Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation articles from May 2001

Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation archives from May 2001

Editorial COMMENTS.
May 1, 2001... Deep in the Heart of a Baldrige Winner For a company from Texas, there may be a certain irony to winning the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award in the "Small Business" category. It didn't bother Texas Nameplate Co., Inc., of course....

Boeing looking good to investors, suitor cities.
May 1, 2001... The Boeing Co.'s strong profits for 1Q 2001 and its March announcement about plans to move from its longtime Seattle, WA, base have kept the spotlight on the world's largest aircraft manufacturer. Its 1Q 2001 earnings of $762 million on $13.3...

Honeywell to cut 6,500 jobs as sales, earnings fall.
May 1, 2001... Honeywell International, Inc., posted a sharper-than-expected drop in 1Q earnings last month, and said it will Cut 5% of its staff worldwide as a result. The diversified Morristown, NJ-based manufacturer, in the process of being acquired...

Transport firm will pay $3 million in back wages.
May 1, 2001... Overnite Transportation Co., a Richmond, VA-based trucking firm, said last month it will pay 1,200 union employees at 37 of its U.S. freight terminals about $3 million in back wages to comply with a 1999 order by the National Labor Relations...

Exxon sees more success from the top.
May 1, 2001... The chairman of ExxonMobil told attendees at an investor conference in New York City last month that he sees continued success for the company after its record results for 2000. Lee Raymond recapped the Texas-based company's 2000 results --...

World's Largest Pumping Stations to Supply Everglades Fresh Water.
May 1, 2001... The SouthFlorida Water Management District recently commissioned two new world-record-sized pumping stations in Palm Beach County that will move cleansed water from agricultural areas into the Everglades. The Fairbanks Morse Engine Division of...

'Biodiesel' could help ease pollution, oil-dependence.
May 1, 2001... Diesel fuel made from waste cooking oil and grease collected from restaurants could be one key to cleaner urban air and reduced U.S. dependence on fossil fuel. The city of Berkeley, CA, recently began operating its 10-truck recycling fleet...

Internet Disconnect?
May 1, 2001... Recent surveys suggest manufacturers may be paying too much or misdirecting what they spend to maintain consumer-oriented Web sites. Polls of 7,900 consumer Web shoppers and 75 executives from manufacturing and retail operations show at least a...

Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association.
May 1, 2001... The Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association, Naples, FL, reported record-setting industry growth for the sixth consecutive year. For 2000, conveyor-equipment sales totaled $7.3 billion, nearly $1 billion more than in 1999. Shipments also...

National Safety Council.
May 1, 2001... Dr. Craig Barrett, president and CEO of Intel Corp., Santa Clara, CA, will receive the 2001 Green Cross for Safety Medal from the National Safety Council for his commitment to workplace safety and corporate citizenship. Barrett will receive the...

Aquafine Corp.
May 1, 2001... Aquafine Corp., has moved into a new headquarters facility in Valencia, CA., which it said is the largest manufacturing plant for industrial ultraviolet water-treatment products in the world. The 110,000-sq.-ft. building includes...

Manufacturing Skills Standard Council.
May 1, 2001... The Manufacturing Skills Standard Council (MSSC), Washington, D.C., will officially release its national skills standards for workers at a launch event and conference program at Washington's Omni Shoreham Hotel, May 10-11. MSSC's team of...

W.W. Grainger, Inc.
May 1, 2001... W.W. Grainger, Inc., Lake Forest, IL, has given 25,000 to the National Minority Supplier Development Council's (NMSDC) Advanced Management Education Program. The customized executive program, held annually at Northwestern University's Kellogg...

HOSE ASSEMBLIES.
May 1, 2001... High Purity Hose Assemblies feature all stainless steel braided construction with a choice of smooth bore or convoluted PEA, FEP, and PTFE Teflon, or flexible convoluted stainless steel interiors. They are custom fabricated and include a...

