Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation articles from September 2003

Industrial Maintenance & Plant Operation archives from September 2003

Lubrication tools.
September 1, 2003... Oil Sale Lubrication Tools from Companion Products, Inc., feature interchangeable drums and lids to protect lubricants from dirt, dust, sand, water and other contaminants. Available in five drum sizes, five lid types and 10 colors....

Rust-breaker.
September 1, 2003... Kroil from Kano Laboratories, Inc., breaks the bond of rust by creeping into millionth-inch spaces, dissolving grease and carbon, and supplying lubrication to loosen frozen parts. It works on frozen bolts, valves, shafts, and muffler clamps....

Hydraulic stackers.
September 1, 2003... Wesco Industrial hydraulic stackers feature a gel-cell battery and telescoping rails to lift loads. Extra-deep straddle legs can be adjusted to handle most standard pallets. Magnet-backed remote control, floor lock, safety screen, and an...

We deliver.(Editorial Comments)
September 1, 2003... As an industry observer, I've often sensed something of an imbalance at major trade shows. Those who stand to benefit the most from such events, for example, are often those least likely to have the time to spend there. Can a plant or...

EPA eases air-pollution rule for older factories.(Industry Newsline)
September 1, 2003... The Bush administration eased a key air-pollution rule last month for older factories. Affecting more than 500 older power plants and 20,000 factories and refineries, the rule-change allows operators of these facilities to make significant...

Union says cutbacks in maintenance could have caused blackout.(Industry Newsline)
September 1, 2003... A utility-workers' union said last month that maintenance cutbacks at Ohio energy providers might be to blame for the blackout that affected the U.S. and Canada on August 14th. The Utility Workers Union of America called on the Public Utilities...

Power industry says it needs $100 billion to upgrade.
September 1, 2003... The U.S. electric-power industry says it needs $100 billion to upgrade its transmission technology. In a report released last month, but written prior to the August 14th blackout, the Electric Power Research Institute says the U.S. must spend...

Sara Lee division fined $5.25 million for ozone depletion.(Industry Newsline)
September 1, 2003... A division of the Sara Lee Corp., the nation's second-largest baker, has agreed to pay a $5.25 million fine for releasing ozone-depleting substances into the atmosphere, and to convert its industrial refrigeration appliances to systems that do...

Costly infrastructure upgrades needed across U.S.(Industry Newsline)
September 1, 2003... Costly Infrastructure Upgrades Needed Across U.S. As the U.S. population grows, the strain it places on aging power plants, water systems, airports and schools become more acute. Making matters worse, say those responsible for...

DuPont drops disputed mining plan.(Industry Newsline)
September 1, 2003... The DuPont Co. said it will donate 16,000 acres it owns next to Georgia's Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge to a non-profit conservation group rather than mine it for titanium dioxide as it had planned. The chemical maker drew criticism...

Vehicles taking record time to sell despite record incentives.(Industry Newsline)
September 1, 2003... The average incentive offered by auto manufacturers jumped more than 24% between July 2002 and 2003, according to a report released last month by Edmunds.com, an auto research firm. During the same period, vehicles spent a record average amount...

In an unprecedented action, more than 75,000 Boeing Co. defense-systems workers nationwide gathered on July 30 to attend half-day ethics classes in the wake of a scandal in which Boeing admitted it possessed stolen documents from competitor Lockheed Martin.
September 1, 2003... In an unprecedented action, more than 75,000 Boeing Co. defense-systems workers nationwide gathered on July 30 to attend half-day ethics classes in the wake of a scandal in which Boeing admitted it possessed stolen documents from competitor...

MANN+HUMMEL.
September 1, 2003... Auto supplier MANN+HUMMEL said it plans to move its operations from Tlalnepantla, Mexico, to a new location in the country that will double the size of its current facility and add 90 new jobs. The Germany-based company expects to break ground...

Toyota Motor Manufacturing.
September 1, 2003... Toyota Motor Manufacturing de Baja California said it will expand its pickup truck plant currently under construction in Tijuana, Mexico. The expansion will add 10,000 units of capacity for its Tacoma model, bringing the new plant's total...

Caterpillar, Inc.
September 1, 2003... Caterpillar, Inc., said its Perkins Engines Co. subsidiary will open a new small-engine manufacturing facility in Griffin, GA, in partnership with Perkins Shibaura Engines and Ishikawajima Shibaura Machinery Co., Ltd., both of Japan. Production...

