Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation articles from August 1999

Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation archives from August 1999

Allen-Bradley.
August 1, 1999... The Allen-Bradley [Zero-Force.sup.TM] touch button line of operator interface devices incorporates field-effect sensing with microprocessor technology. Ergonomically designed for repetitive-activation needs, the touch button features a...

XChanger, Inc.
August 1, 1999... XChanger, Inc.'s, mini LC Series heat exchanger cools a gallon of fluid per minute from 200[degrees]F to 110[degrees]F. The cleaning fluid, which has similar properties to mineral spirits, circulates through tubing inside the heat exchanger....

MRC Bearing Services.
August 1, 1999... System 24 automatic bearing lubricators from MRC Bearing Services provide constant lubrication at the user's predetermined rate. A patented cell design helps ensure controlled production of gas so lubricant is dispensed consistently, without...

Motorola.
August 1, 1999... Motorola has introduced the Spirit M-Series professional two-way radio, with a talk range of up to five miles outdoors and up to 20 floors and across 250,000 sq. ft. inside steel and concrete buildings. The channel scan feature lets management...

IndustryStore.
August 1, 1999... One year ago, the concept of a dedicated Web site for professional industrial book titles was just that. If you needed a book on mechanical engineering, microcontrollers or employee training, you'd need to find Web sites dedicated to those...

Honda to introduce gas/electric hybrid car later this year.
August 1, 1999... American Honda Motor Co. announced last month it will introduce a hybrid gasoline/electric-powered automobile in the U.S. in December. The company is billing its new Honda Insight as the world's cleanest and most fuel-efficient gasoline-powered...

U.S. seeks fine, possible recall for Toyota.
August 1, 1999... The U.S. government filed suit against Toyota Motor Corp. in Washington, D.C., last month, seeking penalties of $58.5 billion for allegedly faulty emissions computers in Toyota cars and trucks. The precedent-setting amount is the most allowed...

General Electric opens energy rental division.
August 1, 1999... GE Power Systems has announced the launch of GE Energy Rentals, a business division that will offer turnkey solutions for rental power and temperature control needs. According to Martin Moore, president of the Schenectady, NY-based...

JLG Industries to expand with 300,000-sq.-ft. plant purchase.
August 1, 1999... JLG Industries, Inc., has agreed to purchase a 40-acre site near its McConnellsburg, PA-based headquarters to expand its aerial work platform manufacturing operations. The site includes a 300,000-sq.-ft. manufacturing facility that JLG said it...

Carrier to close NY chiller plant, lay off 300.
August 1, 1999... Carrier Corp. was slated to stop production at its industrial chiller plant in Syracuse, NY, last month after 50 years of operation. Nearly 300 workers were to be layed off. Carrier said it will move production of its industrial chillers to a...

Industrial Production Index by Group 1992 = 100.
August 1, 1999... Industrial Production Index by Group 1992 = 100 (seasonally adjusted) Mar Apr May June Automotive products 139.2 141.2 144.2...

CABLE TIES.
August 1, 1999... These self-locking stainless steel cable ties are well suited for applications requiring a permanent tie that is unaffected by most chemicals, salt, sun, radiation and extreme vibration. They are easy to install by hand or with a special tool....

TERMINATION PRODUCTS.
August 1, 1999... Heatshrink power products feature high-voltage terminations for use with plastic and rubber insulated single- and three-conductor cable of various constructions up to 35 kV, and belted and screened paper insulated cable up to 15 kV. They are...

CONTROLLERS.
August 1, 1999... SCR Power [Series.sup.TM] controllers can be used for oven and furnace manufacturing as well as applications in the heat-treating industry, including: vacuum furnaces, aluminum melting, holding furnaces and large autoclaves. They can also be...

LIQUID LEVEL SWITCHES.
August 1, 1999... New, custom-built LS-800 Series multi-point level switches that are built in just three days. The switches are designed to provide reliability for general-purpose applications in water, oils, chemicals, and many corrosive liquids. Switches are...

Giddings & Lewis, Inc.
August 1, 1999... * Fond du Lac, WI-based Giddings & Lewis, Inc., a supplier of industrial automation products and machine tools, has introduced Parts Online, a web-based parts fulfillment system for the company's machine tools. The service complements the...

Emerson Electric Co.
August 1, 1999... * Emerson Electric Co., parent of Austin, TX-based Fisher-Rosemount, has acquired Orion CEM, Inc., a supplier of process automation and engineering services serving the pulp and paper industry.

