Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation articles from February 2001

Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation archives from February 2001

Editorial COMMENTS.
February 1, 2001... Rick Carter The Kaizen Master You'll learn from this month's cover story that the concept of kaizen, the literal Japanese term for "continuous improvement," does not derive from an ancient Japanese custom. As applied to the...

Statistics reveal auto industry's ups and downs for 2000.
February 1, 2001... Recently released statistics about auto-industry performance in 2000 underscore that it was clearly a year of ups and downs, but mostly downs, for automakers. The good news is that the industry sold 17.4 million vehicles in 2000, up 2.6% from...

EPA finalizes Clean-Air Act agreement with BP Amoco.
February 1, 2001... The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency finalized an agreement with BP Amoco last month to resolve Clean Air Act violations at eight refineries owned by BP Amoco and Arco (recently acquired by BP). The agreement calls for BP, the nation's...

Boeing machinists say they'll fight offshore wing production.
February 1, 2001... Boeing Co. machinists at the company's commercial-jet production facility in Seattle, WA, said last month they will fight company efforts to move wing production on the new 747X jumbo jet overseas. According to the Seattle...

Steelmaker files for Chapter 11.
February 1, 2001... LTV Corp.'s Cleveland, OH, steelmaking operations filed for reorganization under Chapter 11 of the U.S. Bankruptcy code last month. The company said that without additional financing, it was in danger of exhausting cash resources and might be...

Correction.
February 1, 2001... Credit for photographs used on IMPO's December cover were omitted. Our thanks to Flir Systems, Inc., North Billerica, MA, for providing them.

New Study Keeps Heat on Ergonomic-Rules Debate.
February 1, 2001... A new study of musculoskeletal disorders has been touted by both opponents and supporters of the new federal workplace-safety rules announced by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration last year. According to the study...

2000 gas mileage remains at 20-year low.
February 1, 2001... The Environmental Protection Agency released its annual gas-mileage figures for U.S. vehicles last month. According to the agency, the figures confirm that consumer preference for gas-guzzling sport utility vehicles and others in the "light...

Cablofil, Inc.
February 1, 2001... Cablofil, Inc., has announced it will construct a 77,000-sq.-ft. headquarters and manufacturing facility in Mascoutah, IL. The new faculty will house the wire cable-tray maker's offices, manufacturing line and warehouse operations. The new...

Conbraco Industries.
February 1, 2001... Conbraco Industries has opened a new distribution center in Reno, NV, to serve its valve and actuator customers in the Western U.S. The 42,000-sq.-ft. facility is the second in the U.S. and the fourth worldwide for the Matthews, NC-based...

Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
February 1, 2001... The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has awarded the Susan Harwood Training Grant to the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), Rosemont, IL, and the National Safety Council, Itasca, IL. The grant, worth up to $800,000,...

Motion Industries.
February 1, 2001... Ten Motion Industries locations achieved ISO 9002 registration late last year, bringing the total number of company locations with the quality registration to 129 out of its 500 facilities in North America. Motion Industries, Inc., is a...

Ford Motor Co.
February 1, 2001... Ford Motor Co. announced last month that its U.S. hourly employees will receive an average profit-sharing check totaling $6,700 for their work in 2000. The amount is second only to the company's 1999's average payout of $8,000. Checks will be...

FPL Energy, LLC.
February 1, 2001... FPL Energy, LLC, a Florida-based developer and operator of wind-powered facilities, said it has begun construction on a 25.5 megawatt wind farm in Iowa County, WI. The wind farm is expected to begin generating power by spring with 17 wind...

MOUNTING TRAY.
February 1, 2001... These new mounting plates can be snapped on to EZ Tray, a wire mesh cable tray system. The plates allow the installer to mount junction boxes, lighting or other hardware directly to EZ Tray. The mounting plates are available in two lengths and...

PALLET.
February 1, 2001... The EXTREME[TM] pallet features decks made from NORYL[R] resin and corner blocks molded of XENOY[R] resin. These materials give the pallet fire-resistant characteristics and offer the durability of plastic at a level of fire safety comparable...

METER.
February 1, 2001... The new 1920 LCR meter, built on the 1900 series platform, is designed for fast throughput in automated production testing of resistance, capacitance and inductance on a wide variety of electronic components and materials. It measures, displays...