ROTARY ENCODER COLLARS.
May 1, 2001... These standard rotary encoder collars are made from aluminum and feature evenly spaced magnetic targets that can be read from the O.D. or face when used with electronic sensors and interfaces. They have been developed to add feedback capability...

GOGGLES.
May 1, 2001... Splash GoggleGear for Lexa eyewear are available in medium and large sizes with an adjustable, elastic headstrap. They are lightweight, anti-fog goggles that help prevent heat and fatigue because they are not bulky and do not get hot or block...

THICKNESS GAUGES.
May 1, 2001... Models 25 and 25HP Ultrasonic Precision Thickness Gauges are hand-held inspection tools that record digital thickness measurements for one side of the test part. They can measure the thickness of metals, plastics, glass, rubber, castings and...

Texas Nameplate's Texas-Sized Turnaround.
May 1, 2001... Once plagued by error-prone production, worker apathy and dwindling profits, this Dallas-based label maker turned itself around after almost losing its largest customer. Here's how it went on to win multiple awards, including the Malcolm...

The Two Faces of E-Commerce.
May 1, 2001... The March 22 issue of Purchasing magazine reported the results of a reader study on B2B e-commerce. It showed that the percent of buyers with access to the Internet at work has grown from 25% a few years ago, to nearly 100% today. However, the...

INSTRUMENT CLIPBOARD.
May 1, 2001... The Instrument Clipboard is designed to be used with any number of instruments for convenience and mobility. Temperature-sensing devices, voltage meters and other types of hand-held meters can be used in conjunction with the clipboard. The...

PAD KIT.
May 1, 2001... The Variable-Density Pad Kit, the newest option for the company's PadPak system, allows users to change the density of the cushioning pads based on product and packaging needs. The PadPak system takes three-ply kraft paper and converts it to...

HOSE PUMPS.
May 1, 2001... The Venderflex Pump is a compact, rugged industrial-quality pump designed in accordance with contemporary industrial design. It is seal-less, has no flaps or valves, offers simple hose replacement, has few wearing parts, is closed coupled and...

AREA GAS MONITOR.
May 1, 2001... Model 128 Local Area Gas Monitor is a wall-mounted monitor with Auto Install, which allows one-button addition of configured sensors without having to go through detailed setup menus. Model 128 allows connections to a datalogging PC and is...

ROLL COVERS.
May 1, 2001... Fluoroethylenepropylene (FEP) heat-shrinkable roll covers are specifically engineered to extend roller life and eliminate roller build-up and picking. Unique properties of the FEP material include almost universal chemical resistance, zero...

SCREWS.
May 1, 2001... Precision shoulder screws and captive-panel screws meet tough design requirements. Shoulder screws provide close tolerance spacing and bearing surfaces in many applications. Captive-panel screws installed in equipment panels assure mounting...

Stopping Safety-Vent Leakage in Storage Tanks.
May 1, 2001... The process of storing large volumes of liquid VOCs (volatile organic compounds) in storage tanks requires a complex operation. Numerous pressure controls and emergency pressure relief vents are included in the vapor control system. Filling and...

GASKETS.
May 1, 2001... The GORE-TEX TriGuard gaskets are designed for positive sealing of aggressive fluid piping applications on fragile flanges or flanges with irregularities. A gasket constriction technique with 100% expanded PTFE material combines the sealability...

INDUSTRIAL PUMPS.
May 1, 2001... The M23 series motor-powered pumps are suited for abrasive, high temperature, acid-wash, wash-and-coat, dirty-fluid, chemical and other problem pumping applications. These positive-displacement pumps feature hydraulically balanced diaphragms,...

PUMP UNIT.
May 1, 2001... Model 40201D is a triplex plunger pump that reduces maintenance needs and increases uptime. Combining the water jet power of up to 40,000 psi with a low flow rate of up to 6 gpm, this unit can be mounted on a steel skid or trailer for easy...

