#Refrigerant Recovery Machine

[digthisdesignusa]

The HVAC Pro’s Guide: Energy Savings Strategies & Essential Tools

In today’s world, energy efficiency has become more than just a buzzword; it’s a necessity. As homeowners and businesses alike look for ways to reduce energy consumption and cut costs, the HVAC industry plays a pivotal role. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems account for a significant portion of energy use in residential and commercial buildings. Therefore, understanding energy-saving strategies and essential tools is crucial for HVAC professionals aiming to offer the best solutions to their clients.

In this guide, we will explore effective energy savings strategies that HVAC pros can implement to enhance system performance and efficiency. We’ll also discuss essential tools that every HVAC technician should have in their toolkit to ensure optimal operation and maintenance of HVAC systems.

Understanding Energy Savings in HVAC Systems

Before diving into specific strategies and tools, it’s essential to understand how energy savings can be achieved within HVAC systems. Energy savings refer to reducing energy consumption without sacrificing comfort or service quality. This can be accomplished through various methods, such as improving system efficiency, optimizing controls, and enhancing building insulation. To effectively implement these strategies, The Ultimate Must-Have Tool List for Every HVAC Tech ensures that technicians have the right equipment to diagnose, maintain, and optimize HVAC systems for maximum efficiency.

Key Factors Influencing Energy Use

System Efficiency: The efficiency rating of HVAC equipment significantly impacts energy consumption. Higher-rated systems use less energy to produce the same output as lower-rated ones.

Proper Sizing: An HVAC system that is too small will struggle to maintain comfort, while an oversized system will cycle on and off frequently, wasting energy. Proper sizing is critical for optimal performance.

Building Insulation: Well-insulated buildings retain heat in the winter and cool air in the summer, reducing the workload on HVAC systems.

Regular Maintenance: Routine maintenance ensures that systems operate efficiently, reducing unnecessary energy expenditure.

Energy Savings Strategies for HVAC Professionals

Now that we’ve established the importance of energy savings in HVAC systems, let’s explore some effective strategies that professionals can implement to improve efficiency.

Implement Smart Thermostats

Smart thermostats allow users to control their heating and cooling systems remotely via smartphones or tablets. These devices learn user behaviors and preferences, adjusting temperatures accordingly to maximize comfort while minimizing energy use. For HVAC pros, recommending smart thermostats can lead to significant energy savings for clients.

Schedule Regular Maintenance

Encouraging clients to schedule regular maintenance checks for their HVAC systems is vital. During these checks, technicians can clean filters, check refrigerant levels, and inspect ductwork for leaks. Regular maintenance helps ensure that systems run efficiently and can prolong their lifespan.

Seal Ductwork

Leaky ducts can result in significant energy loss. By sealing ductwork with mastic sealant or metal tape, HVAC professionals can help clients achieve better airflow and reduce energy consumption. Proper duct insulation also helps maintain desired temperatures throughout the building.

Optimize System Controls

Modern HVAC systems often come with advanced controls that can optimize performance based on occupancy patterns. For instance, implementing zoning systems allows users to heat or cool only occupied areas of a building. Educating clients on how to use these controls effectively can lead to remarkable energy savings.

Upgrade Equipment

For older systems, an upgrade may be the most effective way to achieve energy savings. Newer models are typically more efficient and may qualify for tax credits or rebates. HVAC pros should assess clients’ current systems and recommend upgrades when appropriate.

Essential Tools for HVAC Professionals

To implement the strategies outlined above effectively, HVAC professionals need a set of essential tools. Here are some must-have tools that can enhance efficiency and performance in HVAC tasks.

Digital Manifold Gauge Set

A digital manifold gauge set is an invaluable tool for troubleshooting and diagnosing refrigeration issues. These gauges provide accurate readings of pressure levels in the system, helping technicians assess whether the refrigerant charge is correct.

Infrared Thermometer

An infrared thermometer allows technicians to measure surface temperatures quickly without contact. This tool is ideal for checking temperature differences across vents or inspecting refrigeration lines for leaks.

Duct Blower

A duct blower is essential for testing duct leakage. By pressurizing the duct system, technicians can determine if there are any leaks that need sealing. This tool helps ensure that clients are getting optimal airflow throughout their homes or businesses.

Refrigerant Recovery Machine

When servicing HVAC systems, it's important to handle refrigerants safely and responsibly. A refrigerant recovery machine allows technicians to capture refrigerants from the system during repairs or maintenance, preventing harmful emissions into the environment.

Multimeter

A multimeter is a multifunctional device designed to measure electrical parameters such as voltage, current, and resistance in circuits. It is crucial for diagnosing electrical issues within HVAC systems and ensuring that components are functioning correctly.

Combustion Analyzer

For heating systems that utilize combustion, a combustion analyzer is essential for measuring efficiency levels and ensuring safe operation. This tool provides insights into gas-to-air ratios and helps technicians make necessary adjustments to improve performance.

Conclusion

As energy efficiency becomes increasingly important in today’s society, HVAC professionals have a unique opportunity to lead the charge toward sustainable practices. By implementing effective energy-saving strategies and utilizing essential tools, HVAC technicians can help clients reduce their energy consumption while maintaining comfort levels.

From recommending smart thermostats to scheduling regular maintenance checks, the role of an HVAC pro extends beyond system installation; it involves educating clients about their options and helping them make informed decisions about their heating and cooling needs. Understanding key concepts, such as What are the Mechanical Properties of Composite Materials, can also play a role in improving HVAC components, leading to more efficient and durable systems.

With the right approach and tools at hand, HVAC professionals can significantly impact energy savings in homes and businesses alike. By embracing these strategies and tools, you not only enhance your value as an HVAC technician but also contribute positively to the environment by promoting energy-efficient practices.

[kingcoolhvac]

Refrigerant Recovery And Recycling Machine

[mostlysignssomeportents]

How an obscure advisory board lets utilities steal $50b/year from ratepayers

I'm on a 20+ city book tour for my new novel PICKS AND SHOVELS. Catch me in NYC on WEDNESDAY (26 Feb) with JOHN HODGMAN and at PENN STATE on THURSDAY (Feb 27). More tour dates here. Mail-order signed copies from LA's Diesel Books.

Two figures to ponder.

First: if your local power company is privately owned, you've seen energy rate hikes at 49% above inflation over the last three years.

Second: if your local power company is publicly owned, you've seen energy rates go up at 44% below inflation over the same period.

Power is that much-theorized economic marvel: a "natural monopoly." Once someone has gone to the trouble of bringing a power wire to your house, it's almost impossible to convince anyone else to invest in bringing a competing wire to your electrical service mast. For this reason, most people in the world get their energy from a publicly owned utility, and the rates reflect social priorities as well as cost-recovery. For example, basic power to run lights and a refrigerator might be steeply discounted, while energy-gobbling McMansions pay a substantial premium for the extra power to heat and cool their ostentatious lawyer-foyers and "great rooms."

But in America, we believe in the miracle of the market, even where no market could possibly exist because of natural monopolies. That's why about 70% of Americans get their power from shareholder-owned companies, whose managers' prime directive is extracting profit, not serving their communities. To check this impulse, these private utilities are overseen by various flavors of public bodies, usually called Public Utility Commissions (PUCs).

For 40 years, PUCs have limited private utilities to a "rate of return" based on a "just and reasonable profit." They always gamed this to make it higher than was fair, but in recent years, the "experts" who advise PUCs on rate-setting have been boiled down to a tiny number of economists, who have discovered that the true "just and reasonable profit" is much higher than it's ever been considered.

Mark Ellis worked for one of those profit-hiking "experts," but he's turned whistleblower. On paper, Ellis looks like the enemy: former chief economist at Sempra Energy, an ex-Exxonmobile analyst, a retired McKinsey Consultant, and a Socal Edison engineer. But Ellis couldn't stomach the corruption, and he went public, publishing a report for the American Economic Liberties Project called "Rate of Return Equals Cost of Capital" that lays out the con in stark detail:

https://www.economicliberties.us/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/20250102-aelp-ror-v5.pdf

I first encountered Ellis last week when he was interviewed on Matt Stoller and David Dayen's excellent Organized Money podcast, where he memorably referred to these utilities as "pocket-picking machines":

https://www.organizedmoney.fm/p/the-pocket-picking-machine

Dayen followed this up with a great summary in The American Prospect (where he is editor-in-chief):

https://prospect.org/environment/2025-02-21-secret-society-raising-your-electricity-bills/

At the center of the scam is a professional association called the Society of Utility and Regulatory Financial Analysts (SURFA). The experts in SURFA are dominated by just four consulting companies, who provide 90% of the testimony for rate-setting exercises. Just two people account for half of that input.

In order to calculate the "just and reasonable profit," these experts make use of economic models. Even in normal economics, these models are the source of infinite mischief and suffering, built on assumptions that legitimize the most abusive conduct:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/04/03/all-models-are-wrong/#some-are-useful

But even by the low standards of normal economic models, the utility models are really bad. They rely on unique "risk premium" and "expected earnings" calculations that no one else in finance will touch. As Dayen explains, these models are "perfectly circular."

This might be a bit confusing, but only because it's one of those scams that you assume you must have misunderstood because it's so, well, scammy. In the "expected earnings" analysis, the "just and reasonable profit" a utility is allowed to build into its rates is defined as "the amount of money it would like to make." In other words, if a utility projects future revenues of $10 billion over the next ten years, that is its "expected earnings." "Expected earnings" are treated as equivalent to "just and reasonable profits." So under this model, whatever number the utility puts in its financial projections is the number that it's allowed to take out of the pockets of ratepayers.

This is just as bad as it sounds. In 2022, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission said that it "defied financial logic." No duh – even SURFA's own training manual says it "does not square well with economic theory."

In the world of regulated utilities, this kind of mathing isn't supposed to be possible. The PUC and its "consumer advocates" are supposed to listen to these outlandish tales and laugh the utility out of the room.

But it's SURFA that trains the consumer advocates who work for the PUCs, the large energy customers, and community groups. These people – who are supposed to act as the adversaries of the companies that pay SURFA members to justify rate-hikes – are indoctrinated by SURFA to treat its absurd models as accepted economic gospel. SURFA has co-opted its opposition, transformed it into a botnet that parrots its own talking-points.

Because of this, the private power companies that serve 70% of US households made an extra $50b last year, about $300 per household. What's more, because the excess profits available to companies that simply bamboozle their regulators are so massive, they swamp all the other tools regulators use to attempt to improve the energy system. No incentive offered for conservation or efficiency can touch the gigantic sums energy companies can make by ripping off ratepayers, so nearly all the incentive programs approved by PUCs have been dead on arrival.

What's more, utilities are allowed to fold the cost of hiring the experts who get them rate hikes onto the ratepayers. In other words, if a utility hires a $10,000,000 expert who successfully argues for a $1,000,000,000 rate-increase, they get to recoup the ten mil they spent securing the right to rip you off for a billion dollars on top of that cool bill.

We often talk about regulatory capture in the abstract, but this is as concrete as it can be. Ellis's report makes a raft of highly specific, technical regulatory changes that states or cities could impose on their PUCs. These are shovel-ready ideas: if you find yourself contemplating a sky-high power bill, maybe you could call your state rep and read them aloud.

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2025/02/24/surfa/#mark-ellis

[reasonsforhope]

"In drought-stricken areas, communities facing water shortages, or even in residential and commercial buildings eager to improve their environmental footprints, atmospheric water generators represent a new frontier in water production.

While it might sound like a tidbit from a science fiction movie, even the driest places on earth have moisture in the air that can be extracted and used for everyday necessities like plumbing and drinking. 

Unlike traditional dehumidifiers, which also pull moisture from the air, AWGs utilize filtration and sterilization technology to make water safe to drink. 

And while there are plenty of AWG companies out there — and the science itself isn’t novel — AWGs are becoming more efficient, affordable, and revolutionary in combating water scarcity in a myriad of communities.

Aquaria Technologies, a San Francisco-based AWG startup, was founded in 2022 to help provide affordable and clean drinking water in areas most affected by climate change. 

Using heat exchange and condensation, Aquaria’s generators draw air into their systems, cool that air below its dew point, and as it condenses, capture that water and filter it for consumption. 

As the cycle continues, the generator’s refrigerant vaporizes and goes through a process that cools it back into a liquid, meaning the heat transfer cycle repeats continuously in an energy-efficient and self-sustaining system.

“I’m sure you’ve had the experience in the summer, you take a glass of a cold drink out of the fridge and then water droplets form on the side of the bottle,” Aquaria’s co-founder and CEO Brian Sheng, said in a podcast episode. “That’s actually condensation.”

Sheng continued: “The question is, how do we create condensation? How do we extract water out of the air in large volume and using little energy? That’s what our technology does. We have created both active and passive cooling methods where we use special materials, and we’ve created heat exchange and recovery systems and airflow design, such that we’re maximizing heat exchange, and then we’re able to extract large volumes of water.”

Aquaria has created a number of generators, but its stand-alone model — the Hydropack X — can replace an entire home’s dependence on municipal water, producing as much as 264 gallons of potable water per day. 

Other models, like the Hydrostation, can provide water for up to 1,500 people at parks, construction sites, or other outdoor public areas. The Hydropixel can make 24 gallons of water per day for a seamless at-home application, requiring a simple outlet for power. 

“Atmospheric water generators present a groundbreaking solution to the global challenge of clean water scarcity, leveraging the humidity present in the air to produce potable water,” the company’s website explains.

“This technology is versatile, functioning efficiently across diverse climates — from arid regions to tropical settings. From rural communities in developing countries to advanced cities facing unexpected droughts, atmospheric water generators have a wide range of applications… transforming lives and providing secure, clean water sources.”

Considering an estimated 2.2 billion people lack access to clean water globally — including in American cities like Flint, Michigan, or Modesto, California — innovative solutions like AWGs are vital to maintaining the basic human right to clean water. 

The World Economic Forum has begun to dip its toes into this technology as well, implementing public and private partnerships to introduce AWG units in Arizona’s Navajo Nation, where the machines produce about 200 gallons of clean water per day.

“When combined with an appropriate level of community engagement and triple-bottom-line business (people, planet, profit),” a blog post for WE Forum said, “this model can be a powerful stopgap solution where few exist today.”

Similarly, according to New Atlas, Aquaria has a partnership with developers to supply its technology to a 1,000-home community in Hawaii later this year, relying entirely on atmospherically generated water.

The company also has a “Frontier Access Program,” which partners with water-related NGOs, community project developers, and sustainable development groups to deploy this technology in areas most in need.

