Mayla Gabato

My reflection in RAC

Air conditioners have circulation systems designed to project cool air away

from the units while refrigeration units have circulation systems designed to
retain coolant in a confined space. Refrigeration systems circulate cool liquids
and gases through a series of tubes and vents. A major difference between
refrigeration and air conditioning is the point of supply for the gases.
Refrigeration systems have gas installed in a series of tubes. In old refrigerators,
this gas was chloro-flouro-carbon, or CFC, but this has harmful effects on people,
so refrigerators not contain HFC-134a. HFC-134a is the sole gas used as a
coolant in refrigeration systems. Air conditioning systems use built-in chemicals,
but also air from the room or rooms being heated. Gases built into air
conditioning units cool air that circulates through the unit; the unit then
redistributes the cooled air through the room.

Air conditioners have circulation systems designed to project cool air away
from the units while refrigeration units have circulation systems designed to
retain coolant in a confined space. Refrigeration systems circulate cool liquids
and gases through a series of tubes and vents. Cool air from within a refrigerator
is sucked into a compressor that recycles the gas through the tubes. Air
conditioners, while also employing tubes in the coolant system, have fans for the
dispersal of air. Unlike refrigeration systems, which keep gases contained to a
pre-determined space, air conditioning system.

Both air conditioning and refrigeration units depend on converting liquid to

gas in the cooling process, but the manner in which they achieve this is different
for each system. Air conditioners use something called an evaporator to convert
a liquid to a gas. An evaporator is a small, narrow hole designed to change the
pressure of a liquid so that it evaporates. Refrigeration units, on the other hand,
cycle HFC into a low-pressure chamber designed to boil the gas. This boiling
causes HFC to vaporize. Vaporization is the process of converting a liquid to a
gas and can be accomplished one of two ways: boiling or evaporation. Thus air
conditioning units vaporize liquid through evaporation while refrigeration systems
do so through boiling.

The air-cycle refrigeration systems, as originally designed and installed,

are now practically obsolete because of their low coefficient of performance and
high power requirements; however, this system continues to be favoured for air
refrigeration because of the low weight and volume of the equipment.

Refrigeration essentially means continued abstraction of heat from a substance

(perishable foods, drinks and medicines etc.) at low temperature level and then
transfers this heat to another system at high potential of temperature.

The air conditioning is that branch of engineering science which deals with
the study of conditioning of air i.e. supplying and maintaining desirable internal
atmospheric condition for human comfort, irrespective of external condition. This
subject, in its broad sense, also deals with the conditioning of air for industrial
purpose, food processing, storage of food and other materials.

Air conditioning refers to the simultaneous control of temperature,

humidity, cleanliness and air motion within a confined region or space.The basic
elements of an Air-Conditioning system are as follows: Circulation fan,
Compressor,Condenser, Dryer, Evaporator Supply, Duct Supply, outlet Return
and outlet Filters.

In general, heat transfer describes the flow of heat (thermal energy) due to
temperature differences and the subsequent temperature distribution and
changes.

The study of transport phenomena concerns the exchange of momentum, energy

and mass in the form of conduction, convection, and radiation. These processes
can be described via mathematical formulas.
 The fundamentals for these formulas are found in the laws for
conservation of momentum, energy and mass in combination with constitutive
laws, relations that describe not only the conservation but also the flux of
quantities involved in these phenomena. For that purpose, differential equations
are used to describe the mentioned laws and constitutive relations in the best
way possible. Solving these equations is an effective way to investigate systems
and predict their behavior. Heat transfer is the process of transfer of heat from
high temperature reservoir to low temperature reservoir. In terms of the
thermodynamic system, heat transfer is the movement of heat across the
boundary of the system due to temperature difference between the system and
the surroundings. The heat transfer can also take place within the system due to
temperature difference at various points inside the system. The difference in
temperature is considered to be ‘potential’ that causes the flow of heat and the
heat itself is called as flux.

There are three modes of heat transfer between the two bodies:
conduction, convection and radiation.

Conduction: The transfer of heat between two solid bodies is called as

conduction. It depends on the difference in temperature of the hot and cold body.
Example of conduction heat transfer is two bodies at different temperature kept in
contact with each other. Another example is heating one end of the metal like
copper; due to conduction heat transfer the other end of the metal also gets
heated.

Convection: The transfer of heat between the solid surface and the liquid
is called as convection heat transfer. Let us considering a vessel of water being
heated, in this case heating of water due to transfer of heat from the vessel is
convection heat transfer.

Radiation: When two bodies are at different temperatures and separated

by distance, the heat transfer between them is called as radiation heat transfer.
In case of the conduction and convection heat transfer there is a media to
transfer the heat, but in case of the radiation heat transfer there is no media. The
radiation heat transfer occurs due to the electromagnetic waves that exist in the
atmosphere. One of the most important examples of radiation heat transfer is the
heat of the sun coming on the earth. As per the second law of thermodynamics
the transfer of heat takes place from the body of high temperature to the body of
low temperature. There won’t be spontaneous transfer of heat from the body at
low temperature to the body at high temperature. For heat transfer from low
temperature body to high temperature body, external work has to be done.

The heat gained by the system or body is considered to be positive and

the heat lost by the system is considered to be negative for the mathematical
calculations. This implies that the heat flowing into the system is positive and
heat flowing out of the system is negative. The amount of heat transfer is
denoted by symbol Q.

