How is an ABC titration performed, and what significance does it hold in the pulp and paper industry?

TAPPI Man

Dear TAPPI Man,

This is an excellent question. Many people don’t realize how these types of tests can help in the pulp and paper industry. The Great Wimble is here to make these things more clear.

For starters, the ABC titration is more commonly known as AB titration (Acid-Base titration). The procedure can be quite confusing for those who are unfamiliar with titration. You first must get the sample that you are testing for acidity and it must be diluted. Add a few drops of phenolphthalein indicator. Then, most commonly, you place Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) into a buret. You then begin titrating the NaOH into the diluted sample. If the sample is acidic, there will be no discoloration in the sample. NaOH is added into the sample until there is a permanent pink color to the sample. This represents that the sample is now neutral (or close to).

How is this test significant in the pulp and paper industry? Well, let’s look at it this way. Let’s say you buy a package of manila folders from the store. Now, let’s say that you store your VERY important paperwork in these folders. If the folders are too acidic or too basic, then the folders will cause the contents to deteriorate at a much faster pace than if it were neutral. In other words, instead of the paper lasting for a hundred years or more, it only ends up lasting five years. Let’s just hope that your important papers aren’t the only copy, otherwise you’d be out of luck in five years.

Hope I was able to help with your question. Remember to make sure your folders aren’t too acidic. Bad things may result. Hope to hear from you again.

Wimble

What is ion nitriding and what is this process of metal treating good for?

Jose

Dear Jose,

I love it when someone tries to stump the Great Wimble. Unfortunately, it’s not possible. To put it simply, the day that the Great Wimble is stumped comes “when pigs fly”. Now, on to the question.

Ion Nitriding can be a very confusing process. However, the process is quite simple in all reality. Ion Nitriding is a thermal process in which Nitrogen Ions are diffused into the surface of a metal. When a metal is placed into an “ion-nitrider”, the container is sealed and the air is pumped out. It is then replaced with a nitrogen rich atmosphere. When a negative charge is applied to the metal, the nitrogen ions atract and bombard the metal. This creates a chemical bond, and as a result hardens the metal.

Ion Nitriding is vastly superior to other methods of metal hardening because the variables are easier to control. The control of temperatures, voltages, amperage, and gas mixtures work together to control the depth of penetration and the hardness of the metal.

This process also results in a plasma glow. This is due to the electricity and gas mixtures. It looks like something you would find on another planet. Very neat looking.

There are many benefits to Ion Nitriding. Ion Nitrided metals have a higher abrasion resistance. This results in less wear between moving parts and the surface lubricity of the metal is enhanced. Metals can be made to have more than double the hardness of other treating techniques. Ion Nitriding improves fatigue strengths which results in a longer lifespan of the metal. Ion Nitriding is much more precise and versatile than other treating techniques. Ion Nitriding is non-polluting and it requires less energy and utility costs. Ion Nitriding can reduce the time it takes to treat the metals, mainly because the parts can be used immediately after being treated since no polishing is necessary.

So, I hope that answers your questions. Ion Nitriding is a great technological advance. Why? Because it puts off that awesome plasma glow!!! That’s the only really cool part of the whole process!!

Wimble

How can I make money this summer??? And “get a job” isn’t a valid response.

J.Q. Monkey

Dear J.Q. Monkey:

This is one question that I’m sure millions of people would like to have an answer for. It’s not an easy question to answer. However, the Great Wimble is here for that.

In order to answer this question, we must first determine what you mean by a “job”. It’s difficult to determine what is a job, and what isn’t a job. To make the decision easier, I’m going to define “job” as something that involves work. That eliminates quite a few possibilities. Selling drugs involves work. You could sell yourself on the streets, but yet that involves work too. You could start your own Internet business, but that involves work as well. Hmm, I’m almost out of ideas here.

OH WAIT!!! I’ve got one more!

There is only one real way to make money, and not have to get a job. Here’s how it works:

The first thing you do, is get out of bed. Then, you hop in your car, drive to Grandma’s house, and say “Grammy, I love you, do you realize how much I love you? I love you SOOO much, that I decided I’m going to spend the rest of the summer with you.” Then, after she agrees that it’s going to be a great idea, you move in. Then, as time goes by, she begins to realize that it wasn’t the best idea. Why? Because ever since you moved in, you began being as annoying as possible. Then, after a month or so, a week if you’re lucky, she’ll be more than happy to pay you to leave her alone for the rest of the summer.

Obviously you could substitute Grandma for any other rich (or semi-rich) relative that you have.

Hope that works out for ya J.Q. Have a great summer!

Wimble

When are you going to get a job? Hmmmm?

Mom

Dear Mother-Dearest,

You know, some people may think about this question a lot. However, me, being the great, mighty Wimble does not have to ever even consider this question. I would give you a straight up answer… but that’s rather boring. So, let’s look at it this way:

Let’s see… What good is a job?

Money!!!
Experience
Money!!!
Ok, that’s all for that… Now, what are the downsides of a job?

Little free time
Jobs are never “fun”
Have to do what your told
Bosses are always A-holes…
Ok.. I’ll stop there before it gets outta hand… Now, when you compare the ups and downs, the only real benefit of a job is the money, correct? Ok, now that that’s agreed upon, let’s talk about Money…

Money, of course, can have its benefits… but does it really bring happiness? NO… Sure, with money I’ll be able to go out and buy everything I’ve ever wanted, but will I be happy with that?? (ok, maybe, but that’s beside the fact). However, with money comes the fact that I SHOULD save it… Question here is, why save money? Just to let it set there while you stare at it drooling as you ponder everything you could possibly buy with that money…

Ok, I’ll stop there… I think I got a little off topic, so let me get back on track. When will I get a job? I’m always working. Sure, I may not get paid for some of the work I do, and a lot of the work I do may not ever accomplish anything, but I still work. This webpage is work, and it’s fun work.. (maybe there is a correlation between not getting paid and work being fun…. HMMMM).

So there’s your answer… I, the Great Wimble, already have a job, or two, or three, etc… Hope I was able to help.

Wimble