Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation articles from October 2003

Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation archives from October 2003

Flashlight.
October 1, 2003... The Streamlight 4AA LED flashlight for industrial use is equipped with seven long-lasting and unbreakable white LEDs. It delivers an intense beam for more than 150 continuous hours. This non-conductive impact-resistant polymer flashlight...

Air sensor.
October 1, 2003... IFM Efector's compressed air sensor continuously monitors compressed-air systems to identify leakage by monitoring small areas of a plant. The sensing technology is based on the calorimetric-flow sensing principle that ensures constant...

Drum pump.
October 1, 2003... The HVDP Series drum pump from Finish Thompson, Inc,, features a cavity design for pumping viscous materials and a camlock connection for cleaning. Larger discharge connections reduce friction losses. Planetary-gear set-speed reducers are...

S.O.S. another way.(Editorial Comments)
October 1, 2003... I guess the flares have been, fired. The flag's upside down. There's a fire on the deck. Help! Our ship is sinking! I'm not talking about another oil tanker. I'm talking about U.S. manufacturing. In his Sept. 15th speech to the Detroit...

Commerce Secretary Evans outlines pro-manufacturing initiatives.(Industry Newsline)
October 1, 2003... In a September 15th speech at the Detroit Economic Club, Commerce Secretary Don Evans previewed a variety of pro-growth manufacturing initiatives he intended to submit to President Bush. They include the creation of an Unfair Trade Practices...

DOE grants $4.2 million for fuel-cell research.(Industry Newsline)
October 1, 2003... The Department of Energy announced $4.2 million in grants last month for universities and private-sector groups involved in fuel-cell research. The grants are intended to further research aimed at resolving obstacles to fuel-cell use....

Reynolds Tobacco to cut 2,600 jobs in North Carolina.(Industry Newsline)
October 1, 2003... R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Co., Winston-Salem, NC, said last month it would cut 2,600 jobs by the end of March. According to a report in the Winston-Salem Journal, 70% of the jobs to be eliminated are salaried positions. The rest will be at the...

U.S. beer consumption continues to climb.(Industry Newsline)
October 1, 2003... U.S. beer consumption climbed by 6.3 billion gallons in 2002, according to a report released last month, marking the seventh straight year of growth for the beverage. The increase represents a 1.8% gain over 2001 consumption, said the Adams...

U.S. hiring forecast up overall, but stays flat for manufacturing.(Industry Newsline)
October 1, 2003... U.S. employers said they expect to strengthen their hiring activity in the fourth quarter of 2003, according to the latest quarterly survey conducted by Manpower Inc., a workforce-management service provider. Of 16,000 U.S. employers surveyed,...

U.S. corporate profits: manufacturing vs. all.
October 1, 2003... U.S. Corporate Profits: Manufacturing vs. All (billions of $ / seasonally adjusted annual rate) 2Q02 3Q02 4Q02 1Q03 2Q03 Manufacturing Durable goods 17.8 22.8 24.6 28.0 ...

Chrysler to close Indianapolis engine foundry.(Industry Newsline)
October 1, 2003... The nearly 1,000 workers at Chrysler's Indianapolis foundry learned last month that the automaker plans to phase out the plant within the next four years, eliminating their jobs. The decision was part of a tentative agreement struck between...

At last month's 91st Annual Safety Congress and Expo in Chicago, OSHA Administrator John Henshaw announced three new Voluntary Protection Program pilots (Challenge, Corporate and Construction) that could add 2,000 VPP sites in the U.S.
October 1, 2003... At last month's 91st Annual Safety Congress and Expo in Chicago, OSHA Administrator John Henshaw announced three new Voluntary Protection Program pilots (Challenge, Corporate and Construction) that could add 2,000 VPP sites in the U.S. He also...

The Buffalo, WV, Toyota Manufacturing engine plant received official recognition last month from the president of Harbour & Associates for its position as the top-ranked engine plant in North America for four- and six-cylinder engine production.
October 1, 2003... The Buffalo, WV, Toyota Manufacturing engine plant received official recognition last month from the president of Harbour & Associates for its position as the top-ranked engine plant in North America for four- and six-cylinder engine...

Members of the Iron & Steel Society, Warrendale, PA, and the Association of Iron and Steel Engineers, Pittsburgh, PA, have approved a consolidation of the two groups.
October 1, 2003... Members of the Iron & Steel Society, Warrendale, PA, and the Association of Iron and Steel Engineers, Pittsburgh, PA, have approved a consolidation of the two groups. A new organization, the Association for Iron and Steel Technology, will be...