WATER PUMP.
May 1, 2001... The RF 600, suited for taller volume circulating jobs, has the ability to pump 160 gal. of water per hour and reach a waterhead of 3.7 in. for fountain applications. Features include front-mounted flow controls for easy access and adjustment by...

CABLE WRAP.
May 1, 2001... Heli-Tube UV-resistant polyethylene spirally cut cable wrap is designed for bundling and protecting wires, cables, or pneumatic and hydraulic hoses. Providing the ability to break-out different components, this wrap installs easily by hand...

SUCTION PUMPS.
May 1, 2001... These pumps are designed to reduce MTBF in severe processing environments. This line delivers flows of 100,000+ GPM. Heads are offered in a wide variety of materials from cast iron to duplex stainless steel.

CPVC PIPE.
May 1, 2001... Now including 14 in. and 16 in. sizes, the Harvel CPVC pipe line features corrosive resistance and high-temperature strength for use in a wide variety of applications. The pipe is lightweight and available in plain end or belled one end,...

VALVE.
May 1, 2001... The DSP valve is designed for applications requiring flow-rates up to 800 gpm. Because this valve uses a dual coil proportional valve, it features two cables to connect the OBE to the pilot valves. The adapter only allows current to flow to the...

HYDRAULIC HOSE.
May 1, 2001... Model 782 is a high-pressure hose designed for construction equipment and hydrostatic drives. This hose features steel wire spirals and an abrasion-resistant Tough Cover or optional Super Tough cover.

DIAPHRAGM VALVE.
May 1, 2001... Type 2031 stainless steel diaphragm valve provides flow rates to handle high purity, polluted, dirty, abrasive or viscous liquids. The valve is used with sensors and a PLC in continuous-control process applications.

STORAGE VEHICLE.
May 1, 2001... The Webb-Triax MS/RV is a storage and retrieval vehicle that combines an automated storage and retrieval system with turret-type fork trucks. Guide rollers engage channel type track in the floor and overhead.

ERGONOMIC LIFTER.
May 1, 2001... The VT-PLA aluminum pallet lifting attachment allows one person to lift and move pallets. Featuring a quick-release mount, the attachment can be swapped with the full range of vacuum pads.

PORTABLE HOIST.
May 1, 2001... This portable hoist lifts products from the ground to the back of a truck, table or workstation. Features include adjustable outriggers with leveling jacks, double-acting hydraulic hand pump and swivel crane.

BULK CONTAINERS.
May 1, 2001... KitBin storage and material handling bins feature removable side panels that allow them to be disassembled for return shipment and storage purposes. The containers are fabricated from heavy-duty, lightweight HDPE structural foam. Perforated and...

STORAGE SYSTEMS.
May 1, 2001... The MegaLift VLM is an enclosed system of vertically arranged trays, an ergonomically designed extraction platform and computerized controls. A Flexispace feature allows random storage of products to optimize the cubic space and permit items of...

PRECISION MAINTENANCE COURSES.
May 1, 2001... The Reliable Maintenance Institute (RMI) programs train participants in techniques and procedures necessary to ensure trouble-free operation and achieve machine reliability. RMI seminars are recommended for plant managers, engineers,...

MANUFACTURING TRAINING.
May 1, 2001... EnteGreat University provides industry-based training for manufacturing. Classes include Understanding and Using the ISA S88 or ISA S95 Standards; How to Develop Good Functional Specifications for Manufacturing Systems; and Developing a...

SUPPLY-CHAIN SEMINAR.
May 1, 2001... A fast-paced, two-day seminar for new and experienced supply-chain professionals who want to learn and use the latest supply-chain management techniques. The seminar will help professionals understand current and future supply-management...

SAFETY TRAINING CATALOG.
May 1, 2001... The National Safety Council is now offering training programs in occupational safety, first aid, defensive driving and flagger training. A catalog that contains a schedule and list of 58 training sites across the country is now available....

