Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation articles from March 2002

Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation archives from March 2002

All aboard for China. (Editorial Comments).
March 1, 2002... In China last month, President Bush told Premier Zhu Rongji that Commerce Secretary Don Evans would lead a delegation of U.S. business executives to his country in April. The goal of the mission is to strengthen economic relations between the...

OSHA budget down, but boosted in key areas. (Industry Newsline).
March 1, 2002... President Bush's requested $437 million budget for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration for FY2003 is about 1% less than the 2002 budget. Nonetheless, it includes increases in key areas, according to OSHA administrator John...

Trucking's oldest nameplate lives on. (Industry Newsline).
March 1, 2002... When the first Autocar Xpeditor LCOE (low-cab-over-engine) truck rolled off an Indiana assembly line in late January (left), it marked another rebirth of the trucking industry's oldest nameplate. Autocar, in continuous production since its 1897...

Michigan tops U.S. in number of new and expanded facilities. (Industry Newsline).
March 1, 2002... A magazine for expansion-planning decision-makers has ranked Michigan the number-one state in the nation for new and expanded business facilities for 2001. In a nationwide survey conducted by Site Selection magazine, the state reported 1,419...

Ford to revamp Chicago plant for new vehicle. (Industry Newsline).
March 1, 2002... Ford Motor Co. announced last month it will revamp its 78-year-old plant on Chicago's South Side so it can build a new vehicle model there. The automaker unveiled plans for its CrossTrainer vehicle, a half-sedan, half sport-utility vehicle that...

General Electric will buy Enron wind-turbine unit. (Industry Newsline).
March 1, 2002... Bankrupt power trader Enron Corp. announced last month it would sell its California-based wind-turbine unit to General Electric Co.'s Power Systems division for an undisclosed amount. Enron Wind is the largest U.S. manufacturer of wind...

IMPO stock watch: Security stocks soar. (Industry Newsline).
March 1, 2002... In the brave new world of anti-terrorism, security equipment has become a hot stock item. Airport security companies InVision Technologies (INVN), Viisage Technology, Inc. (VISG), and Visionics Corp. (VSNX) show significant gains in their stock...

General Electric Co. (News Briefs).
March 1, 2002... The GE Specialty Materials unit of General Electric Co. announced last month it will acquire the BetzDearborn water-treatment business from Hercules Inc., Wilmington, DE, for $1.8 billion. Pennsylvania-based BetzDearborn provides chemical...

National Fire Protection Association. (News Briefs).
March 1, 2002... Former New York City Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik will deliver the keynote address at the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) World Safety Conference. Kerik was a key member of the team that coordinated rescue efforts following the...

National Safety Council. (News Briefs).
March 1, 2002... The National Safety Council (NSC) is offering a one-day training seminar to help businesses comply with OSHA's new recordkeeping regulations that went into effect in January. The event is designed for managers responsible for preparing and...

DuPont. (News Briefs).
March 1, 2002... According to Wilmington, DE-based DuPont, its Kevlar fiber is an integral part of a new baggage container introduced last month by California-based Telair International. Telair said its Hardened Unit Load Device is the first in the nation to...

Saab Automobile. (News Briefs).
March 1, 2002... Saab Automobile said it has cut the release of hazardous organic substances, including solvents, in its car-painting processes, beating a Swedish-government mandate by eight years. The 1995 regulations called for a 50% reduction of hazardous...

NeuStar, Inc. (News Briefs).
March 1, 2002... A Washington, D.C.-based company that manages Internet-address registries announced last month the broadened availability of the US Internet-address suffix. NeuStar, Inc., said it acquired the right to offer the suffix to "second-level" users...

High Tension Red Belts. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... This Long-Life High Tension (HT) Red Belt is designed for use on powered-roller conveyors. The O-ring belt is suitable for curves, inclines and merges or where additional roller drive is needed to maintain smooth operation. It supplies extra...