Refrigerant is a compound typically found in either a fluid or gaseous

state. It readily absorbs heat from the environment and can provide refrigeration
or air conditioning when combined with other components such as compressors
and evaporators. If you’ve heard about the R22 refrigerant phase out in favor of
R410A refrigerant, you might be especially interested to know more about how
refrigerant works and what part it plays in cooling your home.

Without refrigerant, there would be no air conditioning, refrigeration or

freezing technology.

Air conditioners contain refrigerant inside copper coils. As refrigerant absorbs

heat from indoor air, it transitions from a low-pressure gas to a high-pressure
liquid. Air conditioning components send the refrigerant outside where a fan
blows hot air over the coils and exhausts it to the exterior.
 The refrigerant then cools down and turns back into a low-pressure gas.
Another fan located inside the home blows air over the cool coils to distribute the
resulting cold air throughout the building. Then the cycle repeats.

The most common refrigerants used for air conditioning over the years include:

 Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), including R12. This is known to contribute to the

greenhouse gas effect. Production of new stocks ceased in 1994.
 Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs), including R22. Slightly less damaging to the
ozone than R12, but the EPA has still mandated a phase out as a result of the
Clean Air Act of 2010. R22 will phase out completely by 2020.
 Hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), including R410A and R134. With no chlorine in the
mix, this is safer for the environment and is now being used in place of R22. Air
conditioners that run on R410A are more efficient, offer better air quality,
increase comfort and improve reliability.

A refrigerant may be either a pure compound or a mixture (blend) of two or

more refrigerants. Examples of pure refrigerants are R12, R22 and R134a.
Examples of mixtures are R502, R404A and R407C. A mixture can behave either
as a pure refrigerant (azeotropic mixtures), or differently (non-azeotropic, or
zeotropic, mixtures).

The Zeroth Law of Thermodynamics states that if two bodies are each in
thermal equilibrium with some third body, then they are also in equilibrium with
each other. Thermal equilibrium means that when two bodies are brought into
contact with each other and separated by a barrier that is permeable to heat,
there will be no transfer of heat from one to the other.
Rochellyn T. Olana

My reflection in RAC

 Refrigeration, or cooling process, is the removal of unwanted heat from a

selected object, substance, or space and its transfer to another object,
substance, or space. Removal of heat lowers the temperature and may be
accomplished by use of ice, snow, chilled water or mechanical refrigeration. The
refrigeration cycle is based on the long known physical principle that a liquid
expanding into a gas extracts heat from the surrounding substance or area. (You
can test this principle by simply wetting your finger and holding it up. It
immediately begins to feel cooler than the others, particularly if exposed to some
air movement. That's because the liquid in which you dipped it is evaporating,
and as it does, it extracts heat from the skin of the finger and air around it).

Refrigerants evaporate or "boil" at much lower temperatures than water,

which permits them to extract heat at a more rapid rate than the water on your
finger.

Refrigeration tools are used in performing preventive maintenance and

repair on air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, and automotive air conditioner.
Capacitor Testers are designed to identify internal problems with a capacitor or
capacitor bank. The testers will identify capacitors that may be damaged or
faulty. A Vacuum Pump is a device that removes gas molecules from a sealed
container in order to leave behind a partial vacuum. Through the use of a Digital
Manifold,  pressures and temperatures can be loaded, adjusted, tested and
monitored. A data logger is an electronic device that records data over time or in
relation to location either with a built in instrument or sensor or via external
instruments and sensors. A Multi Tester is a device which can be used to gather
data about electrical circuits. It can measure resistance, voltage, and continuity,
while more advanced versions may be able to provide additional data. Pressure
Gauges are used to measure pressures. There are several types varying from
pressure range, sensitivity, and dynamic response. The Tube Cutter is used to
cut pipes in a more faster, cleaner and  convenient manner. A hammer drill, also
known as a “rotary hammer”, “roto-drill” or “hammering drill”, is a rotary drill with a
hammering action. The hammering action provides a short, rapid hammer thrust
to pulverize relatively brittle material and provide quicker drilling with less effort.

Condenser is basically a device used to condense a substance from

gaseous state to liquid state by cooling it. Example: It is used in distillation to
separate two liquids with different in boling point by boiling the solution containing
the two liquids. So by boiling, one of the liquids with low boiling point will get
converted into vapour phase and when these vapours are passed through a
condenser, the vapours will get converted into liquid phase and it is collected in
another container. This way 2 liquids can be separated.

Principles of Refrigeration Liquids absorb heat when changed from liquid to gas
give off heat when changed from gas to liquid.

For an air conditioning system to operate with economy, the refrigerant

must be used repeatedly. For this reason, all air conditioners use the same cycle
of compression, condensation, expansion, and evaporation in a closed circuit.
The same refrigerant is used to move the heat from one area, to cool this area,
and to expel this heat in another area.The refrigerant comes into the compressor
as a low-pressure gas, it is compressed and then moves out of the compressor
as a high-pressure gas.The gas then flows to the condenser. Here the gas
condenses to a liquid, and gives off its heat to the outside air.The liquid then
moves to the expansion valve under high pressure. This valve restricts the flow
of the fluid, and lowers its pressure as it leaves the expansion valve.The low-
pressure liquid then moves to the evaporator, where heat from the inside air is
absorbed and changes it from a liquid to a gas.As a hot low-pressure gas, the
refrigerant moves to the compressor where the entire cycle is repeated.