Regardless of their use cases — in homes, in communities facing water shortages, or at aid sites navigating natural disasters — AWGs have a minimal environmental impact. Sourcing water “from thin air,” requires no plastic bottles, no large-scale plants using up loads of energy, and no byproducts that can harm the environment."

-via GoodGoodGood, August 27, 2024

[gas-writer]

Working After Hours...

I don't use Tumblr that much, and already posted this new story over on DeviantArt. But if you haven't already read it over there, maybe you'll like it here: A happier, more positive, and longer anesthesia story! Let's see if tumblr will do 9000 words in a single post...

I power down the last computer at the registration desk. The screen clicks off.

Friday nights at Riverside Surgical Center always end like this. Just me, alone in the building; wandering the halls, making sure everything is powered off, closed and packed up for the weekend. It's my favorite part of being the sole IT support specialist here. When everyone else rushes out, I get these perfect moments alone. With the equipment.

The hum of the building's air handling system becomes noticeable as I cross the deserted, silent lobby. My footsteps click against the polished vinyl flooring. I walk to the entrance, diligently checking that the automatic door is locked closed. It is. I’ll lock it again when I leave, but tonight I don’t want any unexpected visitors.

I turn and begin my rounds through the facility. The surgical center’s manager thinks I'm dedicated. In reality, I'm obsessed.

Medical technology has been my special interest since I was a teenager. While other kids collected posters of rock bands, I hoarded medical supply catalogs. By eighteen, I could name every component of an anesthesia machine and knew the admin passwords to a handful of patient monitors. The job here at Riverside isn't high-paying, but it gives me access to a playground of sophisticated equipment that nobody outside the medical profession would get to touch.

The pre-operative area is my first stop. Six curtained bays line the wall, each containing a stretcher with accompanying vital signs monitor. I walk slowly, making sure each monitor (a Phillips model I know well) is powered down. When in use, their screens show blood pressure, SPo2 and pulse rates. They’re seldom used with ECG leads in pre-op. I notice things like that. I’ve always been into the small details.

Regardless, they’re all dark now. The monitoring system's central station sits at the nurse's desk. They’ve already turned it off.

I walk into one of the bays, and push an IV pole out of my way. Mounted on the pole is an infusion pump, its digital display dark. I check the bay's cabinets, making sure the stock of IV catheters, saline flushes, and adhesive dressings are orderly. I don’t really have to do this; it’s a med tech’s job, but… I want to.

As I check the next one, I pocket a couple of alcohol prep pads. Then a few pairs of purple nitrile gloves from the wall dispenser. Nothing that would be missed. I've been collecting “supplies” for months this way. I tell myself I’m building my own personal medical kit for home, but I know I just like having this stuff.

The staff lounge is next. There’s not really anything in here that I need to power off; we’d all be in trouble if I shut the refrigerator down. Nothing seems out of place here. It was one of the nurse’s birthdays today, and there are cake crumbs on the table. I skipped the party, but I helpfully wipe them up. There’s a box of masks by the door, though, and I take one, adding it to my scrub pockets. My heart rate increases slightly at the thought of what I'm planning later, but for now, I just turn out the breakroom’s lights.

Moving on with my patrol, I enter the post-anesthesia room; the PACU. This is more or less a mirror of pre-op, but with closer monitoring. The ECG traces on the monitors get used here. Eight recovery bays face a central nurse's station where the staff can observe all of the waking patients at once. Like pre-op, I verify each is powered down, and catch one that the nurses missed.

I pass through the automatic double doors that separate the PACU from the main corridor. My pulse quickens as I approach my actual destination tonight: the surgical suites. Riverside has three operating rooms; more than average for the facility’s relatively small throughput. Each is specialized for different types of procedures.

OR 1 is the largest, equipped for general surgery. Its boom-mounted equipment arms hang suspended from the ceiling in standby mode. The room lights are off, and the surgical lights on articulating arms are stowed neatly against the ceiling. I stare through the door for a moment, then move on.

I walk to OR 2, which is set up primarily for orthopedic procedures. The C-arm x-ray unit is parked in the corner, draped with a protective cover. Riverside sees a lot of broken arms, ACLs that need repair, and the like, but I’ve never been that interested in medical carpentry. Everything looks alright here, so I move on again.

Finally, I reach OR 3. It’s the smallest of the three rooms, sometimes used for endoscopies, but also for gynecological and urological procedures. This one has always held a special fascination for me, for reasons I leave unexamined for now. The operating table here is equipped with integrated leg stirrups, really more like giant yellow boots, that can be positioned at various angles. The table itself is computerized with both foot pedals and a remote. It can be easily moved to nearly any position, which is why I’ve chosen it for tonight.

I hesitate at the doorway, my heart pounding. The room, like the others, is dark and still. My hand finds the light switch, and I flip it. The room lights and overhead surgical lights come on at once, uncomfortably bright. I let my eyes adjust for a moment, then I step inside and let the door swing shut behind me.

This is my plan. This is the reason I’m so helpful on Friday nights.

I move purposefully. The anesthesia workstations here are slightly older than I might find in an academic center, and frankly, that’s what I want. It still has physical knobs that I could twist, instead of a touchscreen. I approach it; running my fingers along its smooth surface. I think, just for a second, how embarrassed I’d be if someone saw me basically petting the machine. But I’m alone. That’s the point.

On the far side of the operating room is an entire wall of supplies. Opening a cabinet, I locate the components I need. A disposable breathing circuit, nicely packaged with a filter and a gas sampling line. A pair of rebreathing bags, and an adult-sized anesthesia mask. In another cabinet, I find a four-point head harness, designed to keep the mask securely in place during procedures. I lay these items out methodically on the anesthesia machine's work surface.

Next, from a different cabinet I retrieve a pulse oximeter sensor, and a blood pressure cuff. I return to the anesthesia workstation, and connect both to their respective ports on the machine. Even if I didn’t know where they went, the plugs are colored and fit only in the right place. It just takes a few seconds, despite my slightly trembling hands. I think about getting ECG pads; the machine is already setup for 5-lead, but I decide it’ll be too awkward to manage the wires.

I connect the breathing circuit to the outlet and inlets on the anesthesia machine, carefully attaching the corrugated tubing and the rebreathing bag. The mask will go at the end of the circuit, but for now, I just slightly inflate the plastic seal around the mask’s rim with a syringe, then I lay it down on top of the machine

I press the power button on the anesthesia machine, listening to the startup sequence of beeps and watching as the ventilator performs its self-test. When it’s done, I perform a machine check, following the same protocol the anesthesiologists use each morning. I verify that oxygen flows properly from the wall outlet through the machine's pipelines. The backup oxygen cylinder shows pressure on its gauge. The nitrous tank is open and full. I check the carbon dioxide absorbent canister; it's fresh, the granules still white instead of the purple that would indicate it’s all used up. This is good, because I’m not actually sure which cabinet would hold a replacement, and I don’t want to search.

It takes a few minutes, but the checks complete cleanly. The rebreathing bag inflates and deflates properly and everything holds pressure. I slip the mask onto the business-end of the anesthesia circuit, pressing it in place firmly.

This machine, I note, has two vaporizers on it, purple and yellow, iso and sevo. I don’t plan to use these, but I see that the liquid level indicator on the sevoflurane shows about a quarter full. I’m intrigued but volatiles are far too dangerous to mess around with.

With the electronic foot pedals, I adjust the operating table to its lowest height setting and position it at a slight incline, so I can sit comfortably on it. The table’s dual armboards easily fold down, out of the way completely. I’m relieved to see the stirrups are likewise folded down; I'll have no need for those tonight. When I’m done, the operating table resembles a very expensive, very black chaise lounge.

I wheel the anesthesia machine closer to the operating table, careful not to pull the gas supply hoses too far. With some effort, and a couple more change to the operating table’s pitch, I position it where I can just about reach the machine’s controls, while seated on the table.

I shimmy to the center of my operating-table-made-chair. I smooth out the sleeve of my left arm and wrap the blood pressure cuff around my own bicep. It’s awkward. I struggle with the Velcro, trying to get the cuff closed in the right place on my arm, and to tighten it appropriately. After a few attempts, though, I get it close enough. The pulse oximeter clip goes easily onto my right index finger, and rhythmic beeping starts to track my heartbeat. I reach to the anesthesia machine, and using my middle finger to put the button, start the cuff. Within seconds, the monitor displays my vital signs: heart rate 92, blood pressure 138/84, oxygen saturation 99%. My elevated heart rate and blood pressure doesn't surprise me. I've been fantasizing about this whole thing for months.

I reach out to the machine’s controls and set the oxygen flow rate to 6 liters per minute. The flow meter's ball rises in its chamber, indicating the gas is flowing as expected. The room fills with a quiet hiss.

I pick up the mask, and I feel a momentary hesitation. What I'm about to do crosses a line, from a special interest to something more dangerous and much more against the rules. But the temptation is too strong to resist. I've come this far, after all.

I bring the mask to my face, feeling the soft plastic seal against my skin. It's cool at first, but quickly warms against my face. I take a deep breath, smelling the significant plastic scent of the new breathing circuit and mask. The oxygen fills my lungs.

I pickup the black head harness, and, with a little more awkwardness, I secure the mask to my face, tightening the straps until it stays sealed tightly even when I’m not holding it.

My breathing sounds loud inside the mask. For a few moments, I watch the rebreathing bag inflate and deflate rhythmically with each breath I take. I watch my oxygen saturation maintain at 99% on the monitor. Everything is working perfectly. It’s time to take the next step.

I reach for oxygen flow knob again. This time, it twist down… and twist the nitrous oxide tap open. I know how the flowmeters work, and set the balls to a roughly 33% nitrous oxide flow. I take a deep, deliberate breath through the mask, and the effects begin almost immediately. A pleasant warmth spreads through my limbs. I hold the breath for a second, then deliberately take another very big breath. My fingertips tingle with a curious numbness. By the third breath, a buzzing sensation starts at the base of my skull, radiating upwards into my head. I’m surprised, and more than a little bit pleased, at how fast I’m feeling the nitrous. I've read about this feeling countless times in medical literature and online, but experiencing it firsthand is amazing; both the physical sensation and the forbidden nature of what I'm doing. I want more. I turn the oxygen down slightly again, and the nitrous up.

I lean back onto the operating table, letting my arms fall to my sides, and take in more of the gas as I relax.

The room maintains its sharp edges and clinical brightness, but my perception of it begins to shift. The surgical lights above me seem more intense, their glow extending just a bit beyond their actual boundaries. The rhythmic sound of the gas flowing through the circuit becomes hypnotic. My breathing is less intentional now, but even so, I’m still breathing slowly and deeply. The rebreathing bag inflates and deflates and I enjoy watching it for a couple of minutes. Inhale, exhale. Inflating, deflating.

I check the monitors with slightly unfocused eyes. My heart rate has decreased to 84 beats per minute; it’s still elevated from my normal resting rate but lower than before. My oxygen saturation remains good. The blood pressure reading cycles automatically every five minutes. The cuff tightens around my arm before letting go with a soft hiss: 125/76. The beep of my heartbeat has slowed.

I laugh, muffled by the mask. I watch the rebreathing bag some more.

The blood pressure cuff cycles again; time is stretching, I’ve floated here five minutes already, and dissociated without realizing it. There’s a clock on the OR wall, and I watch it for a minute. It moves simultaneously slowly and fast. I smile. I’m happy, and… I want more.

I decide to increase the concentration. My movements are deliberate, almost ceremonial, as I pull myself upright, then reach out to adjust the flowmeters. I’m already around 50%, and I want a bit more. I twist the nitrous upwards, nearly as high as it’ll go. I can tell the difference almost immediately.

The buzzing in my head intensifies, becoming a gentle vibration that extends through my entire body. The boundaries between myself and the room begin to blur. The operating table beneath me seems to become softer, much softer, as if I might sink through it if I relaxed completely. I don't, though; I still have the presence of mind to lower myself back onto the table gently, instead of falling off.

I let myself drift again. I think about the nurses and surgeons who work in this room, wielding their instruments, controlling life and consciousness with practiced hands. Now I'm doing the same, in a way. This thought seems somehow hilarious and profound. I don’t start laughing but I’m pretty close. Before I know it, the blood pressure cuff is cycling again.

I raise my hands in front of my face, fascinated by how distant and blurry they seem. I wiggle my fingers, watching the movement with detached curiosity. There's a delay between my intention and the action, as if I'm connected to a video game on a bad internet connection. I slide my palm along the cool surface of the operating table, the sensation of touch seems simultaneously intensified and muted.

A new thought surfaces through the haze of nitrous oxide: what would sevoflurane feel like? I know that nitrous, at normal pressure, can’t actually knock anyone out. But sevo, at even at moderate concentrations, induces unconsciousness within minutes. I don’t want that. Even while intoxicated, I clearly understand the consequences of gassing myself to far. But my understanding of MAC is that at lower concentrations, like, say, 1% or 2%, people my age will generally remain awake. At least for a little while.

I could try it. Just a little.

I know it’s dangerous, but the idea is irresistible.

I sit up again, and reach for the anesthesia machine, my movements a lot less coordinated now, through the nitrous fog. First, I turn down the nitrous oxide flow to zero, allowing pure oxygen to clear my system for a moment. I take several deep breaths, feeling some of the fuzziness recede. My thoughts sharpen enough for me to recognize the recklessness of what I'm about to do, but not enough to stop me.

I turn the yellow vaporizer dial just a bit, turning it to 1%, then to 2%. Enough to taste it, to feel its initial effects for real. I’m not feeling tentative now, like I was with the nitrous, even though I know I’ll need to quickly turn it off. I breath all the way out, and the sevo begins to flow.

The first breath is still mostly oxygen, and I let myself settle back onto the table. When I take the second breath, though, a distinctly sweet smell fills the mask. It smells chemical, like a harsh cleanser, but… not unpleasant. I don’t feel anything. I take another careful breath, then another. Only then, does the effect hit me.

A heavy warmth spreads through my body, like someone’s thrown a weighted blanket over me. Another breath, and I start to feel distinctly tired. The nitrous made me feel fuzzy primarily, this is making me feel drowsy.

I try to breath normally, and the edges of my vision begin to blur, the periphery darkening slightly. It’s as if a camera’s vignette effect has been applied to my eyesight. The beeping heartbeat sound in the room seems to recede, becoming muffled and distant. It’s much more intense than the nitrous, and much more intense than I expected. I understand, in a moment, how stupid I’ve been. I need to turn the gas back off.

