Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation articles from May 2002

Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation archives from May 2002

Responsible Responsible Care. (Editorial Comments).
May 1, 2002... When an industry creates its own program for addressing serious issues like pollution, safe working environments or safe products, and most members hop aboard, it can be a good thing. It can also be not so good if the program is created solely...

Report predicts manufacturing will lead '02 bankruptcies. (Industry Newsline).
May 1, 2002... A forecast of 2002 U.S. bankruptcy trends says 200 public companies will file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy this year, and that half of them will be in the manufacturing sector. The report, prepared by international business consultant...

Geothermal power production has risen 50% in 10 years. (Industry Newsline).
May 1, 2002... Geothermal energy production has expanded 50% in the past decade, according to the U.S. Geothermal Energy Association (GEA), a Washington, D.C.-based trade group. The renewable power source, which produces electricity using the natural heat...

Regional coordinators named to help with OSHA ergonomic plan. (Industry Newsline).
May 1, 2002... The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has named a coordinator for each of its 10 regional offices to assist OSHA staff, employers, employees and others with ergonomic issues. The appointments were made in conjunction with OSHA's...

World keeps heat on U.S. over steel tariffs. (Industry Newsline).
May 1, 2002... Continuing the international condemnation of new U.S. steel tariffs, 20 countries formed a coalition last month to formally protest the tariffs to the World Trade Organization in Geneva, Switzerland. Calling the U.S. an abuser of global...

Levi Strauss to close 6 plants, lay off 3,300. (Industry Newsline).
May 1, 2002... Famed jeans and sportswear maker LEVI STRAUSS & Co. said last month it will close six of its U.S. plants this year and permanently lay off 3,300 workers. The move will halt nearly all U.S. manufacturing operations for the privately held...

EAM Software bouncos, settles. (IMPO Stock Watch).
May 1, 2002... Enterprise asset management software companies were doing well enough until the 2001 recession hit. Like many of their manufacturing clients, their stock prices plummeted in the second quarter of last year, finally bottoming out following...

EPA. (News Briefs).
May 1, 2002... EPA Administrator Christie Whitman presented the Energy Star Award to 36 businesses and organizations in March, recognizing their efforts to improve energy efficiency and reduce global warming gases. Recipients included Maytag Corp.; Philips...

UGN, Inc. (News Briefs).
May 1, 2002... Automotive supplier UGN, Inc., Chicago, IL, said it will build a new, 150,000-sq.-ft. production plant in Jackson, TN, this summer, creating up to 200 jobs within three years. The facility will be the company's fourth and is expected to be in...

Holophane. (News Briefs).
May 1, 2002... Lighting manufacturer Holophane will hold a free, three-day seminar next month entitled "Lighting of Schools" for architects, engineers and others who select industrial and commercial lighting systems. The event will be held June 24 through...

Interroll Corp. (News Briefs).
May 1, 2002... Interroll Corp. opened a new test lab and simulation facility for conveyor components at its Wilmington, NC, headquarters in March. The 2,400-sq.-ft. testing area includes lab space with dynamometers to evaluate torque, motor force and gear...

Toyota. (News Briefs).
May 1, 2002... At a March ceremony, four of Toyota's North American auto suppliers received the company's Superior Award for meeting Toyota's highest standards in quality, delivery, and value improvement for parts, materials and transportation. The companies...

Rubber roofing system. (Product News).
May 1, 2002... The SEAL Liquid-Applied Rubber roofing system restores leaking metal roofs with a new weathering surface (NWS). The seam-free roofing is an economical alternative to a new roof. Topps Products, 7200 W. 132nd St., Overland Park, KS 66213;...

Collapsible Crate. (Product News).
May 1, 2002... SMARTCRATE hand-held, collapsible plastic containers are suitable for plant-to-plant transfers of work-in-process materials. They feature a two-step assembly, and are cross-stackable. IPL Products Ltd., 10 Forbes Road, North Borough, MA 01532;...

Hard Durometer tubing. (Product News).
May 1, 2002... The Superthane HARD DUROMETER tubing line has been expanded to include more sizes. Made from ether-based polyurethane, durometer tubing resists attack from moisture, humidity and fungus. It is naturally flexible and does not contain...