ACTUATORS.
May 1, 2001... Two new sizes of the ChamberLink combination feedthrough/actuator are available. The ChamberLink combines a rotary feedthrough and harmonic-drive servo actuator to provide motion within a vacuum chamber.

COVERED ROLLERS.
May 1, 2001... Rubber-covered rollers are suitable for converting, extrusion and processing applications. The company measures nip impressions. A covering material recommendation considers temperature, pressure, humidity and the presence of volatile solvents....

REPAIR MORTAR.
May 1, 2001... Sealtight Meadow-Plug hydraulic repair mortar stops fluid seepage in concrete or masonry structures. It plugs non-moving cracks, joints and voids. The sealant mixes with water to form a putty-like consistency.

FOAM SEALANT.
May 1, 2001... This aerosol foam sealant fills, seals and insulates cracks and cavities. It cures to a semi-rigid, closed-cell material. The container features an applicator system that keeps the foam from curing.

PUTTY.
May 1, 2001... Pyro-Putty 1000 is a two-part, aqueous-based, ceramic- and aluminum-filled paste which withstands operating temperatures to 1,400 degrees F. It was developed to repair pin holes, warps and cracks in aluminum castings and molds.

FLOOR FINISH.
May 1, 2001... TriLinc high-speed floor finish incorporates three crosslinks plus urethane fortification for optimum durability. This finish provides flexibility for black heel-mark resistance and ease of repair. A thin coat provides up to 150% film thickness...

FLOOR FILL.
May 1, 2001... Fixmaster Floor Fill is a troweable, non-shrinking, solids epoxy-based system for repairing and resurfacing cracks in concrete. The product works well on floors, spalled areas, ramps, stairs, and in grouting applications. Once cured, the fill...

TEMPERATURE TRANSMITTERS.
May 1, 2001... The 656T contains two independent temperature transmitters in a single device. These loop-powered units accept universal thermocouple and millivolt input signal ranges and provide isolation and output signals.

COMBUSTION MONITORING.
May 1, 2001... The heat-resistant remote combustion-monitoring system is available in a portable mini-cart unit with a color video display. The FireSight system enables operators to view furnace conditions. Other features include a chip camera and a furnace...

WELDING UNIT.
May 1, 2001... The company offers its Square Wave TIG 275 water-cooled welding unit. The package includes a Square Wave TIG 275 unit; a twin-cylinder undercarriage; a foot amptrol, gas regulator/flowmeter and hose kit; a cooler and torch.

Lightning-Dissipation System Keeps Power Plant On Line in the Worst Storms.
May 1, 2001... Lightning strikes the Earth 100 times each second. A bolt of lightning can reach a temperature of 50,000 degrees F, about five times hotter than the surface of the sun. Damage as a result of lightning costs millions of dollars each year. It can...

MODULAR BUILDINGS.
May 1, 2001... Pivot-Lock load-bearing modular building systems support loads. Strength comes from the panels, which are constructed with a framework of anodized-aluminum structural extrusions for resistance to racking. Load-bearing modular buildings are an...

SHAFT GUARDS.
May 1, 2001... Trim & Fit shaft guards replace the need for custom-engineered solutions. The base-mounted, close-coupled guards are made from high-density polyethylene plastic and are supplied with all stainless steel hardware. After initial sizing, the...

WALL FILTER.
May 1, 2001... This wall-mounted filter extracts harmful smoke and fumes in the welding shop. It has flexible connections for extraction hoods and ventilation ducts. Users can size a fan to fit any application. Filter changes are easy and do not require...

IMPELLER.
May 1, 2001... Multiflow is an adjustable blade, mixed-flow impeller that features mixed-flow technology and a non-overloading power curve. Factory set, the impeller blade angles are positioned in one of five standard settings allowing flow/pressure and power...

DATA COLLECTOR.
May 1, 2001... The CMVA 60 Version 3.81 features the time-saving Configuration Wizard, improved self-test capability, and automatic triaxial data collection via a new Triax Accelerometer. The V3.81 also incorporates several firmware enhancements.