The Rytec Corp.
August 1, 1999... * The Rytec Corp., a Jackson, WI-based manufacturer of high-speed industrial doors, has introduced its new Web site at www.rytecdoors.com. The site provides information ranging from company history to CAD drawings of its doors. The Door...

Illinova Energy Partners.
August 1, 1999... * Illinova Energy Partners, Oak Brook, IL, has introduced eqnetwork.com, a Webbased resource designed to provide information and support services to help companies identify savings opportunities and prepare for the deregulated energy...

Robroy Industries.
August 1, 1999... * Verona, PA-based Robroy Industries has purchased Perma-Cote Industries, Uniontown, PA. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Robroy is a leading manufacturer of PVC-coated rigid metal conduit systems; Perma-Cote produces PVC-coated conduit,...

LUBRICATOR.
August 1, 1999... The Greasomatic(R), a self-contained, single-point automatic lubricator, allows users to control discharge by dialing one of seven time settings. A patented pressure-relief valve warns of blocked grease lines. Discharge can be monitored through...

GAS MONITOR.
August 1, 1999... The latest addition to the GTD Series of portable-diffusion gas monitors takes remote air samples by lowering a watertight sensor block containing up to four sensors via a 20- or 50-ft. extender cable, into confined spaces prior to entry. It...

PRESSURE WASHER.
August 1, 1999... Designed for remote locations, the GPW2200-D diesel-powered pressure washer features a triple ceramic plunger pump and a 9 1/5 hp engine. It is supplied with five quick-disconnect nozzles: 0[degrees] pinpoint for concentrated cleaning;...

LIFT.
August 1, 1999... This unit was designed to offer the flexibility of lift and load trucks, even if a building is not equipped with a traditional loading dock. With the table lowered, the beveled-front edge allows for a load to glide on with a forklift or hand...

LAMPS.
August 1, 1999... MasterColor(R) metal halide lamps have passed the Environmental Protection Agency's Toxic Characteristic Leaching Procedure test for hazardous waste. They are designed as replacements for metal halide, incandescent and halogen light sources,...

VACUUM GUN.
August 1, 1999... The Hand-E-Vac industrial cleaning gun picks up dust, lint powders, rubber or plastic trim and plastic chips. The unit, powered by compressed air, may be used with a collection bag or 10-ft. hose.

CARTRIDGE HEATER.
August 1, 1999... Firerod heaters have a unique swaged design, resist oxidation and corrosion, and are available with special mounting assemblies. According to the manufacturer, Firerod heaters last 12 times longer than conventional brands.

Roof Cooling: A Natural Alternative to Air Conditioning.
August 1, 1999... On average, the roof accounts for 35% to 40% of a building's total heat load. Because most industrial rooftops have a horizontal orientation, the roof receives high amounts of the sun's energy, especially during summer days. Temperatures often...

FORKLIFT ENHANCEMENTS.
August 1, 1999... The model FD70 15,500-lb. capacity pneumatic tire diesel forklift has been redesigned to improve style, function and operator comfort. Enhancements include bolted-on dashboard, steps, front and rear fenders, hydraulic oil and fuel tanks. These...

HYDRAULIC CYLINDERS.
August 1, 1999... This expanded line of 10,000 psi hydraulic cylinders designed for smooth lifting operation includes three dozen models with lift capacities in 10 ranges, from 100 to 1,080 tons. Collapsed heights range from 6.77 to 28.94 in. The cylinders reach...

ORBITAL FINISHING SANDER.
August 1, 1999... The 220w orbital finishing sander, model Sr4350, is designed to provide rugged durability and power in a lightweight product. Features include: long-lasting die-cast aluminum base plates surrounded by protective rubber mountings on both sides,...

PHOSPHATE METER.
August 1, 1999... The Phosphate Single Analyte Meter is designed for the determination of ortho-phosphate in water. It has applications in industrial water operations, municipal drinking water plants, municipal and industrial wastewater plants and surface water...

RADAR LEVEL GAUGE.
August 1, 1999... Two new versions of the Micropilot II increase the application options for obtaining radar level measurement with this two-wire, loop-powered device. The FRM 231 A is a rod antenna version. The FMR 230 V features a horn antenna and is available...

