Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation articles from February 2005

Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation archives from February 2005

Penetrating oil.
February 1, 2005... Kroil penetrating oil loosens rusted nuts and bolts, and frees frozen shafts and pulleys. It propels itself and creeps into millionth-inch spaces, dissolves rust, lubricates, cleans, and prevents rust. It displaces moisture and does not harm...

Alignment system.
February 1, 2005... Rotalign ULTRA features a scratchproof backlit color screen and backlit keyboard suitable for a variety of conditions. Navigation guides the user through any alignment task from simple pump/motor connections through complex machine trains of up...

Threadlocking gel.
February 1, 2005... Threadlocker Gel, with its Gel Twist pin-point applicator, is suitable for hard-to-reach and vertical applications. The gel locks and seals while preventing parts from loosening. It protects threads from corrosion, cures in about 15 minutes,...

For tsunami survivors and the world.(Editorial Comments)
February 1, 2005... A Procter and Gamble product called PUR is on duty right now in the tsunami-ravaged areas of Sri Lanka and Indonesia. It's a powder that, when mixed with dirty water, makes it drinkable. It sounds like science fiction, but Greg Allgood, PhD,...

'04 Baldrige recipients include two-time manufacturer winner.(Industry Newsline)
February 1, 2005... President Bush and Commerce Secretary Don Evans announced four recipients of the 2004 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award late last year. Among them is Texas Nameplate Co., Inc., who won the 1998 Baldrige in the small-business category. The...

Ford boosts workers' '04 bonuses.(Industry Newsline)
February 1, 2005... Ford Motor Co. said last month that each of its 76,000 U.S. hourly workers will receive a 2004 profit-sharing check for $600, which is more than three times last year's payout. The gain is a result of the automaker's sevenfold jump in net 2004...

Merger will create largest industrial union in North America.(Industry Newsline)
February 1, 2005... The boards of the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) and the Paper, Allied Industrial, Chemical and Energy Workers International Union (PACE) voted unanimously last month to merge. If approved by members, the merger will create the largest...

Report says global warming nearing critical point.(Industry Newsline)
February 1, 2005... A report released last month by an international climate-change task force says global warming is approaching the critical point of no return, after which widespread drought, crop failure and rising sea-levels would be irreversible. "Meeting...

Michigan leads industrialized states in unemployment.(Industry Newsline)
February 1, 2005... Michigan's jobless rate climbed to 7.3% in December, a new high for the year. More than 369,000 Michigan residents were out of work, reducing the number of people working in the state to a 2004 low of 4.6 million. Michigan's percentage of...

Lift maker moves to larger facility.(Industry Newsline)
February 1, 2005... Pflow Industries, Inc., a Milwaukee, WI-based maker of custom vertical lift products, moved into a newer, 116,000-sq.-ft plant within the city late last year. The employee-owned company had occupied a smaller, turn-of-the-century facility since...

Chrysler will invest $419 million in Illinois plant.(Industry Newsline)
February 1, 2005... DaimlerChrysler's Chrysler Group said last month it will invest $419 million in its Belvidere (IL) Assembly Plant, as well as add a second shift and up to 1,000 jobs at the facility. The investment at the 40-year-old plant will be used to...

National Association of Manufacturers.
February 1, 2005... The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) said last month it will push for a variety of pro-manufacturing legislative actions with the new, 109th Congress. According to NAM president John Engler, the group will also back efforts to make...

Toyota.
February 1, 2005... Toyota said last month it produced a record number of vehicles (1,443,889) and engines (1,273,437) at its North American manufacturing facilities in 2004. The company has five vehicle assembly plants in North America, and is building a pickup...

Illinois Tool Works (ITW), a Glenview, IL-based maker of fasteners and components, has acquired Permatex, Inc.
February 1, 2005... Illinois Tool Works (ITW), a Glenview, IL-based maker of fasteners and components, has acquired Permatex, Inc., a Hartford, CT-based producer of sealants and adhesives for automotive and MRO markets. Permatex will become a subsidiary of ITW...