Made-in-USA guide. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The OMEGA "Made in the USA" Edition Handbook features more than 100,000 products, all made in the U.S.A. They include instruments for measuring temperature, pressure, force, flow, level, pH, conductivity, humidity and more. OMEGA Engineering,...

Mag-Drive pumps. (Product Round-Up: Pumps).
March 1, 2002... MP/MPL Pumps are used in corrosive and toxic applications. These close-coupled, magnetically driven, seal-less centrifugal pumps feature rare-earth Neodymium magnets. Magnatex Pumps, Inc., Box 770845, Houston, TX 77215; 713-972-8666. Write...

Air-Diaphragm pumps. (Product Round-Up: Pumps).
March 1, 2002... These high-pressure air-diaphragm pumps are designed for the filter press feed application use. The pumps are available in 316 stainless steel and ductile iron. Granzow, Inc., 2300 CrownPoint Executive Dr., Charlotte, NC 28227; 704-845-2300....

Booster pump. (Product Round-Up: Pumps).
March 1, 2002... The Dry Mechanical Booster (DMB) pump is an oil-free, dry mini-Roots blower for the chemically corrosive pumping demands of the semiconductor and related industries. The pumping surfaces inside the DMB are coated with TUFRAM which is resistant...

High-volume pumps. (Product Round-Up: Pumps).
March 1, 2002... Expanding on its line of high volume magnetic drive, self priming, seal-less pump series, the company now offers 2-, 3- and 4-HP models for flows to 96 GPM and 78 TDH. The new models are corrosion-resistant, magnetic-drive and self-sealing,...

The economics of modern manufacturing. (Cover Story).
March 1, 2002... Manufacturing in 2002 differs significantly from one year ago, and dramatically from five years ago. The extraordinary events of the past year have created unique challenges and uncertain pitfalls. In November 2001, the National Bureau of...

New ISO 9000 standards raise the bar. (Guest Feature).
March 1, 2002... The countdown has begun for all ISO-certified organizations to meet a December 15, 2003, deadline for compliance with the upgraded ISO 9000 standards. The Switzerland based International Organization for Standardization (ISO) introduced its ISO...

Data-collection software. (Tech Bench: Software).
March 1, 2002... Alarmware is a data-collection system and analysis tool for remote data logging and alarm notification. User interface enhancements are available. RACO Mfg. and Eng. Co., 1400 62nd St., Emeryville, CA 94608; 800-722-6999. Write in IMPO No....

Psychometrics for the palm. (Tech Bench: Software).
March 1, 2002... PsyCalc for the Palm is a portable version of PsyCalc software. Enter two variables and the program displays eight psychometric properties. LINRIC Co., 44 Greenmeadow Lane, Bedford, NJ 03110; 603-472-5640. Write in IMPO No. 32 or reply...

Paperless CMMS. (Tech Bench: Software).
March 1, 2002... FacilityManager is a paperless CMMS that generates work orders and streamlines preventive maintenance inspections using Palm Pilots. TISCOR, 1 2250 Parkway Centre Drive, Poway, CA 92064; 800-227-6379. Write in IMPO No. 33 or reply online at...

Control applications. (Tech Bench: Software).
March 1, 2002... LabVIEW Real-Time software can create control applications with point-by-point analysis routines. These libraries improve processing speed within control loops by using a memory of past input data and adapting to new data to perform signal...

Time, motion studies. (Tech Bench: Software).
March 1, 2002... AccuStudy software studies time and motion. It runs on most devices that use Windows CE. Advanced Time Studies, 730 Ericksen Ave. NE, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110; 877-367-7086. Write in IMPO No. 35 or reply online at www.impomag.com

Manual access. (Tech Bench: Software).
March 1, 2002... The 30 Platform delivers maintenance and repair manuals and illustrated parts catalogs to wireless devices. Equipment operators can access product support documentation, regardless of location, using a hand-held computer or personal digital...