Heat is energy can be converted from one form to another, or transferred

from one object to another. For example, a stove burner converts electrical
energy to heat and conducts that energy through the pot to the water. This
increases the kinetic energy of the water molecules, causing them to move faster
and faster. At a certain temperature (the boiling point), the atoms have gained
enough energy to break free of the molecular bonds of the liquid and escape as
vapor.

Thermodynamics is the branch of physics that deals with the relationships

between heat and other forms of energy. In particular, it describes how thermal
energy is converted to and from other forms of energy and how it affects
matter. Thermodynamics, then, is concerned with several properties of matter;
foremost among these is heat. Heat is energy transferred between substances or
systems due to a temperature difference between them, according to Energy
Education. As a form of energy, heat is conserved, i.e., it cannot be created or
destroyed. It can, however, be transferred from one place to another. Heat can
also be converted to and from other forms of energy. For example, a steam
turbine can convert heat to kinetic energy to run a generator that converts kinetic
energy to electrical energy. A light bulb can convert this electrical energy to
electromagnetic radiation (light), which, when absorbed by a surface, is
converted back into heat. The amount of heat transferred by a substance
depends on the speed and number of atoms or molecules in motion, according to
Energy Education. The faster the atoms or molecules move, the higher the
temperature, and the more atoms or molecules that are in motion, the greater the
quantity of heat they transfer.

Heat can be transferred from one body to another or between a body and
the environment by three different means: conduction, convection and radiation.
Conduction is the transfer of energy through a solid material. Conduction
between bodies occurs when they are in direct contact, and molecules transfer
their energy across the interfacet
Convection is the transfer of heat to or from a fluid medium. Molecules in a
gas or liquid in contact with a solid body transmit or absorb heat to or from that
body and then move away, allowing other molecules to move into place and
repeat the process. Efficiency can be improved by increasing the surface area to
be heated or cooled, as with a radiator, and by forcing the fluid to move over the
surface, as with a fan.

All thermodynamic systems generate waste heat. This waste

results in an increase in entropy, which for a closed system is "a quantitative
measure of the amount of thermal energy not available to do workEntropy is also
defined as "a measure of the disorder or randomness in a closed system," which
also inexorably increases. You can mix hot and cold water, but because a large
cup of warm water is more disordered than two smaller cups containing hot and
cold water, you can never separate it back into hot and cold without adding
energy to the system. Put another way, you can’t unscramble an egg or remove
cream from your coffee. While some processes appear to be completely
reversible, in practice, none actually are. Entropy, therefore, provides us with an
arrow of time: forward is the direction of increasing entropy.

The fundamental principles of thermodynamics were originally expressed

in three laws. Later, it was determined that a more fundamental law had been
neglected, apparently because it had seemed so obvious that it did not need to
be stated explicitly. To form a complete set of rules, scientists decided this most
fundamental law needed to be included. The problem, though, was that the first
three laws had already been established and were well known by their assigned
numbers. When faced with the prospect of renumbering the existing laws, which
would cause considerable confusion, or placing the pre-eminent law at the end of
the list, which would make no logical sense,, came up with an alternative that
solved the dilemma: he called the new law the “Zeroth Law.” In brief, these laws
are: 
The Zeroth Law states that if two bodies are in thermal equilibrium with some
third body, then they are also in equilibrium with each other. This establishes
temperature as a fundamental and measurable property of matter. 
The First Law states that the total increase in the energy of a system is equal to
the increase in thermal energy plus the work done on the system. This states that
heat is a form of energy and is therefore subject to the principle of conservation.
The Second Law states that heat energy cannot be transferred from a
body at a lower temperature to a body at a higher temperature without the
addition of energy. This is why it costs money to run an air conditioner.

The Third Law states that the entropy of a pure crystal at absolute zero is
zero. As explained above, entropy is sometimes called "waste energy," i.e.,
energy that is unable to do work, and since there is no heat energy whatsoever
at absolute zero, there can be no waste energy. Entropy is also a measure of the
disorder in a system, and while a perfect crystal is by definition perfectly ordered,
any positive value of temperature means there is motion within the crystal, which
causes disorder. For these reasons, there can be no physical system with lower
entropy, so entropy always has a positive value.
The science of thermodynamics has been developed over centuries, and its
principles apply to nearly every device ever invented. Its importance in modern
technology cannot be overstated.

Refrigerant flows through the compressor, which raises the pressure of

the refrigerant. Next the refrigerant flows through the condenser, where it
condenses from vapor form to liquid form, giving off heat in the process. The heat
given off is what makes the condenser "hot to the touch." After the condenser,
the refrigerant goes through the expansion valve, where it experiences a
pressure drop. Finally, the refrigerant goes to the evaporator. The refrigerant
draws heat from the evaporator which causes the regrigerant to vaporize. The
evaporator draws heat from the region that is to be cooled. The vaporized
refrigerant goes back to the compressor to restart the cycle.
Condenser: The condenser removes heat given off during the liquefication of
vaporized refrigerant. Heat is given off as the temperature drops to condensation
temperature. Then, more heat (specifically the latent heat of condensation) is
released as the refrigerant liquefies. There are air-cooled and water-cooled
condensers, named for their condensing medium. The more popular is the air-
cooled condenser. The condensers consist of tubes with external fins. The
refrigerant is forced through the condenser. In order to remove as much heat as
possible, the tubes are arranged to maximize surface area. Fans are often used
to increase air flow by forcing air over the surfaces, thus increasing the
condenser capability to give off heat.

