Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation articles from August 2000

Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation archives from August 2000

The Future May Be in the Numbers.
August 1, 2000... There's an instructional side story to last month's tragic crash of a Concorde jet near Paris that killed 113. It has nothing to do with the cause of the crash, unknown at press time, but rather with the serious details of maintaining critical...

Honeywell to cut 6,000 jobs in wake of lowered profit expectations.
August 1, 2000... Honeywell International, Inc., has announced it will cut 6,000 jobs over the next year because of its expectations for reduced profits this year and in 2001. The Morris Township, NJ-based maker of automated controls said last month earnings of...

Willamette Industries settles air-pollution suit for $90 million.
August 1, 2000... In an agreement reached last month, Willamette Industries, Inc., will spend more than $90 million to settle a suit filed against it by the Justice Department and the EPA. The suit alleged that the Portland, OR-based wood-products manufacturer...

OSHA revises Voluntary Protection Program.
August 1, 2000... The Occupational Safety and Health Administration announced changes to its Voluntary Protection Program (VPP) last month that expand the number of eligible worksites and raise the level of achievement required for participation. The revision of...

U.S.-sponsored Web site created for workers, families.
August 1, 2000... The federal government introduced a new Web site last month that gives American workers and their families a new Internet gateway to government information and services. Announced by Vice President Gore, the site -- at www.workers.gov --...

Nissan will spend $1 billion to expand Tennessee engine plant.
August 1, 2000... Japan-based Nissan Motor Co. announced last month it will spend $1 billion over the next four years to expand an engine and transaxle plant it operates in Decherd, TN. The plant, located 80 miles southeast of Nashville, supplies Nissan's only...

Exxon 2Q profit tops $4 billion.
August 1, 2000... Aided by high crude oil prices and lower operating costs, Exxon Mobil Corp., last month announced higher-than-expected second-quarter profits of $4.15 billion. The results from the world's largest oil company also more than doubled the $1.86...

FAA begins airline safety inspections.
August 1, 2000... The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will begin safety inspections of the maintenance operations at nine airlines over the next several months. Those targeted for the first round of inspections include American, Continental, Delta,...

Society of Manufacturing Engineers Education Foundation.
August 1, 2000... More than $3 million in grant money to be used for manufacturing education programs will be awarded to five colleges and universities in southwestern Pennsylvania under a new program. The grant was made through the PRIME (Partnership for...

Bacou USA, Inc.
August 1, 2000... Personal protective equipment manufacturer Bacou USA, Inc., has acquired Whiting+Davis Safety, a North Attleboro, MA-based maker of metal-mesh safety gloves and protective apparel. Bacou USA, based in Smithfield, RI, said it will retain the...

SAP.
August 1, 2000... The eighth annual Top 100 software list compiled by Cahners' Manufacturing Systems magazine ranks Oracle as the number-one applications vendor to manufacturing companies for 1999. It is the first time the Redwood Shores, CA-based software...

GE Supply.
August 1, 2000... GE Supply, a Shelton, CT-based distribution business of General Electric Co., has opened a technical center in Milwaukee, WI, to provide technical support, online ordering and delivery of general-purpose industrial control products manufactured...

Thomas Built Buses.
August 1, 2000... Thomas Built Buses began manufacturing operations for a new low-floor, mid-size transit bus by dedicating a new plant in High Point, NC, in late June. The $12.5 million, 250,000-sq.-ft. plant and the new low-floor, aluminum mid-sized bus are...

AC GENERAL-PURPOSE MOTOR.
August 1, 2000... The Reliance Electric Large AC General-Purpose Motor satisfies many day-to-day needs for a large AC motor. It features 250-1250 hp with anti-friction bearings for both coupled and belted applications. The motor is designed fro 3600, 1800, 1200...

PROCESS DRYER.
August 1, 2000... The new RPS refrigerated dryer has an open frame design allowing it to be engineered to the application. It is suitable for large flow applications due to its unloading refrigerant compressors, and dual, zero-air-loss drain valves.

OIL-MIST AIR CLEANER.
August 1, 2000... Model OM 550DD machine-mounted oil-mist air cleaner features a three-stage filtration process that cleans up to 600 CFM of oil-mist-laden air. A built-in oil deflector, angled inlet plenum for coolant drainage and slotted rails for filter...

