Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation articles from August 2002

Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation archives from August 2002

Editorial comments.
August 1, 2002... A Taste of the Grind Check your television listings for a PBS television series called Back to the Floor. As the title suggests, the six-episode series documents real-life situations where corporate executives roll up their sleeves and get...

Bethlehem Steel outlines new cost-cutting plans. (Industry Newsline).
August 1, 2002... Bethlehem Steel Corp., operating under bankruptcy protection since October, announced new plans last month for remaining a viable, standalone company. The Bethlehem, PA-based steelmaker said that in addition to workforce reductions that have...

ISO may consider international standards for corporate responsibility. (Industry Newsline).
August 1, 2002... The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) announced that its Committee for Consumer Policy has recommended it explore the need for developing international standards for corporate responsibility. The recommendation is based on...

American LaFrance opens new headquarters, plant in South Carolina. (Industry Newsline).
August 1, 2002... American LaFrance Corp., officially opened its new headquarters and manufacturing facility in North Charleston, S.C., this week. The 170-year-old fire-apparatus company, a subsidiary of Freightliner LLC, Portland, OR, was previously...

Production shift idles a big part of GM's Wisconsin truck plant. (Industry Newsline).
August 1, 2002... Workers assembled the last medium-duty truck at General Motors' Janesville, WI, plant at the end of June, idling 1 million sq. ft. of production space. The successful truck line, which includes models used in U-Hauls, street sweepers, dump...

Honeywell agrees to clean up toxic North Carolina site. (Industry Newsline).
August 1, 2002... A mercury-contaminated chemical factory on North Carolina's Cape Fear River will finally get cleaned up, under an agreement made last month between the federal Environmental Protection Agency and Honeywell International, owner of the site....

State-of-the-art winding system will make motors faster. (Industry Newsline).
August 1, 2002... A new, state-of-the-art winding system installed last month at Baldor Electric Co. in Fort Smith, AR, will significantly reduce the amount of time and personnel needed to produce electric motors, according to the company. The system, designed...

OSHA has issued a new information sheet that highlights the agency's outreach programs. (News Briefs).
August 1, 2002... * OSHA has issued a new information sheet that highlights the agency's outreach programs. The OSHA Compliance Assistance fact sheet provides a brief reference to the variety of compliance assistance and outreach tools available, focusing on...

The EPA announced it is helping to fund a new Ohio University laboratory for clean coal technologies. (News Briefs).
August 1, 2002... * The EPA announced it is helping to fund a new Ohio University laboratory for clean coal technologies. Researchers at the 3,000-sq.-ft. lab in Athens, OH, are developing ways to reduce emissions from coal-fired power plants. Goals include...

Johnson Controls. (News Briefs).
August 1, 2002... * Johnson Controls announced it has implemented plans to purchase $1 billion in goods and services from minority- and women-owned businesses by 2003. The figure represents 16% of the $6 billion in goods and services the auto-parts and...

The American Society for Quality (ASQ). (News Briefs).
August 1, 2002... * The American Society for Quality (ASQ) will host its second Six Sigma Forum Roundtable October 10-11 in Fort Lauderdale, FL. The roundtable offers a face-to-face learning and networking opportunity, with registrations limited to 150....

GE Power Systems. (News Briefs).
August 1, 2002... * The U.S. Department of the Interior's Bureau of Reclamation has awarded GE Power Systems a $3.8 million contract for a generator-refurbishment project at the Grand Coulee power plant in Washington State. Located at Grand Coulee Dam on the...

Loctite Corp. (News Briefs).
August 1, 2002... * The U.S. arm of the Loctite Corp., Rocky Hill, CT, has changed its legal name to Henkel Loctite Corp. Owned by Germany-based The Henkel Group since 1997, the company said other Loctite companies around the world will take on the Henkel name...

Calendar.
August 1, 2002... * Aug. 11-13 * National Hardware Show; Chicago, IL; American Hardware Manufacturers Assn.; 847-605-1025. * Sept. 4-11 * International Manufacturing Technology Show; Chicago, IL; The Association for Manufacturing Technology; 703-827-5285....

Proximity sensors. (Sensors).
August 1, 2002... WeldGuard proximity sensors, available in ac/dc ferrite core feature a rugged hi-tech front cap. The barrel material is stainless steel or teflon coated with embeddable or non-embeddable sensing. Turck, Inc., 3000 Campus Dr., Minneapolis, MN...

