Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation articles from November 2000

Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation archives from November 2000

Safety on stage.
November 1, 2000... A seminar at last month's National Safety Council Congress and Expo in Orlando, FL, provided a remarkable and entertaining glimpse of what legislators must contend with when proposing new laws. Up for discussion was a controversial section of...

IBM expansion plans include building new chip plant in New York.
November 1, 2000... In a move to expand its worldwide capacity, IBM announced the largest capital investment in its history last month. The $5 billion program includes plans to build what IBM is calling the world's most technologically advanced chip-making...

New EPA Web site ranks autos by tailpipe emissions.
November 1, 2000... The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency introduced a Web site for consumers last month that ranks all new-model cars on the basis of their tailpipe emissions. The rankings are the pollution equivalent to the gas mileage ratings that EPA issues...

Poll shows U.S., Japanese consumers believe CEOs should be visible in corporate crises.
November 1, 2000... A recent poll of U.S. and Japanese consumers shows that both groups overwhelmingly agree that company chief executive officers should take the lead as spokespeople during a time of corporate crisis. The survey indicates consumers believe...

GE wins bid for Honeywell with $44 billion offer.
November 1, 2000... General Electric Co., was said to have closed a deal late last month to buy aircraft electronics giant Honeywell International, Inc., for $44 billion in stock, or $55.12 a share. United Technologies Corp., the Hartford, CT-based parent of...

TVA thanks workers in cash for record power production.
November 1, 2000... The Tennessee Valley Authority praised the efforts of its workforce for generating a record amount of power in its fiscal year, ended Sept. 30, by agreeing to give them an extra $12.9 million in cash. The Knoxville, TN-based utility said...

Helicopter maker Textron to close 20 plants.
November 1, 2000... Textron Corp., the Providence, RI-based maker of Bell helicopters and Cessna aircraft, announced a restructuring plan last month that will result in the closing of 20 of its plants. Details were not available at press time, but according to...

OSHA adds partnership information to its Web site.
November 1, 2000... The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has launched a new section of its Web site that highlights the agency's successful safety and health partnerships. Under the banner "Partner with OSHA: New Ways of Working," the new section...

Chris-Craft Industrial Products, Inc.
November 1, 2000... Chris-Craft Industrial Products, Inc., broke ground last month for a $6 million expansion at its facility in Portage, IN. The company's manufacturing capacity to produce MonoSol water-soluble polyvinyl alcohol films will increase 65%. The...

General Electric.
November 1, 2000... General Electric reported record results for third-quarter 2000 last month, with earnings per share up 19% and revenue up 18% over 1999. Company chairman John Welsh noted that gains were noted across all company businesses.

Autoliv, Inc.
November 1, 2000... Autoliv, Inc., has said it will lay off 320 employees from its automotive leadwire assembly plant in North Ogden, UT. The layoffs were triggered by the sale of the leadwire business, which produces components used to connect automotive airbags,...

General Motors.
November 1, 2000... General Motors will spend $10 million to study how in-car electronic equipment distracts motorists. It will also begin a three-year campaign this fall to educate consumers about how to drive safely while using such equipment, including in-car...

U.S. Airways.
November 1, 2000... U.S. Airways shareholders overwhelmingly backed the company's $11.6 billion merger plan with United Airlines last month. The deal still requires approval from the U.S. Department of Justice.

Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Co.
November 1, 2000... Knape & Vogt Manufacturing Co. announced record earnings per share on higher sales and earnings for the company's first quarter, ended Sept. 30. The Grand Rapids, Mich.-based manufacturer and distributor of shelving products, drawer slides and...

Kaman Aerospace Corp.
November 1, 2000... Kaman Aerospace Corp., Bloomfield, CT, has received a three-year, $98 million contract with The Boeing Co. to supply structural parts for Boeing's line of commercial aircraft. The company will supply trailing edge kits for Boeing 777 and 767...

AIR DRILLING TOOLS.
November 1, 2000... The Q2 series of precision air drilling tools are available in pistol, straight, and angle configurations. They are lightweight and compact. Ergonomic features include contoured rear-radius, triggers and levers.

I/O DEVICE.
November 1, 2000... The I/O IP67 modules for DeviceNet, Profibus and Interbus-S are for use in harsh environments where water and oil can regularly come in contact with the module and its connections. Sensors and actuators can be directly connected via M12...