The Raymond Corp.
February 1, 2005... George Raymond Jr., president of The Raymond Corp. from 1953 to 1977, and chairman from 1978 to 1994, died last month at age 83. Under his leadership, the Greene, NY-based lift track maker grew from $5 million to $230 million in annual...

Caterpillar, Inc.
February 1, 2005... Caterpillar, Inc., has reported record sales of $30.25 billion and record profits of $2.03 billion for 2004. Jim Owens, chairman of the Peoria, IL-based maker of construction and mining equipment, called the year "one of the most remarkable" in...

Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society.
February 1, 2005... The Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society (ISA) said it will merge with the Open Modular Architecture Controls Users' Group (OMAC). According to the Research Triangle Park, NC-based industry group, the merger will be complete by...

Calendar.(Calendar)
February 1, 2005... * Feb. 7-9 * AHR Expo; Orlando, FL; American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers; 201-221-9232; ahrexpo.com. * Mar. 1-3 * HOUSTEX 2005; Houston, TX; Society of Manufacturing Engineers; 800-733-4763; sme.org. ...

Maintenance scorecards: measure what you manage: scorecards offer an easy way to track and evaluate maintenance effectiveness. Here's how to put them to work in any industrial environment.(Cover Story)
February 1, 2005... Industrial maintenance is getting Beyond the days when it was called to action only when equipment failed. Plant managers know that maintenance plays a key role not only in equipment uptime, but in production and overall plant efficiency....

Greases.(National Manufacturing Week March 7-10, Chicago, IL)
February 1, 2005... Molykote HP-300 and HP-500 specialty greases are designed to lubricate bearings, gears, chains, and sliding mechanisms. The greases are suitable in harsh conditions containing corrosives, liquefied nitrogen or gas, high loads and temperatures....

Meters.(National Manufacturing Week March 7-10, Chicago, IL)
February 1, 2005... Series 1000A and 800A clamp meters are available. Each 1000A clamp features a built-in, non-contact infrared thermometer with laser pointer to monitor temperature and locate hot spots on motors and electrical devices. Each meter in the 800A...

Stairs.(National Manufacturing Week March 7-10, Chicago, IL)
February 1, 2005... The conventional stair line includes the original alternating tread stair, mobile stairs, crossover systems, exit and intermediate platforms, safety gates, and the conventional stair. Built-to-order products are available in carbon steel with a...

Switch disconnect.(National Manufacturing Week March 7-10, Chicago, IL)
February 1, 2005... The SD1 and SD2 series of non-fused disconnects allow breaking and disconnecting on equipment loads of up to 600 VAC, at a nominal current range. Both series are DIN rail or panel-mountable and feature high breaking capacity, double break...

Work gloves.(National Manufacturing Week March 7-10, Chicago, IL)
February 1, 2005... March 5 Impact and Wrenchworx Impact a silicone gel-embedded palm designed to dampen energy from material also protects users from the collision energy Caused by tool use. These gloves do not stretch, shrink or harden when Ironclad...

Storage wall.(National Manufacturing Week March 7-10, Chicago, IL)
February 1, 2005... The Storage Wall is a modular drawer, shelf, and roll-out tray storage system, available in standard and shallow depths. A variety of different drawer heights provide storage for a range of items, from small parts to large tools. With full...

Oil-removal system.(National Manufacturing Week March 7-10, Chicago, IL)
February 1, 2005... SKIMZOIL is an oil-removal system that removes free-floating oils from washers, coolant sumps, and other process tanks. It pulls off floating oils without removing water and chemicals to the process tank. A floating suction head pulls these...

Rugged computer.(National Manufacturing Week March 7-10, Chicago, IL)
February 1, 2005... The convertible Toughbook CF-18 notebook/pen tablet PC models utilize Intel Centrino mobile technology and pentium M processor. They feature a tilting-and swiveling display panel that closes over the unit's keyboard to become a functional...

