HOW IT WORKS | Paper recycling, Cranes, Cherry jam, flower market | Episode 27| Free Documentary

Summary

This episode delves into the fascinating processes behind everyday items. It explores the paper recycling journey from waste to new A4 sheets, the monumental task of constructing Europe's largest mobile crane for skyscrapers, the transformation of cherries into jam, and the bustling Almeria flower auction house in Holland. Each segment reveals the engineering marvels and human ingenuity that drive our world.

Takeaways

• 🌳 The process of paper recycling involves initial sorting to separate different types of paper, such as newspapers and cardboard.
• 🔍 High-tech equipment like color-sensitive cameras and air blasts are used to remove non-paper items and impurities during recycling.
• 🏭 The transformation of waste paper into new paper involves pulping, cleaning, and the removal of inks, resulting in gray slop that is then processed into fresh paper.
• 🔄 Despite the environmental benefits, paper fibers can only be recycled about 5-6 times before they become too brittle.
• 🏗️ Europe's largest mobile crane, capable of reaching over 200 meters, is essential for constructing tall structures like skyscrapers and power plant chimneys.
• 🚧 The assembly of such a massive crane is a significant project, requiring careful placement, reinforcement, and the use of smaller cranes to support the framework.
• 🍒 The production of cherry jam involves harvesting ripe cherries, removing stems and stones, cooking with sugar and pectin, and finally bottling.
• 🌹 Almeria Flower Market in Holland is the world's largest flower auction house, handling billions of flowers annually with a vast network of refrigerated warehouses and trolley systems.
• 💐 The auction process at Almeria involves a descending bid system where buyers must time their purchases correctly to get the best price and quality.
• ✈️ Flowers from Almeria are distributed globally, with some being shipped to as far as Moscow or Tokyo, wrapped in protective cellophane to prevent damage during transit.

Q & A

What is the significance of paper recycling in Britain, and how much paper does the country use annually?

Paper recycling is significant for environmental conservation in Britain. The country uses over 11 million tons of paper annually for packaging and reading materials, with about 40% of it being sent for recycling.

How is the initial sorting of paper waste done at the recycling facility?

The initial sorting of paper waste is done using a series of rollers that separate lighter paper from heavier materials like cardboard and padded envelopes.

What technology is used to remove colored card from the paper recycling process?

A color-sensitive camera is used to detect colored card, and if any is detected, a well-timed blast of air removes it from the conveyor belt.

What is the first step in making new paper from old, and how is the waste paper pulped?

The first step in making new paper from old is to pulp it. This is done by using chemicals to break down the waste paper, which is then filtered to remove impurities.

How are inks removed from the pulp during the paper recycling process?

Inks are removed by adding chemicals and soap to the pulp. The inks stick to the soap bubbles, which rise to the surface and can be skimmed off.

What is the role of the large machine that turns pulp into fresh paper, and how long does it take?

The large machine plays a crucial role in turning pulp into fresh paper. It contains various devices to transform sloppy pulp into pristine A4 paper, and this process takes only about 20 seconds.

How is the moisture content reduced in the pulp during paper production?

The moisture content in the pulp is reduced by spreading it out and passing it through a roller with an absorbent cloth. The cloth captures most of the liquid, which is then rung out and returned to the machine.

What is the purpose of painting the paper with white ink after it has been dried?

The paper is painted with white ink to give it a traditional clean appearance, as the pulp may still be grayed even after being cleaned earlier in the process.

How is the quality of the new paper determined, and what factors influence its use?

The quality of the new paper is determined by a machine that tests samples and assigns a quality grade. Factors such as strength influence the paper's use; for example, books require a higher grade of paper than newspapers.

What is Europe's largest mobile crane used for, and how high can it reach?

Europe's largest mobile crane is used for constructing tall structures like skyscrapers and power plant chimneys. It can reach over 200 meters high.

How does the crane operator ensure the safe and precise placement of a large chimney during construction?

The crane operator ensures the safe and precise placement of a large chimney by carefully maneuvering it, considering factors like wind speed and using the crane's mechanisms to position the chimney with millimeter precision.

What is the process of turning cherries into jam, and what ingredients are involved?

The process of turning cherries into jam involves collecting ripe cherries, removing leaves and stems, stoning the cherries, and then cooking them with sugar, pectin, and lemon juice to achieve the desired consistency and texture.

How does the Almeria flower auction house in Holland function, and what is its significance in the global flower industry?

The Almeria flower auction house in Holland functions as a massive auction and distribution center for cut flowers and potted plants. It is the largest supplier in the world, handling over 20 million cut flowers daily and serving as a key hub in the global flower industry.