Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation articles from April 2001

Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation archives from April 2001

Study predicts worldwide auto sales may not recover until 2003.
April 1, 2001... Global vehicle sales could fall as much as 11% through 2002 and not pick up again until 2003, according to a study released last month by Autopolis, an Edinburgh, Scotland-based auto-industry consultant group. The study says shrinking demand in...

Dow to supply key component of Michelin's 'run-flat' tire.
April 1, 2001... The Michelin Group and Dow Chemical Co., signed an agreement last month for Dow to supply Michelin with a polyure-thane-based inner support ring that will enable Michelin's new PAX automobile tire to run flat at 55 miles per hour for up to 125...

Largest wind farm in Eastern U.S. to be built near Pittsburgh.
April 1, 2001... Construction of the largest wind farm in the Eastern U.S. will begin this spring in Fayette County, PA, about 40 miles southeast of Pittsburgh. The announcement was made last month by a consortium of private companies, non-profit organizations...

Imports of specialty steel set record in 2000.
April 1, 2001... Total specialty steel imports in 2000 were the highest ever, according to data released last month by the Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA), a Washington, D.C.-based trade association. Imports were led by stainless steel, the...

Bethlehem Steel and General Mills will upgrade their New York plants.
April 1, 2001... Bethlehem Steel and General Mills have announced they will make significant improvements to plants they operate in and near Buffalo, NY Bethlehem Steel will spend $2 million on non-production equipment to maintain efficiency at its galvanized...

AK Steel Corp.'s Newest Plant Receives Ford's Q1 Quality Certification.
April 1, 2001... AK Steel Corp.'s 10th and newest steel-finishing facility in Rockport, IN, earned Ford Motor Co.'s Q1 Quality Certification Award last month for reliably supplying the automaker with high-quality flat-rolled carbon steel. The award helped the...

Of Interest ...
April 1, 2001... "Coal is our country's largest domestic fuel source whether measured in terms of reserves or production. We produce over 1.1 billion tons of coal per year and over 90% of that goes for the production of over half of our nation's electricity....

Editorial COMMENTS.
April 1, 2001... In Like a Lion... Count among the young Bush administration's reversal actions to date the repeal of OSHA's Ergonomics Performance Standard for workplace safety. It was the first use of the Congressional. Review Act of 1996, which allows...

Equipto.
April 1, 2001... Equipto, a Texas-based manufacturer of shelving and storage products, has consolidated its manufacturing operation at its Tatamy, PA, plant, and moved its headquarters from Dallas to Addison, TX, a suburb north of Dallas. The moves are part of...

Lochinvar Corp.
April 1, 2001... Lochinvar Corp., a Tennessee-based manufacturer of water heaters, boilers and storage tanks, is expected to move its world headquarters this spring from Nashville to a 360,000-sq.-ft. facility in Lebanon, TN. The new facility will include the...

Yaskawa Electric America, Inc. (YEA).
April 1, 2001... Yaskawa Electric America, Inc. (YEA), Waukegan, IL, has assumed ownership of the drive products business of MagneTek, Inc., New Berlin, WI. The company, which has produced AC inverters under the MagneTek name, will change product logos. YEA is...

The Boeing Co.
April 1, 2001... The Boeing Co. has honored six suppliers to its commercial airplanes operations for outstanding performance. The company's 2000 Supplier of the Year awards went to: Aero-Plastics, Inc., Renton, WA; Exotic Metals Forming Co., Kent, WA; Korean...

The Material Handling Industry of America.
April 1, 2001... The Material Handling Industry of America, Charlotte, NC, confirmed last month that attendance at its ProMat 2001 trade show, held Feb. 12-15 in Chicago, was the highest ever for the biannual event. More than 42,000 industry professionals...

3M.
April 1, 2001... 3M said last month it will donate $1.5 million worth of its security products to 100 middle and high schools this year. The products include 3M Detection Systems for the entrance/exit of libraries and media centers, and 3M Tattle-Tape Security...

DIAPHRAGM PUMP.
April 1, 2001... The new E4 stainless bolted pump features the Elima-Matic air valve for non-stalling, anti-icing and lubrication-free service. The bolted design offers sealing capabilities for liquids with low specific gravity and low viscosity. The E4 air...