Evaporator: This is the part of the refrigeration system that is doing the actual
cooling. Because its function is to absorb heat into the refrigeration system (from
where you don't want it), the evaporator is placed in the area to be cooled. The
refrigerant is let into and measured by a flow control device, and eventually
released to the compressor. The evaporator consists of finned tubes, which
absorbs heat from the air blown through a coil by a fan. Fins and tubes are made
of metals with high thermal conductivity to maximize heat transfer. The
refrigerant vaporizes from the heat it absorbs heat in the evaporator.

Flow control device (expansion valve): This controls the flow of the liquid
refrigerant into the evaporator. Control devices usually are thermostatic, meaning
that they are responsive to the temperature of the refrigerant.
Darwisa S. Aharad

My Reflection Paper in RAC

This subject made me realized lot of things in life that’s we should not
settle for less, explore and discover new learning that is beyond your
imagination. This subject let me feel that’s Aircon and ref is not just a simple
appliances. Its more fun discovering core parts of this appliance and how its
functions.

Refrigerant flows through the compressor, which raises the pressure of

the refrigerant. Next the refrigerant flows through the condenser, where it
condenses from vapor form to liquid form, giving off heat in the process. The heat
given off is what makes the condenser "hot to the touch." After the condenser,
the refrigerant goes through the expansion valve, where it experiences a
pressure drop. Finally, the refrigerant goes to the evaporator. The refrigerant
draws heat from the evaporator which causes the refrigerant to vaporize. The
evaporator draws heat from the region that is to be cooled. The vaporized
refrigerant goes back to the compressor to restart the cycle.

I’ve learned that there are 4 major part in refrigeration system. Condenser

Condensation changes gas to a liquid form. Its main purpose is to liquefy the
refrigerant gas sucked by the compressor from the evaporator. As condensation
begins, the heat will flow from the condenser into the air, only if the condensation
temperature is higher than that of the atmosphere. The high-pressure vapour in
the condenser will be cooled to become a liquid refrigerant again, this time with a
little heat. The liquid refrigerant will then flow from the condenser to a liquid line.
Compressor
The compressor’s use is to pull the low-temperature and low-pressure vapour
from the evaporator, through a suction line. Once the vapour is drawn, it will be
compressed. This will cause the vapour’s temperature to rise. Its main function is
to transform a low-temperature vapour in to a high-temperature vapour, to
increase pressure. Vapour is released from the compressor into a discharge line.

Evaporator

An evaporator is used to turn any liquid material into gas. In this process,
heat is absorbed. The evaporator transfers heat from the refrigerated space into
a heat pump through a liquid refrigerant, which boils in the evaporator at a low-
pressure. In achieving heat transfer, the liquid refrigerant should be lower than
the goods being cooled. After the transfer, liquid refrigerant is drawn by the
compressor from the evaporator through a suction line. Liquid refrigerant will be
in vapour form upon leaving the evaporator coil. Expansion Valve

Commonly placed before the evaporator and at the end of the liquid line, the
expansion valve is reached by the liquid refrigerant after it has been condensed.
Reducing the pressure of the refrigerant, its temperature will decrease to a level
below its atmosphere. This liquid will then be pumped into the evaporator.

I also learned what safety evacuation is in system since it is my report

whenever a refrigeration system is opened for service, proper evacuation is
necessary before it can be safely resealed. It is critical that non-condensables
and other contaminates be removed from the system.

Most causes of air conditioner problems: Low refrigerant The refrigerant

is the stuff that your air conditioner uses to remove the heat and humidity from
the air in your home or business. If your system develops leaks in the
refrigerant lines, you can end up with not enough refrigerant to effectively cool
the air. FROZEN EVAPORATOR COILS. Your air conditioner’s evaporator coil
is filled with refrigerant, and is responsible for absorbing the heat from the air
like a sponge. It may sound counter-intuitive, but those coils need warm air
circulating around them to work properly.  DIRTY CONDENSER COILS. Your
unit’s condenser coils, part of the outdoor unit, gets rid of the heat removed
from the air by expelling it outside the building. The condenser coil won’t work
well when it gets covered with a layer of dirt and grime. FAN
PROBLEMS. There is a fan that blows indoor air over your unit’s evaporator
coil to cool the air, and another that blows air over the outdoor unit’s condenser
to expel the absorbed heat outside the building. LEAKING DUCTS. The
ductwork that runs through your walls and ceilings carries the cooled air from
the air conditioner throughout your space. However, if there are holes or breaks
in the ducts (which can be caused by rodents or careless workers), that
expensive cooled air winds up inside your walls where it’s not doing anybody
any good. THERMOSTAT PROBLEMS. Especially if you still have the old dial-
type thermostats, they could be incorrectly calibrated, which means your air
conditioner isn’t getting the right instructions from the control system. This
problem is fairly easy to fix by replacing or recalibrating your thermostats. If you
have new programmable thermostats, sometimes these are tricky to program
and they may be set incorrectly. CLOGGED DRAINS. All the moisture that your
air conditioner removes from the air has to go somewhere. It’s supposed to be
removed from the space through a drain line, into a pan and finally down a
drain. If the line or drain gets clogged or the pan gets full, the water can back up
and damage your system. You can also wind up with water leaks that damage
your walls, ceilings, and furnishings. If you don’t see it right away, you’ll
eventually have mold growth.

