Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation articles from February 2000

Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation archives from February 2000

Casualties of Business.
February 1, 2000... Statistics can really drive a point home, especially when it comes to safety. The non-profit National Safety Council (NSC), Itasca, IL, offers a few eye openers for consideration: * Total number of work-related deaths in 1998: 5,100 *...

Dow and venture partner to produce a renewable-resource polymer.
February 1, 2000... Dow Chemical Co. and its joint-venture partner, Cargill, Inc., have developed a biodegradable plastic packaging material made from corn and wheat. Dow, of Midland, MI, the nation's number-two chemical producer, and Cargill, a Minneapolis,...

Record sales mean bigger bonuses for U.S. autoworkers.
February 1, 2000... Record-breaking 1999 auto sales have meant that many U.S. autoworkers have received record bonus checks as well. According to a report in The Detroit News, U.S. plants operated by Toyota Motor Corp., DaimlerChrysler AG'S Mercedes-Benz unit,...

Cleanup delay may have contributed to weapons-plant explosion.
February 1, 2000... Federal investigators have determined that a seven-day delay in cleaning up a chemical spill may have set the stage for a December 8 explosion at the Y-12 nuclear weapons plant in Oak Ridge, TN. Ten workers were injured in the blast. ...

Chevron budgets $5.2 billion in 2000 to find oil.
February 1, 2000... San Francisco-based Chevron Corp. said it has budgeted $5.2 billion in 2000 on oil-exploration projects. Most of the funds will be used for worldwide exploration and production, though some are earmarked for projects in the U.S. The company...

Volvo to build advanced truck for U.S. Army.
February 1, 2000... Volvo Trucks North America, Inc., and Lockheed Martin Control systems are building a Class 8 truck tractor powered by a hybrid electric propulsion system for a U.S. Army program that promotes joint military and commercial development. The...

Wind-power industry enjoys record gains in 1999.
February 1, 2000... From mid-1998 through 1999, a record 925 megawatts of wind- generating capacity were installed in the U.S., according to the American Wind Energy Association (AWEA), Washington, D.C. The gains boost worldwide generating capacity to 13,400...

Mattel will phase out petroleum-based plastics.
February 1, 2000... Toymaker Mattel, Inc., has announced it will begin to phase out petroleum-based plastic from its products. The El Segundo, CA-based manufacturer announced its decision late last year in response to growing concern that the soft polyvinyl...

CERAMIC ADHESIVE.
February 1, 2000... [Cerambond.sup.TM] 671 is a single-part, dispensable, alumina-based compound which sticks to ceramics and metals and resists temperatures up to 3,200[degrees] F. This thixotropic compound contains no asbestos or volatile organic compounds and...

POWER REMOTE TECHNOLOGY.
February 1, 2000... This new Power Remote Sensing Technology is based on passive inductive principles. Noncontact Power Remote Systems transmit power and sensor signals across an air gap. The systems eliminate a "hard" connection to sensors or actuators on...

HEAT EXCHANGERS.
February 1, 2000... This new line of heat exchangers features a counterflow design to cool fluid streams up to 1000[degrees]F and 5000 psi. The exchangers suit low-flow applications with space limitations and places where high-temperature, high-pressure fluids...

Alcoa, Inc.
February 1, 2000... Alcoa, Inc., has bought Excel Extrusions, Warren, OH, a manufacturer of aluminum extrusions used in the construction industry. Excel can produce up to 35 million lbs. per year of soft-alloy aluminum extrusions. The plant employs 200 people and...

Potomac Electric Power Co.
February 1, 2000... Potomac Electric Power Co. announced last month the beginning of a year-long auction process by which the Maryland-based utility will sell all of its electric-generating facilities. Assets offered for sale total 5,320 megawatts of capacity in...

Environmental Protection Agency.
February 1, 2000... The Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Solid Waste has produced its Fall 1999 edition of "A Collection of Solid Waste Resources" CD ROM. It contains 40 new publications developed over the past year. The CD can be used on any...

Fairchild Aerospace.
February 1, 2000... San Antonio, TX-based Fairchild Aerospace has been sold to a German-based insurer and a U.S. investment group for $1.2 billion. The business-jet manufacturer said it will use the funds to develop a new generation of larger aircraft.

