Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation articles from February 2004

Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation archives from February 2004

Motor.
February 1, 2004... MicroMAX motors from AutomationDirect and Marathon Motors feature linear torque characteristics, starting torque, torque-to-inertia, and low-speed performance. It offers dual mounting options, C-face rigid base and C-face round body. This...

Strip door.
February 1, 2004... TMI, Inc. offers the opaque-colored Save-T strip door with clear vision windows, produced to specification. Standard colors are blue, black, orange and white. The door includes Save-T LOC hardware for installation. No tools are required to...

Scrubber-sweeper.
February 1, 2004... The Advance Captor, from Nilfisk-Advance, Inc., is an all-terrain, combination industrial machine designed with Total Clean technology. It combines sweeping and scrubbing, cleaning the floor in one pass. With an interchangeable modular...

Rust or robust?(Editorial Comments)
February 1, 2004... If you're a regular reader of this column, you know it's a place where you can read about manufacturers with world-class, U.S.-based operations. If the cover icon about our company's support of American manufacturing directed you here for the...

Electric power systems generating powerful solutions.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2004... When you choose Caterpillar for your electric power needs, you have the power of total support that includes a range of quality products backed by technical expertise and full-service solutions. Caterpillar has been building engines and...

Permatex, Inc. a new company with a century of history.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2004... The Permatex[R] Brand has been a fixture in the industrial and automotive maintenance markets for almost a century. Known to provide customers with the highest quality, technology and services, Permatex is now proud to be an independent...

Kodak cuts workforce to focus on digital.(Industry Newsline)
February 1, 2004... Eastman Kodak Co. said the rapidly growing field of digital photography was behind its decision last month to slash its workforce by 20% and take up to $1.7 billion in charges over the next three years. The moves are part of the Rochester,...

Manufacturing productivity and costs, 3Q 2003.(Industry Newsline)
February 1, 2004... Manufacturing Productivity Costs, 3Q 2003 (Based on seasonally adjusted annual rates) Percent Change From Preceding Quarter Hourly Sector Productivity Output Hours Compensation...

States, Energy Dept. jointly fund energy-efficient projects.(Industry Newsline)
February 1, 2004... The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) last month announced it will help fund 13 large-scale energy-efficient projects in 31 states. Total funding will be nearly $17 million, $7 million of which will come from the DOE. The remainder will come from...

Helicopter maker anticipates strong sales to U.S. government.(Industry Newsline)
February 1, 2004... MD Helicopters in Mesa, AZ, last month delivered the first of what it expects will be 40 high-tech helicopters to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The $4.5 million MD Explorer model it delivered is the most technologically advanced...

2 plans proposed for Alaska natural-gas pipeline.(Industry Newsline)
February 1, 2004... The state of Alaska received two proposals last month for construction of a pipeline that would feed natural gas from Alaska's North Slope to the Midwestern U.S. The three major oil producers that hold rights to North Slope natural gas...

Harley-Davidson announces record '03.(Industry Newsline)
February 1, 2004... Motorcycle maker Harley-Davidson, Inc., announced record revenue and earnings last month for the fourth quarter and for the year 2003. According to the Milwaukee, WI-based manufacturer, 2003 was the 18th consecutive year the company broke...

National Manufacturing Week.
February 1, 2004... National Manufacturing Week events take place Feb. 23-26 at Chicago's McCormick Place complex. They include the National Plant Engineering and Facilities Management Show, the National Design Engineering Show, and the National Automation Show,...

American Society of Safety Engineers.
February 1, 2004... The American Society of Safety Engineers has announced its support for the Fire Sprinkler Incentive Act of 2003, under consideration by Congress at press time. The bill allows facility owners to depreciate the cost of a sprinkler system over...

Society of Manufacturing Engineers.
February 1, 2004... A new study from the Society of Manufacturing Engineers shows that 81% of traditional metalworking manufacturers in the Northeast work with plastics and other non-metal materials. Respondents said their ability to remain competitive would...

