Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation articles from April 2000

Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation archives from April 2000

Editorial COMMENTS.
April 1, 2000... Industry and the dot.com Express Like it or not, we're all aboard the dot.com express. With the proliferation of both B2B (business-to-business) and B2C (business-to-consumer) sites Out there, whatever you make is probably providing direct...

EPA reports increase in U.S. global-warming gas emissions.
April 1, 2000... U.S. greenhouse gas emissions rose 0.5% from 1997 to 1998, according to a report released for public comment last month by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Emissions rose from 1,827 to 1,834 million metric tons of total emissions,...

Texaco exits coalition opposed to global-warming agreement.
April 1, 2000... Texaco has become the first major U.S. oil company to abandon a group of large manufacturers, oil and mining companies that oppose the Kyoto Protocol, an international agreement designed to slow global warming. According to news sources,...

Tampa Electric bows to EPA upgrade directive.
April 1, 2000... Florida utility Tampa Electric has agreed to spend about $1 billion to switch one of two coal-fired electric generating plants it owns to natural gas and to install pollution control devices in the other. The utility has also agreed to pay the...

GM recalls electric cars.
April 1, 2000... General Motors has recalled all of its EV1 electric cars after fires caused by the cars' recharging outlets were reported. According to the company, the recall includes approximately 450 1997 Generation I EV1 electric cars, and 450 Chevrolet...

OSHA opens hearings on ergonomic proposals I.
April 1, 2000... OSHA began a series of public hearings last month on the agency's recent ergonomics proposal for U.S. employers and their workers. Approximately 1,100 individuals had signed up to testify through May in Washington, D.C., Chicago, IL, or...

Massive Heat Exchanger Delivered to Philadelphia Chemical Plant.
April 1, 2000... One of the largest shell-and-tube heat exchangers ever built was shipped late last year to the Frankford Chemicals Plant operated by Sunoco Chemical Co. in Philadelphia, PA. The unit was engineered and built by Manning & Lewis Engineering Co....

DaimlerChrysler develops ceramic for auto-brake use.
April 1, 2000... DaimlerChrysler researchers have developed a cost-effective, fiber-reinforced ceramic material for use in automobile brakes. According to the company, initial studies show that the brakes perform reliably after 180,000 miles. Brake disc changes...

New River Castings.
April 1, 2000... * New River Castings, a Radford, VA-based producer of transmission components and other iron automobile parts, reported a plant explosion on March 5 that killed three people and injured four. According to the Roanoke Times, the explosion may...

NiSource, Inc.
April 1, 2000... * Utility operator NiSource, Inc., Merrillville, IN, will pay $6 billion and assume $2.5 billion in debt to purchase Columbia Energy, Herndon, VA. The union will create one of the largest utilities in the U.S., servicing 4.1 million customers...

Microsoft Corp.
April 1, 2000... * Microsoft Corp.'s investment company has filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission for an 8% share in Newport News Shipbuilding, Newport News, VA, a designer and builder of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers and submarines for the U.S....

LaBarge, Inc.
April 1, 2000... * LaBarge, Inc., a St. Louis, MO-based electronics producer, has been awarded a $2.1 million contract to build electronic power center (EPC) units for the Boeing Co.'s MD-10 freighter conversion program. The unit monitors electrical circuits...

The BFGoodrich Co.
April 1, 2000... * The BFGoodrich Co., has acquired the personal care business of Lambent Technologies, Inc., Norcross, GA, from parent company, Petroferm, Inc., Fernandina Beach, FL Lambent is a maker of specialty silicones and alcohol derivatives that are...

TERMINAL BLOCKS.
April 1, 2000... These remote I/O terminal blocks feature digital I/O expansion modules. The plug-in expansion modules mount into a separate terminal block base module that is available with either screw-clamp or spring-clamp terminations.

AIR CYLINDERS.
April 1, 2000... The C4 metric cylinders come in varying bore sizes. The aluminum end caps and barrel are anodized. Reed switches can provide an electric signal when it senses the Cylinder's magnetic piston.