DEICING / ANTI-ICING SYSTEM.
November 1, 2000... This three-formula system contains products for deicing of glass and windows, deicing and anti-icing of metals, and anti-icing of signs. The formulas are non-corrosive and biodegradable. Formula I clears glass; Formula II clears manhole covers,...

SPRAY GUNS.
November 1, 2000... DeVilbiss JGHV and MSV spray guns feature the GoldMax [TM] air cap and fluid tip, needle and replaceable, anodized aluminum baffle combination. They can apply a range of coatings including higher solids materials.

AIR FILTERS.
November 1, 2000... FiltersRx [TM] new commercial and industrial models include aluminum, pleated, pocket ASHRAE, HEPA, ring panel, link and polyester rolls or pads. These filters can be used in environments ranging from industrial to clean-environment and...

Inside Graybar A Profile of the Nation's Top Electrical Distributor.
November 1, 2000... With an industry-leading $4.3 billion in sales, Graybar is at the top of its game. Here's how the 130-year-old, publicity-shy giant does it. Electrical distribution is a $67 billion industry in the United States. Analysts consider it...

Benchmark Supplier Service and Price.
November 1, 2000... We are all buyers. Some of us are professionals because it is our job to purchase goods on our company's behalf. The rest of us can be considered amateurs, or what the economic press corp defines as consumers. So, ask yourself: At work are you...

HUMAN-MACHINE INTERFACE SOFTWARE.
November 1, 2000... The RSView [TM] Machine Edition provides interactive features and design tools for machine operators in process monitoring and control systems. It is based on the RSView32 human-machine interface software (HMI) technology. The Machine Edition...

LEAK-DETECTION SYSTEM.
November 1, 2000... TraceTek Supervisor, a PC-based leak-detection alarm system can manage more than 1 million ft. of TraceTek sensor cable. It features the option of graphical interface for the TraceTek leak-detection system using either the TTDM-PLUS alarm and...

DECOUPLE INTERACTING LOOPS.
November 1, 2000... The new version of ExperTune software shows how to decouple interacting loops. ExperTune's relative response time (RRT) is the key to the new method. Other multi-variable analysis tools are correlation analysis to see if one loop is affecting...

ERGONOMIC SOFTWARE.
November 1, 2000... The Static Calculation Arm/Manipulator is an engineered calculated program that determines the vertical and lateral loading values and defines the combination of KBK ERGO components, which counter and eliminate the forces created by offset...

DESIGN SOFTWARE.
November 1, 2000... Download this design software into the AutoCAD program to digitally plan and organize cable tray pathways. The add-on tool allows you to place, edit and modify the length and amount of tray needed. In addition, the tool will calculate a...

CABLE LOCATOR.
November 1, 2000... The RD400 Series pipe and cable locator is now available with the Omni antenna for locating Omni Marker, 3M and ScotchMark EMS markers. This enables the RD400 to locate a variety of utilities that have been marked with any of the standard EMS...

GUIDE STRIPS.
November 1, 2000... Dock Safety Reflective Guide Strips are designed to catch the attention of drivers while they are backing up to your dock. Two economical high-visible yellow, reflective material on aluminum strips will mount directly on each side of a...

ADHESIVE.
November 1, 2000... Fusionbond is an easy-to-use adhesive for industrial and maintenance applications on a variety of substrates. It bonds plastics, metals, composites, wood and dissimilar substrates. It is 100% solids, making it environmentally friendly. The...

BRAKE.
November 1, 2000... The new 3000 Series Dual Disc brake is a heavy-duty pneumatic tension brake designed to meet heavy industrial demand, particularly for the paper industry. It is the largest brake the company makes. It's offered with the company's Universal...

LASER SCAN BAR CODE.
November 1, 2000... The BL-600 bar code reader uses a polygon mirror and motor technology and offers Preventative Maintenance Information (PMI). A built-in TEST button activates a 5-bar reading efficiency display for setup and maintenance. A red LED on the display...

GASKETS.
November 1, 2000... Gore-Tex Dynacore gaskets are cut gaskets made from biaxially expanded PTFE with a metal insert. These gaskets require low stress to seal with enhanced tightness and high-blowout resistance. The insert is available in a variety of metals, and...

