, near Inchon.

Best
Les

Les,
Perfect! Did we meet on a plane a year or two ago? I remember talking to a guy from Canada that was into the design of tidal power plants. I swear that it s fantastic idea! I remember him telling me that his big nightmare is corrosion. Is it?

[romad]

don't forget a chapter on retro-encabulators:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXJKdh1KZ0w



Sorry someone had to do it

[Head416]

Hmm... I don't have anything to contribute here. Any chance you'll write a book on how to make a really good Old Fashioned? I'm not an expert, but I've devoted myself to the study.

[oldE]

Originally Posted by LubeMaster77

Les,
Perfect! Did we meet on a plane a year or two ago? I remember talking to a guy from Canada that was into the design of tidal power plants. I swear that it s fantastic idea! I remember him telling me that his big nightmare is corrosion. Is it?

Mike,

I don't design 'em, I spend all day talking about 'em.
Electrolysis is certainly a factor. The Annapolis unit uses 17-4-2 stainless alloy and is expected to have a life of 80 years. The blade to hub joins were not adequately radiused, so had to have increased radius curves machined in place to remove stress risers about 15 years in.

It's a neat peice of kit, but a "dead end" as far as the highly sedimented conditions in the Bay of Fundy are concerned.

Next generation are in-stream generators, which do not use dams. That is probably what your fellow traveller was into.

Best
Les