CPI Card Group.
February 1, 2004... CPI Card Group said it will relocate its plastic-card manufacturing operation from Los Angeles to North Las Vegas this month, and could employ as many as 300 workers in a new 155,000-sq.-ft. facility once it is fully operational. The...

Allied Services Group.
February 1, 2004... Allied Services Group (ASG), a Lebanon, OH-based engineering services company, has opened the Allied Training Center, a predictive maintenance training school, in Clinton, IN. Housed in a formet high-school gymnasium, the school will offer a...

Calendar.(Calendar)
February 1, 2004... * Feb. 22-24 * NRCA Annual Convention and Exhibit; San Diego, CA; National Roofing Contractors Assn.; 847-299-9070; nrca.net, * Feb. 23-26 * National Manufacturing Week; Chicago, IL; Reed Exhibition Cos.; 203-840-5451;...

Loctite[R]--the standard in proactive maintenance.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2004... Industrial Equipment, Reliability and Maintenance has taken several major steps forward in recent history, but nothing has had the impact on the quality and efficiency of maintenance programs like liquid threadlocking and thread scaling...

Join the world class: applying for awards like the Baldrige and the Shingo offer manufacturers a chance for feedback about their systems and, upon winning, a way to earn the world's respect.(Cover Story)
February 1, 2004... On November 26, 2003, Commerce Secretary Donald Evans announced the seven recipients of the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award. It was the highest number of Baldrige winners since the program began in 1988. Among them was...

New from 3M--urethane technology for concrete repair in as few as 15 minutes, prep to cure.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2004... Now a maintenance person can go anywhere inside or outside the plant or facility, reach into a toolbox and then with an easy squeeze repair concrete cracks and spalls fast and conveniently. Backed with more than 50 years experience in adhesive...

Lista International Corporation: solutions provider of plant operations storage for 35 years.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2004... For over three decades, Lista International Corporation has been providing solutions for a wide variety of plant operations and maintenance and repair storage challenges. Lista was founded in Switzerland in 1945, establishing U.S. operations in...

Flooring adhesive.(Buildings & Grounds)
February 1, 2004... NORDOT #113D is an environmentally friendly indoor adhesive that fights mold. It is low-hazard and VOC-compliant. It does not contain toxic or flammable solvents, nor does it contain any water that can cause waste disposal problems. It is used...

Roof ripper.(Buildings & Grounds)
February 1, 2004... The Razor-Back roof ripper is available in two models. The Lo-Shock model features a shock-absorbing mechanism in the "D" grip to reduce impact, a bent tool shaft, and a multi-position fore grip. The standard model was designed for use on flat...

Rooftop support system.(Buildings & Grounds)
February 1, 2004... The C-Port series is made from recycled rubber. Designed to be non-penetrative and weighted to eliminate floating, it supports piping systems, HVAC equipment and conduit applications. All supports are UV-resistant and approved for any type of...

Floor-covering scraper.(Buildings & Grounds)
February 1, 2004... The FCS16 Rip-R-Stripper is an electric-powered floor-covering scraper. It is suitable for removing ceramic tile, linoleum and mastics. With an exciter unit mounted directly to the driveshaft, the scraper uses downward force to bore into and...

Pouring spout.(Buildings & Grounds)
February 1, 2004... The CPS pouring spout snaps on to 1-gal. paint cans. It features a magnetic holder that grips the brush by its ferrule and a snap-in polyethylene can cover. The spout comes in neon colors. Clip strips are also available. Allway Tools, Inc....

Snow-melting pellets.(Buildings & Grounds)
February 1, 2004... The non-corrosive, tiny, pure white, crystalline pellets create radiant heat that is unleashed spontaneously upon contact with ice and snow. It is effective down to -60 degrees F when rock salt won't work. The pellets can be used after snowfall...