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE).
February 1, 2000... The American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers, Inc. (ASHRAE), has been granted preliminary approval to attend meetings of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Control. Members of the Atlanta,...

American Supply & Machinery Manufacturers' Association, Inc. (ASMMA).
February 1, 2000... Former President George Bush will be the keynote speaker at the Spring Convention of the American Supply & Machinery Manufacturers' Association, Inc. (ASMMA), to be held May 7 at the Anatole Hotel in Dallas, TX.

Consider Fleet Management for Cost Savings.
February 1, 2000... Each year, U.S. material handling facilities will waste money. Some estimate the waste be more than $1 billion, due to the mismanagement of their lift truck fleets. Outdated fleets, underutilized equipment, poor maintenance practices and...

BELTS.
February 1, 2000... These no-stretch notch belts are recommended for drives where high speeds, small-pulley diameters or short center distances are required.

MOTOR TESTING SYSTEM.
February 1, 2000... Motor Guard, a patented motor testing and protection system, is designed to detect winding insulation breakdown in critical motors. The product provides early warning of insulation breakdown to safeguard against premature motor failure and the...

OIL/WATER SEPARATOR.
February 1, 2000... New oil/water separators from Parker Hannifin Corp. remove oil from water and are available in five different flow ranges. Features include: a variety of size options, a unique modular design, no moving parts, popup performance service...

TRANSMITTER.
February 1, 2000... This stainless steel pressure transmitter standard DIN-type connector is vibration proof, water-resistant and may be turned in any direction to achieve optimum cable run paths. A removable top cover allows access to zero and span potentiometer...

ROLLER BEARINGS.
February 1, 2000... Bearings are designed for high-speed, high-precision applications. All rollers in the bearing are preloaded to maintain constant contact with the rings to carry the load. The lightweight bearings reduce centrifugal forces at high speed.

STREET SWEEPER.
February 1, 2000... With a generous hopper and large water tank, the Elgin Five Star Series AirBear Advanced Sweeping System allows for fewer scheduled stops and increased productivity. Roadways are cleaned in one pass, while the sweeper's 14-in, intake hose picks...

KEYLESS DOOR LOCK CENTER.
February 1, 2000... The Mini Bopper Stopper protects keyless door lock units from weather-related damage. To assure continued protection in extreme conditions, the hinge's spring is molded from stainless steel. The cover is backed by a lifetime guarantee against...

RETRACTING DOCK SHELTER.
February 1, 2000... Available for a range of door sizes, the Dock Shelter seals out cold air and increases productivity. These units retain full width and height access to the rear of a docked trailer. The middle frame on the shelter has an accordion-style...

LEAF-COLLECTION HOSE.
February 1, 2000... This thermoplastic polyurethane duct features an abrasion resistant exterior and a smooth in tenor to facilitate leaf clean up. It comes in standard lengths of 25 and 50 ft. with diameters of 2 to 10 in. It may be used in temperature ranges...

OUTDOOR MOTION SENSORS.
February 1, 2000... Utilizing advanced passive infrared (PIR) technology, EW Outdoor Motion Sensors offer coverage of 180 to 270 degrees; customizable lens masks; built-in light levels, which allow users to turn lights off during daylight hours; and internal...

PETRI DISH RACKING SYSTEM.
February 1, 2000... Scienceware(R) [Easyplate.sup.TM] Petri Dish Racks help organize, store, transport and incubate samples. These racks are autoclavable and made from chemically resistant polycarbonate. Two silicone edges on the vertical channels of the racks...

AIR STARTERS.
February 1, 2000... Using a [Phoenix.sup.TM] Air Starter to initiate a truck's engine allows battery power to be diverted to other tasks, such as operating heaters. Air Starters require 1 amp to start an engine and operate quietly without a muffler....

NOISE-RESISTANT CURTAINS AND PANELS.
February 1, 2000... The SONEXcurtain Barrier [Septum.sup.TM] comprises sound-absorbing foam and a noise-controlling barrier covered in a quilted, vinyl-coated fabric that is resistant to abrasion, moisture and oils. The curtain is mounted similar to a sliding...