AUTOMATIC LUBRICATORS.
February 1, 2001... The HPS Giga Model 480 is a new addition to the family of MEMOLUB Automatic Lubricators. It ejects lubricant, under programmed control to bearings up to 40 ft. away. It has a replaceable cartridge capacity of 1 lb. of lubricant and is designed...

CONVEYOR.
February 1, 2001... The portable Helix conveyor features an angled support frame and a rotary agitator and level sensor with a visible low-level warning light. The units convey flowable materials such as powder, crystals, flakes and granules.

TRANSFER FILM.
February 1, 2001... Ultrafilm 2500 is a pressure-sensitive adhesive transfer film for permanent bonding applications. It features a plastic liner that eliminates dust, cockling and tearing. It exhibits high initial adhesion on a variety of substrates, quickly...

RIVETER.
February 1, 2001... The Craftsman medium-duty pneumatic riveter is suitable for fastening rivets in sheet metal fabrication, warehouse metal shelving, auto-body repair and industrial plant maintenance. Nosepieces and jaw inserts are included. It's lightweight with...

SLURRY PUMPS.
February 1, 2001... Hard metal and elastomer-lined pumps handle slurry problems. Model 5500 pumps feature wet-end components. The A-C SRL elastomer-lined slurry pumps feature precision-molded liners.

POLYETHYLENE FILMS.
February 1, 2001... The Polyflex line of single-coated polyethylene films coated with pressure-sensitive rubber adhesives is suitable for masking, surface protection, polyethylene splicing, wire identification, seam sealing and general assembly applications.

FLOOR SCRUBBER.
February 1, 2001... The Encore R, with small footprint is a rider floor scrubber with a 45-gal. solution and recovery tank. Standard features include auto-squeegee-lift in reverse, solution and brushes off in neutral, battery-discharge brush shut off, and edge...

GAS TANK CART.
February 1, 2001... The ergonomic LP cart, model LP-6, is designed to transport and store up to six LP tanks. No lifting is involved when using this ergonomically correct cart. A knob on the bottom of the boom controls the speed for lifting and lowering the tank.

LIGHTING CONTROL.
February 1, 2001... The Monet/Mural Scene Controller provides advanced multi-point scene control for commercial lighting. Each device also provides an off button and arrow-shaped button for group dimming and brightness control.

SIGHTGLASS ASSEMBLIES.
February 1, 2001... Series SLEX-100/SVTC and REX-100/SVTC combine an explosion-proof light with a sanitary clamp-type sightglass, allowing users to illuminate the contents of a pressurized vessel or pipeline with 100 watts of lighting intensity on existing...

GEAR REDUCERS.
February 1, 2001... Worm/worm or helical/worm combination gear reducers offer high torque and low speeds with compactness and light weight. Features of these gear reducers include lightweight, single-piece aluminum alloy housing, vacuum impregnated with Resinol RT...

SEALER.
February 1, 2001... The CA1800 is an automatic case erector/bottom sealer that can run single-walled, double-walled or 44ECT cases. This unit features the CyberArm, a device that holds cases on three sides for positive case control.

POWDER CARTRIDGE.
February 1, 2001... The Perma-Clean cartridge uses Gore-Tex powder-collection technology and features a conductive, expanded PTFE membrane over an aluminized polyester substrate. Its non-linting media reclaims powder that is uncontaminated.

FLOW DETECTOR.
February 1, 2001... The Granuflow DTR 131 is a line-voltage, non-invasive microwave-based flow detector for all types of bulk solids. This non-contact flow sensor monitors solids flow/no flow in pipelines, ducts, air slides and at transfer points of vibrating...

LIGHTING CONTROL.
February 1, 2001... The ET Quartz restrike control is a triac-based unit designed to offer an economical and universal approach to HID auxiliary lamp control. Designed for use with 50-watt to 150-watt HID systems, it is offered in time-delay and non-delay...

LED DISPLAY.
February 1, 2001... This patent-pending device enables the design and construction of equipment and instrumentation with numeric LED readouts on surface-mount technology boards and manufacturing processes. The display is suitable for timers, controllers, counters,...