Fortune magazine has named two manufacturing facilities to its Elite Factories list for 2002.
October 1, 2003... Fortune magazine has named two manufacturing facilities to its Elite Factories list for 2002. They include BP's petrochemical plant in Texas City, TX, and RR Donnelley's book manufacturing facility in Roanoke, VA. Chosen for extraordinary gains...

International Organization for Standardization.
October 1, 2003... In its annual survey of ISO acceptance, the International Organization for Standardization reports a gain of 63,828 companies around the world that became newly certified to ISO 9000, ISO 9001:2000 or ISO 14000 standards in 2002. China leads in...

Titan Corp.
October 1, 2003... Lockheed Martin said last month it will buy Titan Corp., a San Diego, CA-based defense-communications and information-technology company with 11,000 employees, for $1.8 billion. Titan specializes in a fast-growing defense business known as...

Calendar.
October 1, 2003... ** Oct. 19-21 * Facilities America 2003; Dallas, TX; Assn. for Facilities Engineering; 513-489-2473; afe.org. ** Oct, 21-23 * ISA Expo 2003; Houston, TX; Instrumentation, Systems, and Automation Society; 919-548-8411; isa.org. ** Nov....

Long-nose pliers.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... These two long-nose pliers feature a dual-material handle design for comfortable grip. They also feature side-cutting, hardened knives at the hinge for cutting wire; knurled jaws for bending and forming wire; and a hot-riveted joint. Klein...

Spectacles.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... Envision spectacles with adjustable ratchet and soft-grip-comfort temple feature single-lens design, side shields, molded nosepiece and brow protection. They are available in a variety of contemporary lens options. American Allsafe Co., 99...

Circuit breakers.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... The mid-range 250 series is available in three versions: automatic reset, manual reset, and manual reset with push-to trip. The push-to-trip feature opens a circuit path without disconnecting it from the power source. Bussmann Automotive...

Welding systems.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... The Dynasty 300 DX TIGRunner is a mobile welding unit that produces code-quality TIG, pulsedTIG and Stick welds. The Squarewave technology fine-tunes the duration of the electrode negative. Miller Electric Mfg. Co., 1635 West Spencer St.,...

Vertical carousel.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... The Megastation vertical carousel is a system of vertically rotating carriers that move up and down along a tracking guide, delivering stored items to an operator at an ergonomically positioned work counter. These carousels are customizeable....

Liquid gypsum.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... READYROCK brand liquid gypsum is a pre-mixed slurry in a liquid state. When ready for use, an activator is added, which begins the setting process. Users can adjust set times, dispense and activate only the amount of product needed. READYROCK...

Floor coating.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... The Tigershield floor-coating system has thick coating layers that get into cracks to create a seamless floor. Just pour on and squeegee out to a smooth surface. It is for use on spalled and damaged concrete. The Tigershield complies with OSHA...

A practical approach to reliability-centered maintenance: RCM is not complicated, but requires groundwork and the understanding that it is an ongoing process, not a one-time project.
October 1, 2003... Most writers on the subject of Reliability-Centered Maintenance (RCM) emphasize that it includes a systematic approach to determining what must be done to ensure the reliability--and--availability--of physical assets in a production setting....

Convertible crane.(Hoists & Cranes)
October 1, 2003... The portable davit crane becomes a roll-around shop crane by slipping into wheel bases. Maintenance crews can lift heavy loads from floor level or below. The adjustable leg can be customized for changing conditions. Thern, Inc., 5712 Industrial...

Crane scale.(Hoists & Cranes)
October 1, 2003... Battery-operated crane scales are suitable for in-plant and out-of-doors weighing applications. They come in five standard models, featuring an LCD display and a wireless remote control for on/off, zero, and tare functions. The battery-powered...

Chain hoists.(Hoists & Cranes)
October 1, 2003... Stainless-steel chain hoists available in standard capacities are well-suited for lifting applications in wash-down, environmentally controlled and corrosive processing environments. All units feature sealed gearing with oil bath lubrication. A...

Variable-speed hoist drive.(Hoists & Cranes)
October 1, 2003... The Lodestar hoist uses under-the-cover variable-frequency drives for positioning during a lift. It features AC squirrel-cage induction motors for variable-speed control. CM Industrial Products, 140 John James Audubon Pkwy., Amherst, NY 14228;...

Maintenance uses for Radio Frequency I.D.(CMMS Solutions)
October 1, 2003... Automatic Identification and Data Collection (AIDC) is a term applied to technologies that automate the capture of information in computer systems. AIDC endeavors to replace the manual entry of data by mechanization. It is typically employed in...

