Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation articles from September 2000

Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation archives from September 2000

Editorial COMMENTS.
September 1, 2000... Retreading History Since the Firestone recall, I look differently at those twisted chunks of tractor-trailer retreads that litter our highways. They make me wonder what it must be like to experience tread separation at 60 miles per hour in...

Exxon, GM announce gain in fuel-cell technology.
September 1, 2000... General Motors Corp. and ExxonMobil Corp. announced last month what they termed a breakthrough in the race to develop non-polluting fuel cells for autos, trucks and buses. The companies claimed their technology is twice as efficient as...

Boeing to reassign 3,500 workers, settles helicopter lawsuit.
September 1, 2000... The Boeing Co. said last month it will close down several of its Washington-state operations and reassign 3,500 employees as part of its ongoing streamlining drive. The plan calls for transferring: machining work at the Kent, WA, military...

Wind-power program established in Tennessee.
September 1, 2000... The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) utility has announced a $3.4 million project to build three wind-powered generators on a 2-acre site near its Knoxville, TN, headquarters. It is the first major wind-powered electric project in the...

Consumer Satisfaction Index on Upswing With Help from Manufacturing Durables.
September 1, 2000... Gains in satisfaction among U.S. consumers for manufactured, durable goods -- automobiles, vans, light trucks, personal computers and major household appliances -- pushed the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) for this sector to 79.4...

Mitsubishi Motors admits to defect cover-ups, announces new recalls.
September 1, 2000... The president of Mitsubishi Motors Corp. admitted last month that the Tokyo-based automaker knowingly neglected to recall defective autos for more than 20 years. According to president Katsuhiko Kawasoe, managers and workers routinely shelved...

Flowserve to cut 1,100 jobs worldwide.
September 1, 2000... Flowserve Corp. announced last month it will eliminate 1,100 jobs worldwide -- 800 in the U.S. and 300 at international sites -- as part of its acquisition of Ingersoll-Dresser Pump Co. (IDP), a New Jersey-based maker of industrial pumps. The...

The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc.
September 1, 2000... * The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc., Washington, D.C., has issued "The Plastics Industry Economic Report," an industry overview. It states that in 1999, the plastics industry provided 1,525,600 U.S. jobs and contributed $303.6 billion...

Delco Remy International.
September 1, 2000... * Delco Remy International, Anderson, IN, said it will reorganize and lay off 800 workers in the U.S. and Canada for an estimated $20 million savings per year. The company, which manufactures drivetrain products and traction-control systems,...

Honeywell International, Inc.
September 1, 2000... * Honeywell International, Inc., said it plans to sell a friction-materials unit and a pharmaceutical chemical business in order to boost earnings. The sale includes Bendix, a Troy, MI-based maker of disc brake pads, drum brake linings and...

TR Cutler, Inc.
September 1, 2000... * A television show called State of Manufacturing is expected to begin next year in more than 50 U.S. cable and network markets. The half-hour program will feature paid film segments that allow sponsors to demonstrate the manufacturing...

U.S. International Trade Commission.
September 1, 2000... * The U.S. International Trade Commission ruled last month that circular seamless stainless steel pipes imported from Japan are not hurting American steel companies. In a 4-2 decision, the panel dismissed a complaint filed by six U.S....

VALVE MACHINING TOOLS.
September 1, 2000... This new line of portable valve grinding tools are designed to repair worn valve seats. They feature a five-wheel planetary machine head. Other features include a splined drive shaft with advanced controls, and extra drive power.

SOFTWARE.
September 1, 2000... HandCar[TM] software for Palm computing hand-helds allows users to manage their data loggers on location using the Palm device. HandCar software provides functions to verify logger operation, view current measurements and check battery status....

POWER FUSE.
September 1, 2000... The CUBEFuse is a finger-safe industrial power fuse that uses a blade-style terminal. The blades are provided with an extended insulating sleeve. The fuseholders snap onto a DIN rail or mount to the back plane of a panel.

HOLLOW SHAFT ENCODER.
September 1, 2000... The HS35 Industrial Hollow Shaft Encoder features an unbreakable metal disk engineered to withstand shock and vibration. The incremental encoder offers a floating shaft mount that prevents excessive shaft loading. It is suitable for printing...