COIL ASSEMBLY.
April 1, 2000... A full wave bridge can now be encapsulated into the coil assembly of the company's Series 15 solenoid valves. By embedding the required electronics in the coil, a DC valve can be driven by common AC voltages. Peter Paul

TRANSFORMER FLUID.
April 1, 2000... The 561 silicone transformer fluid maintains its insulating and cooling properties for extended periods of time and is less flammable. Fluid clarity allows detection of foreign

MULTIPORTS.
April 1, 2000... Three new DC Micro-Change dual input/output multi-ports have been designed without a molded connector. The home run cable can be routed out the too or back end of the box.

PRODUCT STORAGE.
April 1, 2000... This storage system offers product rotation for small and mediumsized items in order picking systems. Several options are available to handle bins, totes, boxes or cartons.

STOP CAP.
April 1, 2000... The new no-hex Stop Cap is smooth -- so smooth "would-be" vandals can't get a grip on it. The new design "spins" freely after installation. Circle the number below. Or call 800-9-VALVE-9 (982-5839).

ADA HANDLE.
April 1, 2000... Sloan's new ADA Flushometer Handle is triple sealed to provide a 50% increase in sealing capability over older designs. It incorporates Sloan's Permex(r) elastomeric material to withstand ammonia treated water supplies. Circle the number below....

SWEAT SOLDER KIT.
April 1, 2000... Since over 80% of all installations are copper, the Sloan Sweat Solder Kit is just what an installation needs. Each kit contains a chrome-plated cast wall flange with set screw that keeps the cover tube from moving. Circle the number below. Or...

VACUUM BREAKER.
April 1, 2000... Sloan's new V-600A Series Vacuum Breakers are designed to take the high back pressures created by today's low consumption fixtures. So instead of high back pressure causing unsightly leakage, your Sloan Royal Flushometer stays looking clean and...

HANDLE REPAIR KIT.
April 1, 2000... After thousands and thousands of flushes, even the best Flushometer needs a tune-up. This 8-51-A Handle Repair Kit has everything you need including a new triple seal packing that provides a 50% increase in sealing capability. Put your...

Survey: Middle-Market Manufacturers Predict a Robust 2000.
April 1, 2000... The results of an annual study commissioned by Fleet Capital Corp. and released in late February indicate that middle-market manufacturers expect a healthy economy and strong revenues for their companies in 2000. A telephone poll of 300 chief...

DUCT FAN.
April 1, 2000... This inline duct fan comes with an external rotor motor and a nonoverloading backward inclined wheel. It is suitable for kitchens, and dryer vents. Accessories include back draft dampers, and intake/exhaust grilles.

DRYERS.
April 1, 2000... These low-maintenance dryers feature a bundle of tube-shaped membranes that allow only water vapor to pass. Dry compressed air sweeps the water vapor out of the dryer.

AIR FILTERS.
April 1, 2000... These air filters and dust bags are made of filter media and fabric finishes, put together with fabricating techniques.

EXTRACTOR/ DRYERS.
April 1, 2000... The 50 SCEM extractor/dryers remove moisture and contaminants from compressed air lines. They feature a two-stage filtration system in a die cast aluminum housing.

AIR CONDITIONER.
April 1, 2000... These air conditioners are solid-state heat pumps that can cool below ambient temperatures. They feature temperature control, no acoustical or electrical noise and DC operation.

LUBRICATION SYSTEM.
April 1, 2000... The MicroCoat system is a lubrication system that uses Low Volume Low Pressure (LVLP) air to coat stock with a film of oil. The compact system includes spray valves that fit between the stock feed and die, a controller that regulates up to four...

LED LAMPS.
April 1, 2000... The RPLH Series Pilot Lamps and Holders are an integrated modular system that can be purchased as complete assemblies or bought separately. Raised Lexan(R) Fresnel lenses resist impact, and the lampholders are made of black polyester resin.

PURIFICATION PANEL.
April 1, 2000... The Supplied-Air Purification and Regulation Panel is a four-stage air filtration panel designed for welders who require supplied-air respiratory protection. The purification panel removes oils, particulates and odors from the air supply. The...