Emission-controlled engine.(Literature Rack)
October 1, 2003... Catalog is available describing the C18 engine and the application of ACERT technology for emissions control. It covers the development of the technology in response to stringent Tier 3 / Stage III A emissions standards. It entails advanced...

Brake/clutch brochure.(Literature Rack)
October 1, 2003... The brochure features six pages of the oil-shear Posidyne X series clutch/brakes for MRO applications. It lists specifications and performance charts of four off-the-shelf Posidyne X models. The brochure also includes total life-cycle graphs...

Brushless servo literature.(Literature Rack)
October 1, 2003... A four-page brochure on BSM C-series brushless servo motors discusses brushless servo motor design characteristics, dimensions, performance data and mounting information. Typical applications are described. Baldor Electric Co., P.O. Box 2400,...

Power transmission catalog.(Literature Rack)
October 1, 2003... This 36-page catalog features bearing products, component products, coupling products and gearing products. It provides information on features, size ranges, configurations and applications. It also provides information on EPT's online tools...

Servo/stepper guide.(Literature Rack)
October 1, 2003... The free 2003 Servo and Stepper System Selection Guide includes product and system descriptions, specifications, recommendations and application examples. Featured products and system include the rotary servo and direct-drive rotary servo. The...

Drives and controls.(Literature Rack)
October 1, 2003... The 2003 edition of the Stock Products catalog contains information on the latest in electric motors, drives and controls. Featured are NEMA motors, severe-duty motors, pumping motors and vertical hollow-shaft motors. WEG Electric Motors Corp.,...

Aerosols.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... The Silicone-55L Mold Release is a general-purpose parting agent and lubricant for acrylic, polycarbonate and rubber. The Die Makers Lubricant-L is a heat-resistant lubricant for molds and dies. It is compatible with lithium and calcium...

Portable tester.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... The In-Spec 2200 II portable tester is available in hand-held and bench-top versions (shown). It is suitable for compression, texture, tensile and back-extrusion testing. Featuring a linear-drive system and precision force measurement, the unit...

Soy-based lubricants ready for industrial role.(Tech Check)
October 1, 2003... The 2002 Farm Bill signed by President Bush encourages the use of biobased products, including those made from soybeans. Soybean-based fluids offer numerous environmental benefits. For example, they are biodegradable, low in toxicity, and can...

Chillers.(ISA Show Preview)
October 1, 2003... These solid-state, closed-loop chillers use water or a coolant solution. Benefits include 150/300/600 W of quiet cooling power, compactness, lower maintenance, RS232 or RS465 serial communication, and low-/high-temperature alarms. Standard...

Calibrate systems.(ISA Show Preview)
October 1, 2003... These plug, play and calibrate systems for sensors and signal conditioning are compliant to the 1EEE 1451.4 standard for connectivity. The transducer electronic data sheet (TEDS) containing sensor specifications, calibration data and...

Flow sensors.(ISA Show Preview)
October 1, 2003... This line of remote, mounted in-line flow sensors is designed to provide machine builders with solutions for flow detection in limited-space applications. They feature a compact housing with stainless steel wetted parts. AC and DC operation and...

Accelerometer.(ISA Show Preview)
October 1, 2003... The miniature Model 352A56 ICPTEDS accelerometer is suited for vibration studies and stress screening of miniature components such as circuit boards, disc-drive mechanisms and other electronic items. The embedded memory chip eliminates the need...

Motion-control module.(ISA Show Preview)
October 1, 2003... The PXI-7350 is a high-density motion-control module that fits eight axes of motion control into one chassis slot. It features integrated data-acquisition capabilities and triggering performance. The modules track and store the number of relay...

Calibrator.(ISA Show Preview)
October 1, 2003... The JOFRA ETC (Easy Temperature Calibrator) Series of dry-block calibrators features an easy-to-read display, one-key-one function technology and multiple bore blocks for a range of applications. The test setup is programmable; RS232...

Anti-seize compound.(Lubricants)
October 1, 2003... Tri-Flow food-grade, anti-seize compound is formulated with Teflon, blended into a non-melting grease carrier. It prevents seizing, galling, friction and wear on stainless steel threaded parts. The compound aids in the assembly, sealing and...

Tapping fluids.(Lubricants)
October 1, 2003... SafeTap TAPZOL mineral oil is formulated from compounds with anti-weld properties. It leaves a light, oily film for rust protection. It is manufactured free of hazardous substances, and is formulated to improve machine tool life and to...