I sit up, trying to reach the machine, and it feels like I’m moving through syrup. My intention to move my hand doesn’t match my muscles exactly; the same effect as the Nitrous but more severe. The machine seems farther away than it was a moment ago. I reach for the vaporizer dial, and my own hand seems disconnected, as if it’s not mine.

Before I can reach the dial, another hand appears in my peripheral vision. A hand that is, for sure, not mine.

I try to turn my head, movements sluggish, brain struggling to process this unexpected development. A figure in blue appears, standing beside me, and grabs my wrist, pulling it back from the vaporizer.

"What have we here?" a female voice says. "Someone's been playing with toys they shouldn't touch." The words have a British accent, and seem to echo strangely in my ears.

I start to speak, but the mask is still harnessed to my face. I try to reach up to remove it, but the woman grabs my other wrist, too.

In the harsh surgical lighting, I see it’s a woman in blue scrubs, a surgical cap covering reddish hair, bright eyes above a white surgical mask. It's a nurse, but in my disoriented state, I can't immediately identify which one. Panic cuts through the chemical haze. I wasn't supposed to be discovered. No one should be here. The staff all left. I made sure of it.

I’m not sure what to do. I try to stand, to pull away, but my reactions are dulled by the anesthetics already in my system. The sevoflurane continues to flow; I still haven't turned it off, and each rapid, frightened breath draws more of the agent into my bloodstream.

"Turn it off," I manage to say, my voice muffled by the mask. "Let go of me!"

"I don't think so," the nurse replies. I feel myself being pushed backwards, down onto the diagonal operating table. "You've set everything up so nicely. It would be a shame to stop now."

I'm larger than her, stronger under normal circumstances, but the sevoflurane has substantially undermined my coordination. She pushes me down easily. But I’m not done yet; I turn sharply, trying to break her grip, and succeed in pulling one arm free. I reach for the mask, intending to tear it away, but she’s fast, or I’m slow. She blocks my hand, catching my wrist again.

"Oh no, you don't," she says, her voice hard. "Keep that mask on."

Fear spikes through me. Each breath is drawing more sevo into my system. I thrash, but the head harness keeps the mask firmly in place despite my movements, and the continuing supply of anesthetic makes my fight increasingly clumsy.

The nurse adjusts her grip, pinning one of my arms under her body, while reaching for something on the anesthesia machine I’ve placed so conveniently close by. To my horror, I see her turn the sevoflurane vaporizer not down, but up. I can’t see where she’s set it, but I know anywhere above 3% will rapidly render me unconscious.

"No!" I shout this time, the word completely intelligible even through the mask. I buck upward, pressing my legs against the table, trying to get up. For a moment, I think I might break free. The pulse oximeter rips free from my finger, setting off a high-pitched alarm from the monitor.

I’m able to slide my right arm free of the tangle of limbs, and I grasp at the mask, fingers scrabbling at the head harness, but they just… won’t… get it… My fingers don’t work right.

The nurse recovers quickly, catching my free wrist a third time, and forcing it down. She swings one leg over me, straddling my chest and fully jumping on the table. Before I know it, she’s on top of me. She’s using her weight to pin me down. Her face is close to mine now. It’s aggressively intimate, her blue eyes intense above her mask.

"Don't struggle, love" she says, her voice simultaneously soothing and menacing. "You'll only make it worse for yourself."

With her full weight on top of me, my movements grow increasingly fruitless. Even if she wasn’t on top of me, the feeling of heaviness, the feeling that started after my first few breaths, is much stronger now. Each time I try to push her off, the physical exertion forces me to breathe harder, deeper, pulling more sevoflurane into my system. I realize that the more I fight, the faster the anesthetic is taking hold.

My vision begins to waver, the straight lines of the room twisting and bending. The nurse's face above me seems to split and rejoin, her mask and eyes turning blurry and confusing. I blink rapidly, trying to clear my head, but my eyelids are harder and harder to open each time I do. It doesn’t help at all.

"You're quite strong," she comments, sounding slightly out of breath, but in control. "But the sevo is stronger, love. Always wins in the end."

My strength is failing rapidly now. My arms feel impossibly heavy, as if I’ve been tied down with giant elastic bands. I still struggle, but my movements are feeble, uncoordinated. I’m losing.

The room begins to spin in slow, nauseating circles. The lights overhead multiply, separating into a rainbow of colors. My hearing seems more affected now too: the nurse's voice echoes strangely, as if coming from multiple directions at once. The alarm from the disconnected sensor sounds distant, as if I’m underwater.

I'm aware of my breathing becoming slower, deeper.

"That's right," the nurse says, her voice drifting to me through layers of distortion. "Stop fighting now. You're doing so well."

I watch the nurse as she climbs off of me, but somehow, her weight seems to stay. She maintains her grip on my wrists for another few seconds, but my arms have gone limp. She releases them cautiously, maybe prepared to restrain me again if I’m faking it, but I am very much not faking it.

I can barely lift them now. My eyelids feel impossibly heavy. I force them open only with tremendous effort, trying to focus on her face, but my vision is degraded, or my brain won’t control my eyes. I can’t tell which. I try to think of something to say, but I can’t.

"Good," she says, her tone shifting to something almost… sexual. "You're submitting beautifully now."

I hear the sound of electric motors as she repositions the table, I feel myself tipping backwards. She’s straightening my legs, raising the table, returning it to a flat configuration. She gently places my arms at my sides. I want to resist but can only manage the weakest of movements.

The nurse moves to the anesthesia machine, adjusting something I can't quite see. The sevoflurane concentration, I realize distantly. She's increasing it again. The time I breath, the gas rushes in forcefully, making me breath fully and deeply. She’s squeezing the rebreathing bag.

"Just close your eyes and drift off now," she orders, her voice seeming to come from very far away. "It’s dreamland for you."

My eyelids flutter. No amount of effort can keep them open. I realize with a distant sort of horror that I'm about to lose consciousness. I make one final, feeble attempt to sit up, to roll off the table, but my muscles refuse to cooperate.

A strange feeling of peace begins to replace my fear. The inevitability of going under becomes almost comforting. I can no longer remember why I was fighting so hard against this feeling. I’m so incredibly tired and I just want to sleep. With each breath into the mask, it gets stronger.

"Perfect," she murmurs, watching as my resistance fades completely. "That's exactly right. Let it happen." I hear her, but I don’t understand.

I can’t see the nurses’s face anymore, as spinning blackness rushes in from the edges of my vision. Yet somehow, I know she's smiling as she watches me fall down to oblivion. The world clicks off.

I drift up through darkness. Consciousness returns in fragments as my brain boots up.

First comes the sensation of touch: cool air on bare skin, pressure around my wrists, on my back, on my thighs and ankles. A moment later, my sense of position; proprioception. I’m on my back, my arms splayed outwards, my legs in a strange position.

I try to rub my eyes, but the pressure on my wrists keeps them from moving.

It takes several seconds, maybe a whole minute, to process what just those two senses are reporting, what all that means. I'm lying on my back, restrained somehow.

Next, I hear a steady beeping. It’s increasing in speed as I wake up. No memories yet, but the sound seems familiar.

My eyes are closed. Only with some effort am I able to force them open. As soon as I do, I blink against harsh, circular lights overhead. Surgical lights. The operating room comes into fuzzy focus, and with it, my fragmented memories.

I'm completely naked, immobilized, and splayed open on the operating table. I remember being caught, overpowered.

My mouth feels incredibly dry. I try to swallow but barely produce enough saliva. My whole body feels sore, like I’ve just run a marathon or fought a wrestling match, which, in a way I did.

I try to move my arms again, turning to look at my wrists restrained to the table’s perpendicular armboards. I’ve seen Velcro positioning straps used here before, the kind intended for patients at risk of pulling out IVs or simply moving too much while anesthetized for surgery. The restraints here are not those, but padded leather cuffs that more resemble something from a 1950s insane asylum. I don’t know where they came from, but I’m not sliding out of them any time soon.

I lift my head slightly, fighting against residual dizziness, and look down the length of my body. As I feared, I’m completely naked; my clothes and underwear both gone. ECG electrodes have been placed on my naked chest. That’s not good.

Much worse, my legs are elevated and separated, positioned in the yellow leg-lifting stirrups that hold my feet and ankles. I'm in the lithotomy position; as if someone’s positioned me for a gynecology, urological, or rectal procedure. I try to pull my feet down, but unsurprisingly, the yellow boots and straps are tight and strong enough that it’s useless. A strangled noise escapes my throat as I realize how completely vulnerable I am. My heart beats faster and I hear the heartbeat monitor on the anesthesia machine match it. I try to stay calm and finish examining my situation. I’m not going to find a way out by panicking.

I don’t see any people around, thankfully. But it’s obvious the room has been transformed since I lost consciousness. The anesthesia machine has been pushed back to its usual position above my head. I can stretch to see it; its displays glowing with data, my heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and now ECG and respiratory traces.

My eyes dart around the room, taking in details that send fresh waves of adrenaline through my system. Surgical instruments have been arranged on a Mayo stand beside the table; gleaming metal specula, retractors, forceps, and scissors. An electrocautery unit sits ready, its grounding pad visible but not yet attached to my body. A black endoscope is coiled on a blue-draped table nearby that I’m sure wasn’t there before. Everything is positioned as I’ve seen it used during the work week, all as if in preparation for an actual procedure. Or more than one procedure.

I remember the clock on the OR wall. It reads 6:17 PM. I try to remember when I started my self-administered anesthesia experiment; the surgical center closed at 4, so it couldn’t have been long after 5:00. More than an hour has passed that I can't account for. An hour during which someone, the nurse who caught me, has prepared this nightmarish scenario.

The door to the operating room swings open, and she enters, as if summoned by my thoughts. Now that I can think clearly, I know who this is. It's Nurse Evelyn, the British transplant who joined the surgical center staff six months ago. I suddenly recall it was her birthday cake crumbs I cleaned up an hour or so ago.

She’s fully attired for the OR now, a disposable yellow isolation gown tied over her scrubs, her hair tucked completely under a bouffant cap. No hint visible of her red locks anymore. Her hands are white latex.

Her bright blue eyes above her mask crinkle at the corners, suggesting the smile I can't see.

"Ah, you're awake," she says, her accent pronounced as she approaches the table. "Welcome back to the land of the living. How are we feeling, then?"

"What the hell is this?" I croak, my voice hoarse. "Let me go right now!"

Nurse Evelyn tilts her head, studying me with amusement. "That's not a very diplomatic way to address the person who caught you abusing clinic equipment, is it? You're in quite a sticky wicket. Imagine what administration would think if they knew you were playing doctor after hours."

She moves to the anesthesia machine, checking the displays as if we’re in a normal, professional situation. "Your vitals are stable. No worse for wear, I think. How’s the nausea?" I have no nausea, thankfully, but I don’t answer.

"Why am I restrained? Why am I…" I can't even say it, the vulnerability of my naked, exposed position.

Nurse Evelyn laughs, the sound light and warm despite the circumstances. "Why are you strapped down and undressed? Self-preservation, love. Couldn't have you waking up and bolting before we had our little chat."

"As for the stirrups, well, I needed to conduct a thorough examination while you were under. Very thorough. I had to make sure you were healthy enough for what I have planned, you understand."

Heat floods my face as the implication sinks in. I think she’s joking, but I have no way to really know. "You had no right…"

"Rights?" she interrupts, stepping closer to the table. "Let's discuss rights, shall we? Did you have the right to use the anesthesia machine on a lark? To use controlled substances for your personal entertainment?" She leans over me, her eyes intense above her mask. "No, you didn't. But I understand why you did it. We're not so different, you and I."

"What do you mean?" I ask, trying to keep my voice steady despite my racing heart. The beep of the heart monitor betrays me.

"I saw how you set everything up. The care you took with the preperation. The way you monitored yourself." She runs a gloved finger along my forearm, a strangely gentle and intimate gesture. "I think you’ve been planning this a long time. And I also think you weren't just curious about the physical sensation. You wanted to experience the vulnerability, the surrender of control. The submission."

Her assessment hits uncomfortably close to the truth. I don’t know what to say to her. She’s not exactly right, but it’s frighteningly close. There’s for sure some connection between the equipment I’m especially interested in and intense power dynamics; anesthesia has, along with it, the requirement to complete surrender to another's care. I, of course, don’t voice this, but my silence speaks volumes.

"While you seem to enjoy being the patient," she continues, "I prefer the other role. The one who decides what needs to happen. When consciousness begins and ends. The one who holds complete power over another human being." Her eyes glitter. "Quite the perfect match, wouldn't you say?"

"You're crazy," I whisper, though I think I don’t really mean it. I think she can tell that I actually do understand. I feel something inside me; not just fear, but a flicker of dark excitement I don't want to acknowledge.

"Crazy? No. Unconventional, perhaps." Evelyn moves to the foot of the table, between my spread legs, and I feel a fresh wave of vulnerability. "Here's what's going to happen. It's Friday night. No one's due back until Monday morning. You and I are going to this entire weekend exploring our mutual interests. I’ll send you under in various ways; different medicines, different combinations. I was an anesthesia nurse in England, you know. I'll take care of you quite professionally, of course."

"You can't just keep me here," I protest, though my voice lacks conviction. "People will look for me."

She raises an eyebrow. "Will they? The solitary IT worker who avoids social interaction and lives alone? Will anyone call on you?” I don’t answer, and again my silence speaks. “No. You're not due anywhere until Monday morning. Same as me."

I struggle against the restraints, panic rising again. "This is kidnapping!" I protest. It’s not halfhearted; I’m genuinely scared, even if that’s not the only emotion anymore.

"It’s hardly kidnapping," she counters smoothly. "You mostly did this to yourself. I just… helped you a bit.”

What you should realize now, love,” she continues. “Is that I could easily report what I caught you doing. That's career-ending at minimum, maybe even criminal charges." She leans over me, staring into my eyes. "Or, we could have a mutually beneficial weekend. You get to explore your fascination with anesthesia in ways you never could alone. I get to practice my skills and indulge my own… interests."

Her gloved hand rests on my thigh, the touch clearly intended to be suggestive, intimate. "Do we understand each other?"

I stare up at the surgical lights, my thoughts racing. The situation is surreal, terrifying, and yet… I can't deny the dark thread of excitement growing under my fear. Part of me has always wondered what it would be like to fully surrender to anesthesia in the hands of someone who knows what they're doing. To let go completely.

Something in her tone, in the absurd situation itself, makes a hysterical laugh bubble up from my chest. "This is insane."

"Perhaps," she agrees, "but I think it's exactly what you wanted. Just not how you expected to get it."

"What exactly are you planning to do to me?" I ask, my voice steadier now.