INSERTION FLOW METERS.
September 1, 2000... Type 8045 Magmeter Series flow meters are suited for dirty liquids or slurries. The 8045 consists of an insertion magmeter sensor, an electronic circuit board with LCD display and three function keys. The transmitter operates by amplifying and...

Networking Has Its Rewards.
September 1, 2000... Whether through seminars, professional groups, Kaizen events or simply phoning a peer, sharing manufacturing and maintenance information across company lines is a proven way to solve problems and build on shared experiences. For years,...

WATER-SEAL GROMMETS.
September 1, 2000... These grommets are injection-molded of PES Polyethersulfone and overmolded with HNBR high-saturated nitrite rubber on the outer circumference. The grommets provide a leak-proof seal in the counter bore of diesel engine blocks. They prevent...

BRONZE BALL VALVE.
September 1, 2000... This new bronze two-piece ball valve is actuator-ready and features direct-mount capability. It is for use in general utility services, HVAC, and compressed-air applications. The full-port design for high-flow coefficient contains a stainless...

DISPENSE VALVES.
September 1, 2000... Low-maintenance dispense valves apply fluids from thin solvents to thick silicones without dripping or drooling. Styles range from general-purpose, that handle a wide variety of assembly fluids, to special-purpose valves for specific materials...

MAG-DRIVE PUMPS.
September 1, 2000... MP/MPL Series Pumps are close-coupled, magnetically driven, seal-less centrifugal pumps that feature rare-earth Neodymium magnets for synchronous drive with no slippage and less internal heat than other mag-drive pumps. These pumps are used in...

FLOWMETER.
September 1, 2000... The Sono-Trak[TM] clamp-on transit time ultrasonic flowmeter uses non-intrusive flow-measurement technology to measure liquids. The "buffet-style" input/output module enables flexible electronics configuration. This unit has no moving parts and...

AIR CONDITIONER.
September 1, 2000... The Model 25HFU portable air conditioner offers 26,000 Btu/hr. of cooling and runs on 208/230v single phase power. It is self-contained and features a hermetic scroll compressor with a centrifugal fan. It has airflow of 708 CFM.

IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM.
September 1, 2000... A new board placard identification system is available for reusable and returnable containers. The system allows labeling and re-labeling of bulk containers with uneven or ribbed surfaces. It features a permanent placard that is riveted or...

ANTI-SLIP PRODUCTS.
September 1, 2000... This line of anti-slip products includes anti-slip tape available in customized sizes and colors; metal renovation treads with contrasting colors; anti-slip coatings that can be applied to stairs, ramps, and walls; and chemical-resistant...

STAIR TREADS.
September 1, 2000... Garon Treds[TM] are made from heat-resistant extruded aluminum alloy. They feature aluminum oxide grit which is second in hardness only to diamonds and which provides long-lasting traction. These treads can be applied to concrete, metal, or...

OVENS.
September 1, 2000... Sahara Hot Boxes are ovens designed to heat drums and totes. These ovens feature temperature uniformity and precise temperature control. They are steam or electrically heated and feature spill-containment capacity, air circulation, and optional...

WALK-IN OVENS.
September 1, 2000... A comprehensive line of heavy-duty walk-in ovens is designed for maintaining uniform temperatures under heavy loads. Standard features include digital temperature control, adjustable air ducts, aluminized steel interior, and triple-hinged...

PLACARD KITS.
September 1, 2000... This NEPA placard kit contains materials needed to customize hazardous areas. Two sizes are available: 10 in. x 10 in. for indoor posting, and 15 in. x 15 in. for outdoor posting. Vinyl and plastic are both available.

ROOF EDGE PROTECTION SYSTEM.
September 1, 2000... The KeeGuard[R] roof edge protection system is completely freestanding, eliminating the need for drilling and penetration of the roof membrane. The system offers six prefabricated modular components. The modular guardrail system has been...

SAFETY LIGHT CURTAINS.
September 1, 2000... The MS4600-30 safety light curtain system features a two-box design. Control-reliable circuitry is housed in the receiver and transmitter, requiring no separate control box. The system can be configured for either point-of-operation or...

ACOUSTICS.
September 1, 2000... A new acoustic panel has been introduced for the industrial marketplace. The panel is impact-resistant and can withstand the effects of chemicals and climate fluctuations. It is available in dimensions up to 48 in. wide and 12 ft. in length.