OEM SOFTWARE.
April 1, 2000... This software is designed to help OEM users specify a custom electronic product. The software includes a tutorial on common types of products encountered.

ORDER-VALIDATION SOFTWARE.
April 1, 2000... This software confirms that correct items have been assembled for orders by comparing the order's actual weight against its expected weight. Operators set parameters.

CIRCUIT TEST SOFTWARE.
April 1, 2000... New software provides mixed-signal and measurement capabilities and simplifies the copying and pasting of lines within a test plan.

BALANCING INSTRUMENT UPGRADE.
April 1, 2000... The new GP843 software upgrade for the Model 743 Balancing Instrument adds enhanced communications, diagnostics and field programming capabilities. It is used for hard- or soft-bearing machines, and provides automatic solutions for single and...

3D REVERSE ENGINEERING SOFTWARE.
April 1, 2000... More than 20 new features are incorporated into HighRES' new engineering software. The free-form modeling software includes tolerance control, cutplane manipulation, UCS offset controls and a number of 2D/3D automated smart features.

BOD ANALYST.
April 1, 2000... This software automates BOD testing, and eliminates the need for initial measurements of each sample dilution. Its features include a time-saving configuration which allows data to be read directly from the instrument, and an optional bar-code...

MEASUREMENT SOFTWARE.
April 1, 2000... DAQ [Designer.sup.TM] aids engineers in configuring custom measurement systems. A questionnaire details specific applications and the CD also includes video product descriptions, tutorials and data sheets.

MATERIAL REPORTING SOFTWARE.
April 1, 2000... This program presents views of all active mix processes. Each time a new job, or other event occurs, all relevant production information is written to a database.

CONTROLLER.
April 1, 2000... The KS 94 industrial controller incorporates an operator guidance system with interlocking software and hardware. The KS 94 uses algorithms for close tolerance stable process It includes PC-based simulation software and Profibus DP...

DIGITAL I/O CARDS.
April 1, 2000... Under software control this digital I/O card for PCI bus computers can be enabled to set a latched interrupt request whenever one or more of the inputs change state. It features a connection via a 100pin high-density connector)

Industrial Analysis: The Big Picture for Savings.
April 1, 2000... Go beyond the energy audit to discover efficiencies plant-wide. Energy audits have been touted as a good way to save money. But any maintenance manager who has ever conducted one knows this is a half-truth. The best-case scenario occurs...

PRESTRESS SYSTEMS.
April 1, 2000... Custom engineered hydraulic prestress systems precisely expand the bore, releasing the pressure and locking in the stress pattern. The units are suitable for internal pieces 20 in. or smaller and can apply up to 200,000 psi to the bore of...

MONITOR.
April 1, 2000... The Genesis personal, portable multi-gas monitor detects combustible gases, oxygen and up to two toxic gases. The unit is protected by a die-cast aluminum housing, rubber guards, a high-impact polycarbonate display window, and the Duraplus...

Eco-Friendly Process Eliminates Parts-Washer Solvent Problems.
April 1, 2000... For generations you could find the solvent parts washer wherever there were parts to clean and machinery to maintain. It did the job it was supposed to do and nobody thought much about it. Today, the parts washer is on the minds of people...

VACUUM PUMPS.
April 1, 2000... The new Low Pressure M Series of pneumatically driven vacuum pumps has been designed to handle low or fluctuating compressed air pressures. Each pump has broad application capabilities that allow the user to choose one without the need to...

GAS MONITOR.
April 1, 2000... The Guardian is a new family of wall-mounted, continuous gas monitors for carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, sulfur dioxide and other toxic gases. Standard features include a digital display, output relays and audio and visual alarms. The...

INDUSTRIAL POTENTIOMETERS.
April 1, 2000... Manufactured to have excellent temperature and resistance stability, this new series of precision, single-turn potentiometers is exceptionally robust, says the company. Ideal in such environments as industrial controls and instrumentation, the...

SHAFTS COLLARS.
April 1, 2000... A full line of imported shaft collars that are functionally similar to domestic versions but cost up to 40% less, is being introduced. Items are offered in one- and two-piece clamp type designs, manufactured from steel and stainless steel and...