COMPRESSOR OILS.
April 1, 2001... Synthetic PC Compressor Oils offer clean lubrication and protection for use in single and multi-state rotary screw, vane and vacuum pumps. They are made from shear stable synthetic base oils that blend esters and Poly Alpha Olefins (PAOs). The...

DIE HEADS.
April 1, 2001... The RIGID 816 and 817 Quick-Set die heads feature indexed settings for size selection. The die heads work by positioning the lever on the size block. After threads have been cut, the dies retract by hitting the spring-loaded lever that rotates...

OVERSPRAY COLLECTORS.
April 1, 2001... The Filter Family of collectors feature a spun woven material that can trap particulates. Included are collectors for baked, air-dry coatings; collectors for fast-dry, water-reducible coating, lacquers and sealers; and collectors for high-solid...

ASSIST VEHICLE.
April 1, 2001... The Wave (Work Assist Vehicle) elevates a person and load up to effective work heights to 14 ft. This vehicle, ideal for applications such as taking inventory and routine maintenance, travels nearly twice as fast as the average walking speed...

EMERGENCY LIGHTING INVERTERS.
April 1, 2001... With a sealed, maintenance-free, 15-year warranty battery, the EL Series 1.5 kW to 18 kW single-phase inverters are a centralized emergency lighting system that provides seamless transfer to emergency backup power. The EL Series is designed to...

SUPERDOME DRUMS.
April 1, 2001... These polyethylene drums feature ribs and recessed band areas that protect reflective sheeting. The top has two light mounts and two flag-mounting holes. Weighing 12 lbs. and measuring 39 in. x 18 in., the drums are available with a 4-in,...

PRESSURE ISLAND.
April 1, 2001... The new Pressure Island PI 66000 is a heavy-duty, industrial-grade unit constructed with a structural steel frame, stainless steel gutter and fiberglass and stainless steel floor. The closed-loop, high-pressure parts-cleaning system provides a...

PRESSURE TRANSDUCER.
April 1, 2001... Model HV is a sensor that has been configured specifically for high-volume applications. Four electrical connections and optional pressure-port adaptors are available. The sensor combines small size and minimal weight, making it ideal for...

PIGTAIL OPTION.
April 1, 2001... The 6-in. pigtail option with micro connector is offered as an option for the company's 7700 laser family of sensors. These miniature sensors (2.5 in. x 1.3 in. x 0.5 in.) in an easy-mount square housing, offer Proximity, Retroreflective,...

TRANSMITTER.
April 1, 2001... The Ashcroft KX thin-film pressure transmitter can help pulp-and-paper industry specialists avoid clogs with its industry-proven technology. The thin-film technology, flush diaphragm and PMC pulp-and-paper adapter keeps the media it measures...

GRINDING DISC.
April 1, 2001... Tiger Disc for Stainless Steel Grinding enhances productivity by providing higher cut rates than conventional zirconium discs. They are made with an abrasive cloth that is designed for cool-cutting on stainless steel applications. These discs...

STEAM HUMIDIFIER.
April 1, 2001... Model 1100 stainless steel humidifier is for sensitive environments where pure demineralized, or deionized water is used to generate clean steam. The humidifier has an internal drying chamber, a steam-jacked distribution manifold and integral...

PARTICULATE MONITOR.
April 1, 2001... The pDR 1000AN airborne particulate monitor can be used as a sensor to run HVAC equipment. The unit provides particle concentration measurements of dust, smoke, mist, and fumes. It sends analog signals to HVAC equipment directly or through a...

AIR CONDITIONERS.
April 1, 2001... The COM-AIR line of air conditioning units features an internal air-cooled condenser. The units can be used in tower, ceiling or wall configuration and the entire system can be mounted vertically. The units are microprocessor controlled.

BALL VALVE.
April 1, 2001... The VG1000 Series Ball Valves are designed to regulate the flow of hot or chilled water and low pressure steam in response to the demand of a controller in HVAC systems. These two-way forged brass valves are mounted to electric-motor actuators...

HEATERS.
April 1, 2001... The SH-500 and SH-1000 SAFEHEAT portable heaters supply temporary heat for construction sites, shut-downs and emergencies. They run on propane or natural gas. The SH-500 and SH-1000 comply with CSA standards.

Industrial Psychology At Work.
April 1, 2001... The science has produced volumes of valuable information about workers, productivity, behavior, motivation and other issues. Here's a look at the effect it has had and continues to have on industrial human relations. In 1945 there were a...