DRYING SYSTEM.
November 1, 2000... The Macrowave RF Drying System rapidly removes water from filter cake material using energy applied by radio waves at a frequency of 40.68 MHz. Featuring volumetric heating that keeps the temperature uniform throughout the filter cake to...

LEVEL TRANSMITTERS.
November 1, 2000... The LU3O Level Transmitter is mounted through the top wall of the tank and provides non-contact measurement. An integral relay is included for direct actuation of pumps, valves and alarms. Employing ultrasonic technology and...

How to Choose the Proper Socket Wrench.
November 1, 2000... Professional socket wrenches are about the most versatile and frequently used tools in plant maintenance. The versatility of these tools is shown by the variety of sizes, designs, drives and "specials" that are in every maintenance tool box....

KEYBOARD.
November 1, 2000... The KBIM2-MB Workmate sealed keyboard/joystick combination features a newly designed joystick boot that minimizes places for contaminants to lodge. This sealed PC input product is suitable for food and beverage applications as well as for...

ULTRASONIC SENSORS.
November 1, 2000... The new SUPERPROX[R] SM900 long-range sense series can detect most materials, liquid or solid, including glass containers, pallets and other irregular-shaped items. The sensors are unaffected by changing light conditions, colors and humidity....

LIFTER.
November 1, 2000... Model SL 202 Single Lift is designed to transport and feed electronic equipment such as computers and servers into racks and enclosures at a maximum height of 85 in. Providing variable speed control over a 72-in, range with 2.5 in./sec....

PLATFORMS.
November 1, 2000... The company's heavy load-moving platform product line has been expanded with the addition of applications for mold and die movements, transfers between crane bays, assembly lines, moving loads into test cells, giving mobility to machine tools...

STACKING RACKS.
November 1, 2000... Airector modular portable stacking racks combine the unit load capabilities of a pallet with the product protection and positive stack alignment of stacking posts without load-on-load contact. The units are easily assembled and knocked-down....

SEAT SEALING.
November 1, 2000... Xtreme advanced seat technology uses proprietary polymer formulations to extend the range of standard, high-performance seats into higher temperature and pressure ranges without increasing valve costs. The seating materials are based on a...

SIGNS.
November 1, 2000... Xtreme Signes are 3-D, UV HDPE signs with a lifetime warranty. Noncorrosive and non-conductive Xtreme Signs are designed to survive the rigors of extreme conditions typically found in arid, chemical, frigid, marine, pharmaceutical,...

SENSORS.
November 1, 2000... A new family of sanitary sensors for monitoring pressures, temperatures and flow rates in food, beverage, dairy, and pharmaceutical applications feature a thread style that will accept a variety of sanitary fittings, including the popular 1...

COLLET CHUCKS.
November 1, 2000... The 22J wrench-operated collect chuck are operated with a standard chuck key. Concentricity can be adjusted using radial setscrews and a dial indicator. These chucks feature a flat back design and can be fitted to lathes, grinders and indexers....

RATCHET.
November 1, 2000... This new ratchet design features an indexing head that can lock in 254 different positions with one hand. A sealed transfer case protects the internal indexing components from dirt and debris penetration.

SAW BLADES.
November 1, 2000... Bi-metal portable band saw blades featuring bi-metal construction are available. They are suitable for cutting applications such as solids, pipe and any machinable metal, including conduit, stainless steel tubing.

FITTINGS.
November 1, 2000... Speed Spout is a line of fittings designed for both gravity and pneumatic conveying lines. It is available in aluminum, steel, cast iron or stainless steel. Spout fittings for a system may include ells for pneumatics or gravity lines and...

PCBN INSERTS.
November 1, 2000... The BNX25 grade of PCBN inserts features a single-tipped PCBN and a brazing technology that achieves bonding strength. Sumi-Boron[R] inserts may extend tool life when compared to ceramics.

HOLLOW SHAFT TAPER TOOLING.
November 1, 2000... The Schuessler Hollow Shaft Taper tooling is the latest addition to the company's line of machine tool components. They include a defined fit, high static, and clamping collets for milling, and grinding.

PLASMA CUTTING TOOL.
November 1, 2000... The Handy Plasmarc [TM] 125 can cut sheet metal up to 1/8-in. thick. The air supply's built in and the 15-foot plasma torch is attached. A torch spare parts kit is included in the package.

