Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation articles from January 2000

Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation archives from January 2000

Editorial COMMENTS.
January 1, 2000... In Training At last year's National Manufacturing Week in Chicago, the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) released a survey showing what its membership thought was "most critical" for them to maintain productivity levels. While...

DISCONNECTS & ROTARY CAM SWITCHES.
January 1, 2000... This line of IEG ML Disconnects and Rotary Cam Switches eliminates complexity in ordering, selection and application. A single line includes ML main switches and undervoltage release emergency stop switches plus cam switches, including a range...

URETHANE FOAMS.
January 1, 2000... [SuperSheet.sup.TM] Foams are low-density urethane foams that resist water and air permeation. They can be used for gasketing and sealing. The foams are available in numerous thicknesses and feature a thin, penetration-resistant skin on the top...

LIGHTING CONTROLLER.
January 1, 2000... DM-100 is a new light controller capable of bi-level control for High Intensity Discharge (HID) lighting. The DM-100 switches HID lamps between high and low light levels. A dual capacitor is housed together with control circuitry in a single...

PIEZO SENSORS.
January 1, 2000... The patented Piezo Sensors are ceramic-based, have no moving parts and are mounted in a variety of materials. Activation of the sensors is accomplished by pressuring the housing surface, while this force generates a "ripple" effect that is...

DRUM SIPHON.
January 1, 2000... The Pig(R) Drain-It-All Drum Siphon helps drain a horizontal dispensing drum down to the last few ounces. Connect the Pig(R) to a 3/4-in, faucet and insert it into a 3/4-in. bung and watch the Pig(R) empty the container without tipping the...

Now, five new reasons.
January 1, 2000... One look at our Delta Conversion On-line will forever change the way you think about 3-phase power protection. Our charts below make a dramatic comparison with traditional 3-phase double conversion technology. Visit any of the Web URLs listed...

GUIDE RAIL BRACKET.
January 1, 2000... The push-button activated Accu-[Adjust.sup.TM] Conveyor Guide Rail Bracket adjusts widths of conveyor guide rails. A spring-loaded design ensures accuracy in guide rail placement. Other features include a sealed ergonomic design, a polyamide...

PEN LIGHT.
January 1, 2000... The [Stylus.sup.TM] Ultra-Slim Pen Light features a high-intensity light emitting diode (LED) which lasts 100,000 hours and helps preserve night vision. Its waterproof, machined aluminum case features a non-slip grip and a variety of LED...

BRUSHLESS MOTOR DRIVEROLL.
January 1, 2000... The Driveroll(R) GL is a gearless, brushless, 24 VCD motor-powered roller that eliminates gear noise on conveyor systems. Some applications for Driveroll(R) GL rollers include semiconductor cleanrooms, order picking systems, computer-controlled...

TRAINING PROGRAM.
January 1, 2000... The SEED (School for Electronic and Electrical Devices) Multimedia Training Program for contractors distributors is a wiring device course. SEED kits educate the electrical industry, and are available for self-tutorial or classroom-style...

MAGNET STEPPER MOTOR.
January 1, 2000... A new Magnet Stepper Motor features a higher torque-to-package size than other models, according to the company. This model uses sintered iron gears with gearbox. The gear train has a 20 backlash (maximum) with a gear ratio of 200:1, and the...

Exxon, Mobil merger approved.
January 1, 2000... The Federal Trade Commission approved the merger of Exxon and Mobil last month, after the two companies agreed to sell 2,400 service stations. The government's approval was the last hurdle to the merger, announced in early 1999. It is the...

Aerospace industry reports record sales, profits.
January 1, 2000... The U.S. aerospace industry enjoyed record sales and profits last year, despite the fact that it continued to shed jobs. According to an annual report released by the Washington, D.C.-based Aerospace Industries Association, total aerospace...

Bethlehem's historic steel district approved for stores, museum.
January 1, 2000... The Bethlehem, PA, planning commission approved a plan last month that will change the face of the city's industrial section, dominated since the 19th century by Bethlehem Steel Corp. mills. According to the Allentown (PA) Morning Call, a...

Planners say Northwest needs more power.
January 1, 2000... According to a study released by the Portland, OR-based Northwest Power Planning Council, residential and commercial electric customers in the Northwest may face power interruptions or blackouts this winter if new power plants aren't built...

Advanced Radio Frequency Test Facility First of its Kind.
January 1, 2000... A new, state-of-the-art radio frequency (RF) testing facility built by Johnson Controls is the first of its kind for the automotive industry, according to the Milwaukee, WI-based supplier of automotive and building-control systems. Located at...