Nutrition Now.
September 1, 2003... Nutrition Now, a Vancouver, WA-based vitamin manufacturer, is nearing completion of a new $1.8 million facility that will expand its production capacity and add 30 jobs. The 22,000-sq.-ft. facility will be used in conjunction with three other...

Calendar.
September 1, 2003... * Sept. 17-20 * Fluid Power Society 2003 Annual Meeting; Indianapolis, IN; Fluid Power Society; 800-303-8520; ifps.org. * Oct. 19-21 * Facilities America 2003; Dallas, TX; Assn. for Facilities Engineering; 513-489-2473; afe.org. * Oct....

Conveyor.(Dock Equipment)
September 1, 2003... The 25-CREZD is a heavy-duty, chain-driven, roll to-roll accumulation conveyor. Each accumulation zone, contains a drive that turns off when there are no pallets present or when pallets are accumulated. Hytrol Conveyor Co., Inc., 2020 Hytrol...

Air-powered dock leveler.(Dock Equipment)
September 1, 2003... The FX-S Safety Barrier is an air-powered dock leveler with a solid structural steel barrier. It maintains a constant steel barrier above and below dock to protect against accidental roll-off. To service low trailers in end-load situations, the...

Dock seal protector.(Dock Equipment)
September 1, 2003... The HeatShield Protector Panel creates a barrier between the dock light and the dock seal, keeping surface temperatures of the dock below the level at which burn damage can occur. The panels use a multi-layer matrix of insulating and...

Transporter.(Dock Equipment)
September 1, 2003... The four-wheel Expediter, suitable for dock loading and unloading, features a raised rear portion of the body. Other features include front-wheel guards and integrated front-bumper. It includes a reverse warning alarm. COLUMBIA ParCar Corp.,...

Elevating cart.(Dock Equipment)
September 1, 2003... Transport anything up to 1,000 lbs. from dock to plant floor. This battery-powered, hydraulic elevating cart lifts loads to an ergonomic height to reduce bending and reaching. Polyurethane casters, two rigid and two swivel, are standard. T & S...

Best practices: Metaldyne's 5S showcase: the auto supplier's die-casting facility in Niles, IL, is nearing plant-wide completion of a 5S strategy that has both bonded the workforce and helped keep the unit competitive through tough times.(IMPO's Best Practices Series)
September 1, 2003... Die-casting is dirty work. Any time you have molten aluminum at 1,200 degrees F being forced into dies at 10,000 psi, dirt and heat ate natural byproducts. For many years, the work area at the Metaldyne facility in Niles, IL, a maker of...

Loctite[R]--the standard in proactive maintenance.
September 1, 2003... Industrial Equipment, Reliability and Maintenance has taken several major steps forward in recent history, but nothing has had the impact on the quality and efficiency of maintenance programs like liquid threadlocking and thread sealing...

Portable inverters cut MRO downtime, maximize productivity: weld repair capabilities keep plants running efficiently.
September 1, 2003... Labor accounts for up to 85 percent of welding costs, which means plant managers and shop foremen are constantly looking for ways to minimize downtime and maximize productivity for maintenance and repair welding in industrial facilities. ...

Cordless riveter.(Power Tools)
September 1, 2003... The BR-200M cordless riveter is equipped with charger and battery pack. It is suitable for riveting applications where compressed air is not available. The Quick Set trigger mechanism is for rapid rivet placement. Carrying case included. S-B...

Hammer Drill.(Power Tools)
September 1, 2003... The 12524-03 Cordless In-line Hammer Drill features a dual-mode selector with drill-only and hammer drill in two speeds. The tool integrates the metal gearbox of a corded hammer drill with a motor. It has applications in wood, metal and light...

Screwdriver.(Power Tools)
September 1, 2003... The BL-7000 is a torque-controlled screwdriver with a DC brushless motor. It automatically stops when a pre-set torque is reached. The BL-7000 is recommended for high-production, vertical-insertion of fasteners and is suited for cleanroom...

Two-speed drill.(Power Tools)
September 1, 2003... The BE1020 drill is used in pipe-beveling and flange-facing applications. Its two-speed gearbox allows the operator to drill large holes in a variety of materials. It is fitted with an S-automatic safety clutch. It features an electronic...

New Pig--your partner for a clean and safe workplace.(Corporate Profile)
September 1, 2003... Meet New Pig. In 1985 New Pig invented and patented the world's first contained absorbent--the PIG[R] Absorbent Sock--and revolutionized the industrial cleanup industry. Today New Pig has grown into a multichannel, multi-brand supplier of...

