Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation articles from June 2001

Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation archives from June 2001

Editorial COMMENTS.
June 1, 2001... Mexico's New Potential Things are changing in Mexico. At least that's the hope. At press time, the country's new president, Vicente Fox, had just outlined a six-year plan for the country that calls for less government and more jobs. The...

Rohm and Haas will close NJ chemical plant.
June 1, 2001... A Rutherford, NJ-based Rohm and Haas Co. chemical plant, site of a 1998 explosion that injured nine people, will close by December. The 500,O00-sq.-ft., 55-year-old facility makes dyes for gasoline, oil, felt-tip markers and other products. ...

New process simplifies synthetic-diamond production.
June 1, 2001... A university team has devised an easier, cheaper method of producing synthetic diamonds that could make the super-hard material available for use in a wider range of industrial and other types of products. According to an article in the May 17...

EPA, Marathon Ashland agree on refinery emission reductions.
June 1, 2001... The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Justice Department reached an agreement last month with Marathon Ashland Petroleum, LLC, that is expected to reduce air emissions from seven of the company's petroleum refineries by more than...

Survey suggests cautious hiring ahead.
June 1, 2001... A May survey conducted by Manpower, Inc., suggests that third-quarter hiring trends in the U.S. will continue to slow. The Milwaukee, WI-based international staffing organization polled 16,000 companies in various markets and learned that while...

North American Toyota plants receive top honors.
June 1, 2001... Two of Toyota's North American assembly plants took top honors in this year's Plant Quality awards in the J.D. Power and Associates 2001 Initial Quality Study. The results were released last month. Also, four of the automaker's North...

Bombardier to build world-class facility for outboard-motor production.
June 1, 2001... Canadian manufacturer Bombardier Recreational Products said last month it will construct a new, world-class manufacturing operation within an existing facility to support its newly acquired outboard engine brands, Evinrude and Johnson....

U.S. Economy at a Glance.
June 1, 2001... U.S. Economy at a Glance Dec 2000 Jan 2001 Feb 2001 Mar 2001 Unemployment rate 1 4.0 4.2 4.2 4.3 Payroll employment 2 88 61 167 59 Avg. hourly earnings 3 14.03...

Johnson Controls, Inc.
June 1, 2001... * Johnson Controls, Inc., has been named Partner of the Year by Energy Star, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency program that encourages energy-efficiency in products and facilities. A Milwaukee, WI-based manufacturer of automotive systems...

Epson Americas, Inc.
June 1, 2001... * Epson Americas, Inc., said it will eliminate more than 800 jobs at its computer-printer manufacturing plant in Hillsboro, OR, and move the work to lower-cost factories in Asia. The job cuts are scheduled for mid-summer. The company, a...

Valmont Industries, Inc.
June 1, 2001... * Valmont Industries, Inc., an Omaha, NE-based manufacturer of steel poles, structures and coating services, has opened a steel-pole manufacturing plant in Apodaca, Nuevo Leon, Mexico, as part of a joint venture with Grupo IMSA of Mexico. The...

The Polaroid Corp.
June 1, 2001... * The Polaroid Corp., has sold its 56-acre office and manufacturing complex in Waltham, MA, for approximately $70 million to a real estate investment group. The company said it sold the property to generate cash and reduce debt. It will lease...

Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE).
June 1, 2001... * The Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) presented its first "Environmental Excellence in Transportation Award" to Ford Motor Co. last month for its new paint-facility-control technology. The process reduces volatile organic emissions (VOCs)...

Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc.
June 1, 2001... * Fisher-Rosemount Systems, Inc., Austin, TX, is changing its name to Emerson Process Management. The company said the change reflects its expansion into engineering, consulting and project-management services, and reinforces the company's link...

Reciprocating Compressors.
June 1, 2001... The Quincy QR-25 Reciprocating Compressor is recognized as a symbol of quality throughout the industry and features pressure lubrication with dual oil filtration, lapped disc valves that do not require down stream check valves, two-stage...

Integrated Components.
June 1, 2001... Engineered to maximize your compressed air system, Quincy Integrated Components help you meet production demand without the use of excess energy. Quincy Filters can accommodate operating pressures of 15-250 psig and air volumes up to 27,648...

Climate Control Systems.
June 1, 2001... Every Quincy Climate Control System features ultra-dynamic beveled lap rings that ensure fast break-in and minimum oil carryover--factory certified at 2 ppm or less. Non-asbestos gaskets, OSHA approved belt guards, and ASME code approved...