CHILLERS.
September 1, 2000... A new line of packaged chilling machines is now available. These units are for indoor applications using air- or water-cooling or remote air-cooled condensers. Standard models range in capacity from 20 to 80 tons.

WIPERS.
September 1, 2000... WypAll[R] Economizer[R] wipers are suitable for general facility and machine maintenance in manufacturing facilities. They are available in quarter-folded band wrapped packages for bench-top and cart use. A Pop-Up[R] system is available for...

Why Not More Vending-Machine Access to Supplies?
September 1, 2000... You see them almost everywhere you go: coin-operated machines dispensing food, beverages, newspapers, cigarettes, laundry products, personal-care items, postage stamps, candy, even contraceptive devices. While the first vending machine is...

ACTUATOR CONTROL STATION.
September 1, 2000... The Series LS electric actuator control station can be used to control electric-valve actuators. The control station connects to a power line and to a valve actuator. It features open and close buttons that glow green and red, respectively.

POSITION SENSOR.
September 1, 2000... The Model 357 single-turn position sensor has a rotational life of 10 million shaft revolutions. The sensor is suitable for machine-to-machine interfaces and motion control applications. Customized shaft lengths and diameters and customized...

LIQUID VINYL DISPERSION.
September 1, 2000... Plastisol is a specialized liquid vinyl dispersion of PVC which can be fused to a surface by externally applied heat. It is weather-resistant, self-extinguishing, and can be formulated to resist harsh chemical environments, abrasion, UV...

INSULATION.
September 1, 2000... Styrofoam Deckmate and Deckmate Plus insulation are extruded polystyrene foam products that can be used in roofing assemblies. The Evaluation Service group of the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO) has accepted the use of...

FLUORESCENT FIXTURES.
September 1, 2000... The new sealed and gasketed T5 fluorescent fixture can be used in paint spray booths, clean rooms, and other wet, damp or dirty areas where a hazardous-rated fixture is required. The Class I Div. 2 fixture is available in 28-watt and 54-watt...

POWER LINE MONITORS.
September 1, 2000... The PW and PWVI power line monitors are designed for continuously monitoring electric power parameters in single-phase electric installations. They are packaged for use in permanent installations on DIN-Rails or flat surfaces. DC output signals...

DIGITAL RECORDER.
September 1, 2000... This microprocessor-based digital recorder uses a single pen to produce a chart, chart data, and up to four traces on blank, heat-sensitive paper. The four traces share the same timeline. The recorder features a password-protected lockout. It...

ABRASIVE DISCS.
September 1, 2000... Rex-Cut [R] quick-change discs are made from multiple layers of non-woven cotton fiber that are impregnated with abrasive grains and then pressed and bonded together. The discs feature added flexibility to let operators follow contoured...

BASKET STRAINER.
September 1, 2000... The new Hayward basket strainers feature perforated baskets that catch unwanted particles as the media passes through the strainers. Simplex and duplex models are both available. The strainers are suitable for water, oil, paint, chemicals and...

LIGHTING CONTROL.
September 1, 2000... The Light Manager [TM] for Mark VII [TM] dimming ballasts provides control of light levels while taking full advantage of external daylight to achieve energy savings. It monitors daylight and constantly readjusts lighting to the user-programmed...

HARDNESS TESTER.
September 1, 2000... The Versitron is an in-line hardness tester capable of testing 500 to 600 tests per hour without operator involvement. The system is monitored by sensors which verify proper part positioning and system operation. Touch pad controls provide an...

RELIEF VALVES.
September 1, 2000... These automatic relief valves prevent vacuum or pressure build-up in sealed containers. The standard opening pressure and vacuum is 1 psi with a nominal flow rate of 18 cubic ft./min. A locking ring or pipe mounting interface adapter, supplied,...

DRUM TAP.
September 1, 2000... This drum tap attaches to drums, already in a horizontal position, to dispense high-viscosity materials. It is designed for use with 2-in. NPT bungs in steel drums. The drum tap is available in polyethylene or steel/aluminum. It can also be...

LINEAR POSITION MEASUREMENT SYSTEM.
September 1, 2000... The new LinCoder [R] non-contact absolute linear position measurement system consists of a read head with integrated electronics, which reads the position-specific code from a magnetic tape. It requires no reference pulse and offers a .2-mm to...