KEYWAY CUTTING MACHINE.
August 1, 1999... The Model 424 [Keymaster.sup.TM] keyway cutting machine is capable of mounting on shaft diameters of 1.5 to 24 in. The portable machine uses standard 1/2-in. shank end mills (and 1/4-in. with enclosed bushing). It features a "Bull Pin" design...

HYDRAULIC FILTERS.
August 1, 1999... The 550 Series high-pressure filter assemblies for hydraulic and lube oil applications offer a maximum flow range of 125 gpm and a maximum operating pressure of 5,000 psi. Four optional differential pressure indicators are available, including...

FLANGE BEARING.
August 1, 1999... A new flange bearing has been added to the igubal(R) line of self-aligning bearings. The two-bolt flange bearing is constructed of an glide(R) L280 inner race and an igumid G housing. This combination provides high abrasion- and...

TRANSFORMER TEST SYSTEM.
August 1, 1999... The Series 2100/2200 automatic transformer test system with matrix scanner allows individual or sequential measurement on devices with multiple connections. It is designed for fast production testing of transformers, coils, motors and relays...

Header Seal at Docking Area Keeps Rain Out, Productivity Up.
August 1, 1999... The Pepsi-Cola bottling plant in Erie, PA, had a problem at its two loading docks with rain and snow pouring in the gap between the tops of trailers and the door positions. Frank Kupniewski, operations manager, tried various header seals and...

SAFETY SIGNS.
August 1, 1999... These rugged signs are constructed of an injection-molded polyolefin material. The signs resist attack from abrasion, corrosion, sharp objects and fading. They can be used in both hot and cold environments and are designed to withstand high...

GAS PRESSURE REGULATOR.
August 1, 1999... The CT-475M multi-gas regulator can be used with both nitrogen or carbon dioxide. It is a high-pressure unit with 0-475 psi output. A straight-through orifice design has eliminated the poppet valve and permits high flow with resistance to the...

INDUSTRIAL POSITIONER.
August 1, 1999... The PB4 is a high-precision, limited-travel (2 in. and 4 in.) industrial positioner designed for space-limited applications. Typical applications include tool/part positioning, material working/processing operations, wafer-handling devices and...

THERMOMETER.
August 1, 1999... The model 1521 LLK hand-held thermometer reads RTDs and thermistors without requiring users to program probe coefficients into the thermometer with resolution of 0.001[degrees], the battery-powered unit reads RTDs to [plus or...

ANTI-SIPHON VALVES.
August 1, 1999... Thermoplastic anti-siphon valves are designed to prevent undesirable flow of corrosive and ultrapure liquids. Used mainly to prevent gravity-induced siphonage from storage tanks, the Series RVDT remains closed under the pressure created by the...

SOUND LEVEL METER.
August 1, 1999... The Chameleon sound level meter is designed to adapt well to the needs of both novice and advanced users through the use of interchangeable "Feature Packs." Feature Pack 1 provides basic functions. Additional Feature Packs can be purchased to...

CONNECTION SYSTEM.
August 1, 1999... The QUICKON industrial plug connection system is designed for applications in which round cables with a small number of wires must be connected efficiently and quickly. No special tools are required to actuate the connection. The QUICKON...

STATIC MIXERS.
August 1, 1999... Kenics(R) KME static mixers offer complete radial mixing and flow division of high-viscosity fluids and polymers. Mixing element edges are furnace-brazed to the housing wall, preventing material hang-up and eliminating clearance between the...

LASER LEVEL.
August 1, 1999... The Model 390LXI laser level features improved technology to provide a bright and strong laser readable to 250 ft. indoors. Using a Class IIA precision-tuned laser diode, the level operates at 635nM and has an expected life of 10,000 hrs. It...

Putty Provides Cost-Effective Power-Pole Repair.
August 1, 1999... Ontario Hydro, an electric company that supplies power to 3 to 4 million homes in Canada's largest province, was faced with a woodpecker problem: The birds were pecking holes in the Ontario, Canada-based company's utility poles and building...

LINEAR SLIDES.
August 1, 1999... Microslide precision crossed roller bearing linear slides offer a side-lock option for increased design flexibility. Available with dual carriages on one slide, these units are available in widths from 50 mm to 150 mm with travels up to 600 mm....

BEARINGS.
August 1, 1999... Smart MultiTrac ball-bushing bearings feature a patented twin-track design that increases bearing life up to 90 times and shaft life by 400% when replacing conventional steel-sleeve linear bearings, according to the manufacturer. For bearing...