I also learned that there’s a lot of steps to prevent air conditioner

problems. REPLACE DIRTY AIR FILTERS. Air flow problems that lead to coils
freezing are often caused by clogged air filters. INSPECT DUCTS AND
REPAIR ANY HOLES. If it seems like there’s not enough air coming from the
registers, or your energy bills keep going up, have an HVAC expert take a look
at the condition of your ducts. NSTALL A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT
AND LEARN HOW TO USE IT. Eliminate issues with older control systems by
installing new thermostats, which are more precise and save energy. You can
even get thermostats that can be controlled remotely using your smartphone or
tablet. DON’T NEGLECT REGULAR MAINTENANCE. Virtually all of the most
common causes of air conditioner problems can be easily prevented with
regular maintenance. Have an HVAC expert come in to inspect and tune up
your system each spring before starting it up for the first time. It’s relatively
inexpensive, and you’ll save yourself from having to make that emergency call
when the AC stops working on the hottest day of the year. CLEAR BRUSH
AND DEBRIS FROM AROUND THE OUTDOOR UNIT. When the condenser
and outdoor fan unit get clogged with leaves, trash and dirt, the unit can’t expel
heat as effectively.

I’ve learned that there are 3 Law of thermodynamics which are: The first
law of thermodynamics, also known as Law of Conservation of Energy,
states that energy can neither be created nor destroyed; energy can only
be transferred or changed from one form to another. For example, turning
on a light would seem to produce energy; however, it is electrical energy
that is converted. his law says that there are two kinds of processes, heat
and work, that can lead to a change in the internal energy of a system.
Since both heat and work can be measured and quantified, this is the
same as saying that any change in the energy of a system must result in a
corresponding change in the energy of the surroundings outside the
system. In other words, energy cannot be created or destroyed. If heat
flows into a system or the surroundings do work on it, the internal energy
increases and the sign of q and w are positive. Conversely, heat flow out
of the system or work done by the system (on the surroundings) will be at
the expense of the internal energy, and q and w will therefore be negative.
The second law of thermodynamics says that the entropy of any isolated
system always increases. Isolated systems spontaneously evolve towards
thermal equilibrium—the state of maximum entropy of the system. More
simply put: the entropy of the universe (the ultimate isolated system) only
 increases and never decreases. A simple way to think of the second law
of thermodynamics is that a room, if not cleaned and tidied, will invariably
become more messy and disorderly with time – regardless of how careful
one is to keep it clean. When the room is cleaned, its entropy decreases,
but the effort to clean it has resulted in an increase in entropy outside the
room that exceeds the entropy lost. The third law of thermodynamics
states that the entropy of a system approaches a constant value as the
temperature approaches absolute zero. The entropy of a system at
absolute zero is typically zero, and in all cases is determined only by the
number of different ground states it has. Specifically, the entropy of a pure
crystalline substance (perfect order) at absolute zero temperature is zero.
This statement holds true if the perfect crystal has only one state with
minimum energy.

There are also 4 types of refrigerants and this are Chlorofluorocarbons

(CFCs)

These are refrigerants that contain Chlorine, Fluorine and Carbon. They were
developed in the 1930's and were used in a variety of industrial, commercial, household
and automotive applications. They were ideal for commercial, household, and
automotive use due to the fact that they are non-toxic, non-flammable, and non-reactive
with other chemical compounds.

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs)

These are refrigerants that contain Hydrogen, Chlorine, Fluorine, and Carbon. They
have only about 10% of the ozone depleting potential as CFCs. They are energy-
efficient, low-in-toxicity, cost effective and can be used safely. 

Hydrofluorocarbons (HFC's).
These are refrigerants containing Hydrogen, Fluorine, and Carbon. Therefore they do
not contain any ozone depleting Chlorine. Besides containing no ozone depleting
elements they usually have an even lower global warming potential than HCFCs.

The Natural gas which are the Air, H2o, and CO2.

My dreesmaking reflection

What does this have to do with sewing? Well, it started me wondering how many of us
sewers are introverts and how we can use our personality type, whether quiet or
outgoing, to enjoy our sewing time more.

I know that I can get totally absorbed in a sewing project and be totally content working
by myself for hours on end. I also tend to start on one project and stick with it until it is
finished. I very rarely have simultaneous sewing projects going on. These are typical
work habits of an introvert.

(I don’t want to speak on behalf of extroverted sewers to say what kind of work habits
they have. If you are an extrovert, please feel welcome to comment about how being an
extrovert affects your sewing hobby.)

Taking the time to think about my introverted side has made me realize that some of my
favorite sewing projects are ones where I really took my time to plan the project out and
didn’t take any shortcuts on the construction. I was absorbed in and enjoyed the whole
process of sewing, rather than just wanting to skip ahead to the finished product.

As I move toward the beginning of a new school year and have less time to devote to
my hobbies, I want to remember what I’ve learned about myself from reading this book.
First of all, I need to give myself the time and space to sew. I need a quiet hobby that
recharges me after a day or week of teaching teenagers because teaching, while I enjoy
it because of how much I value education and its power to transform lives, uses all of
my energy since I have to exude more and be more outgoing than I am naturally
inclined to be. There’s not a lot of quiet, individual work time during a typical school day!