Custom Dolphin guides. (Product News).
May 1, 2002... DOLPHIN GUIDE self-lubricating linear slides can now be designed for a wide range of customized solutions. Ultra short stroke, self-centering slides, as well as modified mounting options are a few examples of the variations that can be...

The chemical industry: striving for world-class safety, cleanliness. (Cover Story).
May 1, 2002... Part of a tough industry with a spotty reputation, chemical manufacturers are working to adapt world-class production practices and create safe, environmentally conscious workplaces. The business of manufacturing chemicals doesn't come...

Motor-drive retrofit boosts efficiency for wire manufacturer. (Field Report).
May 1, 2002... Judd Wire, Inc., the extrusion and cabling subsidiary of Sumitomo Electric USA, recently retrofitted its production lines utilizing AC motor and motor-drive technology. Headquartered in Turners Falls, MA, Judd Wire manufactures a variety of...

Angle drill. (Tools).
May 1, 2002... The AD626 triple-gear-reduction angle drill with right-angle drive features the S-automatic safety clutch to protect against dangerous kickback during bit jam. It also offers double insulation by creating a barrier between the operator and...

Wire-wrap kit. (Tools).
May 1, 2002... The kit contains a variety of telecom wire-wrap tools. These include an insulated metal wire-wrap gun, a wire-wrap bit, a wire-wrap sleeve, a wire-wrap and unwrap tool, a wire stripper and cutter. The tools come in a leather holster. Jonard...

Ratchet. (Tools).
May 1, 2002... The BURNDY Y1MR enhanced ratchet HYTOOL features a color-coded die wheel that matches die to a color-code connector, embossing the completed connection. In addition to the standard red, blue and gray grooves, the Y1MR enhanced ratchet offers a...

Hex bit driver. (Tools).
May 1, 2002... The insulated hex bit driver features an extra-strong magnet for safe bit retention. The tool comes with six 1/4-in. hex bits, two Phillips #1 and two Phillips #2. The six-bit storage compartment in the handle with rotating window allows for...

Tap extensions. (Tools).
May 1, 2002... These lines of 5-in. (shown) and 9-in. long tap extensions are available individually or in sets of nine sizes. The extensions are made of too steel. The slim profile design fits into tight places. No wrench is required to tighten compression...

Vacuum loader. (Product News).
May 1, 2002... This vacuum loader moves low-viscosity adhesives and sealants to caulking guns. By attaching the caulking gun barrel to the outlet adapter on the loader, and pulling the follower rod out, material is sucked into the caulking gun. Force-Flo,...

Dock-area modular offices. (Product News).
May 1, 2002... These modular shipping and receiving areas provide safe working environments that are clean, and easy-to-adjust and reconstruct. Employees can control temperature and noise, and truck fumes can be reduced. Porta-King Building Systems, 4133...

Gasket tape. (Adhesives & Sealants).
May 1, 2002... GORE-TEX Series 600 gasket tape is resistant to all chemicals. Available in five widths and thicknesses, the tape maintains its original width and thick profile when compressed. W.L. Gore & Assoc., Inc., 201 Airport Rd., Box 1488 Elkton, MD...

Epoxy resin. (Adhesives & Sealants).
May 1, 2002... The two-component epoxy resin composition called EP41S-5 features chemical resistance to aggressive media like chlorinated organic solvents, fuels and strong oxidizing acids. Chemcial resistance is maintained after prolonged exposures. EP41S-5...

Gasket makers. (Adhesives & Sealants).
May 1, 2002... RTV silicone Gasket Makers & Adhesive Sealants are available in black, red, clear, blue and gray. PressureFlow cans are also available in these colors. The products are suitable for maintenance, and enhancing the performance of automotive...

Adhesives kit. (Adhesives & Sealants).
May 1, 2002... The kit contains three adhesives formurated to bond thermocouples and sensors. The samples contain high themarl conductivity. Electrically resistant and cermaic adhesives. Cotronics Crop., 3379 Shore Pkwy., Brooklyn NY 11235; 718-646-7996. ...

Mag-drive pumps. (Fluid Power).
May 1, 2002... Texel MEH Series lined mag-drive pumps provide leak-free handling of fluids in semiconductor manufacturing. Conventional shaft seals are not required. Magnatex Pumps, Inc., Box 770845, Houston, TX 77215; 713-972-8666. Write in IMPO No. 31...