Vacuum Pumps.
June 1, 2001... The Quincy QSVI Vacuum Pump has been developed using the same stringent Quincy Rotary Screw Compressor standards. Designed to deliver the most cfm per brake hp, Quincy's unique modulation valve delivers full flow capabilities from 0 to ultimate...

Rotary Screw Compressors.
June 1, 2001... The Quincy QSI Rotary Screw Compressor is designed to deliver over 100,000 continuous hours of operation, and features over-sized rotors, low rpm, the Power$ync[R] advanced controller, and an optional five- or ten-year airend warranty....

Complete Systems.
June 1, 2001... On-demand reliability 99.9% contaminant free, cool, clean air. Energy efficient. Simplified installation. Quincy Complete Compressed Air Systems are self-contained compressed air solutions, including filters, dryers, aftercoolers, and oil/water...

BRUSHES.
June 1, 2001... Crimped Wide-Face Brushes are suitable for tube-end deburring, surface finishing, conveyor and coil-strip cleaning, and leak detection. They are available in hard-drawn steel, high-tensile steel or Type 302 stainless steel wire. Options of...

AIR-TOOL COUPLERS.
June 1, 2001... Airmate air-tool couplers feature two additional looking balls for connections that eliminate air leakage. The six locking balls in this coupling distribute air line shocks. Couplers can be chosen with a female pipe, male pipe, hose barb, or...

ROLL GROOVER.
June 1, 2001... The Ridgid 960 roll groover is a heavy-duty portab[e groover designed for field service. Model 960 mounts to the power drive. The unit features an integral depth-setting gauge. Weighing 26 lbs., the groover includes heavy-duty bearings and a...

Mexico's Manufacturers Look For More Growth.
June 1, 2001... As the strongest sector of the Mexican economy, manufacturing is well-positioned to grow under the country's new, pro-business leadership. Forecasts suggest, however, that progress hinges on an upswing in the U.S. economy. In recent years,...

Working in Mexico: Size of the Job Market Outpaces Worker Needs.
June 1, 2001... Jobs are on the rise in Mexico, but according to a recent study, worker earnings and benefits still lag behind. The following summarizes portions of a recent study undertaken by the International Labor Organization (ILO) concerning the...

Lean Strategies, Production Efficiencies Get a Foothold.
June 1, 2001... Efficient production methods are slow to be accepted in Mexico, but surveys show progress is being made. The application of the so-called "Toyota Production System" began in America several years ago. It began when the U.S. automotive...

PRESSURE TRANSMITTERS.
June 1, 2001... The LPM/LPX 1000 Series of pressure transmitters will tolerate condensate on both sides of the sensing element without becoming unstable. The sensors use proprietary Variable Inductance Technology, and are available in gauge or differential...

ELECTRODE ADAPTER.
June 1, 2001... The ECOFIT system consists of a threaded process adapter and a sensor cable and connector. This system allows direct, retrofit replacement of sensors with glass combination electrodes. The threaded adapter and wiring cable can be reused....

STACKERS.
June 1, 2001... Stacker Systems process materials, from flimsy non-wovens and porous material to rigid heavy papers and gasket materials without damaging them. The stackers can be designed to stack sheets from a cutter into a cart of pallet for transportation...

THERMOMETER.
June 1, 2001... The ST80 non-contact thermometer has safety features for use in dangerous and flammable environments. Features include a sealed battery compartment, rubber overmolding to withstand rough handling, and a laser sighting system.

COMBUSTION ANALYZER.
June 1, 2001... The ECA 450 emissions analyzer conditions exhaust gas samples from industrial furnaces, boilers and engines. Operators can use the data to make equipment adjustments and determine pollution levels. The unit features front panel controls and a...

THERMO-ANEMOMETER.
June 1, 2001... Model CFM Vane thermoanemometer displays both air flow or air velocity plus temperature. Features include mm, max, and average reading, data hold, auto power off, and low battery indication.

PROBE.
June 1, 2001... The hand-held EDX10 probe displays thickness values for both paint and zinc coatings on the instrument screen. Plated as well as hot-dipped zinc coatings can be measured. Applications include duplex coatings on steel sheets for the automotive...