CALIBRATION.
May 1, 2001... The P360 precision blackbody calibration source combines portability with a wide temperature range, high emissivity and resolution. The source and the controller are housed in separate modules so source can be positioned in a remote location.

Multimeter Provides Reliable Test Data Under Rigorous Conditions.
May 1, 2001... Alaska Diesel Electric, Inc., is a Seattle-WA-based manufacturer of marine generator sets and propulsion engines. The company builds new electrical generation systems for fishing vessels and repairs existing systems. The market it serves places...

MULTIMETER.
May 1, 2001... The all-in-one SUPERMETER Model HHM29O combines a full-function Multimeter with a non-contact Infrared Pyrometer. It features laser sighting and a dual input Type-K Thermocouple meter. The Multimeter measures DC/AC Voltage, Current, Resistance,...

PLASTIC PACKAGING.
May 1, 2001... The company offers returnable packaging systems, products, services and solutions that support the needs of manufacturing, wholesale and commercial businesses. A comprehensive selection of products and services supports any application and...

THERMOMETER.
May 1, 2001... The Model 1522 Handheld Thermometer achieves accuracies as high as 0.005[degrees]C, according to the company, and provides complete data-logging functions. The battery-powered unit reads both PRTs and thermistors with user-selectable resolution...

FILTER.
May 1, 2001... The "Big Round Filter" combines ease of operation and service with high reliability and a 3-yr. warranty. The reverse air-dust collector uses a simple design that minimizes the number of moving parts, reducing wear. The dust collector's...

FUME ARMS.
May 1, 2001... These standard or stainless steel extractor arms are designed to provide a non-corrosive, easily adjustable means of extracting hazardous materials such as welding smoke, dusts, pharmaceutical dusts, acidic or caustic chemicals. They provide...

TELEMETRY SYSTEM.
May 1, 2001... The Torque Trak 9000 Digital Radio Telemetry System converts virtually any shaft into a rotating torque sensor. The miniature battery-powered transmitter rides on the shaft and broadcasts digital data from a torque-sensitive strain gauge. The...

STEAM HUMIDIFIER.
May 1, 2001... Model 1100 stainless steel humidifier is designed for use in sensitive environments where pure demineralized, deionized, distilled or reverse-osmosis water is used to generate clean steam. It is intended for applications where all steam and...

TITRATOR.
May 1, 2001... The KEM Karl Fischer Volumetric Titrator is a reliable way to determine water content. The KEM KF works with moisture in solids, liquids and liquid gases. The large LCD screen shows easy-to-operate dialog messages in addition to easy-to-read...

MOBILE LUBE SYSTEM.
May 1, 2001... Custom mobile lubrication systems put the weight of oil, cans, filters and tools into a modular palletized system that can be moved to any location on virtually any motorized vehicle. Each system is customized and includes on-board electric or...

PORTABLE COMPUTERS.
May 1, 2001... The company has released wireless versions of its Dolphin 7200 Portable Computer and Bar Code Scanner, and of its new Dolphin 7400 PDT. The wireless PDT enables automatic data collection and transmission to LANs used in distribution,...

MULTI-STATUS INDICATOR.
May 1, 2001... The Chameleon 108 Series is a low-profile audible and visual multi-status indicator with eight tones and three independent lights in one beacon. The indicator features the ability to stack one additional lens module and light source (strobe,...

DUST DUCT.
May 1, 2001... Dust Duct is a total system of tubing and fittings that is designed to control dust and fumes in grain handling, plastics processing, chemical process, the wood industry and other processing applications. It is available in materials such as...

ROCKER ARM ESCAPEMENT.
May 1, 2001... This pneumatic rocker arm escapement device was designed to singulate round products, such as wheels and drums. Coupled with the company's BDLR and CDLR live-roller conveyors, the escapement will release one product while holding back the...