Thermostatic mixing valves. (Fluid Power).
May 1, 2002... The 34B Series thermostatic mixing valves are corrosion-resistant. The valves come with threaded or solder pipe end connections and the handle is tamper resistant. Conbraco Industries, Box 247, Matthews, NC 28106; 704-847-9191. Write in...

3-way directional valve. (Fluid Power).
May 1, 2002... This 3-way directional valve consistently diverts flow between two outlets. The valve is suitable for positive-displacement pump applications, as it diverts the pump discharge without deadheading the pump. It is also for pump unloading, as one...

Diaphragm pumps. (Fluid Power).
May 1, 2002... This new family of air-operated diaphragm pumps are polished in stainless steel, PTFE, PP and aluminum. The non-metallic pumps are machined from solid blocks of PP and PTFE to ensure the highest possible stability of shape with less stress on...

Sub-base valve. (Fluid Power).
May 1, 2002... The H ISO series valves are available in three sizes. They are designed for use with the manufacturer's FlexSAM Serial Bus. Parker Hannifin Corp., Pneumatic Div., 8940 Tyler Blvd., Mentor, OH 44060; 616-629-5000. Write in IMPO No. 35 or...

Multi-line pumps. (Fluid Power).
May 1, 2002... Both the 205 and 215 multi-line pumps feature high operating pressures that allow them to be used in multi-line systems or as a central pump in medium to large progressive systems. The pump consists of a housing with integrated motor, a...

Lavatory valve. (Fluid Power).
May 1, 2002... The piston-operated GEM 2, designed for harsh water conditions, controls water usage and has no external volume adjustment to conserve water. The valve features an O-ring-protected, filtered metering bypass orifice. The valve also includes a...

Vacuum pump. (Fluid Power).
May 1, 2002... A compact, compressed-air-driven vacuum pump features a technology called Coax. The core of the system, the pump, attaches to a mounting rail. PIAB Vacuum Products, 65 Sharp St., Hingham, MA 02043; 800-321 -7422. Write in IMPO No. 36 or...

Spring clip. (Product News).
May 1, 2002... This spring clip can be used during assembly and also as a replacement part. It is moveable in all directions, and provides stable clamping force, serviceability of an exhaust system, and good vibration isolation. Bauer Springs, Inc., 509...

DIN connector. (Product News).
May 1, 2002... The DIN connector features silver-plated, high-conductivity copper contacts, made of high-impact resin for resistance to acids and harsh environments. It contains four auxiliary contact positions. Anderson Power Products, 13 Pratts Junction...

Flow switch. (Switches & Motion Control Equipment).
May 1, 2002... The T21 is a thermal differential switch that can monitor flow under harsh environments. It detects liquid and gaseous flow by sensing changes in the heat-transfer characteristics of the media. SOR, Inc., 14685 W. 10th St., Lenexa, KS 66215;...

Control System. (Switches & Motion Control Equipment).
May 1, 2002... The Dancer Control System is a microprocessor-based controller designed for high precision. It features a PC-based setup and calibration to eliminate potentiometer adjustments. In addition to the digital dancer position controller, the system...

Motor-control firmware. (Switches & Motion Control Equipment).
May 1, 2002... The Ultrasonic Motor Special Firmware features functions such as anti-friction bias, deadband capture and two sets of PID filters that help with point-to-point control of the ultrasonic motor. It speeds up settling time and holds the motor...

Industrial switches. (Switches & Motion Control Equipment).
May 1, 2002... Industrial switches, including Detent-, Snap-, Cam-Action Rotary, and Tap-and-Knife, are available. Models feature key lock, gear-driven, and custom configurations. Electroswitch, 180 King Ave., Weymouth, MA 02188; 781-335-5200. Write in...

Pipe milling tool. (Product News).
May 1, 2002... The Preozilla Millhog pipe milling end prep tool features one mandrel and eight sets of clamps for prepping pipe. Generating 1,500 ft. lbs. of torque at the cutting blade, the tool has a 2-hp air motor with direct-drive gears, supported by dual...

Non-latex glove. (Product News).
May 1, 2002... C-Kure brand non-latex gloves are similar to latex gloves in terms of close fit, dexterity and durability, but are a substitute for natural rubber gloves. The gloves are suitable for food-safety operations, helping to prevent food-borne illness...