Automaker seeks standard clinical guidelines.
January 1, 2000... DaimlerChrysler officials met last month with more than 500 health-care professionals to collectively develop a set of standard clinical and pharmaceutical guidelines for five diseases. The guidelines will be used to form recommendations for...

Honda to introduce 3-in-1 vehicle.
January 1, 2000... American Honda Motor Co., Inc., will introduce its Honda "Spocket" concept vehicle this month at the Greater Los Angeles Auto Show. Created by Honda R&D Americas, Inc., Torrance, CA, the Spocket is a convertible, pick-up and sports car all in...

The B.F. Goodrich Co.
January 1, 2000... The B.F. Goodrich Co. has purchased the ACESII ejection seat product line from the Boeing Co. The purchase includes production, research and development programs and other assets of the line, which is one of the most widely used in aviation....

Reliant Energy.
January 1, 2000... Reliant Energy has announced plans to construct a 340-megawatt peaking plant in Shelby County, IL. The Houston, TX-based energy provider has signed an option agreement on an 80-acre parcel of land near Neoga, IL. The $190 million plant will...

Continental Hydraulics.
January 1, 2000... Continental Hydraulics, Savage, MN, announced that its hydraulic pump and valve manufacturing operation has received ISO 9001 certification. The company makes hydraulic fluid power equipment for a variety of industries.

Navistar International Corp.
January 1, 2000... Three Navistar International Corp. engine-manufacturing facilities have received ISO 14001 certification, the international environmental management standard. One plant is in Melrose Park, IL, and two are in Indianapolis, IN. Chicago-based...

American Electric Power.
January 1, 2000... American Electric Power, Bechtel Enterprises Holdings, Inc., and Siemens Power Transmission & Distribution, Inc., have formed a joint-venture company to provide industrial power solutions and transmission network enhancements. The new, San...

Motion Industries, Inc.
January 1, 2000... Motion Industries, Inc., a worldwide distributor of bearings and replacement parts for power transmission products, has opened new branch locations in Juarez, Mexico, and Thomasville, GA. The Birmingham, AL-based company operates more than 495...

Clean, The Uniform Co.
January 1, 2000... The following companies report having recently achieved ISO 9002 certification: Clean, The Uniform Co., St Louis, MO; Ark-Plas Products, Flippin, AR; and Dodge de Mexico, Guadalajara, Mexico.

Scotchman Industries, Inc.
January 1, 2000... Scotchman Industries, Inc., has expanded its manufacturing capabilities by adding 46,000 sq. ft. to its Philip, SD-based plant. The company makes circular cold saws and hydraulic iron workers.

AHR Expo 2000.
January 1, 2000... AHR Expo 2000 will mark its 70th anniversary February 7-9 with a sold-out exhibit hail at the Dallas Convention Center. The show is co-sponsored by the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and the...

GE Fanuc Automation.
January 1, 2000... GE Fanuc Automation, Charlottesville, VA, and its parent company, GE Industrial Systems, Plainville, CT, jointly donated more than $100,000 worth of hardware and software to the Temasek Engineering School, Singapore. According to GE Fanuc, the...

Tenneco Packaging.
January 1, 2000... Tenneco Packaging has completed its spin-off from Tenneco, Inc., and will now be known as Pactiv Corp., a specialty packaging company. The $3 billion independent company produces a wide range of commercial and consumer packaging.

The Flexaust Co., Inc.
January 1, 2000... The Flexaust Co., Inc., Warsaw, IN, has purchased Drossbch USA, Inc., Aurora, OH. Flexaust manufactures flexible hose and ducting; Drossbach is a leading manufacturer of continuous blow-molded plastic hose. The companies will continue to...

The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM).
January 1, 2000... The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM), Washington, D.C., has launched a comprehensive electronic marketplace platform for its member companies providing the information, tools and services needed to conduct business over the Internet....

Robotic Tool Changer Can Boost Spot-Welding Productivity.
January 1, 2000... Conventional robotic tool changers for resistance welding often infect production managers with maintenance migraine headaches. They can be a constant productivity-robbing malady. Especially where high-powered contacts are concerned, managers...

DUST COLLECTORS.
January 1, 2000... These [Vibraclean.sup.TM] Dust Collectors are designed for applications such as non-production industrial uses and woodshops. Multi-pocket filter modules maximize filter area without taking up too much space. A motorized filter shaker is...