Polyethylene wrap.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The Heli-Tube expandable polyethylene abrasion protector is a spirally-cut, expandable polyethylene wrap that provides extra protection for large braided stainless-steel hose. It can be installed by wrapping around hose without tools. M.M....

Gloves.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... These Polymed gloves feature fusion bonding of latex and synthetic polymers. The process creates a multi-layer glove that combines the elasticity of latex and the strength of copolymers, which protects against cracking and/or peeling in normal...

Brass ball valve.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The 600 Series brass ball valve is intended for common fluid control applications. It is available in standard and port threaded, solder-end and threaded-end direct mount. The 600 Series is also available with solder ends for copper tubing. The...

Ball screw.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... This ball screw operates at temperatures ranging from -65 degrees to 300 degrees F, with suitable lubricants. Ball nuts are available as a single circuit, dual circuit, or in preloaded styles. The ball screws are available in stainless steel...

Linear-slide load carrier.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The linear-slide load carrier removes twisting and bending forces from the drive unit, and from the guide rails and supports. This minimizes the chance of damage to the drive system, which could result from forces created by heavy or off-center...

Gas arrester.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The R-28 and R-38 Series gas arresters are designed for surge protection in telecom and data-line applications. The ceramic units are available in leaded and unleaded configurations fro through-hole, SMD or clip applications. Their low...

Personnel Lift.(Material Handling Equipment)
September 1, 2003... The Max Climber 2000P Rack & Pinion Personnel Lift is suitable for power plants, scaffolding, and facilities maintenance. It features galvanized mast sections connected with four bolts and attached to scaffolding with wall anchor kits. The...

Vertical carousels.(Material Handling Equipment)
September 1, 2003... Literature describes the TrayMaster VC which holds almost anything: parts, molds, and rolls of material. Photos, capacity chart and diagram included. Bulleted list describes features. Carousels are UL listed, and available in three weight...

Bulk-bag unloader.(Material Handling Equipment)
September 1, 2003... This literature describes bulk-bag unloaders designed for discharging the contents of bulk and semi-bulk bags, especially when the material is less than free flowing. Color photographs, features and options included. VAC-U-MAX, 37 Rutgers St.,...

Workstation.(Material Handling Equipment)
September 1, 2003... This 16-page brochure features the Arlink Series 8000 line, highlighting the definite positioning system, an assembly concept used to achieve configuration adaptability. The brochure features a selection of workstations and a "Build-Your-Own"...

Wire-rack decking.(Material Handling Equipment)
September 1, 2003... A four-page color brochure highlights Galva-Deck galvanized wire-rack decking. Each product is accompanied by a description, features and color photo. Wire decks come with waterfalls in the front and rear. Other products include dividers,...

Inventory cart.(Material Handling Equipment)
September 1, 2003... A brochure describes an inventory cart that can hold up to 1,200 lbs. and features adjustable shelves, locking casters, choice of six sizes and two deck materials. It is available on a quick-ship basis. Penco Products, Inc., 99 Brower, Ave.,...

Thermoplastic pump.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... These self-priming, magnetically driven pumps are constructed with thermoplastic components. The priming chamber and check valve maintain the prime during fluid flow interruptions. Vanton Pump & Equipment Corp., 201 Sweetland Ave., Hillside, NJ...

Retractable cord.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... Retractable Koiled Kords are available in light-, medium- and heavy-duty strengths. They are manufactured using a mobile and durable Neoprene jacket. Cords extend from 10 to 20 ft. Whitney Blake Co., 579 Industrial Dr., Bellow Falls, VT 05101;...

Center probe socket.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... A high-frequency center probe socket features a floating guide plate with a built-in hard stop to protect the probes during rest. It includes solderless, pressure-mount compression and spring probes. It is suitable for automated handler...

Double scissor lift table.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The 7DSL Series Lift Table reduces heavy lifting, bending and awkward fatigue-producing postures. Construction features include solid-steel scissor legs; chrome pins with lubricated bearings at all pivot points; a smooth steel platform; and...

Cleaning system.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The Li'l Bubba ultrasonic cleaning system is suitable for cleaning parts, electronics and electrical appliances in addition to fire and water restoration and mold remediation. It is compact and portable for taking on site. Training, service end...