Surface grinder.(Buildings & Grounds)
February 1, 2004... The SG24/GHP proppane-powered surface grinder breaks up soft to hard surface deposits: It cleans, polish and exposes aggregate slabs. It is also useful for removing floor coatings, such as urethanes. The grinder is powered by an 11-hp Honda...

Sealing compound.(Buildings & Grounds)
February 1, 2004... SEALTIGHT CS-309-25 acrylic curing and sealing compound is a clear, transparent, ready-to-apply, liquid compound that cures and seals freshly placed concrete. It minimizes premature cracking, dusting, spalling and other common defects. The...

New era of CNC maintenance is PC-based.(Tech Check)
February 1, 2004... When the first-shift supervisor for the strut-machining department arrives at his office each day, one of his first tasks is to check e-mail. Not only does he want to see if anyone in his building has sent something important to him, he wants...

Transporter.(Product News)
February 1, 2004... The Brute reengineered Model 850 air-operated transporter moves more than 500 lbs. of load. Multiple trays mount to a single unit, replacing conventional belt conveyors. The unit can remove scrap beneath machines. Vibro Industries Use...

Power module.(Product News)
February 1, 2004... The SCTM Series power module is a pin-for-pin replacement DC-DC converter featuring an open-frame construction. These modules, an alternative to the THD product, are for applications where a small profile and footprint are required. Tyco...

Static hose.(Product News)
February 1, 2004... These static dissipative hoses transfer powders, smoke and combustible materials. Two types are offered: the SDH, with urethane construction and smooth interior; and the UFD-SD, made of clear polyurethane, reinforced with a wire helix, ...

Low-cost CMMS software.(CMMS Solutions)
February 1, 2004... Readers often ask me for advice on low-cost CMMS packages. I hesitate to make recommendations because I have limited knowledge of this sector. Most consultants may share this limitation since we typically deal with maintenance operations...

Solids pump.(Pumps)
February 1, 2004... The G3 pump for solids features a bridge breaker anti-bridging mechanism which operates at speeds independent of the pump's rotational speed. A single-auger feed mechanism moves the product through an extension tube to the pump element. The...

Drum pump.(Pumps)
February 1, 2004... Constructed of cast iron and fitted carbon vanes, the pump has a 1-in. suction port and a 3/4-in. NPT discharge port for connectivity. Designed for the transfer and dispensing of gasoline, lubricating oil and other non-corrosive liquids, the...

Industrial pump.(Pumps)
February 1, 2004... The D10/G10 series of industrial pumps feature diaphragm-position-control (DPC) technology. The pumps can control the position of the diaphragm under adverse inlet conditions to protect against rupture. DPC technology can be retrofitted on...

Peristaltic pump.(Pumps)
February 1, 2004... The high-pressure 620 close-coupled peristaltic pump transfers aggressive fluids such as sulfuric acid, which is commonly pumped through plant condensers. Fluids remain within the smooth pump tubing throughout the entire pumping cycle to avoid...

Schweizer Dipple saves time, money with portable RIDGID[R] 920 roll groover at Ben Venue Labs project site.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2004... When mechanical contractor Schweizer Dipple was given the opportunity to use a new RIDGID 920 roll groover before it was available to the market, they jumped at the chance to put the new piece of equipment to test at its large project site for...

Servomotor.(Power Transmission Equipment)
February 1, 2004... * The Kollmorgen AKM servomotor features an electromagnetic design with a global feature for motor application requirements * Available in seven frame sizes with 25 stack/frame combinations, 77 standard windings, and 19 different mounting...

Clutch-brake.(Power Transmission Equipment)
February 1, 2004... * Posidyne X Series oil-shear clutch/brakes come in four standard models: X1, X2, X3 and X4 * Torque ratings range from 100 to 1000 in./lb. and fitting drives up to 10 hp * A 200 cpm cycle time is not unusual; 400+ cpm is possible ...