FALL PROTECTION.
April 1, 2001... The Rollgliss line now includes a Self Rescue Device. The system is constructed from non-conductive or non-corrosive materials, and features attached support slings and an additional snap hook for use with the Delta No-Tangle harness.

RESPIRATOR.
April 1, 2001... This respirator has an elastomeric facepiece with contoured sealing flange. The mask comes with a storage bag, mylar lens covers and cleaning wipes. The wraparound lens meets ANSI standard for impact resistance. The respirator, which features a...

HYDRATION SYSTEM.
April 1, 2001... The WaterPro is a new hands-free personal hydration system. It is a backpack-like system that contains a 1.5-liter reservoir to keep liquids cool. The WaterPro features an adjustable harness and a durable shell. The hydration system is suitable...

PARTICLE MONITOR.
April 1, 2001... The AA-3000 is a Real-Time Light Scattering Aerosol Monitor that uses an infrared optical sensing technology. The monitor displays airborne particle concentrations for applications that require air monitoring of lung-damaging particles. The...

CMMS Solutions.
April 1, 2001... Get the Right Report Writer for Your CMMS While a CMMS/EAM is many things, it is first and foremost an information system. Its primary purpose is to collect and disseminate information. Its data is worthless unless placed in the hands of...

Managing Contracted Workers.
April 1, 2001... More than one-fourth of the 2.9 million temporary workers in the U.S. -- some 655,000 -- work in industry. Their occupations span virtually all skilled and unskilled positions, from electricians and welders to operators, fabricators, laborers...

INDUSTRIAL TOOLS TRAINING.
April 1, 2001... "Proceed With Caution" is a safety education program for industrial tools. The program consists of educational videos and support materials. Safety tests ensure the materials are understood and retained. Participants receive certification upon...

BATTERY MAINTENANCE.
April 1, 2001... This video discusses the keys to safety and speed in performing battery maintenance as well as ways of extending battery life. The video shows how a facility, with the use of water-injector systems and a battery-watering monitor can be...

COMPRESSOR SEMINAR.
April 1, 2001... Since its inception in 1986, COSS has instructed technicians on a variety of subject matter, including the fundamentals of air conditioning and refrigeration, reciprocating and scroll compressor, compressor electricals, and compressor failure...

WHEEL LOADER TRAINING KIT.
April 1, 2001... This instructor kit for basic or refresher training for wheel loader operators contains two videos. Also included is an instructor's packet, a CD-ROM with a projector-ready presentation, learner materials, and an icon-based step-by-step guide...

ONLINE SAFETY EDUCATION CENTER.
April 1, 2001... The Web site www.rhseducation.com is an educational tool that delivers, manages and tracks occupational safety and health, environmental compliance, emergency response and management training through the Internet. The site enables organizations...

POWER TRANSMISSION TRAINING.
April 1, 2001... Designed to teach the basics of PT/MC products and applications, this two-disc CD-ROM program uses text, graphics, animation and interactive quizzes. Separate modules cover maintenance and diagnostic tips, application and selection criteria and...

COST JUSTIFICATION WORKSHOP.
April 1, 2001... This Excel module quantifies the effectiveness of bearing isolators in rotating equipment. Easy to configure, the users fill out the number of pumps, number of motors and other pertinent performance data. This worksheet allows plants to...

GAS-DETECTION SYSTEMS.
April 1, 2001... Wireless gas detection systems use sensors that communicate with central controllers using spread spectrum technology. The systems employ a scalable platform that requires no hard wiring. Solar collection is also available.

CONCRETE PUMP ATTACHMENT.
April 1, 2001... The Bobcat Concrete Pump attachment is for skid-steer loaders and compact track loaders. It is suitable for pumping to remote places or small pumping jobs. The pump has an expanded metal deck to prevent damage.

PNEUMATIC SURFACE PLANER.
April 1, 2001... The SP8/A Surface Planer, powered by a 9hp pneumatic motor, is designed for cleaning and coatings-removal applications. Standard features include an on/off valve, air filter, and motor lubricator.

MODULAR SPACE.
April 1, 2001... The new line of fiberglass structures provide alternatives to wood and metal sheds, industrial enclosures and other traditional space solutions. The modular units are expandable, lightweight and weather-resistant. The structures can be equipped...

