Chemicals are very much a part of our lifestyles. Every household detergent, solvent, and bleach that you use in your homes is a result of some production efforts from manufacturing plants somewhere in the world around you. Fertilizer, automobile radiator coolant, shampoo, soap, insecticide, paint solvent, lubricants, fuel oil are just a few that I can name right now. I’m sure you can find more around you, but you get the point. We use chemicals everywhere.

Anyone who has visited a chemical processing plant is sure to notice the many pumps, agitators, tanks, piping, and valves that are installed there. Liquid have to be transferred from one place to another. Pumps are therefore very important in a chemical processing plant. Without them the chemical processing plant will literally come to a halt!

One of the main jobs for Plant Engineers is to maintain the numerous pumps installed at their plant. These pumps can count into the hundreds or even thousands, depending on the size of the plant. So you should realize that to do a proper preventive maintenance, it is no mean task. There must be regular schedules, proper tracking of jobs done, available manpower and skills, suitable tools, replacement parts, materials and a proper system of administration of all these.

Sometimes, even with all the maintenance activities being carried out, pumps do fail. And when they do, plant engineers will have to find out what causes them to fail. Especially with new pumps where there is very little record trend of breakdown, engineers will be hard pressed into finding solutions for this. This is when experience helps in pinpointing the cause(s) of the failure.

Pumps or other machinery will give tell-tale signs when they are not working properly. An observant pump user will be able to avoid major breakdowns or damage if the problem is corrected early.

In order to solve any pump problem, we need to notice the symptoms carefully so as to determine the most likely causes. Instruments like pressure gauges are very helpful and should be installed in the pumping system.

Very often we do have to rely on our 5 senses to determine the exact symptom. Normally, pump problems can be classified into:

1) Suction Related,
2) System Related, or
3) Mechanical Related.

It can also be a combination of these.

Most of the system related problems occur because of design flaw. For example, the designer may have chosen the wrong pump whose characteristic does not match the system requirement. Suction related problems are usually caused by air locks that are due to a variety of reasons. I will not mention them here.

The effects of mechanical related problems could manifest themselves as suction related problems - air leaks in the system, worn out impellers, and mouth rings - but the most common symptom is the presence of vibration and abnormal noise in the equipment.

However, there is one area where we seldom focus on - the effect of chemicals. Was the material selected able to withstand the chemicals? If you have done all your designing right and you still find that leaks are occurring so frequently, chances are that the materials are failing due to chemical reaction. Signs of corrosion at the seals are a strong indication of material failure due to wrong usage.

Nowadays, waste treatment plants or even process plants are called upon to process strong acids, alkalis, oxidizers, solvents, waste, slurry and other corrosive and abrasive chemicals. And it is not only pumps that are affected. Agitators, storage tanks, and piping need to be compatible to these chemicals. If the wrong material is selected, it can lead to dangerous and widespread consequences of chemical spills, emergency evacuation, pollution, environmental damage and other disruptions to the production facility.

Engineers in such chemical processing plants need to know what materials are suitable to be used for their process. It is much more complex than just selecting materials for water pumps. Much detailed and careful selection choices based on the chemicals, the temperatures (because some of the plastic materials can weaken at temperatures that are considered normal for metals), chemical reactions, safety, spills and many others have to be taken.

The aim of any maintenance personnel is to lengthen the lifespan of equipment under his care. Selection of chemical resistant materials is not a one-cure-fits-all solution. Some materials are not affected by certain chemicals but can be damaged by others. Some have good mechanical strength while others cannot last long without reinforcement. Usually, materials that can withstand many types of chemicals are very expensive.

Cost considerations need to be taken into account when choosing a material for a certain application. If there is a choice of materials for a certain application, it makes better sense to choose cheaper materials if they can perform just as well.