AUTOMATIC LOADERS.
February 1, 2000... Air-powered Automatic Barrel Loaders assist in transferring thick, non-pourable assembly fluids from pails, SEMCO-type cartridges or caulking tubes into individual dispensing barrels. These compact bench-top loaders connect to the plant air...

MOUNTING TAPES.
February 1, 2000... This family of pressure-sensitive acrylic mounting tapes consists of double-coated, solid acrylic mounting tapes and double-coated acrylic foam tapes. The solid acrylic tapes are uniform, high-tack adhesives that bond to a variety of clean,...

DRAIN/BREATHER.
February 1, 2000... This universal Drain/Breather Assembly is made of stainless steel and is available in 1/2-in size. Drain/Breathers are standard features on explosion-proof housing, enabling the passing of water that has accumulated as the result of...

WORKSTATIONS.
February 1, 2000... Create custom support systems with these workstation assemblies or components, ergo-arms and balancers. These workstations enable safe, productive environments and reduce risk of cumulative trauma by providing full support of tools. The...

LABELING SYSTEM.
February 1, 2000... The [TLS2200.sup.TM] hand-held thermal labeling system is lightweight, user-friendly and provides no-smear printing. It comes with a built-in cutter and a large variety of labels and sleeves. The system also features smart-cell technology: The...

SUMP PUMP.
February 1, 2000... The ReSump, eliminates water intrusion problems with minimal service disruption and no excavation. Each custom-built unit is constructed with UL-listed bulkheads and sump lids. Installation usually requires only one day per sump.

CONNECTORS.
February 1, 2000... The company offers the 0.6mm Free Height (FH) connector to package highdensity, parallel circuit boards in a "stacked" configuration. The connectors are available in different combinations to accommodate spacing of parallel boards. Each...

MANUFACTURED RAGS.
February 1, 2000... WorkHorse(R) manufactured rags clean oil, liquids and other substances on smooth and rough durable surfaces. The rags are made with a patented material technology and the company uses jets of water to strongly bond soft, absorbent paper to a...

CONVERGENT-BEAM FIBER OPTICS.
February 1, 2000... Unlike standard bifurcated fiber optic cables that depend on target-reflected light for sensing repeatability, the company's convergent-beam fibers (P22-Cl and P12-Cl) are unaffected by varying target color or reflectivity. The units are...

ORGANIZER.
February 1, 2000... The Work Center Top organizes work areas. Features include molded-in handles, extra-large pockets at work height, two beverage holders, tool slots, and large storage pockets hidden under a fiberboard work surface.

LABELS.
February 1, 2000... The company manufactures labels in different sizes and colors. The line includes polyester, audio cassette, VSH video cassette, diskette and ffolder labels. Repositionable labels, which allow users to relocate the labels are available in 13...

WALL-TERMINATION ANGLE.
February 1, 2000... The Wail Termination Angle is a floor support that complements the EZ Tray, a wire mesh cable tray. The EZ Tray bends around obstructions and makes multiple level changes.

SPEED REDUCERS.
February 1, 2000... These speed reducers operate without vibration and can absorb high shock loads. Available in various sizes, ratios, input power, mountings and configurations, they are compatible with similar products on the market.

THERMAL SWITCHES.
February 1, 2000... These switches provide contact at a preset temperature to activate/deactivate control function. Available with built-in or permanently attached sensors.

SUBMICRO DRIVES.
February 1, 2000... The affordable SCN series of submicro drives can be panel- or DIN-rail mounted and feature finger-safe power terminals. They are available with a range of power sources.

CAST IRON MOTORS.
February 1, 2000... Round-body NEMA C face motors are available in cast-iron frames. Models of C face cast-iron motors that incorporate a rigid base mounting are also available. These heavy-duty motors feature cast-iron frames and enclosed, fan-cooled...

HIGH-PRESSURE INJECTION SYSTEM.
February 1, 2000... These electrically-operated fuel valve and electronic control system are for high-pressure fuel injection in large, natural gas fueled engines. The [HYPERfuel.sup.TM] system provided cost effective in-cylinder air/fuel mixing leading to reduced...

FILTRATION SYSTEMS.
February 1, 2000... The EconoClear Model 2B Filtration System removes solids from wastewater while the EconoClear Model 2BC removes emulsified oils and solids from the same waste streams. Model 2BC is fitted with an EnviroClay canister.