COIL HANDLER.
February 1, 2001... The lifter contains the Coil Guard endless belt-edge protection modules and front and rear rollers that act as "no-damage" contact points. The motorized coil lifters are used in steel warehousing facilities, and aluminum mills.

PRESSURE TRANSDUCER.
February 1, 2001... Model HV is a high-performance sensor that has been configured specifically for high-volume applications. It is offered in 10 pressure ranges. Four electrical connections and optional pressure port adaptors are available for flexibility and...

FEEDBACK TRANSDUCER.
February 1, 2001... Based on the company's Micropulse low-profile magnetostrictive linear position transducer, the BackPack Feedback transducer bolts directly to the housing of pneumatic cylinders to provide non-contact, vibration-resistant position sensing for a...

CABLE.
February 1, 2001... Cell-Tek Insulation System permits the manufacture of cables with large, open-eye patterns. Featuring equal mechanical and electrical lengths, cable using this insulation is suitable for automatic termination without the need for pre-testing.

GUARDS & SAFETY LABELS.
February 1, 2001... Standard guards and safety labels. are base-mounted, close-coupled guards made from polyethylene plastic and are supplied with stainless steel hardware. After sizing, the guards are trimmed to length and height.

Kaizen: Continuing to Improve.
February 1, 2001... The Japanese term for 'continuous improvement' has come to represent a new culture for many U.S. manufacturers, as well as a new opportunity to compete. 'Kaizen' -- the term may send at least a subliminal shiver up the spines of those of a...

LIGHTING CONTROL.
February 1, 2001... The new Monet/Mural controller features six scene buttons and can control up to 20 dimmers. Each device provides an OFF button and arrow-shaped buttons for group dimming and brightness control. Monet/Mural Scene controllers feature a power...

SHOVELS.
February 1, 2001... The Power Pylon[R] molded shovel is fiberglass-reinforced. The fusion between handle and blade eliminates the weakness in the rivet connection. The Power Pylon line of digging tools includes the Round Point, Square Point, Drain Spades, Garden...

ROOFTOP HVACS.
February 1, 2001... The Retro-Mate[R] is a method of replacing rooftop HVACs. The old rooftop unit is removed, then the Retro-Mate is installed on top of the existing curb to adapt it to the new HVAC. It is factory prefabricated of heavy-gauge galvanized or...

VACUUMS.
February 1, 2001... Chip/Coolant Recovery Vacuums feature the tangential intake port that allows the units to recover chips, coolant, strings and clumps. Recovered coolant can be siphoned out of the drum through a dump valve for recycling. These vacuums can be...

CMMS Solutions.
February 1, 2001... ASP's Impact on the Small- to Mid-Size CMMS Market A new business model is making a major impact on the package software industry: Application Service Provider (ASP). Under this paradigm, software applications are provided to end-users over...

Wanted: Young Manufacturing Hopefuls.
February 1, 2001... How to get young people interested in manufacturing careers. Look around your facility. Do you notice a lack of young people on the floor and in engineering positions? If so, you aren't alone. The entire manufacturing industry is having a...

CHECK VALVES.
February 1, 2001... Standard in gray acetal with optional polypropylene bodies, these check valves are made of ABS material with stainless steel ball and spring. Fittings are available as straights, elbows, tees, crosses and numerous combinations. Valves are...

STATIC DISCHARGE REELS.
February 1, 2001... The Zee line offers fast, convenient, and compact storage of grounding cable. Featuring galvanized steel cables in a variety of lengths, these reels operate by spring rewind with a latching device to hold cable tension-free. The center shaft is...

ULTRASONIC WELDER.
February 1, 2001... The Microswitch ultrasonic system welds negative, positive and ground leads to a microswitch in a single automated operation. Designed for high-volume production environments, the system has three independently controlled transducer assemblies...

SERVO MOTORS.
February 1, 2001... The G330 Series Brushless Servo Motor is part of a value-priced family of brushless motors that deliver servo control in a simple machine design. The motor is designed to deliver dynamic servo control in material handling, packaging, forming...

ELECTRICAL CONDUIT.
February 1, 2001... Three types of flexible electrical conduits offer EMI/RFI shielding to permit traditional wiring solutions in shielding applications and provide an alternative to specialized shielded cable assemblies. They are designed to protect sensitive...