STORAGE CABINET.
January 1, 2000... This secure, industrial-strength storage cabinet is welded from 12-gauge steel. A 3-point locking system secures all doors.

EYEWEAR.
January 1, 2000... These new safety spectacles feature a 6-base, single-curve lens with air-flow designed sideshields and lens channel retention. The specially engineered lens design provides maximum defense while protecting in comfort with lightweight frames.

MONITORING.
January 1, 2000... A new hazardous-location color monitor, designed for adverse environments is available with an 18-in, display. Features include rugged steel housing, conformally coated electronics; resolutions up to SXGA and analog interface.

FILTERS.
January 1, 2000... Rated for pressures up to 900 psig, this line of high-pressure filters can also handle flows up to 28,380 scfm. All filter elements include seam-welded stainless steel cores for greater duarbility and corrosion resistance.

SLIDES.
January 1, 2000... A new line of precision dovetail slides is computer designed using advanced solid modeling techniques to ensure accuracy and repeatability in test, gage, motion-control and machining applications.

VALVES.
January 1, 2000... An all new line of metal-seated valves for high-performance economy in abrasive, dirty and/or high-temperature applications meets ANSI/FCI 70-2 Class IV leakage rating. All versions feature hard-coated discs to significantly retard abrasive...

GREASE DUCT.
January 1, 2000... The Series 4G Grease Duct is a manufactured grease duct system designed for continuous operation at 500 [degrees] F and for intermittent operation at a temperature of 2000[degrees] F. It has gained national acceptance by SBCCI, BOCA and ICBO as...

SUBMINIATURE COUNTERS, TIMERS & PANEL METERS.
January 1, 2000... The Veeder-Root MicroMITE Series of subminiature counters, timers and panel meters features terminals for panel and circuit-board mounting. Counters come in three sizes, with a choice of three timers and four selectable time ranges.

POCKET THERMOMETER.
January 1, 2000... The needle-tip probe on the new Thermapen Pocket Thermometer features a reduceddiameter at the insertion end with a larger diameter shaft for durability. Reasonable accuracy can be achieved in 1/8-in, immersion depth. The probe folds into the...

REDUCING CONNECTORS.
January 1, 2000... Barbed Reducing Connectors are molded without a parting line and have a sharp barb trail end. The Connectors are available for tubing in different diameters with different combinations to enable easy connections to be made from dissimilar sized...

Supplier SOLUTIONS.
January 1, 2000... Priceless Service Everything we need or use is worth more than the price we pay for the item. Consider the following real-life examples: The annual inventory carrying cost for a special $25 hydraulic filter is $7.50 per filter. ...

COLLAPSIBLE WALL MODEL CONTAINMENT BERMS.
January 1, 2000... Collapsible Wall Model Containment Berms offer secure containment of storage drums, fuel tanks, chemical tanks and other equipment that leak hazardous materials. Sidewalls are held upright by PVC side-wall supports.

DIGITAL PSYCHROMETER.
January 1, 2000... The Digital Psychrometer makes wet-bulb temperature, dew point, real-time humidity and temperature readings available at the touch of a button. The new unit is part of the company's line of portable diagnostic equipment and comes with...

WIRE CADDY LINE.
January 1, 2000... This new line of Wire Caddies includes the A-Frame Mobile Caddy. No pins are required. The mobile caddy rides on 10-in, diameter pneumatic tires for easy portability, and can be folded. Solid-steel, zinc-plated spindles and a powder-coat paint...

FIELD CONFIGURABLE INDICATOR.
January 1, 2000... The [VisiPak.sup.TM] Model V116 Field Configurable Indicator has three setpoint alarms, one or two relay outputs and an NEMA-4 front panel that fits into a standard DIN cutout. The indicator can be configured to accept virtually any process...

METRIC PRESSURE TRANSMITTERS.
January 1, 2000... The FP2000 Pressure Transmitter Series includes metric pressure ranges up to 700 Bar. Six available pressure ports are offered, including G 1/4 B. Output of 0-5 or 0-10 VDC, 4-20mA (two-wire) or mV/V is also available.

THICKNESS GAUGE.
January 1, 2000... The DMS 2 Ultrasonic Thickness Gauge offers a choice of A-scan, B-scan or "big digits" to verify wail thickness. Information is displayed on a high-resolution screen.