Secondly, I ought to plan out my sewing projects and sewing time so that I can enjoy
the process fully without feeling like I have to accomplish a project in a certain time
frame. I could maximize my enjoyment if I have all the supplies I need ready and waiting
for when I have some sewing time. Doing my preparation for the next couple projects I
have in mind will allow me to simply sit down and allow myself to become absorbed in
the sound of my sewing machine.

Are you an introverted or extroverted sewer? How do you see your personality type
come out in your sewing?

So far I’ve sown skirt, a t-shirt and a pajam. It is taking me longer than I had expected,
even though it is my first time sewing. I was planning on using a machine my friend has,
but because she is away for the easter break, I have to sew it by hand. On the other
hand, taking longer has meant that while I’m doing stuff, I am constantly reflecting and
re-evaluating what I’m doing.

Initially I was thinking I was going to create a set of clothes, all sewn in different parts,
for people to try on, but I progress, I’ve realised that I only have to sew the essential,
trying to communicate the same message, but in a simpler form. I’m really enjoying this
process. Starting from my initial idea, then working physically with the materials, and
then possibly turning it into a film, is in my opinion, a very strong process where I
consider all the steps.

Even though everything is going great, I still think I could have achieved so much more
if I had planned everything in advance. I haven’t been very efficient. By this I mean, for
example, that I could have all the materials prepared to be sewn, instead of doing one,
waiting to buy one, etc… and also that I could have planned out before what exactly I
am going to do. These are reasons why I am taking longer.

What I feel I’ve been doing good is that I’ve continued asking people for feedback. The
idea started off with a talk with my tutors, and as I’m woking I’ve been talking to my
friends about what they think. They agree that it is a very strong idea, if it gets
communicated well. They have also given me suggestions of where to go next, or how
to film it. If it weren’t for the feedback, I wouldn’t have received any advice, and my
ideas would be stuck.

So far I’m really enjoying this stage of my final piece and I regret not doing any lino
printing or printing on clothes, because I could communicate so much more if I work on
the material.
Looking through my flatmates magazines on fashion, has definitively influenced me. It
has made me think more of the material and how you can turn it into something that
expresses a feeling or emotion. I feel that next time I work with similar materials again, I
will try using clothes as a message transmitter.

Now I’m considering on asking people to put on the sewn clothes, and I’ll film
them to everyday things. I realised I was going to face a problem when filming, as if I
ask people to put on a pajama, so that they can’t see anything, and then they do stuff,
people might think I’m making fun of blind people. I decided that if I do a live
commentary of how the person is feeling like, it would make the piece stronger as the
viewer can understand what is going on behind. No matter how accurately the seams
are stitched or how fine the hem finish, pressing the piece as you work is the key to
professional-looking results. Pressing requires a different technique from ironing. It is
done lightly, with just the tip of the iron being used on specific area. Accurate pressing is
crucial, while pressing markings such as tucks and pleats before stitching will make the
piece much easier to work.
Sewing is all about stitches, which are the result of taking a length of thread on a
needle through two or more layers of a material to join them. Stitches can be decorative
or invisible; they can be made by hand or by a sewing machine. Seams are rows of
stitching used to hold pieces of fabric together. The type of fabric and the design of the
item determine the type of seam and the raw edge is the seam allowance. I learned was
what tools and equipment I needed to sew. The key items needed on hand are needles,
pins, a tape measure and ruler, some marking implements, dressmaker’s shears, and
small sewing scissors. Cutting tools can be basic, but should never be used on paper
because it will make the blades blunt and eventually ruin the sheers. Small sewing
scissors are essential for detailed tasks like clipping and trimming seams. Pins, needles,
and thread are all essential stitching tools.
The raw edges on garments, accessories and home furnishings must be finished
to prevent them from fraying; often the finishing can be decorative. Trims and borders
such as piping, cording and ruffles also make simple and attractive finishes for edges
and seams. Creating edgings allows a much greater choice of fabric, color, and pattern.
The next lesson I learned was all about the sewing machine. The sewing
machine is one of the most important pieces of equipment that anyone who sews will
use, and it its probably the most expensive. Every model has its own characteristics,
even within the range offered by a single manufacturer. According to Mrs. Chen the best
way to become familiar with your machine is to use it.
So as Ratatouille says “Anyone can cook”, I myself believe after this whole
project that anyone can sew. It really just takes practice and patience, and in my case a
lot of practice. And after all this project, I would like to show off my skills in a live
demonstration where I sew a tie.
Rochellyn Olana

My reflection paper in Dresssmaking

Wow, by the looks of it my sewing adventures are over, for this project at least. I learned so
many lessons and skills and I can’t wait to apply them to real life. Mr Gador taught me about
tools and equipment, sewing machines, fabrics, stitches, seams, edges, and pressing. While there
were many hurdles that I faced throughout this project, I practiced and persisted through. I
definitely struggled with cutting and stitching straight and understanding how to use the sewing
machine. But after many hours of practice, it really does make perfect.

One of the first lessons I learned was what tools and equipment I needed to sew. The key
items needed on hand are needles, pins, a tape measure and ruler, some marking implements,
dressmaker’s shears, and small sewing scissors. Cutting tools can be basic, but should never be
used on paper because it will make the blades blunt and eventually ruin the sheers. Small sewing
scissors are essential for detailed tasks like clipping and trimming seams. Pins, needles, and
thread are all essential stitching tools.