"I’m going to put you to sleep again," Evelyn tells me. "I’ll try different induction techniques. A sevo mask induction, as you've already experienced. We’ll try the isoflurane, too, I think. A standard propofol induction. Certainly ketamine in some combination. Perhaps etomidate, if I decide you’ll risk the side effects" Her voice takes on a dreamy quality. "I’m told each one feels different going under."

I swallow. “You can’t just anesthetize me over and over,” I object, but I don’t think I’m convincing.

She doesn’t seem convinced. “It’s definitely not recommended. But neither is the scheme I caught you playing out, is it? There are some risks, but you’ve already been taking some of those, haven’t you? I’m sure you’ll be able to handle it.”

I swallow hard, looking down at my spread legs. "And the position I'm in now? The surgical tools?"

"I think it's better if I don't explain everything I have planned," she says, voice dropping to a near whisper. "Fear of the unknown heightens the experience, doesn't it? You’re vulnerable. Exposed. At my mercy." Her eyes crinkle as the heartbeat tone speeds up. "All I’m going tell you is that you won’t feel a thing."

Nurse Evelyn leans closer. "If you cooperate, though, this could be quite pleasant for you too. Some patients report euphoria, lovely dreams. You may even find the experience… arousing." Her tone drops on the last word, sending an involuntary shiver through me.

I close my eyes, weighing my options. While she’s implied I have a choice, I suspect there really is none. She has me literally and figuratively tied down. Fighting seems pointless; she controls the drugs, the restraints, everything. But I’m not ready to trust her, even with the desire she’s ignited below my fear.

“Please, just let me go,” I protest again. But I’m not sure if I really mean it.

"I don't think you mean that, love" Evelyn reads my thoughts, her voice dropping to a husky whisper. She moves to stand beside me, her white gloved fingertip tracing a line from my collarbone down my naked chest, all the way to my waist. "I think you're just scared to admit it."

The latex of her glove feels cool against my skin. I shiver again, and my breath catches involuntarily. Evelyn leans in close. I can feel her warm breath through the mask she’s wearing. She whispers in my ear.

"You enjoyed it, didn't you? When I caught you… when I held you down… when I made you breathe in the gas until you couldn't fight anymore."

My pulse quickens, betraying me on the monitor with an accelerating beep. My memories replay as she describes them; her weight on my chest, my useless struggle, the sweet smelling gas filling my lungs against my will. I realize, to my horror, that I’m getting noticeably aroused thinking about it.

"I saw your eyes before they closed," she continues, voice silky and intimate. "That moment when fear gave way to something else. When you realized you couldn't stop it happening. You want that feeling again, don’t you?" I don’t answer. My mind races. I can’t help but feel she’s right. But I think about all the surgical tools laid out. And I don’t trust that I have a real choice here.

"You're going to put me under again no matter what I say, aren't you?" I finally ask.

"Clever," she says approvingly. "You'll be spending quite a bit of time off with the fairies this weekend. But how pleasant that time is, and how pleasant the time in between is, depends entirely on your attitude."

She moves to the head of the table, starting up the fresh gas flows. "Shall we begin? Don’t answer. You’re right, you don’t have much of a choice. A little nitrous again to start, I think."

Despite everything, I feel my resistance beginning to crumble. The fear remains, but alongside it grows a perverse curiosity. What would it be like to experience all those different anesthetics, administered by someone who knows exactly what they're doing? I think I’m going to find out.

She lowers the mask towards my face, holding my chin only lightly with her gloved hand. I move my head to the side, trying to avoid the mask. It's a futile gesture, but some part of my brain, maybe the majority, still rejects the idea of submitting so. The mask follows my movement, and her grip on my chin tightens.

"Let’s have no foolishness," Evelyn scolds, her tone sharpening.

She presses the mask firmly against my face, creating a tight seal. "Deep breaths now. Be sensible."

Against my better judgment, I feel myself relaxing slightly. The fact that it’s all being decided for me is strangely reassuring, even as the situation remains profoundly frightening. I do as instructed, and begin to breath, deeply.

She turns the nitrous oxide flowmeter, and I hear the gas begin to hiss through the circuit. "Just breathe normally. Fifty percent to start, I think. You'll feel it soon enough."

I inhale obediently. I can’t really smell it, but within moments, the familiar warm tingling begins in my extremities, slowly spreading inward. The steady beeping from the pulse monitor starts to slow.

"There you go," Nurse Evelyn says, her tone suddenly soothing instead of sharp. "Just like that. Nice deep breaths."

The nitrous works quickly, creating the same vibrating sensation I experienced earlier. The fear fades, replaced by a slight detachment that makes my situation seem less threatening, more surreal. The restraints around my wrists and ankles no longer feel quite as imprisoning. I forget about my nakedness after a few more breaths. My head starts to feel fuzzy, as if cotton is being stuffed into my brain.

"Good?" she asks, watching my face closely. I nod, unable to deny the pleasant sensations washing through me. I try to organize my thoughts. The gas already makes it difficult to think critically, but the fear and desire still war within me. Evelyn watches me with those intense blue eyes, monitoring my response to the nitrous oxide. She seems to know exactly what she's doing with the anesthesia equipment. Professional. Controlled.

Can I trust her? She's holding me captive, but there's something oddly reassuring about her dominance. She’s confident, and she clearly knows what she's doing. But she's also clearly unhinged, willing to cross professional and ethical boundaries without hesitation.

Just like I am.

I really did want this, in some way.

"Alright," I say finally, my voice muffled by the mask. "I'll cooperate."

Her eyes light up with genuine pleasure. "Brilliant! I knew you'd come around. We're going to have such fun together. I think we have a bit more to do tonight, but it’ll be over before you know it.”

I wonder exactly what she means, and exactly what she’s planning for me, but I don’t have time to ask.

"Now we'll add the sevoflurane. One percent to start." She adjusts the vaporizer dial. "This will be just like before, only now I’m in control the whole time."

The distinctive odor of sevoflurane mingles with the nitrous oxide. My eyelids grow heavy again, the room's edges softening. Nurse Evelyn secures the mask with the harness, which I hadn’t realized was already behind my head.

“Now, love, with both sevo and nitrous, you’ll go off quickly,” she explains. I know there’s a phenomenon where having both nitrous and a volatile on at once increases the effects, but I can’t remember if 1% is already enough to anesthetize me.

I’m starting to feel more drowsy. Like before, the nitrous made me detached, but the sevo is making me want to sleep. I force my eyes wide open, trying to stay awake as long as I can.

“Up to three percent,” Evelyn’s voice seems distant and echos in my ears. I know that’s enough to put me out. The visual hallucinations begin immediately. The vignette effect from before returns, my vision narrowing. The lights begin to wash out, strange colors begin to fade in. When Evelyn leans over me, her white mask seems to glow. The yellow color from her isolation gown seems to stretch out around the room.

"Time for dreamland again. Why don’t you count backward from one hundred?" she instructs, increasing the sevoflurane concentration. I can’t see how far, but the smell increases significantly.

"One hundred… ninety nine…ninety eight…" My voice sounds distant to my own ears, the words slurring together. I look up at her and her face seems to distort. The room begins to spin. The yellow of her gown changes into a confusing medical rainbow, yellow, blue, white, green, along with nameless colors that don’t exist in normal reality.

Nurse Evelyn's gloved hand rests gently on my forehead, a gesture that might be comforting under different circumstances. "You’re doing brilliantly. Keep going."

I’m supposed to be counting.

"Ninety seven… ninety six… ninety five…" The numbers come with increasing difficulty. I already can’t remember what number I was on. Have I made a mistake? My tongue feeling thick and uncooperative in my mouth. The ceiling above me seems to spin faster, expanding and contracting with my breathing.

"Nine…" I manage, though I can’t hear myself. I'm no longer sure if I'm speaking aloud or just thinking the numbers. What was I counting?

"Almost there," she encourages, her British accent barely penetrating my mental haze. "Just slip off again."

The room begins to spin faster, Nurse Evelyn's face above me, already blurred and stretched, begins multiplying and rejoining like a kaleidoscope image. I try to raise my hands, to pull the mask off. One last moment of confusion. Of course, the restraints don’t let me move at all. I’ve been helpless this whole time.

"Perfect," she murmurs down at me. My eyes close of their own accord. My body relaxes. The spinning, the drowsiness, the sense of weight over my body is all too much to fight.

Consciousness fades even faster now. Darkness takes me again. My brain turns off.

My head throbs. I realize I’m awake. I don’t remember going to sleep. I try to open my eyes, but my eyelids feel impossibly heavy. It occurs to me that maybe they've been taped shut, but I don’t know why that thought comes to me. A mechanical beeping lines up with the throbbing in my head. Rhythmic. Familiar. A patient monitor? I shift and it feels like I’m in a bed. Somehow, I think I'm in a hospital bed. My mouth feels like it's stuffed with cotton, my tongue thick and clumsy. I try to swallow, but produce barely enough saliva and my throat is sore. The details of how I got here elude me, for the time being.

It takes a minute, but I finally manage to force my eyes open, only to immediately squint; above me are harsh, fluorescent lights. White, institutional ceiling tiles come into focus. They also seem familiar.

With effort, I raise my right hand to rub my eyes, and feel a tug. Looking up, I see an IV catheter secured to the back of my hand with section of transparent tape. A line of clear IV tubing snakes up to a half-empty bag of fluid hanging from an IV pole nearby. The movement causes my hospital gown to shift against my skin, and I discover I’m wearing a hospital gown.

I’m disoriented but my memories begin to fall into order. I remember my plan for the night. Going to the operating room. I remember my interrupted experiment. Evelyn catching me. Her weight on my chest as she held me down, forcing me to breathe in the anesthetics. I think of the restraints. I remember her making me go under a second time. I think I remember something else, something after that, but it’s too blurry to piece together. In any case, I remember enough.

I bolt upright, but like opening my eyes, I instantly regret it. The sudden movement makes the room spin and my headache momentarily gets worse. I grab at the IV site, about to simply pull it out, when a voice stops me.

"Are you sure you want to do that?"

I hadn’t noticed until now, but Nurse Evelyn is quietly standing at the foot of my bed, arms crossed. Her mask is gone and her red hair is down now, freed from the surgical cap, falling in waves around her shoulders. She's changed into fresh scrubs, feminine, pink, instead of the light blue from before.

Her blue eyes evaluate me.

"How are you feeling?" she asks, her British accent pronounced in the quiet room. She steps closer, and taps a few buttons on the patient monitor, silencing the rhythmic beeping. She turns, and reaches for my wrist to take my pulse manually. I don’t think to pull away, my brain is still booting up. Her fingers are cool against my skin, and strangely intimate.

"Headache," I manage to croak. "Tired. Thirsty." My voice sounds like a dry croak; my throat is rough. "What time is it?"

"Just before 9," she answers, releasing my wrist. "Post-anesthetic headache is not unusual. The volatile agents can do that, even sevoflurane. It'll pass."

I look around, taking in my surroundings more fully now. I am in a hospital bed, or more accurately, I'm in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit. Eight recovery bays, mine right next to the doors. The other beds are still empty, their monitors dark, including the one I’d turned off when I’d checked it just a few hours ago.

I glance down at my body, suddenly aware of how little I know about what happened while I was unconscious. Quite a lot of my body is vaguely sore, maybe from exertion, but maybe from something Evelyn did after I was anesthetized. I try to recall what time Evelyn told me, a what the time on the OR clock had been, and I think it’s been more than an hour. That’s time to do quite a few things. My throat hurts, so I’ve probably been intubated. The memories are missing, but I know, deep down, she’s done something.

I pull at the thin hospital gown, searching for any signs of surgical intervention.

"What did you do to me while I was out?" I ask, my voice carrying an edge of fear as I examine my lower body, looking for incisions, stitches, anything out of place. "Did you… operate on me?"

Evelyn watches my frantic self-examination with amusement in her eyes. She tilts her head slightly, a small smile playing at the corner of her lips. She lets me search for a minute; I can tell she’s enjoying it.

"You won’t find anything amiss this time, love. Nothing that left a mark or that’d put you out, really." She steps closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. "I suppose I did start the world’s most painless IV. But I might do more next time. Wouldn't that be interesting?"

I try to not to react to how close she is, or her comment. I think I shiver slightly. Maybe in fear, but maybe very much not. I look into her eyes, and for moment, there’s only the sound of the patient monitor taking my blood pressure again.

"I'm not restrained," I observe, quietly. After being tied down in the OR, the freedom feels strange, almost suspicious.

Evelyn smiles widely now; since she’s not wearing a mask anymore, the expression is fully visible. "Do you need to be? You're hardly in any condition to cause trouble. Besides, you agreed to cooperate, remember?"

I nod slowly, though I’m still somewhat conflicted. Did I agree? I recall the moment of surrender, the choice made. It was surely made under duress, but was also driven by something deeper, my special interest, and the connection to Evelyn that I’m not quite ready to admit.

"There's water if you need it," she says, gesturing to a plastic cup with a bendy straw on the bedside table, stepping back. "But nothing to eat, and nothing to drink after midnight. You're scheduled to go back to the OR first thing in the morning."

My stomach tightens at her words. "Back to the OR? For what?"

"For whatever I decide," she replies simply. "We have a full weekend ahead of us, remember? Different induction techniques to try. And once you’re asleep, whatever I want." Her tone is light, conversational, as if discussing plans for a casual outing rather than forced unconsciousness and potentially surgery.

I swing my legs over the side of the bed, the movement causing the IV tubing to pull slightly. The floor feels cold beneath my bare feet. This is my chance. I could rip out the IV. I could leave now. Evelyn is alone, I'm not restrained, and despite my headache and lingering soreness, I’m confident I could overpower her now that she’s not holding an anesthesia mask. Or I could just run. I could run out the door. I could tell someone what she’s done. Or I could try to keep it all a secret.

But I hesitate. I don’t do any of that. Not yet.

Evelyn watches me, head tilted slightly, a knowing expression on her face. She's not moving to stop me. She's not threatening me. She's simply waiting, as if she already knows what I'll decide.

"Get some natural rest," she says finally, turning toward the door. "Tomorrow will be a long day."

And just like that, she walks away, her footsteps fading as she crosses the PACU. At the doorway, she pauses to turn out the main lights, leaving only the dim glow of the single patient monitor and the emergency exit signs. Then she's gone, the door clicking shut behind her.

I sit there on the edge of the bed. She left me alone. Unrestrained. With a clear path to escape. I think through it all again. I could pull out the IV, find my clothes, and be gone before she returns. I could report her, or I could simply say nothing. She’s surely cleaned up all the evidence already. I could just leave.