Soft starter.(Power Transmission Equipment)
February 1, 2004... * The MCD 200 series soft starters covers the 7.5-110 kW (10-150 hp) power range * Heat dissipation eliminates need for extra ventilation * No bypass connectors required * Add-on modules include serial communication and the ability...

Relay with motor protection.(Power Transmission Equipment)
February 1, 2004... * The SEL-749M relay features motor protection for three-phase motors * Base relay inputs/outputs are expandable from 2 inputs/3 outputs to 5 inputs/7 outputs, plus a 4-20 mA analog output * As many as 23 nonvolatile 15-cycle filtered...

Stepper motor.(Power Transmission Equipment)
February 1, 2004... * The 34 high-torque stepper motor delivers up to 1200 oz.-in. of holding torque wrapped in a compact 3.38-in. square package size * Standard motor lengths are 2.60, 3.78, or 4.96 in. * Engineered options include rapid prototyping,...

DC-DC converter.(Power Transmission Equipment)
February 1, 2004... * The 859 series DIN rail-mount DC-DC converters are 6.2-mm wide * Offered in three voltage ranges * The 12V-24V, used in remote locations, can produce 24V DC at up to 250mA from a 12-V source * The 24V-5V produces 5 VDC at up to...

AC drive.(Power Transmission Equipment)
February 1, 2004... * The Lenze brand of smd AC drives features controlled start, overload protection and removable memory chip * The input voltage tolerance is +10/-15%; the input frequency tolerance is 42-62 Hz * Some unit power ratings range from from...

Timing belt.(Power Transmission Equipment)
February 1, 2004... * Conti Synchroflex, Synchrodrive, Polyflat and Conti N 10 are among the polyurethane (PU-plastic) timing belts available for industrial power transmission * Different plastic compounds and steel cords available * Belt profile styles...

Valve diagnostic system.(Product News)
February 1, 2004... The new DDL (Drive Diagnostic Link) pneumatic-valve diagnostic system facilitates the basic operation of valve units. It offers detailed monitoring of the electrical control system, checking every valve, using criteria such as tolerance of the...

Energy system.(Product News)
February 1, 2004... The ENI 415 is a combined heat-and-power on-site energy system, rated at up to 356 kW. It is suited for base-load and waste-heat utilization (combined heat and power) applications. It can also support peak- and full-load requirements, providing...

Multimeter.(Product News)
February 1, 2004... The EZ-View variable-area flow meter measures air and other compressed gases. Constructed of high-impact, polysulfone plastic, the unit uses few moving parts, offering a trouble-free flow-rate indicator. Hedland Flow Meters Use...

Patching compound.(Product News)
February 1, 2004... Ultra Quartz is a heavy-duty floor-patching system that resists chemicals as well as abrasion. The compound, a solid, silica-filled epoxy putty, can be used to repair vertical and overhead surfaces, and protect against acids, alkalis, water,...

Filter maintenance tips and techniques.(Tech Check)
February 1, 2004... Air filters are found in many industrial applications, from HVAC and industrial-process air systems to paint-spray booths. Filtration is at the heart of indoor air quality (IAQ), keeping production environments clean and free from the dust and...

New pig--your partner for a clean and safe workplace.(Corporate Profile)
February 1, 2004... Meet New Pig. In 1985 New Pig invented and patented the world's first contained absorbent--the PIG[R] Absorbent Sock--and revolutionized the industrial cleanup industry. Today New Pig has grown into a multi-channel, multi-brand supplier of...

Servo motion control.(Show Preview: National Manufacturing Week)
February 1, 2004... These servo motion controls feature MintMT Multi-Tasking software which integrates functions of motion control, I/0 handling, communications, networking and operator interface. The controls offer common user interface from both the software...

Insulated tool.(Show Preview: National Manufacturing Week)
February 1, 2004... Offered individually or in convenient multi-piece sets, the line of insulated screwdrivers, nutdrivers, pliers, and cutters are for electricians and maintenance professionals. The cutters and pliers feature an orange outer surface handle that...