DRIVES.
August 1, 1999... VLT(R) Micro Adjustable frequency drives offer a small footprint, making them suitable for OEMs and panel builders that require small AC-motor control in the 1/2- to 2-hp range (230V applications). Programmable DC braking makes it easier to...

MOTOR.
August 1, 1999... The 1329l integrated drive and motor combines a flexible pulse-width modulated drive with an AC-induction motor in a single package. Designed for applications that require integrated connectivity in a single-form factor, the unit is suitable...

INDEXER/DRIVE.
August 1, 1999... The SmartStep microstepping indexer/drive offers a complete, packaged motion-control solution for applications that require high throughput, ease of integration and small-panel space. The unit features an internal heatsink and fan, which...

ACTUATOR.
August 1, 1999... The brushless DC linear actuator with a new size 23 (2.25-in. dia.) motor uses servo control for linear travel through an integral lead screw and nut assembly. The nut assembly, rather than the lead screw, attaches to the rotor, thereby...

10 Steps to CMMS Improvement.
August 1, 1999... Ask the customer base of any popular CMMS package and you'll probably get mixed responses about how well it has performed. From poor implementation to mismatched packages, there are many reasons why a CMMS program might not perform as desired....

Living Lean.
August 1, 1999... How cellular manufacturing creates new levels of efficiency. Imagine increasing production several times over without adding one foot of floor space. Imagine a plant environment where equipment operators themselves are responsible for...

LEVEL SENSORS.
August 1, 1999... IP54/NEMA 4 protected VH Series vibrating level sensors are designed to detect materials or powders with low bulk density, such as fibers, perlite, diatomaceous earth, toner, carbon black, white carbon and styrofoam. The sensors use solid-state...

VACUUM CLEANER.
August 1, 1999... The GB 833 industrial vacuum cleaner features a three-stage filtration system and a heavy-gauge, sealable polyliner capable of holding 18 gal. of dry bulk. An extra-large Gore-Tex(R) membrane main filter ensures a steady airflow and eliminates...

MOTION CONTROLLER.
August 1, 1999... DMC-18X2 controllers, available in one to four axes, are targeted for applications demanding precise control. High-performance features include memory for application programs, multitasking, symbolic variables and arrays, uncommitted digital...

ROD HANGER.
August 1, 1999... The new CADDY(R) multiflange hanger for purlin, beam and joist applications installs quickly and easily, with a special swivel feature option that allows straight drops from pitched roofs. The PH/SW Series rod hanger can be used on C or Z...

POWER MODULES.
August 1, 1999... Digital Static Transfer Switch Power Management Modules (PMM Plus and PMM Ultra) use dual input power distribution with automatic source selection. They feature full power conditioning and distribution for sensitive equipment, distributing...

MULTI-PORT INTERCONNECTION SYSTEM.
August 1, 1999... The Brad Harrison(R) DeviceNet multi-port interconnection system is rated IP68 for protection in severe environments. The flexible system includes an easy-to-configure, eight-position dip switch and provides top-mount connections for up to 16...

Seaman Corp.
August 1, 1999... The Seaman Corp.'s FiberTite(R) roofing systems feature a tough-woven composite fabric of DuPont Dacron(R) polyester fibers in a proprietary-weave design coated with an Ethylene Interpolymer Alloy compound made with DuPont Elvaloy(R) KEE. This...

Bay West Paper.
August 1, 1999... When a user waves a hand in front of an electronic sensor on the front of the Wave 'N [Dry.sup.TM] dispenser from Bay West Paper, 11 in. of clean towel rolls out. The touch-free dispensing method offers sanitary hand-drying, preventing...

McLean Midwest.
August 1, 1999... The new [ProAir.sup.TM] filter fan packages from McLean Midwest protect enclosed electronics from heat and dirt, and maintain even temperature distribution within enclosures. The packages pressurize enclosures with clean filtered air, locking...

Hubbell Lighting.
August 1, 1999... Hubbell Lighting's new track system provides two separate 20-amp-rated circuits and can be connected without modification for either one- or two-circuit wiring. This allows for individual switching and dimming of each circuit.

Edwards.
August 1, 1999... Edwards' new 517 Series photoelectric smoke alarms are available with relay contacts, isolated heat detector, battery backup and a 177 cd ADA-approved strobe light. They operate on a 120VAC circuit and can be connected in tandem with other 517...