Instead, I find myself thinking about what she said earlier in the OR. About how we’re similar. My fascination with experiencing anesthesia, her desire to administer it. Two pieces of a disturbing puzzle that somehow fit together perfectly.

I groan. My body is sore, and my head pounds. I'm exhausted from fighting and from the drugs still circulating in my system. My thoughts aren't entirely clear. At least, that's what I tell myself as I swing my legs back onto the bed and lie down again.

I'm just too tired to make any decisions tonight. I'll think more clearly in the morning. Then I'll decide then what to do. In the morning.

I roll onto my side, adjusting the thin PACU pillow under my head. Despite everything, despite the danger and the fear and whatever else I’m feeling from my complex new connection, I feel myself drifting back toward sleep. And somewhere beneath the exhaustion and confusion, a small part of me knows that by putting the choice off, I’m making the choice.

I wonder what tomorrow will bring.

I close my eyes and shut down again, back to dreamland.

[3-2-whump]

Earning Your Keep, part 1

<prev next>

For the first time in quite some time, we're getting a flashback, people!

Thank you beta reading team @whumped-by-glitter and @generic-whumperz

TW/CW: whump aftermath, recovery whump, conditioned whumpee, minor whump (at time of flashback), slave whump, mentions of nightmares, negative self-talk, and all those fun bits of healing and learning how to be a person again

A week. It had been an entire week since Thomas Costa had died, and now four days since he’d begun to live with the roommates. Khaled was alive, he was safe, and the roommates were… well, they were acting strange. Nobody had asked him to do anything he was uncomfortable with–not that he would’ve objected, of course. But, more confusingly, nobody had asked him to do anything at all. Sure, the trio would ask for his opinions, or if he wanted to do something or other, but they’d never explicitly told him to do anything, leaving him guessing as to what these people’s true motives were.

It had been four days, the roommates treated him so well, and Khaled had done nothing for them in return. It was more than weird; it was unacceptable! The first group of people in a very long time to treat him with a modicum of respect, and how was he repaying them? By doing fuck-all all day and tormenting them with his nightmares? When Khaled would have nightmares–vivid nightmares that wracked the whole house with screams–they would each take turns checking on him and settling him down until he could sleep again. And in the morning, when they’d yawn and shamble tiredly around the kitchen to get ready for the day, they reassured Khaled that he had nothing to apologize for, and that their visible exhaustion was not his fault. It was nice of them to lie like that, but completely unnecessary.

Khaled knew that, if not for the roommate’s grace and generosity, he would be out on the streets right now. Maybe that’s what you deserve, freeloader, the intrusive thoughts told him. But instead, he chose to focus on earning his keep. I can at least be useful to them while I’m here, he reasoned.

Make yourself useful. That was what he told himself the first day he was left alone at his master’s apartment all those years ago. The day after his master had bought him was a weekday, where the man had to go to work. He left Khaled at the apartment alone, and for the better half of the day, the boy tried to figure out why the mafia boss bought him and what he was expected to do. From all the stories he’d heard in history classes and dramatized Bollywood movies, the slaves to wealthy masters mostly did domestic chores, so he started on that premise. Khaled tried to cook, twice, which resulted in the fire alarm going off each time. (He only knew how to make a few simple things like buttered toast and instant noodles, and he wasn’t familiar with the induction cooktop.) He tried to do a load of laundry, but only got as far as putting the dirty clothes into the washing machine. He did not understand the settings on the washing machine well enough to even venture a guess on how it worked, so that chore was abandoned too. At least he did dishes; that was one chore the fifteen-year-old knew how to do correctly, regardless of language. He tried to organize the canned goods and the foods in the refrigerator, first by name (if he could read them), then by color/size/how they smelled. He wanted to vacuum and mop the floors, but he couldn’t find so much as a broom in the apartment anywhere. At least he found some rags in the linen closet. Once he finished wiping clean every flat surface in the apartment, Khaled realized he ran out of things to do. So, he spent the next nearly four hours sitting on the living room floor, watching the city from the wide windows, wondering what else he could do/what else was expected of him to do, and worrying that he did not do enough. Occasionally he’d follow the movements of the odd sparrow or pigeon that landed on the balcony.

After he finished fajr, Khaled quietly slinked to the kitchen. He flicked the lights on, looked over his shoulder, and silently stalked to the fridge and cracked it open to see what was inside. Eggs, butter, half an onion, a jar of kimchi, a jar of pickles, two rasgullas, a carton of Chinese takeout, and a package of baby carrots–not much to work with, but I’ve worked with less. He turned his attention to the coffee maker next. It was far less complicated than the artisanal contraption his late master used to keep on his countertop. He vaguely remembered using a coffee machine just like that one, a long time ago, when he was much younger, and more innocent, and far less damaged–

Enough of the self-pity, he mentally scolded. Within moments, he got the coffee machine to begin brewing dark, fragrant, caffeinated liquid. Now all that was left was the breakfast–maybe an omelet? After rummaging around as quietly as he could, he took out eggs, a frying pan and the other tools he needed, faced the stove… and realized it was gas-powered.

Shit. It wasn’t as if Khaled hadn’t cooked on a gas stovetop before, but for the past ten years of using a fancy induction-based system, he wasn’t exactly sure how to proceed. He turned the knob, listening for the hiss of the gas, but frowned when it wouldn’t ignite. A bright red lighter strategically placed next to the faulty burner caught his eye. He reached for it, held it as close to the gas source as he thought reasonable, and flicked it on.

He yelped in a cry of pain and dropped the lighter as the flames blazed to life, then quickly turned the knob to dial back the heat and fanned the stovetop with his other hand. Once he had assured that the fire alarm wouldn’t go off and alert the roommates to his early morning struggles, Khaled peeked at his hand. The burns weren’t serious, from his experience, but they did hurt. He rushed to the sink and stuck his hand under cold, running water. “It’s no big deal, it’s just a small burn, you can power through this, come on,” he told himself.

“Khaled? What are you doing? Are you okay?” a sleep-heavy voice asked behind him.

He whipped around, drawing his still-wet hand to his chest protectively as Vikash stood there, hair mussed up and eyes heavy with sleep, but slowly coming to his senses as he pieced together what happened. “Let me see,” he directed him. Reluctantly, Khaled extended his burnt hand to the doctor, who examined it carefully. “Yeah, we usually don’t use that burner for this exact reason,” he belatedly warned. Vikash turned off the stove and retrieved a first aid kit from one of the cupboards.

“What are you doing up so early and burning yourself for?” he asked as he treated his hand.

“I-I wanted to make breakfast,” he said. He gestured toward the eggs on the counter and the coffee machine that just beeped.

“Really?” Vik hummed. He threw a glance at the window above the kitchen sink, noting it was not yet dawn. “It’s kinda early, though isn’t it?”

“I know you and Eric work early, so I wanted to make it for you while you were still here,” Khaled explained.

“O-oh, that’s–that’s really sweet, but you don’t have to do that!”

“I wanted to. Besides,” he murmured into the floor, “it’s the least I could do.”

Vik paused, then sighed. “Khaled, I appreciate the gesture, but it’s okay. Eric and I can look after ourselves, you don’t have to feed us.”

Khaled’s brow creased with confusion. “But, how else can I repay you? I don’t pay rent–”

Vik took down a mug from the cupboard before re-lighting the troublesome burner on the stove. “For now, just focus on getting better. Both physically, and mentally, okay?” he answered. Once he’d gotten a reluctant ‘okay’ from Khaled, Vik cracked the eggs into the bowl Khaled took out.

His master came home that night, unhelpfully silent as he scrutinized everything from the pile of undone laundry to the trash can full of burnt or half-cooked food. Khaled didn’t say a word as he nervously awaited either a scolding or a punishment. “What did you do all day?” his new owner had asked him. “I fulfill my purpose, sir,” the boy replied awkwardly. “Your purpose?” he echoed. “What you buy me for, sir.” “So, you cleaned? You tried to do laundry? You… cooked?” Attempted to, anyway. Khaled nodded, holding his breath. “What?” The boss shook his head. “No, you don’t get it–I hire people to do this! I have a cleaning service that comes twice a week, and I rarely cook myself! Why did you just–” he let out a loud, gravelly sound between a groan and a sigh. “Then why buy me?” the boy asked, cocking his head like a confused puppy. “What is my purpose?” “Your purpose is to–um, is to–” The man shook his head, as if he was trying to dispel a fly or an invasive thought. In hindsight, Khaled would look back on this moment with disgust and dread, but at that time, he didn’t know what to make of his master’s reluctance to answer. “That’s not important right now. Just bag up the trash and put my laundry back. I’ll order us some takeout,” Thomas Costa said.

Khaled watched dejectedly as Vik whisked the eggs and poured them into the hot pan. The roommates were being way too generous with him. This kind and benevolent façade was sure to crack eventually, just like last time, and he didn’t want to be accused of being some ungrateful, parasitic freeloader once it did. Surely there must be some way to repay them, preferably before they came up with a payment themselves. He’d just have to try harder until then.

Le Tag List (also if you want on or off, nbd, just let me know 👍🏼): @kabie-whump @rainydaywhump @whumped-by-glitter @skittles-the-whumpee @generic-whumperz @bamber344 @there-will-always-be-blood @morning-star-whump @watermelons-dont-grow-on-trees @defire @phoenixpromptsandstuff @scumashling @borp0

[dorminchu]

for want of a mackerel

Summary:

During another side-operation, 2B suffers an unexpected lapse in judgement, forcing 9S to temporarily act in her stead despite his lack of combat prowess. What starts as an accident becomes an unintended bonding experience for the two androids. [Ending K]

Rating: T Genre: Hurt/Comfort Characters: 2B, 9S, Devola

a/n: For Day 30 of Whumptober: RECOVERY. Contains spoilers for NieR Automata in regards to 2B, 9S and their dynamic.

Link to [ao3]

2B first received the mackerel in her inbox, attached to Jackass's letter. A long-standing favor she'd been putting off in the interest of pursuing more direct objectives. She directed Pod 042 to file it away.

Fish, 9S explained, were something of a commodity on Earth to androids and machines alike. The large or exotic specimens could yield enough money for a chip capacity expansion or a weapon upgrade. A few eccentric androids kept synthetic kilifish as pets, much to the incredulity of their commanding officers.

The act of fishing was not something 2B had taken into account. A handful of times, 9S would stop by a suitable body of water and demonstrate. Initially 2B concluded it was not necessary to their mission. 9S would contrast mechanical specimens from their organic counterparts. 2B had fished up more metal than live tissue, and a handful of junk that sold well enough at shops to convince her that it was not a pointless expenditure. At the very least, Command had no quarrel with him and 2B saw no reason to chastise 9S so long as the fishing did not impede their directive.

It was only after a couple side operations and an overdue trip to the supply trader within the resistance camp that 2B considered the mackerel and its intended purpose. She'd only meant to purchase a few restorative items. She paged down the holographic menu and noted the mackerel in her inventory. "How much for this?"

"I'll give you five-hundred." The Resistance android paused. "Say, is that a live mackerel?"

"Yes." 2B was unclear as to the desire for clarification. In her view, it was better to have one less item cluttering up her inventory. Jackass wouldn't press it, or else find another unsuspecting android to test out on. Her attention had drifted towards 9S, who was chatting with the unintelligibly fast-talking resistance member with pinkish hair. 2B chose instead to sell some boar meat for twice the value of the mackerel.

They spent the afternoon in the dunes, slaughtering machines. 9S had to remind her to send a status report to the Bunker, which necessitated visiting one of the terminals. There was nothing pressing left to do for the day besides a few side-ops, and Anemone insisted they take a break when 2B politely inquired.

In the spare room set aside for them, 9S shook the sand from his boots and grumbled to himself. 2B called on her Pod to analyze the fish.

Analysis: Mackerel is a common name applied to a number of different species of pelagic fish, mostly, but not exclusively, from the family Scombridae. They are found in both temperate and tropical seas, mostly living along the coast or offshore in the oceanic environment.

"Humans used to eat them," 9S said. 

Affirmative. The mackerel is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and was intensively harvested by humans. Sport fishermen valued the fighting abilities of the king mackerel. However, the flesh of the mackerel spoils quickly and can cause scombroid food poisoning. Accordingly, it should be eaten on the day of capture unless properly refrigerated or cured.

2B stared at the fish. Its eyes were glassy and the texture of its body a disconcerting combination of slimy and smooth. 

Alert: Consumption of the mackerel by an android may severely compromise motor functions and is therefore unadvised.

2B pressed her lips into a thin line. "Androids are capable of simulating several human processes."

Affirmative.

"Well, yeah, we possess some capacity, but we're not exactly designed to digest things." She'd been working alongside 9S long enough. He would have rather been at the Bunker where they could take baths. But the Resistance Camp offered no such luxuries. 2B could go on without for a while. "There's a chemical in the mackerel's oils that reacts badly with our bodily fluids. If you're lucky you'll just be paralyzed." He buckled his boots and stood. "It's completely counterintuitive to our mission."

It was inadvisable to disregard 9S or her Pod. "Have the effects been documented on a combat model?"

9S frowned. "What difference does it make?"

2B waited for a direct confirmation. When it was not provided, she said, "I'll try it once. If something happens, backup my current coordinates to the Bunker."

9S stood up. "You're not seriously going to eat it?"

"There's no logical reason for you to eat the fish," said 2B curtly. "Are there any documented cases of death from poisoning in the archives?" 9S hesitated. "Then it should be fine."

The first hour saw no visible fluctuation in her battle performance or perception of her surroundings. Her limbs felt stiff but otherwise unchanged. They went off to the dunes again to sweep up any remaining machine lifeforms. 2B was having trouble dodging and took a blow from one of the bipeds.

Alert: Mobility malfunction detected.

9S was running over to her, kicking up sand. Somehow she'd fallen to her knees. "We can't both use the transport, we'll have to—" 2B seized up, her mouth moved soundlessly as she emitted a strangled, droning noise.

9S grabbed her shoulders before she could fall over. "Don't exert yourself any more than you have to." 2B struggled to comprehend the meaning behind the syllables. "Here—" he hooked her arm over his shoulder, and she attempted to brace herself, leaning against him "—okay. That's good for now."

Gingerly, step-by-step, they began to traverse across the sand. 2B's heels did her no favors in this respect. She had to stoop just to keep up with his pace and the longer they struggled the worse the pain was becoming. Her legs gave out and she pulled 9S with her into the sand, retching but unable to produce anything.

"2B!"

There was a pain in her chest, comparable to a physical compression. She managed to shove herself to a hunched sitting position, trying to breathe, but simply slid down the dune. As 9S reached her, she gestured to her mouth, unable to articulate. 9S grabbed her shoulders.