SCAFFOLD WRENCH.
November 1, 2000... The scaffold wrenches are drop forged from alloy steel and finished in chrome. They feature a Nuplaflex [R] soft face hammer head and a hole in the handle for securing to a lanyard or tool belt. The user to change directions with one hand.

BAND SAW BLADE.
November 1, 2000... These HP Band Saw Blades are designed to cut alloy steels. The new tooth geometry provides extended blade life when cutting solid shape medium to hard alloys in high production applications. These blades are recommended for work hardened...

DIE GRINDERS.
November 1, 2000... The new line of air-powered right angle Die Grinders feature a dual wick lubricating system, saturated with gear oil for extended gear life. These grinders are suitable for grinding sheet metal, sanding and deburring metal parts, weld...

Advanced Bearing Technology Smooths Maintenance for Calcium Carbonate Maker.
November 1, 2000... Established in 1985, Columbia River Carbonates (CRC), Woodland, WA, is a supplier of ultra-fine ground calcium carbonate throughout the Pacific Northwest USA, Western Canada and the Pacific Rim. The company starts with exceptionally pure white...

LIMIT CONTROLLER.
November 1, 2000... The new Limit temperature-limit controller protects a process or heater from over-temperature conditions. It provides a control output that shuts down a process or sends an alarm when the setpoint temperature is reached.

COATING MEASUREMENT.
November 1, 2000... The Fischerscope X-Ray XDLM PCB is configured to measure coating thickness on printed circuit boards using the X-ray fluorescence method. It features a micro-focal X-ray tube and an XY measuring stage. The stage automatically moves to the...

INPUT MODULE.
November 1, 2000... A new three-channel analog input module is available. The A13 sources individually isolated loop power for two-wire transmitter inputs, or sinks the mA signal from externally powered loops. Termination boards are available. The I/O system is an...

INTELLIGENT TERMINAL.
November 1, 2000... The Intellicom Series' terminal features an operator interface with built-in I/O and Ethernet connectivity. This intelligent terminal is C-programmable. The series offers direct connection to a 10BaseT Ethernet network and communicates with...

INDUSTRIAL COMPUTER.
November 1, 2000... The Display Station 2000 Series now includes the new WTA model, a panel-mount industrial computer with an active matrix resistive touch TFT color screen. The WTA model comes bundled with Cimplicity industrial automation software, combining the...

HAZMAT STORAGE.
November 1, 2000... The HAZMAT STAK System is a pneumatically-powered, spark-resistant storage system for hazardous materials. It has steel racks with removable pallets and a built-in fork lift for safe handling. A free-fall safety device protects against...

HAND-HELD CASES.
November 1, 2000... The Datec-Control hand-held cases are sealed against dust and water ingress. The cases can accommodate standard graphics displays and batteries. They are suitable for housing instrumentation, collection devices and control equipment.

TOOL CRIBS.
November 1, 2000... The pre-assembled, modular tool cribs, available in two cabinet combinations store perishable tools. The cabinet drawers can be subdivided and can be inserted in any combination or sequence without special tools. The partitions have angled tops...

TRANSPORT LINE.
November 1, 2000... The FlexiMate Transport Line is a manually regulated flow system. The open design concept allows for real-time manufacturing flow adjustments, re-stocking and quality checks. Components and sub-assemblies are delivered and stacked directly at...

RODLESS ACTUATORS.
November 1, 2000... The Rapidtrak [R] rodless actuators are suitable for applications requiring a smaller prime mover and where stick-slip is a factor. The load rides on linear ball guides that combine high-load capacity and low friction. The compact rodless...

Yarn Dyer Turns to New Compressed-Air System for Dry Air at Reduced Cost.
November 1, 2000... Kennetex, Inc., Kennet Square, PA, creates space-dyed, twisted, and novelty yarns that help fabric producers achieve design flexibility for fabrics used in home furnishings and apparel. The 20-year-old company has also applied the latest...

SEAT MATERIAL.
November 1, 2000... A new ceramic-based composite material, Jorcote has friction properties comparable to Teflon. The sliding gate seat is comprised of two primary parts: a movable slotted Disc and a stationary slotted Plate. The Jorcote seat material is available...

TRAINING PROGRAM.
November 1, 2000... PM BASICS [R] (Project Management Basics) is a new browser-based, multimedia training program for fundamental project management skills. The interactive technology gives beginners an introduction to project management and advanced practitioners...