Protective sleeve.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... TheTurtleSkin Sleeve protects worker from punctures, cuts and abrasions. is composed of a tight-weave aramid fabric featuring a hook and loop closure. The sleeve is constructed of a soft inner layer and a coated Turtle Skin outer layer. Warwick...

Circuit breaker.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The line of current-limiting molded case circuit breakers features UL an IEC main standards.They are made for distribution switchboards, panel boards, control panels and other industrial uses. The breakers feature high-interruption capacity and...

Dumper.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The Dumper is a device that will lift and dump tilt trucks, carts and wheel barrows with no attachments or modifications required. It can be used to load different mediums into a variety of receptacles, including some trucks. The Dumper, Inc.,...

UPS system.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... Npower is a three-phase uninterruptible power-supply (UPS) system with two parallel-redundant modules connected without external controls. It can be configured so two modules are connected to a common distribution network. Liebert Corp., 1050...

UVC light.(Safety & Environmental Control)
September 1, 2003... * UVC Emitters provide food safety through airborne and surface control of mold, bacteria and viruses * Line includes double- and single-ended UVC light fixtures * Applications include conveying lines, packaging containers, filling...

Exit sign.(Safety & Environmental Control)
September 1, 2003... * UX Ultimate Exit features self-diagnostics, ingress protection, and silicone gasketing * Designed for indoor and outdoor severe environments; walk-in freezers; and food processing facilities * Available with LED technology, universal...

Disposable hood.(Safety & Environmental Control)
September 1, 2003... * Fully disposable SAR hood designed with breathing or down tube and head suspension * One-piece instead of three-piece construction * No need for decontamination of the breathing tube or replacement parts * Models include the...

Filtration system.(Safety & Environmental Control)
September 1, 2003... * The Helper is a compact filtration system designed to provide one-micron filtration * Suitable for industrial applications such as grinding, honing, lapping and superfinishing where oil is used * Features industrial castors for...

Air cleaner.(Safety & Environmental Control)
September 1, 2003... * The model MC2500 air cleaner captures pollutants at the source in multiple workstations * Modular design * Features include a rotating hood and the RotoPulse cleaning system * Supports and retains data for up to 256 users per...

Industrial power tool catalog.(New Literature)
September 1, 2003... Color catalog features the latest line of power tools in the categories of cordless, grinders, pneumatics and hand tools. Following an introductory section on safety, products are presented with picture and bulleted description including specs...

Guide to PVC fitting covers.(New Literature)
September 1, 2003... A guide to Zeston PVC fitting covers and jacketing is available. The 20-page brochure describes Zeston products, including insulated fitting covers, jacketing systems and installation accessories. Each is illustrated with black and white...

Tool catalog.(New Literature)
September 1, 2003... The 32-page ProSource catalog provides information and pricing for more than 500 tools and testing devices from manufacturers, including DEWALT, Fluke, KleinTools, Milwaukee and Motorola. Tools and devices featured include meters, continuity...

Coating guide.(New Literature)
September 1, 2003... This guide offers information on how to select the coating designed for the best results. It is available at www.bus.balzers.com. The user selects the desired cutting process and chooses the workpiece material and machining parameters. The...

Temperature measurement catalog.(New Literature)
September 1, 2003... A free 20-page catalog describes temperature measurement products that are used in handling temperature-sensitive materials as well as in maintenance and troubleshooting of HVAC equipment and electrical panels. Products include temperature-,...

Noise-Control book.(New Literature)
September 1, 2003... The third edition of "Noise Control" covers noise-control principles and measures in addition to providing an overview of its effects on health. It includes a chapter on Occupational Safety and Health Administration noise-control requirements...

Process-control brochure.(New Literature)
September 1, 2003... The brochure describes MOST's (MTL Open System Technologies) approach to process control. It suggests placing the I/O with a controller to concurrently handle both discrete and process applications. The brochure describes the benefits of the...

Current transmitter.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The Series CT current transmitter features jumper-selectable current input ranges and output. The units is designed with a split-core case for installation. A version is made for noisy power environments or distorted wave-forms. Dwyer...

Pneumatic hoist.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The Columbia HD2000-P-01, a 2,000-lb. pneumatic hoist, features a vane motor, an automatic load-suspending braking system, and a lubed three-stage planetary gear train. Standard control options also available. Allied Power Products, Inc., 6590...

Force sensor.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The 208C ICP piezoelectric force sensor measures dynamic and quasistatic forces. The all-welded hermetic design is structured with pre-loaded quartz disks for operation in compression, tension or impact mode. It contains built-in amplifiers to...

