Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation articles from January 2006

Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation archives from January 2006

Collet closer.
January 1, 2006... The 5C pull-back style collet closer is offered with a threaded nose. The closer accepts standard 5(2 collets up to 11/16-in. diameter, 5C step chucks for parts up to 6-in. diameter, and expanding nose 5C collets for I.D. holding. Lexair,...

Lift table.
January 1, 2006... This machine tool lift table is suitable for ultra-high-cycle material-handling applications. Sliders replace wheels and double-acting cylinders are connected directly to the platform corners. The 10-hp power unit is equipped with a PLC...

Ultrasonic sensor.
January 1, 2006... The line of UHZ miniature ultrasonic sensors includes four models of rectangular through-beam units. PNP or NPN transistor outputs are available, in normally open or normally closed configurations. The miniature sensors are designed for...

Geothermal power growth up in 2005.(INDUSTRY NEWSLINE)
January 1, 2006... In 2005, 15 countries significantly expanded their geothermal power production, according to the Geothermal Energy Association. The Washington, D.C.-based trade group said the expansion proved that the outlook for growth in this use of the...

Chrysler to invest $1 billion in St. Louis plants.(INDUSTRY NEWSLINE)
January 1, 2006... The Chrysler Group announced plans last month to invest up to $1 billion in its St. Louis North and St. Louis South Assembly Plants this year, to modernize and re-tool the facilities. The investment will be shared between the plants, giving...

Dana announces closures, cutbacks.(INDUSTRY NEWSLINE)
January 1, 2006... Auto parts maker Dana Corp., Toledo, OH, said last month it will consolidate the North American operations of its Thermal Products group by mid-2006 to reduce operating and overhead costs. The action will close Dana facilities in Danville, IN,...

Chevron finds oil in Gulf of Mexico's deepest well.(INDUSTRY NEWSLINE)
January 1, 2006... Chevron said last month it had discovered oil in the deepest well ever drilled in the Gulf of Mexico. In a joint effort with three other companies, the refiner drilled to a depth of 34,189 ft., some 1,500 ft. deeper than the previous record for...

Report predicts rise of nanotechnology.(INDUSTRY NEWSLINE)
January 1, 2006... The transition to a nanotechnology-based, post-silicon era is forecast in a report from the semiconductor industry issued last month called the International Technology Roadmap for Semiconductors. The bi-annual report says while...

Where the workers are.(INDUSTRY NEWSLINE)
January 1, 2006... Where the Workers Are Top 10 publicly traded U.S. companies, ranked by number of, employees in 2004. Wal-Mart 1,600,000 McDonald's 438,000 United Parcel Service ...

A penny for your job.(EDITORIAL COMMENTS)
January 1, 2006... As a member of the manufacturing community, you owe it to yourself to watch "Is Wal-Mart Good for America?" showing this month on your local PBS television station. In one hour, this edition of Frontline effectively tackles a key issue facing...

Dispensing system.(PRODUCT NEWS)
January 1, 2006... The DSP501A Autotube dispenses all the material contained in a collapsible "toothpaste type" tube. It provides tube connection within a cartridge protected by a metal retainer inserted in a gun handle or mounted, and quick-snap cap. I&J...

Protective skin lotion.(PRODUCT NEWS)
January 1, 2006... Skin Protectant Plus is an FDA-approved lotion that protects the skin from hazardous materials and most air-borne and surface-borne substances. By forming an invisible membrane, it prevents penetration of contaminants. Kimball Midwest ...

Ultraviolet lamp.(PRODUCT NEWS)
January 1, 2006... The Spectroline UV-400 Super-Flood ultraviolet lamp is suitable for parts degreasing, inspections, and wash-station inspections. Trace amounts fluoresce brightly and become visible when exposed to the lamp's UV-A light. Spectronics Corp....

Airgas, Inc.
January 1, 2006... Airgas, Inc., will invest $7.5 million to build an 850-ton-per-day (tpd) expansion of its Star, MS, liquid carbon dioxide plant, boosting production there to 2,000 tpd. Completion is expected in August 2006.

Hydrogen Engine Center, Inc.
January 1, 2006... Hydrogen Engine Center, Inc., has acquired an existing 30,000-sq.ft. building next to its headquarters in Algona, IA. The new facility will support production of the company's Oxx Power engine, a 4.9L hydrogen-ready, internal combustion engine...

Tyco Plastics & Adhesives.
January 1, 2006... Private investment firm Apollo Management has agreed to purchase Tyco Plastics & Adhesives, Minneapolis, MN, for $975 million in cash. The transaction is expected to close in the first quarter. Tyco Plastics had 2005 sales of $1.7 billion.