There are several components to check for when selecting suitable materials:

1) Elastomers for flexible parts like seal rings and gaskets
2) Metal parts like shafting, springs, holders, bolts & nuts, and pressure gauges
3) Plastic parts like housing, piping, impellers, and covers

Metals have good mechanical strength that can last very long in operation. In fact some parts need to be made of metal, e.g. bearing housing and shafts. Pump housing made of metal can be casted and machined easily. They are able to withstand abrasive fluids and rough handling without any other reinforcement. One very important characteristic of metals is heat conduction. If the chemical to be pumped is hot, metal is always the choice.

Plastics have become the better choice for many corrosive chemical applications because it is more resistant to chemical action than metals. When using plastics to replace metals, you have to compromise on the mechanical strength of the pump. If the pump does not encounter much rough handling or abrasion, plastics can be used. Sometimes plastics are used to coat metal parts. These are fine as long as the plastic coating remains intact.

Elastomers are the flexible materials that are needed for sealing the pump parts. There should not be any compromise here. Laboratory tests on the suitability of elastomers with certain chemicals should be followed. Unsuitable material used can cause leaks that can lead to other failures in other parts.

With so many chemicals in use today, how do we know what materials can be used for what chemicals? Sometimes liquids to be pumped contain chemicals that are both corrosive and abrasive. Should we choose a plastic or a metal housing? Sometimes chemicals may become hot either through the process or through mis-operation of the system - perhaps, somebody forgot to open a valve. Plastic parts can weaken at high temperatures.

It’s only through the result of test and actual operation that we are able to know what materials to use. It is good to know what to expect when we make a decision for a choice of materials to use. A good choice may involve some compromise.

To help you make a good decision, check out for a list of Chemical Resistance Data of Materials.

Thomas Yoon specializes in cartoon illustrations that will make an impact on people’s opinions. Engineer Your Business for Success.

Home security equipment varies by company but, generally, it is comprised of the following basic components to provide protection against intruders and burglars.

Keypad: The keypad has two main functions. It initiates security commands and observes the status of the system. The actual pad is made up of two parts, the alphanumeric keypad and the LED display. It is typically installed near the door most frequently used, whether the front or backdoor. Installing it here makes it more convenient to arm or disarm the system as you exit or enter the house. Most keypads include a panic switch allowing the alarm to be activated immediately in the event there is an emergency. The bypass function is another useful feature, allowing the homeowner to bypass those areas where people may be present which would otherwise active the alarm.

Sensors: Sensors protect both the outside of the house and the open spaces within the home. The most common sensors used inside are magnetic door switches and window vibration detectors, which are installed on doors and windows to help prevent intruders from entering the house. Space protection sensors can be installed in interior rooms of the house or the hallway, for instance, to detect when intruders may be in these areas.

Door switches: Door switches have both a switch and a magnet. The switch is sensitive to a magnetic field which is mounted on a structure such as a frame, for example. The magnet is mounted on a nearby door. When the door is opened, the magnet moves away from the switch causing the switch to open and active the alarm.

Window acoustic and vibration detectors: This equipment can detect the sound of breaking glass which triggers the alarm. This helps protect your home from unwanted intruders entering by breaking the glass to your sliding door or windows.

Motion detectors: These detect change in infrared energy and set off an alarm when intruders enter the open space it oversees. Three models are available: standard, pet-friendly or harsh-environment.

Security panels: This device is the core of a home security system. Security panels monitor the sensors, provider power, handle the programmable options and connect the telephone line to the monitoring system.

Other components to a home security system include cameras, monitors and switchers. Monitors help display the images and information processed by the camera, which is transmitted to the monitor through coaxial cables connected to the camera. Switchers enable the monitor operator to switch to different cameras, which is useful when there is a lot of space to monitor.

Linden Walhard pens especially for http://www.insidewoodworking.com, a web publication with information about woodworking tools, woodworking machinery and other areas. You can have a look at his contributions on used woodworking tools at http://www.insidewoodworking.com and various other sources for used woodworking tools knowledge.