Cold-weather lubricant.(Lubricants)
October 1, 2003... Kilfrost anti-freeze lubricates tools but absorbs moisture in the air line and lowers its freezing point. It does this by forming a stable emulsion with extreme pressure capabilities. It adheres firmly to the working surfaces and is not easily...

Chain oil.(Lubricants)
October 1, 2003... Molykote brand chain oil uses synthetic-based formulations and a tackifier that prevents dripping and/or oil "throw-off" from spinning chains. The tackifier prevents corrosion by adhering the oil to metal surfaces without thickening the oil or...

Food-grade lubricant.(Lubricants)
October 1, 2003... Nevastane SL lubricants are formulated for food process industry applications using synthetic hydrocarbon base stocks and additives. This provides protection under high loads at high temperatures while maintaining fluidity at low temperatures....

Synthetic grease.(Lubricants)
October 1, 2003... ViperLube synthetic grease is composed of PAO (polyalphaolefin) base stocks and calcium sulfonate complex thickeners. It is suitable for high-temperature applications in the steel, mining, and pulp and paper industries. It features rust-,...

Power battery.(Tech Specs)
October 1, 2003... * Deka Power Mate battery uses four heavy-duty deep-cycle gel batteries * Provides 24-v unit * Equipped with an on-board, capacity-matched charger * Can be plugged into any 15-A, 120-V AC outlet. East Penn Manufacturing Co.,...

Portable lighting.(Tech Specs)
October 1, 2003... * Wobble Light portable lighting has an impact-resistant body and counter-weighted hemispherical base * Features a 500-W halogen bulb to produce 360-degree light * 36-in. tall; weighs 20 lbs. * Protected by a floating shock system...

Stripping tool.(Tech Specs)
October 1, 2003... * Strip-All (model SA-200L) removes cable jackets from 3/8 in. up to 7/8 in. O.D. * Can straight-cut cables from 1/4 in. to 5/8 in.; ring cut up to 1/2 in. * Extended range strips 3/8 in. to 7/8 in. * Equipped with extra-sharp...

Electrical silicones.(Tech Specs)
October 1, 2003... * Two-component SI-200 product line includes high-voltage electrical potting and casting silicones * 1:1 by volume or weight mix ratio * Hardness ranges from 80 A (semi-rigid) to 00 (gels) * Suitable for high-voltage power...

Power cord.(Electrical Equipment)
October 1, 2003... * Northwire SJT is a rugged PVC-insulated flexible power cord * Meets or exceeds UL & CSA ratings for 60 degrees C and 105 degrees C * Approved to 300V and features an outdoor-rated jacket material * Line includes Northwire Enduro...

Controllers.(Electrical Equipment)
October 1, 2003... * The ELV family of low-voltage controllers includes compact, in-line power-supply regulators * Convert fluctuating, unregulated line-voltage to 11.6 V of low-voltage power output * Prevents voltage fluctuations and color-rendition...

Battery charger.(Electrical Equipment)
October 1, 2003... * RediPulse battery charging system prevents sulfation buildup on battery plates * Powered by 110-V AC adapter * 6-and 12-V models and 36-and 48-V models available * Plugged in, the unit will operate 24 hours a day. Pulse Tech...

LED lantern.(Electrical Equipment)
October 1, 2003... * The Solar LED lantern uses sunlight to power a high-intensity LED lamp * Provides up to 24 hours on a fully-charged battery * Linear-configured LED lamp has 36 white 1206 SMT LEDs * SolarLED weighs 2.07 lbs. and is 8.9-in. high....

Pressure washer.(Washers)
October 1, 2003... The G1800LB is a gasoline-powered cold- water pressure washer with an easy-pull start. The heavy-duty frame supports an axial-direct drive aluminum pump with brass-pump head. The anti-kink, high-pressure hose, wand and gun-storage are built...

Tunnel washer.(Washers)
October 1, 2003... The WRH/Mafo tunnel washer features a polymer guidance system with a heavy-duty dual-chain drive mechanism for proper alignment of items being washed and to prevent jamming. Available in a range of in-line and stand-alone configurations to...

Parts Washer.(Washers)
October 1, 2003... The EASYWASH stainless steel Glove Box Parts Washer features a clear-tempered glass cover which gives the user a view of the cleaning operation. The pneumatic pump is operated by a foot pedal. A second optional foot peddle eliminates free vapor...

Pressure washer.(Washers)
October 1, 2003... Equipped with oil alert, cast-iron cylinder and compression capacity, the Model PCH2627 pressure washer features a GX series engine. The industrial-grade crankshaft pump is engineered for durability and the tough demands of the industrial user....