Clamping components.(National Manufacturing Week March 7-10, Chicago, IL)
February 1, 2005... Tube clamping components are used to construct fixtures, machine guard units, equipment bases, using standard round and square tubing. One-piece split clamp connectors and multi-part clamps, consisting of two or more separate parts, do not...

Flow meter.(National Manufacturing Week March 7-10, Chicago, IL)
February 1, 2005... The HTTF Transit Time Ultrasonic Clamp-on flow meter uses time-of-flight ultrasonic technology to measure flow of liquids. The meters are designed to replace mechanical flow meters in applications where liquid conditions tend to damage or...

Ratchet.(National Manufacturing Week March 7-10, Chicago, IL)
February 1, 2005... The Ratch-a-Nut is a 9-in-1 screwdriver/nutdriver that ratchets from both ends. It features a connector wrench that works with every type of twist-on electrical wire connector. It is made of all steel components and will handle up to 700 lbs....

Roof-repair system.(National Manufacturing Week March 7-10, Chicago, IL)
February 1, 2005... ELASTI-GARD is a metal-roof repair system that combines urethane with an acrylic to seal and waterproof. Because of its elastic properties, it stretches as the roof expands, and contracts without breaking or splitting. A primer is used on...

Cart.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... This cart delivers parts to the assembly line and takes away finished product. Each is equipped with six casters: two central casters and a pair of casters on each side. Carts can be linked and towed by electric tuggers. Topper Industrial...

Potting compound.(New Products)
February 1, 2005... Ceramacast 675 is a fine-grain, aluminum nitride-filled, thermally conductive compound. It is suitable for potting high-temperature electrical components such as thermocouples. Supplied in powder form, the compound comes in 1-qt., 1-gal. and...

Vacuum accessories.(News Product)
February 1, 2005... These accessories are suitable for lifters, pick-and-place systems, packaging, and other vacuum equipment used for general industrial applications. They include: energy-saving vacuum valves, swivel joints, and level compensators for vertical...

Anti-vibration mounts.(Products News)
February 1, 2005... The AM 2100/4100 series of anti-vibration mounts are suitable for precision leveling and vibration damping in wet and corrosive environments. The mounts, which can be adjusted to pitched surfaces, feature shock-absorbing rubber soles to prevent...

Maintenance cart.(Products News)
February 1, 2005... Constructed from 12-gauge steel, this all-welded maintenance cart features two rigid and two swivel, mold-on rubber casters, and a floor lock. One side has two adjustable shelves; a handle is located on the side for steering. It ships fully...

Compactor.(Products News)
February 1, 2005... The PowerPactor roller compactor, designed for chemical applications, features four sizes. A Combi-Vent Hopper vacuum system feeds lightweight materials including silica, silicid acid, and acetylene dust. All units feature a "clamshell" design,...

Multimeter.(Product News)
February 1, 2005... The compact PM55 is a pocket-sized, portable multimeter. It features VolTect, a built-in AC volt detector, and AutoTect that directs meter measure. The instrument provides AC and DC voltage, current, resistance, capacitance and frequency, and...

Fire control.(Products News)
February 1, 2005... The IntelliKnight 5700 Fire Control Communicator provides digital-fire reporting over telephone lines. It supports up to 50 addressable devices to pinpoint which device has been activated or needs attention. It features a distributed power...

Screwdriver system.(Products News)
February 1, 2005... The Retract-A-Bit Hex self-storing hex-head screwdriver system features changeable, integral bits. Select the desired bit, and slide its button into place. A locking collar stabilizes during use. To change bits, depress the collar and retract...

Loctite[R]--the standard in proactive maintenance.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... Industrial Equipment, Reliability and Maintenance have 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 sealing...

Do you need an MES?(IT Insights)
February 1, 2005... Commercial software packages are generally classified by the functionality they support. Each package type can usually be further delineated by the industries, operation sizes and hardware platforms it supports. Specialization rules this...