AIR-FLOW MONITOR AND SENSOR.
June 1, 2001... The Vent-Captor measures flow of air or gaseous media utilizing a calorimetric principle. The air-flow monitor with sensor has no moving parts, operates as a single or dual set point alarm or control, and provides a linearized 4-20 MA analog...

CMMS Solutions.
June 1, 2001... Plant Show Trends Suggest CMMS Providers Continue to innovate I've been attending the annual National Plant Engineering Show as a vendor and attendee for more than 15 years. In this time, I have seen the infancy and maturation of the CMMS...

High-Tech Help for Hazmat Classification.
June 1, 2001... Identifying and classifying hazardous materials for shipment over the nation's roads can be tricky business. One mistake can create risks throughout the chain of custody, from loading dock to transporter, increasing the potential for the wrong...

VOID FILL SYSTEM.
June 1, 2001... Pactiv Air 1000 inflatable void fill system targets lower-volume users by offering a space-saving system that creates void fill at the point-of-use. The system relies on linear low-density polyethylene bags and an inflator unit. The bags...

HYDRAULIC FILTERS.
June 1, 2001... The 5000 Series Filter Assembly provides complete hydraulic component protection, especially in high-pressure, high-flow applications requiring up to 400 psi and 120 gpm per assembly. Constructed with a rugged, castiron housing, the assembly...

GASKET TAPE.
June 1, 2001... Gore-Tex BG gasket tape is a PTFE sealant product made with multi-directional expanded PTFE. Since the PTFE is expanded in multiple directions, the effects of creep relaxation after compression are reduced. The tape also maintains its original...

WATER RAM.
June 1, 2001... The Kinetic Water Ram generates a shock wave to open clogged drains. The shock wave is created by firing an environmentally safe compressed-air charge into a clogged sink or floor drain. The shock wave bypasses vents and goes around bends to...

ENCLOSURES.
June 1, 2001... The KTS line of climate controlled enclosures integrates air conditioners into the TS8 door to eliminate assembly. The air conditioner can be removed and reinstalled for maintenance purposes. The solid front is resistant to dirt and damage.

PORTABLE HEATERS.
June 1, 2001... This line of portable electric forced-air space heaters is designed for mills, construction sites, process plants and other locations with low-temperature vulnerability. The "Dragon" model DRA series provides up to 102,360 btu/hour. Input...

TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER.
June 1, 2001... This controller features a touch-screen control panel and pumps with bronze or stainless steel impellers. The pump seal is made of leak-resistant, carbon Ni- Resist. An adjustable water supply switch prevents operation when water pressure is...

CHILLER RETROFIT.
June 1, 2001... The TriStar Conversion retrofit causes minimum disruption and maneuvering in the equipment room. Only parts of the chiller are removed and/or replaced so equipment does not have to be torn out. The unit reuses the existing low-pressure...

DUCT LINER.
June 1, 2001... The surface of ToughGard and the R Duct Liner is a "breathable" enhanced surface coating that preserves the sound-dampening performance of the duct liner by allowing sound waves to pass through the open-cell structure and into a sound-absorbing...

HEATER PACKAGE.
June 1, 2001... This integrated package includes the "Instantrol" bulb which eliminates the overshoot associated with instantaneous heaters after standby periods. The unit may be floor-mounted on a stand or on a wall.

ROOFTOP UNITS.
June 1, 2001... The Luxaire DL/DU series, commercial packaged heating and cooling units, is offered in five capacities, up to 12.5 tons. These rooftop units are available in configurations of cooling only, cooling with electric heat, and cooling with gas heat...

AIR CONDITIONING.
June 1, 2001... These solid-state air conditioning systems can mount in vertical or horizontal orientation. Features include low acoustic noise, and NEMA 12 and 4X configurations. The systems have the ability to withstand shock and vibration in mobile...

PRESSURE SWITCH.
June 1, 2001... The Model PS-DB switch, designed for the Airmaster Turbo fan in dryer vent booster applications, can sense a positive pressure in the dryer duct. It starts the booster fan, then turns off power. When the switch senses a positive pressure in the...

ROOFTOP A/C UNITS.
June 1, 2001... This series of packaged rooftop A/C units ranges from 3- to 6-ton capacity. Filters trap dust, pollen, and other airborne particulates. A filter rack allows filter-combination flexibility and air-flow efficiency. Sloping drain pan and...