CHANNEL BLOWERS.
February 1, 2000... These lightweight blowers are based on a regenerative operating principal. Exhaust air is pulsation-free and clean due to an oil-free design. Available in direct-drive motor and belt-drive configurations.

TEFLON(R) TUBING.
February 1, 2000... Extruded Teflon(R) Tubing is for use in labs and medical- and pharmaceutical-related industries that require chemically inert and nonflammable materials. Tubing can operate over a - wide temperature range.

DRUM HOT BOX.
February 1, 2000... This Drum Hot Box is designed to accommodate loading and unloading with a hand pallet jack. Electrically heated, the unit features digital temperature control and over-temperature safety shutoff. A steam-heated model is also available.

SOFTWARE UPGRADE.
February 1, 2000... This software upgrade for the Model 743 Balancing Instrument facilitates communication, diagnostics and field programming capabilities. The upgrade helps Model 743 communicate better with almost any external printer or PC, and increases the...

BEVEL BRUSHES.
February 1, 2000... Crimped Wire and Knot Wire Bevel Brushes assist metal fabricators and welding professionals with obstacles associated with interior and exterior corner and edge cleaning. Brushes accommodate the natural working angle of small angle grinders; a...

CONTROL SYSTEMS.
February 1, 2000... The [Momentum.sup.TM] Master for SERIPLEX(R) interfaces SERIPLEX(R)-enabled I/O products to the [Momentum.sup.TM] Line of PLCs and communication adapters, analog, digital, and diagnostic data. The [Momentum.sup.TM] Master allows cable runs up...

BUTTERFLY VALVES.
February 1, 2000... These butterfly valves offer a stainless steel through-shaft design. Direct-mounted actuators for on/off or throttling services are also available.

ALUMINUM MATERIAL LIFTS.
February 1, 2000... Workforce(R) Aluminum Lifts can lift as much as 750 lbs. up to 20 ft. high. The lifts are designed for industrial and construction applications.

MAGNETIC MIXERS.
February 1, 2000... Dyna/Mag [Pro.sup.TM] Magnetic Mixers are leak-tight and non-contaminating. They use no rotary seals, require no packing or lubrication, and can replace mechanical mixers that operate in vacuum or high pressures.

BRUSHLESS MOTOR DRIVEROLL.
February 1, 2000... The Driveroll(R) GL is a gearless, brushless, motor-powered roller that eliminates gear noise on conveyor systems. Typical applications include semiconductor cleanrooms, fast-paced order-picking systems, and computer-controlled mail and parcel...

METRIC BEARINGS.
February 1, 2000... The Iglide(R) Polymer Bearing Line is a self-lubricating, oil-free, polymer-based construction that offers a lightweight alternative to metal bearings. Bearings resist corrosion and command better vibration dampening characteristics than metal,...

BUILT-IN PERSONALITIES FOR SIGNAL GENERATORS.
February 1, 2000... Built-in Personalities are now available for the ESG Series of RF Digital Signal Generators. These options are designed to speed the development of third-generation wireless components and receivers. Options provide full support for evaluating...

FILTER PRESS PLATES.
February 1, 2000... This new line of polypropylene Filter Press Plates is designed to be cost effective in applications where extreme temperatures and pressures are absent. The plates operate at up to 200 psi feed pressures and at temperatures between 15[degrees]C...

UNIVERSAL TEMPERATURE/PROCESS CONTROLLERS.
February 1, 2000... The CN8200 Series of Temperature/Process Controllers enables users to review only those parameters relevant to the particular application during setup. A dual digital display offers process information at a glance, while individual LEDs...

Planning to Prevent Disaster.
February 1, 2000... Safety regulations and common sense are the best weapons against catastrophe It's 6 a.m. when you turn on the morning news and hear that a nearby plant went up in flames overnight. This news hits a maintenance manager close to home: "Could...

VFD CABLE.
February 1, 2000... VFD and VFD-CT Cables' semi-conductive material extruded over the cable's copper forms a spike-resistant barrier. The cable can flex and bend in moderate flexing applications and confined areas.

