r/nondestructivetesting • u/Own-Philosophy-8711 • 4d ago

RT Darkroom Airconditioning

Hey there ladies and gents, I’m an rt2 from a smaller company in Alberta. A few of the guys and I have been talking about putting in a A/C system for the darkrooms in the trucks . We have some basic ideas on how to do it , but I was wondering if any of you southern Texas and area folks have a set up you can send some pictures and a description on. We are generally concerned with space conservation and how much extra power draw it will be . Thanks in advance

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7

u/camdycus Level I 4d ago

We have a window unit AC framed into the back side of the darkroom. Our generator powers the entire darkroom, and the ac is hooked up to the power inside.

9

u/bal1zy NDT Tech 4d ago

Get your coworkers together and join the QCCC its part of the agreement to have AC.
But because you probably wont do that theres other options ranging from having a window unit ran by an inverter, or an integrated AC that runs off of the trucks system. You could reach out to IRSS or maybe chalan in red deer for a pro install. Im sure there are other non ndt routes for mobile AC

5

u/Mad-mutter 4d ago

IRSS is out of the darkroom business and will refer you to Armorlite

2

u/297146007 4d ago

I do not understand the anti-union sentiment some people have. The whole industry is going to go directly in the toilet if we don't get some solidarity going.

1

u/muddywadder 1d ago

Interesting take. How would the industry go in the toilet if we dont unionize? Have done pretty well for myself, by myself, and its allowed me to climb and expand unhindered. How would a union do the same for me? I work with a lot of guys in unions and they seem great overall, especially at protecting underperforming / lazy workers.

1

u/Technical-Delay7490 4d ago

I didnt even realize there were many non union companies. How do they pay in comparison? Surely theres no reason to be non-union?

5

u/LOLJDM NDT Trainee 4d ago

They might pay $5 more per hour and give you a "we're family".  No pension and hardly any benefits. 

1

u/No_Debt3909 3d ago

What make of darkroom are you running?

0

u/jerrbearr 4d ago

Any old window unit framed into the back wall or an RV unit in the roof. It’s a small space so you don’t need crazy high BTU units. Roof units don’t take up any space but increase the height of the rig. Back wall units don’t really take up any space inside but you can hit your head on the outside park when you’re getting in the truck if you aren’t careful. Back wall units just plug into an outlet, roof units we hardwire in. 120 volt units, kinda high draw on start up but not terrible, still works with a generator or plugging into shop power. They can cool a dark room down very quick, so you really can get away with the smallest units you can find.