DATA ACCUMULATOR.
January 1, 2000... The [Ether-MON.sup.TM] Data Accumulator adds remote, multi-point submetering to any Ethernet 10 Base-T or 10 Base-2 wired facility. Each unit can accept pulse inputs from up to nine remotely installed usage (kWh) and/or demand (kW) meters...

PARTICLE-MONITORING SYSTEM.
January 1, 2000... The B10/77 Particle Monitoring Sensor System is a single-channel particle counter that measures total particles above two microns in size. The instrument can be adapted to a variety of filter systems.

MACHINABLE ALUMINA SILICATE.
January 1, 2000... [Rescor.sup.TM] 902 Machinable Alumina Silicate produces finely detailed parts with standard shop equipment. No special skills, equipment or tooling is required. The Silicate can be used, as supplied to 1000[degrees]F It is corrosion-resistant,...

INCREMENTAL ENCODER.
January 1, 2000... The HD52 incremental Encoder is housed in a die-cast aluminum enclosure. It features quadrature output with reference marker, and withstands high radial and axial shaft loads up to 100 lbs. Other features include input/output voltage levels....

Six Sigma Shines at GE Fanuc.
January 1, 2000... Integrating a new business philosophy at the automation giant wasn't easy, but the effort has paid off substantially. Since 1996, management at GE Fanuc Automation, Charlottesville, VA, has implemented two significant programs: Six Sigma...

FILTER SYSTEM.
January 1, 2000... The new Economizer self-controlled Filter System is equipped with an electronically controlled drain and with a differential pressure gauge. This new filter system permanently controls the status of the filter and determines "online" the...

EPOXY ADHESIVE.
January 1, 2000... The TRA-DUCT LX80043 two-part, silver-filled Epoxy Adhesive is designed for use in high-temperature electronic applications. It withstands solder reflow temperatures to provide electrical and mechanical properties and bonds well to ceramic,...

CONTROLLER/AMPLIFIER.
January 1, 2000... This solenoid-mounted Controller/Amplifier utilizes high-frequency switching (PWM) to supply a hydraulic proportional valve with a proportional input signal. The external signal can be from a potentiometer, O-5VDC or 0-20 mA source. The unit...

CORE PINS.
January 1, 2000... These Precision Core Pins can be custom made and used in the injection molding of medical and surgical components. The stainless steel pins feature full repeatability within a specific size, and precision-ground ends with radii, flats and odd...

DISC FILTRATION.
January 1, 2000... The new Turbo-Disc Filter is available in manual and self-cleaning versions that filter unwanted particles from cooling tower, chilled, process and municipal water, and wastewater. Water spins at high speeds upon entering the system, and...

FILTER BREATHERS AND SUCTION STRAINERS.
January 1, 2000... This new line of Filter Breathers and Suction Strainers is for filtering contaminants from hydraulic, engine and transmission fluid reservoirs. Reservoir Filter Breathers (BR and BRF Series), Metal Filter Breathers (BM Series), Plastic Filter...

THERMOPLASTIC PUMP.
January 1, 2000... This new multi-function/multistage Thermoplastic Pump permits increases in flow capacities, increases in discharge pressures and is capable of servicing multiple processes simultaneously from a single pump. The unit can also perform different...

HVAC FIELD KIT.
January 1, 2000... This HVAC field kit contains six accessories essential for the HVAC technician's testing situations. They include an anemometer head to measure air velocity from heating and cooling vents; dual temperature head for measuring two temperatures...

MOISTURE INDICATOR.
January 1, 2000... Hydrolert, an automatic moisture indicator for lubricants, detects water in lubricating oils before it can damage bearings and gears. Hydrolert indicates when a lubricant has reached 70% Saturated Relative Humidity (SRH) by flashing a yellow...

COAXIAL COILS.
January 1, 2000... These coaxial coils are designed for use as water-cooled condensers, water chillers and in water-source heat pumps. The coils feature deeply fluted copper or cupro-nickel tubing to maximize heat transfer. The CBX direct-expansion liquid...

ELECTRIC AIR HEATER.
January 1, 2000... The new FX4 series of forced-air explosion-proof electric air heaters utilizes the VacuCore liquid-to-air heat-exchanger technology. The aluminum-finned steel tubes and the exchanger technology produce a higher temperature rise and more even...

PUMPS.
January 1, 2000... Series 4600 Horizontal Split Case pumps are double-suction units designed for commercial, municipal and industrial markets. The design features a rotating assembly that sits lower in the casing so the user is at eye-level with the suction. Its...