Utter the word menopause, and most people immediately picture the middle aged woman. It’s very unlikely that any American woman will reach her 40s without some knowledge of menopause lurking in her future. Pharmaceutical and herbal companies are wooing the woman, seeing her as a soon-to-be customer. She cannot help but be aware that she will experience at least some of the well known symptoms of menopause: hot flashes, moodiness, depression, insomnia, night sweats, thinning hair, vaginal dryness, and loss of libido. For all the attention given to women and their experiences with menopause, there is very little literature or advertising aimed toward the middle aged man. But men often do experience changes between the ages of 40 and 70 that are part of a phenomenon called andropause.

Like his female counterpart, the “menopausal” man may experience mood swings or irritability, thinning hair, loss of bone density, sleeplessness, weight gain due to shifting metabolism, and various sexual problems like decline in libido, difficulty achieving or maintaining erections, less than rigid erections, and decreased sensation. Yet, for a couple of reasons, male menopause has not received the same attention as female menopause, nor has help dealing with the symptoms been as easy to come by. When a woman experiences menopause, the most obvious sign of her fertility– her monthly cycle– ceases. This is obvious and measurable. Also, women are typically more open about discussing problems and willing to seek help from professionals and from peers. Men’s symptoms, on the other hand, are usually subtle and less noticeable. In addition, men are often expected to maintain a stoic attitude about problems they may be having. Men are less likely to consult with their physicians about symptoms that don’t seem life-threatening. It’s unfortunate that male menopause isn’t addressed with doctors, since there are steps a man can take to make his transition into his golden years more comfortable.

If people are aware of male menopause, that is, andropause, they are likely to believe it’s caused by a decline in testosterone. While the decline in testosterone levels is part of the problem, the whole situation is much more complicated than that. There is a mix of hormones and proteins in the male system that must be kept in balance for sexual health and optimal functionality. It’s the disruption of this balance as the man ages that is responsible for the symptoms of male menopause. For this reason, simply treating the menopausal man with testosterone may not be enough. Experts recommend that men dealing with shifting hormones should exercise, adhere to a healthy diet, monitor alcohol intake, and refrain from smoking. In addition, there are certain formulas men can take to readjust the balance of hormones necessary for well-being. Some of these treatments are by prescription only, while others are more along the herbal lines of treatment, and may be gotten without a doctor’s prescription.

A menopausal male should follow the same plan of attack as women have for decades: he should take care of himself, familiarize himself with what is going on inside his body, confide in friends who are experiencing the same symptoms, and consult a professional for advice on medication or supplements to address the imbalance in his aging body. Then he will be able to sail through his own change of life knowing that he has done all he can to help himself.

For additional information about Andropause, treatment options and tips for dealing with it, please visit www.amidrenreview.com

Christopher Thomas is a journalist/photographer that has recently overcame Andropause (Male Menopause) symptoms by taking supplements and making dietary changes. For additional information about Male Menopause/Andropause and treatment options that can help, please visit http://www.Amidrenreview.com

Changing your locks may sound like a simple task, but this is true only if you know what you are doing. There are many different styles of handles on the market. The locking mechanisms on certain styles vary and each has a unique function. If you are going to change your locks, be sure to know what type works best and why. Here is some useful information on styles and basics of changing a lock. Knowing what the lock is used for is important in finding the style that best meets your security needs.

Free through Passage Handles: These handles are exactly as they sound. You will not have to worry about locks. They come in either a knob type handle style or a level style which is very popular. Before purchasing these handles, though, be sure you do not need a lock.

Privacy Door Knobs: These handles are often used in the bedroom or bathroom. You can unlock the door by either turning the knob or turning an extra switch on the inside of the door. These are great for those areas where privacy is desired most.

Security Deadbolt Lock: The single deadbolt lock is a great style lock is good for any entrance to the home, whether the front or back door. However, it is best to use this lock with doors that do not have side lights or a glass pane since entrance would be fairly easy. One would only have to break the glass and reach in to turn the knob. The double deadbolt lock can provide extra strength and security to your doors. It can be locked form the inside or the outside using a key. You can also add a chain, for example, to provide even more security.

