Unit 1: Technology in use

Emphasising technical advantages

Dr. Hatem Elaydi
Engineering Technical English
Islamic University of Gaza
Feb. 8, 2016
Language note
You will find the following vocabulary
useful in this section.
conventional, eliminate (problems),
superior (quality), (energy-)efficient,
enhanced, reduce
completely, significantly, dramatically,
entirely, highly, extremely, considerably,
totally, exceptionally
Extension activity: more vocabulary
The meaning of some of the terms in Exercise 11a in more
detail.
belt = a drive belt – belts can have a flat or V-shaped section
cable = a rope made of metal wires – when used for lifting it is
also called a wire rope
coated = surrounded by another material – a coating
crowned machine sheave = a sheave is a wheel used in
association with a belt, often called a pulley; crowned –
describes the section of the wheel, meaning it has a ridge at
either side to prevent the belt from coming off
hoistway = a vertical shaft inside a building which houses a lift
(British English – lift shaft)
Extension activity: more vocabulary
You could look at the meaning of some of the terms in Exercise
11c in more detail.
gearless = has no gears – gears are cogwheels which mesh
together to transfer drive from one wheel to another
wear = progressive degradation due to normal use, for example
vehicle tyres
cords = wires
machine room = a room in a building where machines, such as
lift machinery, air conditioning
units and water pumps are located – also often called a plant
room,
plant being an alternative collective term for machines
Extension activity: brand superiority
which brands have a reputation for technical
superiority / high quality in the following areas.
electrical kitchen appliances (refrigerators, ovens,
dishwashers, etc.)
Computers
Mobile phones
Is the higher cost of some brands justified in terms of
quality and durability?
Do any other brands offer better value for money, in
terms of quality / technical superiority versus cost?
The key to Otis’s patented drive technology
At the heart of the Gen2TM elevator system is a flat belt
(developed by unique to Otis). It is just 3 mm thick. Yet is
stronger than conventional steel cables. It lasts up to three
times longer. And it has enabled Otis to completely re-invent
the elevator The flat, coated-steel belt totally eliminates the
metal-to-metal effect of conventional systems. Coupled with
a smooth-surface crowned machine sheave, the result is
exceptionally quiet operation and superior ride comfort.
Furthermore, the flexible flat belt enables a more compact,
energy-efficient machine, which can be contained in the
hoistway. This enhanced technology reduces building and
system operating costs, and frees up valuable space.
 Protecting the environment
Neither the belt nor the gearless machine, with its
permanently sealed bearings, requires any lubrication
so the Gen2TM system is cleaner for the
environment. The highly (1) energy-efficient gearless
machine with its permanent-magnet synchronous
motor, (2)_________power consumption by as much
as 50% over (3) _________ geared machines and
15% over other machines with permanent-magnet
motors of axial construction.
Reliable by design
Long lasting flat belts, smooth, crowned sheaves and minimal
moving parts in the gearless machine dramatically (4) ____
wear and increase durability and efficiency. To further (5)
_______ reliability and safety, Otis developed the Pulse TM
system, which continually monitors the status of the belts’
steel cords. Unlike visual inspections of (6) _______ steel
ropes, the Pulse TM system automatically detects and reports
belt faults to maintenance personnel for rapid response,
providing owners with greater peace of mind. With flat belt
technology, Otis has created (7) ________ system that (8)
_______ the need for a machine room, is quiet, clean, reliable
and economical, and easy to install and maintain.
Complete the following sentences from the briefing by
underlining the correct emphasizsing word.
1. We've come up with a completely/significantly unique profile.
2. It completely/dramatically reduces vibration.
3. Machines like these can never be entirely/highly free from vibration.
4. The new design runs dramatically/extremely smoothly.
5. Another advantage of the new profile is that it's considerably/entirely
lighter.
6. So compared with our previous range, it's highly/totally efficient.
7. Trials so far suggest the design is completely/exceptionally durable.
8. We expect it to be entirely/significantly more reliable than rival units.