SCRIBER/STYLUS MARKER.
January 1, 2000... The compact Model 320 Scriber/Stylus Line Marker runs on a Windows-based platform and quietly produces continuous line engraving. The Marker includes a maintenance-free system using a linear ball bearing and ball screw design and marks on...

CABLE TIES.
January 1, 2000... [FLEXties.sup.TM] Cable Ties are plenum-rated and flexible for use in wire and cable management applications. Features include adjustable-locking heads and large surface areas that fasten securely with Velcro(r). Supplied on continuous rolls,...

HIGH-PRESSURE WATER JET SYSTEM.
January 1, 2000... The SRT-10 SPIN JET(r) Crawler automates preparation of tanks, ship hulls and other large, vertical surfaces with high-pressure water jets. The unit systematically removes coatings, epoxies, anti-skid and rubberized paints, rusts and other...

STICKY-BACK NOTES.
January 1, 2000... New Tag-It Notes, made of durable vinyl, resist water, dirt, oil and chemicals. A split backing exposes the top portion of the adhesive, or the entire backing may be removed. The notes can be continually repositioned without losing adhesive...

LEVEL SWITCH.
January 1, 2000... This new KNQ Level Switch is a compact capacity proximity switch that detects the level of liquids or solids in a nonmetal sight glass. The switch mounts onto a sight glass with strap and mounting clip, reducing the risk that it will be knocked...

RECORDABLE CURRENT PROBE LOGGERS.
January 1, 2000... [AmpFlex.sup.TM] Flexible Current Probe Loggers(R) are designed to take measurements where standard clamp-ons cannot: in tight breaker panels, around large buss bars, cable bundles and wrapped irregular shapes. They are designed to measure,...

ADAPTABLE OPERATOR INTERFACE.
January 1, 2000... This Adaptable Operator Interface provides a functional unit for entering commands and sending or receiving messages. With 24 tactile buttons, the keypad allows quick and efficient data entry. The LCD is easy to read from any angle, and a...

RENTAL CHILLER MODULE.
January 1, 2000... The Water-Cooled Rental Chiller Module chills water from 20[degrees]F to 58[degrees]F. This unit features a microcomputer control center for operating and safety controls, solid-state microprocessor controls, and self-diagnosis to alert the...

CENTER DRIVE DESIGN FOR CONVEYORS.
January 1, 2000... A new Center Drive Design is now available on High-Capacity, Powered, Belt-Driven, Live Roller Conveyors. Zero-pressure accumulation and bi-directional operation are capable on conveyor lines up to 70-ft. long. The new Center Drive is mounted...

INCREMENTAL ENCODER.
January 1, 2000... This Incremental Encoder is housed in a die-cast aluminum enclosure. The Encoder features quadrature output with reference marker. It withstands high radial and axial shaft loads up to 100 lbs. The HD52 is also available with open collector and...

WASTE DISPOSAL SERVICES.
January 1, 2000... Several new Waste Disposal Services are now available to help automotive companies properly dispose of gasoline waste. The Waste Gasoline Service provides a self-contained drum system with grounded funnel that has overflow protection to reduce...

Lighting Brightens Precision Manufacturing Facility, Employee Attitudes.
January 1, 2000... When Federal Cartridge Co., Anoka, MN, decided to relocate its manufacturing and warehouse facilities into a former warehouse, the company knew that proper lighting would play an important role in creating an energy-efficient and productive...

COMBINATION CONTROL PANEL.
January 1, 2000... The [Dok-Commander.sup.TM] Combination Control Panel integrates multiple control components through a single control panel at each dock position. A space-saving wall configuration eliminates multiple control boxes and power lines. A single...

BAG CODING SYSTEM.
January 1, 2000... The new US-6252 Cryovac Bag Coder is for use on all Cryovac horizontal and vertical-taped bag loading machines. This coder is designed to attach to models 8189, 8490 and 8177, and comes with all mounting brackets and controls to imprint sell-by...

TAPE-DISPENSING MACHINES.
January 1, 2000... Better Pack(R) Tape Dispensing Machines seal cartons and packages with reinforced or standard gummed paper tape. Three models are available.

STICK WELDING POWER SOURCES.
January 1, 2000... The Thunderbolt(R) XL Stick Welding Power Sources offers amperage control and an easy-to-use AC/DC selector switch. Rated at 20% duty cycle, the Thunder-bolt XL can achieve 100% duty cycle at lower amperage so weld time can increase when...