Fieldwork software. (Tech Bench: Software).
March 1, 2002... This software uses wireless communications, handheld computers, workflow software and the Internet to automate the processes associated with field service operations. These include: communication, work assignments, invoicing, and others....

Inventory software. (Tech Bench: Software).
March 1, 2002... FastPic Parts PL software uses an installation wizard for inventory by SKU number and quantity. Stored items are automatically delivered. FastPic Systems, 41 Eisenhower Drive, Suite A, Westbrook, ME 04092; 800-897-8379. Write in IMPO No....

Understanding corrosion and how to protect against it. (Tech Check).
March 1, 2002... Each year, corroded machinery, buildings and equipment cost American industry an estimated $7 billion. By understanding the causes of corrosion, however, effective steps can be taken to prevent and combat it. There are several types of...

Welding system. (Product Round-up: Welding Equipment).
March 1, 2002... The SkyWelder package features an integrated self-contained welding system with leads factory-routed through the boom powertrack. The AC generator is powered by the hydraulic system. JLG Industries, Inc., 1 JLG Dr., McConnellsburg, PA 17233;...

Inverter. (Product Round-up: Welding Equipment).
March 1, 2002... The Invertec V350-PRO advanced process model is equipped with pulse MIG welding capability. It features an integrated control panel that eliminates cable clutter and pendant confusion. The Constant Power MIG model adjusts voltage and current...

Hand-held welder. (Product Round-up: Welding Equipment).
March 1, 2002... The Model H-540 hand held welder is designed for staking, inserting, and spot-welding applications. It features autotune circuitry and a microprocessor based programmable timer for weld times and an overload protection circuitry for both the...

Welding lenses. (Product Round-up: Welding Equipment).
March 1, 2002... Six different protection plate options for the Speedglas 9000 series of auto-darkening welding lenses are available. High-Heat and Heavy-Duty outside protection plate are available in 5-packs. Hornell, Inc., 2374 Edison Blvd., Twinsburg, OH...

Wiring duct. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The customizable DNG PVC wiring duct features snap-off sidewall fingers, pre-scored for smooth snap-off edges. The duct is equipped with standard mounting slots consisting of oblong holes in alternating sizes without drilling or cutting. It...

Ball valve. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The Triad Series 3-piece bail valve is suitable for high-pressure, high-temperature, severe service, and high-cycle applications. The valve features live loaded stem seals, redundant body seal and stem seal, investment cast stainless steel...

Welding mold. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The ergonomically-friendly Sure Shot Welding Mold features a new hexmould configuration. Made from ceramic, it is designed to deliver quick grounding connections using a one-step process. It comes packaged with all materials necessary for a...

Don't let the pressure twist the truth. (Distribution Solutions).
March 1, 2002... As the 2001 holiday season approached, I witnessed retailers, large and small, deeply discounting product prices as early as mid-November. By the end of December, when you would expect shelves to be empty, they continued to slash prices. Why?...

Flexible tubing. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... PMA flexible corrugated polymer tubing guides and protects cables in non-linear movements. Applications include pickand-place robots, welding equipment, packaging machinery, and bottling equipment. Igus, Inc., Box 14349, East Providence, RI...

Power adapter. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The PSA100U power adapter features universal AC input and worldwide EMC compliance. It is designed for use in industrial controls, imaging machines, gaming machines, networking systems and portable electronic equipment. The PSA100U has active...

Junction box. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The Eclipse Junior Series junction box series is available for industrial OEM, MRO, and contractor customers. This modern-styled enclosure features a single quarter-turn latch system and a formed body lip for contaminant protection. Other key...

Bolting tool. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The XXI 2-in-1 bolting tool is a continuous-rotation hydraulic tool for industrial applications. It also functions as a clickon tensioning tool for applications where joint leakage and thread galling are problems. Hytoro, 333 Rt. 17 N., Mahwah,...