Outdoor lighting.(Buildings & Grounds)
February 1, 2005... The Stonco Floodpak, an outdoor lighting fixture made of die-cast aluminum features flood, cutoff and forward-throw lighting distributions. It can be used as a cut-off wallpak, tilted 22 degrees for a semi-cut-off, or tilted to 45 degrees for...

Roll-up door.(Buildings & Grounds)
February 1, 2005... The Power-Roll is a motorized, roll-up, heavy-duty vinyl door, suitable for room separation, and environmental control in rugged conditions. Double baffle under valence prevents pests from entering, and can also discourage intruders. With the...

Mower.(Buildings & Grounds)
February 1, 2005... The Super Z diesel turf mower features a dual hydrostatic traction-drive system with individual pumps to power two direct-drive wheel motors. Liquid-cooled, auto-reversing fans automatically clear radiator and oil-cooler core. The heavy-duty...

Floor tiles.(Buildings & Grounds)
February 1, 2005... The industrial Tuff-Seal line of interlocking floor tiles uses a hidden interlock system that produces a flush and invisible seam between tiles. No adhesive, special tools or installation expertise are required. Tiles are available in four...

Wired glass.(Buildings & Grounds)
February 1, 2005... Pilkington Pyroshield Plus wired glass offers impact safety in addition to fire protection. The product is formed by taking traditional wired glass and laminating it with a special interlayer to another layer of clear glass. It carries fire...

Krylon[R] Industrial: provides innovative solutions to all your challenges.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... Krylon Products Group provides a full palette of solutions to meet all your industrial painting challenges, addressing issues like safety and durability while simultaneously providing long-term performance. That's because the Krylon[R]...

Infrared Solutions, Inc.: providing complete thermal imaging solutions for industrial predictive maintenance, building sciences and R&D.(Corporate Profile)
February 1, 2005... Infrared Solutions, Inc. (ISI) of Minneapolis, Minnesota has been providing innovative, affordable and easy-to-use infrared cameras, analysis and reporting software and operator training for industry since 1994 when they introduced the world's...

Conveyor meets need to cleanly move mixed, dried foods.(Field Report)
February 1, 2005... GloryBee Foods, founded in "1975 as a one-man operation selling honey, is a Eugene, OR-based manufacturer and distributor of organic food products. The family-run business still sells honey, as well as spices, herbs, trail mixes, flours,...

Torque-Flange Sensor.(Predictive Maintenance)
February 1, 2005... The TF Sensor is suitable for the predictive maintenance of transmissions, powertrains, wind generators and gas turbines. It monitors the friction or drag on a drive train, and can compare test results against known standard conditions. ...

Laser-alignment system.(Predictive Maintenance)
February 1, 2005... The Shaft Hog laser-alignment system for measurement and alignment of coupled rotating machines features a wide laser line. Projected to the laser detector, the operator can "visualize" the misalignment condition. VibrAlign, Inc. Use...

Power supply.(Predictive Maintenance)
February 1, 2005... The S8VS switch-mode power supply features an LED display that displays a lifetime monitor and a run-time monitor. For predictive maintenance purposes, the networked power supply can indicate what corrective action to take. Omron...

I/O modules.(Predictive Maintenance)
February 1, 2005... Six modules that expand the I/O capabilities of the CompactRIO plat form for industrial vibration monitoring and control are available. Users can perform high-fidelity acoustic and vibration measurements, achieve analog input sampling rates,...

Wiring troubleshooter.(Predictive Maintenance)
February 1, 2005... The ATSL LAN Toner 2 identifies and troubleshoots building wiring systems, providing diagnostics on how to maintain them. Features include digital interaction with LAN hubs and switches, splitable-tone connections, and a telephone service...

Battery testing.(Predictive Maintenance)
February 1, 2005... The BITE 3 Battery Impedance Test Set is a predictive instrument that measures the overall health of batteries. It tracks float and ripple current, internal impedance, cell voltage and resistance. It comes with software to analyze battery data....

Corrosion detection.(Predictive Maintenance)
February 1, 2005... CorrTran corrosion detection for intrinsically safe (IS) application, features a two-wire loop-powered signal with HART protocol that allow users to monitor online and in real-time the effectiveness of corrosion inhibitors. It also detects and...