Pressure gauge.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The industrial process thermoplastic pressure gauge monitors vacuum and positive system pressures. Available unfilled or filled with glycerin of silicone, the solid-front gauge features a thermoplastic, turret-style case and blowout back for...

Case erector.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The model 340 case erector automatically erects and tape-seals oversized corrugated cases used to package computer and automobile parts. It features a magazine for loading cases without lifting heavy stacks. A-B-C Packaging Machine Corp., 811...

Roller mat.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The roller mat is made with fibers from the outer husk of the coconut. The fibers are bonded into a vinyl backing and attached to the inside of road roller scraper plates to clean front and rear rollers. They can be cut to fit without...

Roofing system.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... TOPPS SEAL Liquid Applied Rubber roofing system restores leaking metal roofs with a new weathering surface. The fully adhered, seam-free, roofing product is engineered specifically for metal roofs and provides an alternative to replacement....

Tractor scrubber.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The SR9772 tractor scrubber for outdoor facilities features a wide 72-in. scrub path. As much as 600 lbs. of down force press scrub brushes. Other features include a 210-gal. recovery tank, clean-out door, drain hoses, and parabolic squeegee....

Level sensor.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The Wave Control 234 uses ultrasonic band pressure waves to measure levels of solids and liquids within tanks. The low-frequency operation resists distortion and energy absorption from foam, dust, wind and condensation. Available in 2-, 3- and...

Flushless seal boosts uptime for ethanol producer.(Field Report)
September 1, 2003... The Abengoa Bioenergy Corp. ethanol fuel plant in York, NE, is one of three U.S. facilities formerly operated by Wichita-based High Plains Corp. that produces 85 million gallons of ethanol a year. It earns $42,000,000 annually and uses more...

Pinch valve.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The RKL controls series SGE pinch valve is operated by applying hydraulic or pneumatic pressure to the annular space surrounding the elastomeric sleeve. No external actuator is required. Other than the sleeve, there are no moving parts. RKL...

Hacksaw.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... With a stroke of 2-3/8 in., this hacksaw can cut pipes, tanks, structural steel and other materials. It will cut pipe up to 24-in. diameter in one pass, and attach to a clamp for straight cutting. Molybdenum blades and a saw guide are...

Pressure gauge.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... This industrial pressure gauge, suitable for compressors, vacuum pumps, and regulators for pneumatic and hydraulic applications, comes with plastic, steel and stainless steel housings, as well as dry- and liquidfilled gauges. Panel-mount...

Bulk Bag Discharger.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The Hoist-Design Bulk Bag Discharger unloads bulk bags without the use of a full-time forklift. It is suitable for unloading powder or granular product material into processing equipment including flexible screw, rigid screw, pneumatic and...

Using thermal or catalytic oxidizers to control air pollution.(Tech Check)
September 1, 2003... Under the Federal Clean Air Act (CAA), many manufacturing operations have become subject to stricter local regulations regarding both VOC (volatile organic compound) and HAP (hazardous air pollutant) emissions. The CAA singles out 188 air...

Narrow-aisle lift truck.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... This articulated, narrow-aisle industrial truck offers "rack-to-truck" versatility and capacities to 4,400 lbs. It features a 67-hp LP gas internal combustion engine and hydrostatic drive. An articulated design permits the mast, forks and front...

Safety-glow paint.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... This two-component epoxy, safety-glow paint, listed as low-location lighting, works well on floors as continuous striping and on steps. This is a durable 7-hour-glowing epoxy paint that resists foot-traffic in industrial environments. American...

Conveyor cart.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The transfer conveyor cart for container handling has a roller top so containers can roll off and on the line. A foot-operated hydraulic pump operates the shift mechanism on the cart. Exterior fail-safe container stops and interior adjustable...

Bulk container.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The Multi-Trip Bin is a 10-ply corrugated intermediate bulk container that offers up to 75,000 lbs. of compression strength, and can be stacked up to five high. Suitable for closed-loop situations, the bin is delivered with a reusable plastic...

Beacon.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... The 114 Series Compaxx beacon is a PLC-compatible signal for surface or conduit mounting. The signals are sold individually or in a six-pack container. They are effective in high-noise areas and can alert personnel in manufacturing, process...

Leak-detection system.(Product News)
September 1, 2003... Designed for clean rooms and plant and process control centers, this system detects water and conductive liquid leakage. It consists of a cable that runs through the protected area and links to a control unit. Fenwal Safety Systems, 700...