SKID STEER ATTACHMENT.
April 1, 2001... Snow Wolf Ultra Series is a snow plow for the skid steer, with blade features and frame construction built to match the skid steer's sbility to move heavy snow loads. The blade is angled to scoop snow rather than push it; a dual pivot, A-frame...

INSTANT CONCRETE.
April 1, 2001... HY-SPEED 500 "instant concrete in a can" repairs potholes. Add water, mix, then pour like syrup. The concrete expands as it sets, locking in a permanent patch.

PAINT STRIPER.
April 1, 2001... The Rollmaster machine feeds from a gallon can of paint into disposable rollers. It is suitable for marking parking lots and warehouse floors. The unit features a steel handle and wide tires.

UTILITY VEHICLE.
April 1, 2001... The Mule 3010 utility vehicle features four-wheel drive, a steel tilting cargo bed, and automatic transmission. The front hood is push-button-operated; beneath the front grille, are winch-ready tabs.

EXCAVATOR.
April 1, 2001... The PC95R-2 compact excavator is designed for work in confined spaces and those that require an excavator that can dig outside the area of its tracks. Its boom is on a pivot point and the PC95R-2 features the HydrauMind hydraulic control...

SCALE CONTROL SYSTEM.
April 1, 2001... The Scalewatcher works by producing a complex frequency-modulated waveform. It creates an induced electric field inside the pipe so crystals no longer contribute to the build-up of hard pipewall deposits.

Ultrasound Testing Helps Cable Manufacturer Detect Early Bearing Failure.
April 1, 2001... Our goal is to predict bearing failure before it adversely affects the quality of our product," says Jackie Walker, a 17-year veteran and associate supervisor, preventive maintenance, at the Belden Electronics division in Tomkinsville, KY...

User-Friendly Control System Increases AGV Value at Procter & Gamble Plant.
April 1, 2001... Proctor and Gamble, Inc. (P&G), is one of the world's most successful manufacturers of consumer goods, with processing operations in more than 70 countries. Its products in beauty care, food, beverage, health care, laundry and cleaning markets...

SERVO AMPLIFIER.
April 1, 2001... The model 815-8 DC servo amplifier features surface-mount technology. It includes adjustable current limiting for both peak and RMS current, over-voltage protection, over-temperature protection and ground fault/short circuit protection. The...

PATTERN GENERATOR.
April 1, 2001... Solid-state microprocessor-based PG series pattern generators are available in two configurations, a two-channel 10-event pattern generator and a four-channel, 20-event pattern generator. Both automatically maintain constant pattern length at...

POWER SUPPLY.
April 1, 2001... The new Z-up series wide range, output-switching power supplies provide test engineers with voltage and current programming stability when interfacing their equipment with the power supply. This series offers push-button and dial controls for...

SERVO-MOTORS.
April 1, 2001... The PMA1 series adds three brushless servomotors for use in speed and position control applications. It features Neodymium-iron-boron for high torque to inertial ratios and an anti-cog stator design.

AC MOTORS.
April 1, 2001... The new 15-, 20- and 25-HP models are programmable and include full-featured but compact controllers. An SCF can be configured from the front of the drive or from an optional remote keypad. The control point terminal block has 18 terminals for...

LINEAR BEARINGS.
April 1, 2001... EXCEL self-aligning bearings are available in eight English and seven metric sizes. They are designed with ground-bearing plates; steel-reinforced floating seals are available for low-drag operation. The bearings are matched for use with the...

TRAILER.
April 1, 2001... The upper deck ramp of Model 930/950 Traveling Tail trailer is constructed from steel. The air-operated ramp raises from horizontal position to load position. A steel spring-loaded, positive-locking system secures the ramp in load position....

COLOR SENSOR.
April 1, 2001... Totally electronic and CE-approved, the CE-Scan detects and distinguishes all colors or shades of colors in production processes and quality-assurance applications. This device can be used in a scan or transmitted-light mode, and can detect...

BEAM LEVELS.
April 1, 2001... Designed for the professional, these levels feature a safety orange color and magnified, horizontal vial with reflector base. Solid, acrylic, barrel-shaped vials and glare-resistant settings with an inclination adjustable to two degrees are...

MICROPROCESSOR.
April 1, 2001... The microprocessor-based CN1462 is a single loop process controller with programmable setpoint profile programs. It can execute one of eight setpoint programs or operate as a basic process controller, using manual setpoint changes. Programs...