Infrared tells more than temperature.(Tech Check)
February 1, 2005... Investments in infrared thermography will return handsomely when used as part of a well-planned maintenance program. Unfortunately, many companies don't get such returns because managers fail to understand the basics of the technology and the...

Manufacturing excellence: are we there? Specialty chemicals manufacturer Rohm and Haas Co. has reinvigorated its Manufacturing Excellence initiative, to better compete in a tough marketplace.(Guest Feature)
February 1, 2005... Global competition, maturing markets, over-capacity plants, increasing environmental pressure, and rising raw material prices continue to challenge chemical-industry profitability. Poorer returns, slower growth and lower margins have dimmed...

Schweizer Dipple saves time, money with portable RIDGID[R] 920 roll groover at Ben Venue labs project site.(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... 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...

Traverse winding drive.(Power Transmission Equipment)
February 1, 2005... * The Uhing RGK3-20 rolling ring traverse drive offers 110-130 Newtons axial thrust * Linear pitch control mechanism is continuously adjustable from 1.0 mm through 12 mm * Variable traversing speeds range from 0 m/s to a maximum of 4.2...

Turbine generator.(Power Transmission Equipment)
February 1, 2005... * GPB180, the largest of four models of turbine generators, produces power outputs from 1,072 kW to 17,000 kW * Heat recovery ranges from 11.1 to 79.5 MMBtu/hr * Recoverable exhaust energy can produce over 72,000 Ibs. of saturated...

DC motor.(Power Transmission Equipment)
February 1, 2005... * The PM108 1/3-hp compact DC motor delivers 90VDC at 2500 RPM and 130 in.-lb. start/stall * It is offered in two lengths: the PM10816 at 7.55 in. or PM10818 at 8.61 in. * An output shaft, measuring 1/2 in., and Class B rating with...

Industrial drive.(Power Transmission Equipment)
February 1, 2005... * The H2 drive horsepower ranges from 1 hp through 60 hp * Ambient condition: -10 to 45 degrees C at 90% max RH noncondensing relative humidity * Voltage input ratings = 200-240 VAC +/- 10%; 340-480 VAC +/- 10%; 575-600 VAC +/- 10% ...

VFD AC drive.(Power Transmission Equipment)
February 1, 2005... * The SECO-branded Bronco VFD series variable frequency AC drive can output 230VAC to a motor from a 115VAC power supply * Dual-voltage inverter is available up to 1.5 hp * Adjustable 4-16kHz carrier frequency; 16kHz switching frequency...

Drum motor.(Power Transmission Equipment)
February 1, 2005... * Drum motor with steel gears reduces noise levels to 50dB * Diameters range from 3.18 to 12.6 in. and face widths from 7.8 to 67 in. * Drive motors are rated from 0.11 to 7.5 hp * Belt speeds range from 23 to 1,369 ft. per minute....

Lamp crusher.(MRO Toolbox)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... The Premium Bulb Eater[TM] not only crushes fluorescent lamps of any length into 100% recyclable material, but also captures over 99.99% of the vapors released! The system, which is mounted to a 55-gallon container, can hold up to 1350 4'...

Technical training materials.(MRO Toolbox)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... Since 1898, American Tech has been developing the finest training materials for technical training. Featured topics include building and electrical trades, maintenance, welding, HVAC, and related areas. American Tech materials promote learning...

Chemical maintenance products.(MRO Toolbox)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... CRC Industries is offering a 68-page, full color catalog that details the company's chemical maintenance products. Included in the comprehensive catalog are sections on precision cleaners, heavy duty cleaner/degreasers, lubricants, corrosion...

The HammerTek Smart Elbow[R].(MRO Toolbox)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... The HammerTek Smart Elbow[R] is the only elbow on the market that conveys by deflection rather than impact. Impact elbows simply cause damage to material and elbow walls. A constantly rotating self-renewing ball of material forms in the chamber...