Decorative Door Knobs, Deadbolt and Latch Set: These handles help improve your home’s appearance. They are often placed on French doors. You can also use them on pantries if there is nothing hazardous inside, which should be kept from small children for instance. There are no locks on these decorative handles, but a little more security can be implemented with a decorative deadbolt and latch set. You can use these two pieces together or by themselves, depending on your needs.

You must now determine if the door handle you currently have is appropriate. To make this determination, you should first look at the latch plate. The hole may not be deep enough for a higher quality latch. Open and remove the existing latch plate, which is on the inside of your door. If it does not fit into the old hole, you will need to chisel the hole to give it a deeper depth. Also, be sure to check that the plunger for the deadbolt lines up with the hole in the frame since the lock will not provide proper security otherwise. Adding longer screws into the pre-drilled areas on the latch plate can add extra security.

The free-lance writer Eric Slarkowski is really interested in questions about woodworking tools and woodworking machinery. From his documents, the reviewer demonstrated his know-how on issues similar to used woodworking equipment.

In this article you will discover:

• The facts about l-carnitine
• Can l-carnitine help Alzheimer’s
• How much l-carnitine to take to help with Alzheimer’s

The Facts About L-Carnitine

The full name of l-carnitine is acetyl-l-carnitine which is usually shortened to l-carnitine or even just carnitine.

L-carnitine is a non-essential amino acid which is produced in the liver.

Foods which contain l-carnitine are:

• Avocado
• Dairy Products
• Red Meat
• Tempeh

L-carnitine can help with the following health conditions:

• Atherosclerosis
• Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
• Coronary Heart Disease
• High Cholesterol
• Poor Circulation

Alzheimer’s Help - Is L-Carnitine The Answer?

Clinical trials have shown that l-carnitine improve memory, improves the life of Alzheimer’s sufferers and delays the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

How Much L-Carnitine Do You Need To Take To Help With Alzheimer’s Disease?

To help a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease, they can take a daily dose of between 250mg and 1g of l-carnitine.

A typical supplemental dose used in clinical trials was 1 gram taken three times per day.

Note: Care needs to be taken when taking doses over 4g as diarhoea can occur.

So, too sum up…

L-carnitine is a non-essential amino acid which apart from helping with Alzheimer’s disease can also help with heart and circulation conditions plus chronic fatigue syndrome.

If you are concerned about someone who has Alzheimer’s disease, clinical trials have shown that by supplementing their diet with l-carnitine can help to improve their memory, delay the progression of Alzheimer’s plus improve their quality of life.

So, Alzheimer’s help, is l-carnitine the answer?

Well trials have shown that l-carnitine can help with Alzheimer’s disease.

Stewart Hare C.H.Ed Dip NutTh

Download ‘How To Beat Alzheimer’s Disease Naturally’ Free E-book

Website: NewBeingNutrition.com

Paracelsus statement “All substances are poisons, there is none that is not poison. The right dose differentiates a poison from a remedy” describes the central theme that underlies the processes of risk assessment and risk management. Any chemical given in excess can cause harm, while in moderation it can be of benefit. However, at a given dose one individual may be cured, another will see no effect, and a third one may die because of hypersensitivity to the substance. A variety of other effects may be seen between the extremes of death and no response.

Determining what constitutes a “safe” level of exposure becomes a difficult task when we consider the wide array of chemicals in existence as well as the variability of individual response to them. Two informations for determining acceptable exposure levels: 1) the toxic effects associated with exposure to the substance, 2) the level of risk the public or the user is willing to accept.

All human activities are associated with some degree of risk. It is defined as the probability (chance) that an adverse effect will occur under a specific set of circumstances. In the final analysis an individual will undertake a particular activity based upon his/her perception of the risk involved weighed against the apparent benefits that will be derived.