CMMS Solutions.
April 1, 2000... Don't Forget the Storeroom When it comes to selecting a CMMS solution, I rarely see the storeroom at the top of anybody's critical functionality list. This shouldn't be surprising. Storerooms support maintenance operations. Support...

HIGH-PRESSURE MODULE.
April 1, 2000... Tailored for applications where high-pressure nitrogen delivery is required, membrane module is ideally suited for oil and for gas environments such as offshore rigs, and well drilling/completion.

LINEAR ACTUATOR.
April 1, 2000... Dual ball bearing, 25 mm diameter linear actuator is designed for long life and for low-cost applications. It achieves linear motion with a lead screw traveling through the step motor. Custom pitches are available.

ABRASION PROTECTOR.
April 1, 2000... This line of spirally-cut Teflon(r) wrap protects hydraulic hoses from abrasion. It applies like tape around the hoses for protection against chafing. It is nonflammable, chemically inert and can be used in environments from -450[degree]F to...

CABLE FEEDER.
April 1, 2000... This product automates cable-feeding operations by feeding cable off reels during cable pulls. The cable feeder can be wheeled into position and operated by one person via pendant or optional foot switch. Dual-motor, dual-wheel drive with...

CHAIN & CABLE LUBE.
April 1, 2000... A unique blend of lubricants fortified with moly and graphite foams on and clings to stay in place, providing maximum lubrication. The product penetrates into the tightest areas, leaving a protective film barrier that reduces friction and wear....

SINK CABINET.
April 1, 2000... Stainless steel sink cabinet features a backsplash on the top three sides to keep water from splashing onto other surfaces. A plastic edge protector around the top edge creates an additional safety factor. Optional casters are available, as...

INTERFACE DETECTOR.
April 1, 2000... This temperature- and pressure-compensated Clamp-On Pipeline Interface Detector is designed for precision detection of interfaces of crude oils, multi-product transportation and inter-refinery pipelines. The product is suitable for new...

PRESSURE WASHERS.
April 1, 2000... A 208v version is offered in this company's line of electric-powered, hot-and cold-water pressure washers. The new version is a more economical alternative to the 230v model, and is being offered for a nominal upcharge.

VISUAL TESTING COURSE.
April 1, 2000... The 40-hour class "Visual Testing and Remote Visual Testing, Level I/II Training" includes classroom training as well as hands-on experience using the latest remote imaging equipment and techniques. Successful completion qualifies individuals...

SAFETY HANDBOOKS.
April 1, 2000... Safety Training Handbooks are available in digital format with purchases of any video or Peak Training title for $995. The electronic format provides instant access to the handbook, the speed and convenience of electronically distributing...

CUSTOMER EDUCATION CLASSES.
April 1, 2000... This three-day series of customer-education workshops focuses on elements that make up value, especially in the product line. The course includes a review of quality, service, cost and time and the relationship to the value the customer...

ELECTRIC UTILITY COURSE.
April 1, 2000... This course on the electric utility industry is offered by the College of Engineering at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, May 3-5, 2000 in Columbus, OH. Instruction deals with the past, present and future of the electric utility industry,...

INFRARED TRAINING CLASSES.
April 1, 2000... These training, certification and support classes prepare a company to operate a thermographic inspection program. Classes provide information on theory, as well as applied, hands-on learning. A manual is included in Level I and Level II...

MACHINE LUBRICATION.
April 1, 2000... This new three-part CD-ROM and video series teaches lubrication techniques to increase machine life. Part one of the series covers lubricating oil identification and application, safety handling and storing. Part two examines transferring,...

STRUCTURED WIRING.
April 1, 2000... The residential telecommunications and structured wiring devices training program instructs distributors on structured cabling products and how to install them. It consists of three parts that cover basic installation, standards, testing and...

New Material Handling System Improves Hewlett-Packard Ink-Jet Production.
April 1, 2000... Hewlett-Packard's Ink Jet Business Unit (IJBU) is part of a 2-million-sq.-ft. facility located on a 179-acre site in Corvallis, OR. According to project manager Bruce Johnson, a new material handling system was recently installed at the plant...