END VALVES WITH HEAT SINK.
August 1, 2000... The HX Option includes integral extended valves with "heat sinks" to increase surface area to allow more heat to dissipate during welding of socket-weld and butt-weld end valves. The extended ends with heat sinks protect ball valve seat...

DESICCANT DEHUMIDIFIER.
August 1, 2000... The MDS 2250 desiccant dehumidifier is designed for drying in water-damaged buildings and short-term industrial applications. The unit's frame-and-panel design integrates sound attenuation, filtration and multiple regenerational options into a...

Equipment Rentals: A Decade of Growth.
August 1, 2000... In 1999, the industrial equipment rental industry was a $25 billion business, which is more than 11% of the estimated $226 billion general equipment leasing industry. According to the 1999 Survey of Industry Activity conducted by the Equipment...

DIAPHRAGM VALVE.
August 1, 2000... The Type 14 Diaphragm valve features thermoplastic construction for corrosion resistance. It is available either flanged, pneumatically or electrically actuated, or in True Union design. The flanged Type 14 Valve offers face-to-face dimensions...

INFRARED SENSOR.
August 1, 2000... The new HSM100 Series of fixed non-contact infrared sensors continuously monitor temperature at any point in the production process. The series comes in three compact, stainless steel models that come with a standard air-purge connector for...

PRESSURE TRANSMITTERS.
August 1, 2000... The Duratran PLUS! pressure transmitter is a lower-priced alternative to liquid-filled transmitters. The PLUS! option provides liquid-filled performance in a dry instrument and is suitable for high-vibration and high-pulsation applications. The...

PRESSURE CALIBRATOR.
August 1, 2000... The DPI 615 Fully Documenting Digital Pressure Calibrator is battery-powered and microprocessor-based. It provides upload and download of calibration procedures and calibration results. Features include error calculation of stored data and an...

DIGITAL MULTIMETERS.
August 1, 2000... The new MultiTec[TM] series of multimeters measures AC/DC voltage, AC/DC current resistance, frequency, duty cycle, and capacitance. Measurements are displayed on an oversize, high-contrast LCD. Display indicates correct test-probe connections,...

CMMS Solutions.
August 1, 2000... Hand-held Computing Can Bring Efficiency, Flexibility to Your CMMS I first used a hand-held computer back in 1989. My employer at that time had developed a maintenance storeroom application that ran on an Intermec hand-held computer. It was...

THERMAL IMAGER.
August 1, 2000... The IRCON Stinger is a thermal imaging system featuring an uncooled Focal Plain Array sensor. It provides an on-line, radiometric thermal imaging solution. The Stinger is designed for industrial applications and provides real-time video.

SENSORS.
August 1, 2000... The Model 265 Series transducers provides positive and negative pressure sensing for air-control systems. The transducers are suited for static pressure and air-velocity control, fan tracking, clean room and isolation ward pressurization, and...

SERIAL COMMUNICATIONS CARDS.
August 1, 2000... The PCI-ICM-4xx series of dual and four-port isolated serial communications cards provides effective communication on long communication lines in noisy environments and at cable lengths up to 4,000-ft.

PORTABLE MIXER.
August 1, 2000... The PTM-2000[R] portable mixing system mixes liquids and slurries in rail and truck tanks and other transported containers. The technology pulses large bubbles at the bottom of the vessel, which blend the product as they rise to the top.

SOLVENT.
August 1, 2000... Trizol penetrating solvent is made with a blend of 100% degummed castor oil. It loosens rusty and stuck parts, and is a superior lubricant.

ULTRASONIC INSPECTION.
August 1, 2000... The AccuTrak VPI-1000 is used for testing steam traps, valves, bearing fault detection and trending. The airborne sensor can find leaks in compressed air systems, AC/refrigeration units, and vacuum leaks.

Simulation: A Crystal Ball that Works.
August 1, 2000... With simulation software, production managers can see how changes will affect operations before they make them. You're a production manager. Your resources probably include a factory, a number of lines within that factory and manpower to...

Adhesive The Ounce of Prevention.
August 1, 2000... Manufacturers in nearly every industry use anaerobic assembly and equipment maintenance, but few truly understand their importance. Threadlockers and retaining compounds are simultaneously the most popular, the most misunderstood and the most...

DIGITAL THERMOMETER.
August 1, 2000... The ST3 thermometer comes with two thermocouples. It can measure two temperatures in different locations at the same time. The user can attach the thermocouples to pipes at two different locations with velcro straps.