The next lesson I learned was all about the sewing machine. The sewing machine is one
of the most important pieces of equipment that anyone who sews will use, and it its probably the
most expensive. Every model has its own characteristics, even within the range offered by a
single manufacturer. According to Mr. Gador best way to become familiar with your machine is
to use it.
Mr. Gador also taught me all about understanding fabrics. There are so many different
fabrics available today that it would be impossible to list them all, but most fabrics have certain
common characteristics. The weight of the fabric from light to heavy is one of the main
characteristics that determine its use. Heavyweight materials are most likely to be found in a
special-occasion dress. And because knitted fabrics tend to stretch, they are less likely to be
found in furnishings.
Sewing is all about stitches, which are the result of taking a length of thread on a needle
through two or more layers of a material to join them. Stitches can be decorative or invisible;
they can be made by hand or by a sewing machine. Seams are rows of stitching used to hold
pieces of fabric together. The type of fabric and the design of the item determine the type of
seam and the raw edge is the seam allowance.
The raw edges on garments, accessories and home furnishings must be finished to
prevent them from fraying; often the finishing can be decorative. Trims and borders such as
piping, cording and ruffles also make simple and attractive finishes for edges and seams.
Creating edgings allows a much greater choice of fabric, color, and pattern.
o matter how accurately the seams are stitched or how fine the hem finish, pressing the
piece as you work is the key to professional-looking results. Pressing requires a different
technique from ironing. It is done lightly, with just the tip of the iron being used on specific area.
Accurate pressing is crucial, while pressing markings such as tucks and pleats before stitching
will make the piece much easier to work.
So as Ratatouille says “Anyone can cook”, I myself believe after this whole project that
anyone can sew. It really just takes practice and patience, and in my case a lot of practice. And
after all this project, I would like to show

I also learned how to make a Pajama pattern. A pair of pants is generally made with a center
seam down the front, a center seam down the back, a side seam on each outer side and an inside seam
(inseam) on the inside of each leg. That is how our pants will be constructed, so our pattern will be
created in this style. The back waistline comes up a bit higher than the front. This creates a good fit and is
why I make my own pj's. Store-bought pj's often cut the back too low and this creates a problem when
bending over ("plumber pants"). When you make your own pattern, you can cut the front lower (low
slung look) and the back higher for a nice fit. If you want both front and back lower, that is fine too - it's
your choice. Customize the fit to your own taste
ou need 4 main measurements to make a pajama pants pattern: waist, hip, inseam, crotch length
and thigh. Take the measurements as described below and write down each one.

Waist: Measure your natural waist or measure around the area where you want your pant waist
to be (usually a bit under the real waist).
Hip: Measure around the fullest part of the hip.
Inseam: Measure from the crotch to the inside of the ankle - or to where you want the pant leg to
come to (ankle, mid calf if capri length, on floor etc.)
Crotch Length: Measure from center back waist, between legs, to center front waist - to be sure
your pattern will come up high enough on the waist and allow room for your "seat" and "belly".
Thigh: Measure around the fullest part.

Create your pattern. Following the pattern example on the right, draw your pattern (see
"altering your pattern" below for more instruction). You will need two pattern pieces: front and
back. These pattern pieces will placed on a folded piece of fabric. When the fabric is cut, you
will have two opposite fronts and two opposite backs (a right and left leg for front, and a right
and left leg for back).
Refer to "Altering" below for directions on making changes to our basic pattern, to create a
custom fit for you.

NOTE: The front and back will sewn together at the inseam and outer seam; therefore, these
measurements MUST BE EQUAL. In my example, the outer seam of BOTH the front and back
measure 40". The inseams measure 28". The back center seam measures 13.5" (vertically) and
the front center seam measures 12" (vertically). As stated above, the back center seam rides
higher at the waist. The curve of the back center seam is more pronounced than that of the front.
It goes from 9.5" at the top point to 13.5" at the crotch point - a difference of 4". The front center
seam curve is only 2.25". This allows for the curve around the buttocks. It also makes the pant
waist come IN at the small of the back, creating a nice fit.

Pajama is one of my favourite activity that I did.

Darwisa S. Aharad

My reflection in dressmaking

Sewing machines can look frighteningly complex to those of us who don't know
how to use them. However, don't let the fear of an unknown machine and skill set keep
you from creating glorious textile wonders! Use this step-by-step guide through the
anatomy, set-up, and use of a sewing machine so that you can begin crafting your own
hand-made items. I’ve learned how to use it. Find the power switch. It may seem silly,
but locating the power switch is the most important step! This is located in different
places depending on the sewing machine you have, but is normally on the right side of
the body. Locate the spool pin. This is a small plastic or metal pin that sticks out of the
top of the sewing machine, and holds your spool of thread.
Look for the thread guide. The thread guide directs thread from the spool on the top of
the machine to the bobbin winder. It is a geometric metal piece that sticks out of the top
of the sewing machine on the left side. Find the bobbin-winder. To the right of the
spool pin on top of the sewing machine is another smaller plastic or metal pin, next to a
small horizontal wheel. This is the bobbin winder and the bobbin winder stopper. These
work together (with the spool of thread) to wind thread onto your bobbin prior to starting
sewing.
Look for the stitch adjustment buttons. These are in different locations depending on
the specific sewing machine you have, but there is typically a small screen next to a few
physical buttons on the front side of the sewing machine. These buttons select the type
of stitch you create, the length of the stitch, and the direction of the stitch (forward or in
reverse). Check the manual for your specific machine to determine the functions for
each of the buttons.
 Locate the thread take-up lever. When you're ready to thread your sewing
machine, you will wind the thread from the spool on top, through the thread guide, and
then around the takeup lever. This is the lever (with two cut-in grooves) located on the
front left side of the sewing machine. There are typically numbers and arrows printed
next to it to clearly direct you the way in which to thread the machine.