Thread treatment stick.(Show Preview: National Manufacturing Week)
February 1, 2004... The five-product line includes threadlocking, thread sealing and anti-seize formulas in semi-solid stick form. With color-coded caps, the thread-treatment stinks are cincinnati to complement their liquid counterparts. They are suitable for...

Thermometer.(Show Preview: National Manufacturing Week)
February 1, 2004... The PhotoTemp MX6 integrated infrared thermometer and digital camera takes noncontact temperature measurements while documenting them with digital photographs. It features the TrueSpot coaxial laser sighting system. The time, date, temperature...

Lever hoist.(Show Preview: National Manufacturing Week)
February 1, 2004... The LB lever hoist features a low-headroom design and educed size and handle length. Recommended for heavy-duty manufacturing, shipbuilding and day-to-day maintenance and repair. Corrosion-resistant load chain is standard. Harrington Hoists and...

Infrared camera.(Show Preview: National Manufacturing Week)
February 1, 2004... The IR FlexCam infrared camera is designed around an uncooled microbolometer IR detector to pinpoint and document electrical and mechanical faults. The user can rotate the camera lens and scan awkwardly positioned targets with the 180...

Safety system.(Show Preview: February 23-26, Chicago, IL)
February 1, 2004... The PNOZmulti, a modular safety system and the Safety BUSp, an open fieldbus system, work in concert with PSEN non-contact safety solenoid switches. They are suitable for food and pharmaceutical applications with stringent hygiene requirements....

Linear guide system.(Show Preview: February 23-26, Chicago, IL)
February 1, 2004... The DryLin W linear guide system is lightweight, self-lubricating, maintenance-free and contaminant-resistant. It is available as a combination of two supported round shafts in one profile or in a split-rail configuration. Options include...

Conveyor chain.(Show Preview: February 23-26, Chicago, IL)
February 1, 2004... IWIS high-performance chains are suited for conveyor and equipment-related applications in bottling, packaging and manufacturing. Included among the many types of IWIS pre-stretched chains are MEGAlife maintenance-free roller and conveyor...

Pipe gasket.(Show Preview: February 23-26, Chicago, IL)
February 1, 2004... This universal pipe gasket enables users to standardize gasket applications across steel, glass-lined steel, and FRP systems wherever a non-metallic gasket can be used. Unaffected by aggressive chemicals, the gasket is engineered to deliver...

Ultrasonics helps imaging service find air leaks, electrical disturbances.(Field Report)
February 1, 2004... The combination of rising energy costs, federal and state emissions regulations, and tight production schedules has turned growing numbers of facility managers to outside service providers for such tasks as periodic compressed-air surveys and...

Controller.(Product News)
February 1, 2004... The DMC-31x3 flexible-distributed controller is designed for machines requiring multi-axis controllers operating in a distributed network. This Ethernet-based controller can handle complex tasks of motion coordination, including linear and...

Ethernet switch.(Product News)
February 1, 2004... The five-port Ethernet switch is designed for use in industrial applications. Internal intelligence enables "connect and go" operation, facilitating network installation with auto-negotiation, full/half-duplex flow control, and crossover signal...

EXIT signs.(Product News)
February 1, 2004... Photoluminescent UL924-aluminum EXIT signs are available framed or unframed. Choose from red, black or green signs with glowing letters. Signs are suited for flat-wall mount or come with accessories for ceiling or sidewall mount. They get...

Liquid level gauges.(Product News)
February 1, 2004... These liquid level gauges offer a rugged milled aluminum construction with a staked-end body design to handle any industrial fluid level application. They can be used to view oil levels in hydraulic reservoirs, gearboxes, crankcases and...

Panel meter.(Product News)
February 1, 2004... The PMA Digital 280 panel meter, with built-in input signal features push-button calibration and configuration. It also features a first-order mathematical filter with adjustable time and bandwidth to suppress signal noise. Analog outputs...