"What? What's wrong?"

Pod 153 chimed in:

Hypothesis: Unit 2B must expel the foreign agent to avoid further contamination.

"How am I supposed to do that?" 9S demanded, trying his best not to give in to panic. "I can't just—cut her open, there are too many variables."

Suggestion: perform manual override.

"You want me to hack into her?" It was risky in the best of circumstances; hacking a sentient was far more optimal when the subject was not malfunctioning. And a simple override didn't negate the problem of the raw chunk of fish stuck in her digestive tract.

Perform manual override.

9S tapped his fingers to one temple. A sudden lurching motion beyond her control. She fell to all fours, heaving. The meat came up chunky and undigested, smelling worse than it did the first time. If she were any more human-like, 2B might have vomited again from the effluvium itself but lacked the capacity.

She raised her head slightly, bumping his cheek. He didn't seem to notice how close they were. Without thinking, she whispered, "It was my fault."

"I'm just glad it worked," said 9S with a forced air of relief. "For a minute there it looked like we'd have to cut you open."

2B was already sitting up, wiping her mouth. Then lurched again. A dozen different alerts from Pod 042 fired off in tandem. Even with the mackeral out of her system, it was too late to stop the poisoning.

9S had not been programmed for combat. Whenever he tried to express that, she never seemed to understand, just as he had not understood Jackass blowing up the barricade. It was counterproductive to think about Jackass right now but his anger had no other outlet. He would never guess that consuming the fish was a form of flagellation. "2B, I should never have let you eat the damn fish."

2B made another funny noise, but she didn't look pained this time. "It wasn't so bad, you know. Exquisite."

"Shh. You don't want to overexert yourself," said 9S, because the less he heard about the stupid mackerel, the better. "I'm gonna hack into one of those machines and carry you to the Resistance Camp. It'll only take a second." She attempted to affirm but could only seize. 9S cursed. The other stubbies had noticed their activity, eyes flashing red. "Requesting authorization to sync control of Pod 042 with 153." 

Pod 042 chimed in: Affirmative.

2B was barely listening. Haptic feedback muted, tiny grains of sand against synthetic skin. The biped came into her vision. She couldn't reach for her weapon at all. Maybe this was just, given what she'd done to him over and over. That he would be unable to save her from her own foolishness. It brought her more pain that enduring his anger.

"Whoa-whoa, it's me!" The biped reached out, its green eyes flickering. "I hacked into one of these guys."

2B couldn't help but exhale before the pain redoubled and she began to seize. The biped lifted her into its arms as if she weighed nothing at all and began to sprint across the dunes.

At the camp, 2B laid on the operating table while Devola got to work. The effect of the sedative was two fold; 2B was aware of her surroundings but effectively paralyzed from the neck down. The newer combat models processed an dopamine imitator but also a failsafe built into their self-destruct function. The digestive function was perfunctory at best and technically incomplete, as all the old records had been lost with the old world. The latest YoRHa models could ingest food but often had trouble breaking down the components as a live human would. Mackerel would congeal the fluid within an android and induce paralysis. Like shoving food into the port of a machine, it would gum up the works and possibly damage it permanently. What possessed their creators to design a fascimile, it was beyond Devola's understanding. A cruel joke at their expense or simple folly.

While Popola tried to get the story out of 9S, who insisted he didn't know what compelled his comrade to eat the fish, Devola was busy making sure 2B remained conscious. Opening up her abdominal cavity. A YoRHa unit possessed synthetic organs in a crude approximation of a human's. Her pale eyes flickered in the direction of the terminal. The spare room.

She had an alarming tolerance to the sedative. Combat models tended to plateau earlier than their Scanner peers, given that they were experiencing a constant influx of dopamine with each successful kill. An expirimental new E-Drug cooked up by some of the units stationed in the desert oasis. It boosted stamina and combat ability, but could produce auditory and visual glitches. Devola and Popola had already tended to half a dozen YoRHa and Resistance androids. No trace of the drug was in 2B's system.

She had eaten the fish of her own volition. Popola had the better bedside manner. Devola attemped the same bright tone that sounded hollow, "9S stopped by earlier."

2B gave the barest sound and her eyes wandered back towards the empty sky. As Devola removed a few half-digested chunks of raw meat from the crude instestinal tract, she said, "You know, it's not uncommon for androids to test the limitations of our anthropormorphic attributes. We were made in the image of our creators, after all. It's only natural we would try to understand them, even if it seem strange at times. Humans don't always act in ways that make logical sense."

2B said nothing. A deadness behind her pale eyes caught Devola by surprise. She dropped the act of geneality.

"Your model is inexpensive to replace compared to your partner. But that's not why you did this, is it?"

Devola wasn't interested in arguing to 9S that 2B was perfectly rational when she ate the fish and on the operating table. 9S's superior intellect precluded him from comprehending the simpler truth. With the capacity for independent thought and simulated emotions, these thoughts and feelings deemed inexpressible would manifest in "irrational" behavior that was, ironically, perfectly reasoned. The motive was not something 2B could articulate, or perhaps she lacked the capability to grasp why she'd acted beyond remorse itself. Dwelling too long on existential questions would not make her a better combat model.

"Well, I guess only you need to know the reason why."

She sewed 2B back up, blotting away the oil so like hemic fluid. With a few taps to her spine and nape, 2B was reactivated.

2B sat up with a muted groan. She turned to face Devola and said, "Where is 9S now?"

A tense silence awaited her in the spare room. 

9S insisted on running diagonostics. If not for the stress of their mission earlier, 2B would have thought nothing of it. Laying on her back, 9S's hand on her temple, she heard him muttering to himself, "Maybe a logic virus? No, there's no symptoms...."

The note of frustration in his tone gave her no relief.

2B was already intimate with the make of his model and its vulnerabilities. She'd crushed his windpipe a dozen times, swallowing down the desire to apologize for what should only be duty. She'd run him through with her blade twenty eight times. He would understand one day, but that would mark the end of YoRHa. To him, she need only be a lowly combat model, unsophisticated despite her physical prowess. A superior to trust with his life as she trusted hers to him. She was not an intellectual to share and appreciate all the data he collected from their field missions. That was 21O's job. Another emotionally unavaliable model. 

Due to the nature of their assignment, Executioners were subject to severe psychological and memory strain. 2B was the only E Model on record to expressly abstain from direct emotional attachment, both verbally and non-verbally. It was technically redundant as no other YoRHa model need expressly prohibit "emotion", though 2B was never penalized by Command or by 6O, the latter of which simply interpreted this as 2B's austere demeanor. 

Killing machines helped to 'blow off steam', to borrow the human expression. Though she would never admit it to 9S or anyone else, 2B possessed ulterior motives beyond satisfying his concern for her safety. Whenever he tried to open up, she had to be cold and focus on the mission. But that didn't mean she was indifferent to him. If she did not appreciate his concern for her well-being and his capabilities, she would not have agreed to let him run diagnostics. She'd only let her guard down because of the damned fish.

"All right, you're clear." 2B got to her feet. 9S wasn't towering over her, but his frame radiated displeasure. "You shouldn't have done something so reckless."

"Your life is worth more to YoRHa. It was for your own safety." He opened his mouth to argue and she persisted, "Between the two of us, I'm far more expendible. The Bunker can afford to transfer a combat model's memories along the network without much fuss. This was a calculated decision in the interest of proving my resistance to mackerel consumption as well as poisoining. To ask you to take such a risk in my stead would be illogical."

9S seemed to relax a little, but it didn't reach his voice. "You're recovering faster than I expected."

"It was thanks to Devola and Popola," said 2B. "As well as you." She turned and tested her legs. No apparent malfunction. "Let's report our findings to Jackass."

"Are you serious?" 9S exploded. "After all the trouble I went through to keep you alive, you're just going to humor her?"

"We've determined the adverse effects of mackerel consumption. Once is enough."

9S's expression did not change. He turned away. 2B hesitated. Wounding him in such a way brought her no pleasure. "I'm sorry that I caused you so much trouble," she said. "I'm fortunate to be assigned to you, 9S. But I would never have asked you to take such a risk."

A faint tremor in his shoulders. 9S mastered it. "I understand that. I'll touch base with Command."

2B smiled to his back. "Thank you."

[myemuisemo]

The Joann closure list is baffling

The 500-store closure list is out, and it's bizarre. They're closing the nice, newish, well-maintained store in Turlock and keeping open the tatty little understaffed store in Modesto, the one where they turned the heat off in January. (Yes, it's California; but it's like being in a refrigerator -- the poor employees!)

I feel like I should have checked to see if they already closed Modesto when I wasn't looking. Turlock is a slightly smaller store, but it's also paying almost 20% less rent per square foot (someone did a spreadsheet from the bankruptcy filing!) and sited in a shopping center with appealing anchor stores. The Modesto store crouches miserably in a back corner of the Target parking lot, behind the drive-through Starbucks and the former site of the used-book store, with no signage visible from a major street.

You can't tell me Modesto was making massive sales numbers when the shelves were always empty.

Sacramento news station KCRA confirms that Modesto and Roseville are the only stores in their broadcast area slated to stay open.

People from Stockton are not going to drive to Modesto for fabric and yarn. No Stocktonite ever has said "let's go to Modesto to shop." It is not a thought that can be thunk by a resident of Stockton. I feel like Joann's corporate decision-makers are creating a situation where most sewists and crafters forget their store exists, because it's not worth the drive to browse in person nor to get in-store pickup for online purchases. This is not Los Angeles, where people drive 40 minutes for whatever. This is a long haul through the near-perpetual traffic jam at the CA-99 interchange with the Manteca Bypass, followed by the horrors of the Briggsmore Overpass, which is so baffling that the Modesto Bee used to have a humor columnist who regularly pilloried it. I can negotiate the Briggsmore Overpass with ease because I was born to this life, but outsiders freak out.

My mood is worsened by having compromised my ethics because I only needed a $2 pack of thin elastic, and Hobby Lobby was the one craft store directly on the way home from today's meetings. They are proof that hell has a really good real estate team.

Honestly, the only thing Joann corporate could have done to make me happy is to be entirely other, better people for the past 30 years. Don't devour local fabric stores, don't over-expand and over-leverage, don't cut staff below sustainable levels, and don't conspire with a major liquidator to fail at recovery from the first bankruptcy. Give me a time machine.

[forgottenshamblercosmos]

Preventing Future Issues: Tips from Water Damage Restoration Experts

Introduction

Water damage can strike unexpectedly, wreaking havoc on homes and businesses alike. Whether caused by heavy rains, burst pipes, or faulty appliances, the aftermath of water intrusion can be overwhelming. The restoration process is crucial not only for immediate recovery but also for preventing future issues. In this comprehensive guide, we will dive into expert advice on how to mitigate the risks associated with water damage. From understanding the common causes to exploring innovative prevention methods, local water restoration specialists you’ll discover everything you need to know about safeguarding your property.

H2: Water Restoration Near Me

When searching for "water restoration near me," it’s essential to understand what services are available in your area. Water restoration encompasses various processes aimed at returning your space to its pre-damage condition. Companies specializing in this field typically offer services that include:

Emergency Response: Immediate assistance when a water-related crisis occurs. Assessment and Inspection: Thorough analysis to determine the extent of damage. Water Extraction: Removal of standing water using advanced equipment. Drying and Dehumidification: Ensuring all areas affected by moisture are dried properly. Restoration and Repair: Rebuilding any damaged structures or systems. Why Local Matters

Choosing local professionals has several benefits. They can respond quickly in emergencies, understand regional weather patterns, and have a reputation within the community that you can trust. When looking for "water damage restoration near me," consider companies with proven track records.

H2: Understanding Water Damage

Common Causes of Water Damage

Water damage can stem from a variety of sources. Understanding these sources is crucial for prevention:

Natural Disasters: Heavy rains, hurricanes, floods, and snowmelt are leading culprits. Plumbing Failures: Burst pipes or faulty plumbing systems can lead to significant water intrusion. Roof Leaks: A compromised roof may allow rainwater to seep into your home. Appliance Malfunctions: Dishwashers, washing machines, and refrigerators can fail and leak. Sewage Backups: Contaminated water from sewage systems poses health risks alongside property damage. Signs of Water Damage

Identifying signs early water damage restoration companies near me can save time and money:

Dark spots on ceilings or walls A musty odor Peeling paint or wallpaper Mold growth Wet carpets or flooring

Being vigilant about these signs can help homeowners act swiftly before minor issues become major repairs.

H2: Preventing Future Issues: Tips from Water Damage Restoration Experts

Regular Maintenance Checks

One of the most effective ways to prevent water damage is through regular maintenance checks around your home:

Inspect Roofs Periodically: Look for missing shingles or cracks that might allow leaks. Clean Gutters: Clogged gutters can cause overflow, leading to potential

[dineshblogsimr]

Global Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling and Disposal Market Analysis, Key Players, Segmentation, Application And Forecast to 2032

Global Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling and Disposal Market size was valued at US$ 67.84 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 134.73 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period 2025-2032.

E-waste recycling and disposal involves the collection, sorting, processing, and environmentally sound management of discarded electronic products, including computers, mobile phones, televisions, and household appliances. The process aims to recover valuable materials (such as gold, silver, copper) while safely disposing of hazardous substances (like lead, mercury) through specialized techniques including material recovery, component refurbishment, and safe incineration.

The market growth is driven by increasing electronic consumption globally, stringent environmental regulations like the EU’s WEEE Directive, and rising awareness about resource conservation. However, challenges persist in informal recycling sectors in developing nations where unsafe disposal methods remain prevalent. Key players such as Sims Recycling Solutions, Umicore, and Veolia are expanding their global footprint through strategic acquisitions and technological advancements in sorting automation. The Asia-Pacific region dominates the market due to high e-waste generation volumes and improving regulatory frameworks in countries like India and China.