Transducers. (Sensors).
August 1, 2002... These external-mount transducers provide high-precision positioning on industrial machinery. They feature a precious-metal wiper and a sprayed-on, smooth conductive film. Transducers Direct, 1120 Cottonwood Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45140;...

Position sensors. (Sensors).
August 1, 2002... The R1380 series of contactless rotary position sensors are for angular displacement measurement of rotating elements such as valves, dampers and sorters (such as those used on postal machines). They are available in various electrical...

Inductive sensors. (Sensors).
August 1, 2002... A full line of miniature inductive sensors boast the ability to deliver superior performance in the tightest mounting applications. The line includes highly compact Series 03, 04, 05, 06, and 08 inductive proximity switches that incorporate...

Portable Mixer. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... Xpress Portable Mixers in direct-drive or gear-reduced gearmotor configurations feature modular components; mounting options; sleeve or chuck shaft couplings; and impeller selections. Chemineer, Inc., P.O. Box 1123, Dayton, Ohio 45401;...

Underwater Repair Putty. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... Underwater Repair Putty is a non-rusting, epoxy-based compound that penetrates moisture and forms a seal under water. The putty bonds to steel, iron, aluminum, concrete, and wood. Devcon, 30 Endicott St., Danvers, MA 01923; 800-933-8266. ...

Shaft-mount drive line. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... Three new smaller sizes have recently been added to the Clincher line of parallel shaft-mount gearmotors and speed reducers. They include the SK0182NBm SK0282NB and the Sk132NB. The units are available with either a solid or hollow output...

Control valves. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... Hi-Cyclic directional control valves are suitable for use in corrosive environments. The mechanically operated valve is for use in mobile hydraulics such as axle lockout, control-valve boom extension, and rotation limit valve on man lifts and...

Trends in facility maintenance tight budgets, new solutions: as budgets shrink in both manufacturing and non-manufacturing sectors, facility maintenance professionals have found new ways to cope. (Cover).
August 1, 2002... Do mote with less. That theme has been echoing across the business world for some time now, and it's particularly resounding for facility managers. But as budget belts tighten, requirements and requests for high-quality maintenance remain. ...

Automated powder-unloading system speeds blending for Chocolate maker. (Field Report).
August 1, 2002... When Forbes Chocolate introduced an automated bulk-bag discharger at its Cleveland, OH, plant, it was able to introduce one-third more cocoa powder per shift into three ribbon blenders than previous manual dumping of 50-lb. bags. The change,...

Coalescing Filters. (HVAC).
August 1, 2002... The Balston K-Series Mainline Coalescing Filters will remove large oil, water, and solid particles from compressed air and other gases and prevent these materials from entering refrigerant and desiccant air dryers. The filters are constructed...

Coil heater. (HVAC).
August 1, 2002... This mini-coil heater with a clamping band allows the heating element to maintain full clamping force at elevated temperatures. This wedge-locking mechanism compensates for thermal expansion. The tubular heating element is constructed in a...

Heater. (HVAC).
August 1, 2002... The stainless steel Doorjet heater resists wet, corrosive environments. System features include stainless steel casing with reinforcing angle rings; stainless steel control box; and a prewired and sealed, stainless steel burner baffle. The...

Fans. (HVAC).
August 1, 2002... Multi-Wing 8D Series Fans feature a twisted broad-paddle blade design that achieves a lower noise signature compared with non-twisted designs. Coupled with the thermoplastic blades and aluminum mounting hubs, the fans are suitable for HVAC...

Digital linear actuator. (HVAC).
August 1, 2002... The Series K923 bi-directional digital linear actuator (DLA) is a modified rotary stepper motor with a rotor that includes an internally molded thread that mates to an externally threaded shaft (lead screw). Rotary motion is converted to linear...

Air dryers. (HVAC).
August 1, 2002... Magnum Series air dryers are designed to remove water and water vapor from compressed air by reducing the temperature. They are controlled by the Smart Cycle system, which automatically adjusts the operation of the dryer in response to inlet...

Wire drum. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... Accu-Trak is suitable for semi-automatic, automation, and robotics applications. It ensures that the wire is enclosed and protected from contaminants and dust. The drum packaging forms a safety barrier between the hot wire and operator. The...

Cutting Fluids. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... TrueTap Cutting Fluids are formulated to reduce torque and heat build-up. The line includes a multi-purpose lubricant stick and fluids for heavy-duty applications and select metals. Water-soluble and solvent-based cutting fluids are also...