Regulatory agencies such as EPA, FDA and OSHA are involved in determining risk associated with chemical exposure. EPA, through a variety of environmental laws, regulates exposure to toxic substances that may be released into the environment. FDA is concerned with toxic substances added to foods and cosmetics. OSHA evaluates and regulates toxic substances in the workplace. One of the primary functions of these agencies is to establish guidelines and safe levels of exposure for toxic substances.

It must be noted that in reality, there is always some risk because of the differences in susceptibility and sensitivity of individuals to a particular toxic substance. Therefore, it is not possible for regulatory agencies to establish absolute, safe levels guaranteeing that no individual will ever develop an adverse effect. However, agencies can determine the circumstances and concentrations where the risk of an adverse response is extremely low, thus defining the level of exposure that may be considered safe.

There are two phases in the establishment of acceptable exposure levels; risk assessment and risk management. Information derived from these activities is used to determine the risk involved in exposure to toxic substances and how to best manage risk.

There are qualitative and quantitative definition for risk. These approaches are necessary to fully perceive and comprehend how risk are being established for safety purpose.

Qualitatively, risk at minimum degree must involve the possibility of an adverse outcome and uncertainty over the occurence, timing or magnitude of that adverse outcome. Thus, risk is a combination of uncertainty and damage that may result. Hazard is the source of the risk, there must be a safeguards value to compensate possible hazardous effect to human health.

Risk = uncertainty + damage

Risk = hazard/safeguards

Risk as defined quantitatively may be formulated as follows:

Triplet: R {}, i=1,2,3…N

S represents scenario (what can happen?)

P represents probability (how likely is it that it will happen?)

X represents consequences (what are the consequences if it does happen?)

Reference:
Kent, C. 1998. Basics of Toxicology. John Wiley & Sons, Inc. New York
Class material: Environmental Toxicology and Risk Assessment

http://riskdiary.com/2007/02/26/brief-introduction-of-risk-assessment/

Homeowners often face many do-it-yourself projects and many of those projects are trial and error. However, electrical repairs and/or projects should not fall under the category of trial and error. Before beginning an electrical repair project, follow the steps below to ensure a safe, successful result.

First, confirm that you are permitted to do electrical work on your own home. The Oregon Department of Business and Consumer Services (ODBCS) indicates that homeowners do not need a permit to replace electrical devices or perform maintenance on an existing electrical installation, but a permit is required in some instances. According to the ODBCS, you need a permit to install or modify any permanent wiring or electrical device, run additional wiring, put in an electrical outlet or light fixture, install or modify low-voltage systems such as security alarms or stereo systems, install a receptacle for a garage-door opener or convert to circuit breakers. Of course, the law varies from state to state. Be sure to check with your local office to confirm whether or not you need a permit.

Secondly, off all electrical power through the circuit breaker. Flipping a switch off is not enough. The socket or appliance will remain live. Many circuit breakers have diagrams detailing with circuit is connected which breaker, but be sure to check for yourself. You can do this by using a voltage tester. Someone assisting you is also helpful and prevents the need to run back and forth to test the circuit. Always tape the circuit breaker into the off position to avoid anyone restoring power while you are working. Finally, remember that the main wires entering the electrical panel from the outside cannot be turned off. For this reason, do not touch the wires or go near them with anything made of metal. If you suspect the electrical problems are with these wires, contact the power company. Do not try to find the problem on your own.

Third, standing in water or on a damp floor could result in a life-threatening shock. If there is water on the floor, place a rubber mat on the floor to stand on. Also, be sure you are wearing dry clothes. If you are not sure if the area is safe, call a professional. One call could save you from a dangerous shock.

Fourth, remember that metal is bad and rubber is good. If you touch metal and a live wire at the same time, your body carries a current from one to the other. Running a current through your body is, obviously, not healthy nor is it pleasant experience. However, rubber is a nonconductive material and actually insulates against electricity. Use tools with rubber or plastic coated handles and wear shoes with rubber soles.