Stockholders in Maytag Corp., Newton, IA, have approved the merger with Whirlpool Corp., Benton Harbor, MI, that was proposed in August.
January 1, 2006... Stockholders in Maytag Corp., Newton, IA, have approved the merger with Whirlpool Corp., Benton Harbor, MI, that was proposed in August. Pending federal approval, the merger is expected to be complete by March. Maytag shareholders will receive...

The Ford Motor Co. completed the sale of The Hertz Corp. last month to an investor group.
January 1, 2006... The Ford Motor Co. completed the sale of The Hertz Corp. last month to an investor group. Under terms of the agreement, begun last September, Ford received $5.6 billion in cash for the sale of its 100% ownership interest in Hertz. Ford will...

Weldcraft.
January 1, 2006... Welding equipment manufacturer Weldcraft will transfer all manufacturing, assembly, quality-control and order processing operations from its Burbank, CA, facility to a new headquarters operation in Appleton, WI, effective this month. The...

Calendar.(Calendar)
January 1, 2006... * Jan. 23-25 ** AHR Expo; Chicago, IL; American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers; 203-221-9232; ahrexpo.com. * Jan. 29-Feb. 1 ** PACE 2006; Tampa, FL; The Paint and Coatings Expo; 302-998-6560; pace2006.corn....

Understanding the business side of your job: learn to talk to management in their language, and they'll see maintenance in a new light.(Cover Story)
January 1, 2006... Throughout my nearly 30-year career in manufacturing maintenance, I have routinely faced an undercurrent of distrust, frustration, and communication gaps between manufacturing management and the management of the maintenance organization. These...

VFD cable.(PRODUCT FOCUS: Electrical)
January 1, 2006... The Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) line of cables for industrial AC motor drive applications now includes five Large AWG Symmetrical VFD cables and five new Signal Brake Pair VFD cables. The AWG cable, designed for large, powerful AC motor...

Connector system.(PRODUCT FOCUS: Electrical)
January 1, 2006... The RoHS-compatible versions of the Conan 1.0-mm-pitch, low-profile, board-stacking connector system is designed to provide a mechanically secure, high-density electrical interface between parallel printed circuit boards. Connector bodies...

0vervoltage protection.(PRODUCT FOCUS: Electrical)
January 1, 2006... Ethernet Overvoltage Protection Modules are designed to be used in between network nodes, and can be connected in series with Ethernet switches, routers and media converters. Incorporated straight into Ethernet data cables in front of the...

Mechanical jumper.(PRODUCT FOCUS: Electrical)
January 1, 2006... The ERITECH mechanical and exothermic jumper is made from welding cable. It features both conductor flexibility and strand protection. It bonds switch operating handles and other structures where movement or vibration requires a grounding...

Batteries.(PRODUCT FOCUS: Electrical)
January 1, 2006... These combo kits include two BLUECORE NiCad batteries and a 30-minute dual-bay charger. The batteries feature cooling rods positioned between the pack's individual cells that absorb the heat to dissipate it away from the cells. This keeps the...

Combo light.(PRODUCT FOCUS: Electrical)
January 1, 2006... The Twin-Task-3C Laser Combo light, features a laser pointer to target repair problems such as leaks or cracks in dark, hard-to-see areas, even at extended distances. The light's patented Xenon/LED combination also gives workers the choice...

Tilter.(TECH SPECS: Material Handling)
January 1, 2006... * The Z-Lift Tilter positions the height and angle of a container * It is available in 3,000-, 4,000-, and 6,000-lb. capacities with 32-in. vertical travel * The container can be positioned at any angle from +5 degrees to -40 degrees...

Drawer cabinet.(TECH SPECS: Material Handling)
January 1, 2006... * The 36-in. wide drawer cabinet is available * The cabinet fills a size niche between standard 30-in. wide and 45-in. extra-wide cabinets * By combining modular cabinets, users can fill any space in 3-in. increments * More than...

Vertical storage.(TECH SPECS: Material Handling)
January 1, 2006... * The enclosed vertical storage cabinet is designed for a dust- and dirt-free environment * Shelves adjustable in 4-in. vertical increments * Double-pan, locking doors are available * The cabinets are 72-in. high for the flat-top...

Industrial truck.(TECH SPECS: Material Handling)
January 1, 2006... * The 7-Series cushion tire truck features a 4Y gasoline engine that runs from 10.6-10.9 mph * Load capacity ranges from 3,000-5,000 lbs. * 4-way adjustable suspension seat features lumbar support * The HP/rpm for Model 7FGCU25 is...

Single pressure washer meets mill's needs.(FIELD REPORT)
January 1, 2006... Of all the potential bottlenecks in Alcoa Mill Products' 1.3-million-sq.-ft. Lancaster Works mill in Pennsylvania Dutch country, the lone pressure washer in the mobile equipment department is easily overlooked. Sooner or later, however, the...

