Question 1: reasons why references are used for technical or academic writing
In technical and academic writing, referencing may be applied to ensure that previous information on a certain subject is acknowledged. The writer, in this case, is able to indicate that indeed he or she has researched related literature concerning the topic at hand and provides information on what has been achieved in the topic of concern. Consequently, once the previous literature has been acknowledged, the writer is able to table his or her position based on the previous information thereby providing a basis for the argument or claim they intend to make. Thirdly, referencing is done to ensure that one is not flagged for academic plagiarism. When a writer portrays another author’s work, it is imperative they cite and reference the information since it is not their own work.
Question 2: Discuss three areas where you, a future engineer expect to use referencing in your technical writing in your future engineering job. In this section, you may discuss the types of documents you anticipate referencing, and the types of documents you will produce that will require referencing
One area where referencing may be used by an engineer is in developing a thesis for master studies in a specific area of expertise. Secondly, an engineer may need to use referencing in developing a paper to be published in journals. Thirdly, when developing proposals for a client, an engineer may be required to provide a background on a proposed design to provide how it may be applicable to a particular situation. As such, all these areas will require references from published articles in peer-reviewed journals and technical manuals published by corporations in collaboration with government. In the end, the report or article that the engineer develops in the studies or work may be then published in the peer-reviewed journals and in the process add to the body of knowledge on a particular topic.
Question 3: you have been awarded a contract to consult as an engineer. The company that has hired you (ABC Company) has asked you to do some research and report back to them with your results. Provide a review of three articles.
Desalination
Introduction
Access to quality water for drinking is still a major issue in the world today. Fresh water sources only account for a small portion of all the water that is available on the surface of the earth. Saltwater forms the largest portion but may not be suitable for drinking. As such, methods have been developed to extract fresh water from the saltwater. Desalination is one such technology and may involve a variety of methods and processes.
According to Shatat and Riffat (2012), one such method applied in desalination is the Multi-stage flash distillation (MSF). MSF method involves heating of saline water to near boiling temperatures. Consequently, the heated water is then passed through low-pressure chambers that make the saline water to vaporize as the steam is changed to water, a process called the flashing effect (Shatat and Riffat, 2012). The MSF system can achieve a 50% capacity (Shatat and Riffat, 2012). Another technology discussed, is reverse osmosis, which involves the use of a membrane. According to Shatat and Riffat (2012), reverse osmosis does not require a heating requirement as is the case for MSF process.
In their research article, Mittlelman, Mouchtar, and Dayan (2007) provide a discussion of other desalination methods. In particular, they provide information regarding the vapor compression distillation process. The vapor compression process involves the reduction of the boiling temperature by reducing the pressure. The vapor compression process is suited to small scale operations that may include hotel resorts.
Dore (2005) provides a discussion of the economic cost that may be linked to desalination methods. A critical aspect discussed in the article is the case of reverse osmosis, where the cost of purifying water is normally low as no heating requirement is required but the water quality is still achieved. As such this article may be essential when selecting what type of desalination method may be applied.
Conclusion
Desalination is an important aspect to consider as freshwater sources become limited. The use of these three articles is critical in selecting the appropriate desalination method to use based on the scale of operation and capital available.
References
Dore, M. H. (2005). Forecasting the economic costs of desalination technology. Desalination, 172(3), 207-214.
Mittelman, G., Mouchtar, O., & Dayan, A. (2007). Large-Scale Solar Thermal Desalination Plants: A Review. Heat Transfer Engineering, 28(11), 924-930.
Shatat, M., and Riffat, S. (2012) Water desalination technologies utilizing conventional and renewable energy sources. International Journal of Low-Carbon Technologies, 9(1), 1-20.