Finally, test your work once you are finished. Turn the circuit breakers on to return electrical power to the area, and use a voltage tester to check if the appropriate amount of electricity is running. The amount required varies by the size of the appliance.

Being very excited about cnc machines, Ray Walberg has been writing a large number of summaries on this particular topic. Working on his documents such as http://www.insidewoodworking.com, he demonstrated his experience on areas associated to used cnc electronics.

There are a variety of tool boxes available today to meet your needs, differing by factors such as material, price, purpose and manufacturer.

Plastic tool boxes are great for more recreational use around the house and are the least expensive type. They are not as durable, but if cost is an issue a plastic tool box should suffice. They are not good for heavy duty professional use. Aluminum is another common material for tool boxes. It is more durable than plastic tool boxes, yet is still light weight. Aluminum tool boxes are slightly more expensive than plastic tool boxes, but they will last much longer. However, of all the materials, steel is the strongest and most durable. Steel tool boxes are best for heavy duty professional use and will endure the regular use. As would be expected, steel tool boxes are the most expensive. A power coated steel finish is best for standing up to the weather and outside environment.

In addition to the material, there are several types of tool boxes from which to choose. For instance, truck tool boxes are great for trucks with limited space in the cab to haul tools. The tool box can be safely carried in the bed of the truck. A variety of styles are made to fit different types of trucks. Top mount tool boxes are actually mounted in the bed behind the cab of a truck. Top mount tool boxes can have single or dual lids and one compartment or multiple compartments. The style of box you choose depends on what tools and what size tools you will carry. Side mount tool boxes mount on the side rail of the truck’s bed, though most of the box remains inside the bed. These tool boxes come in a variety of sizes to fit all sizes trucks, whether compact or a full size. The most popular tool box for a pick up truck is the crossover box. It fits behind the cab of any size truck, and most can be bolted to the bed of the truck to help prevent theft. Finally, a truck lumber rack may be a good accessory consider especially if the toolbox is hauled and/or attached to your truck. Truck lumber racks can help prevent scratching and dinging and provide a mount on the bed of the truck to carry your tools.

Delta tool boxes are one of the most preferred brands of tool boxes by professionals. The styles come in both steel and plastic. The delta champion series has a good line of crossover tool boxes, which have an insulted lid with three layer laminate increasing the durability and security. The pro-series delta tool box is a more durable box as it is made of steel and aluminum. Other brands of tool boxes include Homak tool boxes which come in plastic, metal and a plastic-metal combination. Homak manufacturer also offers a line of tool bags which may be a good alternative to the heavier, metal tool boxes.

Kurt Schefken works largely for http://www.insidewoodworking.com, a website on tool storage , workbenches and other themes. You can come across his articles on truck tool boxes at http://www.insidewoodworking.com and different sources for truck tool boxes information.

Good nutrition coupled with exercise is the key to being able to lose weight. Good nutrition is the key ingredient to improving your chances for weight loss. But we’re not talking crash diets here, or plain old starving yourself.

We are talking about eating healthy and making sure your portions match the number of calories you need on a daily basis. It is believed that if you can create a 500-calorie deficiency every day between exercise and nutrition, you can lose up to a pound a week.
Your calorie intake

Those calories should not be subtracted off of your recommended daily amount. It should be taken from the amount of calories you eat on a daily basis right now. For example: If you were an adult male eating 3,500 calories per day you can drop 250 calories from your diet and increase your energy consumption from exercise by 250 calories. If you can do this everyday, you will create a 3,500-calorie deficiency over the entire week - and that is the equivalent of one fat pound.

In order to lose weight you need to find a 500-calorie deficiency everyday. Do it through exercise and reducing what you eat.
Minimum Calorie Intakes

Women should not consume less than 1,200 calories per day, or 1,000 less than your maintenance value (how many calories you need to keep your weight steady). The Harris-Benedict formula is one of the leading ways to calculate your maintenance value.

Men should not consume less than 1,800 calories per day, or 1,000 less than your maintenance value.