DISPENSE SYSTEM.
February 1, 2001... The See-Flo IPD Integrated Pneumatic Dispense System is designed to spray a single-component mastic or sealer in robotic applications. Effective with a range of material types and viscosities, the system dispenses or sprays high volumes of...

VOLTAGE TESTER.
February 1, 2001... The Low-Volt Circuit Alert model GVD-504L V provides non-contact detection of 12 to 90 VAC. The non-contact design enhances safety and eliminates the possibility of damaging conductors during testing. It is suitable for work with low-volt...

FUME HOOD MONITOR.
February 1, 2001... Model 8612 EverWatch uses a sidewall sensor calibrated to the fume hood's flow characteristics. To ensure safety, this unit features a red light, audible alarm and a remote alarm relay contact to warn of unsafe face velocity levels.

MAGNETIC FLOW METER.
February 1, 2001... Model YD20-A features a venturi-notched tip design that provides increased accuracy and stability to eliminate errors due to cross-flows and rotational flows. The hot-tapped probe can be installed and retracted from service without interrupting...

HYGROMETER.
February 1, 2001... The instrument and sensor of Model S4000 are integrated into a single bench-mount case that is available with a carry handle. The device employs three-stage Peltier cooling and a dual-optics detection system in which reflected and scattered...

INFRARED THERMOMETERS.
February 1, 2001... The DHS 250 Heat Spy series offers an expanded temperature range, including surface temperatures up to 900[degrees]C while maintaining 1 % of reading accuracy over a spectral range of 8 to 14 m. This device features a clock function, settable...

WEIGH SCALE MODULE.
February 1, 2001... The HI 1756-WS reads weight and diagnostic data from strain gauge load sensors or load cells, and communicates this data over the I/O chassis Backplane to the ControlLogix processor. This module reduces installation costs because no external...

MOBILE CRANE.
February 1, 2001... The new TL Series Tri Lifter is a mobile crane/gantry/forklift that moves heavy industrial equipment. All units feature rear-wheel power steering, cushion tires to reduce floor loading and improve traction on packed gravel surfaces.

DISINFECTANT CLEANER.
February 1, 2001... The company has received EPA approval for its HB Quat Disinfectant Cleaner, a super-concentrated disinfectant that works against HBV and HIV. This high concentration adds value by reducing the cost of acquisition and storage.

CLEANING SYSTEMS.
February 1, 2001... Wils-Away tube-cleaning system uses the same unit to clean a range of pressure vessels by adding components. Users can select components from the offerings of drive units, cleaning heads, flexible shafts and casing.

CORD GRIPS.
February 1, 2001... Metal Cord Grips provide a strong, long-lasting grip where metal may be preferred for certain applications. They are ideal for industrial equipment and in heavy-duty electrical motor housings and cabinets. Made of cast and machined...

WORK LIGHT.
February 1, 2001... This new work light brightens work areas with evenly distributed light. Its powerful magnet and handle hook make it easy to attach to vehicle hoods for handsfree use. Its ratcheting head lets users aim light where needed. A vented hood helps...

TENSION CONTROL.
February 1, 2001... The SteadyWeb Splicer tension controller is for manufacturers using a continuous web process. This unit automates a flying splice sequence and tension setting, and reduces waste with advanced tension and PID circuitry.

LIGHT METERS.
February 1, 2001... The Traceable Dual Display Light Meter is used to measure Lux and Foot Candles in three ranges. The Data Hold button freezes the display to capture readings. Photodiode and color-correction filter provide cosine- and color-corrected...

ALUMINUM CONNECTORS.
February 1, 2001... Liquidtight connectors and hubs are available in lightweight aluminum, steel and malleable iron models. Aluminum connectors facilitate shipping, handling and installation. The Aluminum ST is designed to connect flexible metal conduit, while...

HAND TRUCK.
February 1, 2001... This hand truck works as a standard hand truck or, by simply turning the handle grip located near the top of the hand truck from left to right, the pneumatic wheels will turn in making the hand truck a panel cart. The unit was designed to...