Look for the tension dial. The tension dial is a small numbered wheel near the
takeup lever. It controls the tension of the thread as you sew; if the tension is too tight,
the needle will be pulled to the right. If the tension is too loose, the thread will loop on
the bottom of the fabric you are sewing

Find the needle clamp screw. This is a metal piece that holds the needle in
place while sewing. It is located under the arm of the sewing machine, looks similar to a
large nail, and sticks out to the right side of the needle.

Look for the presser foot. This is a metal attachment under the needle clamp
screw that looks like a small ski. When engaged, this holds the fabric in places and
guides it through the sewing machine as you sew.

Find the presser foot lever and practice raising and lowering the presser
foot. It will be a lever to the right or back of the needle assembly. To adjust the presser
foot, move it all the way down and all the way up.
Look for the needle plate. the needle plate is the silver plate just below the needle.
Simple enough, Find the feed dog. The feed dog (silly name, right?) is a small metal
guide under the presser foot on the needle plate that moves the fabric through the
machine as you sew. You can find it by looking for the two small metal rows underneath
the presser foot.
Locate the bobbin cover and bobbin release. The bobbin is a small spool of thread
that is supplied from the bottom of the sewing machine, and supplies thread to the
needle for the backing. Under the metal plate where the needle is is the bobbin cover,
and next to that there should be a cover release button or pin. You'll use this to put the
bobbin in place before sewing
 Look for the presser foot. This is a metal attachment under the needle clamp
screw that looks like a small ski. When engaged, this holds the fabric in places and
guides it through the sewing machine as you sew.

I’ve also learned the different kinds of tools and equipment used in dressmaking. Tape
Measure
Having a tape measure to hand can be indispensable, especially when you’re taking
measuring or making alterations.  We’d suggest investing in a tape-measure that rolls
up rather than retracts into a case to make your life easier.
Tailor’s Chalk
Tailor’s chalk allows you to easily mark your fabric when you’re measuring it and
preparing to cut it. It will work on most materials and is easily removed, making it a
popular tool in the sewing world.
Pencil, Ruler & Rubber
These three tools are essential to any dressmaker’s sewing kit as they come in handy
when you need to make alterations to your patterns.
Dressmaker’s Shears
Also referred to as dressmaker’s scissors, these scissors have serrated edges that are
ideal for cutting out all types of fabric, including leather and denim. We’d suggest
investing in a high-quality pair that come with a sheath to keep them in after every use.
It’s also worth knowing that these types of scissors aren’t designed to cut paper or
thread, as this will blunt their edge. 
Paper Scissors
As dressmaker’s shears shouldn’t be used for cutting paper, its best practise to have an
ordinary pair of scissors in your dressmaking kit so you’re able to cut out patterns as
and when you need to. 
Small, Sharp Scissors
A pair of small, sharp scissors are also useful for cutting thread.    
Rotary Cutter
A rotary cutter is a tool that can save you hours of time. As the blade rotates, it makes it
easy to cut layers of fabric simultaneously, whilst giving you a clean cutting edge.
Cutting Mat
If you’re using a rotary cutter, you’ll also need a cutting mat to protect your work
surface. We’d recommended choosing the largest size you can to make sure you can fit
all your fabric on at once.    
Sewing Machine
A sewing machine will become your new best friend as you start dress-making. There
will be some patterns that require you to hand sew, but for the majority of your sewing
you will need a sewing machine. If you don’t own a sewing machine then we would
advise investing in a sturdy machine that has multiple stitching options.     
Machine Needles
With your sewing machine you’ll need to invest in a range of different sewing machine
needles depending on what fabric and weight you working with. You can find more
information about the different types of sewing machine needles on page?
Seam Unpicker
Especially if you’re just starting out, you’re bound to make mistakes, so you’ll want a
seam ripper to un-pick stitches.
Extra Sewing Feet
Having extra sewing feet will not only make your life easier when it comes to sewing
trickier stitches, but won’t hinder your project if one snaps mid-sew.
Hand-Sewing Needles
Even though most of your work will be sewn with a sewing machine, you will need some
hand-sewing needles for elements such as intricate detailing. Standard hand-sewing
needles will do the job perfectly,
Pin Cushion
Keep your work station tidy with a pin cushion. Most sewing kits will come with a
traditional fabric pin cushion, however a handy alternative is a magnetic pin cushion, as
it means you no longer need to worry about finding pins lying about on the floor.
Thimble
Protect your thumb when you’re hand sewing with a thimble. Make sure you purchase
one that is non-slip to prevent it from moving about as you sew.
 I also learned dressmaking is not an easy subject. This subject test my patience
as well as my dedication to learn.

VINTAGE

Before After
 MODERN

BEFORE

AFTER
 VINTAGE

BEFORE
 AFTER

BEFORE