Before you cut it, Cote it. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... Bostik Findley introduces the first woodworking lubricants that make faster work of rip cuts, cross cuts, angle cuts, dado cuts -- and your bottom line. Bostik[R] TopCote[R] forms a durable, water-repelling dry film on saw tables and tool...

Aqueous mixers. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... The Force-Flo aqueous stainless steel mixer blends parts-cleaning chemicals with water automatically for uniform emulsion at any proportion. Units are available to accommodate 5-gal. pails, 15-, 30-, or 55-gal. drums, and 275- to 340-gal....

Heavy-duty workbench. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... This super strong all-welded workbench features two drawers, an area that comes with 34 bins and an upper book shelf compartment. The Unit is fully assembled and ready for heavy industrial use. Strong Hold Products, P.O. Box 9043, Louisville,...

Pallet storage. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... Over Dock Storage Racks help solve empty-pallet storage. Racks include structural channel load beams with bolted connections. Two-bolt-in supports are installed under each pallet position and restraining options are installed at the back rack...

Level sensor. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... The M-Series Digital magnetostrictive level sensor tests with a laser bed and generates a report to confirm that the gauge meets the specifications. It is designed for both continuous and batch process control, bulk storage, level, and...

Broom. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... The SweepEx Mega 600 main-frame is suitable for cleaning dirt, leaves, snow, spills, standing water, steel shavings and gravel. The brooms are built with no moving parts, eliminating the cleaning and lubrication of sprockets and bearings....

Cable carrier. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... E-Z Triflex cable carriers are suitable for robotic applications and other space-restricted, multiple-axis applications. The E-Z Chain Series of carriers incorporates a crossbar design which consists of two memory-retaining, engineered polymer...

Transmitters and switches. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... EVO Series temperature transmitters and switches are compact and employ a one-way-only, screw-on, watertight connection that tightens by hand. Both have stainless steel, hermetically sealed housing. Italcoppie, The Instrumentation Group, 234...

Storage cabinet. (Material Handling Equipment).
August 1, 2002... Models with customer-requested features are now available. Four of these cabinets combine modular drawer, tilt-bin, and self-storage in a heavy-duty cabinet-type housing. Lyon Workspace Products, Box 671, Aurora, IL 60507; 800-323-0096. ...

Recyclable, lightweight pallets. (Material Handling Equipment).
August 1, 2002... The Recyclable Alternative Pallet Series includes environmentally friendly, lightweight and durable pallets made of corrugated cardboard. The units reduce the risk of injury and can lower freight costs. Protecta-Pack Systems, 705 Pennsylvania...

Bulk Containments. (Material Handling Equipment).
August 1, 2002... Premium Square Stackable Intermediate Bulk Containers are suitable for both hazardous and non-hazardous commodity liquids. The 1/2-in, all-polyethylene wall thickness provides superior corrosion and chemical resistance, better impact strength,...

Slip-Torque conveyor. (Material Handling Equipment).
August 1, 2002... The Easy-Clean, Slip-Torque conveyor reduces surfaces where contaminants can collect. Designed for applications where cleanliness is required, this conveyor has minimal horizontal surfaces. Shuttleworth, Inc., 10 Commercial Rd., Huntington, IN...

Measuring machine. (Instrumentation).
August 1, 2002... The PLM 600 features a motorized drive with joystick control and software to provide semi-automatic operation for gauge calibration and part measurement. Mahr Federal, Inc., 1144 Eddy St., Providence, RI 02940; 401-784-3100. Write in IMPO...

Hydrogen-sulfide analyzer. (Instrumentation).
August 1, 2002... The Model 4400 analyzer verifies hydrogen-sulfide content to guard against corrosive effects on compressors and process equipment. Sierra Monitor Corp., 1991 Tarob Court, Milpitas, CA 95035; 408-262-6611. Write in IMPO No. 32 or reply...

Vibration monitors. (Instrumentation).
August 1, 2002... The Series 684 fiberglass enclosures are provided with vibration meters that are factory-installed for environmental protection and ease of use. Power connections are ganged to common terminals, and an, optional BNC output per channel offers...

Temperature regulator. (Instrumentation).
August 1, 2002... The Mark 80 temperature regulator features the sliding-gate design. It uses a sealed actuator with a stainless steel diaphragm, and does not require a bellows to operate. All sealing surfaces are metal to metal. Jordan Valve, 3170 Wasson Rd.,...