OPTICAL FIBER ARRAY CIRCUITS.
February 1, 2000... Performing the equivalent function of a printed circuit for fiber optic arrays and harnesses, the Lightray [OFX.sup.TM] is targeted at applications requiring an above-average number of fibers to be routed to multiple connectors.

FILL SYSTEM.
February 1, 2000... The Super Sack (R) Model 910 Fill System fills bulk bags to 5,000 lbs. The system includes a protected four-load cell scale deck with programmable automatic operation.

CRIMP CONTACT INSERTS.
February 1, 2000... High-density crimp contact inserts are available for some of the VARIOCON family of industrial plug connectors. The connectors do not require a mounting base.

MACHINE CONTROLLER.
February 1, 2000... This controller offers open architecture, programming flexibility and two-gigabyte storage. The controller is designed for use on shop floors and uses software to interface with various machine controllers.

STATIC METER.
February 1, 2000... The new Static Meter indicates surface volt age and polarity on charged objects. Features include a large digital readout and pushbutton memory hold for readings.

SENSOR.
February 1, 2000... The company introduces a new [H.sub.2]0 sensor range for its line of Micro- processor-based Smart Products. The sensor measures differential pressure, and vacuum and gauge pressure of clean, dry gasses. It may be used with 350 series Smart...

VIBRATION MEASUREMENT SYSTEM.
February 1, 2000... Any Digital Multi-Meter may be transformed into a hand-held relative-vibration measurement system with the addition of this coupler. The coupler contains BNC connectors for accelerometer signal input and AC zero referenced output.

INFRARED THERMOMETERS.
February 1, 2000... These infrared thermometers gauge temperature by pointing and shooting. Temperatures are displayed on a centrally positioned readout screen.

COUNTING SCALE.
February 1, 2000... The new electronic counting scale offers internal resolution, variable capacitance technology and a choice of four capacities. Features include a database that allows for long-term storage of part numbers.

CENTERING DEVICE.
February 1, 2000... This conveyor accessory is a centering device that readies an assembled product for pickup by a robotic unit or other device. A sensor detects the product's presence and activates the mechanism.

CONVEYOR TRUCK LOADER.
February 1, 2000... These truck-loading conveyor models are power-actuated to telescope belt conveyors across any length truck with pushbutton controls and hydraulic height adjusting.

SCISSOR LIFTS.
February 1, 2000... New slab scissors are equipped with proportional drive and proportional lift/lower controls. All units have zero inside turning radius and pothole protection device. The battery charger plug and the plug for power to the platform have been...

DATA COLLECTION TERMINAL.
February 1, 2000... This portable computer terminal is for use on forklift trucks and in depots, warehouses and on manufacturing floors. The unit is equipped with an MB FLASH and a large touch-screen full color display. It can update data in the central computer...

ALUMINUM PUSHCART.
February 1, 2000... This aluminum pushcart is constructed with an extra high back and precision bearings and features knuckle guard handles and a fold-up nose plate. It can transport cargo weighing up to 500 lbs.

The Visually Instructive Plant.
February 1, 2000... Accurate, up-to-date signage makes the workplace safer and more productive. More companies are beginning to recognize the value of facility marking as an integral part of their overall safety programs. They have found that the benefits of...

How to Conduct a Safety Audit.
February 1, 2000... There are about as many ways to perform a safety audit as there plants United States. What exactly is a safety audit and do you have to conduct one? A safety audit is a preventative measure that plant management undertakes to evaluate the...

GROUNDING ELECTRODE.
February 1, 2000... The TinRod(R) Grounding Electrode has a tinned coating and will not interfere with corrosion-control properties or active cathodic protection systems. TinRod(R) can also be used where there is concern of buried copper, causing adverse corrosive...

ADHESIVE AND SEALANT LOADER.
February 1, 2000... The Force-Flo loader can pump one pound of material into a caulking gun or cartridge tube in about 7 seconds. The operator can load cartridges from bulk pails. The loader eliminates waste by preventing spillage and contamination. The Force-Flo...

FIBERGLASS STRUTS.
February 1, 2000... This new line of Fiberglass Struts includes channels, pipe clamps, pipe hangers, brackets and beam clamps (all nonmetallic). All components are nonconductive, nonmagnetic, and corrosion-resistant. Strut line products are also lightweight, do...