Get Full Report with trend analysis, growth forecasts, and Future strategies : https://semiconductorinsight.com/report/global-electronic-waste-e-waste-recycling-and-disposal-market/

Segment Analysis:

By Type

ICT Equipment Segment Dominates the Market Due to High Volume of Discarded Electronics

The market is segmented based on type into:

ICT Equipment

Subtypes: Computers, smartphones, tablets, networking equipment

Home Appliances

Subtypes: Refrigerators, washing machines, air conditioners, small kitchen appliances

Consumer Electronics

Subtypes: TVs, audio systems, gaming consoles

Industrial Electronics

By Application

Material Recycling Segment Leads Due to Higher Metal Recovery Value

The market is segmented based on application into:

Material Recycling

Subtypes: Metal recovery (gold, silver, copper), plastic recycling

Components Recycling

Refurbishment and Reuse

By Service Type

Collection Services Hold Major Share Due to Expanding Urban Infrastructure

The market is segmented based on service type into:

Collection Services

Transportation Services

Processing Services

Subtypes: Sorting, disassembly, recovery operations

By End User

Residential Segment Generates Largest Volume of E-Waste

The market is segmented based on end user into:

Residential

Commercial

Industrial

Government Institutions

Regional Analysis: Global Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling and Disposal Market

North America The North American e-waste recycling market is one of the most advanced globally, driven by strict environmental regulations and high consumer electronics adoption. The U.S. generates approximately 6.9 million metric tons of e-waste annually, yet only about 15% undergoes formal recycling. Federal mandates like the Responsible Electronics Recycling Act and state-level extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws are pushing manufacturers and recyclers toward sustainable disposal solutions. Canada complements this with its robust regulatory framework, particularly in provinces like Ontario and British Columbia. Major players, including Sims Recycling Solutions and Waste Management, dominate the landscape, leveraging advanced smelting and material recovery technologies. However, illegal exports to developing nations remain a challenge despite Basel Convention commitments.

Europe Europe leads in e-waste recycling due to stringent EU directives such as the WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) Directive, which mandates a 65% collection rate by 2025. Countries like Germany and Sweden achieve collection rates exceeding 50%, supported by efficient reverse logistics and consumer awareness campaigns. The region emphasizes circular economy principles, with firms like Umicore and Stena Metall Group pioneering urban mining for precious metal recovery. However, Eastern Europe lags in infrastructure, leading to cross-border waste shipments for processing. The EU’s recent focus on eco-design standards aims to reduce e-waste generation at the source, further influencing market dynamics.

Asia-Pacific Asia-Pacific is the largest e-waste generator, contributing over 24.9 million metric tons annually—45% of the global total. China and India dominate due to massive electronics consumption and informal recycling sectors. While Japan and South Korea boast formal recycling rates above 25%, countries like Indonesia and Vietnam rely heavily on unregulated practices, causing environmental damage. Government initiatives, such as India’s E-Waste Management Rules 2022, aim to formalize the sector, but enforcement gaps persist. The region also hosts key recycling hubs like Singapore’s Enviro-Hub Holdings, though cost-driven competition from informal players limits scalability. Rising middle-class adoption of smart devices ensures long-term market growth.

South America South America’s e-waste market remains nascent but growing, with Brazil leading at 2.2 million metric tons generated yearly. Regulatory frameworks are emerging, such as Brazil’s PNRS policy, yet inconsistent enforcement and low consumer participation hinder progress. Argentina and Chile show promise with pilot collection programs, while Colombia faces challenges with illegal dumping. The lack of domestic recycling infrastructure forces reliance on exports, though local startups are entering the space with modular recycling solutions. Economic instability slows investment, but urbanization and tech penetration create opportunities for scalable models.

Middle East & Africa The MENA region generates relatively low e-waste volumes (~5% globally), but growth rates exceed 10% due to rapid digitalization. The UAE and Saudi Arabia are establishing formal recycling facilities, driven by visions like Saudi’s Green Initiative. Africa’s informal sector dominates, with Nigeria and Ghana becoming dumping grounds for global e-waste—despite Basel Convention restrictions. South Africa’s e-Waste Association promotes responsible recycling, yet funding and infrastructure gaps remain. While regional cooperation is increasing, geopolitical instability and low awareness pose hurdles. Urban renewal projects could catalyze investments in the coming decade.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Emerging Economies Present Untapped Potential

Southeast Asia and Africa represent the next frontier for e-waste management, with projected compound annual growth rates exceeding 15% through 2030. While current formal collection rates remain below 12% in these regions, smartphone penetration exceeding 65% creates critical mass for recycling initiatives. Public-private partnerships are proving effective – Ghana’s collaboration with multinational recyclers has established West Africa’s first ISO-certified facility processing 40,000 metric tons annually. Similar models in India have helped formal sector capacity grow 220% since 2018, suggesting substantial scalability potential across emerging markets.

Advanced Material Recovery Technologies Opening New Revenue Streams

Breakthroughs in urban mining technologies are creating value from previously uneconomical waste streams. New solvent extraction methods now recover lithium from batteries at 98% purity for $1,200/ton, compared to $5,800/ton for virgin lithium. Similarly, rare earth element recovery from hard disk drives has become commercially viable, with neodymium fetching $85/kg in secondary markets. These technological advances complement conventional metal recovery, helping top-tier recyclers achieve 45-50% gross margins on processed materials. Industry surveys indicate over 75% of major operators plan significant capital expenditures in advanced separation technologies within the next three years.

GLOBAL ELECTRONIC WASTE (E-WASTE) RECYCLING AND DISPOSAL MARKET TRENDS

Circular Economy Adoption Accelerates E-Waste Recycling Market Growth

The global shift toward circular economy models is fundamentally transforming the e-waste management industry. With an estimated 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste generated worldwide in 2023—projected to reach 74.7 million metric tons by 2030—governments and corporations are implementing rigorous recycling mandates. The European Union’s revised Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive demonstrates this trend, requiring member states to achieve a 65% collection rate of e-waste by 2025. Meanwhile, urban mining—the recovery of precious metals from discarded electronics—has become economically viable, with a single ton of mobile phones yielding approximately 100 times more gold than a ton of gold ore.

Other Trends

Advanced Material Recovery Technologies

Innovative separation and sorting technologies are revolutionizing e-waste processing. AI-powered robotic systems can now identify and sort electronic components with 95% accuracy, significantly improving recovery rates of valuable materials like cobalt, lithium, and rare earth elements. Hydrometallurgical processes have emerged as safer alternatives to traditional smelting, reducing toxic emissions while enabling 98% metal recovery efficiency. These technological advancements, combined with rising commodity prices, have made e-waste recycling 30-40% more profitable compared to five years ago.

Growing Regulatory Pressure and ESG Compliance

Stringent environmental regulations are compelling businesses to adopt responsible e-waste management practices. Over 78 countries now have e-waste legislation, with extended producer responsibility (EPR) schemes becoming the global standard. Corporate sustainability initiatives have increased demand for certified e-waste recycling services, with the global market for IT asset disposition (ITAD) services growing at 8.3% CAGR. Meanwhile, investor focus on ESG metrics has made proper e-waste management a critical factor in securing funding—companies with robust recycling programs demonstrate 12-15% higher valuation multiples in green technology sectors.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Strategic Partnerships and Expansion Efforts Drive Market Competition

The global e-waste recycling and disposal market features a mix of established multinational corporations and regional specialists. Sims Recycling Solutions, now part of Sims Limited, leads the industry with comprehensive recycling services spanning over 15 countries. The company’s dominance stems from its vertically integrated operations spanning collection, processing, and material recovery.

Umicore and Veolia have emerged as technology leaders in precious metal recovery from electronic waste. Umicore’s advanced smelting-refining technology recovers 17 precious and specialty metals with purity levels exceeding 99.99%, while Veolia’s global infrastructure processes over 110,000 tons of e-waste annually across Europe and North America.

Medium-sized players like Kuusakoski and Stena Metall Group have carved significant niches in the European market through their focus on regulatory compliance and localized collection networks. Kuusakoski’s proprietary mechanical recycling technology achieves material recovery rates exceeding 95% for certain device categories.

Asian market leaders including Enviro-Hub Holdings and Dongjiang are expanding rapidly, capitalizing on the region’s growing e-waste volumes which are projected to reach 24 million metric tons by 2025. These companies are investing heavily in automated sorting technologies to improve processing efficiency and reduce labor costs.

List of Key E-Waste Recycling Companies Profiled

Sims Limited (Australia)

Umicore (Belgium)

Waste Management, Inc. (U.S.)

Electronic Recyclers International (U.S.)

Veolia Environnement (France)

Kuusakoski Group (Finland)

Stena Metall Group (Sweden)

Electrocycling GmbH (Germany)

Enviro-Hub Holdings (Singapore)

GEEP (Canada)

Dongjiang Environmental (China)

Dynamic Recycling (U.S.)

Learn more about Competitive Analysis, and Global Forecast of Global E-Waste Recycling Market : https://semiconductorinsight.com/download-sample-report/?product_id=95780

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is the current market size of Global E-Waste Recycling Market?

-> Electronic Waste (E-Waste) Recycling and Disposal Market size was valued at US$ 67.84 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 134.73 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period 2025-2032.

Which key companies operate in Global E-Waste Recycling Market?

-> Key players include Sims Recycling Solutions, Umicore, Veolia, Waste Management, Electronic Recyclers International, and Gem, among others.

What are the key growth drivers?

-> Key growth drivers include stringent environmental regulations, rising electronics consumption, and increasing value of recoverable materials.

Which region dominates the market?

-> Europe currently leads in recycling rates (42.5%), while Asia-Pacific generates the highest e-waste volume (24.9 million metric tons).

What are the emerging trends?

-> Emerging trends include AI-powered sorting systems, blockchain for waste tracking, and urban mining initiatives.

CONTACT US:

City vista, 203A, Fountain Road, Ashoka Nagar, Kharadi, Pune, Maharashtra 411014  +91 8087992013  help@semiconductorinsight.com

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[stevenov45]

R134a 1 KG Refrigerant in UAE – Efficient Cooling for Every Need

R134a 1 KG Refrigerant in UAE – Efficient Cooling for Every Need

R134a refrigerant, also known as tetrafluoroethane (CH₂FCF₃), is a widely used hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) refrigerant in automotive air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and commercial cooling units. In the UAE, where climate conditions demand high-performance cooling systems year-round, R134a plays a vital role in ensuring optimal efficiency and comfort. If you're looking to purchase R134a 1 kg refrigerant in the UAE, here's everything you need to know.

What is R134a Refrigerant?

R134a is a non-flammable, non-corrosive refrigerant with low toxicity. It replaced R12 due to environmental concerns and has become the industry standard for many air conditioning and refrigeration systems. It has a global warming potential (GWP) of around 1430, making it more eco-friendly than its CFC predecessors, although efforts are ongoing to phase down HFCs globally.

Applications of R134a in the UAE

R134a 1 kg cylinders are commonly used across several sectors in the UAE:

Automotive Air Conditioning: Many vehicles, including sedans, SUVs, and trucks, rely on R134a for cabin cooling. Technicians frequently use 1 kg cylinders for recharging or topping up systems.

Domestic and Commercial Refrigerators: R134a is suitable for medium-temperature refrigeration systems, including household fridges, freezers, and supermarket display units.

Chillers and HVAC Systems: Office buildings and malls often depend on HVAC systems that utilize R134a for maintaining indoor air quality and temperature.

Why Choose 1 KG R134a in the UAE?

The 1 kg packaging of R134a is ideal for:

Convenience: Lightweight and portable, perfect for small-scale refills or service jobs.

Affordability: Suitable for small businesses or vehicle owners who require a budget-friendly solution.

Storage Efficiency: Compact size makes it easy to store in workshops or service vans.

In the UAE, where AC usage is nearly constant due to extreme heat, having R134a in smaller quantities helps service providers respond quickly to maintenance requests without waste.

Where to Buy R134a 1 KG in UAE?

There are several reputable suppliers and retailers across the UAE, particularly in Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi, that stock R134a refrigerant in various sizes including 1 kg cans. You can find these through:

HVAC and refrigeration supply stores

Online platforms like Amazon UAE, Noon, or local e-commerce websites

Auto parts and garage supply retailers

Make sure to purchase from authorized dealers to ensure product authenticity and quality.

Safety and Environmental Considerations

Although R134a is less harmful than older refrigerants like R12, it still contributes to global warming. Proper handling, storage, and disposal are crucial. Technicians should use leak detectors and recovery machines, and never release refrigerant into the atmosphere.

Conclusion

R134a 1 kg refrigerant is a versatile and essential product in the UAE’s cooling and refrigeration industry. Whether you’re servicing an air conditioner or recharging a car’s cooling system, the 1 kg size offers convenience, portability, and efficiency. Always buy from trusted sources and follow safety protocols to ensure effective and environmentally responsible use.

[airthermcorp]

Using Good Air Systems and Ventilation to Make Paper Production More Efficient

The paper industry must maintain an environment that supports high-quality paper manufacture. The paper mill building ventilation system and the paper machine process air system affect efficiency. These systems modify temperature, humidity, and airflow, which affect product fine and output.

Understanding the Paper Machine Air System

For a paper machine, a process air system is crucial since it keeps the atmosphere clean and stable. This apparatus controls air temperature and humidity and removes paper-drying water vapor. Well-designed air systems dry paper quicker and use less energy. This keeps the paper consistent throughout the process. High-performance process air systems employ cutting-edge energy recovery technology to decrease operating costs. Other benefits of these systems include maintaining airspeed. This prevents creases and uneven drying, which may lower product quality. Since paper mills are continually running, they require reliable, efficient air systems to stay productive.

Paper Mill Building Ventilation Functions

To ensure safety and luxury, paper turbines require sufficient airflow. Paper manufacture creates a number of warmth and moisture. Consequently, the facility desires precise ventilation to keep humidity and temperature low. This manages air debris and scents, enhancing air satisfaction. Good ventilation keeps workers healthy and protects the device from rusting in high humidity. A properly operating airflow device coordinates air change fees to herald fresh air and casts off stale, moist air. Because of this balance, the indoor temperature stays stable, reducing energy usage and helping the environment.

Combining air and ventilation systems improves efficiency.

The paper mill building ventilation system and paper machine process air system must work together for the best performance. The process air system manages air near the paper machine, while the building ventilation system controls facility temperature. Combining these systems lets you make tiny modifications without upsetting the mill's environmental balance, which is a major advantage. Modern mills require complex control systems to coordinate ventilation and air systems. These controls allow you to monitor and modify airflow, temperature, and humidity in real time, ensuring smooth operation. Data analytics and IoT-enabled technology may help mills control. Being more energy-efficient reduces their operating expenses.

Concerns About HVAC Operation

Many difficulties must be addressed to maintain the ventilation of the paper mill building and the paper machine process air systems. Both systems struggle because they need a lot of energy. Energy recovery technology like heat exchangers and economizers may help mitigate this problem. Another problem is measuring equipment wear and tear from continual usage in a hostile environment. You want to timetable periodic upkeep and improvements to keep away from problems. Sustainable techniques encompass using eco-friendly refrigerants and decreasing emissions to conform with environmental necessities.

Where will ventilation and aircon structures cross in the future?