WELDING LENS.
April 1, 2001... The Lexa MinimizeR lens was designed for problems associated with exposure to welding arcs. Thin-film technology is used to deposit a coating on the lens to reflect radiation. The product features a neutral lens color and an anti-fog hard coat....

SURGE SUPPRESSOR.
April 1, 2001... The Zero Surge 2R5 series mode surge suppressor has two always-on receptacles and can handle typical computing systems, as well as other smaller electronic systems. Series mode surge suppressors were designed for today's sensitive electronics.

PRINTER.
April 1, 2001... The R-140 RFID (radio frequency identification) printer/encoder prints, encodes and verifies smart labels embedded with ultra-thin RFID transponders. Users can change the data in an RFID transponder repeatedly during a smart label's life.

AIR COLLET FIXTURE.
April 1, 2001... The air-operated 5C Air-Collet fixture uses standard 5C collets to hold up to 1 1/8-in, stock. Stepchuck collets and expanding collets can also be used. The double-acting piston-type air cylinder develops holding power 18 times airline...

TUBE CLEANER.
April 1, 2001... The RAM-4 Tube fourth-generation cleaner rotates a brush or other cleaning tool through a tube at the tip of a flexible shaft. Water simultaneously flushes out loosened deposits. Flexible shafts and accessories are available for cleaning...

MILLING CUTTER.
April 1, 2001... This combination milling cutter system includes the Octomill 07S, the Octomill 05, a plungemill, and two square-shoulder mills with the strong XOMX style insert. Available with a choice of shank types, lengths and interchangeable cutter heads,...

BALLASTS.
April 1, 2001... The Mark VII Controllable Electronic Ballasts now include units for the operation of Compact Fluorescent Lamps. The units can interface with manual and remote dimming controls to provide the amount of light required. Users can adjust light...

PARALLEL/SERIES PROCESSOR.
April 1, 2001... The flexible C-605 processor can operate in parallel read-only mode for quick reading of small bits of information, or serial mode for reading/writing large data blocks. The processor links machine control to read/write heads which receive data...

INFRARED THERMOMETER.
April 1, 2001... Model 635 is a compact, lightweight, battery-powered, handheld unit that provides a wide range of temperature readings and is suitable for building maintenance applications. Temperature measurement ranges from -4[degrees] to 1022[degrees]F with...

Duralines Enviro-Light.
April 1, 2001... Duralines Enviro-Light 753 Vapor-Proof Lighting Streamer provides illumination for a wide range of work-sites and features watertight construction. The Enviro-Light 753 can be surface-mounted at any angle using the four mounting holes provided...

Lithonia Lighting Group.
April 1, 2001... Extreme all-conditions exit signs from Lithonia Lighting Group are available with a mounting option that allows for the on-site choice of top, back, conduit or end-mounting. Signs are constructed of cast-aluminum and shielded by a UV-stable...

Nelco Products, Inc.
April 1, 2001... Nelco Products, Inc.'s, NewAge line of flexible corrugated tubing bends without restriction for concealing and protecting hose, tubing and cabling. It can also be slit for installation over existing wiring or plumbing. NewAge tubing protects...

Revere.
April 1, 2001... Custom mats from Revere absorb rain, snow and mud. Flocked and dyed designs are available. A large selection of designs is offered or the company will imprint your artwork. Custom colors include yellow, gold, green, light blue, pink and others....

EXTERIOR DOOR.
April 1, 2001... The new spiral door features spiral roll-up technology, insulated aluminum slats and full-perimeter gaskets. The door is equipped with a reversing edge and dual thru-beam photo eyes that reverse the door should it come in contact with an...

ROLL-UP DOOR.
April 1, 2001... The All-Weather roll-up door is self-repairing and demonstrates wind resistance for a sealed doorway. The side-guide design allows the door curtain flexibility to withstand wind gusts; the doorway seal can be applied to all types of exterior...

PVC STRIP DOORS.
April 1, 2001... The Clear-Flex[R] II PVC strip doors reduce the amount of heated or cooled air lost through unprotected opening. Design features include rounded edges to prevent cutting, and a concave shape for tight sealing. A special fabrication process...

DRIVE SYSTEM OPTION.
April 1, 2001... The new Programmed Response Option (PRO) system is a new drive system option for the Protecdor family of high-speed doors. Customers can choose to increase the opening speeds of these doors, as well as set open and close speeds. The PRO system...