ALARM.
April 1, 2000... This alarm was originally developed for remote monitoring of sewage lift stations. It converts contact closure inputs to HI/LO tone signals for phone line or other audio transmission. The AC-powered module included battery backup capability and...

BELT ALIGNMENT CONTROL.
April 1, 2000... This new alignment control is designed for vertical belts found on bucket elevators. The main components are a sensor roller with sealed bearings, a linkage bar, a mounting bracket, and an explosion-proof micro switch.

IN-LINE FILTER.
April 1, 2000... The disposable in-line filter removes unwanted particles from gas flow lines. Encapsulated microfiber elements trap particles. This filter is suitable for flue gas analyzers.

ANGLE GRINDERS.
April 1, 2000... This model of motor-powered angle grinder features a new ergonomically-designed back handle and a new switch design. The switch disengages if the operator releases the rear handle. Applications include industrial, construction and welding.

Electric Brake Retrofit Reduces Downtime for Tire Retreading Operation.
April 1, 2000... ONCOR Advanced Systems Tech, Inc. dramatically reduced the cost and frequency of downtime and repairs by replacing the original electro-mechanical brake on a tire-buffing machine built in Japan with a U.S.-made Steams brake. The production...

LABMAT LINERS.
April 1, 2000... These labmat liners, now available in Safety Red, provide spill protection in the lab and are designed for both benchtops and drawers. They consist of an absorbent, upper surface that traps water, dyes, corrosive chemicals, biohazardous and...

DISPOSABLE SAR HOOD.
April 1, 2000... These disposable hoods protect the wearer from hazardous materials. They are designed with breathing or down tube and head suspension. The onepiece hood assembly with large viewing window, is made of saran-coated Tyvek and the taped seams form...

SAFETY LIGHT CURTAIN.
April 1, 2000... The Safety Light Curtain for electrostatic discharge environments consists of a nickel-plated transmitter and receiver, a controller, interconnecting cables and adjustable mounting brackets. It can be mounted on small automatic assembly...

SET-IN SLEEVE.
April 1, 2000... The new set-in sleeve design for Tyvek protective clothing is used in applications such as light chemicals, asbestos abatement and fiberglass handling. The Tyvek line of protective wear offers barrier protection and breathability in hazardous...

LIFT TRUCK SAFETY DEVICE.
April 1, 2000... Limit ALERT is an electronic warning device that alerts the driver that his vehicle is approaching a pre-established limit, like an area that is prohibited to combustion engines, a low clearance ahead, or at open docks for example. Limit ALERT...

RESPIRATORS.
April 1, 2000... The Marathon and Turbopak air-purifying full facepiece respirators deliver air flow for up to eight hours. They feature a panoramic lens and a distortion-free lens with anti-fog and anti-scratch coatings. The Marathon uses a lead acid gel...

IRON FRAME MOTORS.
April 1, 2000... Line of cast iron frame motors features a V-ring shaft seal on drive end, class F insulation, stator frame and end brackets. All motors are enclosed-fan cooled, with an enclosed non-ventilated HP 1800 RPM motor. All motors are suitable for both...

ELECTRIC LIFT.
April 1, 2000... This battery-operated electric lift transports products from one height to another and from one location to another. The platform is polyethylene and the lift rolls on four casters. Its maneuverability is enhanced with ergonomic handles and...

NATURAL GAS DRYERS.
April 1, 2000... Designed to remove moisture vapor and condensed liquids from pipelines before points of pressure reduction, these natural gas dryers are a safe, cost-effective replacement for heaters, boilers and other systems. A variety of desiccants is...

ALIGNMENT SYSTEM.
April 1, 2000... The Fixturlaser Roll 200 is a laser-based instrument for positioning rolls in web-handling operations. Measurements are made using the detector on the reference on two positions on the roll. The system automatically stores information for...

BUTTERFLY VALVES.
April 1, 2000... These butterfly valves feature blowout-proof stainless steel stem and body liner with V-notch retention. Wing-like action of the flow-controlling disc, which opens and closes at right angles to the flow path, offers low pressure drops and...