STAIR TREADS AND NOSINGS.
September 1, 2000... A line of traditional new construction nosings and replacement stair treads is available with a lifetime guarantee. The manufacturer warrants that the abrasive safety traction surface found on its products will neither crack nor delaminate from...

BENDER.
September 1, 2000... The BendTender [TM] plastic sheet line bender accommodates 1/8-in, to 1/2-in. thick thermoplastic sheets up to 32 in. wide. The machine features a twintable, dual-heating beam design. A counterweight prevents warping and adjustable vents...

PUMPS.
September 1, 2000... These new air-powered industrial double-diaphragm pumps can move high-viscosity fluids such as paint, sludge and sewage. The pump is designed with an air-powered motor, which eliminates sparking concerns associated with electrical pumps. Models...

DATA/VOICE/VIDEO PRODUCTS.
September 1, 2000... A line of products has been introduced to address the needs of contractors and installers with data/voice/video (DVV) applications. The integrated line features tools, test instruments, installation materials, and manuals. Among the products...

Improved Power Quality Can Boost Productivity, Safeguard Equipment.
September 1, 2000... Electronic equipment such as CNC controllers, programmable logic controllers and DC drives are very sensitive to power fluctuations. Voltage sags, voltage surges and temporary power outages that are common in the plant environment can result in...

LIGHTING POWER.
September 1, 2000... Two new power supply devices, cMOPS and iMOPS, have been designed to streamline multi-unit installations of lighting. Both cMOPS and iMOPS are designed to work with specific product lines. Both offer universal input capabilities (100 - 240 v)...

CONNECTION BOX.
September 1, 2000... PLUSCON-SACB is a junction box that offers quick-disconnect connectors for sensors or actuator valves. The connection to the controller is made with only the master cable. Connections to the sensors or actuators are made with M8 or M12 plug...

POWER SUPPLY.
September 1, 2000... The SDN5-24-480 provides three-phase DIN rail power. It converts a universal 480 three-phase input voltage directly to an isolated, regulated 24-volt level. The product's DIN rail connector is built directly into the unit.

CABLE TRAY.
September 1, 2000... EZ Tray is a wire mesh cable tray system constructed of precision-engineered, welded steel wire. It can handle 90[degree] turns, twist around obstacles, and make multiple level changes.

CURRENT SENSOR.
September 1, 2000... The TCSA series features loop-powered, linear output current transducers. Each transducer provides an output that is directly proportional to the RMS AC current passing through its toroidal sensor. The transducer can be used for sensing the...

ELECTRICAL PRODUCTS.
September 1, 2000... New ECT DIN-style rail-mount signal isolators, converters, repeaters, boosters, and splitters feature solid metal housings. These ECT models handle current and voltage signals. Both 2-wire (loop) and 4-wire (line/mains) powered versions are...

RESTART PROTECTION.
September 1, 2000... The new Sensing -SafStart [R] provides anti-automatic restart protection. It features a sensor that will not allow the device to reset until the equipment switch has been turned off. The device complies with OSHA and NEPA safety standards.

GENERATOR.
September 1, 2000... The new Loadstar model AFB 012.5 gen-set provides a continuous-duty output of 11.5 kW. The generator is powered by a water-cooled, 3-cylinder Yanmar engine. The unit features a weatherproof sound-attenuated housing and exhaust silencer.

BATTERY PACKS.
September 1, 2000... FiveStar alarm nickel metal hydride battery packs provide over 20 hours of run time. They fit FiveStar alarm units, and can be charged on or off the instrument.

TONE GENERATOR.
September 1, 2000... The new TG-100 tone generator outputs a constant tone amplitude over the life of the battery. The two types of tones can be set to normal and half amplitude with the switch on the front.

COMMUNICATIONS CARDS.
September 1, 2000... The PCI-COM-4xx/4 series of four-channel asynchronous serial communications cards for PCI bus computers is now available. The four cards in the series support either RS-485 or RS-422 communications and offer a choice of two I/O connection...

TOOL POUCHES.
September 1, 2000... Two new tool pouches have been added to the PowerLine[TM] series. One has eight pockets and the other has nineteen pockets. Both are removable, interchangeable and washable. All seams and pockets are double nylon-stitched and rivet-reinforced.

PRESSURE GAUGE.
September 1, 2000... The new model AK digital pressure test gauge attains 0.05% full scale accuracy for pressure ranges from 15 psi to 10,000 psi. The enhanced-resolution, 4 1/2-digit display eliminates parallax and interpolation errors. The gauge features high/low...