Process Monitor. (Instrumentation).
August 1, 2002... The Model 330R Monitor accepts a signal input from a process instrument or temperature sensor. Moore Industries Intl, Inc., 16650 Schoenborn St., North Hills, CA 91343 818-894-7111. Write in IMPO No. 35 or reply online at www.impomag.com

Thermometer. (Instrumentation).
August 1, 2002... The EasyView Modei EA10 type K thermometer displays T1, T2 or T1 -T2. The Mm/Max function stores readings and the timer function displays the elapsed time of the MIN and MAX. Other features include an OFFSET ZERO Key. Extech Instruments Corp.,...

Dust-collector controller. (Instrumentation).
August 1, 2002... The PulsePro integrates pulse-jet timing, pressure-gauging, leak-detection and other measurements into a single, easy-to-use device. An auxiliary button accesses control and display for additional diagnostic sensors that can be built into the...

Dry-block calibrators. (Instrumentation).
August 1, 2002... The 9100S and 9102S dry-block calibrators feature a temperature block with removable sleeves for well sizing. It ships with software. Hart Scientific, Inc., 799 E. Utah Valley Dr., American Fork, Utah 84003; 801-763-1600. Write in IMPO No....

Pressure transducers. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... P125-model industrial pressure transducers for general-purpose applications feature ranges up to 5,000 psi; welded stainless steel construction; and EMI filtration and calibration to NIST standards. The stainless steel components resist...

Multi-port ball valves. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... Two sizes of multi-port ball valves are available. A 3/4-in. true union valve and a 2-in. multi-port valve have three position settings: bottom-to-right, bottom-to-left, and off. The valves feature Teflon seats and EPDM O-Rings. Bee Valve,...

Clutch/brakes. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... Posidyne clutch/brakes come in 11 sizes, each with five logic options, four cooling-system choices, and eight mounting configurations. The units are suitable for use in steel mills, wood/lumber production, and insulation/roofing manufacturing....

Mastering master data. (CMMS Solutions).
August 1, 2002... Too many CMMS implementations fail to meet expectations because of issues with master-data files or tables. By master data I mean the elemental information against which CMMS transactions are performed. The structure and names of these tables...

Plenty to consider when choosing cord grips. (Tech Check).
August 1, 2002... Used in both industrial and commercial facilities, cord grips provide the means for passing cord or cable into an enclosure, through a bulkhead, or into a control device such as a switch. Grips prevent cable pull-out or premature fatigue...

New technologies for motors and drives. (Training Aids).
August 1, 2002... Write in IMPO No. 83 or reply online at www.impomag.com The Motor & Motion Association will sponsor two educational seminars at the Fall Technical Conference, November 6-8, 2002 in St. Louis, MO. Topics are feedback devices, and steel...

Online safety training program. (Training Aids).
August 1, 2002... Write in IMPO No. 84 or reply online at www.impomag.com Industrial Ergonomics is an online training program that teaches workers how to recognize ergonomic hazards and prevent injuries. The interactive program conveys safety practices to...

Thermal toolholding video. (Training Aids).
August 1, 2002... Write in IMPO No. 85 or reply online at www.impomag.com The seven-minute, free, VHS video "Bilz ThermoGrip: Shrinkfit System" explains the technology and benefits of thermal toolholding. It highlights the shop-tested ThermoGrip system for...

Grinding System. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... The Spark Erosion Grinding System Model 1500 uses EDM technology to arc-grind metal parts to finished size, and shape. The SEG 1500 system includes a precision spindle and six electrode wheels. Setco, 5880 Hillside Ave., Cincinnati, OH 45233;...

Wrench. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... RapidGrip is a heavy-duty self-adjusting pipe wrench for one-handed operation. The spring-loaded jaw design can adjust to any size work surface. A thumb trigger allows for easy application. Ridge Tool Co., 400 Clark St., Elyria, OH 44036;...

Infrared heaters. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... The Suntube Stainless Series of gas infrared heaters can withstand the high humidity and corrosive environments of chemical manufacturing plants and livestock operations. With reflectional efficiency of 91.7% for optimal infrared dispersion,...

Bearing assemblies. (Product News).
August 1, 2002... EasyLinear Express Shaft, Rail and Bearing Assemblies (SRBs) are able to speed the installation process for many linear motion customers, according to the company. The assemblies provide a reliable source of high performance linear motion...