Shipping impact indicator. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... Shockwatch is an indicator strip that can be applied with or without a warning label to nearly any product, package, carton, bottle or other container. Indicators are available in five different sensitivity or impact threshold levels. Impact...

Expansion joints. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... With a full line of pinch valves, Tideflex, Check Valves, Redflex, Expansion Joints and non-clogging pressure sensors, Red Valve has a solution for efficient operation at any plant. Their elastomer products are abrasion resistant and long...

Metal guards. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... Suitable for new applications and retrofitting existing applications to meet safety compliance are these rotating shaft guards. They come in a powder-coated safety orange color with affixed warning labels. They fully enclose the rotati ng...

Drum pump. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The Ezi-action Drum Pump with two moving parts, pumps on both the up and down stroke. Available in three models, it is constructed of polypropylene, polyethylene and PVC, which prevents rust and corrosion. The pump features a quick-release...

Two-level storage solution maximizes manufacturer's stockroom space. (Field Report).
March 1, 2002... For more than 100 years, Osram Sylvania has provided high-quality lighting products for general applications as well as for precision materials and components, electronic control systems and automotive needs. The company's Hillsboro, NHbased...

Fire Protection. (Training Aids).
March 1, 2002... The Society of Fire Protection Engineers is sponsoring training seminars designed for exchanging fire-protection engineering knowledge in the fire-safety community. Topics include principles of fire protection engineering and issues in fire...

Kanban training. (Training Aids).
March 1, 2002... "Kanban for the Shopfloor" trains shopfloor workers in the art of Japanese inventory control to reduce overproduction. Part of the Shopfloor Series of training guides, the manual is written so readers can understand, plan and implement kanban....

Mechanical Maintenance Training. (Training Aids).
March 1, 2002... The Mechanical Maintenance Training Program, which includes 83 CD-ROMs, provides maintenance workers with information ranging from basic safety techniques to mastery of Vibration Analysis. It can be used as a comprehensive training course, for...

Lean manufacturing course. (Training Aids).
March 1, 2002... The Just-in-Time (JIT) course teaches the principles of lean manufacturing. It covers the JIT concepts of improving quality, eliminating waste, and reducing manufacturing lead times and inventory. The course is based on the philosophies of...

NI imaging. (Training Aids).
March 1, 2002... This free IMAQ Vision Demo CD demonstrates how engineers use NI imaging software to solve vision applications. It features an imaging fundamental section that highlights NI vision hardware products and software packages. It includes motion and...

Tagging relays. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... Designed for automated power distribution systems, the Series 24 and 31 relays are available with two or three positions and feature orange tags to ensure safety. The relays may be operated manually, electrically, or remotely. Electroswitch,...

Processing textiles. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The EconoSheeter is an air-operated scissor shear that cuts roll material into manageable sheets. The sheeter can operate standalone or inline as part of a custom system. Contech, 1756 S. 151 St. W., Goddard, KS 67052; 800-961-6449. Write...

Suction pumps. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The CI and FI end-suction pumps feature a dry shaft design, standard gauge tappings on the pump flanges, a built-in drip pan, rear pullout and a slip-on shaft sleeve. They are suitable for heating, air conditioning, pressure boosting, and...

Safety light curtain. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... The MCJ4700 is a multiple-segment safety light curtain. Each segment is connected via solid electromechanical joints. The ultra-compact transmitter and receiver allow it to be integrated into the design of small machines. Scientific...

Work positioners. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... Lifts and lift tables are available in 36 models for production and assembly operations. The units with a remote power unit are operated from a joystick control. All units are equipped with a cable carrier. Options include bellows skirting and...

Work cycles. (Product News).
March 1, 2002... These industrial grade cycles are used as a fuel-free alternative to motorized vehicles. The Mover M2020-CB features WTC Clincher Rims, WTC Sup-r-tires, rear coaster brake, front drum brake, and parking brake lever. Options include perforated...