PLATE FIN COILS.
June 1, 2001... This line of plate fin coils meets the needs of HVAC and light industrial applications. Coils are engineered for steam or liquid and can be applied in heating or cooling applications. Fin construction is available as either V-Waffle or Flat...

INFRARED HEATER.
June 1, 2001... The ETU200 gas-fired infrared tube heater is available for spot and other heating applications in facilities. The unit can be adjusted manually to the desired temperature. This series can be common-vented for installation purposes or...

Rare-Earth Magnets Provide Needed Holding Power For Disk Brake Parts Maker.
June 1, 2001... Gunn Metal Stamping is a Guelph, Ontario, Canada-based manufacturer of molded steel backing plates for disk brake assemblies. The company's brake parts are produced from steel coils fed by decoilers through eight mechanical, straight-sided and...

AIR COOLING SYSTEM.
June 1, 2001... Model 9842 water-to-ambient-air cooling system features a Thermatron Model 730 liquid-to-air heat exchanger with stainless steel tubes, a quiet magnetic drive, stainless steel gear pump with multi-voltage motor, a stainless steel reservoir, and...

ENCLOSURE.
June 1, 2001... Alum-A-Frame system provides a pre-engineered solution to solving the problems associated with building small- and medium-sized enclosures. By using cast corner joints and aluminum extrusion, enclosure frames can be made in less time required...

AEROSOL CAN CRUSHER.
June 1, 2001... Model AXR25O opens, empties, and crushes 250 full or partially full aerosol cans an hour. Liquid can contents are collected in 55-gallon drums. VOCs, propellants, and other gases from the cans are delivered to a 5-in, outlet for appropriate...

PRINTER.
June 1, 2001... The DYMO/Setra 300 printer produces bar-code labels used for parts counting. Designed to communicate with Setra counting scales and balances using an RS232 serial interface, the printer prints labels fast and quietly. The unit is capable of...

CONTROLLER.
June 1, 2001... The PXZ4 features PID parameters that are automatically set by the measurement and computation function. Features include output limit, parameter mask, user adjust function, and the option of a heat-burnout alarm. This device accepts...

MOTOR CONTROL.
June 1, 2001... The MAC 2000 soft start is a single unit that can be used for single or two speed applications. This device can be applied through 17 full load amps in 230 and 460 volts ratings and 12 full load amps for 575 volt ratings. The unit offers an...

PROCESS PUMP.
June 1, 2001... Model HT3196 ANSI is a high-temperature processing pump, centerline-mounted in a heavy-duty fabricated steel casing support. The unit can minimize shaft misalignment and piping strain associated with elevated temperatures.

Videoprobes Locate Defects Deep Inside Pipes, Tubing.
June 1, 2001... Conam Inspection, Inc., a Glendale Heights, IL-based inspection and testing service, uses advanced visual-inspection instruments called "videoprobes" in its nationwide quality-control service. The service provides nondestructive testing,...

SWEEPER.
June 1, 2001... The Power-Vac is a maneuverable sweeper that can crush glass, cans and plastic containers. The Quick-Tilt design offers a snap-on dolly assembly with a swivel caster for large objects. The debris-collection bag has a zippered, screened vent for...

RIDER SCRUBBER.
June 1, 2001... The Mini-Max Compact Rider Scrubber offers the choice of a 26-in, or 30-in, rotary scrub brush or a 28-in, cylindrical brush. The head can be changed by sliding out one brush deck and inserting another. This scrubber fits through a standard...

AIR-OPERATED VACUUM.
June 1, 2001... Model 55 Air-Operated vacuum cleaning system for flammable liquids is designed for the safe recovery of gasoline, diesel, JP-4 and JP-5 jet fuels, as well as noncombustible liquids. Safety features include Buna-N casketing and vacuum hose,...

FILTER GUARD.
June 1, 2001... The Filter Guard fits inside the hose inlet leading in to the filter bag to prevent sand, gravel, nails, paper clips, staples, and other objects from directly impacting and abrading or puncturing filter liners. This product protects indoor air...

AUTO SCRUBBER.
June 1, 2001... The Model 5280 brush drive auto scrubber offers variable down-pressure. The scrub deck cleans tight against edges, in corners, and under toe-kicks. The adjustable splash skirt surrounds the scrub head to control overspray and conserve water. A...