SIGNAL CONDITIONER.
August 1, 2000... The Action/Q[R] Q446 is an isolating signal conditioner that uses TouchCAL [TM]. This high-density, field-configurable, DIN rail mount device accepts a bridge/strain gauge input and provides DC output.

ROTATION DETECTOR.
August 1, 2000... A new motor detector determines the rotation of any electric motor. The hand-held device features a microprocessor that senses the magnetic field of an energized motor and identifies its rotational direction.

FLOW SWITCHES.
August 1, 2000... These in-line flow switches can detect, signal, and control leaks in industrial process systems. The flow switches can be linked to industrial process monitoring equipment td signal flow problems, identify the location of leaks, and provide...

POWER METER.
August 1, 2000... The 8400 ION socket meter provides hundreds of measurements including four-quadrant energy, demand, and time of use, plus standard power quality measurements such as sag/swell detection, high-speed setpoints and detailed harmonic distortion...

MONITORING UNIT.
August 1, 2000... The Machine Guard[TM] MG-4 features green-yellow-red warning lights which indicate bearing condition. Overall vibration identifies other rotating problems, such as imbalance and misalignment.

GAS MONITORS.
August 1, 2000... The Gas Baron 2 series of single gas monitors with interchange-able sensors is available for chlorine, nitrogen dioxide, nitric oxide, sulfur dioxide, hydrogen sulfide and carbon monoxide. Standard features include digital display, backlight,...

ULTRASONIC SENSOR.
August 1, 2000... The new Superprox[R] model SM607 is an 18-mm ultrasonic proximity sensor that can detect targets as small as .076 mm in diameter. The discriminating microprocessor allows the sensor to detect only the designated small target and ignore all...

INSTRUMENT ISOLATOR.
August 1, 2000... The Ashcroft[R] Type 740 instrument isolator now has a pressure rating of 1500 psi. The isolator is designed for applications that require an impermeable metallic diaphragm.

WEIGHT INDICATOR.
August 1, 2000... The new IQ plus[R] 590-DC digital weight indicator features 300 hours of C-cell battery power and a full numeric keypad. It is housed in a NEMA 4X/IP66 enclosure.

FILTER/VENTILATOR SYSTEMS.
August 1, 2000... Electra-Kool[TM] filter/ventilator systems are able to cool, dustproof, or pressurize electric and electrical enclosures. The systems include an air deflector to direct cooler air toward hot spots and an in/out thermometer, so the internal...

CHUCK STOPS.
August 1, 2000... The Royal chuck stop is now being offered in a new larger size. The new size accommodates chuck jaws up to 2 1/8 in. wide. The chuck stop mounts squarely against the chuck face, providing a fixed reference surface against which work pieces can...

QUIET PUMPS.
August 1, 2000... The Godwin QuietPac Dri-Prime[R] is designed for applications where the environment dictates minimal noise during pumping. The acoustically silenced enclosure of the Quiet-Pac Dri-Prime [R] houses the Godwin 6-in. CD150M self-priming pump....

AC SERVO DRIVES.
August 1, 2000... These Panasonic AC servo drives provide accurate positioning, full close control with built-in encoder, Windows 9X compatible configuring software, and are UL, CE, C, EC approved and IP65 rated. The servo lines offer three types of motor...

LUMINAIRE.
August 1, 2000... Maxim, a suspended indirect luminaire, is designed for high output T5 technology. The two housing options give designers flexibility. A captive aligner system simplifies long-row installation and ensures straight, continuous rows. The luminaire...

METAL PUMP.
August 1, 2000... The new 1/4-in. metal pump is available in either 316 stainless steel, aluminum or Hastelloy wetted construction. It is capable of a maximum flow rate of 5 gpm. The pump is offered with the Accu-Flow solenoid air valve and Pro-Flo patented air...

DISPENSER.
August 1, 2000... The HPD dispensing tool is used to apply low to medium viscosity assembly fluids. The hand-held device consists of a reusable HPD plunger that works in conjunction with disposable barrels and dispensing tips. Smoothflow barrel pistons inserted...

HYDRAULIC MOTOR.
August 1, 2000... The new brake motor is based on the existing OMRW N series of motors. The braking function is achieved with spring-activated, multiple discs which are released by a hydraulic pilot pressure to the brake chamber. The motor was developed for...