If you try a crash diet, where you are only consuming 1,000 calories per day and working out, or getting exercise, sure, you will lose weight. But, it isn’t going to stay off. When you don’t give your body enough fuel, it starts to consume the muscles in your body. As we learned earlier, the muscles are an important part of being able to metabolize your foods.

Eating too little is not the way to have sustained weight loss.

You risk burning muscle of you crash diet by not eating anything. Your body will consume your muscle tissue, actually making it more difficult to keep the weight off down the road.

Eating much less slows your metabolism. You aren’t eating enough food to keep your metabolism running on high octane.
Tracking your calories

It might take a little bit of effort, but each food has a written caloric value on the packaging. If you take the time to notice what is on the package you will be able to monitor what your calorie intake is. When you can do this, you will be able to keep tabs on what you are eating and whether or not y

http://www.gary@family-health-fitness.com”>gary@family-health-fitness.com

You’ve heard the talk, read the book, bought the T-shirt but what practical steps can you take on Monday morning to help creativity to flourish?

To start off, here are a few ideas. However with your new found idea generation skills, you should be able to think of lots more.

• Create space (physical and time) for idea generation
• By cutting down on non essential meetings
• Avoiding micro managing staff
• Allowing time for ‘play’ or to make mistakes (within reason)
• Allowing interaction between individuals (at the coffee machine or water cooler).
• Adopt simple techniques for modifying existing products or services
• Think about having after action reviews to ensure that you avoid re-inventing the wheel.
• Look at reward systems to encourage know-how to be shared and for salaries and bonuses to promote team working.
• Hold curiosity meetings where people are allowed to ask ‘What if?’

Small organisations without boards could consider having an informal board of trusted acquaintances who will give advice in return for a meal, say.

Start looking at methods of gathering ideas that will encourage new ideas not just complaints (avoid the baggage of the traditional suggestion box). Ensure that contributions are recognised and that the process is transparent.

So what? You may say, these are not very creative. Well they are if you have been doing something else. Creative or alternative thinking does not mean playing with brightly coloured balls all day long. It means selecting appropriate techniques and methods from as wide a variety as possible and matching them to the task in hand to get the best results possible. Another reason to expand your management toolbox is to engage the widest audience possible. That person who yawns at meetings where documents are discussed might participate where a storyboard is used. Someone whose help you seek may apparently talk in riddles but they may in fact be using metaphor, try using their language.

One other thing to remember, just because the words ‘problem solving’ are used it does not mean that you have to have a problem to be solved. You may need to reframe a situation i.e. get another perspective, either to be able to change it or make sure that you have left nothing out.

Let’s look at the categories that techniques fall into:

Exploring/defining - such techniques can be used to try and find solutions to problems but they can also be used to find out more about an individual or group of people or try to create a shared understanding of a situation with abstract boundaries such as a vision or mission statement.

Idea generation - these techniques do exactly what it says on the tin. Brainstorming type techniques can be used to generate a large number of possibilities whilst nominal group techniques or modelling can create a shared idea amongst a group of people.

Screening - instead of just sitting around trying to vote for a preferred solution or rely on gut feel, there are a number of techniques that can help you such as bullet proofing.

Planning and prioritising - not quite planning in the true sense of the word but some of the screening techniques can help you prioritise and something like a storyboard is actually a plan (but without the small print) which can be turned into a readable document or used as a storyboard for PR or communications purposes.

Derek Cheshire is an expert, speaker, consultant and facilitator in the areas of Business Creativity, Innovation and Idea Generation. He is creator of the Innovation Toolkit, and co creator of workshops such as Creating The Difference, Creativity as a Business Tool, Sticky Strategy and The Idea Factory. Derek is also a director of the PRD Partnership, experts in commercialising ideas.

You can receive regular ideas and updates on Business Creativity and Innovation by visiting http://www.creative4business.co.uk and filling out the simple sign up form. See also http://www.prdpartnership.com