Solutions for RPM and inspection.(MRO Toolbox)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... Monarch Instrument has all you need to measure speed and vibration. Portable Laser Tachometers r Panel Tachometers with matching Sensors. alarms, analog outputs, TTL pulse and RS-232. Portable Stroboscopes for diagnostic inspection with...

Crack*Stix[TM] direct heat "rubberized" crack & joint sealant.(MRO Toolbox)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... Now for the first time, Industry professionals can get contractor-type results in 3 easy steps using 3 tools; Clean it... Pack it... Melt it. Crack*Stix[TM] comes in 1/2 inch round size. It's user friendly & Ready-To-Use: no mixing, nothing...

CECO--lit guide 2005.(MRO Toolbox)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... CECO components for Ingersoll-Rand XLE compressors are fully engineered for superior efficiency and a longer, trouble-free operating life. Manufactured and designed in Houston and meet or exceed OEM Specifications. A CECO part of the XLE...

Brains and brawn in the body of a jib.(MRO Toolbox)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... Your solution for precision lifting in low headroom and obstructed work cells is here. Check out Gorbel's new Easy Arm[TM], incorporating the lifting power of a machine, the flexibility and responsiveness of a human operator and the versatility...

Provide hand safety & reduce glove loss.(MRO Toolbox)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... Glove Guard[R] and Utility Guard Two quality products with Two Goals: 1) reduce hand injuries by keeping gloves available at all times and 2) equally important, reduce glove loss and replacement cost. Fits PPE & VPP programs with a safety...

Hydraulic flanges and mounting kits.(MRO Toolbox)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... Forty-page Catalog 42 highlights extensive family of SAE-style and square hydraulic flanges and mounting kits. Includes size tables with flange numbers and dimensional drawings, flange welding specifications, metrics, and information about...

Brushing tools to meet your applications.(MRO Toolbox)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... This year Schaefer Brush is celebrating 100 years of continued service! We are a quality manufacture of brushes and brush systems, to meet your standard or custom application. For technical information, please contact our very knowledgeable and...

AirData multimeter.(MRO Toolbox)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... The AirData multimeter, portable microprocessor controlled, multifunction micromanometer, features unparalleled accuracy in the measure temperature. A reading-averaging, time-weighted software program features an automatic mode, sequential...

SSPC: the best defense against corrosion.(MRO Toolbox)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... If you've got corrosion problems and can't seem to find the solution, contact SSPC: The Society for Protective Coatings. For over 50 years, we've literally been creating the standards for the industrial painting industry. Knowing paint is our...

Ergonomic solutions guide.(MRO Toolbox)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... This booklet reveals how to solve factory problems related to ergonomics. Contains information on lifters, tilters, work positioners, and carousels. Each insert will give an overall view of the products, its applications, design specs, and...

Degreasing solution.(MRO Toolbox)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... High performance D-GREEZE 500 LO from Solvent Kleene, outperforms trichloroethane and aqueous degreasers. The non-hazardous, non-chlorinated degreaser/cleaner is non-flammable and can be used in any existing equipment. It is approved for oxygen...

Free catalog of over 45,000 industrial tooling components.(MRO Toolbox)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... The Reid Supply Catalog contains over 1000 new items. Expanded lines include industrial switching, stainless steel drawer slides, rare earth magnets, plastic knobs and handles, ball-lock and quick release pins, and hand retractable spring...

The source for precision maintenance tools.(MRO Toolbox)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... All new color catalog featuring unique maintenance instruments like: Fiberscopes, Infrared Thermocouples, Data-logging Thermometers, Vibration Meters, Laser Measurement Tools, Laser Shaft Alignment Systems, Ultrasonic Leak Detectors, Sound...

The solution to bolting problems.(MRO Toolbox)(Advertisement)
February 1, 2005... The new edition of Superbolt's "Solutions To Bolting Problems" catalog is now available. Catalog contains technical information on mechanical stud/bolt tensioners including High Temperature designs, updated installation and removal procedure...