EPOXY COATING.
August 1, 2000... Corr-Paint[TM] CP2060 is a high build, 100% solids, two part novolac-epoxy system which provides temperature resistance to 500[degrees]F. It is a highly filled system using silicon carbide. Corr-Paint [TM] demonstrates mechanical and corrosion...

HUMIDIFIER.
August 1, 2000... Model CS-15 humidifier uses existing boiler steam to produce clean steam from untreated water. Output is for a heat exchanger constructed of Electroless Nickel-Plated Copper, while the CS-15S, which uses a stainless steel heat exchanger, has an...

BEAM CLAMP.
August 1, 2000... The CADDY hammeron beam clamp eliminates the need to drill holes on beams. These clamps are one piece so there are no nuts and bolts to drop and no need to carry a drill. With a variety of attachments, the beam clamp can be used for many...

OIL SKIMMERS.
August 1, 2000... The model 6V removes 100 gal. of oil per hour. The tube adjusts to water 1eveis and attracts oil as it snakes through water's surface. Oil-saturated tube is drawn through scrapers to remove oil, and clean tube is returned to water to repeat...

DIGITAL CRANE SCALE.
August 1, 2000... The CS3000 crane scale can lift leads ranging from 500-lbs. to 300-tons at a time. The keypad setup and digital calibration enhance ease of operation, and the wireless remote control option allows the user to control the unit from a distance....

POSITIONING TABLE.
August 1, 2000... The Ergonomic Work Positioning Table helps minimize fatigue and maximize productivity when positioning lightweight loads such as crates, boxes or small parts. Loads can be positioned at the best angle and height in the best location. The post...

Ford Motor Improves Glass-Plant Production With New Wheel Desiccant Technology.
August 1, 2000... For 40 years, the Ford Motor Co. glass plant in Nashville, has been manufacturing windshields, side windows and other glass body parts used in virtually all Ford, Lincoln and Mercury automobiles. The plant makes millions of window and glass...

MOTOR FEEDBACK SYSTEM.
August 1, 2000... The compact SR 50 Series, single-turn and multi-turn motor feedback system features accuracy down to 5 arc-sec, and resolutions for reduced update times. Initial single-turn absolute resolution via a digital channel is 15 bits; in the...

VACUUM PUMPS.
August 1, 2000... The 2BV7 is a new line of compact liquid ring vacuum pumps that are 20% smaller than other available pumps in the class, reducing operating liquid consumption by up to 50%. With reduced dimensions, the unit takes up less space and is easier to...

I/O.
August 1, 2000... The High Current ArmorBlock I/O features solid-state outputs and expands the capabilities of a distributed I/O system while eliminating the need and costs associated with interposing relays. It is an industrially hardened, distributed I/O that...

POWER SUPPLIES.
August 1, 2000... The Quint Power supply series utilizes primary switching technology for efficient energy use. The line includes 1, 2, 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 30, and 40 Amp outputs at 24 V dc. Optional power factor correction is available to meet upcoming CE...

SOFTWARE.
August 1, 2000... New software for the Marcom2000 custom marking tag system enables customers to program their Marcom2000 plotters using a PC. The free e-mail compatible software upgrade creates custom marking tags for each wire connection. Users can select from...

HAZARD WARNING DEVICE.
August 1, 2000... The YellowJacket [TM] is a traffic channelizer that warns people away from hazards. It folds flat to 4.5-in, and weighs 14-lbs. The product comes with four mounting holes for lights, caution tape, signs, and various accessories. It is made of...

EMERGENCY LIGHTING.
August 1, 2000... Weathergard 626 meets indoor and outdoor emergency lighting requirements. It is characterized by a rounded housing design that attaches to any building wall or ceiling. It is made from corrosion-resistant, high impact-resistant polycarbonate. A...

COOLING PRODUCTS.
August 1, 2000... Line includes products that protect and provide comfort to workers who must function in environments with excessive heat. The products feature a non-toxic polymer fabric that is activated by water, allowing the composite to absorb and lock in...

FIRE ALARMS.
August 1, 2000... The MSM is a metal manual fire alarm pull station. The box features keyed reset. Six models of the new MSM are available: standard; double action; weatherproof (in single and double action); explosion-proof; institutional (for correctional and...

SAFETY SLIP-ONS.
August 1, 2000... The Strip Safer[TM] Bootie fits over work shoes and boots and features an abrasive fibrous sole which increases traction in wet, soapy, and waxy areas. The booties are available in sizes ranging from S/M to L/XL. They are industrial black, and...