Epoxy floor coating. (Product News).
May 1, 2002... This USDA-accepted epoxy floor coating can be applied without interruption to plant operations. It contains no flammable solvents and has no unpleasant odor. The coating resists splash and spill attacks from weak acids, alkalis, and gasoline....

Work benches. (Product News).
May 1, 2002... These benches are big enough to accommodate two people working side by side. They feature heavy-gauge steel or laminated hardwood tops with a choice of channel-steel flared legs or adjustable legs. Pre-engineered selections include benches with...

Pressure transducer. (Product News).
May 1, 2002... The Model 230 differential pressure transducer is designed for differential pressure measurements of liquids and gases. The three-valve manifold is rugged, lightweight and compact. Its brass body and copper tubing are suitable for high line...

Finishing products. (Product News).
May 1, 2002... ND Finishing Services provides water-and solvent-based paints, lubricants and finishes. The products are used in hood springs, window rails and bracket applications. ND Indus-tries, Inc., 1000 North Crooks Rd., Clawson, Michigan 48017;...

Transducers & transmitters. (Product News).
May 1, 2002... The new non-incendive 430 series pressure transducers and transmitters are designed for hazardous environments. A welded stainless steel housing and a stainless steel sensor are included. Barksdale, Inc., 3211 Fruitland Ave., Los Angeles, CA...

Parts Washer. (Product News).
May 1, 2002... The model PW-005 Zee Line Parts Washer is suitable to remove particles, soil and other impurities from mechanical parts. The washer features a fusible link steel cover designed to close automatically in the event of a flash fire....

Marking Systems. (Product News).
May 1, 2002... The Model 5200 Series features a high-density, on-demand thermal/thermal-transfer printer that provides text, bar codes and graphics. Available applications include air blow, flex-tamp or tamp-blow. Weber Marking Systems, Inc., 711 West...

Temperature transmitter. (Product News).
May 1, 2002... The OS1551-A industrial infrared temperature transmitter features adjustable emissivity and wide view. Applications include low temperature measurement in textile manufacturing. Omega Engineering, Inc., One Omega Drive, Stamford, CT 06907;...

Sealing plugs. (Product News).
May 1, 2002... The UT, MT, and BT Series sealing plugs protect unified, metric and BSP threaded ports. According to the company, each plug features a unique and integral Tight-Fit sealing lip along with five complete threads. The design prevents contaminants...

Brass tube fittings. (Product News).
May 1, 2002... Brass tube fittings feature wrench-able hex sections distinguished according to English or Metric threads. Metric types are short axially, and large across the flats. English types are long axially and small across flats. Also new are...

Skid-steer loader. (Product News).
May 1, 2002... The Bobcat 463 ultra-compact skid-steer, the Mini-Bob is a multiple-attachment carrier that maneuvers in tight spaces. It features a tilt-up operator cab and is suitable for demolition and construction. Bobcat Co., P.O. Box 6000, West Fargo, ND...

EAM software on the Web: Architected or enabled? (Tech Check).
May 1, 2002... Technology trends are often hard to understand, partly because technology vendors spend millions of marketing dollars touting their version of the trend as the best. The current interest in EAM software designed to leverage the Web is no...

Online training videos. (Training Aids).
May 1, 2002... Informational videos featuring LED (light emitting diode) lighting solutions are available for online viewing at www.ledtronics.com. The videos show LED products up close. Each features installation and application demonstrations. The viewer...

Standards and quality practices. (Training Aids).
May 1, 2002... The National Electrical Wire Processing Technology Expo has added a workshop that will focus on a newly published quality and acceptability standard. The other workshop will provide an overview of the new ISO9000 and other quality management...

Hazardous waste seminars. (Training Aids).
May 1, 2002... The requirements of the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act is one of the regulatory areas outlined and explained in a series of regional seminars. Attendees can meet their annual RCRA refresher requirement. Presentations provide a...

Free online vibration-analysis training. (Training Aids).
May 1, 2002... The 22 minute training program entitled "Introduction to Vibration Analysis" is designed for anyone interested in learning more about how vibration analysis works. The narrated, self-running program is available at www.rcm.1.com....