Industrial door operators.(IMPO: MRO TOOLBOX)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2006... Celebrate 85 years in the making. New brochure describes why Air-Lec Industries makes the most dependable, economic choice for door automation in your facility. Find out why so many other companies, just like yours, choose Air-Lec Industries,...

Catalog on CD.(IMPO: MRO TOOLBOX)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2006... Covers the complete Dynatrol[R] line of on-stream process analyzers, measurement, and control instruments; level switches and detectors; and a new line of accessories, along with detailed drawings, wiring diagrams, and examples of proven uses....

New catalog of safety supplies.(IMPO: MRO TOOLBOX)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2006... Reid Supply Company announces the first edition of its Safety Supply catalog consisting of over 1,600 safety related items. The product line offering includes spill cleanup, emergency response, welding equipment, work boots, hard hats, goggles,...

Shop online at Tedthorsen.com.(IMPO: MRO TOOLBOX)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2006... Order directly from online selection of material handling products or view Interactive Catalog Idea & Reference Guide at http://catalog.tedthorsen.com. Call for containers, carts and trucks, pallets and pallet boxes, shipping products,...

Technical training materials.(IMPO: MRO TOOLBOX)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2006... 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...

Reusable automatic lubricator.(IMPO: MRO TOOLBOX)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2006... MEMOLUB HPS reusable self-contained automatic lubricator feeds one to 12 lube points and is available in Standard (120cc), Mega (240cc), and the new Giga (480cc), ideally suited to large bearings and multi-point applications. Customer's choice...

The Solution to Bolting Problems.(IMPO: MRO TOOLBOX)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2006... Superbolt's "Solutions To Bolting Problems" contains technical information on mechanical stud/bolt tensioners including high temperature designs, updated installation, and removal procedure and many application examples. Supernut[R] Tensioners...

Ergonomic solutions guide.(IMPO: MRO TOOLBOX)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2006... 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 safety...

Surface-preparation tool catalog.(Tools)
January 1, 2006... This full-color catalog features more than 400 brand tools and accessories for surface preparation and finishing. Featured are spray-paint extensions and accessories; putty knives and scrapers; knives and blades. Hyde Tools, Inc. Use...

Milling catalog.(Tools)
January 1, 2006... The 736-page General Catalog is filled with information about the latest innovations in milling, hole-making, turning tools and inserts. The catalog also includes information on the latest developments in the Xtra-tec tool line and the...

Data communications catalog.(Tools)
January 1, 2006... This 192-page catalog for the electrician, data communications technician or MRO professional, covers tools, connectors and testing products for the electrical and data communications markets. It also highlights data communications testing...

Solids pump.(Pumps)
January 1, 2006... This 3/8-in. pump for 0-9 GPM applications features the Max-Pass valve. It pumps solids up to 1/4 in., coagulating fluids, and fluids with high viscosity. ALL-FLO Pump Co. Use InfoLINK 069-60101-122 or Call 800-441-6180 ...

Pump.(Pumps)
January 1, 2006... The 2000 CC pump is designed for close-coupled configurations where a gear-joint drive is needed. It features a sealed gear-type universal-joint drive train and rotor/stator pumping element geometry. Moyno, Inc. Use InfoLINK...

Displacement pump.(Pumps)
January 1, 2006... The line of positive displacement pumps includes low-shear/high-capacity transfer and metering pumps for manufacturing adhesives; jacketed pumps for hot melts; and sealless pumps that prevent air infiltration. Viking Pump, Inc. Use...

Wireless mesh sensor network can improve energy monitoring.(TECH CHECK)
January 1, 2006... Plant managers everywhere are seeking ways to monitor, manage and minimize energy consumption in their facilities. But while most plants present energy-saving opportunities, current monitoring and reporting systems often don't deliver the...

Air pillow.(Packaging)
January 1, 2006... AIRPlus Mini produces air pillows at a rate of 20 ft. per minute. Plug the lightweight, portable, compact unit into any standard wall outlet. It uses ambient air to produce the air pillows on demand. Storopack, Inc. Use InfoLINK...

Printer applicator.(Packaging)
January 1, 2006... The P3400 label printer applicator features a modular design that integrates the base system, a print engine, and one of eight standard application modules. The system has a standard unwind reel that results in fewer label changes. Also...

Bagger.(Packaging)
January 1, 2006... The Autobag AB 145 Bagging System is suitable for applications where counters, scales, and other infeeds are not required. It features the Auto-Touch Control Screen for access to job set-up, storage and recall. Automated Packaging ...