Digital gauge.(Instrumentation)
October 1, 2003... The Ashcroft industrial digital gauge features a switching option of one or two SPDT switches to combine indication, transmission and switching capability into one. It also features tamper-resistant re-zeroing; a percent-of-range bar graph; and...

High-voltage detector.(Instrumentation)
October 1, 2003... Model 275HVD is designed to detect high voltage (80 V to 275 kV) without physical contact. The eight-position rotary switch selects the detection range. As the lightweight sensor is moved closer to the voltage-carrying conductor, its sensor...

Weight indicator.(Instrumentation)
October 1, 2003... The 520 digital-weight indicator features RATTLETRAP, which eliminates noise and vibration that can interfere with stable weight data. A vacuum fluorescent primary weight displays .75-in. characters. The unit can be programmed with up to eight...

Multimeter test kit.(Instrumentation)
October 1, 2003... The 10-piece multimeter kit includes test leads, two modular probe sets, crocodile clips and sprung hooks. It is suitable for multiple test applications from PC-board probing to distribution-panel voltage readings. One probe set features a...

Flow meter.(Instrumentation)
October 1, 2003... The EZ-View variable-area flow meter measures air and other compressed gases in addition to the line of oil--and water-flow meters. Constructed of high-impact, polysulfone plastic, the unit uses a minimum of moving parts, offering a...

Multimeter.(Instrumentation)
October 1, 2003... The 400 Series multimeter provides high-resolution measurements including AC/DC voltage. Features include MAX and RELATIVE functions. The five models in the series have been ergonomically designed to fit the hand and are suitable for one-hand...

Custom oil blend helps treatment plant use caustic sewage gas for energy.(Field Report)
October 1, 2003... Using sewage effluent gas to fuel engines and generators, operators of the Pima County Wastewater Treatment Plant in Tucson, AZ, save an average of $30,000 a month in outside energy costs, reduce environmental pollution by fueling with gases...

Bar-code-product newsletter.(New Literature)
October 1, 2003... Monthly electronic newsletter provides company news, product information and training sessions, and the company's trade show schedule. Different products are featured each month, such as a long-range, compact scanner; the CLV 450 bar-code...

Storage system.(New Literature)
October 1, 2003... Concept 21 storage-system literature features color images, including application shots. It highlights the system's groove panel, which is the heart of the Concept 2001 organizer, Concept 2001 tool cabinets are available in various sizes with a...

Pallet fire-test report.(New Literature)
October 1, 2003... The Reusable Plastic Container and Pallet Association (RPCPA) has released its Fire Test Task Group Report, the result of an initiative to determine if plastic pallets are a fire hazard. The results indicate that most pallets used require...

AC drive training.(Training Aids)
October 1, 2003... Two training classes for the F7 adjustable frequency AC drive are available. Level One class offers a hands-on approach and focuses on installation, wiring and commissioning. The Basic class covers features and function with an emphasis on...

Forklift safety DVD.(Training Aids)
October 1, 2003... A DVD version of "Forklift Safety: An Operator Training Program," aimed at helping companies comply with OSHA's forklift training requirements, is available. In addition to all the content and features of the original VHS-based program, the DVD...

Logistics seminar.(Training Aids)
October 1, 2003... A logistics and supply chain execution seminar is planned for November 12 in Harrisburg, PA. It will cover the latest logistics and supply-chain execution systems and instruct on how to implement them into existing operations. Logistics...

Shaft collar.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... The EasyLock shaft collar holds tools and reels on smooth, case-hardened shafts. One pintle features a clamping control. Users can increase or decrease holding power. The quick-release system is designed for high-volume production where tool...

Solenoid valve.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... The Series 80 orifice solenoid valve is for high-flow rate or quick-dump and fill capacity. AC- or DC-powered, the valve is available in direct-lift and internal-pilot models. It is available in normally closed, normally open and...

Restroom cleaner.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... "On the Go" foamy restroom cleaner shoots diluted concentrate directly from the foam gun. The vertical clinging foam scrubs away dirt and mildew. Fourteen concentrates are now available. Spartan Chemical Co., Inc., 1110 Spartan Dr., Maumee, OH...

Mechanic's gloves.(Product News)
October 1, 2003... The six models of the 86 series of mechanic's gloves offer a variety of features for heavy-hand glove protection. Made of washable synthetic leather, each glove with spandex back holds snugly to the wrist with a hook-and-loop clasp. Available...