LIFT-TRUCK BATTERY.
June 1, 2001... A new tubular-plate technology battery, designed for electric lift trucks, is now available. The tubular design features a positive plate consisting of rods of antimonial lead alloy that are surrounded by sleeves of an inert, porous material....

CONNECTOR PLUGS.
June 1, 2001... The new SWIFTMATE Connector series of connector plugs mates to popular sizes and configurations of MIL-C-5105 style threaded receptacles with a push of the connector plug. The coupling system employs an internal ring of formed, locking fingers...

CABLE.
June 1, 2001... The Trayflex 3D is an oil-resistant, multi-conductor cable with open wiring approval. It is suitable for any application that requires a continuous flexing, bending or twisting cable. It features finely stranded bare copper conductors, a...

POWER SUPPLY.
June 1, 2001... The QUINT POWER Supplies Series utilizes primary switching technology. All units are fully enclosed and mount easily on standard DIN-rail. Optional power factor correction is available to meet upcoming CE requirements for limiting harmonic...

TRANSPORT VEHICLES.
June 1, 2001... Seating up to six people, the Transport Express is a passenger vehicle equipped with a quiet electric drive system. It is an alternative to larger six-passenger transport vehicles that will not fit in small environments and do not maneuver as...

ADHESIVE.
June 1, 2001... The Metal Welder is a methacrylate structural adhesive formulated to bond metals and dissimilar substrates. With peel resistance, this product provides high-strength, durable bonds to metals such as aluminum, cold rolled steel, stainless steel,...

SPECTRUM ANALYZER.
June 1, 2001... The Model 2635 spectrum analyzer, features a built-in interface that allows the user to control the analyzer's settings or to sample signals. This device can be used for pre-compliance testing. An optional near-field sniffer probe set can be...

LUBRICANT LINE.
June 1, 2001... This line includes Break-Away heavy-duty fast-penetrating oil, silicone spray, white grease with Teflon, and Z-Lube multi-purpose lube. These lubricants offer the user the ability to match the best lubricant to a specific type of application.

BAND SAW.
June 1, 2001... Model VTF8-A, an automatic vertical-tilt frame band saw, features a linear guidance system, an AC inverter, and a 1.25-in, blade. This device can operate automatically or manually, and is equipped with touch-screen program controls. These...

TURBINE METERS.
June 1, 2001... The FTB790 Series of turbine meters, with microprocessor based electronics, offers a fluid measurement device that features a liquid crystal display with two-point floating decimal. All operations are accessed with two buttons. The meter is...

PAVERS/TREADS.
June 1, 2001... These payers and matching treads are available in the warning strip or DOT 12X12-in. size, in many colors. The products offer the ability to be more compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act without detracting from overall design.

BAR LOADER.
June 1, 2001... The MULTIFEED short bar magazine loader package includes three push rod and bearing sizes of 6 mm, 10 mm, and 16 mm. This unit enables simple and accurate bar positioning and setups without the need for chucking systems.

COATINGS/LININGS SYSTEMS.
June 1, 2001... These lines of coatings, linings and vinyl resins use resin technology to shield substrate from range of chemicals. The products can be used in immersion service and vapor service. Several systems are FDA compliant.

ERGONOMIC CART.
June 1, 2001... The self-elevating ergonomic cart is designed for applications where plastic containers are used in the manufacturing of parts or assembly for finished products. This cart raises or lowers automatically as materials are removed or added to...

SWIVEL CASTER.
June 1, 2001... The H Series features a directional wheel lock and brake. When activated, a four-station plunger lock converts the swivel caster into a rigid caster for straight-line travel. Individual casters have a load capacity from 330 lbs. to 3,300 lbs....

AIR VACUUM PUMP.
June 1, 2001... The Zee line Model 1785 features a 1/4-in. air connection and a 1-in, suction inlet. The pump, for solid particles up to 3/4 in., can be used with a variety of fluids including engine oil, gear oil and ATF. Included with this device is a 2-in....

SHEETER AND STAKER SYSTEM.
June 1, 2001... This system can sheet and slit non-woven materials such as composite polyethylene film, felt and nylon for use in manufacturing products. The system can be designed with multiple unwind stations. Each station is capable of handling large rolls...

HOSE REELS.
June 1, 2001... The Safety Series features the EZCOIL rewind safety system to increase operator safety. This line of spring-driven safety reels eliminates the high-speed recoil and backlash common to conventional spring-motor hose reels.