PUSH-ON KNOBS.
February 1, 2001... Designed with a rounded modern appearance, the new styling of these rotary, two-color, push-on knobs lends itself to compact control panels found in applications including audio and broadcast equipment, lighting, communications and industrial...

Fuel Cells Can Mean Extended, Pollution-Free Power for Tomorrow's Lift Trucks.
February 1, 2001... The zinc/air fuel cell is a new technology that will make it possible to run an electric lift truck for three shifts at a time, then be refueled as quickly and easily as pumping gasoline. No extra batteries, battery-hoisting equipment, or slow...

ISN BEARING.
February 1, 2001... DODGE metric ISN bearing features the IMPERIAL adapter mount system. While running, this device features a sealing system to provide contact at constant pressure.

GEARED STEPPING MOTORS.
February 1, 2001... Configured as directdrive or two-phase synchronous gearmotors, these motors operate from most stepper controllers. Speeds range from less than 1 rpm through 600 rpm.

DIGITAL INDICATOR.
February 1, 2001... The quick change-over DA09S indicator offers larger digits and a more slender profile to allow support for applications with shorter shaft lengths. The device is easy to retro-fit.

STEPPING MOTORS.
February 1, 2001... The two motors of Series D34D62-424 operate at 200 steps per revolution and provide a holding torque of 781 oz-in. The motors can be specified with either single or double 0.3750-in, diameter hardened steel shafts.

DC MOTORS.
February 1, 2001... These permanent-magnet brush-type motors may be powered by higher-voltage, direct current sources or from low-voltage sources. Features include ball bearings, cast aluminum endshields, heavygauge painted steel frames, and replaceable brushes.

RINGS / BUSHINGS.
February 1, 2001... Rings and bushings molded from ISODAMP, ISOLOSS and Versa-Damp lines of damped elastomers are offered in several styles and sizes.

DC DRIVE SYSTEMS.
February 1, 2001... The BURNY ServoPak NC3 is a DC servo-drive system for shape-cutting. This four-quadrant pulse-width modulated bridge system offers a three-axis integrated design.

HYDRAULIC COUPLINGS.
February 1, 2001... TOMCO Series FE enables fast coupling and uncoupling of hydraulic attachments with a minimum of fluid leakage. Push-to-connect design includes a sleeve lock to keep the coupling securely connected during operation.

MOTORS.
February 1, 2001... Super-E motors are "inverter ready," and able to withstand peak voltages up to 1600 volts. They are wound with Inverter Spike-Resistant wire, and are balanced to half the NEMA allowable vibration level.

POLYMER PLAIN BEARINGS.
February 1, 2001... The iglide H2 is maintenance-free, lightweight and corrosion resistant. Approved for applications within the automotive industry, these bearings thrive in temperatures ranging from 40 degrees to 392 degrees.

Gearmotor Replacement Units Top Originals, Maintain Furniture Maker's Output.
February 1, 2001... O'Sullivan Industries, Inc., makes ready-to-assemble home and office furniture products at its Cedar City, UT facility. Recently, the plant was having trouble with a European manufacturer's gearbox. "The planet gears on those boxes kept burning...

NOZZLE.
February 1, 2001... The Delavan Raindrop RA nozzle has performed in cooling towers, evaporative coolers and gas-conditioning systems. The nozzle produces large, aerated droplets; its dual-swirl chamber induces a hollow cone spray pattern.

CABLE TIES.
February 1, 2001... The Tak-Ty Hook and Loop Cable Ties are designed for communications cable management in air-handling plenum spaces. The ties feature a one-piece hook-and-loop design for installation, release and reuse. The design prevents damage to sensitive...

FLOW METERS.
February 1, 2001... This line of compressed air/gas-flow meters is available in brass or aluminum. They are used to verify that air and gas compressors are delivering proper ratings for applications.

PIPE-LIFTING SLING.
February 1, 2001... The new sling is a quick and easy alternative to bulky chains and bars for positioning lengths of pipe. Wrap the sling around the pipe and hook the end fitting back into the sling.

TENSION TRANSDUCERS.
February 1, 2001... A pair of Model RS Tension Transducers can be used to convert a metal tube (roll shell) into a shaftless, tension-sensing idler roll. The expanding-collet connection collar allows the transducer to lock tightly into each end of a machined tube....