For ventilation and air system efficiency, the paper industry is using more cutting-edge technologies. Sensor technology makes air quality monitoring possible, which leads to predictive maintenance and less downtime. Variable frequency motors and enhanced filtering systems are becoming common. Renewable energy sources like solar and wind power are also becoming increasingly prevalent in air system operations. These eco-friendly approaches save money and assist the earth. As digital transformation changes how organizations work, paper mills will adopt AI-controlled ventilation systems to regulate temperature and humidity.

conclusion

Every paper mill needs a good paper machine process air system and building ventilation to succeed. These methods provide constant product quality, smooth operations, and a safe workplace. By employing green practices and cutting-edge technology, paper mills may lessen their environmental impact and save energy. Visit airthermcorp.com for ventilation and air system performance tips.

[rikkuwrites]

Portable Clinics for Wildlife: Taking Medicine into the Wild How mobile veterinary units are revolutionizing rescue, treatment, and conservation

When wild animals are injured in remote forests, mountains, or floodplains, time is everything. Yet traditional animal hospitals—often far from where emergencies happen—can delay treatment. That’s where portable wildlife clinics come in. These mobile, high-tech units are now helping veterinary teams treat animals on-site, drastically improving survival rates and reducing stress on already traumatized wildlife.

From the vast terrains of India’s Vantara to gorilla sanctuaries in Central Africa and lion rescues in South America, portable clinics are proving to be a game-changer in frontline conservation medicine.

🛻 What Are Portable Wildlife Clinics?

Portable or mobile veterinary clinics are fully equipped medical units on wheels, designed to travel to wildlife conflict zones, disaster sites, or rescue areas.

They typically include:

Sterile surgical and wound care stations

Portable X-ray and ultrasound machines

Anesthesia equipment

Refrigeration for medications and blood samples

Emergency kits for trauma and dehydration

Some even include holding areas or quarantine spaces for small animals in critical condition.

🌿 Vantara: Bringing Advanced Medicine to the Field

At Vantara, one of the world’s largest and most advanced animal rescue and rehabilitation centers, mobile clinics are a key part of their mission. With a reach that extends far beyond their 3,000-acre facility in Gujarat, these clinics:

Respond to wildlife conflict incidents, like injured leopards or elephants in agricultural areas

Provide on-the-spot treatment to reduce the risk of transporting sick or stressed animals long distances

Support flood and disaster response efforts, offering immediate aid to displaced or injured wildlife

Carry advanced diagnostic tools like portable ultrasound and digital imaging, allowing for early detection of internal injuries

“Mobile clinics allow us to deliver the same quality of care we offer at the hospital—directly in the wild, where animals need us most.” — Dr. Nandita Roy, Wildlife Veterinarian, Vantara

🌍 Global Success Stories in Portable Wildlife Care

🐘 Elephant Nature Park (Thailand)

Uses mobile clinics to reach elephants in surrounding forests and rural communities.

Delivers regular care to elderly and disabled elephants that cannot be transported.

Offers outreach veterinary care to communities caring for retired working elephants.

🦍 GRACE – Gorilla Rehabilitation and Conservation Education Center (DR Congo)

Operates mobile units to provide emergency care for gorillas rescued from poaching situations.

Trains local teams to use mobile diagnostic tools to monitor rewilded gorillas remotely.

🦁 The Wild Animal Sanctuary (USA)

Uses mobile units to assist in long-distance rescues of exotic animals from illegal private ownership.

Provides urgent field assessments before transferring animals to permanent habitats.

🌧️ Vital in Natural Disasters and Emergencies

During floods, wildfires, or earthquakes, animals are often left injured, stranded, or orphaned. Mobile clinics are often the first line of response, providing:

First aid for burns, lacerations, or broken limbs

Hydration therapy and shock stabilization

Field surgeries and transport stabilization

Sanctuaries like Vantara have used mobile teams to reach wildlife affected by monsoon flooding and habitat encroachment, offering lifesaving care within hours of the incident.

🚑 Why Portable Clinics Matter

Minimize stress: Transporting wild animals is risky; treating them in their habitat is often safer and more humane.

Faster treatment: Cuts down the time between injury and care, especially crucial in trauma cases.

Improved outcomes: Leads to higher recovery rates and increases the chances of successful reintroduction.

Community impact: Allows vets to offer outreach, training, and education in rural or underserved areas.

✅ Conclusion: Taking Compassion on the Road

In a world where wildlife faces increasing threats from human conflict, climate change, and illegal trade, portable clinics are redefining what it means to care. They bring medicine, hope, and relief to where it’s needed most—whether in the dense jungles of India or the rugged hills of Africa.

Thanks to visionary sanctuaries like Vantara, GRACE, and Elephant Nature Park, mobile veterinary care is no longer just an innovation—it’s a necessity.

Because in the wild, healing can’t wait. And now, it doesn’t have to.

[orrofastbatteries]

Best Tubular Battery in Nigeria: Reliable Power for Every Home and Business

Introduction: Power Solutions That Work for Nigeria Frequent power outages are a challenge across Nigeria, affecting households, businesses, and industries alike. In such a scenario, choosing the right backup power solution becomes essential. If you’re searching for the best tubular battery in Nigeria, Orrofast provides a powerful and long-lasting solution. Designed to withstand Nigeria’s unique energy conditions, our tubular batteries are trusted for their performance, durability, and energy efficiency.

Why Tubular Batteries Are Ideal for Nigeria Tubular batteries are known for their robust design and long operational life, making them ideal for areas with erratic power supply. Unlike flat plate batteries, tubular models can withstand deep discharge cycles, ensuring consistent power backup even during prolonged outages.

Here’s why tubular batteries are preferred:

Longer life span due to tubular positive plates

Efficient charge retention and deep discharge recovery

Low maintenance, especially when using advanced water level indicators

Excellent performance in high-temperature environments

This makes tubular batteries especially suitable for Nigerian homes and businesses that experience frequent and extended blackouts.

Orrofast: The Best Tubular Battery in Nigeria When it comes to reliability, Orrofast stands out as a top choice. Recognized for delivering high-performance energy storage solutions, Orrofast’s tubular batteries are crafted with advanced technology and premium-grade materials. Whether you’re powering essential home appliances or keeping business operations smooth, Orrofast ensures that your energy needs are met without interruption.

Key Features of Orrofast Tubular Batteries:

Deep discharge support for long power backup

Heavy-duty plates for maximum durability

Fast charging capability for quicker recharge

Spill-proof and safe design for home and industrial use

Optimized for Nigerian conditions, including heat and voltage fluctuations

With Orrofast, you’re not just buying a battery — you’re investing in peace of mind and uninterrupted productivity.

Applications Across Nigeria The best tubular battery in Nigeria must serve a wide range of needs. Orrofast’s batteries are used in:

Homes: Power lights, fans, refrigerators, and more

Shops and Offices: Maintain POS machines, computers, and lighting

Small Industries: Keep critical machinery and systems operational

Educational Institutions: Support labs, classrooms, and security systems

No matter the application, Orrofast delivers consistent and dependable power backup solutions.

Conclusion: Choose the Best, Choose Orrofast When you’re investing in a backup power solution, you need a brand you can trust. Orrofast offers the best tubular battery in Nigeria, backed by advanced technology, a commitment to quality, and a deep understanding of local energy needs. Don’t settle for unreliable power — equip your home or business with a battery that keeps going when the grid goes down.

ORIGNAL SOURCE :- https://orrofastbatteries01.blogspot.com/2025/06/best-tubular-battery-in-nigeria.html

[axrecyclingau]

Transforming Waste into Opportunity with Metal Recycling in Melbourne

Metal recycling has become a vital aspect of environmental sustainability, economic efficiency, and resource conservation. In a bustling city like Melbourne, where industrial and commercial activity is high, the generation of metal waste is inevitable. This makes metal recycling Melbourne more important than ever.

From scrap steel and aluminum to copper, brass, and old appliances, recycling metal reduces landfill pressure, conserves natural resources, and significantly cuts down on energy usage. Melbourne residents and businesses are increasingly embracing metal recycling as a responsible and rewarding solution for managing waste.

Why Metal Recycling Matters in Today’s World

The benefits of metal recycling go far beyond just waste management. It plays a pivotal role in:

Environmental Protection: Recycling metals helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prevents mining-related damage.

Energy Conservation: Recycling metals like aluminum can save up to 95% of the energy compared to producing new materials.

Resource Recovery: Many metals are finite resources. Recycling allows for continued use without depleting the earth.

Economic Growth: Metal recycling creates jobs and contributes to the local economy by supporting manufacturing and raw material supply chains.

In Melbourne, the metal recycling industry supports both environmental goals and economic sustainability, offering long-term benefits for communities and businesses alike.

What Types of Metal Can Be Recycled in Melbourne?

Metal recycling facilities in Melbourne accept a wide range of ferrous and non-ferrous metals. Here’s a breakdown of what can be recycled:

Ferrous Metals: These include iron and steel—common in construction materials, household appliances, and tools.

Non-Ferrous Metals: Such as aluminum, copper, brass, zinc, and lead. These are found in wires, pipes, auto parts, cans, and electrical equipment.

White Goods: Items like refrigerators, washing machines, and ovens often contain a mix of metals suitable for recycling.

Electronic Waste: Devices like computers, mobile phones, and televisions contain valuable metals such as gold, silver, and copper.

By properly sorting and recycling these metals, Melbourne can reduce environmental harm and extract value from items that would otherwise be considered trash.

How to Start Metal Recycling in Melbourne – A Simple Guide

Recycling metal doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you're a homeowner, tradesperson, or business owner, here’s how you can get started:

Collect and Sort Begin by separating ferrous and non-ferrous metals. A magnet can help—ferrous metals stick, non-ferrous do not. Proper sorting improves the efficiency and value of the recycling process.

Find a Local Recycler Choose a licensed metal recycling facility in Melbourne that offers convenient drop-off or pickup services. Some may even provide payment based on the type and weight of your scrap.

Prepare the Scrap Clean off dirt, plastic, or other non-metal components. While not always required, cleaner scrap usually fetches a better price.

Get Paid and Go Green Many Melbourne recyclers offer competitive rates and same-day payment. You’ll also gain peace of mind knowing your waste is being handled responsibly.

Conclusion: Metal Recycling in Melbourne – A Step Toward a Sustainable Future

Melbourne is a growing city that values sustainability, and metal recycling is a key part of this mission. Whether you have scrap from a construction project, outdated appliances, or industrial metal waste, choosing to recycle helps reduce environmental impact, supports the economy, and ensures a better future for generations to come.

By making small, consistent choices—like properly sorting and delivering metal scrap—you contribute to a cleaner, greener Melbourne. So, the next time you’re clearing out your garage, workshop, or job site, consider recycling your metal waste instead of sending it to landfill. It’s good for the planet, and it might even be good for your wallet too. Visit our website!

Source From : Transforming Waste into Opportunity with Metal Recycling in Melbourne

[powdercoatingplant]

Powder Coating Plant Manufacturer

Powder Coating Plant Manufacturer – Swift Scientific Works

Swift Scientific Works is a prominent name in the field of Powder Coating Plant Manufacturing, offering innovative, reliable, and high-performance coating solutions for various industrial applications. With years of experience and a team of skilled professionals, Swift Scientific Works has emerged as a trusted partner for industries seeking durable and cost-effective surface finishing systems.

What is a Powder Coating Plant?

A Powder Coating Plant is an industrial facility designed to apply a dry powder on metal and other surfaces, which is then cured under heat to form a smooth and long-lasting finish. Unlike traditional liquid paints, powder coating offers better durability, resistance to corrosion, and an environmentally friendly solution without harmful solvents.

A typical powder coating plant includes essential equipment such as:

Powder Coating Booth

Curing Oven

Pre-treatment System

Conveyor System

Control Panels

Recovery Units

Each of these components works in harmony to ensure precise application, optimal energy usage, and high-quality finishing.

Why Choose Swift Scientific Works?

Swift Scientific Works stands out as a leading Powder Coating Plant Manufacturer due to its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction. Here are some key reasons why industries across India and abroad choose Swift Scientific Works:

1. Customized Solutions

Every industry has unique needs based on the size, type of product, and coating requirements. Swift Scientific Works specializes in offering tailor-made powder coating plants, ensuring compatibility with a client’s production process and operational environment.

2. Advanced Technology

Swift Scientific Works integrates the latest technological advancements in its manufacturing process. From energy-efficient curing ovens to automated powder coating booths, every element is designed for high performance, reduced waste, and lower operational costs.

3. Durable and High-Quality Equipment

The components and machinery supplied by Swift Scientific Works are manufactured using high-grade materials and undergo strict quality control. The result is equipment that delivers consistent performance and extended operational life.

4. Environment-Friendly Design

Swift Scientific Works ensures that their powder coating systems are eco-friendly by reducing emissions, eliminating harmful solvents, and utilizing recyclable powder materials. The plants are designed to meet regulatory standards for safety and environmental compliance.

5. Efficient Pre-treatment Systems

A key part of powder coating is the pre-treatment process that prepares the surface for coating. Swift Scientific Works offers advanced pre-treatment systems (like 3-stage or 7-stage systems) that remove contaminants effectively, ensuring better coating adhesion and finish quality.

Applications Across Industries

Powder coating plants from Swift Scientific Works are widely used across a variety of industries, such as:

Automotive: For coating car parts, wheels, frames, and accessories.

Appliances: Enhancing aesthetics and durability of washing machines, refrigerators, and ovens.

Furniture: For steel and aluminum furniture coatings.

Construction: Coating of structural steel, panels, and railings.

Electricals: Insulating and protecting electrical enclosures and parts.

The versatility and adaptability of Swift Scientific Works' powder coating plants make them ideal for both large-scale production units and small to medium enterprises.

Turnkey Project Execution

One of the biggest advantages of working with Swift Scientific Works is their turnkey project capability. From conceptualization and design to installation and commissioning, the company provides complete project support, training, and after-sales service. This ensures a smooth and efficient setup with minimal downtime and maximum productivity.

Commitment to Excellence

Swift Scientific Works continues to lead the powder coating industry by staying ahead of trends, continuously improving its designs, and delivering value-driven solutions. Their mission is to empower manufacturers with high-quality finishing systems that not only enhance product aesthetics but also contribute to long-term durability and market competitiveness.

Conclusion

If you are looking for a reliable and innovative Powder Coating Plant Manufacturer, Swift Scientific Works is the name you can trust. With a strong focus on technology, sustainability, and client satisfaction, the company ensures top-tier solutions for all your coating needs. Partner with Swift Scientific Works and experience the perfect blend of quality, performance, and service in every powder coating plant.