Jigsaw.(Product News)
February 1, 2004... The 1590EVSK jigsaw features the precision-control blade guide system to control blade wander. The system incorporates an additional clamp to grasp the blade lower. The constant response circuitry provides a softstart for cut-line alignment,...

Adhesive tape.(Product News)
February 1, 2004... TunnelTape is a zone-coated tape, containing adhesive on the right and left sides, but not in the middle. This creates a "tunnel" for cables and cords that keeps them clean. It comes in 3-, 4- or 6-in. widths for various cord sizes or cable...

Wire-mesh shelving.(Racks & Shelving)
February 1, 2004... Wire-mesh decking and light-duty shelving can be used to store finished goods, works-in-progress or component parts, Using 4-gage, welded-wire construction with speckle-gray powder-coated finish, the wire-mesh design is rigid and offers product...

Shelving system.(Racks & Shelving)
February 1, 2004... Storage system featuring Stak-N-Store containers and shelving units is now available. The easy-to-assemble shelving is constructed from 22-gage steel with a baked enamel finish and adjustable compression clips that secure shelves. A closed base...

Storage-rack repair kit.(Racks & Shelving)
February 1, 2004... The one-piece repair kit performs cut-and-weld repairs to damaged frames in pallet rack systems. Using hydraulic jacking equipment to raise the frame, maintenance personnel can replace damaged components with the pre-assembled frame sections....

Storage system.(Racks & Shelving)
February 1, 2004... System allows users to roll out shelf, pick up needed item with the over head cantilevered monorail crane, and love it to work area. Shelf sizes are available in capacities up to 40,000 lbs. per shelf. The system can increase floor space and...

Low-rider cart.(Product News)
February 1, 2004... This cart can handle a tall container, lower the pivot point, and tip the container. If the container rides low, the pivot point takes the container within 9 in. off the floor. A notched frame locks the cart into place. Topper Industrial...

Enclosure.(Product News)
February 1, 2004... Plugglt! Fiberglass Hole Plug Assembly seals any hole either from incorrect drilling or intentional drilling for later use. It is especially adapted for electrical enclosures, tank walls, HVAC duct work, and all other applications. The assembly...

Flowmeter.(Product News)
February 1, 2004... Air and gas flowmeters are available in three models that cover a range of flow rates. They are precision-machined from solid blocks of aluminum or stainless steel to handle line pressures. The pointer is magnetically coupled to the flow...

Machine vision seminar.(Training Aids)
February 1, 2004... 'Understanding and Applying MachineVision Sensors" is a half-day seminar that will show how vision sensors can perform automated inspection tasks. Designed as an introduction for factory automation professionals, each seminar combines a machine...

Safety seminars.(Training Aids)
February 1, 2004... Eight workplace safety seminars designed for general industry will be offered at the OSHA training and education center at Georgia Tech Research Corp., Atlanta. Topics include prevention of amputaions; exposure to lead and silica; ergonomics;...

Maintenance planning seminar.(Training Aids)
February 1, 2004... Learn the how, the when, and the why of improving your maintenance effort. New Standard Institute's sessions on "Maintenance Planning and Scheduling" and 'Leadership Skills for Maintenance" will be held in New Orleans, March 22-26. Cost is...

Educational sessions at Quality Expo.(Training Aids)
February 1, 2004... Free educational sessions will be offered at the Quality Expo Detroit, held June 9-10, 2004, at the Novi Expo Center in Novi, MI. Dale Earnhardt, Inc.'s, engine development engineer, Charles Jenkes, will present he keynote address. A two-day...

Coating products extend cooling-pump life at power plant.(Field Report)
February 1, 2004... Brackish water does a number on metal. As it circulates through massive cooling pumps at the Brandon Shores Power Plant near Baltimore, MD, it erodes the cast-iron casings, impeller blades and other parts. Jeff Jensen is an engineering...