WORKSTATION.
November 1, 2000... The LCT-9125T is a computer workstation that features heavy-duty laminate construction with a steel frame; three-outlet, 15-ft. surge suppressing UL and CSA listed electric assembly, adjustable leveler glide, terminal/printer platform, side...

LIGHTING FIXTURE.
November 1, 2000... The Splash Zone Series fixtures are designed to meet sanitation requirements of the food processing industry and provide lighting for visual tasks. The fixture has an external enclosure made of non-conductive, non-corrosive, acrylic tube. End...

VALVE CONTROLLER.
November 1, 2000... The Fieldvue Digital Valve Controller is a key, networked component of the innovative, proven PlantWeb field-based architecture. As an intelligent field device, it collects, distributes and uses information for process control, while the AMS...

CONVERTERS.
November 1, 2000... The RD-19230 Series 16-bit Resolver-to-Digital Converters are suitable for industrial and commercial positioning systems. The unit is contained in a plastic flat pack. The CMOS custom monolithic chip merges precision analog circuitry with...

MOTORS.
November 1, 2000... The company has expanded its line of Inverter Drive and Vector Drive motors. All motors feature the exclusive ISR (Inverter Spike Resistant) magnet wire that is more resistant to transient voltage spikes, high frequencies and short-rise time...

LINEAR ACTUATOR.
November 1, 2000... The company's line of rolling ring linear actuators can double axial thrust without a larger sized actuator. Doubling is achieved by adding a rolling ring bearing inside the actuator. The rolling ring bearings have a specially contoured inner...

MINIATURE BEARINGS.
November 1, 2000... A new series of miniature ball bearings is made from a stainless steel alloy designed to extend life and offer heat and corrosion resistance. The new bearings carry heavy loads and operate quietly. The new SV30 material is particularly suitable...

CIRCUIT PROTECTION.
November 1, 2000... The dovetail design of the CubeFuse circuit protection system allows 30- and 60-ampere fuse bases to be ganged together. Units can be either snapped onto a DIN rail or mounted on the panel. A CubeFuse can be inserted, eliminating the need for a...

GAS ANALYZER.
November 1, 2000... The Xentra 4210C is an industrial gas analyzer is for use in plants where hydrogen is produced, blended or used. The analyzer can be used for monitoring product contamination in plants making pure hydrogen and for composition analysis in...

SURGE PROTECTION.
November 1, 2000... The Critec Transient Discriminating Filter (TDF) provides protection against electrical noise on the power circuit, small switching impulses from nearby electrical equipment and large lightning impulses. The TDF should be installed in line with...

STROBE LIGHT.
November 1, 2000... The Popper[TM] is a new emergency strobe light. It mounts easily to channelizing devices, barricades, or stands alone on any flat surface. The Popper includes a flashing Xenon tube optically designed polycarbonate lens and solid state...

OCCUPANCY SENSORS.
November 1, 2000... This new line of sensors detect motion and features a self-adjusting technology that analyzes real-time occupancy patterns. The products include passive infrared, ultrasonic and multi-technology occupancy sensors that integrate both.

WALLPACK.
November 1, 2000... The new TWAC low-wattage wall-pack is designed for glare, sky glow and "light trespass." The wallpack cuts off light sharply. TWAC uses MH and HPS lamps and triple-tube compact fluorescent sources. The housing is die-cast aluminum and a...

FLUORESCENT LAMPS.
November 1, 2000... The DULUX EOL line includes the DULUX D/E/ECO End-of-Life (EOL) and new DULUS T/E EOL. These four-pin quad tube and triple tube compact fluorescent lamps are designed to operate on electronic ballasts. The lamps feature the EOL shut down...

CIRCUIT BREAKERS.
November 1, 2000... The POWERLOGIC[R] Series 4000 circuit monitors from Square D, combined with the new System Manger Software 3.1 measure and record power and energy consumption. The monitors are programmable for Time of Use and Real Time Pricing and offer...

HALIDE LAMP-BALLAST SYSTEM.
November 1, 2000... The Uni-Form pulse start system features a formed body arc tube lamp with metal halide ballasts. The ballasts include low-current crest factor ignitor CWA versions and a controlled current reactor ballast with ignitor starting.