EPOXY.
September 1, 2000... Tra-Bond 821U01 is a one-part epoxy adhesive. It can bond to numerous substrates including glass, silica, alumina, metals, and plastics. The product has a three month pot life at room temperature and can be applied by screen printing or syringe...

SUSPENSION SEAT.
September 1, 2000... This fully adjustable suspension seat for lift trucks is made of vinyl. Seat height is adjustable in three stages of 1-in, each and the seat cushion has an adjustable range of 4-in. The seat back features an adjustable angle of 80[degrees].

TAP WRENCHES.
September 1, 2000... Facom ratcheting tap tools can be used for driving thread taps. They are constructed of forged alloy steel and have a corrosion-resistant finish. The patented reversible ratcheting mechanism is fully serviceable. Four versions are available.

MOTOR AND DRIVE SYSTEM.
September 1, 2000... A new motor and drive system for 230 and 480 volt applications is now available. Servostar 600 expands an existing amplifier line and is matched with the Goldline XT series servomotor. Typical applications for the system are material handling,...

IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM.
September 1, 2000... A nameplate identification system that allows users to permanently identify and track reusable containers, racks, and pallets is available. Nameplates are designed to adhere to a variety of materials, including high- and low-density plastics,...

LEAK-DETECTION KIT.
September 1, 2000... The new Spectrolin [R] TLK-100GS leak-detection kit can be used to pinpoint leaks in air conditioning and refrigeration systems. The kit features the patented TITAN [R] TL-100/12 UV/Blue [TM] leak detection lamp. The lamp makes all fluorescent...

AC DRIVES.
September 1, 2000... The new Allen-Bradley PowerFlex [TM] family of drives has been introduced. The drives have been designed to meet motor control applications ranging from low horsepower to medium voltage. Embedded communication options available for each drive...

GUIDEWAYS.
September 1, 2000... The new MINIRAIL series is a family of two-row miniature guideways made of stainless steel. The guideways feature a ball retainer design. Applications for the guideways include printed circuit board assembly, microelectronics, semiconductor...

TELEMETRY SYSTEM.
September 1, 2000... The new Model 2100 high RPM data coupler is a clamp-on, short range r.f. telemetry system. It can be used to measure rotational torque, torsional vibrations, bending strains, thrust, acceleration, pressure, load, and temperatures on rotating...

TRANSMITTER.
September 1, 2000... The PMC smart pressure and level transmitter features a flush-mounting design which measures pressure of heavy slurries, liquids, and gases. The sensor is a ceramic capacitance unit capable of handling overloads of 10 times and 4 times varying...

CONTAINER SYSTEM.
September 1, 2000... Crosspak containers have ribbed bottoms that allow large containers to inter-stack with smaller containers. This feature eliminates excessive handling of containers and enhances JIT inventory systems by reducing required warehouse space. The...

PRESSURE GAUGES.
September 1, 2000... The new Ashcroft [R] Types 1127 and 1128 differential pressure gauges have been designed for use with processes that are corrosive to bronze and brass. The gauges are made of stainless steel or Monel wetted parts. They range from 10 psi to...

MULTI-WELD SYSTEM.
September 1, 2000... A new multi-weld system combines the Commander [TM] 500 engine drive, a Multi-Weld 350 portable welding unit, and an LN-25 wire feeder. The system has multi-process capabilities for stick, MIG, and flux-cored welding as well as air arc gouging....

AIR COMPRESSOR.
September 1, 2000... The QT-10 is a reciprocating air compressor that uses Pro/E computerized design software. The compressor produces 35 ACFM at 175 psig. It has a two-cylinder, 10-hp motor. The product has a full-load operating speed of 968 rpm. Dual control with...

EXHAUST HOSE.
September 1, 2000... This chemical vapor exhaust (CVE) hose is made with a polyester-based fabric and laminated with an oil-resistant membrane. The hose is suitable for exhausting air where chemicals or oil mists are present. it is resistant to chemicals including...

ELECTROMECHANICAL RELAYS.
September 1, 2000... Greenwich CQ relays are offered in 10- and 16-A versions that operate from 5 to 100 VDC with 0.2 W coil consumption. They handle switching loads up to 2,000 VA, 300 W, and are compatible with other manufacturers relays.