Beat the Heat.
August 1, 1999... In response to the blistering heat of summer '99, OSHA has released some tips to employers that explain how they can reduce the risk of heat stress for their workers. Exposure to excessive heat can lead to muscle cramps, heat exhaustion and...

BUNDLED Building Services: A Growing Trend.
August 1, 1999... A famous politician once said, "All politics is local." Likewise, to most facility managers, all cleaning companies, heating and air conditioning firms, landscape companies and snow-removal contractors are local. Historically, managers...

Flow Meters Reduce Maintenance, Improve Accuracy.
August 1, 1999... The accurate collection of water-flow data is integral to the efficient operation of any water-treatment plant. Operating without consistently reliable flow meters can bring data collection on any given flow line to a complete halt, needlessly...

ENERGY ANALYZER.
August 1, 1999... The Light Logger, a small battery operated energy analyzer, automatically records occupancy and lighting usage in commercial facilities to calculate projected lighting energy savings when occupancy sensors are installed. The portable device...

LOCKOUT KIT.
August 1, 1999... These color-coded lockout kits are suitable for multi-group use because they allow users to assign one color to any individual or department. Assorted color kits come supplied with padlocks and tag packs in blue, yellow, green and red. Large...

CEILING MODULES.
August 1, 1999... [PharmaSeal.sup.TM] modules may be used wherever Class M1 to Class M7 cleanroom spaces are required, along with a permanent terminal housing that uses a room-side accessible filter. All PharmaSeal hoods feature a "guillotine-type" damper that...

ROOF COOLING.
August 1, 1999... [Sprinkool.sup.TM] evaporative roof-cooling systems are designed to remove large amounts of heat from a roof by evaporation. The system mists the roof with water, one ounce of which can remove 31 BTUs of energy if fully evaporated, says the...

BRUSH.
August 1, 1999... A combination grit brush/pad driver that provides multi-level scrubbing action, the [Power-Pad.sup.TM] is suitable for irregular surfaces. The pad's unique design reduces multiple passes during floor stripping or scrubbing operations. It uses...

LITTER VACUUM.
August 1, 1999... The ATLV 4300 All Terrain Litter Vac is designed to pick up cans, bottles, plastic, glass dirt and other debris from horizontal outdoor surfaces. Its standard rollover-protection system allows the unit to climb up hills, down inclines and over...

COOLING PAD.
August 1, 1999... Glacier-Cor(R) rigid cellulose evaporative cooling pads are designed to lower temperatures in comfort-and process-cooling applications. The pads are composed of kraftpaper layers with high water resistance. They are available in a variety of...

PRIMER.
August 1, 1999... Futura-Bond(R) 401 water-based primer can be used to bond spray polyurethane foam (SPF) over a variety of substrates. It works with the SPF to increase the bonding power of the system, since the black primer provides a warmer surface onto which...

THERMOMETER.
August 1, 1999... The heavy-duty RTD/Thermocouple thermometer Model 407917 accepts five thermocouple types and one four-wire Pt 100 RTD. The input sensor type is selected from a front-panel push button. Measurements are displayed on a 4 1/2 digit LCD with Data...

CUT-OFF WHEEL TOOL.
August 1, 1999... The 4 1/2-in. dia. vacuum cut-off wheel tool cuts through sheet metal, frame rails, clamps and rusted bolts and can be used on fiberglass and composites. Weighing just 2.7 lbs., the tool features a 20,000 rpm rear exhaust, air motor. The handle...

DC/DC CONVERTER.
August 1, 1999... The Model 1410 high-frequency 200w DC/DC converter is available for powering auxiliary electrical systems. The unit is configured specifically to step down the battery voltage on electric vehicles. The unit is completely protected from the...

REMOTE OPTICAL SENSOR.
August 1, 1999... This remote optical sensor is designed to safely operate up to 3 ft. and 45[degrees] from reflective tape. Made of threaded stainless steel, it has a visible red LED light source, green LED "on target" indicator.

Maximize Your Maintenance Planning.
August 1, 1999... Here are various resources to boost efficiency. Planning and scheduling is probably the most critical area of a maintenance department," says maintenance manager-turned-consultant Jim Cullen, president of Cincinnati, OH-based Maintenance...

STEEL ROLLERS.
August 1, 1999... Heavy-duty 1.9 mm dia. steel rollers provide equipment manufacturers and end users with a choice of durable steel rollers fitted with ball bearings that are selected to match roller performance to the hostile operating conditions in which the...