SAFETY POSTERS.
August 1, 2000... A series of four posters offering tool safety tips is now available. Each poster is designed to fit a standard bulletin board. The posters can be used to educate or remind employees of all skill levels about proper hand tool usage.

HIGH-TORQUE MOTOR.
August 1, 2000... The Torque Master aggregate motor is suitable for heavily loaded conveyor applications. It features a high starting torque for overloaded starting conditions and high-stall applications. It is available in 5 to 150 HP with 1800 RPM. The motor...

STEPPING MOTOR.
August 1, 2000... The NEMA size 17 (1.65-in. dia.) high torque stepping motor is designed for applications with similar space restrictions as a standard motor, but with increased power requirements. The motor features permanently lubricated ball bearings. It...

ENGINE STARTER LOCK-OUT.
August 1, 2000... This product prevents starter re-engagement while the engine is running. It also extends engine starter life by preventing wear on the starter drive gear and flywheel teeth. The product is protected against vibration and moisture.

HIGH-SPEED SPINDLES.
August 1, 2000... An HSP family of motorized spindles for high-speed milling, drilling, and grinding applications is now available. Maximum speeds range from 12,000 to 51,000 rpm. The spindles feature hybrid ceramic (silicon nitride) ball bearings that operate...

FLEXIBLE GRID COUPLINGS.
August 1, 2000... These all-metal flexible grid G-Type couplings feature a design that reduces vibration, cushions shock loads, and compensates for parallel, angular, and axial misalignment. They are available with horizontally or vertically split covers. Two...

POSITIONING STAGES.
August 1, 2000... Micro Plus linear positioning stages feature built-in integrated servo motors. The magnetic rotor assembly is configured directly on the ball screw and a rotary encoder senses position directly from the screw shaft. The stages are constructed...

Oil Company Improves Refinery Safety With Advanced Alkylation-Unit Design.
August 1, 2000... The Caltex Lytton oil refinery in Brisbane, Australia measures earlier this year by revamping a hydrofluoric acid (HF) alkylation unit using the Inventory Management Process (IMP) from U.S.-based Phillips Petroleum Co. The upgraded alkylation...

Nifilsk-Advance.
August 1, 2000... Nifilsk-Advance offers an industrial rider sweeper that features an offset hopper so drivers can see around obstacles and gauge wall and curb distances. The dual-fuel power option allows for on-the-fly indoor and outdoor sweeping. Users can...

Snow Wolf.
August 1, 2000... The Snow Wolf snow plow for skid-steer loaders features dual-pivot, A-frame construction that allows the blade to oscillate, following the contours of uneven ground without scraping. The blade meets the surface at an angle to scoop snow, rather...

Day-Brite.
August 1, 2000... The Industrial Kinetic series of fluorescent luminaires from Day-Brite uses precision-engineered, die-formed slots in an offsetting herringbone pattern. The herringbone slots provide 10% uplight, evenly distributed over a 170-degree pattern.

Rite-Hite Corp.
August 1, 2000... Rite-Hite Corp.'s HD-1700 line of levelers can be configured to meet safety and productivity demands. The Safe-T-Lip[R] barrier can prevent vacant dock drop-off accidents. It is equipped with a steel barrier that automatically rises into place...

BOOM LIFTS.
August 1, 2000... Three new boom lift models include an industrial boom with a vertical telescoping mast that takes one or two workers to a working height of up to 34 ft. The two other models are articulating booms with a 49-ft. working height for slab and...

SCAFFOLD PLANKS.
August 1, 2000... The new steel scaffold planks now come in three options: Standard Scaffold Plank, Grate-Lock Scaffold Plank and Solid Scaffold Plank. Each plank style is available with two hook options, and each offers a different work surface.

AERIAL WORK PLATFORM CONTROL MOTOR SYSTEM.
August 1, 2000... A new electronic motor control system for aerial work platforms can be installed on small- and mid-sized electrically powered mast, scissor and articulated arm lifts. The lifts have maximum working heights from 18 ft. to 37 ft.

ACCESS PLATFORM.
August 1, 2000... The INSTA-RACK Platform provides safe access and fall protection to the tops of bulk/tank truck, tank cars and hopper cars. It features a single pedestal platform with access stairway and access equipment.